Authors Note: Hello everyone! I was so happy to hear that my old story, Things Change With Time, had such wonderful reviews. Although, due to my need for perfection, I have decided to rewrite the entire story. I have changed a few things, more specifically the beginning, to suit my standards. I hope you enjoy it!

I sadly do not own any of the original Pirates of the Caribbean characters.

I apologize in advance for any spelling or grammatical errors I may have missed.

Things Change With Time

Chapter One.

Love Lost.

Prologue. 15 years ago.

"Oh Jack, she's so beautiful. I can't believe she's all yours!" Gabrielle London squealed as a stunning ship with white sails floated into the harbor. The late evening sun was shining, the ocean was rustling with the sound of the wind, and the beautiful Caribbean sky was dotted with white, puffy, clouds. As Gabrielle looked around her, her eyes noticed that the scene was almost like a painting, and there were two lovers painted in the middle.

But, a deep pain was inside of Gabrielle that couldn't be diminished. She tried to hide her sadness with enthusiasm, but she couldn't help but think that Jack could read right through her blue eyes. "It's the making of your very own fleet!" she said, trying to mask her grief.

"Aye luv, she's beautiful isn't she? Almost as beautiful as you," Jack replied, giving her a toothy grin and a kiss on the lips. For the first time in his young life, he was in love. From the second he laid his eyes upon her, he knew it was fate that brought them together on that awful day. As he pulled away,he saw that her once lively and passionate eyes were filled with sorrow.

"I'm sure you'll find happiness on your ship Jack, because surely it isn't here with me," Gabrielle sniffed as she turned away from Jack. She was shocked when she heard herself speak. Tears started to spill from her eyes as her plight to be strong failed.

"I beg your pardon Miss London?" Jack said, bewildered at her statement.

"Obviously you would rather spend the rest of your life on a ship than here with me," She said, turning and walking away from him. The fierce breeze blew onto her face, but that didn't seem to faze her, since nothing hurt as much as learning that the man you loved cared more about a ship than you.

"How could you say that? I love you Gabrielle!" he yelled, as he tried to catch up with her. He grabbed her shoulder and harshly turned her around to face him. "I do not want to leave,"

"Yet you are. Next time, don't tell me you love me just because you want me in bed," she yelled as tears started to pour once more. Jack raised his hand and tried to wipe the tears from her face, but she swatted it away, like a worthless fly. "Good night Captain Jack Sparrow," she said through her gritted teeth.

"Gabrielle! Please understand!"

"I'm trying to!" she cried, pain going through her body every time she looked at Jacks face. "I just can't help to think that in some devilish way…" she whispered, trying not to sob. "Piracy will eat you alive. You'll raid, pillage and plunder and forget everything you have here…with me."

"I will never engage in piracy! My life is here, with you," he said, whispering in her ear and then kissing her forehead. "I will come back. And when I do, we will get married, have children, live our lives in solitude and dignity,"

"Your father was a pirate. You have the blood of a pirate in you. What makes you think that you won't become one?" Gabrielle said in a murmur. She leaned in close, almost as if she would kiss him, but she backed away slightly instead.

Jack saw the oceans reflection glisten in her eyes, he knew he had to leave…if not, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

"Aye, I have pirates blood. But I love you. Your kind heart and love will be forever in me. Savvy?"

"You even started to speak like one," She sobbed, feeling traumatized. She held her hand over her mouth, and began gasping for air. Falling to hear knees, she began coughing, and choked on her own tears. Quickly, Jack grabbed her waist and held her tightly as they sat on edge of the dock.

Jack held Gabrielle's chin up to his face. A faint smile broke out across Gabrielle's face as Jack whispered in her ear once more, "I will always love you."

They stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity. The passion that they shared didn't subside, but grew instead. Finally, as he let her go, he reached for something in his pocket.

"I bought you this," Jack said pulling out a diamond necklace that shined in the moonlight.

"Oh Jack! It's gorgeous!" she said, dazed at how beautifully the diamond reflected the ocean and moonlight. As she held the necklace in her hand, a wave of emotions swept through her as she reminisced about Jack and how much she would miss him.

"I hope you'll always remember me, because I will remember you. You gave me love in a lifetime of misfortune," he said, putting the necklace around her long, soft neck. He held her in his arms while they both swayed lightly with the flow of the wind, dreading the moment they would have to let go.

"I will. You never forget your first and true love," she whispered with a gleam of happiness across her face. As they kissed in the moonlight, they had no idea that promises were meant to be broken.

