Chapter 5: Meeting at Sunset

I turned to see if my mother was sleeping. Yes, after crying she always falls sound asleep. I turned to my right to see my two sisters sleeping peacefully; as if drifting on a cloud. I went over to them to kiss them good bye, careful not to wake them. Hopefully I can be back before sunrise, to avoid questioning. The reason I am keeping this secret from my family, is because they just would not understand. Especially my sisters who are too young to understand love, they don't even know that type of love; between a man and a woman. And my mother, would say not to get in deep, because if I do...I will lose myself. Which I think she already has lost her ownself after my father's unexpected death. Tegan already knows. but she is also telling me to be very careful.

I quickly swim over to the mirror, to take one last glance at myself. But I notice something missing. I put my hands on my neck, and quickly remember what I forgot to put on...my starfish necklace. I never leave without it, its like my protection trinket. It was given to me by my father, although he is not here phsyically...he is protecting me and with me in spirit. I look back at them, hoping that they don't wake up before I arrive.

It was a long swim to the beach front shore that is in front of the fort. On my way there I kept pondering whether if he would be there or not. What about if he wasn't there and I came for nothing. How I pray that he is there. What I also wonder is if he ever held a special place for a woman in his heart. I mean, he is handsome ,an availiable bachelor with a title and wealth...how hard would it be to find a wife as a man such as he. But I have yet to know. Maybe he did...

I was happy to finally arrive. I glanced at the great fortress. As I glanced up I saw the british flag, I also saw a couple of soldiers marching along the edge. My eyes continued to shift, trying to see if I could see him or if he was around, But he was not. Then, a thought came into my head and then I asked myself. Why did he go back to the lagoon? Ah, yes now I remember...my voice, my lullaby. If this was the only way to lure him away from his endless tasks...then I would do it. I swam over to the other side of the fort, where there was a balcony facing out into the ocean, I saw light coming from the large window. I tried to focus who was the man sitting on the desk, I noticed the deep blue uniform, and also the borcade which you can notice from miles away. What I also noticed was a glass of liquor in his hand. He looked out into the ocean, and I recognized him...James.

I decided to then lure him. I let my melodic lullaby echo through the cool sea breeze. I kept singing until I saw him go out onto the terrace. My voice was like a signal to him, I could see his eyes scanning the water front. But I was careful for him not to see me yet. I kept singing, I saw him getting impatient. So he went back inside to his office. I mentally kicked myself I didn't want him to leave, clearly it was a ridiculous idea. I turned to swim back home, but then I heard someone coming. I turned abruptly and saw James walking close to the waters edge.

He was searching for my voice...for me. I pondered on what to do. Should I continue singing or leave? Instead I decided to move far away, making his walk longer, nontheless I kept singing. I decided to leave my trinket along the sand, a token from me to him. My father had told me to give it to the one person I truly love...and so I left it there, and disappeared into the ocean...

James finally saw the small diamond sparkling in the moonlight and knew who it belonged to...

I was glad to arrive before sunrise. My mother asked no questions, we went about our usual day. I was also happy to know that she would be taking my sisters to visit an old friend at a far and very distant cove. She told me they would be back in three days. I was left alone, but happy becuase I would not have to sneek around to go to the lagoon. By the time my mother and my sisters left it was almost sunset.

I swam to the lagoon with all haste.

I arrived to see him sitting by the waters edge in very relaxing manner. My god how long did I keep him waiting, which it was not my intention. But I was relieved to see him smile when he layed eyes on me.

"I apologize for being late, it was not my intention I assure you". I blushed.

"Don't worry I was enjoying the peace of the lagoon". James replied

"Oh, so you wish for me to leave". I could not help but tease him.

"No, no of course not".

"I was only teasing". I laughed making him smirk. " So a bargain is a bargain".

"Yes it is, I am listening intently". James sat back ready for me to sing. I bit my lip, I thought he was not going to ask me to, cosidering I visited last night.

"How about you tell me your story first and then I will sing".

"No. Narissa I am a man of my word, being so I also like that others honor their word."

"Very well". I sighed " But I need you to lay along the waters edge...please".

James only nodded. Luckily he had taken off his tricorn hat and wig. His brown hair was tied back, complimenting his handsome features. He layed down, and I swam closer to the edge. I put my hands on his face and started to caress his cheeks. "Close your eyes". I whispered.

He did as told. I began to sing the lullaby, my voice echoed through out the lagoon. I can see him feeling relaxed, he flinched at my touch at first, but then he got used to them. I had stopped for a moment but he urged to contiue caressing him. My sweet tone making him smirk. He seemed at peace and content,as if he cared for nothing else but me...

A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed...I will be back with more, I promise! Keep going with those reviews...thanks!-Michelle