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WATCHING OVER YOU Author: Becca Disclaimer: I do not (however unfortunate it may be) own Pirates of the Caribbean, Jack Sparrow, Will, Elizabeth, or Port Royale. However the rest is my own creation! I hope you enjoy it. Summary: You are living in the town of Port Royale, your life dull and mundane, but all this changes as a new character is thrown into the equation and your life takes on a new exciting twist... * * * * * CHAPTER 1 There you stand, at the same place as usual, waiting, watching. Same time as always the ship rolls in, and the same people as always get off. You can’t help but gaze at them in their fine gowns made of silk, parasols in a matching colour, held by the daintiest of hands. You stand there watching them being helped of the ship by servants dressed in their finest attire, smiling at them graciously. You can’t help but wonder what it would be like to live a life of luxury, a life where you didn’t have to work all day and much of the night just to be able to put some food on the table. Walking away your heart heavy with an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness at the hand you’ve been dealt, you head back towards the tavern. Many men are inside already, demanding drinks of beer, wine, and more commonly rum, the dreaded poison of the Caribbean. You have known many a man to be lost to the liquor, and many a woman to suffer the consequences. Looking around you, you notice the usual crowd. The regular punters who come in at the same time every evening, the same faces which you see ghastly and green the next morning as they hurl last night’s meal over the edge of the port. Many of them sit on upturned barrels around small tables stained in the remainders of alcohol and vomit, names and shapes dug out of the wood with many a mans pen knife. They laugh and jeer, cat calling to every woman that dares step into the tavern, including you. You know how it is though, nothing unusual, and it rarely leads to anything. Shrugging your shoulders you make your way over to a crowd of men sitting in front of an open fire, undoubtedly discussing their latest plans to steal, plunder and savage some poor coastal village. Life in Port Royale was never dull, that was sure to be said, but sometimes you just wish you could escape. Go somewhere where you can sit quietly on the beach just looking at the colours of the sky as the sun sets. You rarely get the chance to do that anymore, although when you were a child it was one of your favourite pastimes. Back when you were young you could run and skip in the surf, not caring about what tomorrow held, always living for today. How you wish you could live like that now, not worrying so much. You swear you’re growing old before your time. There is but one pleasure you allow yourself, no matter what. Every night you go to watch the ships of the rich nobles sail in to port, watch the ladies walk off so steadily and gracefully, there heads held high, never daring to look at the scenery around them for fear of being infected by the plague of poverty. You announce your arrival to the gentlemen by coughing loudly, ahem. They turn to you and look at you inquisitively. "So," you say, "Drinks for anyone?" They look at you with blank expressions on their faces, but as the words seem to sink in a grin spreads. "Aye," one man shouts, and as the others chorus the same you can’t help but smile. "Now Mr Singer, you know how I’ve been telling you it isn’t polite to just say ‘aye’," you reply playfully. "Indeed m’lady, we shall have rum all aroun’ if you please and thankye." He says with a smile and a wink. "Of course sir," you say, nudging him in the shoulder and sauntering off towards the bar. "Rum, rum and more rum," you say smiling to yourself. Filling several mugs from the numerous bottles you watch the tavern, full to the brim with laughter. Taking the mugs back over to My Singer and his ‘guests’, he deposits money into your open palm, thanking you yet again. "Keep the little change for yourself," he says, and smiling at him gratefully you nod and walk back to the bar. Pocketing the change, just a couple of pennies but at least a little is something. Your eyes wander yet again to where a young man sits in the corner, his head lolling back and forth, his eyes rolling about in their sockets. "Too far gone," you mutter to yourself, "way too far gone." The evening passes and the crowd disperses, leaving a few poor sods already too drunk for them to pick up their own feet and leave. Left to you is the job of trying to wake them, prodding them and poking them until their eyes flutter open and they stare at you with a dim gaze of recognition, although what they think they are seeing and what they actually are, may be entirely different. The last man is left, his hat now pulled over his eyes, his feet resting upon a table where upturned mugs and spilt rum lay. Poking his arm he barely moves, muttering some incomprehensible words under his breath Unsure of whether he has actually awoken you repeat the gesture, only this time to be greeted by him jumping out of his seat arms flailing. Startled by the sudden movement you step back quickly, knocking into a stool and table, and falling flat on the ground. You hastily pick yourself up brushing off your skirt, and stand in front of the man who is currently