Chapter 36

"Celebration or Something Like It"

The men and I sat on the deck of the Hell's Mistress, The crew from the Pearl joining us as well. The crimson colored sky gave way for nightfall. The wind was soft and lamps shown brightly in the night. Music filled the air, Rum filled our mugs. I sat beside Jack on the stairway leading toward my cabin. Taking a long swig from my mug. I watched Lydia while she danced happily with Jacob. They were only three years apart in age, but I knew they were both to young for anything serious. I continued to drink up, hoping to elevate the pain of my loss. My attention turned to Skully who was dancing wildly to the music. I went to stand when I was short stopped by Jack's hand around my wrist.

"Where ye goin'?" He inquired, not releasing my arm.

"I think it's time to speak with James. He's been in the brig awhile now. 'e should be clear 'eaded enough by now."

He slowly let go of my wrist but then quickly grabbed it again before I could take a step. "Wait. Sit down a minute, we need to talk."

I eyed him but did as he requested, sitting again beside him. "About?"

"I want to know what 'appened between ye two."

"Who two?" I asked.

"Ye and James. I want a straight answer. No bullshit."

I sighed, knowing I couldn't avoid the topic forever. "That is really none of yer concern."

"Aye, I think it is. Now tell me."

I took a long drink from my mug, swallowing I looked to Jack. "Ye really want to know?"

He nodded his conformation and urged me to continue. Taking another drink I tried to stall my way out of it. "Ye know that treasure will be…"

"Tell me."

"Fine. I may.. 'ave 'ad.. a.. Little, teeny tiny…" I trailed off holding up my thumb and index finger to show just how little. "Affair with 'im not to long ago."

"For 'ow long?"

"Awhile." I averted my eyes to the floor, almost afraid to look at him.

He eyed me a few moments, as if waiting for me to continue. When I didn't he said. "I want to know details."

"Why, I never ask for details when it comes to yer past romances. And here, I feel. It shall make no difference. For we are not together." I stated proudly. Who knew I could come up with such a statement while half inebriated?

"That's because 'alf of the time ye stumble into my romances."

"Not on purpose, anyway." I shrugged. "Well, except that one time."

"Just tell me, put me mind at ease."

"Ye want to know so bad, fine. We were out on the sea for about nine months, the days hot and muggy, the days cold and starry filled." I slurred, taking another drink. "I never expected, or wanted anythin' to 'appen between us. But it did, it was only two lonely people lookin' for comfort. Ye've experienced that I'm sure."

"Aye, I know what it's like." He agreed, taking a drink from his mug. "So, yer not 'is woman or anythin'.. are ye?" he finished, looking to me.

"Of course not." I laughed. "It was a mistake."

"Ye don't love 'im?" he asked quickly as his ears perked up.

"No. I love…." I trailed off as I stared at Jack. "Someone else." I finished quickly.

"But, ye do realize 'e is in love wit ye?"

"Aye."

"Maybe we should consider leavin' 'im behind. 'e could be trouble"

"No, 'e will get over it. We just need to give 'im time. But I promise if he doesn't I'll do the right thing and send him on his way."

"Promise?"

"Aye." I nodded.

When silence fell between us I decided it was time to face James and get some answers. With a heavy sigh I stood from the stairway.

"Now, where are ye goin'?" he asked, his hand clamping on my wrist again. I looked down at him.

"Where I said I was goin' before. Except I'm goin' now." I stated, slurring my words as I tried to find my footing on the rocking ship.

"Stay 'ere." He almost pleaded, His eyes glowing in the flickering candlelight. "With me." He whispered. "Just for awhile."

"What is with ye? Why don't ye want me to go?" I questioned, confused by his actions.

"I just want yer company is all." He said, looking up at me.. "Are ye afraid I just might go down there and surrender myself to his charms and do him in the cell?" I asked sarcastically.

A scowl passed over Jack's features but he only shook his head and continued to stare up at me from his seat. "of course not, I just think 'e needs time to think is all."

Damn his dark eyes, I could never refuse him. "Alright. I'll stay 'ere awhile." I sighed, sitting down yet again. "But, next time I stand, I'm goin' down there."

