THE 22ND ACCOUNT: STOW AWAY 4

Pioneer DES is indeed an unfamiliar territory. I sighed as I walked to the starboard and leaned on the ledge of the ship. I've never been in such an embarrassing situation before. Humiliation, I am familiar with but embarrassment? I groaned inwardly and watched the ripples of the waves. I contemplated. The pirates do treat me meanly but they also treat me with kindness. It had been years since I experienced that.

I heard someone clearing his throat so I looked in that direction. Jeu smiled. He walked and leaned on the ledge as well. He inhaled the fresh breeze. He looked so peaceful… so serene… so genuine… so gentle. 

He turned to me and said, "You have to excuse my crew. They do not mean any harm."

I felt my cheeks flushed again so I turned away. What is going on with me? I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before responding, "They must hate me for coming here uninvited and clashing with Waldo."