Across the Sea Chapter 6

It had been about two weeks, and every day Blagden pressured her to accept his offer. But Hali stubborn refused each time. So she stayed locked up with Casimir, Kian, Amara, and Avalee. The room that looked much like a prison the first time she saw it now just looked more like a dirty and empty room. Hali spent the first few days trying to escape, but to no avail. There were always two guards the top of the stairs guarding the door from the outside. So Hali did the only thing so could. She observed everything around her and waited. She also subconsciously began observing the four others she was locked up with. She soon learned their personalities better. Casimir was always the peacemaker, quickly jumping in and ending any disputes, which there weren’t many, and tried to calm Hali each time he saw her anger towards Blagden rising. Kian was the strongest one of the four, and the oldest. He was always keeping everyone in check, although he quickly learned to never correct Hali, since she didn’t particularly like being told what to do. Although Amara and Avalee were twins, they were quite different. Amara was very shy and quite to people she didn’t know very well, including Hali. But Avalee, however, was always cheerful and optimistic, even in their current circumstances.

Another week went by, and still nothing changed. Hali began to feel a bit discouraged. She wouldn’t eat the food they offered her, and she spoke little to anyone. Casimir attempted to convince her to eat, but she steadfastly refused, and they watched her strength slowly decline, though her fierce demeanor did not. Although Hali would never admit it, the five of them became a little closer to friends in those weeks.

“Oh Hali, you have got to eat something today!” Said Casimir

“I dare you to make me.” She responded

“We might have to soon if you don’t swallow your pride and eat something.” Said Avalee in a teasing tone. Hali glared at her but didn’t say anything.

In her weeks there, Hali had become adapt to the way they lived, and she watch how each of them did their jobs with great skill. The longer she was trapped there, the more she started to like them. She had learned that they had been prisoners there for eight months, and she secretly felt sorry for them. Every night, she stared at the ceiling, deep in thought. After many sleepless nights, a plan began to form in her mind.

One night, when Hali couldn’t get herself to sleep, she was startled by Avalee’s voice.

“Hey, are you awake?” Avalee said

“Jeez, why’d you sneak up on me like that?” Hali said in a whisper

“I saved this for you.” Avalee held out a delicious looking Glipfruit. Hali was very tempted to break her hunger strike, but she couldn't.

“I’ll pass.” She replied

“Oh come on, Hali, you’ve got to eat something! A hunger strike isn’t going to change Blagden’s mind. You’re only hurting yourself!” Said Avalee in a concerned whisper

At this, Hali sat up and looked straight at Avalee.

“You have to trust me.” She said simply, and then laid back down.

Avalee was stunned. She had never spoken to her that way, in a way that seem almost caring.

“O-ok. I hope you know what your doing.” Bewildered, she stood up and walked back to her bed.

The next day, Blagden came again like he did every day. He opened his mouth to speak, but Hali spoke first.

“I’ll do it.” She said, without even turning to face him.

“Uh, what?”

“I’ll join your crew.” She said turning.

Everyone in the room stopped and looked at Hali. After a moment, Blagden snapped out of his shock and laughed.

“Wonderful! I’m glad you finally came to your senses.” He said heartily

Out of the corner of her eye, Hali could see the look of surprise and dismay on the faces of the others. But she knew what she was doing. She just hoped they would trust her.

I hope you liked this chapter. Please tell me what you think! Your constructive criticism is always welcome!