Thicker Than Water – Chapter Twelve – My Consanguineous Friend

The five girls quietly snuck down the steps, careful not to touch the squeaky ones. When they got to the bottom, they leaned against the wall leading into the foyer. Rebecca gave Gail one last hug and whispered, "Good luck" as she walked through the foyer and into Miss Steven's office. The other four girls waited until they heard the click of the door close before hurrying into the entryway.

Once outside, Ryesen pulled Rebecca behind some nearby bushes. She pulled out a pile of clothes from a sack she had been carrying. "Here," Ryesen said, "Put these on."

Rebecca lifted the clothes. It was a pair of brown pants and a white shirt. "These are men's clothing."

"Well you certainly won't be any good on a ship with women's clothing. Could you imagine splicing a line in a dress?" Ryesen laughed.

"What's splicing a line?"

"Never mind, just put it on."

As Rebecca changed, Ryesen stared at the tattoo on her back.

"Wow…that's some tattoo."

"Ryesen, stop it! You're making me uncomfortable."

Rebecca finally finished getting dressed while Ryesen sat in awe.

Kirsten and Harmony were waiting by the road when Ryesen and Rebecca came out from the bushes. They hurried down the street, Ryesen leading the way.

They were almost at the gate when they spied a group of sailors laughing drunkenly just in front of it. Kirsten gave Rebecca a tight hug, and then she walked over to the sailors, wiggling her fingers and batting her eyelashes. As soon as the sailors started walking towards her, she giggled and started to run away. She really could run fast.

Now that the gate was cleared, Harmony walked over to Rebecca. "Be careful, all right?" she said, shakily, and hugged Rebecca. Then Harmony laced her fingers together, making a foothold. Rebecca placed her foot in Harmony's hand and Harmony raised her up and over the fence. She did the same with Ryesen. Rebecca grabbed Harmony's hand through the fence, and then they parted.

Rebecca was in awe at all of the boats docked. Some were small and some were massive. They were all beautiful. Ryesen led Rebecca to a very shadowy ship. She almost couldn't see it because of the darkness outside. It was one of the massive ships. Rebecca stared at it with amazement. It was called The Black Pearl. Such a pretty name.

Ryesen and Rebecca turned to face each other.

"Well, this is it." said Ryesen.

"Yes, it is." Rebecca said, tears coming to her eyes.

"Take care of yourself. Make all of us proud." Ryesen had tears streaming down her face. Rebecca started to cry as well, and they burst into a tight hug. They just stood there a moment, each of them sobbing into the other's shoulder, never wanting to let go. But I have to let go, thought Rebecca. I have to take care of myself now. It's time to be me, instead of what everyone wants me to be.

Slowly they parted from their embrace. Ryesen cupped her hands around her mouth and started to sing. Shocked, Rebecca went to stop her, until she realized that this was the sign to her father that Rebecca was here.

"Fare you well me dearest Rebecca for now I must leave you;
All across the Western ocean I'm bound for to go.
Don't let me long voyage to trouble and grieve you
For I will return in the spring as you know.

She says, "Like a little seaboy I'll dress and go with you;
In the midst of all dangers your help I'll remain.
In the cold stormy weather when the winds are a-blowing,
My dear I'll be ready to reef your topsail."

There was shuffling from the boat, and Ryesen slowly slinked into the shadows, leaving Rebecca standing in front of the ship by herself.

"What say you?" Came a rough voice.

Saying the only thing that came to mind, Rebecca shouted, "Aye!"

"Welcome aboard The Black Pearl." A plank was slowly moved out from the boat and rested between the boat and the dock.

Rebecca glanced once behind her, to see if she could catch a glimpse of Ryesen, but she was gone. Rebecca carefully walked up the plank and onto the ship.

A man stood before her. He had dark hair, the same color as hers, but in fat dreadlocks. A red bandana was over his head, and a dirty old hat on top of that. He had a long brown coat, reaching the tops of his shabby boots. A belt was around his waist, holding a compass and pistol. A piece of white and red cloth was wrapped around him as well, weaving between the pistol and the black strap over his chest. The man opened his arms wide.

"Rebecca, my consanguineous friend." He said.

Rebecca stared at him. "Daddy?"

He smiled. "Captain Jack Sparrow, at your service." He gave a slight bow.

Rebecca rushed into his arms. Shocked, Jack patted her shoulder.

"Oh, Father, I have so many questions to ask you!"

"Erm, perhaps later." He said, recomposing himself after she let go of him. "We have places to go, things to see, bargains to make!"

"Where are we going?"

"We're going to make a quick stop to your home town, Tortuga, and we'll go from there." Jack said, giving a mischievous smile. "We set sail in the morning. Nice clothes, by the way. New dress code at school?"

Rebecca looked down at her short pants and baggy shirt. "I thought it might be easier to work in men's clothing."

"Work?" Jack said, confused. Then he smiled, "Yes, of course. Work. There'll be no sitting around on my ship!"

Rebecca smiled at him, excited.

"Your new quarters will be the first mate's quarters until we can build you a suitable room." said Jack, and then he turned to Gibbs, who was standing beside him. "Gibbs, sorry mate, but you'll be sleeping with the crew."

"Aye, not a problem Cap'n. Tis only temporary." He said, smiling at Rebecca.

"Well, off to bed, then! We'll be getting up bright and early tomorrow." Jack waved his hands, shooing Rebecca down below.

Rebecca wanted to explore the ship, but it was too dark. Perhaps tomorrow Jack would give her a tour.

When she got to the first mate's quarters, she was fairly satisfied. It was decent, and clean, for the most part. A dresser was on one side, and a bed on the other. There was a night table, and a chest that was probably filled with the first mate's things.

Rebecca laid down on the bed. It was the most uncomfortable bed she had ever felt. It was basically a table with some hay and blankets. She sighed. Well, this certainly wasn't what I had been expecting. My father seems nice enough. Kind of quirky, though. Maybe he was drunk?

Rebecca realized that he hadn't mentioned the map at all. Perhaps we'll get to talk more tomorrow. I'll ask him about it then.