Chapter 1
"Hurry up you two, we need to get back to Port Royal before dark," said a twenty-year-old James Norrington to the two fifteen-year-olds behind him. The sun was setting into the Caribbean Sea and it would soon disappear on the horizon. The last thing Norrington wanted was to make his or Amanda Anderson's reputation questionable by being caught outside together after dark.
"We have been walking for hours, James. Will and Elizabeth cannot help it if they are tired." Amanda adjusted her hat so it would block the rays of the setting sun.
Norrington had really wanted to talk to Amanda alone, but she had brought Will and Elizabeth along with her. As far as Norrington was concerned, his plans were quite ruined. Anything he did or said would be promptly reported back to Governor Swann. Norrington turned his attention back to the girl hanging on to his right arm.
Amanda Anderson was beautiful, long black hair and bright blue eyes. She was considered an accomplished lady and every young man in Port Royal wished for her hand in marriage. Norrington wanted that honor far more then anyone else, but he did not know how to tell her this.
"I'm going to inform my father that his Captain was linking arms with a lady not his own," announced Elizabeth Swann.
"You do that and I'll tell him about you and Turner sneaking off and missing for a grand total of five minutes," replied Norrington .
"We did not sneak off! You just stopped watching." a grin made it's way across young Will's face. "You were to busy staring at her!"
Norrington was about to turn and correct the bold boy, but Amanda pulled him along with her arm. "Will and Elizabeth will not say a word. If they do, I shall never help either of them with their homework again."
That put an end to the argument. The group was soon back at Port Royal. They dropped Will off at Mr. Brown's Blacksmith and took Elizabeth home.
"May I walk you home, Miss Anderson?" asked Norrington.
"You most certainty may not. I want to watch the sunset from the bell-tower at the fort. Besides, I have something to tell you, James."
Norrington was taken back. Wasn't he the one who had something to say?
Norrington and Amanda arrived at the bell-tower in time to watch the sun disappear into the Caribbean. Torches were lit along the fort walls to provide light for the Marines. Norrington thought the light made Amanda's face glow, he was unprepared for what she was about to tell him.
"My father and I are leaving Jamaica. We are going home to England. I really do not want to go, I don't want to leave you, James. My father said that there was only one condition that would allow me to stay and that is if you proposed to me."
Norrington stared into her eyes. He did not know what to say. How could he explain this to her?
"I know it seems sudden, but we are both the proper age. You just being promoted to the rank of Captain is excellent! I know you love me and I love you with my every breath! Why don't you just ask me, James?" Amanda was out of breath. What is wrong with this man? most men would beg to have me!
"Amanda, I'm not ready." Norrington looked out across the dark ocean, refusing to look into her pleading eyes.
"Not ready? Whatever do you mean? Do you not love me?" asked Amanda. Her hand whipped aside the tears that were falling down her cheeks.
"Amanda, I love you. I love you more then I love this very life. I'm just not ready. I want more then the rank of Captain. I want to become a Commodore or even an Admiral. In order to do that, I'm going to be at sea and fighting battles. I'm not going to ask you to go through that with me." Norrington took Amanda's hand and raised it to his lips.
"Well, then. I guess this is good-buy." Amanda yanked her hand away. "I hope you, your career, and your rank enjoy each other's company."
Norrington felt a tear slip down his cheek, he ignored it. "You will find a grad gentleman with a large title and a lot of land in England. I am not worthy of you, Amanda."
Amanda turned and ran, her heart was broken. Norrington was left standing alone by the bell-tower in the dark.