Hey every one. I hope you enjoy reading. R+R please! (This is my first story, so please don't be too harsh.) – Chicaga

RUN AWAY

Chapter 1

Jack Sparrow walked into the Faithful Bride. It was just as he remembered it, with one difference. Someone was sitting at his table in the back corner. He turned to the barkeeper.

"Who's that?" He nodded towards the table.

"Hello to you to Jack. I don't know who he is. Just came in and sat down. I tried to explain that was your table, but he didn't move." He set glass of rum on the bar in front of him.

"Hmm." He headed towards the table, dodging the groups of drunken people, and sat down. The boy jumped, startled at his appearance.

"Are…are you Captain Jack Sparrow?" the boy asked. Jack took a swig of rum.

"I am."

"I want to join your crew."

"Is that so." He looked the boy up and down. He was skinny, slightly tanned, and looked vaguely familiar. "How old are you…."

"James. James Stewart, sir. I'm fifteen."

"Ever been on a boat before James?"

"Once, a few years ago. But I'm a quick learner sir." Jack thought a minute, stroking his chin. They could always use another crew member, and they had a few empty hammocks.

"Report to the docks tomorrow at dawn. If you're late I won't hesitate to leave you behind, understood?"

"Yes sir!" the boy nodded eagerly. Jack stuck out his hand.

"Welcome to the crew." The boy shook it wildly.

"I won't let you down Cap'n." he said, running out of the tavern, leaving Jack rubbing his arm, sore from the handshake. He sat down and ordered another rum. I'm going to need it.

James was at the docks early the next morning, waiting excitedly. He had been waiting what seemed like a year before coming down. After the rest of the crew arrived, they set sail.

"What am I to do Captain?" the boy asked happily. Jack pointed to a bucket and mop in the corner, eyes focused on his compass. His smile disappeared. "Swab the decks?" Jack nodded. James headed to the bucket with a sigh. This was not what he expected when he signed up. He filled the bucket with water and got to work.

A few hours later he was finished. He had scrubbed every inch of deck, stairs and railing.

"You did a good job boy." James looked up to see an older man looking down at him.

He held out his hand.

"Joshamee Gibbs, first mate."

"James Stewart, deck swabber. Nice to meet you." He said, shaking his hand.

"Don't worry about the cleaning mate. That's how Jack starts everyone." His face brightened. So he wouldn't spend the rest his days on the ship mopping. "Come on. I'll show ya around." James picked up his bag and walked below deck, following behind Gibbs. They walked through the galley, where Mr. Gibbs introduced him to Roger, the cook. He was a rather large man, with graying brown hair and a kind face.

"Well hello there." He said, looking at James "who are you?" Gibbs answered for him.

"James Stewart. Just joined us this mornin'" he said, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Ah very good. Well, I must be gettin' back to makin' breakfast. See you around James."

The pair left and walked to the hammocks.

"This one will be yours." Gibbs said, motioning to a low hammock near the door.

"Thank you." He dropped his bag and pushed it underneath. They went through the cells and the holds, introducing James as they went. Soon the tour was over and they went back on deck. James was distracted by Jack as they walked, and bumped into someone.

"Watch where you're going kid!"

"I'm very sorry I-" He stared wide eyed at Ana Maria, surprised that there was a woman on board.

"You what?"

"I didn't mean to." She looked skeptically at the boy.

"Gibbs! Who is this kid?"

"My name is James Stewart. I'm new here." He stuck out his hand.

"Well stay out of my way." She walked away, leaving James standing there, with his hand still held out.

"Don't mind her mate. She's always like that." Ana Maria shot him a menacing look.

"Are there any other women on board?" Gibbs glanced down at him.

"No…why?"

"Just wondering." He shoved his hands in his pockets and walked off.

Soooooooo……. What'd ya think? R+R I'll only continue to post if I get some sort of response.