trying to figure out why it is exactly he cannot see where he is. Tentatively you step towards him, tipping his hat up so that it no longer covers his eyes. And what eyes. Smouldering black, charcoal rimmed eyes, wide with surprise. A wide grin spreads across the mans face as you realise your hand is still there, still holding the rim of his hat. You hastily take your hand away, placing it at your side. "It’s time to go," you say curtly, and the man nods and takes a step away, swaying as he does so. You watch amused as he staggers out of the door, where you follow him to, stepping out yourself, shouting goodnight to the other staff. You carry on watching as the stranger saunters of towards the port, undoubtedly heading towards some ship or another. Watching him you can’t help but smile as he sways and staggers, but as you watch him you see him head far too close to the edge of the dock. Crying out for him to stop, you do so too late, and you see him disappear off of the edge where he hits the water with an almighty splash. Running to the edge you look down at the bubbles, which have risen to the surface, and you wait for what seems like hours for the man to do the same. Finally he comes up gasping for air, clearly more awake than before. Holding out your hand you lean over the edge, whilst with the other you hold onto a post. Gratefully the man grabs it and you can feel how rough his skin is, undoubtedly from years of being out at sea. You pull as hard as you can, yelling to him to at least try to get himself out. Pulling him up onto dry land he flops on the floor, flailing about like a fish. Coughing and spluttering he picks up his hat and places it back upon his head, standing up with much difficulty. You laugh at his soaked body, and confused expression. He turns to you grinning, offering you a hand, and helping you up from where you sit. "Thank you," you say, once again brushing the dirt off of your skirt. "Twice in one night you’ve made me fall head over heels," you say with a smile. "Lady luck is on my side tonight then, it’s usually only once," he says, his grin widening, although you wouldn’t have thought that possible. "I wouldn’t have said lady luck was on your side, not after falling into the water," you reply, prodding him in the chest. "Ah, but just think, if I hadn’t done that then you wouldn’t have fallen head over heels for me twice now would ye?!" Confused you just shrug, looking at him as he attempts to wring some of the water out of his clothes. "And may I ask the name of me fine rescuer?" he asks, one eyebrow cocked. You tell him your name, at which point he bows lifting his hat off his head, taking your hand in his, and kissing it gently. "Well I am pleased to make your... acquaintance." "Indeed. I must be off now Mr..." "Sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow." "Yes, like I said, I must be off." You bring your hand away as he comes back to his full height, and you blush at the sudden tingling sensation that has been left running through your veins, from your fingers, all the way through your body. You silently thank the lord that it is dark, and he cannot see your crimson cheeks, and smiling you turn away. Quickly looking back you see him wave, and stagger yet again in another direction, luckily not towards the water. Waving back you walk home, where you undress and get into bed, placing your earnings into an old jam jar stashed under your bed. And so, to sleep. * * * * * CHAPTER 2 Morning already you lift your still weary head from the firm pillow, all the feathers squashed from the years that you have slept on it. Throwing off the thin covers you look around your bedroom, letting the harsh light from the barely curtained window hit you directly. The curtains hang loosely, partly falling off of the rail. Curtains which were once a beautiful crimson velvet, now a dull, dusty pink, moth eaten and haggard. The cold stone floor greets your bare feet causing you to gasp. Going into the bathroom you wash and tidy your hair, before going back into the bedroom where you put on an old faded green dress. You can just about make out the shapes of small flowers, which had been sewn into the fabric long ago, now faded until they were barely visible unless you looked very carefully. Taking an apple from the basket on the table you go about clearing up the kitchen, scrubbing yesterday’s pots and pans which you had been too tired to do after getting home last night. You smile in recollection of the previous nights events, particularly those of a certain Jack Sparrow. A smile still lingering on your face you walk out across the street to the grocery store where you buy a loaf of bread and several more apples. A very simple diet, but one that satisfies nonetheless. Heading back across the street with your shopping you notice that many of the people are heading down to the end near the harbour. Wondering why so many people are gathered down there you hastily place your shopping in the kitchen, and make the way yourself down towards the crowd. Pushing through so that you can get as near to the front as possible, you still can’t see what all the fuss is about. Seeing Mr Singer, the friendly pirate you serve regularly at the tavern, you head towards him. "Mr Singer, nice to see you out and about after your antics last night. I saw you leaving and I must say you were