Chapter Eight:

It's been awhile, since I've written an entry, toured the ship, spoken to Amelia, done anything in general. I haven't left this cabin in days and for the most part I have been left alone. Silence is golden, privacy a treasure, but loneliness is the greatest burden I have to measure. Every once in awhile a tray of food would be left by my door, but I wouldn't retrieve it until the hunger caused me severe pains. For a multitude of days I have kept myself here, tormenting myself with troublesome emotions. I suppose it's rather foolish—not to mention selfish of me—to act so ridiculous over personal matters, but in my skewed mind it is completely appropriate. The only way to triumph is to try, and in order to succeed one cannot run away but instead face the obstacles one encounters. I shall take my leave...after a few more days.

-K. A. xx-xx-xxxx

I sigh in frustration, mad at myself that my fury had not abated in any way after a few days. I was angry at Amelia for not being angry with me for falling for Jim, and angry at Jim for his likeableness, angry at the crew for being pirates, and angry at the doctor for being a fool. All this anger, a weak attempt to hide the shame my pain had caused me. Was it really so bad, to be this caught up and tangled in another? The obvious answer is yes, because such feelings only invite in mistakes and distractions. Next comes a lack of concentration to duty and overall failure for the mission. I will not allow such unthinkable nonsense to occur therefore I will remain here until these emotions are nullified.

xXx

Jim POV:

I haven't seen Kalena for probably weeks now; I'm starting to think she's avoiding me. I'd ask the Captain but she would probably snap at me to get back to work or to inquire elsewhere. I really feel I should check up on her, it's the least I could I mean, what if she's sick or something? She may need my help!

With this thought I rushed off to aid a possibly ill friend, ignoring the impossible amount of tasks I still had to complete for Silver.

xXx

Kalena POV:

I realized I had fallen asleep at my desk when I awoke to the frantic knocking at my door. I snag Rosalind from off my bed and approach the door with my hand poised to draw.

'Who is it?' I asked steely, in no mood for guests invited or not.

"It's Jim. I'm checking to see if you're alright, I thought you might be sick." My heart flipped as my hand tightened around my sword's hilt. I turned my back on the door and told him angrily, 'Leave. I have no patience for you today.'

"I just wanna make sure you're okay, open the door please."

'No. Go away Mr. Hawkins.' Despite my harshness I could tell Jim had stayed put. I sighed, unlocked the door, and wrenched it open forcefully. 'Are you satisfied now Mr. Hawkins?' I didn't hear his answer, after making eye contact my world faded into a sea of blue.

xXx

I woke to realize nighttime had fallen in space, and to an ironically familiar scene. Jim was asleep by my bedside, a bottle of medicine in his hand, poised for the moment I would wake and require it. There was food waiting on the desk that had gone cold and uneaten, and my sword was gleaming from within its resting place.

I'm not sure what exactly caused the attack but in a way I was grateful. During my period of sleep I had felt peace and it was confirmed seeing Jim here with me. I lifted the hand holding the bottle and stroked it gently before sliding my medicine out of its clutches. I swallowed a few of the herbal tablets calmly and stare out my window at the large expanse of space we were slowly traveling through. When Jim finally awoke I smiled and received one in return. 'Thank-you.' I squeezed the hand that I had not let go of gratefully.

"Anytime." Jim coloured faintly at my touch, surprised to wake up to such a gesture. There was an almost awkward pause as I thought of how to reward him. After what seemed like ages I came up with an idea.

I looked at him and smirked. 'Long-boat riding.' His grin told me millions and more.