Chapter one

15 years later

(A:N: the rest of the story will now mainly be in First Person format, in Gabrielle's point-of-view)

"You look absolutely stunning Miss London! A beautiful bride if I shall say so myself!" my maid said cheerfully as she twirled my golden brown hair.

"Aye," I said, tiredly. I saw a curious, yet confused look on my maid, Penelope's, face as I said that word. Suddenly, the thought of Jack entered my mind. The truth was, I could never get over him. I thought that with every passing year, the feeling of pain and angst would have slowly subsided, but it was the complete opposite.

I've heard so many stories of the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. How he escaped from a tiny spit of land. How he escaped Barbossa's evil wrath, and many other stories I dare not think of. This didn't sound like the man I fell in love with 15 year ago. Ever since the day he left me, I couldn't eat; I couldn't think…I wasn't the same person I once was. I would watch the sun set every night hoping to see a beautiful ship with white sails appear on the horizon, and each morning I wanted to walk into the sea and drown.

After my maid told me these horrible stories about the man I loved, I decided to pack up my life and move to the one place where I knew I would see him again, Port Royal, where I could find out if these stories were true. Although, with the death of my father, the trip had drained the life out of me even more, and I never thought I could feel happy and joyful as I once was, let alone love another man.

But, when I met Elliot Grant, it was almost like the world had stopped turning. He was the man that women dreamed of. Loving, compassionate, funny, smart, and he was undeniably handsome. Whenever he talked, it was as if you were in a dream and couldn't be angry. His eyes put you in a trance that made you forget all of the horrible things that happened in the past, and feel like you were still beautiful and loved. Unfortunately, I fell into his trap, and couldn't set myself free.

"You and Mr. Grant are going to make a lovely couple," Penelope said. Though, as she said this, I smiled an uncertain smile.

"I need to take a walk," I said with an exasperated sigh. Slowly, walking towards the door, I heard a loud knock.

"Is it alright for me to come in?" My eyes grew wide; I could recognize the deep voice of my fiancé, Elliot Grant, anywhere.

"You know it's bad luck to see a bride in her wedding dress!" I commented, not knowing if I were joking, or truly serious. I heard him laugh from the other side of the door. I guess he thought I was joking.

"Oh, that's an old wives tale! Now come out and let me look at my beautiful Gabby," he said opening the door and I saw a grin form across his face when he saw me. "You look amazing! I still cant believe the most beautiful woman in all Port Royal will be my bride in just two weeks," he said, sweeping me off my feet, literally, holding me in his strong, muscular arms. I couldn't help but smile.

"And where did you get that gem that hangs from your neck? It's stunning!" he yelled as he fingered the diamond jewel.

"A friend…from long ago," I said rather uncomfortably, hoping for no more interrogation. This was the first day I had worn it in front of Elliot, and even though I didn't want him to see it, I felt Jacks heart in me when I had it on my neck, and that was the one thing getting me through this day.

"I see. Well, I'm going to leave and go do my duties. But I will see you later Gabrielle, to go over the wedding plans, we'll talk when I get home," he said giving me a kiss on the cheek. Sure this man wasn't exactly the love of my life, for he left me and never came back, but I loved Elliot in a way that I could never explain. He was strong willed man who had always cared about me, and I found that very attractive.

I looked out my balcony and fingered the hand carved stone barriers. The exquisite stone reminded me of Jack. I saw beautiful craftsmanship, amazing, and lifelike carvings, but, when I looked closer, I saw cracks and broken bits. Suddenly, I realized that every work of art has its flaws.

My mind started to wander, and with each passing day, I found myself thinking more and more about Jack. I wondered if anything had changed at all. If his eyes still had the look of strength and power, and if his lips still had the ability to draw me near. I also wondered if he would still think of me as beautiful, because if the stories I'd heard about pirates were true, they found almost any woman attractive, and I didn't want to be looked at in that particular way. I cringed at the thought, and tried to focus on something else, but I couldn't.

I had also heard about Mr. William Turner, the young man who worked in the blacksmith shop across town. I had passed by there a few times, but never went in. Suddenly, I felt an urge to go and meet him; I needed to know about Jack. Even though fear, trepidation, and apprehension has overcome me the past years, I knew that I had to talk to Mr. Turner.

A million thoughts swirled in my head as I walked down the road that lead to Mr. Turners shop. I felt scared, yet at ease, petrified, yet anxious. Although, even with all of these emotions, I knew that it was the one thing I had to do.

