The candles on in their holders danced, as the light breeze blew from the main deck and down towards Charley's den. It was hidden, as the shadows of the items surrounding it covered it, crates put in a semi circle, piled upon each other like a wall. In the middle of the den, there laid blankets and pillows, it was not comfortable as a bed, but it was Charley's. A place she could hide and pretend to be on her own. Candles and books filled inside some of the crates; making the small area bit more like home.

Home. A place Charley had not found. People she had heard say: a home is where the heart is, or where they lay their hat, yet she felt more lost than ever. Her brother Riggs stated, both of their parents gone and than their grandfather, a man that outlived his children and wife. Too many times, Charley thought he would outlive his grandchildren, but fate was too kind and took him away. She hated the thought of their grandfather dying of a broken heart, due to her. He had watched his wife die of a disease, which took her beauty and smile. Yet he kept on fighting, as he brought up both Riggs and Charley. Riggs may have been the oldest of the two, and a male, who could carry the name on, but it was Charley who the grandfather adored and spent most of his time with. He had taught her how to fish, to track and to sail, while Riggs amused himself and came home with more bruises and bloody noses.

A sigh of sadness, escaped from Charley's lips, while she closed her eyes, as her grandfather's face emerged from the shadows of her mind. He had a friendly face, half covered with a grey, fluffy beard, in which he took pride in, however, he allowed Charley, to braid it a few times, which made them both laugh. He had a smiling, blue eyes, they hardly shine out, only when his only son never returned home, his wife passed on and finding both Riggs and herself in trouble. He had always the money to get them out of trouble, which added mystery to the man. If he had much money, why did he like living in an outrun cottage, near the beach?

Feeling something sort on her thigh, Charley, opened her eyes and lowered them to see Bert, his head laying there. He seemed comfortable. It beats the brig, Charley thought, as she recalled the crew had locked the dog up for three days, due to stealing more food. "He is a big dog, and still growing", she remembered saying, yet as usual they settled to lock him up. A smile appeared upon her face, as she remembered when Bert was a puppy, they both snuck down to where the food was stored, which Charley busied herself digging in the crates, to find something substantial. However, before she got to far, she heard something solid fall, and Bert yelping, making her jump. As turned around, she saw a crate upside down, it's substances spilled over the place, yet she could not find Bert. Hearing him yelp again, she swiftly lifted the crate and saw Bert sitting patiently, before barking happily. "A right pair we make, eh?"

Charley closed the book, she found hidden in the shadows, she assumed the pirates had dropped it and left it, not realising. She had read it before, but she did not mind, as it was one of her favourites. She placed the book down on her pillow, before stroking Bert, who fell more comfortable. Charley could not stop feeling jealous of him, she had too many questions that whirled around in her mind, making her confused and anxious. While her brother was locked in the brigs, with Jack's crew, having Riggs on aboard caused her to feel hatred. She truly meant every harsh word she spoke to him. They may have been siblings, bounded by blood, but Charley felt outraged. She had witnessed her brother change. He was once protective, but he grew to procession.

As she laid her head against the wooden wall, Charley closed her eyes. She could not erase the past. She chose to leave Riggs alone in the dark of their cave that they inhabited on the island of Tortuga; in the mind set of finding a better place, to live free and honest. But fate had other plans.

Sailing with Jack and his crew, Charley finally saw why no one trusted the man, she wondered how he ever came to sail a ship and name captain, yet she never questioned him. Thankful for allowing her on board and not to ask the reason she left her brother behind. The days and nights emerged together, battles she endured, but Charley felt she was free for the first time in her life. The sunsets and dawn's she witnessed in awe. The wind blew in her dark hair, allowing her body to feel what men that sailed the ocean crave. However, she knew there was something else she felt. Charley believed she felt her father's spirit, telling her he was watching over her. Always with her. That was the first time, Charley felt she was not alone. She allowed herself to break free and sail the open waters. However, being on land and on the Pearl, she could not feel her father's spirit, just the men's annoyance and anger of still being cursed.

Years of turmoil, and unanswered questions, I have put him through, Charley told herself, as she recalled seeing Riggs' anger upon his face, I caused him more pain than most. His own sister left him in the darkness, to leave him with his greed. Letting out a sigh, Charley opened her eyes again and stared down at Bert, who's big eyes studied her, sensing her confusion and sadness. I tried to help him, Charley told herself. I did try to live with it.

Feeling the light breeze from the main deck, Charley moved her gaze to stare at the wooden panels that was above her, her mind taking her back to a few hours ago. Barbossa made both Elizabeth and Jack walk the plank. Although, Charley was held by Bo'sun, it did not stop her try and break free or speak her mind; scared of losing her friend again and a young lady that she respected.

"Barbossa, you lying bastard." Charley recalled Will shout at the captain, as Elizabeth was pushed towards the plank. She turned her gaze to him, knowing it was never a good idea to share your thoughts of the man out loud. "You swore, she'd go free."

"Don't impugn me humour boy. I agreed she go free. But it was you that failed to mention specify when or where. Though it does seem a shame to loose something, so fine, don't it lads?"