He nodded with a satisfied smirk. "Good."

The music and the men becoming louder as the night wore on. After three mugs of rum I had completely forgotten about James being in the brig and concentrated on my own affairs. He deserved to spend the night in the hold after what he had done.

Taking a few more long drinks I continued to watch the crew merrily dance and sing. By now Skully was three sheets to the wind and two other crewmembers were trying to convince him he would feel so much better wearing the pretty yellow dress we found on "The Windsong". I laughed my ass off ten minutes later when Skully emerged from the lower decks wearing the so-called pretty yellow dress and a blonde wig to top off the ensemble. He carried a black leather purse in one hand and a bottle of rum in the other. "What a pretty boat." He commented in the highest voice I had ever heard emerge from a man's throat. "I just love a sea dog, but when ever he comes around, wouldn't ye know I have a headache!" He laughed drunkenly, followed by the rest of the men. Lydia looked all too confused as she looked around contemplating what he meant. I turned my attention to the undead monkey who threw a small ball and the small female puppy we named Brandy, which was a long ways away from sea dog, dumb ass, and marshmallow but fit all the same. Upon closer inspection I noticed Ragetti chasing between Brandy and the undead monkey yelling. "Give me back my eye!" All the while waving his arms frantically. I watched as Cotton's foot came out in front of Ragetti who tripped over it instantly. We all laughed when Cotton only shrugged and pointed to the parrot as if he hadn't done anything at all. I watched as Pintel approached Jack and I a bottle in hand. I eyed it curiously as he held it out. "The crew and I thought ye should 'ave this 'ere bottle of Whiskey." He said, continuing to hold it out. "It's the only one."

"Well, thank you." I nodded, taking the bottle from his dirty hand.

He nodded and quickly left to rejoin the party. I looked over the bottle curiously; it was dark green with a white worn out label that read "Best Whiskey Ever" in scribbled English.
"Are ye gonna open it? Or stare at it all night?" Jack asked.

"Open it of course. I just wanted to look at it first." I said, pulling the cork from opening in the long neck.

"Well, ye can look at it while we drink it."

"We?"

"Aye, we." He nodded enthusiastically.

"ohh, I don't think so. This one is mine."

"Ye can't share? Just a little bit?" he asked, holding up his thumb and index finger to show how little he wanted.

"Fine, ye can 'ave some. But only some for I get the rest." I smirked, satisfied with my answer I handed him the longneck glass bottle.

He nodded and drank some. I waited a few seconds for him to stop and when he didn't I snatched the bottle from his hand. "That's quite enough."

"I wasn't finished yet." He whined.

"Well, ye are now."

"No, I'm not." He said, reaching for the bottle.

I quickly pulled it away trying to keep the bottle from his clutches. "It's gotta be the best whiskey ever, fer ye to act this way over the bottle." I chuckled, putting the bottle to my lips. I allowed the warm brown liquid run through my lips, over my tongue and into my throat, feeling instantly warmed. After a long drink, I pulled the bottle away and took in a breath, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "Damn, this IS the best whiskey I've ever 'ad." I commented, looking at the strange bottle again. Suddenly my eyes opened wide, as the alcohol took effect. I'd never felt this way before. I had been drunk before sure, but this was different. It was hard to explain to anyone but, this certain bottle of whiskey made me feel instantly happier and more relaxed. I looked to Jack who was now gently swaying back and forth on his seat on the stairway. "Damn, 'ow much alcohol is in 'ere?" I questioned, holding up the bottle to look at it.

"Who cares? We need to find out who made it and get more!" Jack grinned, taking the bottle, quickly taking a drink.

I took a drink of my rum while waiting for Jack to return the bottle of whiskey, which he did when he was finished.

"Jack, ye ever wonder about… things?" I asked.

"Like what?" he asked, suddenly confused.

"Just…. Things." I shrugged, looking around. "Oh I love this song!" I yelled, grabbing Jack's hand. "Come on!!" I quickly pulled him away before he could mutter a sound. We danced for a while, not a care in the world entering either of our minds. Truth was the only time I ever dance was when I was inebriated beyond belief. I was always shy and thought I couldn't get the steps right. That night was truly different, one I won't soon forget.