Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean

Chapter 13- Reflections

On a pirate ship, there are few places one can escape to when desiring quietness to contemplate a difficult matter. As it were, I knew the movements of the crew well, and when they retired to the galley late in the afternoon to briefly partake in a hand of cards and a refreshment of rum, I made for the newly acquired calm that enveloped the deck.

Jack and I seemed to have an unspoken agreement to avoid each other. It was either that, I considered, or the unusual and quite impossible chance that neither of us had run into the other aboard The Pearl since Jack's acknowledgement of my impending wedding. Mr Gibbs had taken control of the helm in the meantime and gave me a friendly smile when he spotted me silently crossing the quarterdeck to look out across the shimmering water.

Glancing down at the engagement ring, I slid it off my fourth finger. It was almost unfair, I thought dejectedly as I stared at the diamond, that I should feel so uneasy in regards to an engagement I had been more than happy to accept previously. That, of course, had been well before I had learnt the truth about Jack's night in Tortuga.

Despite this, I knew I should not allow it to interfere with my relationship with Edward. Surely I loved him if I had accepted his proposal? I took a deep breath. I did love him, didn't I? The truth, however, was much more complicated. When Edward had asked me to marry him, I couldn't have been more pleased and consented due to our shared affections for the other. Unfortunately, it was also as a means to escape the previous hurt bestowed on me by Jack. That hurt had since become obsolete.

"Doing some thinkin', lass?" I heard Mr Gibbs call down to me.

I looked up towards the helm and nodded.

"Ye know the best place for that?" he asked me with a warm smile before glancing up at something.

I followed his gaze, although I was certain I knew of what he referred to. When I found myself looking up at the Crow's Nest, a slight sparkle lit my eyes and I turned back to Mr Gibbs.

"You wouldn't tell?" I asked, despite knowing Mr Gibbs had always been a faithful friend to me.

He gave me another friendly, fatherly-like smile and said, "Not a word, lass."

I grinned back, almost forgetting my predicament when I began to climb the ropes. It just so happened I'd chosen a dress much less heavier and fuller than usual to wear this day and found scaling up to the Crow's Nest not all that difficult. With no-one below, the concern someone might see up my skirts was also unnecessary, which, I do believe, was a very good thing indeed.

Nonetheless, when I reached the pinnacle and glanced out towards the horizon, I gladly breathed in the salty air and the fresh wind on my face. At this height, one could describe the sensation akin to flying, or at best, it was the closest thing to such a dream. I wondered if I could leave this freedom I had rediscovered on the high seas. I had become attached to the idea of never having restraints placed upon my person and up here, staring out over the water, it seemed as though nothing could possibly bind me from what I wanted or what I could do.

It was during such moments of elevation, I completely understood why Jack loved his ship so much.

"Yer second only to The Pearl, love," he used to tell me with a cheeky smile that told me it was said in jest.

Though I didn't doubt for a second the pirate Captain would do anything to save his ship, or in that regard, do anything for me. Which is why, I knew, Jack had offered to take me on this voyage to Italy.

I closed my eyes briefly, attempting to rest my mind and just forget, for a short time, these thoughts constantly on my mind. On re-opening my eyes, I saw in the far distance what I thought to be the top of a building rising above the water's edge. A few minutes later and it was clear it was not my imagination. I could see the beginnings of a busy port where many a ships appeared to be docked.

I looked down from the Crow's Nest. "Land ahoy," I called down with a laugh, relishing the last time I may ever get the opportunity to do such a thing.

Although I did not hear him, I could see Mr Gibbs chuckling at the helm before he beckoned for me to come down. This, could be said, turned out to be a lot more difficult than going up. As my feet hit the ground, Jack emerged from below deck and gave me an odd look, clearly wondering if it had been my voice he had heard calling the sighting of land.

In any case, Jack seemed to dismiss the idea, but not before giving me one last peculiar glance, and then swaggered over to Mr Gibbs. I watched them converse briefly before deciding I should inform Edward that we were approaching land.

Entering our room, I paused in the doorway to look upon Edward lying feebly under the covers. My fiancé sensed my presence and opened his eyes, which he had been resting, to look at me.

"We're just arriving in port, honey," I told him, moving forward and kneeling down beside the bed.

Edward turned his head to me. "I've been thinking, Emily. Perhaps it's better if I stay here?"

I gave a slight frown, confused. "Why? I'm certain my mother would like to meet you."

Edward shook his head. "I'm still not well," he replied. "And your mother is very sick. It's best not to risk another illness on her."

Edward's pale face looked back at me and I nodded, understanding my mother's health was of prime importance. My fiancé would hopefully have another opportunity to meet with her.

Glancing down at the sheets, then again at me, Edward went on, "But someone should go with you," he said quietly. "Why don't you take Mr Sparrow?"

I stared, more than surprised he would suggest such a thing. "Jack wouldn't want to go," I returned, looking away.

"Have you asked him?"

"Well, no," I said, playing with the covers.

Edward gave me a small smile and I realised it had been quite some time since I had seen that expression of happiness upon his face. "I'm sure he won't refuse. Your mother liked him, remember?"

I laughed, recalling all too well how fond she was of him. In fact, my mother had liked the pirate Captain from the moment she met him. This was quite an accomplishment, considering how inappropriate and awkward their first meeting was.

