Will
Will started to put his boots on. He let out a chuckle as Elizabeth once again repeated the "missing boot" scene that she had done on the beach at the end of their honeymoon. "I'm more than happy to oblige you, my dear wife and replay several of our honeymoon memories but alas my duty calls. It's almost dawn and I still need to say my goodbyes to my son."
Elizabeth was doing everything in her powers not to breakdown at the very thought of seeing Will say good-bye to his son for 9 years. How hard this must be for Will, she thought to herself. She had to be strong for Will and now for William. She was trying to convince herself that she would be strong and not cry for Will when his words interrupted her thoughts.
"Elizabeth? Elizabeth? Did you hear me?"
"What? Uh – no, sorry I was lost in thought. What did you say?"
"Elizabeth, I want you to stay with Jack and Anamaria. You will be safe with them."
"Will, I can-"
"I know – you can take care of yourself. And I have no doubt but now you also have William and that makes it harder for you to defend yourself. Laird is probably still out there somewhere waiting. You and William will be in danger and if he can get to William, he'd take great pleasure in killing you. Please listen to me. Stay with them – besides Anamaria can help you with William. She's been wonderful with him."
Elizabeth knew in her heart that Will was right. She could argue but she knew that Will needed some kind of peace that she would be protected. She nodded her head, "alright Will. I'll do as you ask."
"Thank you," Will said barely above a whisper. He then leaned down into a passionate kiss with his wife. "I'm really going to miss that. It will seem like an eternity to be apart from you but after my duty is over – I will be a proper husband to you and a proper father to our son."
"I know you will. You already are - only distance keeps you from being the perfect husband. I will be eagerly awaiting your return. Oh and Jack gave us a surprise."
"Jack, gave us a surprise? What in the world would Jack give to us?"
"A bottle of water from the fountain of youth. Something for you once you return. We'll always be together."
"I'll have to thank him once I return and use it."
There was an awkward silence between them neither of them wanting to speak. Elizabeth traced every feature on Will's face with her hand, trying to memorize every detail of him. She then buried her head into his chest. She took in a deep breath and enjoyed the scent of her husband. Everything suddenly became precious and she wanted to trap every detail she could in her mind.
It was now Will's turn. He lifted her chin up gently and leaned down for another kiss. He didn't close his eyes at first capturing the look on her face – the love it showed. He then closed his eyes hoping the moment would never end. Oh how he longed just to pull her back into their bed and watch her sleep until they awoke on their own. Their bodies intertwined sleeping next to one another day after day. But Will knew they were no normal couple and he longed for the day where they would never be separated.
The young couple's thoughts were interrupted by sounds coming from outside their cabin. They could hear voices although they did not know exactly what was said. "I think it's Jack and Anamaria," Will finally said.
"Yes, I think you're right."
"It sounds as though William is awake as well."
"I guess it's time," Elizabeth said her voice cracking slightly.
"Yes," Will whispered and then kissed her forehead. He walked over to the door and unlocked it. Opening it up he saw Jack and Anamaria, who was holding William. She handed William over to Will and Will looked up to see that the entire path to the deck was lined with the crew.
"They all wanted ta see ye off," Jack said.
Will started toward the deck carrying William with Elizabeth right behind. Jack and Anamaria followed suit as did the rest of the crew after they had said their goodbyes and all given Will a pat on the back. When Will reached the deck, Calypso stood there waiting.
Will looked down and smiled at William. The baby cooed in return and Will kissed his son, "take care of your Mama, William. I love you both so much." Will then handed the baby back to Anamaria. "Jack take care of Elizabeth and William, guard them better than you would the Pearl."
"Aye, I'll watch out for them." Jack had thought of so many things to say to Will but when it came to actually saying them it was just too hard, "it will go by fast. Ye be together 'fore you know it."
Will nodded knowing that Jack himself was trying to say so much more. He was taking everything in as his heart was crying out not to leave Elizabeth.
"Will-" Elizabeth couldn't take it any longer. The tears finally came – this was it. The last time she would see her beloved husband for 9 years.
Will rushed over and put his arms around her and held her tightly, "shhh, it's alright. I know. I understand. Just remember I love you – forever Elizabeth Turner."
"Tis time Will Turner. Dawn approaches," Calypso said.
Will nodded. He looked down at Elizabeth once more and wiped her tears away. He smiled at her and she returned the smile. "I love you," he whispered in her ear and then kissed her passionately once more. He then released her and walked towards Calypso.
"I love you too," Elizabeth said as Will neared Calypso.
Jack looked around – no one had a dry eye not even himself. They all hung their heads and Jack wished somehow that Calypso would just let Will free of his duty now but he knew that wasn't the case.
Will stood by Calypso never taking his eyes off Elizabeth. Anamaria handed William to her and Will smiled at the sight of his wife and son. "Take care of them – all of you"- he said to the entire crew of the Pearl. "I love you both." And with that Will and Calypso disappeared. Behind where they had stood, the sun now broke the horizon – dawn was finally here.
Only one more chapter to go….saying goodbye is never easy whether it is Will and Elizabeth or an author finishing up a story…I truly hope you have enjoyed this one….I know I have one more chapter but I still want to Thank each and everyone of you who reviewed….I hope that through my story you can see how I improved with your ideas and yes I tried to listen to all of the constructive criticism….I hope that my writing has improved over the course of this story and especially since my first story, Options.
Thanks again!
