Chapter Nine Emotion

– Part One

Jack had refused to confront Trinity again. When he wasn't locked away in his cabin (he hadn't let anyone in with him), he was at the wheel, ignoring everyone except to give out orders. This had given him a well deserved chance to think.

His pride had been hurt and he had never felt more vulnerable and insecure. What was worse was that he had done it to himself, and Trinity hadn't. He had to admit, her plan was ingenious but he couldn't risk it. There was just too many thing that could go wrong, too many unaccounted variables on her part.

But his hurt pride was coming from one of his own statements. I will not allow the woman I love to risk her life, these words would with him forever. Not only was the first time he had admitted it publicly, because no doubt the entire crew had heard about their little squabble, but it was the first time either of them has spoken a word about 'love' to each other. True, we were going to get married someday . . . and he had never felt closer to another person . . . but Jack had never been 'in love'. He was certain he was now.

–Part Two

He's avoiding me, Trinity thought to herself. She made a silent decision to give him space. More like time, she frowned. Trinity hated to frown. She hated showing any emotion other than joy. That was a secret weapon in her eyes. But certain people brought those emotions out of her whether she liked it or not. Fist it was Kydd, now it was Jack.

She knew he was vaguely aware of what he had said during their fight. She was the woman he loved.

Her.

Out of all the women in the world, he had chosen her. When those words left his mouth, Trinity's heart had skipped a beat. Either it was from joy and excitement, or she was having one hell of a panic attack. They were pirates, she kept reminding herself, pirates don't fall in love with each other. Or do they?

–Part Three

Kydd was in the galley preparing dinner for that night. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Trinity come through the threshold and slump into a chair. "What's wrong, Green Eyes?"

"You were there. You saw." she sighed, leaning forward. She cupped her hands and supported her cheek with them.

"Still not talkin' to ya then?" he put down his cleaver and sat next to her. Kydd put his arm around the back of Trinity's chair and nudged her to sit up. "You ever think maybe he's waitin' for you to make the next move?"

"Jack's not like that, and you know that, too." she sighed.

Both of them hadn't noticed Elisabeth walking in. "I think Kydd's right, you know."

"Thank you, miss." Kydd beamed.

Elisabeth nodded in reply and sat down adjacent to them. "I saw Jack this morning. He looked like he didn't know what to do. And he said he loved you. Maybe you should just say it back."

"But I'm not sure if I do love him. I wouldn't know how to tell."

"That's just it, you not supposed to know. I didn't know I was in love with Will until I had to marry someone else." Elisabeth put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Trinity wasn't comforted, however, she was mad. She turned from them, trying to hide the scorn on her face.

Why are they trying to consul me? I'm not the one with the problem. Jack is. And why should I tell him I love him? Even if I did, I shouldn't bring it up now! We're on a treasure hunt, for God's sake! Now is not the time to reveal my emotions. I haven't done it before. Why should I start now? Especially now. She was rambling to herself, repeating the same things in her mind over and over again. This wasn't helping, she was getting madder and madder. If he loves me so much, why won't he just talk to me already!

Trinity got up violently, brushing off Elisabeth's hand and Kydd's arm. She stormed out of the galley, with one thing on her mind. She was going to make the next move.