Charley felt herself try to break free from Bo'sun's grip. Anger controlling her. However, her movement attracted Barbossa's attention for a few seconds, a smirk upon his face, before he turned to stare at Elizabeth. " So I'll be having that dress back before you go."

Charley watched as Elizabeth unbuttoned the dress and revealed the silk slip she wore underneath, before throwing the dress to Barbossa, who caught it. "It goes with your black heart."

"Ohh, it still feels warm." The man stated, before throwing it to his awaiting crew, who caught it.

Charley felt her arms be free from the strong grip of Bo'sun, who pushed her to the side, before he stormed forward. She took the opportunity to follow behind, but two hands grabbed her and pulled her back. "Ye have to wait ye turn. But that be tonight." Charley heard Twigg say, she turned her head and realised it was him who held her back, and another pirate. Both smirked, before Charley's attention was taken away, as she heard Elizabeth scream, and hit the water below.

"Wait!" She heard herself say, as they dragged Jack up to the plank. "You cannot do this."

"Jack...Jack. Did ya not notice? That be the same little island that we made you Governor of on our last little trip." Barbossa addressed to Jack.

"I did notice."

"Perhaps you'll be able to conjure up another miraculous escape…but I doubt it." Barbossa stated before unshesthing Jack's sword and brandished at Jack's throat. "Off you go."

"Last time, you left me a pistol with one shot."

"By the powers, you're right. Were be Jack 's pistol? Bring it forward."

" Seeing as there's two of us, a gentleman…would give us a pair of pistols."

" It'll be one pistol as before, and you can be the gentleman and shoot the lady and starve to death yourself." Barbossa threw the pistol into the ocean, before they watched as Jack ran and dived into the water.

Charley finally broke free from the men's hold and ran to the side. Her eyes scanned the waters frantically, waiting for any sign of the man. She allowed herself to breathe as Jack swam back up with his effects. "May we meet again, Jack." Charley whispered to herself.

"Lock the others up." Charley heard Barbossa order this crew.

Before she could do anything, Charley was swung around by Twigg and held her still. "What about her?"

A few eyes landed upon her, but she tried to ignore them. The cold eyes of Barbossa's landed upon her, but she could not read them. Hunger and lust showed upon the other men's faces, the looks she witnessed many times before, yet that was before they found out her blood was not worthy of freeing them from the curse. "She knows what will happen tonight. Gents, our faith has been restored. We will be free once again."

Yells of agreement erupted on the main deck, making them rush about to put the crew, Will and Riggs in the brigs, and Twigg pushed Charley down the stairs which led to her den. Charley looked up, and saw the man smirk grow wider, before leaving her alone in the dark.

"Do you ever get tired of watching me?" Charley asked, as she felt a presence in the shadows. She looked up and watched as a tall, skinny man stepped into the candle light, showing his ragged clothes.

"Never." He stated, while walking nearer, allowing Charley see his face. It was plain, except his missing eye, in which he had a wooden eye, in the socket, yet it was loose and could pop out easily. Ragetti.

"I guess there's nothing entertaining on this ship." Charley stated, before continuing to stroke Bert, who grew alert with the presence of another, however, as he sniffed the air gingerly, and looked to his master, before growing content.

Silence took hold of the small area, but Charley did not mind. It was the only time she felt comfortable in silence, when she was with Ragetti. They were hardly alone together, due to duties, and Charley seemed to be into trouble most of the time. Yet it was never awkward when they were alone. However, as the man sat next to her, Charley sensed he wanted to speak, but guessed it was not a good idea.

"Ragetti? You want to ask me something. You can ask me."

"Well the nightmares you have...are they of the woman you loved?"

Charley studied the man, she guessed he wanted to ask for a long time, but found it too personal. "Aye. She never leaves me. That night I relive it every time I go to sleep."

"There was nothing you could do. Charley, she understood that."

"You think?" Charley asked. "You were not there, Ragetti. I saw the fear of death in her eyes. Fear of being left behind. I am a killer. She saw that. She finally saw what piece of shit I really am."

"Char..."

"I did love her, Ragetti. I never felt anything like it before. I thought it could save me, like the fool I am. I believed in a story. I created a different character for Sam. Fool. Fool. Fool." Charley exclaimed, while she pushed herself up and paced the room back and forth. Anger grew within. She was not angry at the man, he was too innocent of any crimes, compared to hers.

"It seemed this Sam did the same. When in love, Charley , we all become fools." Ragetti spoke carefully, as be watched her pace more.

"Anyone would..."

"Ye had no choice. Ye had to leave." He stated, before Charley could grow more anger at herself. He jumped up, as she paused and looked at her hands. He rushed over to her, before turning her around and gently holding her chin to add: "I understand its tough. Heart breaking. But ye are still here. With me. That's what matters."

Letting out a sigh, Charley knew the man was right. Life moves on. But that night she relieved. Hearing Sam calling her, desperate to cling on. To see fear grow more in her light eyes. To feel paralysed; stuck with heartache and pain. As her vision became blurry, Charley closed her eyes once more.

"I am sorry for your loss, Charley." She heard Ragetti say, while brushing some of her hair behind her ears.

"Not as sorry as I." She stated sadly while opening her eyes.