In The Heart of the Sea//Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland)

I

Alexandrea wandered arround the habor while her father busied himself in a conversation with two of his men.

She wore black waist-high trousers with a dark blue button up shirt which was tucked in and black boots.

She knew that she couldn't wear a dress and be of any assistance on board.

Her luggage had already been boarded and she was looking arround as they had to wait for all of the crew members.

As she was walking, she stumbled into someone.

"I'm so sorry sir" she apologised as she turned arround only to meet the same man she had come across few days ago.

"Ah, it's you" the man spoke, grinning slightly.

He seemed to be in a good mood today.

"I believe our first encounter didn't go too well" he smiled as he held out his hand for her to shake "I'm Owen Chase"

"Alexandrea Pollard" The girl smiled while shaking his hand firmly.

"Is this your first time sailing?" Owen asked.

"Not really" Alexandrea spoke in her chirpy tone that made Owen smile "I've sailed before, but not to go get whale oil or anything. Father however wanted me to know more about this job so, here I am"

"Well then miss," Owen smiled, something he realised he was doing a lot arround the kid "you're going to have a bit of an adventure eh?"

He smiled one last time at the bright eyed girl before walking off to board the ship.

Owen knew it wasn't the best idea to have a girl so young come along for this but he didn't want to tell her that and kill her spirits. She seemed so eager, her eyes full of wonder and curiosity. No matter how smart they say she was, it still wasn't entirely safe.

Alexandrea boarded the ship with wonder in her eyes. Looking arround, taking in her new surroundings.

She smiled at a few of the men.

"Hello there" one of them spoke "and who might you be?" He asked politely

"Pollard. Alexandrea Pollard" she answered confidently as she shook his hand "and you sir?"

"Mr.Joy"

"Pleasure to meet you sir"

"Pleasure is all mine miss" he smiled.

In the distance, young Thomas Nickerson caught sight of the girl.

"Say," he spoke with one of the crew men "Who's that?" He asked, wondering what a girl was doing here.

"She's the Captain's daughter Mr. Nickerson" one of them answered "best not to underestimate her, they say she's mighty smart, and knows a lot about sailing"

"Y..yeah?" The boy asked meekly.

"Yes, Henry told us. He's the Captain's cousin. He's known miss Pollard since she was a wee little thing. Real sharp she is I tell ya!"

The boy looked at her in awe.

She was beautiful no doubt.

He knew he needed to keep as much distance as he could from her, he wasn't anything more than a servant boy here.

Alexandrea stood at some distance as she watched her father and Mr.Chase have a conversation, it didn't seem like they would get along too well.

She looked out into the sea and then turned her gaze toward Nantucket, knowing well that she'd not be seeing home for a long time.