looking the worse for wear," you say. He turns to you with a grin and nods. "Indeed lass, I did find some unfortunate news last night, but nought to worry about." "Oh, ok. What is all the fuss about though, why is everyone gathered here?" Suddenly the sound of muskets being fired rings through the port and you suddenly spot a man running at great speed towards the crowd, with several naval officers in tow. Recognising the figure you can’t help but stifle a laugh. "‘Tis Jack Sparrow again," Mr Singer states. "Indeed it is," you say with a smirk. "Wonder what trouble he has got himself into now?" "He don’t need to get in any more trouble than he was before. He is a wanted man, every official is after him from the East to the West of the entire continent, even the world wouldn’t surprise me." "Why, what has he done?" you ask, surprised that the man you had encountered last night could ever be any kind of criminal, other than a man who disturbed the peace. Someone who had committed that crime would not be wanted so badly though surely? "Ah, I haven’t enough fingers and toes to count upon the number of crimes Mr Sparrow has committed, and I am referring to them when I had a full set before a couple went gangrenous and fell off." You restrain from shuddering as you hear this last comment, and are about to reply when suddenly a figure dives past you, nearly knocking you off your feet. The figure is quickly followed by several others wielding muskets. You turn around to see the naval officers storming off up the street, apparently not actually knowing where they were going as all had lost sight of Jack. The crowd starts to surge up the street in pursuit of the commotion, and as you do so you feel something pulling at your skirt. Looking down you see Jack crouching behind you, unseen by anyone else as they are looking in the in the other direction. Startled at the sudden appearance of Jack crouching by your feet you yelp, only to receive a rather painful pinch on the ankle. "What’s the matter, luv?" Mr Singer asks turning to you. Somewhat flushed you hastily look up from where Jack is crouched. "Oh, err nothing Mr Singer. I think I just got bitten by a mosquito or something." Nodding at you with a cautious look Mr Singer heads off up the street, following the crowd. As you see everyone disappear up the hill you grab Jacks hand, hoisting him to his feet. Not letting go though, he pulls you towards a darkened alleyway, looking over his shoulder as you go. "Sorry bout that," he whispers finally seeing you face to face. A look of recognition passes across his face as he lets go of your hand, and a wide grin spreads baring his black and gold teeth. "Ah, 'tis you again!" He says joyfully. "Yet again you have come to me rescue, it's startin’ to become a habit!" You can’t help but smile at his grinning face, nor can you stop your body from tensing as you feel his hand brush your side as he goes to grab your hand again. Shaking it vigorously his grin does not waver, and his eyes linger upon your face, they are still beautiful, they look like two large black pools of water, glistening under a moonlit sky. "I am quite surprised Mr Sparrow that you have any recollection of last nights events," you say, wincing at your own sarcastic tone. You did not mean to sound harsh, but he had gotten you into quite an awkward position, one that you so far hadn’t figured out a way of escaping from. "What’s that supposed to mean?" He asks reproachfully. Startled at his sudden change in attitude you begin to stutter. "I...err...I meant to say...erm...well, you weren’t particularly...err...sober last night, I wouldn’t have thought that someone who had drunk so much as you appeared to have done, would remember anything that happened to them." "What gave you the impression that I was drunk?" "Err, little things, the usual tell tale signs..." "And what kind of signs would they be?" "You know, the way you staggered away, the way you fell into the water..." A smile gradually spreads once again across his face, and you realise he has just been pulling your leg. Grr, you mutter, poking him hard in the shoulder. "So, shall you be rescuing me again, or may I be on my way?" Jacks asks with a grin. You roll your eyes at him and turn to go when he grabs hold of your wrist. "What do you think you’re doing?" you ask, turning to face him once more. "Well after rescuing me again, I would feel guilty if I didn’t give you something in return." "And what do you propose you have to offer?" "A drink, we shall go back to the tavern and drink until we are merry, on me of course." "I can’t." "You can’t?" "No, I’m working, I have to be there anyway behind the bar, not in front of it tonight, 6 o’clock sharp." "But it’s barely past midday, surely you have time for just one drink?" Jack's expression seems to become quite sad and sorrowful, and you feel guilty about not accepting his offer. Just one look at his big dark eyes could make even the coldest ice queens heart melt, so you decide to accept, after all, what harm can come from just one drink? * * * * * CHAPTER 3 You head off towards the tavern with Jack, staying as close to the shadows as possible so that there is no chance that any officials will spot him. "So, what are you doing in Port Royale?" you ask. "This and that. Business, pleasure, all comes under one roof," he replies with a wink. "And