I finally reached my destination, but as I stood in front of the door, I paused. A wave of emotion came over me like a tidal wave, and I staggered back. Did I really want to know about Jack? The man who left me so many years ago? I took a deep breath, and pushed the heavy wooden door open.

As I walked into the shop, I was shocked at the amount of swords already made. The number was vast, and almost every hook in the giant room held a sword. As my eyes wandered, I noticed something glittering in the distance. My body seemed attracted to this object, and I tried to turn away, but I couldn't. As I got closer, I saw that it was a sword. Though unfinished, it had a beauty to it that couldn't be denied. I picked it up and held it in my hand. I was shocked at how balanced the sword felt, and it was light, almost like a feather.

I held the glimmering sword over my head, pretending that I was in a duel. Although, I had never fought with anyone in my life, I was quite sure I wouldn't be too bad at it, even though I probably looked like a fool. Slowly, I started swinging to the left, and to the right, feeling proud of myself for not accidentally cutting myself.

As I swung the sword to my right, I heard the chilling sound of metal hitting metal. I screamed and felt a chilling cold sweep through my body. Quickly, I turned around, and saw the faint outline of a man in front of me. But, as he came closer, I noticed that he was one of the most beautiful men I have laid my eyes upon. His bright eyes radiated with kindness, and his face was illuminated in the light of the roaring fire close by.

"I'm so sorry mister…" I stuttered confusingly. I wondered if this was the famous Will Turner I heard about, and I prayed that he was as sweet as he looked.

"Turner. Just call me Will. You're quite good with a blade," he said with a slight laugh. "what is it you're here for miss…?" he questioned.

"Miss…Grant." I said, and I felt a giant slap on the face. I loved Elliot, and nothing stood in the way of me marrying him, but saying that name aloud made me cringe. "Gabrielle Grant actually. I'm not as good as you think; it's my first time even touching a sword. But, when I was younger, I would glance out my window and watch military marches," I said with a deep breath while I stood reminiscing. "But, that was a long time ago."

"Really? I would expect a woman of your grace and poise to have attended many military ceremonies," Will said, putting a newly made sword onto a hook. I felt the apples of my cheeks grow red as he looked into my eyes.

"Well, I have attended them," I said, feeling embarrassed at my horrid memory. "But, as I said, that was quite a long time ago. I haven't done many of the things I used to do," I said, taking a walk around the shop once more. I felt his eyes follow me around the room, as if trying to pinpoint where he has seen me from, but I just shook my head at the thought.

"Surely you have a husband?" he asked with a great concern in his voice.

I looked back at him, shocked that he would ask such a bold question when we've barely even met. "I got engaged a few months ago, but the reason I haven't married was because I couldn't face the reality of marriage. I wasn't sure if the choice I made would be the right one." I glanced over at Will and looked into his deep eyes, I was scared that I was starting to scare him with my outpour feelings so I just decided to change the subject of conversation. "The reason I'm here is that I would like a sword, I want you to make me one, a beautiful one,"

He ran his hands through his hair, and bit his lip, appearing to have a million thoughts running in and out of his head. Even though I felt a bit scared, I didn't take my eyes off him.

"Gabrielle? Have I ever met you before? Your name sounds familiar," he asked looking up from the ground, his eyes looking more distressed than before.

"Maybe someone has mentioned my name once or twice. But I'm sure that you are mistaken," I said breathing a deep sigh of relief. He didn't look too pleased with my answer.

"Yes, that's probably right. But, you wouldn't know a Gab…" he said trailing off realizing he was asking more and more useless questions. "Nevermind."

"Go on…" I said leaning in, wanting to hear more.

"Gabrielle London? Do you know of a woman named Gabrielle London?" he asked rather fiercely. I felt him grip my shoulders, and give me a bit of a shake. Though I knew he was only doing it out of desire, this startled me.

"I'm so sorry Will, I have no idea about who you're talking about." I said with a sympathetic smile. I felt so horrible at what I just said, because the look on his face said he really wanted to know about her…me.

"I shouldn't have asked," he said with a deep sigh and grabbed the sword I was holding earlier. I glanced at his knuckles, and the icy white color engulfed them since he was gripping so hard.

"If you don't mind me asking," I said quietly, walking towards him. "Why are you so obsessed with this woman?" I closed my eyes tightly, knowing obsessed was definitely the wrong word. "fixated," I said, correcting myself.

