Running away

Chapter 6

I shot up from my bed. Looking around, I let out a breath of relief as I laid back. Just a horrible dream. I looked to my right and saw the sleeping head of Dylan curled up with Cathlin. A small smile lifted my lips. I turned the other way and stared out the window. The moon was high above the trees and creatures of the night made their way around them. I closed my eyes and let my mind drift as darkness finally captured me once more.

*

"Come on, kid!" I pushed another crate across the slippery dock and handed it to one of the older men. I wiped my forehead and struggled to breathe properly with the corset squeezing the life out of me. "You alright kid?" I nodded and panted as the summer heat beat down onto my exposed skin. "Still getting used to the weight." Timothy, the older gentleman who helped me on the first day, slapped my back with such force that I stumbled forward. 

He laughed with a few others. "We better hurry up. Mr. Cranston is supposed to be here soon." I nodded and went back over to the other crates. Many of the guys talked about this 'Mr. Cranston' but I have yet to see him. They say he is the richest man in England but never once have I heard his name. "Milton! Hurry up!" I shoved another crate to Tim and finally collapsed.

"Ha ha! Go on home, kid. You've done enough today." Tim helped me up just as a blow horn blew. We both looked off the dock and saw a big ship heading towards us. I stayed next to Tim. "Come on boy. This is Nick Cranston." I moved forward with Tim. A bridge-type thing fell from the ship's side and four people walked down it. 

I watched in awe as a tall fellow with soft colored hair looked over everyone with bright calculating green eyes. The one on his right gave a kind smile as the sun made his blonde hair shine. His blue eyes told a different story as they glared at everyone, as though they would hurt his master. The one behind him was a tall thick-bearded man. His width was at least five men of normal stature. The last one was anything but least. He had deep blue eyes and bright red hair. Everything about him though screamed danger. 

"Kid! Don't stare so much! You might lose your job because of that!" Tim hissed this in my ear as they began walking by.

Everything happened so fast. I felt something that pushed me forward. A gasp escaped my throat as I was pushed forward. I hit something just as my eyes closed and it went silent. 

Before arms wrapped themselves around me. I peeked out through my lashes and saw the ground only a foot from me. I turned my head and saw lush green staring at me. Something made them shine like emeralds before they turned into a forest at night, locked emotions not evening trying to rear their ugly heads.

I was set back on the ground and backed away, looking at my feet. I heard whispers behind me and I knew I was fired. "Are you alright?" His voice was deep and soft at the same time. I nodded and peered up at him through my lashes. "S-sorry." I took a step back and he nodded before he continued walking. The blonde smiled a false smile at me and the rather large man shot me a glare. 

I glared back, which caused a thing of shock to flash across his face before it going back to annoyance. The last one didn't even glance at me as he passed. It was silent until we heard the chariots take off. That's when I was engulfed in a hug. "You're alive kid!" Laughter ensued as I got crushed by the arms of Tim and several others.

"I thought old bushy beard was going to eat you for a second there." Tim laughed once more before slapping my back hard. I stumbled into another man as they laughed harder.  I smiled but the nerves under my skin was still shot as I walked away from them.

"See you on the morrow lad!" I waved goodbye as I walked the streets once more. I had taken up another job in the last few days at a ladies' shop. They allowed me to work cleaning up the dirt from the floors and dust coating things that haven't been touched.

"Milton sweety!" Mrs. Theresa Hughes me, as best she could with her dress, and backed up. Mr. Theresa handed me a broom and pointed to the area I just walked into. "We need this swept and then you can fix the fabrics." I nodded and got to sweeping the dirt floor. It didn't make sense to sweep a dirt floor when its made of dirt. What am I going to sweep up? More dirt?

I did it none the less as a couple of young ladies giggled as they passed me and walked into the store. "Mother Theresa!" That was the name of Mrs. Theresa by many of her husband's clients. That all loved her and her wild stories, not bothering with the fact that she helps work in the store.

I put the broom back just as the girls left, one of them daring enough to lift up her dress a bit and I saw part of her unmenchables. My cheeks heated up on their own accord as they all giggled and scurried off. "Don't make me tell your mother Emily!" Mrs. Theresa screamed after them.

"How scandalous. Come, deary. We must fix up the fabrics before your employer is back." With her help I got all the clothe fixed and set right just as Mr. Theresa returned. "You can leave now boy. I have no use of you tomorrow so don't come in." I nodded and he pressed a few coins into my hand.

"For the overtime." I opened my hand to see a few pence in it. I bowed a little before walking out of the store. I watched mother's fuss over their daughter's as older gentleman walked the streets, probably walking home after a long day at work. I sighed and looked up at the sky. So much for getting her that dress before next week. At this rate, I will barely be able to pay for the rent. 

"I heard Nick Cranston was back in town." I tilted my head towards the older ladies in a circle. They were gossiping and giggling. "Oh, quite right Marithda. Mr. Cranston arrived this morning by boat. Oh! You! Young man!" I looked around to see only old men. I pointed at me and she nodded, giggling.

"Yes?" She pulled me forward by my arm. "Do you work at the docks?" I nodded and her friends squealed as she smiled brightly at me. "Did a Mr. Cranston arrive today at the docks?" I nodded again and they all clapped their hands. "Here boy. Go buy something to make you more presentable." She pressed some coins into my hand and shooed me off. 

I turned the corner and opened my hand to see a few pounds in my hand. "Yes! Cathlin will definitely get that dress now!" I secured the coins in my pouch before lights out.

Why am I always getting into something weird? Like my life's a book or something.