what kind of things would your business entail?" you reply. "Have you not heard of me? Do you not know my business?" "No, should I?" "Not particularly, but many people think they do." "Oh. So anyway, back to my question." "Well, I trade goods, maybe sometimes a bit unfairly, and otherwise enjoy myself, getting as much job satisfaction as possible." "So your business is your pleasure?" "You could say so, but there are other things I find to occupy myself when I’m not, err, working." "Oh?" "My favourite pastime. Rum!" he says, grinning. As if I hadn’t guessed already. You think to yourself. "And then you have certain company, that I find pleasurable to be with." He stops suddenly and you do the same. "What... why have we..." you trail off as he grabs your wrist, pushing you against the wall right into the shadows. He places a finger to his lips and looks at you intently before glancing over his shoulder. He steps close to you, his body just inches away from yours. He leans his hands on the wall, just above your shoulders, and you can smell his strong, musky scent; a strong mixture of rum and the salty sea air. This close you can see all his features although not clearly defined in the shadows of the alley. You can see his broad shoulders, and the outlines of his muscular chest, just glimpses through torn patches of his shirt. You feel your heart racing, and all of a sudden you become quite light headed and dizzy. He looks at you and sees you start to sway slightly. "What? Are you ok...?" he asks, a strong sense of concern in his voice. Closing your eyes you lean your head against the wall, but open them quickly as you feel his hand come up to your face, his fingers lightly resting upon your chin. You smile weakly and nod your head. Jack steps back and brings you forward, where he helps you to sit down on the floor where you place your head in your hands. "I... I think I must have hit my head on the wall when you pushed me," you say, hoping your tone sounds believable. "Yeah, sorry about that," he says, still not taking his eyes off of you, filled with anxiety. "I saw some naval guys just down the end there and didn’t want to have to repeat the same palaver as before." You nod again and attempt to stand up. Jack takes your hand and stands up from where he was squatting next to you, pulling you up with him. "Thank you," you say with a smile. "Are you sure you’re ok?" he asks, attempting to put his hand to your face again, ignoring your attempts to push his hand away. He turns your head and looks all over, checking visually for a bump or graze. "I’m fine." "Well I can’t see anything, but something might come up later." "Well I am sure I’ll be fine, maybe a slight headache but other than that, perfectly alright." "Well, you know the greatest cure for a headache..." "Let me guess..." "Rum! Now you will need at least two drinks, one to say thank you, another to say sorry!" "Oh, no! Thank you, I mean, that’s very kind but..." "No buts, you are coming, and you are letting me buy you a drink, at least one." You nod in exasperation, feeling too tired to argue any longer. He smiles and takes your hand in his once again. You walk together down the alley and come out just near the tavern. Chatting along the way Jack regales you with the story of his being mutinied, and being stranded on an island. He tells you of the adventure he had with his friends Will and Elizabeth, and you don’t say anything, just stare at him in awe. You walk across to the tavern where you head inside and sit in a corner, away from the windows, so that shadows are cast over you so that there is less chance of Jack being noticed. It is unlikely that any official would come into the tavern, it is like a safe haven for pirates and criminals, but Jack has made enemies in his past who wouldn’t think twice about grassing him up. You sit looking out across the tavern. It’s not full in the slightest, but there are still a couple of groups of men lingering around the bar and the tables. Jack gets up and walks over to the bar, and comes back shortly with two mugs of rum. "Get that down ye," he says, proceeding to do the same with his own. You watch as he pours the liquid right down his throat in one go. Hastily you go to do the same but just a small amount of the rum sliding down your throat creates a strong burning sensation, causing you to cough and splutter. Grinning Jack slaps you on the back, as you giggle at your own stupidity. "Good, I like a woman who can laugh at herself," Jack says, reverting to rubbing your back. "What’s the point in not being able to laugh at yourself?" you say. "I know, that’s what I believe, but I have known many a woman who doesn’t." "Well I’m not like other women." "No, you’re not," Jack says looking into your eyes before quickly looking down at the table. "Another one!" he cries getting up again. "What? Oh no thank you. I’ve barely drunk this." "As you wish, not gonna force it down your throat, I’ve already seen the consequences of that!" He heads back over to the bar again, and this time returns with a whole bottle of rum. "I hope you don’t expect me to drink any of that!" you say in surprise. "Well ye can if ye like, but I’m happy to have it to myself." You just nod your head and look around the room, it seems that even more people have left, then again, it isn’t the evening yet, so not many people