44 THE 11TH ACCOUNT: ROMANCE AMIDST THE SEA? 3

Jacob and I decided to ignore each other. It was the only way for us not to fight. After the chase, we tried to speak to each other but it ended up in another argument. I was used to our casual banters. But this time, it was different. Little silly things became such major issues for us and for some enigmatic reason we purposely find fault in each other. It was becoming toxic both for us and the crew. So, we ended up avoiding each other.

Labyrinth was anchored near a bay. She sustained some damage because of the stacks and the turn. With our help, Thaddaeus made some repairs. We were all so tired from the chase and repairs that we all agreed to stay by the bay. Paco suggested that we eat at the main deck so Neville took out his self-made grill and grilled some squid, fish, and other sea creatures and put them on a stick so it was easy to eat. The food smelled appetizing and everyone was excited to eat so we hurriedly took our share. Jacob and I simultaneously grabbed a stick. We looked at each other and at the same time let go.

"You can have it," we both said at the same time. The crew became silent and watched us.

"You can have it," Jacob repeated. His voice sounded irritated.

My right brow arched, "No, you have it."

Jacob scoffed, "Fine." He took the grilled seafood stick, looked at me, and ate it in front of me like he was mocking me.

I took a deep breath and crossed my arms. "What is your problem?" I could not help but ask.

"I do not have a problem, do you?" He challenged.

"Well, as a matter of fact, I do," I responded to the challenge. I could see from the corner of my eye that Puma, Wabi, and Laurel were watching us intently as they ate their grilled seafood on a stick as if they were watching a play.

Jacob gave me a mocking smile, "Why am I not surprised? But go on, why don't you enlighten me?"

"I have a problem with your demeanor," I sassed.

Jacob scoffed again and then with a mocking voice said, "My demeanor? But I was trying to be a gentleman by offering you the food first."

The sound of his voice was the one that infuriated me. "Gentleman? Please… A gentleman would not order someone to strike a lady." I brought it up again. I saw Sandlot back up.

Jacob shook his head, "Again, Darling? Really? How many times should I apologize because of that, huh? Before you could get over it? I offered that you shoot me… Oh wait, I did get shot!"

"I DID NOT SHOOT YOU!" I thundered.

"I got shot because of you," he argued.

I hissed. "Because of me? Oh don't put that blame on me when you were the one being careless!"

"I was careless because I was trying to get your forgiveness! But you have such an unforgiving heart. Oh wait… you forgave them all BUT me! Why is it so, Darling, when all of us participated in the deception?" he challenged me again.

The whole crew stepped back.

"Because you ordered Sandlot to strike me?!" I told him. "Why are you so frustrating?"

"Me? Frustrating? You are the one who was frustrating! Who did not follow my order, huh? I nearly lost an arm because I had to rescue you from falling?!"

"Who told you to rescue me?!" I screamed back. Now, I am hurt. So, he did think that rescuing me was tasking.

"If I did not rescue you, you would have died!"

"Well better be dead than these endless fights with you!" That was my final rebuttal because I could sense tears welling up my eyes.

Jacob paused and looked away. He clenched his fists and looked back, "You started this fight..." his voice soft but he was still mad. "... don't you use those tears on me."

I quickly wiped them away, "You're not worth my tears anyway!"

Jacob did not say anything. He just stared at me with that same disappointed angry look in his eyes.

Zaki cleared his throat. "Puma said he found a tavern nearby with pretty wenches, captain. We should go," he said.

"It's been a while since we had such a good time. Would you agree, mates?" Wabi added.

All the crew agreed in unison. Jacob and I both knew that they were trying to change the negative atmosphere that was surrounding us.

"I am not in the mood," Jacob answered with a cold voice. His eyes were still on me.

I clenched my fist, my eyes still were on him as well. "I'll go and maybe I should have rum," I said to purposely taunt him.

Jacob clenched his jaw. "Do what you want," he said angrily and walked back to his room.

I sighed and looked at my crewmates. I forced a smile. "Shall we get going?"

They were hesitant at first but complied at the end. Neville went with us to oversee the fun and Paco stayed to look out for Jacob.

*****

Neville took the seat across from me at the table in the tavern. The others were too hesitant to join me, if not, too reluctant to pour me a glass of rum. Their actions were also very calculated. Yes, they were flirting with the women at the tavern but their laughter sounded rigid… so tense… Their joys lacked the genuity, it sounded too forced.

I sighed. "I shouldn't have come. Now, they're not really having fun," I told Neville.

Neville took a sip of his drink, "Why did you?"

I sighed again. "It's very foolish. I did it to torment Jacob. He told me not to drink rum anymore," I admitted.

"And it backfired on you. Now, you're the one who's feeling tormented, am I right?" Neville pointed out.

I nodded, "What is wrong with me? All I wanted was for Jacob and me to talk about what had happened at Sirumaha, that's all. But, every time I tried to talk to him, we ended up having a heated argument. I don't quite understand why."

Neville was about to respond but a drunk man pulled a chair and sat beside me. All my crew mates tensed up. They watched the man and his movements very carefully. I even saw Lowen take out his pistol.

"What a lovely wench you are!" he told me and was about to touch my hair when a dagger flew and impaled his hand.

I looked at the direction where it came from and Jacob was at the door. The man's goons stood up to meet him and prepared to retaliate. So, my crew mates did the same. Suddenly, there was tension in the air.