Three days had gone by since mom left some extra scars on my back. Although I tried to convince myself that I'd get used to the way she treated me one day, deep down, I knew that would never happen. My mother was insane and not even a couple of rum shots were able to calm her down... believe me, I tried. One of the things that bothered me the most was she never flogged Johannes. I have to admit that I was a mischievous little girl; however, that was no reason for her to destroy my skin like that. What my brother had that made her spare him? Was it his gender? Or because he behaved more? I couldn't stop thinking about the possible reasons for her not to beat him.

It was night already. My mom had gone out with Johannes, so she didn't beat me at any moment. Since I couldn't find anything interesting to steal that day, I went to Laurens' tiny house. His residence was the same place where he slept and left his excreta, which was absurd. I could not understand why my mom did that to him. While I played with a lock of my hair, he opened the door. I was relieved not to feel the usually terrible smell that came from his home.

"Hello, Eva!" he smiled. "To what do I owe this pleasure?

It appeared that the only person that my mom's slave didn't hate was me. When we were together, he seemed happy. I hated the idea that Laurens was unpaid and mistreated... Whoever invented slavery should burn in hell! I'd give my blessing to anyone who wanted to kill the monsters who created something so horrible.

I grinned softly, "I need to talk to someone. Can I come in?"

He gave me space to enter, "I just cleaned the place, so of course!"

I raised my brows. For a brief moment, I had thought Laurens wouldn't want to talk that moment since it was his dinner time. He had a very fancy meal: a piece of old bread and water... as if my parents couldn't provide anything better. My father was an officer of the Royal Netherlands Navy, for God's sake! He could definitely buy more food for his slave. The RNN had been paying him well since before we moved from Amsterdam.

Alright, I'll come in then...

Two small candles were on the floor, which made the atmosphere pleasant and cozy. I wish my friend had some chairs for me to sit on, but that was impossible because my mom would never give furniture for a slave. Not even a bed was provided for him.

I sat against the left wall, "Thank you for letting me in."

He sat in front of me, apparently being careful not to let his bare feet touch mine. My parents insisted that I used low heels, but I hated those shoes. I always walked barefoot. Although I wanted to wear my father's black boots, I couldn't since I was a girl and... well, they were too big for me.

"No problem," Laurens cocked his head. "What would you like to talk about?"

I sighed and chewed on my lip. I was about to suggest something hazardous. It would benefit both of us if it worked; however, we could end up injured if it didn't.

I took a deep breath, "I want to steal back my mother's pearl necklace. Since that wicked woman hit me instead of saying thank you, she doesn't deserve it."

Sometimes all I wanted was to turn mom into another person. There were even days when I woke up and thought she would hug me and apologize, but guess what? That never happened...

"Pardon me, but I'm confused," he knit his brows. "Why are you telling me that you'll rob something inside your own house?"

I don't understand! Can't he see the opportunity that is opening for us?

"Because it could be our chance to escape, Laurens! I saw how much that necklace cost and it's enough to get your manumission," my eyes widened as I grinned excitedly. "Plus, I can steal some more of her jewelry so that we can buy food while we don't have a place to stay."

The idea of scaping that hell I called home filled me with joy. Only a silly thirteen-year-old like myself would think she could live without her parents' money. Still, it was such a marvelous adventure to imagine!

Laurens approached me, "I know you're upset with your mother right now, Eva, but I cannot take that risk. We have nowhere to go!"

"We have everywhere to go. The world awaits us!" I took his hands in mine while breathing fast. "We'll find a job eventually and someday we can get married and have our own home."

Laurens downturned his head and glanced away, seeming to be embarrassed. Yes, you haven't read it wrong. I had indeed proposed to my friend. I didn't care about the fact that he was older than me and much less that he was a slave. My crazy imagination had made me say some foolish things at that moment, I know. Besides, I used to think people got married just because they were friends, so don't judge me.

"Me and you? Married? Sweet Eva, please don't get me wrong, but I only see you as a friend," he moved away while knitting his brows. "You're like a sister to me."

I sighed and bit my lower lip. Even though those words made me sad, they didn't break my heart. I wasn't in love with Laurens. I just wanted someone to rely on.

"A sister?!" I shook my head in denial. "God, I wish I could drink some rum to forget what I just heard..."

Laurens laughed softly, "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find someone amazing to marry you."

That wouldn't be the first time someone I liked didn't reciprocate. Laurens only saw me as a sister, mom hated me, my brother barely talked to me, and my father... well, he only cared about the RNN and his rum.

A couple minutes later, I went back to my house. I smiled as I recalled my plan to get revenge on mom. She had been beating me for years, so I would be kind for only stealing a pearl necklace from her. Actually, it was not even robbery since I was the one who gave her the jewelry.

I looked from side to side and entered my mom's massive bedroom on the second floor. My heart pounded.

