Finding Home

Chapter Eleven

            Olivia carefully pulled on the edge of the locket until she heard it click. She slowly opened it, holding her breath in anticipation. A small piece of parchment paper fell into her lap. She picked it up and carefully opened it. The girls sat staring at the thin paper. It appeared to be a letter from Olivia’s mother. 

            Olivia read it silently to herself.

            My Dearest Daughter,

As I watch you play on the floor with your doll, I see a beautiful and smart little girl, a true gift from God who will grow up to be a strong woman. Your kind soul will reflect in the lives you touch, and your courage will help see you through many troubled days that lie ahead. Just remember that no matter what path in life you walk down, it is your path to choose. Your father and I will always be there for whatever your heart may decide.

                                                Love Forever Yours,

                                                            Mother 

            Olivia took a deep breath and handed the letter to Margaret. Her mother's words written when Olivia was small, but they rang so true now. She hoped she could continue to live up to them. 

Bringing her attention back to her locket, she quietly picked it up and looked at the two small painted faces staring back at her. They looked exactly as she had pictured them in her vision.

Her father had a narrow face and a prominent nose. His hair was dark, and his eyes were covered with a pair of metal-brimmed glasses. His thin lips seemed happy even though he wasn't smiling. Her mother's portrait also seemed friendly. She had kind, light-colored eyes and a small nose. Her lips had a slight curve on the ends, as if she were holding back a laugh. She had golden hair that sat in a tight bun on the back of her head. A few ringlets framed her face from the hair purposely left out. 

Olivia cradled the locket as she drifted off into her memories once again.

            Margaret looked over her shoulder at the locket. “You know, you have your papa's eyes and your mama's nose.”

            Olivia glanced over at her and back at the locket, “I think you are right.” She took a deep breath and continued, “Thank you for suggesting I open it. I think I was afraid of what I might find.”

            Margaret handed the parchment back to her. “Will you be all right up here? I better go down and help mama with supper.”

            Olivia smiled and wiped away the tear that had suddenly appeared on her cheek. “Yes, Margaret, thank you. I will come down soon.”

She returned her smile and walked over to the edge then proceeded down the ladder to the main level.

            Olivia folded the paper and placed it back in the locket, closing it. She held the locket tight in her hand and closed her eyes.

Flashes of her past came rushing back into her mind.

She saw her parent's faces and the time her father carved their initials in the tree. She remembered playing games with her mother and her father reading to her. She remembered her parents planning and packing for their trip overseas. Then she remembered the fire and how scared she was when she stepped into the orphanage for the first time.

            Lastly, she remembered the loving smile of Ms. Rebecca and...Nathaniel. Oh, how she missed Nathaniel and wished he was there with her right at that moment. She could really use a warm, caring hug from him.

Her heart sank.

She knew then that all those thoughts were nothing but memories now.

Nothing but her past.

She found her mother's words to be comforting, and she believed that no matter what path she chose in life, everyone from her past would always be with her. With that thought, Olivia placed the locket back down in her shirt and went over to the ladder.

            Once on the main floor, she walked over to Gibbs, who was preparing to walk out to the barn to feed the livestock with Alexander.

            “Gibbs, when you return to the ship, I wish to return with you,” she said.

            “Are you sure you want to do that with your secret and all?” questioned Gibbs.

Olivia c****d her head, looking at him funny.

“My sweet Imma told me,” continued Gibbs with a smile.

            Olivia smiled back. “So, I guess everyone knows then.”

They all shook their heads smiling.

            She giggled then looked back at Gibbs. “Captain said I could return if I decided to, and he knows about my secret too.”

            He furrowed his eyebrows, “How long has the Captain known?”

            “Since the first storm. The one where I tumbled across the deck and hit my head,” answered Olivia.

            He thought for a moment. “All right then. If the Captain knows, then it is fine with me, but you better not let any of the other crewmembers know,” said Gibbs in a serious tone.

            “I promise I won't let anyone know,” she stated.

            With that said, Gibbs and Alexander headed out to the barn. Olivia joined Imma and Margaret in preparing supper. 

Emmett was already in the barn and had been most of the day. Josephine and Samuel laid down for a quick nap since she was up most of the night with him. After supper, Margaret taught Olivia some new stitch patterns while Alexander played on the floor with a wooden train his father had whittled for him. Imma was carding, or scraping, the wool back and forth between two large combs to work the tangles out. Once the wool was in a fleecy ball she would give it to Josephine for spinning on the spinning wheel while Emmett and Gibbs sat on the back porch and smoked their pipes.

