Felicity

Chapter 2: Colm

It had been a year since the last time I saw Felicity. I now found myself sitting at the end of a table in a rowdy tavern, drawing circles around the rim of my cup. Her face was etched into my mind from the night before I left. Despite the noise around me, I was able to draw out every detail as if she were sitting in front of me. Light red hair with hints of gold illuminated in the firelight. Her usual wild curls and waves had been somewhat tamed into a loose braid as she nervously tucked a stray piece into place. When I had first met her she was awkward, all knees, elbows and teeth on top of a bossy personality. At some point she became a woman with soft curves, growing into every feature. Her blue eyes that were once unusually large for her face sat nicely above her high cheekbones. Her eyes were deep blue, sometimes almost violet, under thick black lashes. A spray of freckles dusted her nose and her full lips held a light pink cast. I remember the day I saw her as if seeing her for the first time. She was no longer my friend, she was something more. So beautiful I couldn't breathe. Felicity, my Lettie. I knew I needed to be more to have her.

A bottle broke near me followed by raucous laughter causing me to jolt from my day dreams about the girl I left behind.

I was reminded of my current choices and the treasure my crew and I hoped to find along the Florida coast. I had told my aunt I was signed to a merchant vessel, the truth was I signed on to crew with a group of rogues after Spanish treasure, and maybe even some English. This is how I would make my fortune, this how I would win Felicity.

A w**** sauntered past me, batting her eye lashes. She was pretty, same red hair as Felicity but plainer features. I looked back at my cup. That night had been spontaneous, I knew I was leaving and needed to tell her. The climb to her window was not easy, the rain had made the stone slick and the wind shook the vines that barely clung to walls. I was soaked through and as she had helped to pull me through the window my body had pressed hard against her. She was dressed for sleep, nothing covering her but a thin linen sleep dress. I could feel her curves as she held me close, pulling me into her bedroom. I watched her breathe hard, the water had soaked the front of her dress and stuck to her chest hiding nothing. I could see her breasts, her n****es hard, moving up and down steadily. A dark feeling overcame me and it took everything I had to control myself. I wanted her, then and there. But she was 16 to my 20 years and a virgin. I could not provide a future for her and I could not leave her in a situation that would be her downfall.

"And who is to say she would even want you?" I thought solemnly.

With that gut souring thought, I tipped my cup of ale to the sky and downed the remaining half. The pretty red head walked by again and I gave her half a grin. That is all she needed and she proceeded to almost run over, a smile on her painted lips.

"Need some company tonight handsome?"

My stomach turned a little, but with the thoughts of Felicity still fresh and a pint full of strong ale in my belly I found my myself nodding yes.