Free to Fly: A Memoir
Together at Last
As I look across the water, I can not believe how close we are to Tortuga. All we have to do is find a boat to bring us across the bay and we will be one step closer to Jack. There are so many people around I am unsure of who to ask, I would row myself, however I do not believe I have the strength to paddle all the way to the other island.
Coming a cross a man on the dock "Excuse me, Sir." Elizabeth said as she gently taped him on the shoulder. Spinning around, "Yes?" "Can you please bring use to Tortuga?" Elizabeth asked. Looking at Liam and then at Elizabeth the man, "Yes, but it will cost you." "How much?" "One shilling," the man replied. "One shilling? Just to go a cross the bay?" Elizabeth questioned. "It's a lot of rowing Miss I need something to build my strength back up, so I am able to get back. How will I pay?" "Alright" Elizabeth said as she pulled out a shilling from one of the bags. "Thank you, now right this way." The man said as he showed Elizabeth and Liam to the long boat they would be taking to Tortuga.
Even though it cost a shilling I am glad that we are finally on our way to Tortuga. I know at least we have a better chance of finding Jack there, than in Port-De-Paix.
"Mother, where are we going now?" Liam questioned as they approached the neighboring island. "Tortuga." "What are we going to do there?" "We are going to look for a pirate." "A pirate?" Liam asked with excitement while trying to stand to get a better look at the town. "Yes a pirate. Now sit down, you don't want to rock the boat."
I am relieved when we finally reach the docks of Tortuga. It is as I remember people everywhere, a safe haven for pirates. We can a last begin our search for Jack. While we walk down the dock I try to think of where we should start our hunt. Looking around I spot a pub, no better place to start, than a place that serves rum.
"Excuse me Miss. Have you seen Captain Jack Sparrow in here recently?" Elizabeth asked the barkeeper. "Jack Sparrow, no haven't seen him in months…Why, are those his?" The barkeeper asked looking at Liam than back at Elizabeth. Elizabeth just stared at her, "Any way I haven't seen him." The barkeeper said. "May I have two waters?" "Here you go." "Thank you." Elizabeth said as she retrieved the waters from the lady. With Liam by here side Elizabeth made her way over to a table in the corner.
Seeing that the sun had set made me feel even more tired than I already am. Liam has already fallen asleep so I lie him down on the bench trying not to wake him. Looking around I do not know how he can sleep with all this commotion. My feet are so tired; I guess we will just stay here for the night. I try to rest my head back and close my eye, but thoughts of Jack try to keep me awake. What if we can never find Jack? What will we do?
I tried to go on like I never knew him,
I was awake but my world was half asleep,
Without him all I am, is incomplete.
"Elizabeth, Elizabeth," 'That voice." Elizabeth thought as she slowly woke from her deep sleep. Gradually opening her eyes she saw a familiar face leaning over her. "JACK?" she shouted with delight. "Oh, Jack I thought I would never find you." Sitting down diagonal from her Jack, "What brings you here?" "Weren't you listening? I have been looking for you."
"Mother, who is that?" Liam questioned as he awoke. "That is Captain Jack Sparrow." "Is he the one from my stories?" Liam asked as he stared with amazement. "Yes he is." "Wow." Changing her attention from Liam back to Jack, Elizabeth, "Jack, I would like to introduce you to someone. This is Liam." Looking down at Liam than back at Jack. "Cute lad," Jack responded. "He is your son Jack." "My what?" Jack questioned with a confused expression on his face. "Your son." "Are you sure? Cause, I mean you and Will are married and I'm not the type of person that would have a kid. The lad doesn't even look like me." "Calm down Jack." Elizabeth shouted while standing. "You're…your pregnant too." He said with a shocked look on his face. "Where's Will? That ones his right?" Jack asked. "He's not here and no this baby isn't Will's?" Elizabeth said looking at Jack. "Mine?" Jack questioned while pointing at himself. Elizabeth just nodded her head. "I need some rum." Was all Jack said, "Rum, now?" "I do my best thinkin when I'm drinkin, love."
Several minutes later Jack returned less sober than he was when he left. It is as if in the period of time that he was gone, he had accepted the fact that he was a father and that he could not change it. I was surprise that he had not asked questions about Will or why I left him.
After he had returned from thinking, Jack brought use onto the Pearl; it is just how I remember. As we settled into his cabin, Liam quickly got comfortable in the bed and was asleep five minutes after we arrived. These past days have been hard on him; I will try to explain everything to him in the morning.
Walking up to the deck Elizabeth greeted Jack from behind. "Hello Jack," Turning around to face her Jack, "Are you sure their mine?" he asked one more time. "I'm positive." Elizabeth answered looking Jack in the eyes.
Hearing that answer Jack softly embraced Elizabeth, bringing himself close to her. As soon as he felt her stomach press against him, he gently brought his hand to her abdomen feeling the baby move around inside.
Looking up at Elizabeth with a smile on his face,
"'Tis a pirate."
