Call of the Sea Read Online Free

taking a moment to steady herself, she padded across the bedroom and pulled open the door.
    The rich scent of brewing coffee greeted her first. Mama busied herself at the hearth, dark head bowed over a sizzling skillet. Papa sat at the table across from a boy she didn’t recognize, at least not the back of his head.
    Papa looked up, smiled wide. “Here’s the little mermaid now. How are you feeling, little one?”
    Ellie stiffened. “I’m not little anymore, Papa. I’m ten.”
    The boy’s chair scraped against the floor as he shifted position, drawing Ellie’s gaze. The same deep brown pools from last night peered at her from beneath thick lashes and a mop of chestnut hair.
    Her cheeks heated as more snippets of the night’s debacle flashed in her head. Why is he here?
    “Ellie, this is Daniel O’Roarke, my new cabin boy.” Papa said. “Do you have something you want to say to him?”
    Ellie’s stomach dropped into her toes. New cabin boy? If Papa had a replacement cabin boy, he had no need to take her with him anymore. She’d be left behind again. Ellie felt her throat close as tears threatened. Blinking them back, she manufactured a smile. “Nice to meet you, Daniel.” Her gaze shifted to her father, back to the boy. She rocked onto the balls of her feet and back to her heels, hands clasped, fingers twisting in front of her. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. “Thank you for saving me from drowning last night.”
    Daniel flashed white teeth. “Nice to meet you, too, Ellie. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
    “Come, have some breakfast, sweetheart,” Mama said, setting a full plate of bacon and eggs in front of the empty chair beside Daniel.
    Despite the growling protest of her empty stomach, Ellie shook her head. How could she sit across from the boy who had to save her from the sea like a helpless little baby? Especially one who’d managed to finagle his way into her place aboard Papa’s ship. She’d be lucky if her father ever let her come along after what happened. “I’m not very hungry, Mama. I think I’m gonna go lie down. I don’t feel good.”
    Mama tested Ellie’s forehead with the back of her hand, followed by her warm lips. “No fever. All right, sweetie, go lie down and I’ll bring you some broth a little later.”
    Ellie flicked her gaze to Papa, the anguish she kept under a tight tether distorting her vision. “Are you setting out again today?”
    Papa nodded. “Aye. I’ve already taken more time than I should getting here for your birthday.”
    She swallowed, refusing to cry in front of the boy. It’s not supposed to be this way. “Say goodbye before you go?”
    “Of course, Bean, and don’t worry. I’ll be home again before you know it.”
    Keeping her eyes from Daniel, Ellie turned on her heel and rushed from the room. She slammed her bedroom door and flung herself onto the bed. Stomach twisting as if she’d swallowed a pile of wiggling snakes, she pressed her face into the pillow and let her tears of grief seep into the fabric.
    ***
    When Ellie opened her eyes again, she found the late afternoon sun streaming through the bedroom window. The curtains swayed in the soft breeze. She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. Where had the day gone?
    Papa!
    She launched herself from the bed. He said he wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye. She darted across the room, bare feet practically skimming over the floorboards, and yanked open the door. Ellie flew into the parlor.
    Her mother turned from the hearth, wiped her hands on her apron, and offered a sympathetic smile. “He left about an hour ago, sweetheart.”
    Ellie deflated as if someone punched her in the gullet. “Why didn’t he wake me up?”
    “You needed the rest. He didn’t want to disturb your sleep after everything that happened. He said he loves you and he’ll be back before you know it.” Mama turned back to the large kettle hanging by the fire and gave the contents a vigorous stir.
    Ellie flopped