There's an attempted rape in this chapter, if you don't like please skip and read on. Enjoy! :)


Throughout the day, I was taught what to do, and what not to do, by Tituba. It didn't take me long, and I knew it wouldn't. I'm basically doing what I was at home, only in a different setting, and without my father, which was the best part. I helped Tituba prepare dinner; they were having some kind of stew that smelled amazing. I wasn't used to these kinds of meals. It's not like my father cooked for me. I had to teach myself; and I'm no cook. Things quieted up on deck, except for the faint sound of music being played by the crew in their quarters. I finished cutting up slices of bread and placed them neatly in a bowl.
"Alright, Emily," I hear Tituba say behind me. "While I feed the crew, you'll be serving Jones, Mr. Gibbs, and the quarter master, in the captain's cabin." She could tell I was nervous as my eyes got wide. I decided not to argue. I respected Tituba, she was my boss, and I had no right to argue against her orders. She smiled and put a hand of reassurance on my cheek. "You'll be fine. You bring them their plates, and fill up their cups when they're raised. Just stand back against the wall. And don't speak unless spoken to. Once the captain dismisses you, you'll gather the plates, and come back here." I nod my head, and give a nervous smile. She gives me a tray of 3 plates, and casing of rum. Thankfully, carrying it was no new experience to me. I could do it for hours, with one hand. I turned and opened the door. Halfway out, I hear Tituba say, "Emily, remember. Be respectful." I give her a nod, and smile, and then I'm out, and up the stairs. I reach the quiet, empty deck. I look out to the sea. It was calm and peaceful. The sun had just set over the horizon. I turn, and walk across the deck to the cabin door. Why was I so nevous? I took a few deep breathes, and knocked on the door. Waiting a moment, I then hear,
"Come , in!" I walk into, and see a table set up in the middle of the cabin. The captain, his first mate, and quarter master. Sat at the table, seeming very happy… drunk happy. I could tell a drunk like the back of my hand. I was expecting the cold shoulder when I walked in, but instead I was greeted with laughter and smiles. The joyous captain holds his hand up when he sees me in the door way, rather confused.
"Ah! Ms. Burrows come in lass! Gibbs you've met our lovely new Cabin girl." He says leaning on the table.
"Aye, I have! Clever lass she is, and very pretty too." Gibbs says gleefully.
"Yes, she is." Says the Captain, with his dark smile, I watch his eyes exam my body from head to toe. I look down at the floor avoiding his eyes. "Quarter master, like I said this Ms. Burrows." The quarter master was a big broad man. He looked a bit more serious than the other two, but still greeted with a smile, and head nod.
"Evenin', Burrows."
"Evening." I say. I walk over to the table and began placing plates on the table. Once all are in place, I set the tray down. The men begin to eat and continue their conversation. I'm not really sure what they were talking about, I just focused on filling up their tankards. They paid no attention to me, well, two of them didn't. Jones watched my movements. He was intrigued in the conversation, answering every now and then, but his eyes remained on me. I could see in the corner of my eye. Once the glasses were filled I went and stood near the wall. My hands wrapped around my back. I stood either staring at the floor or glancing around the room. I peaked over at the table every now and then; Jones wasn't looking at me last time I checked. After a while, the men finished their meals, raising their tankards every now and then, and me filling them. I was mid-day dream when suddenly, Mr. Gibbs, and the quartermaster stand up.
"Good night Cap'n." said Gibbs. He turned to me, "You too, Ms. Burrows." I smile at him, and he turns and leaves the cabin, with the Quarter master following. Before he walks out, he gives me a firm nod. I'm guessing that meant good night? Suddenly, I realize, it was just us two…again. I turn to look at his damn face; his blue eyes piercing me. I smile, being a bit confused. He gives out a laugh, and smile.
"Alright, you can go, love." Relieved I pick up the tray, and walk over to the table, gathering the plates, and cups. As I was about to leave, being half way through the door, his voice stops me. He says almost taunting me, "Sleep well, Ms. Burrows." I turn to face him.
"I believe that will be difficult Captain, quite a few things on my mind." I say with a smirk; sarcasm hidden beneath it. He grins devilishly, and stands from his chair.