usually are around. You chat again for a few hours, occasionally sipping at your rum. You find the taste and burning sensation isn’t quite as harsh after a while, and eventually give in to Jack buying you another, at which point he brings back several bottles to share between you. You watch the time pass and you see the sky start to turn to the shades of red and orange, signalling the sun setting. "It’s time," you say. "Time for what?" Jack asks, now with a slight slur to his voice. "To go outside," you say getting up from your seat. "You coming?" "Indeed." You head across the tavern through a thickening crowd, out the door and to the port. You stand at the edge of the path, looking up at the glorious ships, set so beautifully as silhouettes as the sunsets behind them. Yet again the beautiful ladies get off, and you watch as the crew scurry about, looking after every whim and fancy. "So why exactly are we standing here?" Jack asks cautiously. "Just look at them. Look at how beautiful it all is. What I would give to live like that, in a life of luxury." "I’m sure it’s not all it’s cracked up to be." "Why do you say that?" "I know people, I hear things, you know how it is. Although the prospect of unlimited wealth has always been something I’ve desired, its not everything." You walk along further to where there are no ships, looking out at the sky. You smile contentedly, and blush as you sense Jack watching you. "You can see this every day y’know, out at sea. It’s freedom, isn’t it. Free to go anywhere, be anyone," he says, standing next to you. "It must be glorious," you whisper. "It is," he says quietly, placing a hand on your bare shoulder, lightly brushing your hair away. You get the same strange tingling sensation as you had the night before, and you feel your body tense again. Looking out to the horizon you see dark clouds coming in, erupting through the sky, coursing along at a speed you wouldn’t have thought possible. Your eyes widen with fear as you realise what this means, and you realise as Jack squeezes your shoulder quickly that he has noticed too. "Monsoon," you both whisper quickly in unison. Running towards the tavern the skies let loose, and torrents of rain hail down. In the few more seconds it takes to get to the tavern you are soaked through. Running through the door you stop, gasping for air, your hair sticking to your shoulders and back uncomfortably. "Monsoon!" you cry, and watch as everyone starts to move at high speed, many rushing past you in order to get home before the monsoon really sets in. Putting the closed sign up in the window you can barely see out of it, the rain is pounding so hard. Jack arrives drenched and attempts to get the remaining punters out, either by kicking them, yelling at them, or literally shoving them out the door. "Thanks Jack, but I really think you need to work on your customer relations skills," You call over to him jokily. He just smiles and nods and as you call for him you both get out the door and lock it up. "I’ll see you around Jack," you say turning to head home. "Look, my ship is nearer, its just over there, come with me," he says, his eyes intently boring into you. "No, really Jack, I’ll just go home..." "No, it’s chucking it down, and its bound to get worse, quickly, I’m getting drenched!" "You and me both!" you cry, exasperated. Realising that you don’t have the time to argue, and sensing how persistent Jack is being you let him grab your hand and pull you towards the Black Pearl. Running at top speed you make it onto the ship. Diving into Jacks cabin he proceeds to light some candles and you laugh as you look at your reflection in the mirror. Your hair is frizzed up and wet hanging loosely around your shoulders although you had put it up. Taking it down you shake your head from side to side, trying to shake some of the rain out, splattering Jack with several cold droplets. "Oh! Sorry!" you say. "Don’t worry luv, I don’t think I could be any wetter than I am." You smile and he does the same. "Your clothes are soaked through!" he says with a grin, looking at your clothes sticking to your skin so that all of your curves stand out. Crossing your arms across your chest you look down at yourself, dismayed at the state you’re in. "Here," he says, grabbing a shirt from a drawer and handing it to you, "Put this on." Taking the shirt you hold it against yourself, noticing that it is quite long, therefore it shouldn’t show off too much. Somewhat reluctantly you start to slip your dress off. "Turn around!" you say as you notice that Jack hasn’t done so automatically like you would have expected. Taking your dress off you pull the shirt over your head. It hangs below your knees, and is quite loose, a creamy colour. You notice that Jack has secretly turned his head to watch you, and pretending you haven’t noticed, you carry on. He can’t have seen much anyway, you had an eye on him the whole time when you were taking your dress off. Sorry mate but you’re a bit too late! you think to yourself. "Can I turn around now?" Jack asks, and you agree. "Now if ye wouldn’t mind turning around, I would like to change my shirt myself." Obliging you turn away, but you notice that you can still see his reflection in the mirror. Watching him as he peels his shirt off you can see the firm toned muscles on his arms and chest. You notice two musket ball