"I don't want to take this away from my mom..." I slightly downturned my head and grinned mischievously. "Who am I kidding? She deserves it!"

I took a deep breath as I felt happiness and fear at the same time. Even though I could pay a high price for stealing from her, I thought it would be worth it. Don't judge me, she saw it coming! Also, who's the real villain here: an adventurous girl eager for justice or a witch who beats someone until blood is spilled? I believe you know the answer.

Laurens approached me, "Eva, please leave this room while you still can! We both know this will not end well for you!"

My eyes bulged. I almost screamed as I saw Laurens behind me with cleaning equipment. I had no idea he had followed me.

I raised my brows, "I appreciate your concern, but honestly, I don't give a damn about what'll happen."

I opened four drawers until I found the pearl necklace. Holding it triumphantly, I smirked.

I laughed loudly, "I have the treasure!"

After that, Laurens left and went to clean the guest bedroom. I pressed my lips together. I couldn't believe he didn't help me in my little mission. Laurens was the only friend I had at the time. My brother and father were nice to me, but none understood me like Laurens did. While dad rarely talked and drank too much, Johannes was a spoiled brat that I couldn't even look in the eye sometimes. I hated it when mom said how much she loved my brother.

A minute later, I put the necklace in my left sleeve. At the same instant that I was leaving the bedroom to keep my victory prize, I bumped into... guess who?

Mom crossed her arms, "My God! What are you doing in my room?"

I wish I could be invisible right now.

I glared at her, "It's funny to see the personification of the devil evoke the name of God..."

Her eyes bulged, "What did you just say?"

I gulped and took a step backwards. I didn't want to face her rage again, so I decided to appeal to one of my mother's greatest fears.

I pointed at the floor behind her, "Look! A mouse!"

She flinched and screamed. I took the opportunity and ran downstairs. Still running, I left the house. Perhaps I would be saved by an imaginary mouse, perhaps not? I would soon find out. My legs trembled. All I wanted was to reach the port, hide in a ship, and go anywhere my mom wouldn't find me.

"Get back here!" mom screamed, chasing me on the street.

Unfortunately, she was faster than me. Mother grabbed me by the hair and dragged me back to the house while I screamed in pain. There was no one on the street at that time, so no witnesses to the witch's violence... I was so lucky, wasn't I? Not a single soul would be able to help me that night. I cried as I watched the sea getting further from me. It was as if a hurricane pulled me away from where I needed to be.

We soon came back home since I didn't get far. I wasn't even close to the port when my mother caught me. I had barely made it to another block. There I was again: defeated, humiliated, and unloved.

My father stood up from the couch once we entered. He gawked, breathing fast. Dad had medium wavy dark brown hair, thin beard, blue eyes, and light skin. I looked at him with desperation in my eyes. Although I begged him to save me six times, he wouldn't move.

"I'm so sorry, dear..." the coward whispered.

Dad went to the kitchen, grabbed a rum bottle and started drinking fast. Rum was the solution to all his problems. As if getting drunk would help me in anything... How ridiculous! He could've done many things: chased my mother, screamed, called for help... but he had to choose the damn alcohol!

My mother whipped me mercilessly, tearing my skin open. I believed my father drunk another sip of rum after each flogging noise. One whip, more alcohol, one whip, more alcohol... that was how dad heroically saved me from violence. After mom was done, I put my dress back on and ran towards the street while crying. I couldn't keep the tears from flowing, those idiot water drops were way too strong. My father went after me. I stopped running when I was very close to the ocean, wanting to throw myself in there. I loved the sea more than anything, so looking at it usually calmed me down.

Coward! Idiot! I can't believe you didn't do anything to stop her!

Dad had a hint of a smile on his face, "I have an idea that might make you happier."

I frowned. How could he possibly help? Nothing appeared to compensate the fact that my own mother hated me.

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Go ahead."

"I know you love the ocean a lot, so perhaps I should teach you how to sail."

I froze. Walking from one side to another, I thought I was going crazy. Women weren't allowed to participate in masculine activities such as sailing. In fact, they mostly couldn't work in ships at all. I blinked fast as I considered my father's proposition, wondering what made him wish to do that for me.

"You're a woman, but I don't care," my father approached me while smiling sweetly. "Just answer me this: do you wish to learn the art of sailing, Eva?"

I didn't think twice before answering, "Of course!"

My father took my hand and discreetly took me to a vessel he sailed as an RNN officer. It was a beautiful wooden man-of-war with two white flags on each of its three masts. The Dutch flag on the back of the ship was waving with the wind. Even though I knew that I wouldn't learn everything about sailing that night, I was very excited to start. When I got into that man-of-war with my father, he undocked it and the ship started moving towards the open ocean. Although I had no idea yet, that simple sailing class would be the first step to help me find my true passion.

****