"Yes, well, you can always join me here." He says with narrow eyes, "I'm sure I could distract you." He winks, and then turns to his bed. I scoff with annoyance, the shut the door firmly.

I strut over to the other side of the deck, and on my way I hear the clink of a tankard fall to the ground. As I bend down to pick up the cup, another hand comes in view snatching it before me. I look up to see a tall man. He had brown hair, and a beard. He looked like an everyday sailor that I would have seen at the tavern. He looked me over and a spread across his face. He handed me the tankard.
"There ya go lass." He said. I slowly took the cup from him.
"Thank you." I say sheepishly.
"My name is James, and I believe I recall yours being Emily, is it not?"
"Yes it is. And nice to meet you, but I should be getting back to work." I say turning to the door.
"No, wait." he says quickly. I come to a stop and look at him. "Why don't you come take a look at the helm?"I give him a puzzled look.
"The helm?" I ask confused.
"The wheel that steers the ship." He laughs.
"Oh, that, I'd love to, but I really should be going."
"It'll be real fast. And the view is almost as lovely as you." He says with a grin. The man was annoying me to be honest. And if going with him for a minute would make him leave me alone, then lead the way.
"Fine." I finally say. "But we have to be quick about it."
"Follow me, then." I place the tray on a square block, at the end of the rail, and followed James up the wooden staircase. The view at the top was beautiful. There were so many stars, and the moon glimmering against the ocean was breath taking. I jump at the sound of his voice.
"So lass, this is the helm." he says putting his hand on the wheel. I knew what it was, and what it did, but not the proper name of it.
"Oh." I say. "So that's what that things called." I walk over to the wheel and run my hand along it's smooth wood.
"So, what did you do for fun, back at that tavern of yours?" he asks leaning on the helm.
"Nothing but work to be honest. Being on this ship is about the most adventure I've had."
"But I can tell, you don't want to be here. Why's that?"
"Even though I'm surrounded by so many people, I still feel so lonely." I noticed James moving closer to me as I spoke. He was really starting to make me feel uncomfortable. After a moment of silence, I try to make my leave, "Well, I better-"
"You know, Emily," he interrupts. "I'm a very lonely man, as well." He puts his hand on my waist slowly pulling me towards him. "Maybe we can, keep each other company." he tries to kiss me, but I fiercely pull away.
"Stop. That's enough." His firm grip on me became even tighter as he pulled me back. "Stop!"
"Come on. Be quiet!" his hand found its way under my dress and he tried to touch me. "Let's have a little fun." At that I used all my strength and rammed my fist into his cheek. In shock he stuttered backwards, releasing his grip on me. I turned and ran down the staircase. I accidently knock the tray over when reaching the bottom and it makes a bang as cups, and plates bounce against the wood. Afraid James was coming after me, without thinking I ran across the deck to the captain's cabin. I yank the door open, the slam it shut, bolting it with the lock. The warm light of the room, made me feel safer. I turn to see Jones lying in his still made bed. He hadn't even removed his cloths. I watched his eyes slowly open. He at first gave a smirk. Probably thinking I had taken his offer in joining him for the night. But he then saw my eyes shining with tears on edge, and startled look. Then his face turned to confusion.
"What's wrong lass?" he asks, getting up from his bed, and walking towards me.
"I was walking back to the kitchen, a-and James…" his face became very serious. He put a hand on my shoulder. He used his other to lift my chin and made me look up to his eyes.
"Hey. Look at me." I was surprised to hear almost concern in his voice. "Did James try to touch you?" I feel one small tear begin to gaze down my cheek. I give him a slight nod. I watch his eyes examine my face. "It's okay, darling. Come on. I'll take care of everything." He put his arm around my waist, and led me to the bed. "For your safety, you'll sleep here tonight." For some reason at the moment, I trusted every word he said. I didn't fight him. I sat on the bed, and turned to look up at him. "I promise you, this will never happen again. Now get some rest." He turned, walked over to his desk where his jacket laid, and stormed out the door. I sat there for a moment; going over the events of the night in my mind. But I soon I laid down against the warm bed, and drifted off into sleep.