Daniel's ship, the Sally Lass, was easy enough to navigate. She responded well to Daniel's touch, but only to his (save for mine after the storm). He spent most of his time at the helm and co-captained with his first mate, Jonathan Dervis, a handsome young man who helped shield me from most of the crew's gaze.
Despite Daniel's orders not to touch me or see me as a prize or use me in any way for delight and pleasure, most crewmembers did not bother to hide their hungry gazes. I agreed quite well with Daniel's original statement: I was glad the crewmembers did not find me that first day on deck. I would have lost my virginity by now.
But then...was I a virgin?
I did not know.
But I was going to say I was, seen as the idea of intercourse made me sick.
Jonathan often reprimanded the crew when he caught any of them or their prying eyes lingering on me far longer than necessary. He became my soldier and my guard.
The three women also often helped me, shielding me and giving me space to change and deal with life away from the men. They gave me a share of their food, their cabin, their bathroom, and their hearts. I became a sister to Eva, a daughter to Phoebe, and a best friend to Jessica.
Who they were, I was.
Where they were, I was.
What they did, I did.
What I was, they were.
Where I was, they were.
What I did, they did.
They were my new family, the crew of the Sally Lass my extended family. The Sally Lass became my home.
I may not have had my memories, but now I had a new life.