Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 112056 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 374(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112056 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 374(@300wpm)
The instant the idea arrived I sped into the bathroom and stole a terrycloth robe from the back of the door. Covering my nakedness, I looked at Elder one last time before vanishing from the bedroom and stepping onto the bright sunny deck.
Unlike the muggy heat of the Caribbean, we’d sailed overnight and entered the slightly crisper air of America. New York glittered on the horizon with the Statue of Liberty barring entry to the harbour to anyone who didn’t deserve passage.
I didn’t have much time before I had to dress and prepare for the day. I wasn’t looking forward to it, but I’d do it a hundred times over if it made it easier for Elder.
Keeping my thoughts on cellos and music instead of what today entailed, I scurried along the polished deck, smiling at staff and waving at Jolfer in the bridge. I found who I was looking for as I rounded the stern and skipped to a stop. “Selix.”
He looked up from where he wrote in a manifest, ticking off some maintenance check. The Phantom was a living, breathing thing, and I’d come to respect the toil and time it took to ensure her rigging, instruments, and every-day upkeep was impeccable.
Lowering his clipboard, he scanned my hastily tied robe, arching his eyebrow. “You’re up early this morning.”
I blushed a little as the neckline gaped. I’d become used to clothes, and no longer hated them, but I still wasn’t as modest as I probably should be. Skin was skin. But I clutched the robe tighter, re-cinching the belt. “I was wondering if you could help me with something.”
“Help? With what?” He cocked his head. “Shouldn’t you be asking Elder?”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s for him, and I want it to be a surprise.”
Selix stilled, looking over my head toward Elder’s quarters. His loyalty sometimes meant he didn’t sway from the status quo.
I rushed, “I know his cello is gone. And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I miss his music.”
“What’s that got to do with me?” He crossed his arms, the clipboard slotting against his chest.
“I want to replace it.” I brushed back whipping hair from the ocean breeze. “I have money given to me by my mother. I received notification last week that the account was available and in my name. I-I want my first purchase to be for Elder.” I shrugged. “After everything he’s given me…it’s nothing in comparison. But I want to do something nice. Something that he wouldn’t expect.”
“So you want to buy him a cello?”
“I do.”
“It’s not a simple matter, Pim. Things like that are personal. He’d want to test them.”
“But I want it to be a surprise.”
Selix sighed. “You know what today is, right?”
I nodded. “Yes. That’s why I want to do this…so at least he has something nice when we get back home. Just in case…”
He rubbed his face. “Yeah, okay.” He shot me a smile. “You’re annoying, but you treat him well. I like that.”
I blushed again. “So…you’ll do it?” I had no idea how much cellos cost or where he’d have to travel to get one. I hadn’t exactly been in the market for one before, but I trusted Selix to achieve the impossible.
“I’ll do it.” He placed the clipboard on a giant spool of rope. “I’ll go now so I’m back for when you guys are ready to leave.” He came closer. “What’s your budget? Those things aren’t cheap.”
I stood taller. I wanted to say he could have every penny in the account, but that would be unfair to my mother. That money was essentially to make her feel better. For her to know I would never again be trapped by anyone. But it would also be hers when she was released. And no way in hell would I blow through it like some ungrateful brat. “Buy two of the best ones you can find.”
“Two?” His eyebrow quirked. “Why two?”
I moved away, aware time was short and Elder would be waking any second. “So he can choose which he prefers, of course.”
“You’re as crazy as he is.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
He chuckled, brushing past me. “I’ll send the bill to you if I find something decent.”
“You’re the best.” I blew him a kiss as he headed off to arrange a speed boat or submarine or whatever method of transportation he needed to race ahead of us, dock, and shop before Elder and I were ready for today’s appointment.
Today wouldn’t be fun.
His mother’s forgiveness wouldn’t be as easy as buying a cello, but at least if everything went to crap, I’d be able to give him a tiny piece of something he’d lost.
Then it was up to other people to give the rest.
I just had to hope that one day, they would.
* * * * *
I swear time wasn’t uniform.