Soul of the Phoenix

Chapter 14

Once the three of them were fully on the boat, Zachary wanted to show them around. Sakiya and Maranda were both amazed at the structure and how beautifully crafted it had been. Zachary smiled at their reactions, looking a bit proud of himself. "You've never seen a nice boat before?" Zachary asked, winking at the both of them, Sylis just following along as if this was nothing new to him. He was used to the luxuries just like this,considering who his parents were, although Sakiya didn't get to witness most of the good side of things. She was definitely mesmerized now that she was able to experience something like this for the first time. "Well, now that your mouth has created a little drool, girls, welcome to my luxury cabin cruiser. I call her Magnifique 3000." He smiled again, showing off his pearly whites. Sakiya thought he was handsome, although he was too old for her at her age. She could still take a look now and again, though.

Zachary told them they could take a look around while he was getting the anchor sorted and the motor started so they could head on their way. He pointed to the door that would take them below deck into the cabins. Both girls quickly ushered themselves inside while Sylis stood aboard with Zach. They were both even more impressed by the inside. It had 3 cabins below deck, all three decked out in the newest decor. There was what Sakiya had assumed to be a queen-sized bed in all three rooms. Two of the rooms were similar in decoration and setup, but one in particular caught her eye though, something about it had caused her to think of her past life. The theme in this room had been decorated as if it were the outdoors, peaceful and serene. Sakiya had already thought to herself that her and Maranda could have this room if they were allowed. There was a solid wooden dresser against the side of the boat directly on the other side of the bed. It had a mirror with fairy-looking lights, and a vine wrap with leaves that perfectly encircled the mirror. There was a window that looked below the water, giving a view that one would love for relaxing, and just so serene in its energy. There was also a book shelf on the opposite side of the bed, books stacked close together in an orderly fashion. It was also made of solid wood with the same vine wrap design. "This is beautiful" Maranda said as Sakiya was lost in her own thoughts, admiring the room within itself. She had never seen anything like this before, except the peacefulness that she remembered while being on the run and hiding out with her parents. It may not sound as peaceful or appealing when you look at it that way, but Sakiya found Solace in the nature that constantly surrounded her before she was taken and placed in foster care. She was confused about why this room was so different from the other two. "It is, I hope we can get this room." Sakiya replied hopefully. Maranda nodded and smiled at her. "That would be freaking awesome! Spending our time down here at least makes our real life situation a little easier to deal with." Maranda said, causing Sakiya to snap out of her reverie. She was so caught up in this scenery that she almost forgot they were running away, trying to find the ins and outs of the world and what her foster parents and Mr. Black were up to.

They both grabbed onto the small rail that lined the steps down to the cabins, feeling the vibration of the boat. They knew it was time, and this was really happening. Sakiya decided it was time to walk back up on deck. She wanted to make sure everything was good to go and that there were no issues. Maranda, sensing her nervousness, followed behind her as she was just as curious. She still hadn't known the full story behind her two companions' current mission, but she figured she had plenty of time to ask about it. As Sakiya and Maranda made their way on deck, both men were engrossed in conversation as they had started moving across the water, both girls still unaware of where they were headed. Sakiya didn't care much about that though, as long as they got far away from those despicable people. "Hey Sy, care to elaborate?' Sakiya asked, causing Sylis and Zachary to both stop their talk, turning their heads to look at the ladies who had just made their way on deck. "What's up, girls" Zach said. "How'd you like the cabins?" He asked. "Well, I think I may be in love with one over the others, that is, if you don't mind that we occupy it." Sakiya shirked, pointing between her and Maranda. "Well, you know how the saying goes. Ladies first." He chuckled. "You can have whichever you'd like. Sylis and I will take the other two." Zachary stated with a melancholic look on his face that he tried to hide. Sakiya picked up on his emotions, and started to wonder if maybe there was something more to that cabin. Considering it was ornamentally different compared to the other two, she started to expect that there was definitely more to it. Exactly what she had been feeling when she first had a look around the cabins within the bottom deck of the boat. "Hey, Zach!" She blurted just as he turned his head back to the wheel on the boat. He sort of knew there was going to be questions, but he didn't think anyone would notice anything so soon. "Can I ask you a question?" Sakiya continued. Zach nodded his head. "Shoot away." He replied. Sakiya thought about how to word her question. She didn't want to offend anyone with her curiosity, but she also wondered why the rooms were so different. She knew Maranda was wondering as well, she was intently focused on Sakiya during her interaction with the owner of the boat.

"Is there a reason why the one room is completely different than the other two?" She asked timidly, biting her nails as she anxiously awaited an answer. Zach took a moment before replying. "Well, it's a long story. Let's just say I had that room especially built for someone I used to know," Zack stated. Maranda and Sakiya both looked at each other with remorse, wondering if they had been in the wrong even requesting something that seemed so special. "Eh, don't worry. That was long ago. Maybe one day I'll tell you about it. I don't think I'm ready for that day just yet. I'm just happy that you two can atleast get some use out of it, as it was intended." He continued. Sylis looked at him confused, apparently not knowing the story himself. "How come you've never told me about this, Zack? I've been best friend's with your son since we were kids. I never knew there was a possibility of someone else being involved." Sylis told him nonchalantly, although one could tell it was a hit to his feelings. He seemed to feel close to this family of two, but I think he felt more hurt by being left out of details he didn't know about. Especially being as close to them as he had obviously been to them. "Sy, I'm still just not quite ready to talk about it. My son hasn't mentioned anything to you, and neither have I, because he doesn't even know the extent of everything. That's something I have held near and dear to my heart for quite a long time. Please, if you come across my son again anytime soon, don't mention this conversation to him. He may just grow to hate me if he finds out."