            The next day, Gibbs woke early to prepare for their journey back to Boston. Olivia was sad to be leaving her new friends, but at the same time, she was excited about returning to the ship.

After a large breakfast, the family walked to the front door to bid Gibbs and Olivia farewell. She hugged Alexander and Margaret as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

“It will be all right. Here I made this for you,” Margaret reassured her as she handed her a fabric containing a beautiful stitching of their cabin with the word 'Home' above it.

She ran her fingers over the image.

Olivia looked at Margaret. “This is beautiful. Thank you.”

She hugged her again. Margaret smiled.

Olivia then turned to Imma. She touched Olivia's chin. “Now, you remember this. We consider you family, and this will always be your home. Come visit anytime,” said Imma smiling.

Olivia returned the smile and hugged Imma, thanking her for her hospitality. Gibbs said goodbye to his children, embracing each of them. He shook Emmett's hand, kissed little Samuel's forehead, and hugged Josephine. Then after a long passionate kiss with Imma, Gibbs stepped over to the mule and took the rope around its neck. Olivia placed the stitching in her pocket and joined him. They waved goodbye as they walked back towards the road.  

Gibbs and Olivia spent the next three days talking amongst themselves while they made the journey back to Boston. Soon, the harbor came into view and she could smell the salty sea air once again. Gibbs stopped off at the general store to return the mule and cart to the owner. They then walked towards the ship. 

Near the dock, Olivia could see the other crewmembers standing around chatting to one another. Metz saw them first.

            “Well, look who decided to return to us,” he said.

“Where did you two wonder off to?” questioned Billingsley.

            “Remember, Gibbs goes to be with his family every time we pull into Boston,” answered Jennings.

            “You missed a good time! I don't think we left the tavern since the day we arrived,” laughed Edwards slapping Gibbs on the back.

            “That is fine. My family is more important than any drink you place in front of me,” smiled Gibbs.

            Eldridge walked up behind them and began to yell, “All right you sea dogs!! I hope you had your fun. Now it's back to work!”

            On the ship, Olivia took notice of Westbrooke sitting on a crate playing his fiddle. She walked over to him and sat on a nearby barrel.

            When he was finished, he turned to her. “How was your time on shore?”

Olivia grinned. “It was nice. I spent the time with Gibbs's family. What were you doing?”

“I have a sister that lives on a farm just south of Boston. I went to visit with her family,” said Westbrooke.

“That is nice. She was probably glad to see you,” stated Olivia.

            Westbrooke nodded 'yes'. Suddenly, they were interrupted when Eldridge barged out onto the deck and began barking orders to prepare the ship for departure.

            Within the hour, Quartermaster Garrett called the men to attention when Captain Jones joined them on deck, followed by Andrews.

Captain Jones scanned the crew and upon seeing Olivia, smiled. After a few brief words to the men, he retired to his quarters, Andrews still close on his heels. Garrett dismissed the crew and stepped into the Captain's quarters as well. A short time later, Garrett remerged and located Olivia.

            “The Captain would like a word with you,” he stated. She complied and followed him over to the cabin.

            Once inside, Captain Jones dismissed both Garrett and Andrews. Olivia made her way over to the table and sat in the chair.

            “Well, I see you have returned to us. How was your shore leave?” said Captain Jones as he sat down across from her.

            “I had a great time, Captain. I went with Gibbs to visit his family. They are very nice.”

He nodded. “That is good to hear. I am glad you went with Gibbs and spent time with his family. I am also happy to see you took my advice and bought yourself a coat that fits.”

            “Yes, Captain,” said Olivia.

“Wonderful. I am also very glad you have decided to rejoin us. I believe you are an outstanding addition to our crew and fine marksman as well,” he stated.

“Thank you, Captain. I had a little help from my mother,” Olivia said as she pulled out her locket and held it in her hand.

Captain Jones smiled and nodded in understanding. He then stood and motioned towards the door. “Well, I am very happy to have you back with us, but you must excuse me. I have much to do before we return to sea.”

Olivia placed the locket back in her shirt and stood. She again thanked Captain Jones and walked out the door. The crew finished preparing for their departure and by mid-afternoon, the ship pulled anchor.

While the warm sun streamed down on her face, Olivia closed her eyes and leaned over the railing. She truly felt at home out on the sea as the ship began to sail closer and closer towards the horizon.