"It's just…my friend, was in love with this woman, Gabrielle, and he never got to say goodbye to her," Will said solemnly, with a rising passion in his voice. "He loved her so much. He said she had the most beautiful light brown hair with striking blue eyes. And she had the rosiest cheeks. The way he described her you would think she was a princess," he laughed, getting more comfortable and at ease.

"That sounds so romantic," I said with tears in my eyes. I clenched my jaw, hoping not to let out a sob. I never thought that this feeling that now existed in my heart was possible, the feeling of hope. I knew Jack still cared about me, and maybe even loved me the way he did when we first met, and that was all I wanted.

A faint smile appeared on Wills face, I smiled back at him. In my heart, I had a feeling he knew who I was, and oddly, I didn't mind. The fact that Jack was still thinking of me was the greatest sensation I have ever felt.

"Well, I think I should get going," I whispered.

"Wait!" He yelled as I opened the heavy wooden door. I quickly turned around, and saw a puzzled look on Will's face. "Why were you here?"

"I…" I thought about my answer, and truth was, I never really wanted a sword, but I didn't know what else to say. "Just wanted to admire your work," I said with a bright smile and walked out of the shop, not giving him a chance to reply.

But, as I walked lazily back to my home, there was still one thing that made me question what Will said about Jack…why did he 'never get a chance to say goodbye?'

When the door to Wills shop closed, he started to pace back and forth, his mind going a mile a minute. He thought about the sight that was in front of him only a minute ago, how this woman…Gabrielle Grant, looked exactly like the woman Jack described. Her hair was a beautiful golden tone, and her piercing blue eyes really did look like the ocean. Although, many of the woman who lived in Port Royal looked like this, the one thing that made him wonder was the diamond that hung on her neck.

Will soon realized that he was being delusional, but, in some odd way, he didn't think he was wrong. With an exasperated sigh, Will darted out of the shop and ran to Elizabeth Swanns home, the home of the only woman he had ever loved.

He knocked on the door loudly, nearly splitting the skin on his knuckles open. He gritted his teeth loudly and anxiously awaited the motionless door in front of him to swing open. After a few moments, Joseph Lee, the Governors assistant, answered the door.

"Hello Mister Turner," He said with his typical monotonous voice.

"Hello Mister Lee, I was wondering if I could speak to Elizabeth?" Will said, drawing a large breath to his chapped lips. Joseph looked at him oddly, as if trying to figure out if it was exhaustion, or complete madness that was smeared on Will's face. But, with a shrug, he let Will through the door.

"Take a seat, mister Turner, I will bring Elizabeth down shortly," he said, turning on his heel, clearly annoyed that he was given orders by a blacksmith rather than Governor Swann. But, Will just casually sat down on the luxurious sofa that was sitting in front of the fireplace and tried to restore his breath.

After a few moments, Will heard the pleasant, cheerful voice that could only belong to nobody other than Elizabeth.

"Will!" she exclaimed with a grin on her face. "What brings you here?"

With a deep breath, he began retelling the story of the mysterious woman who walked into his shop, asking questions about Jack and how she strangely left the shop empty handed.

Elizabeth had a confused looked on her face, and suddenly interjected. "Will, why are you telling me this?"

"Because," he started once more, taking a long deep breath. "Remember the woman Jack was fretting about not too long ago? The one with the golden brown hair and - "

"Piercing ocean blue eyes that could look through your soul, yes I know," she interjected once more. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Elizabeth finally realized what Will was trying to tell her. "Will, are you saying that the woman who came into your shop was the woman Jack lost so many years ago?"

"I has to be. Her name was Gabrielle Grant, she matched his description perfectly…" He said, trailing off. "She had the jewel hanging from her neck."

Wide eyed, Elizabeth stared at Will as if he was one of those crazy men who wandered the streets late at night, screaming obscenities at anyone near.

"You don't believe me, do you?" Will muttered, heaving a sigh and looking away.

Reaching over and holding his hand in hers, she said "It's not that I don't believe you Will, but…" she stopped to take a breath. "She's dead."

Well, I hope that this chapter was well enjoyed and liked by anyone who happened to read it. Thank you for taking the time, and please review! I shall have the next chapter up as soon as I can. Of course, the more people who review, the sooner i'll update! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, complaints, issues, and any synonyms corresponding to those words, please either post it in your review, or e-mail me.

Sincerely, Sylvia, the one and only.