wounds on the right hand side of his chest, but these are no deterrent to the vision of his smooth tanned skin. "I know you’re watching me." He says and startled you quickly look at the floor. "You like what you see?" he asks, and you gasp realising that he’s right behind you, still shirtless. "I...I...err," are all the words you manage to get out before he spins you around to face him. He places his hand upon your waist and gently brings you close to him, your bodies pressing together so softly. He places one hand under your chin, and the other on the lower part of your back. You feel your heart beating desperately fast as he draws his face close to yours, looking deep into your eyes. You know you could get lost in those eyes of his, and you close your own, not realising that this is the sign he’s been waiting for. You feel his face come even closer, and you feel as though your body isn’t responding to what you actually want it to do. You want to open your eyes but they don’t seem to work, you feel as though your heart is going to explode, and you’re just waiting for the moment when his lips meet yours... * * * * * CHAPTER 4 You place your hand against Jack’s chest, fighting the urge to bring him even closer as his lips gently brush yours. Finally your body seems to be responding and you open your eyes, pulling away from him. "Don’t," you whisper. You realise your voice came out as though some small child had whispered it, but you can’t help it. Taking your hand away from his chest you watch him step back, his eyes seem to be filled with hurt. You close your eyes and turn away, when suddenly you feel something damp and hard against your cheek. You open your eyes quickly, and wonder why it is exactly the room seems to be on its side. You feel firm hands grasping around your waist, attempting to pick you up, and as your rise up off of the floor you see Jacks face come closer, his eyes intently looking at your face. You feel a cold sweat right the way through your body, your heart beating fast, and your mind confused with what’s happened. What has happened? You look at Jack and the room around you, as you see yourself being carried towards the bed. There he places you on the bed and sits down next to you, putting a hand to your brow. "What...? What’s going on?" you ask somewhat confused at the situation you’ve found yourself in. One minute Jack had just tried to kiss you, the next you seem to be on the floor. "You fainted." Jack replies simply. You remember the look of hurt that had shown in his eyes, now they were filled with anxiety. "What...?" "Shh," he says, placing a finger to your lips. You lie there, just remembering the way his lips had grazed yours oh so gently just moments ago. Licking your lips you close your eyes, and seem to fall off into a strange sleep where you dream of large waves rushing up towards Port Royale, so tall that they don’t break when they get to the land, instead they just sweep over it, knocking everything in their path. You feel as though you’re being swept away, slowly the land seems to be getting further and further into the distance where you can barely see it. You spot Jacks ship and you cry out to him but he is just standing there at the helm, looking out into the sunset. "You couldn’t make time." He shouts to you, and just as you sink under the water you awake, somewhat confused. Looking around the room there is no sign of Jack, but you can see patches of blue sky out the window, and a bright sun peeking it’s way past the clouds. The rain has stopped, although you can see drips coming through in a whole in the roof of the cabin. You get out of bed and walk over to a chair where your dress has been hung over. Picking it up you wonder how long you have been asleep, as it is now dry. It must be at least morning, because the sky wouldn’t be such a light blue, as it had been evening when the monsoon had rolled in and the sun was just setting. Taking off the damp shirt, drenched in your own sweat from the nightmare you had had, you put on your dress, now feeling warm and comfortable to be back in your own clothes, however restrictive the bodice sometimes felt. You step out the cabin door and breathe in the cool fresh air. It always seems to taste so much better after a storm, so refreshing. You look over the sides of the ship at the clear blue water and contemplate diving in, but you decide otherwise and head towards the helm to see if Jack is there. As you walk towards it you can see him sitting on a stool, his feet propped up on a wooden crate, his hat covering his eyes. You notice an empty bottle of rum, loosely hanging from his hand, and you can hear his soft snores, all in time with his chest rising and falling. Stepping past him you stand behind the wheel, admiring the soft carved wood. You stroke your hand along it, smiling at the thought of being able to stand there, looking out at an open ocean, with nothing ahead of you except freedom. You jump suddenly as you hear Jack shout, jumping to his feet. "Get away!" he calls rushing over to you. Startled you step aside, scared that something is going to break or fall on top of you. No such thing though. "No one, and I mean no one touches the wheel, savvy?!" You nod your head dumbly, surprised at his sudden outburst. You watch him as he places his hands on the wheel, firmly but gently, caressing the