Missing

Chapter 4 - A New... Friend?

And they were off.

Sadie watched from the side of the deck as the ship started to float away from the docks. The crew was like a well-oiled machine, working in unison to bring the ship into action. Richard stood on the dock, his hands behind his back and a grim look on his face. As Sadie caught his gaze, his face shifted into a smile, and he lifted up his hand into a salute. Sadie giggled, standing a little straighter and saluting back. As they sailed away from shore, his image grew smaller and smaller until it was out of sight.

Reeno, true to his word, had joined the crew on board. In Reeno fashion, he looked like a perfect traveler with his disheveled haircut and ragged clothing. At one point, Sadie had asked why he didn't keep his hair short, which was the current fashion of a working man. Reeno had given a mock shocked expression.

"I wouldn't look nearly as unique and interesting. How could you tell that my tales are so exciting if I looked like everyone else?!" Despite his response, Sadie just theorized that he was so busy traveling that he didn't have time to cut it. Reeno didn't argue against that claim, either.

His appearance didn't seem to be off putting for others, though. If anything, it drew people in, making them wonder what kind of person he was. His charismatic personality and intriguing stories kept people listening to what he had to say. Sadie was certain there would be at least a few nights of storytelling during their travels, but for now, he seemed to be enjoying the ride; he was sitting on the deck, leaning against the railing on the side of the ship. His feet and hands were crossed, his head slightly tilted up against the railing, and his eyes were closed. It was a picture of peace, and at that moment, he almost seemed more like a weary traveler than an exciting adventurer. As if sensing Sadie looking at him, he opened his eyes and sent her a wink before closing them again.

Sadie herself had taken a cue from Reeno, sitting down against the outside wall of the cabin. The rocking of the ship was oddly relaxing, a methodical motion that could easily lull someone to sleep. Sadie took a deep breath of the salty sea air, savoring the moment. Yes, she had a mission to accomplish. But for now, she was a sailor on her first adventure out at sea, and she wanted to remember every second of it.

Andrea was inside their cabin, preferring to stay inside away from the heat and the sea wind. Her stomach didn't quite agree with the rocking of the ship either, so she decided to retire inside for the time being. Sadie didn't mind, for it felt like more freedom when there wasn't someone hanging over her shoulder. As she watched the crew bustle across the deck, her thoughts drifted to her parents. They were the ones that were supposed to be on this trip with her. She closed her eyes. Perhaps when she found them, she could go on another trade with them. Wherever they were.

– – –

"-elkott. Miss Telkott!" Sadie woke to someone shaking her shoulder. She didn't remember falling asleep, but she opened her eyes to one of the crew members kneeling in front of her. He withdrew his hand, a look of concern flashing across his face. "Miss Telkott, are you alright?"

Sadie rubbed the sleep from her eyes, sitting up. Her back ached from where she had been leaning against the wall. "Yes, I'm alright." She gazed up to see a few of the crew looking in her direction. They quickly glanced away when they saw her looking. She looked back at the worker in front of her. He was young, maybe a few years older than her. His features were fine, his hair a short mousy brown, his eyes a matching golden brown, and a few freckles flashed across his face. At her response, his expression melted to one of relief.

"It's not too wise to sleep out on the deck, especially in the sun. Don't want you to get heat-stroke." He let out a laugh, standing up and offering her a hand. She accepted it graciously, lifting herself up off the ground. The worker gave her a sheepish smile. "Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Joseph, though my friends call me Jo."