Turning Rebel

Lucy looked pale. "How did you know?"

Marana, as an 18-year-old almost-pirate, felt that she had enough strength and bravery to stand up to her mother. "Mother, when I went to get my suitcase from the sitting room yesterday, I heard you, Sasha, Caroline, and Julie talking about it. I couldn't help but overhear. I believe that I should have a say in who I marry. And I have already chosen. I refuse to marry Joseph Reece. I'd rather become a pirate and marry Jack Sparrow. I'm sorry Mother, but that's my final decision."

Marana felt satisfied that she'd finally done something rebellious. She left Lucy in her shock as she walked up to her room, smiling to herself on the way up. She shut her door and pulled a chair up to her window. She sat down and gazed out at the ocean. Marana was sick and tired of living like a proper little lady, being choked to death by corsets, and always being told what to do. She envied Jack and his endless freedom. She envied the fact that he did what he wanted and always managed to slip out of trouble. She wished she could be like him. Then Marana thought to herself, I could be like Jack. If I know that I want to spend my life with him, then I could just join him and become a pirate. Marana smiled to Jack. "I love you, Jack." she whispered. Marana walked over to her dresser and opened the bottom left drawer. She dug past all of the gowns and shawls and found what she was looking for: a torn and dirty white shirt and a pair of tarnished brown pants. She took off her dress and put on the more comfortable clothes.

She looked at herself in the mirror. She felt that she looked truly beautiful like this. Marana added another touch; she took the pins out of her hair and let it fall to her waist. The shirt's neckline almost reached the edge of her shoulders. She tied the little string that hung in the middle of the neckline. She took off her high-heeled shoes and put on a pair of sailor's boots. Now for the final touch: Marana's sword belt. It was worn brown leather with a sword and pistol sheath. But her sword was missing. Marana searched her room for it, looking everywhere.

"Looking for something?" Lucy stood in the doorway, holding Marana's sword and her pistol. She looked disapproving of her daughter. Marana shot her an icy stare. "Give me those, now." Lucy laughed. "Marana, I can't let you have weapons in this house. So I'm getting rid of them." Lucy began to walk away. Marana couldn't take it. She sprinted up to her mother and grabbed the weapons. She pointed the pistol at her, just to keep her under control.

"Marana Lark! Take that pistol away from me this instant!" But Marana didn't move. She felt so much braver inside the sailor's clothes. "Mother, don't underestimate me. I'm much more of a fighter than you may think I am."

It was almost four months later, and Marana was still feeling weird. It was three days before Jack would come get her. She washed her sailor's clothes and dried them. She was ready to leave. She wanted Jack. But that would have to wait for a few more days.

Marana thought constantly about the fact that she'd held a pistol at her mother. She felt that she was getting closer and closer to becoming a pirate. She knew it would mean that she could spend more time with Jack, and maybe marry him eventually.

Two more days…

Marana woke up; on the day she would leave, with a happy and refreshed feeling. She would see her beloved Jack again. She would embrace him, kiss him, and give him all her love.

The Black Pearl sailed into the harbor. The wind blew, and the air smelled of salt water. Marana stood on the edge of the docks, gazing out at the ship. She'd never thought it looked more beautiful. Jack stood up on the mast. He could see his girl, waving at him from the dock. He dropped anchor and slid down a rope. Standing only a few feet from each other, the two were speechless. Then Marana broke it. She reached out and hugged him as tight as she could. Jack kissed her face numerous times before he let go. "Jack, I was so anxious to see you!" she gave him a romantic kiss and hugged him again.

The two lovebirds, when they were happy and sailing off, began sparring. They loved sparring. Marana loved it because she never lost. Jack loved it because he could knock her over, and then he could grab her waist and 'help' her back up. Marana was beating him, as usual. Jack lunged at her, she blocked, but his sword slipped. She got slashed across her stomach. She started falling back, but Jack caught her. "I'm sorry, love, I'm so sorry." he muttered in her ear. Marana was crying into Jack's shoulder. She clutched her stomach, which wasn't bleeding much, but still hurt.

Jack carried her into his cabin and set her on his bed. He un-tucked her shirt and brushed it up a little. He winced at the sight of Marana's cut. As quickly as he could, he washed and bandaged it. Marana uttered softly, "Jack? Will I be okay?" Jack smiled at her. "Yes, love, you will be fine." She hugged him gently. "Jack, I'm not sparring with you anymore."