soft wood, his eyes staring at it intently with a real sign of affection. "S...sorry... for everything," you manage to mutter, also thinking about before when you stopped him from kissing you. You walk away to the side of the ship again and stare intently out to sea. "S’ok," he replies cheerily, everything seemingly forgotten. You look at the sun in all its brilliant golden hues, and wish you could just turn into a bird and fly away. Fly right up into the sky past all the clouds and just fly around the sun. You could be so elegant, like a swan, or maybe something fiery and exciting like a phoenix. "I had better get home," you say turning to Jack who has sat down again. You see that he has been watching you, and you feel your heart leap to your throat. You wish you could have just accepted him last night, just let him kiss you, you wanted it so badly, but you knew in your head that it wouldn’t have been right. He’s been with plenty of women before, on and off, and you know that you would just turn into another notch on his bed post as soon as you let him get you there. You watch him get up and walk over to you, he stands right in front of you and you remember how close you had been last night. Maybe he will kiss me again, you think to yourself, and maybe I’ll let him. You want him so badly. All he does though is take your hand and kiss it gently. You almost feel like weeping, realising you may have lost everything that might have happened. "Bye Jack," you say solemnly. "Bye," he replies with no sense of emotion. You walk down the plank onto the walkway, out onto the street where you see the devastation caused by last night’s monsoon. Looking at the sky you see the sun is right ahead, signalling midday. Walking past the tavern you get a shock. The roof seems to have caved in and there is straw and bricks everywhere. Pushing your way past the rubble through the door you are greeted by several staff members scurrying about trying to pick up and salvage as much as possible. You spot your boss, Mr McKenzie sitting in a corner looking rather glum, a bottle of rum in one hand, and his head in the other. He is rather a stoutly man, with a greying beard, and thinning hair. He reminds you somewhat of pictures of Father Christmas, although he doesn’t have the same temperament that you would hope good old St Nick would have. You hear your name being called, and as you see the person, you head over to the bar where you are greeted by a rather sombre bar maid, Liza. "Oh, look at the state this place is in," she says dismally. "Is there anything I can do?" you ask politely, although you really want to get back home to see what state your own place is in, although it shouldn’t be too bad as its situated half way up the hill, whereas the tavern is right next to the port on the flat. "No, we’re just trying to salvage as much as we can. Just trying to keep McKenzie happy really, he’s already had one bottle of rum, we don’t want him drinking it all, and this is the only way to keep him satisfied." Rolling your eyes you nod, sympathetically. "I had better get home Liza," you say, trying to get out as fast as possible. "I need to check on the place, make sure it hasn’t fallen apart." "Weren’t you at home last night?" "Err... no, I stayed with a .err... friend." "Jack Sparrow?" You jump at his name, not thinking that anyone would know. "Err, yes actually. His ship was closer so I stayed there." "All night?" Liza asks with a nudge and a wink. "Yes, as a matter of fact. Look, I really must dash. I’ll be in tomorrow?" "No, don’t bother; this place isn’t going to be any good for weeks, if ever. Knowing McKenzie he’ll just let it rot. Sorry luv but you’re just gonna have to find yourself another job." Sighing wearily you head out the door, waving to Mr McKenzie as you pass, who gives a slight nod of recognition. Heading home you feel a small pang in your heart for Jack. You remember looking, staring more like, at his strong muscular physique in the mirror, looking into his deep dark eyes, his lips as they gently touched against yours... you sigh out loud, and blush as you notice passers by looking at you as though you have sprouted several heads. Getting into your house you are pleased to find that no significant damage has been done. There is a small damp patch in the corner, but that always comes when it rains and has never caused you any problems before. You fill up the tin tub with warm water that you get from the kettle after leaving it on the stove, and climb in, your body enveloped in its soothing warmth. There you lay until your fingers and toes start to shrivel like prunes, at which point you get out of the bath and munch on one of the apples you had left on the table the morning before. Sitting down in a comfy chair you get a book and start to read. You feel like just getting lost in a story, that way you can forget about your own life, your own problems, specifically, you can stop thinking about Jack. * * * * * CHAPTER 5 A week has passed since you last encountered Jack, and true to Liza’s word McKenzie hasn’t tried to fix the tavern. Walking through the town you look into the windows of the shops, looking intently at the items they’re selling. Your favourite shop though is the boutique, just opposite your house. There you stand in front of the pristine white shop, gazing longingly in the window at a