Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better
by: Caitlin Cramblet
Charity struggled lightly against the chains that bound her arms in front of her, only causing the guard who pushed her towards the cell to constrict her tighter. She subsided, then turned around to face him. "Christopher is it?" She made her voice syrupy and coy.
"Yes." The young guard backed away uncomfortably as she leaned forward towards him, working her hands at his waist. She couldn't believe she was doing this, but he was young, naive even, it was her only hope.
"Well, Chris, if I may, has anyone ever told you that you're quite handsome?" She was slowly, carefully, working his keys off the belt. The guard said nothing. but only continued to walk her to her cell, just after she slipped the keys into her shirt. Charity saw the form of a man standing in the cell Chris led her to. Chris opened the cell and shoved her inside. The man in the shadows stood straight and gestured towards Charity.
"You're leaving me with this?" He whined.
"Do what you please with her Jack." Chris huffed and clanked the door shut, he hurridly ran up the steps. As soon as Charity was sure he was out of earshot she turned to the other prisoner. He finally stepped out of the shadows to reveal a long-haired, bearded man of medium build. His skin was tan and his hair was knotted and beaded. She noticed his clothing and a three cornered hat. He caught her staring and smiled, the sunlight coming through what they called a window glinted on his gold teeth. She was sure he was a pirate, for pirates can tell their own kind.
Out of nowhere came the man's gruff voice broke the silence. "What are ye in for bonny?" He meant what he'd said, she was very beautiful. Tall, with beiged skin and rosy cheeks. Her curly brown hair met the bottom of her shoulder blades, she definitely wasn't a wench, for, she wore no make-up, not to mention she was wearing pants and a white button-up shirt. She was slim and her corseted waist was mostly natural. When she heard him say this she looked up to show dark brown eyes and full pink lips.
"What do you care?" She huffed and turned, leaning her face against the bars. "You're just a pirate." She muttered.
"Just a pirate my dear? Well, you must be mistaken, for I am the infamous, Captain Jack Sparrow." "The Captain Jack Sparrow?" She thought to herself. She'd heard many stories, having admired him for years, she turned around in apology.
"It's a pleasure Captain." She held out her hand in a manly fashion. Unsure of what she implied he hesitated to shake, but soon caught her drift, grasping it firmly. "I am Captain Charity Roberts, the most feared woman on the sea." She gave her own introduction. Jack shrank back in wonder.
"She's supposed to be ugly!" He laughed.
"Well excuse me." Charity held back her own. She suddenly remembered the keys and without thinking began to unbutton her shirt in search of them.
"Whoa love, I'm used to women throwing themselves at me, but you're a Captain!" He shielded his eyes in jest.
"Get over yerself." She rolled her eyes and closed her shirt. Dangling the keys in front of him. "Shall we get out of here?" Her eyes winded mischievously.
"How'd you get those?" He smiled big, she amazed him already, he knew he'd have to watch out for her.
"Let's just say I gave ol' Christopher a taste of reason." She gave her coy smile again and proceeded to fiddle with the lock. With a click the door opened and they hurried out. They both knew their way around so they easily managed to get to the back port without much conversation. Luckily they were under the cover of night.
"Which one?" Jack asked, inspecting the many boats.
"That one." Charity pointed quickly, but before he could make out which one she took off running to it. They climbed aboard a small white sailed ship. Charity quickly intercepted the wheel.
"I'll be Captain." Jack smiled, easing her away. Charity stamped her foot and again tried to take hold.
"I got us out of there! I should be captain!"
"Who's older?" Jack questioned.
"You are." Charity huffed, holding her hands up in resignation.
"That's right, so you go... man the crow's nest!" He said officially.
"Aye, aye Captain!" Charity saluted playfully and struggled up the ropes.
"There's a ladder you know." Jack suggested, as he watched her comic fight up the ropes.
"Uh, I like the ropes." Charity lied, wincing at the thought of climbing down the ropes in defeat. "Head to Tortuga!" She shouted as they anchored off the pier. Charity grew tired on the trip and woke up in the crow's nest curled into fetal position. She hopped down clumsily and met up with Jack as he anchored the ship. "Well it was nice to meet you Captain Sparrow." She reached out here hand, but immediately regretted implying they should part ways. Jack also looked surprised at this and strangely took her hand in his.
"Yes, the same to you Captain Roberts, but can I at least buy you a drink, in thanks?" Jack hurriedly suggested, he had to spend just a bit more time with her. He knew she had things inside her head like no one else he'd ever met. He wanted to hear everything she had to say.
"Of course. I'd like that." She nodded. He offered her his arm and they strolled onto the island.