The knock on my bedroom door was not entirely unexpected. I knew this time would come and yet I still found myself unprepared. My hand reached for the handle and upon opening the door, I found my mother standing outside it. Her russet hair was pinned up and the long, golden gown she wore framed her curvaceous figure well.

She had a peculiar expression upon her face and I wondered why she didn't look more displeased about the reason she was here.

"Emily, honey," she began with a twinkle in her blue eyes. "I wanted to inquire about those rumours I've been hearing of late."

I swallowed back my apprehension, awaiting her questions. If my mother had heard about Jack, I was certain she would ensure I ended any sort of relationship I may have had with him.

"You mean the ones about a certain pirate?" I shrugged it off as nothing. "I have no means to consort with such a man."

"Not even one who goes by the name of Captain Jack Sparrow?" my mother asked, giving me a stern look, though to my eyes, she seemed to be somewhat teasing me.

I fervently shook my head. "Never. It is just idle gossip."

My mother placed her hands on her hips. "No?" she said with the air of someone who had plenty of patience. "Then you would not know why that certain pirate was sneaking through the kitchen?"

It was then my mother moved away from the doorway and my eyes went wide as Jack stepped into view. He appeared quite nervous about the predicament, but it was nothing, I was certain, to the anxiety that was suddenly crushing me.

"I may have heard of him…" I offered, not quite able to meet my mother's eyes.

Jack looked me up and down, as though seeing me for the first time. "Goodmornin' Miss…" Jack paused and turned to my mother. "Apologies. What did ye say yer lovely daughter's name is?"

"I found him devouring my freshly baked cake," my mother ignored Jack's question. She knew, after all, that he knew very well what my name was.

"Unfortunately I 'ave a taste for the finer things," Jack said, feigning sadness. "But fortunately, m'lady, yer cookin' was jus' that."

I watched my mother bite back a smile at that, but felt no immediate relief. Despite Jack's charming ways, I was sure she would not succumb to such flattery. To my shock, she replied, "I expect an apology and a replacement on your next visit, Mr Sparrow."

The pirate Captain raised his eyebrows and tilted his head in a slight bow of acquiescence. "Agreed," he returned.

I stared at my mother, perhaps considering she'd lost her mind. While she concealed a smile, her sparkling eyes gave her amusement away.

"So you intend to court my daughter, Mr Sparrow?" she said.

Jack frowned. "Court?" he asked, sounding suspicious of the term.

"Yes, court, Mr Sparrow," my mother sighed heavily, although appeared entertained by the question. She didn't bother to explain and instead went on, "You own a ship, I expect?"

Jack nodded warily.

"With a crew?" my mother went on.

"Aye," Jack nodded again.

My mother frowned slightly, looking thoughtful. "Well, I trust you'll allow me a word with them before I permit Emily to go sailing with you."

Jack and I exchanged bewildered glances, before he clasped his hands together and quickly agreed once more.

My mother nodded, seemingly to herself and turned to depart. At the same time, Jack meandered towards me, but before he could wrap his arms around my waist, a voice being cleared interrupted. Jack quickly dropped his hands to his side and I flew away from his reach.

Looking with interest between us, my mother requested, "This door is to remain wide open, Mr Sparrow. Do I make myself quite clear?"

Jack grimaced. "Inescapably clear, Mrs Somers."

"And I do hope you'll do something with that hair of yours," she added, before finally leaving us.

I watched Jack roll his eyes up to look upon the top of his head, which clearly he had no chance of seeing without a mirror. A smile crept across my face as I looked at him, suddenly realising there would be no need to steal away from prying eyes anymore. Jack caught the expression upon my face and returned it with a mischievous grin, showing off his gold teeth.

"Did you really eat the entire cake to yourself?" I asked, intrigued.

He swaggered over to me and placed his hands on my waist, pulling me into him. "I may 'ave," he said nonchalantly.

On closer inspection, I found evidence that told me he most definitely had. "You have crumbs in your beard, Jack," I giggled, attempting to brush them out.

"I was savin' them for ye, love," he lied, bending down to place a warm kiss on my lips.

"So you'll ask him?"

I blinked. Edward was still lying on the bed, watching me and awaiting an answer to his question.

"Alright, I'll see if he wants to come with me," I agreed somewhat reluctantly, and giving his hand a squeeze, left the room.

Jack swaggered over to me as I arrived on deck and looking over my shoulder asked, "Where's Eddie?"

"He's still unwell. We decided its best if he stays here while I go ashore," I answered. "Jack…"

I trailed off, unsure how to go about asking him. Though maybe, just asking the question would have been much more sensible.

"Mmmm?" Jack raised an interested eyebrow.

"You're not wanted in Italy, are you?"

Jack grinned. "Not yet, love," he returned.

"Good," I smiled. "I was wondering if…you would like to come with me to see my mother?"

Jack's eyebrow's disappeared beneath his red bandanna.

"That was the last thing you were expecting, I know," I said, looking down at my feet and feeling awkward. "I just…"

I'd tried to claim the silliness of the question when Jack chimed in, "It'd be my pleasure, darlin'."

I felt my body relax, though I'd had no idea I had even been tense.

"Cap'n, ye want the boat prepared?" Mervyn called out from behind the pirate Captain.

Jack's eyes were on mine, silently inquiring if I was ready.

I nodded, looking back at him. "Let's go."

Author's Note: I know I've taken a very, very long time to update and I'm really sorry :( You can blame university for that ;) But here's chapter 13 and I really hope I can update much sooner:)