beautiful dress, which seems so perfect that there are no words to describe it. Exquisite does it no justice you think, looking at the beautiful violet fabric of the skirt, undoubtedly silk, teamed with a rich cream and violet bodice, with beautiful images of small roses and ivy, climbing its way up the front, small birds dancing all over. To be able to wear that dress you know that you would be the finest woman in the whole of Port Royale. No one would look at you as though you were something they had stepped on, as so many have in the past, and the elegant ladies would look at you as if you were one if them. You would love to be one of them. Have the prospects and life of a governor's daughter, have the suitors the clothes, everything you ever desired. "I can get it for ye if ye want." A familiar voice says behind you. "Oh!" you cry, startled. There Jack Sparrow stands in the same attire as usual, red bandana, cream shirt, beads and braids and what not streaming out of his raven black hair. You had seen him several times throughout the week, but only as a face in the crowd on the street. You never went over to him, and you had wished beyond hope he hadn’t spotted you. "Jack," you say, lost for words. "Haven’t seen you in a while." He smiles and stands next to you, looking in the window at the beautiful dress. "Have to admit, tis a pretty dress, but you ladies get so silly over them, can never understand it. Us men, we’d be happy if you dressed in a sack, or better yet, didn’t dress at all," he says nudging you. You blush at the last remark, and continue to keep your stare fixated upon the dress. "Wouldn’t be too hard to get it ye know. Have to go late at night, the door doesn’t look too solid so it would be easy to knock through..." "Jack!" you cry in exasperation. "What? I thought ye wanted it?" "I do, but that’s the kind of dress that has to be earned. You have to pay for it, otherwise it loses its beauty and value." "You women! You gaze at it as though you want me so bad and then..." He stops, startled at his own words. "You want IT so bad," he says. You blush again, but are glad that at least he has shown some kind of recognition to the events that happened not so long ago. He carries on though as if nothing happened, but you are secretly smiling inside. "I noticed the taverns in a bit of a state," he says changing the subject. You sigh in agreement and start walking down the street with Jack in tow. "I take it you’ve not been working," he says. "No, and its made my life quite difficult. I have just enough money to feed myself every day, and all my savings have gone..." "I may have some money going spare..." "How did you get it though? I’m guessing you didn’t earn it, more like you stole it off of some poor sod on your last raid on a small village." "Well I’m sorry! If you don’t want to take my dirty money, then that is fine with me." He sounds quite hurt and angry and you turn to him, noticing his eyes filled with annoyance. "If you must know, yes a lot of my money hasn’t been honestly earned, but I don’t go around savagely stealing off of people." "Jack I’m sorry..." you start to say, filled with remorse for being so harsh. "No its fine. People see me and know I’m a pirate, what else would they think." He looks at you, and you feel disgusted at yourself. It is the second time in a week that you have made his eyes look so sad. He walks away, but filled with guilt you run after him, grabbing his shoulder and turning around, enveloping him in a big hug. Stuck for what to do next you stay there, feeling his body so close to yours again. It seems so natural, so warm and comforting. He places his arms around your shoulders and you lose yourself in the warmth of the embrace. Pulling away you feel your cheeks go crimson as you see him gazing at your face with a smile, no longer his cheeky grin but a warm inviting smile. You feel as though he may be feeling affection for you, not just sexual desire. "I really am sorry Jack," you say mustering as much deep felt sincerity as possible. He just nods and carries on smiling. "Like I said, I can lend you some money if ye like, it’s not much but it should be enough for you to live on. Failing that you can sell your home and come live with me!" You laugh at his last remark but when you look at his face you can see that he is not laughing himself, in fact, he seems quite serious. "Oh! No I couldn’t Jack, it wouldn’t be right," you say, practically lost for words. "And why not?" "I... I just think that I would be in your way, you quite obviously have enough room for yourself and the crew, but wouldn’t have enough to have me going about as well. Anyway, you don’t stay in Port Royale for long, and Port Royale, is, well... it's my home." "Ok, well come by tonight and I shall loan you some money." "Really Jack, you don’t have to, I can survive as it is..." "Look, just see it as a favour. You saved my neck a couple of times, so I can help you out, you don’t owe me anything." You nod and give him another hug in appreciation. "Tonight then, what time?" you ask. "Err... 6 o’clock." You nod giving him a final squeeze which he seems somewhat embarrassed at, and you let him go, wandering off down the street, god only knows where to. Smiling to yourself you head back home. You’re to be in Jack's company again in a few hours, and you can’t help but feel excited. |