29. Lessons

Jack and Elizabeth spent the next few days ignoring each other, with the only exception being when Jack had to give her a job to do. Even then, there was nothing friendly about the conversations. The first time, Jack had called her 'Mrs Turner', and she had politely told him she'd prefer it if he addressed her as 'Elizabeth', but that had been the closest they'd come to a proper conversation. The rest of the time, she replied with 'Aye captain' and got on with whatever job she'd been ordered to complete in silence. Jack didn't complain because she often did a very good job on each task he set her.

Jack had cleared a space out for her below deck as well. He had removed all of the boxes and barrels from one corner of the store and put up a curtain to separate it. Behind the curtain, he'd hung up a hammock and given her a blanket, a pillow and an oil lamp, as well as a small box for keeping her belongings in. She'd thanked Jack and then they'd both got on with their normal day.

After five days, which Jack had decided was more than enough time for Elizabeth to forgive him, he approached her as she was working, tying the ropes of the mainsail down with Ragetti.

'A word please, Elizabeth,' he said, keeping it formal in front of the one-eyed pirate.

'Yes captain,' she said, following him to the side of the ship.

'Lizzie, how would ye like me to teach ye to sail the Pearl?' he asked excitedly. She had raised her eyebrows when he'd used her nickname, and Jack realized he was giving her this opportunity more because he wanted to than because it was necessary.

'What do you mean?' she asked, biting her lip. It looked like she was wondering if there was a catch.

'Well I could teach you how to steer her to start with,' he said.

'Jack, are you alright?'

'I'm fine, love. Why?'

'You're offering to let me take the helm of the Pearl,' she said, a shocked expression on her face.

'With my supervision and expert teachings, yes,' he said. 'Is that a problem?'

'But the only two people who you ever let man the helm for more than about five minutes are Gibbs and Cotton,' she said. 'They're the two people you trust most on this ship. So why add me to that list of trustworthy enough people?'

'Well, 'cause I trust ye!'

'Jack, have you got the right person?' she asked incredulously. 'This is Lizzie you're talking to. I'm the one who locked you in your own brig the other day. I married Will behind your back, I burned the rum, I killed you!'

'Am I to understand that you are rejecting my offer and that you don't want me to teach you to sail this beautiful and powerful vessel?' he said glumly.

'No Jack,' she replied quickly. 'I'm honoured that you asked me and I'd love you to teach me. I'm just surprised that you think of me that highly.'

'Of course I do, Lizzie,' he grinned. 'Now, about these lessons. There's no time like the present.'

They walked up to the helm, where Jack dismissed Gibbs and beckoned to Lizzie to take his place. He showed her where to put her hands and then stood behind her, his hands resting over hers. Jack had noticed the intimacy of their positions, with his chest pressed firmly against her back, but he had sworn to himself after the last incident that he would put aside any feelings or desires he had for Elizabeth so as to keep their friendship intact.

'Keep a steady hand on it,' he said, letting go of her hands and taking a small step back, though remaining close enough to be able to intervene if something went wrong. 'Do you feel it?'

'Feel what?' she asked.

'You don't?' he pouted. 'Maybe it's just me, 'cause I'm the captain and she's my ship.'

'Feel what, Jack?'

'Just hold onto the helm,' he instructed. 'Keep her steady. You're in control of her.'

A couple of minutes passed in complete silence, other than the rush of the waves on the hull and the gentle whisper of the Caribbean breeze. Then Elizabeth spoke.

'Jack, I feel something,' she said excitedly.

'You do?' he grinned.

'It's like the Pearl's alive,' she said. 'Like it's breathing.'

'She's breathing,' corrected Jack. 'The Pearl is a she, not an it.'

'It feels so good,' she said, sighing in contentment. 'I'm in control of this huge beautiful ship and it's like she's responding to me. It's just the most incredible feeling ever.'

'I know, love.'

She turned to look at Jack over her shoulder. 'Thank you for letting me do this Jack. I really appreciate it. I know you wouldn't just let anybody…'

The ship lurched suddenly. She had let go of the wheel and it spun frantically, the ship creaking. However, Jack's quick reflexes meant that he had grabbed the wheel instantly, regaining control of the ship. He took her place as she stood aside.

'I'm sorry Jack,' she said.

'No worries, Lizzie,' he said. 'It's your first time. That's why I'm here, to help you if you go wrong. And I wouldn't expect anybody to be perfect at it on their first attempt anyway! Well, apart from me, obviously, but I'm Captain Jack Sparrow.'

She laughed and he let her take the helm again, though he kept one of his own hands on it this time, just in case.


So they aren't arguing anymore! :) I thought this scene was quite cute, but let me know what you think. I haven't been getting as many reviews lately which makes me sad :( so please review! :)