ANCHORED

CHAPTER 4

Jariel POV

Jariel stands in the dimly lit corridor, a bucket of soapy water at her feet and a rag in her hand. She glances at the bulkhead, then her gaze drifts down the hall where Captain Cobham just passed by. She sighs, shaking her head, and starts scrubbing the surface.

“Alright, Jariel, time to focus. You’ve got a job to do, and it’s not going to clean itself. But how can anyone concentrate when Captain Cobham is around? I mean, really! Just look at him. The way he carries himself, like he owns the ship. Those broad shoulders and that confident stride… it’s enough to make anyone forget their duties. I should be scrubbing this bulkhead, not dreaming about him. But it’s hard to ignore the way he catches the light, how his uniform fits him just right. Ugh, why am I even thinking about this?

Focus, Jariel! Dinner is at 6 PM, and you need to finish this cleaning before then. You can’t let yourself get sidetracked by daydreams of the captain. He’s a professional, after all. He doesn’t have time for someone like me, a mere crew member. But still, there’s something about him—his charisma, the way he commands attention without even trying. I can’t help but admire him.

*She takes a deep breath, dipping the rag back into the bucket and wringing it out.*

Okay, back to business. Scrub the bulkhead, keep your eyes on the task. But what is it about him? The way his hair catches the light, the mischievous glint in his eye when he’s joking with the crew. It makes me feel all fluttery inside. I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I’m here to work, not to swoon over the captain. And yet, every time he walks by, it’s like the world fades away.

*Jariel pauses for a moment, leaning against the bulkhead as she tries to regain her focus.*

Why does he have to be so… so captivating? I mean, it’s not just his looks. It’s the way he treats everyone with respect, how he listens when we talk. He makes you feel important, like your opinion matters. That’s rare on a ship. Most captains are all business, but Captain Cobham? He’s different. He has this way of making the crew feel like a family.

But there I go again, getting distracted. I really need to finish this before dinner. If I don’t, I’ll be stuck cleaning after everyone eats, and that’s the last thing I want. I can almost smell the food already—whatever the cook has planned, I’m sure it’s going to be delicious. I can’t miss out just because I was daydreaming about a handsome captain.

*She resumes scrubbing, her thoughts racing.*

It’s just so hard to concentrate when he’s around. I mean, he’s not just handsome; he’s… sexy. There’s an air of confidence about him that draws people in. I can’t help but admire the way he interacts with everyone, how he knows just what to say to lighten the mood. It’s infuriating and exhilarating all at once. Why can’t I just focus on my work?

Okay, Jariel, concentrate. Just a few more minutes, and you’ll be done. You can do this! You’ve cleaned worse things. Just think about the satisfaction of finishing on time. And then you can enjoy dinner with the rest of the crew. Maybe even sit near Captain Cobham… No! Focus!

*She shakes her head, splashing a bit of water on the floor as she scrubs harder.*

I need to get a grip. This isn’t like me. I’m usually so focused and dedicated. But the moment I see him, it’s like my brain short-circuits. I can’t let that happen again. I need to finish this cleaning and show that I can handle my responsibilities.

*Taking another deep breath, she pushes through, determined to complete the task at hand.*

So, let’s get this done. One bulkhead at a time. Captain Cobham can wait. Dinner will be here before I know it, and I’ll be damned if I let my fantasies ruin my work. Just a little longer, and then I can enjoy the evening without worrying about unfinished chores. Focus, Jariel, focus!”