Free to Fly: A Memoir

A/N: I'm so pleased that people like this story; it encourages me to write more.

Port-De-Paix

While holding Liam's hand we make our way down the docks. A town well populated, people of all kinds everywhere, merchants, pirates, military men, walking beside one another, it is nothing like Port Royal.

As we walk through the crowed streets I feel my stomach begging for food. Spotting a fruit cart off in the distance Liam and I find our way towards it. The cart contains a variety of fruit ranging from apples to papayas.

"I would like two bananas and two apples please," Elizabeth said as she pointed to the fruit on the man's cart. Watching the man gather the fruit, Elizabeth opened one of the bags so she could set them in it. "Thank you misses," the merchant said after receiving her coins for the produce. Grasping Liam's hand, they set of once more, this time to locate an inn for the night. Coming across one that looked half way decent Elizabeth and Liam enter.

"Hello, how may I help you?" "One room for the night, please," answered Elizabeth. "Let me see what I have," The inn keeper said as she walked over to keys hanging on a wall. "Here you are Room 7, that will be two shillings," Handing the key to Elizabeth. Counting her coins than paying the woman Elizabeth asked, "Excuse me, is there a washbasin in the room?" "Yes." "Thank you," Elizabeth said as she turned to walk towards the stairs.

After making our way up the stairway to our room, I release Liam's hand letting him go to explore the area. As I unpack the fruit, peeling it first I hand a banana to Liam, taking an apple for myself. Watching the sun set through the window I wonder if Jack is watching it too.

"Mother why are we here?" Liam asked breaking the silence. "We are going on an adventure, now its time to get ready to sleep." She answered while removing Liam's shoes. "If it was an adventure wouldn't father have come? He likes going on ships too." "He had to work, now what is with all these questions all of a sudden?" Elizabeth said as she started to tickle her son. "Mo…Mother…ha…ha stop please!" he shouted. "Will you go to sleep?" Elizabeth said threatening to tickle him again. "Yes," "Alright, now into bed."

Sitting in bed, I think back and remember when it all began, when we started to grow apart. If I am correct it was right after we rescued Jack from his terrible fate.

Both Will and I were so happy to see that he was alive. That night I went to Jacks cabin to see if he was alright and try to apologize for what I had done. Before I went down I checked to see if anyone was following me, but I guess I did not look good enough. After I reached Jacks cabin we got to talking.

"Jack are you sure you're alright?" "I'm alive aren't I," He replied with a smile. While looking at the floor Elizabeth, "I'm sorry." "No your not." "I am too," Elizabeth said looking up at Jack. "You don't need to apologize; you did what was right by you." Jack responded as he slowly moved closer to her. "But," yet she could not get her words out as she felt Jack's body press up against her own. As soon as she felt Jacks lips gently touch hers own, Elizabeth pulled away. "I can't do this," "The compass, love, isn't it what you want?" Removing the compass from her side, Elizabeth opened it revealing a spinning arrow. As it slowly came to a stop it pointed directly toward the pirate. Lifting her head this time Elizabeth presented Jack with a kiss. She could feel his arms slowly envelop around her bringing her into a tight embrace. Elizabeth now knew it was true, the compass was right, it was not just an infatuation that she had felt for Jack, it was much more. As they made love Elizabeth could not get over the sense of passion she felt as their bodies came together.

"Elizabeth you won't be leavin' me to sleep all alone tonight, will you?" Jack asked as he rolled over to lie next to her. "Yes I will," Elizabeth answered as she got up to dress. "You know love, when I said a dress or nothin, I meant it." Jack said with a smirk on his face. "Well Mr. Sparrow I am sorry to disappoint you, these are the only clothes I have and it is not a dress," Elizabeth responded as she exited the room.

"Will!" She said with surprise. "Elizabeth, how is Jack?" "He's well, you know how he is, he would not say if he was in pain. Yet by the looks of it he isn't." "That good." Was all Will had said. As he started to walk away Elizabeth, "Are you hungry? I will get you something if you are." "Are you going to eat too?" Will questioned. "Yes," "Alright," As they walked to get food neither one said a word. After retrieving the food and heading up to the deck to sit and eat, Will, "Are you ready to go back to Port Royal?" "Yes I am, and you?" "Yes I'm ready. Do you still want to get married?" By the look on Will's face and the tone of his voice Elizabeth could tell Will knew something had happened between her and Jack. Yet, she guessed that he did not know the extent of it all.

As they reached Port Royal Elizabeth knew her departure with Jack would be hard, nevertheless she had to try and accept the fact that she had a stable life waiting for her with Will. After saying their goodbyes Will and Elizabeth made their way to the shores of Port Royal to start a new chapter in their lives.

As I watched the Pearl disappearing into the distance I remember Will telling me that we probably would not see Jack for some time. It made me think of Jack's promise and if he was going to keep it. Two weeks after our arrival we were wed, it was a beautiful wedding and this time it was not interrupted. We moved into a house of our own and tried to spend as much time with each other as possible. Nevertheless, when I took my walks to the shore I think Will had the feeling that I was being distant. Those were not my intentions; however my emotions for Jack were still stirring inside. Like I said before when I gave birth to Liam Will was delighted, yet as Liam grew, we grew farther apart. It is not as if Will fully disregard Liam, he cares for him dearly; I feel the reason is because the father of my child is his best friend. The way I feel for Will is not the same anymore, I still care for him, however it is more like friendship and less like love. I know I probably could have stayed and tried to work things out but it is to late now. Nevertheless, I do feel this is for the better of us all.

Looking at Liam fast asleep, he argues with me about going to bed, and then he is out like a light. I should be getting some rest myself.

The following morning as we walk back to the docks I watch Liam as he frequently stares at passing by strangers.

"Mother, are those real pirates like the ones in my stories?" Liam asks with excitement. "Yes just like the ones in your stories," Elizabeth answers while holding Liam's shirt so he can not wander away. "Look at the water darling it is so beautiful." Elizabeth said as they approached the harbor. Yet Liam was not paying attention he was still watching the pirates. As his attention changed from the pirates to the water Liam saw something in the distance.

"Mother look," Liam shouted as he pointed towards the water. Turning to her right, looking across the bay Elizabeth could see another port on a far island. At first glance, it just seemed like any other town. But as she took a better look it was as clear as day, it was none other than,

"Tortuga."

A/N: Verty Kindle- You are right in the first chapter I do not put much detail in. Yet chapter one is more like a prologue introducing you to the story. It could have had more detail but I chose not to, though I plan on putting in more detail as I write. In addition thank you for your thoughts on Will; I will try to explain that in a future chapter.