Disclaimer: I do not own any of Disney's ideas and whatnot. On with chapter two!
Holding up her skirts, she slowly made her way down the spiraling stairs in fear of falling head over heels. June's clumsiness seemed to reoccur at the most inopportune of moments, and now was not the time to make a fool of herself.
Looking down, she saw Kade Norrington waiting for her at the end of the stairs, beaming as he took in her appearance. She returned his grin, and a sense of comfort washed over her.
His dark brown hair was hidden underneath a powdered white wig. His blue eyes were inviting, and he was dressed in frills and gold buttons. Kade was certainly handsome in his attire, but she always preferred the simple working man's clothing and sweat he wore after a hard day working as the town's most respected shipwright.
He offered her his arm as she reached the bottom of the stairs, and she leaned in, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss.
"I thought you were going to grow 10 years older just waiting for me to get down here," she joked, taking his arm and beginning to walk in step with him, her shoes slightly clacking against the cream-colored marble.
"It is a wait I would have gladly accepted if it meant I got to observe you in this dress," he replied, his tone teasing.
"Really, Kade. This flattery will get you nowhere."
"I'm not trying to quickly get anywhere, darling. It is your advances that I have to keep declining," he pointed out, stopping at closed double doors.
"Soon, though, you'll give in. After you make me a virtuous woman, isn't that right?" she taunted, squeezing his arm before letting go.
The amused smile that he possessed moments ago left his face. "Try to behave tonight, June. These people are here to celebrate with you." And he stepped inside, leaving her there to wait for her awkward introduction.
"Celebrate, my arse," June said under her breath. "Stone me to death, is more like it."
Once she heard her name, she walked through the door with her hands clasped behind her back, smiling cordially. Her teeth were clenched together, and her feet were screaming, For the love of God, run away! Run! Away!
About 100 men and women filled the modest ballroom. The doors leading out to the garden were open, letting in the cool night Caribbean breeze. Tables were covered with exotic fruits, fresh fish, cooked lamb and cheesecakes. Bottles of wine were waiting to be opened. A string quintet sat in a corner of the room, bows at the ready.
Wigged gentlemen and rouged ladies stared at her expectantly, their smiles not reaching their eyes. They lightly clapped while staring at her, expecting her to make the first move.
"This is…this is just wonderful," June announced, trying to sound as gracious as possible. "Thank you all. I want you all to enjoy yourselves tonight at my expense."
Everyone looked a little confused by the bite in her last statement. Good. Let them be, June thought. She was sure Kade was holding back a glare at the moment, but that didn't phase her one bit.
The chatter picked up again, and the quintet began a lively waltz. June decided that was her cue to do her own thing. Spinning around, she smacked into something solid.
"Opppf," she exhaled, clutching the person's waist. Looking up, she gazed into the familiar face of James Norrington.
"Oh dear. I've marked you," June said with a wince, her finger touching his lip-smudged cravat.
"I'm sure you've been planning this since you walked through the door," James retorted, eyeing her playfully. "And I have already begun plotting my revenge."
"Don't you dare, James," June sniffed. "I have to maintain some inkling of good behavior tonight. Don't tempt me."
"Let me guess…my brother's orders?"
June nodded, sighing. "Who else?"
James chuckled. "It's probably for the best, June. You've had an unnatural ability of making the most well-respected members of society detest you."
"And what do I care?" she asked with a scowl. "I have all the friends I need. Speaking of which…where's my favorite duo?"
A long velvet box was instantly thrust into her hands. Glancing up in surprise, she was met with the glowing appearance of Anastasia, who wore a forest-green dress that accented her loose blond hair. Tresses curled around her cheeks, framing her pretty face. An arm was wrapped around her waist, one that belonged to William Turner. He was looking as rugged as ever despite being land-ridden for months.
"Open your present," Ana exclaimed, giddy. "Will and I just finished it."
Throwing an arm around them both, she whispered, "I am so glad you're here, helping me fight off these wolves."
"Wolves?" Will laughed. "Perhaps this present will help you defend your honor."
James nodded at the young couple in greeting as June fought to open the box with the patience of a 7-year-old on Christmas.
When the box opened, her heart stopped. A silver blade gleamed in the lamplight, and the quillon and branch of the sword were composed of a darker grey. She ran a finger over the blue stone embedded in the tang.
"This is…" she paused, finding words. Moments from her past hit her in the face, some pleasant, others difficult to recall. "This is beautiful. Thank you both."
"Will was teaching me," Ana said excitedly. "We thought you'd like it."
June began, "This will…"
"This will go perfectly above her fireplace," Kade finished with a grin, taking the box from June's arms. "What an exceptional piece of work. Well done, Turner."
Anastasia held up a hand and said meekly, her voice trailing off, "I…helped…"
June practically whimpered as Kade closed the box, setting it on the table.
"Thank you, Kade," Will said, half-frowning. "We were expecting June to have more time to inspect it."
"Oh, well, she has lots of guests to attend to, as I'm sure you both understand," Kade said warmly, placing a hand on June's arm. She flinched.
"Yes. We understand," Anastasia said, somewhat coldly. "People to impress and all that." She walked promptly over to the wine table, and Will, looking apologetic, followed her.
Furious, June grabbed Kade's arm and hissed in his ear, "You're so worried about me being an embarrassment, my dear, and you're the one insulting my good friends."
"I feel no sympathy for the ones holding you back," Kade calmly replied, his voice low. "They constantly try to remind you of the life you once had."
Taking two wine glasses from a server passing by, he handed one to June and clinked the glasses. "Cheers, my darling. Here's to letting go of past mistakes." And he took a sip.
Reviews of reviews:
AnastasiaWalker: Thanks, dudette! I appreciate everything, especially your encouragement.
Lisa Marie: Don't you worry, Jack will show up in due time. And then that will REALLY complicate things!
Pirate Gyrl: Huzzah! It's so good to hear from you. Sorry for the lack of reviewing on my part lately, but I've definitely been keeping up-to-date with your stories. I have really enjoyed where "A Pirate Calling" is heading. So mysterious!
DuTchess of Doom: Angela! I have so missed your hugs from Holland. We may have to talk later about Devon perhaps showing up in later chapters! I would love to see her come back and give June a run for her money. I hope you're doing well!