Chapter Four: Stowaway

Page got up from his bed. The same phrase was repeating in his head. The last time...

The last time waking up in this room. The last time eating breakfast with all the other kids. The last time he would ever step foot in here.. his home.

Before he knew it breakfast was over. The owners of the orphanage lined up next to the big doors. They clapped him on the shoulder and said words of encouragement. Page smiled, but inwardly he was screaming. Where do you expect me to go?!

The last person said their words. The doors were opened for him and Page took slow measured steps out into the sunlight. He turned to see everyone in the hall waving. Then the doors were closed. His presence forgotten. The sudden weight of sadness seemed to hit him like a boulder. He walked through the market, shoulders slumped.

After wandering aimlessly for an hour or so, Page found himself on the beach. In the distance Page could see the magnificent ship. It floated on the twinkling waves, looking peaceful and at rest.

"Oh, Hi Page!" He jumped at the familiar voice. He sighed and turned around.

"Hi Pearl." His voice was flat and melancholy. Pearls eyebrows arched.

"What's wrong?" She plopped down next to him on the sand. Page sighed and turned back to the water. He didn't want to talk about it. He tried to give the vaguest answer he could.

"I don't have anywhere to go and I feel lost." He sighed. Maybe she would take that as a, I need to be alone. Please go away. She didn't, she just scooted closer and put her arm around his shoulders. It wasn't romantic, just comforting.

"What about yer house? You could stay there." He shook his head.

"I'm an orphan, Pearl. The orphanage can't take care of me anymore." His tone was angry. He felt bad when Pearl flinched. "I'm sorry Pearl. This isn't your fault." His eyes which had been on the horizon dropped to his hands. He and Pearl sat in silence.

After a few minutes Pearl jumped to her feet. "Page! I know what we can do!" She radiated excitement. Page wasn't in the mood.

"What can we do Pearl?" His voice returned to monotone. He laid back in the sand. Pearl wasn't going to let him give up so easily though. She stood over his head and looked down at him. Pieces of her red hair fell out from her turban.

"Why don't ye just sneak onboard with me? We're setting sail today. If ye snuck belowdecks, and in a couple days showed yourself... Cap'n would have yo keep you with us!" Page raised an eyebrow. He tried not to show it because it was absurd, but he kind of liked this idea.

"And how would you hide me from your mother, and the two hundred sailors belowdecks?" Pearl started to pace. Page sat up and watched her. Something about this plan called to him. It's not like he had anything left here...

"I've got It! What if you hid in a barrel?"

"A barrel? How would I breathe Pearl?"

"Most of our barrels have holes in them because they're so old!"

"And What if someone found me?"

"They won't! Only Chef is allowed to touch the food barrels! We could put you in the very back and then after one or two days I could come get you!"

"I'm starting to sound more like luggage than a human." Pearl rolled her eyes.

"Come on Page! It'd be so fun!" He had to admit that he agreed. Living on a ship, learning to swordfight, it all sounded like an adventure. He shook his head and Pearl frowned.

"I can't believe your talking me into this.." She jumped up and squealed excitedly. Pages poker face dissolved. He laughed right along side her.

He got to his feet and Pearl grabbed his hand. "I'm so glad you decided to come!" He stared at their intertwined fingers and Pearl quickly let go.

"Me too..." He gave a shy smile and looked away. She laughed nervously.

"Come on. Let's go find you a barrel." They laughed and jogged down the shore to the ship.

Kayia waver from the sails and called down. "We're leaving soon Pearl! Say goodbye to Page" Pearl put on a good face and pouted. She said she had something for Page belowdecks. She pulled him down the stairs and into a back corner. After finding a couple barrels that Page refused to be smashed into, they found a large crate. There were plenty of holes and it was relatively large inside. Page climbed in.

Pearl promised to bring him water and food whenever she could, three days out to sea he would reveal himself and all would be well.

Pearl shut the lid after one last smile and hurried upstairs.

Page stared out the tiny hole in the side of the crate. This was going to be an interesting three days.