Chapter 9: Heart-to-Heart Talk

Rose managed to slam the door to the medical bunks, taking shaky breaths, and her back leaned on the door. She slid down landing on the floor and burst into tears. She was horrified that one of the crewmembers decided to bully and humiliate her for her timid and fearful demeanor. The redhead was filled with shame and hurt for feeling like a weak human being.

Just then, the door from inside the medical bunks to the hallway of the ship knocked.

"Who is it?" Rose asked, weakly.

"It's me, Rose," a familiar British accent said.

The door opened and revealed Captain Amelia; she had a straight composure and walked towards the girl, and knelt down. Taking the redhead by her hands and guided her to one of the beds. Rose sat down on the mattress lightly and held her arms out so the Captain can help remove her bodice and shirt.

Captain Amelia pulled out a clean washcloth and soaked it in warm water. Rose held out her injured arm and her adopted mother gently patted the cloth on her wound to clean the blood off. Then she wrapped up the bandage around the girl's slim arm.

"Rose what happened?" she asked sternly.

"I was on the decks with Artemis playing our game and then one of the crew members lit a match and caused me to panic. I accidentally bumped into Scroop and excused myself, then he started to harass me and the whole crew started to humiliate me. It was horrible!"

The Captain gave an exasperated and sighed in frustration, pinching the bridge of her nose with her slim fingers. She looked at the girl with a stern and angry expression.

"Rose, I specifically warned you not to wander off on the decks alone," she reprimanded as her tone was hinted with disappointment and anger.

"I know Mother, I was going to be on the deck for just a few minutes and head back in the bunks with Artemis."

"The decks are full of danger to those who are not cautious. What you have done out there was incredibly inattentive and you nearly got yourself killed by the crew!"

"I…I… I'm so sorry Mother," the girl stammered as she was close to crying. "I didn't mean to go on the decks! I was only going to be there for a few minutes. I thought nothing terrible would happen, but I was wrong! I was hoping going on the decks myself would make me braver like you. But now, everyone on the decks saw me as a weak runt! I'll never show my face out there again!"

Captain Amelia was about to reprimand the girl more. But seeing the redhead in her low emotional and physical state with a look of shame, the captain took a deep breath and spoke calmly.

"I'm only brave when I need to be," Captain Amelia continued with her expression becoming less angry. She placed her hand on the girl's cheek and gently lifted it up so she can look at her. "Rose, being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble."

"I thought captains weren't afraid of anything?" Rose said, raising her eyebrows.

"Quite the contrary, all captains get frightened just like others. I only wanted to make sure that you were safe," the Captain said.

"I wonder if there's something the crew's afraid of?"

"I'm not sure, but it may be prudent not to ask them. I'll admit that I was afraid I was going to lose you."

"I suppose you're right," she said, and looked at her left arm, which was now covered by a fleece that was wrapped around her shoulders. "I guess I was lucky that they didn't rip my left sleeve. Otherwise they may have discovered my secret. As long as my past is in the dark, everything will be fine."

"And Rose, let me tell you something. You are not a weak runt. Just because of your height and what happened doesn't mean that you are a weakling. You are a kind, sweet, and generous young lady and never hesitate to help out people in need. The crew out there didn't see the real you, but perhaps one day they will. Especially the doctor and the cabin boy."

The redhead looked back at her guardian, gave a small smile, and used her hands to wipe away her tears. The feline held the girl close to her, and allowed Rose to lay her head on the Captain's chest in comfort. The door opened again, and the two women looked up. Mr. Arrow was at the doorway holding Artemis in his hands. His expression remained stoic and Rose's smile disappeared, making her realize that her father figure was disappointed in her for getting herself in danger.

"I hope you've understood why you must be very careful about going on the decks Rose," the First Mate said, moving towards the girl.

"Yes, Mr. Arrow," she said, bowing her head. "It won't happen again."

"It's okay Rose, we all make mistakes. We never learn new things if we don't make them. I've given the crew two weeks of extra work to straighten them out. I also brought back your friend."

The First Mate knelt down and held out his hands, and Rose held them out to his. Artemis crawled off from Mr. Arrow and went towards the palms of her mistress. Rose placed her chameleon on her shoulder and the two cuddled each other. Then Jim Hawkins came into her mind and wondered about him.

"What about the boy? He didn't get into trouble, did he?"

"No darling," Mr. Arrow said, shaking his head. "Mr. Hawkins was by your side and he didn't participate in that event. I've decided to spare him from punishment and seeing that he had nothing to do with harming you."

"Yes, he stood up for me," she admitted, nodding. "I wonder why he did it?"

"I'm not sure," the First Mate said. "Perhaps later you should thank Mr. Hawkins. I think he would appreciate it."

"I'll make sure to do that," the redhead said, giving a nod.

"You can thank him later tonight. Why don't you go to your cabin and freshen up?" The Captain said. "Supper time will be ready in a few hours. I believe it's best you rest up for today and get ready for a new day tomorrow."

Rose nodded, thanked them, and headed out of the medical bunks with Artemis to the hallway. She walked up a flight of stairs until she entered her cabin room; she went to her closet and pulled out a fresh clean shirt that was similar to hers. Once, she tied back on her bodice and fixed up her hair, she was good as new. Rose spent the next few hours reading her books and felt her mind calming down from the event. During that time, she began to devise a plan of how to thank Jim.