Title: Journey To The Past
Author: Ella Enchanted
Rating: PG-13 for now but will probably change later for violence.
Distribution: Sure. Let me know where it's going!
Summary: What was Jack's home life like? Did he have a loving family or girl? Read on to find out!
Disclaimer: None of these characters, places, etc. belong to me. They belong to Disney, ya da ya da ya da. I DO however own any character(s) that did not appear in the movie. Nuff' said? On with the show!
Journey to the Past
Prologue: Remembrance
The sun was setting on the horizon casting an orange, warm glow upon the shinning mirror of water below. The soft rippling of the water seemed to add even more so to the tranquility of the moment. Although hints of spring had been hiding around the corner, one would think that on a night such as this one, it was winter. A steady blow caused the giant, black sails to sway to and fro in the sunset. Another gust of wind blew the dark and long hair behind the man who was currently gazing out into the depths of the sea.
Silently he took off his hat and felt the cool breeze filter through his dark dread locks. He closed his eyes and listened to the soft ripples of the tide, the seagulls that flew overhead, and the breeze that fluttered by. He reached into his jacket pocket, feeling the urge for a long drag off of his pipe. Searching all of his pockets his hand came across a sealed envelope. He pulled the letter out of his pocket and gazed long and steadily at it. Realization hit him when he remembered who had sent it to him. Quickly he slid his dirty finger beneath the red, wax seal and broke it. Unraveling the paper his eyes immediately darted to the top of the page. He read:
Dear Son, 28 April 1790
It has been far too long since we last met. So long that I can't quite recall when indeed it was the last time we met. I scarce remember what you look like for heaven's sake! I hope all is well in the wonderful world of trading. Even though I hear the economy over there is quickly diminishing due to all the piracy. A dreadful business those dirty pirates. I pray that their effects have in no way affected your success.
The reasoning of this sudden and unexpected letter is to extend an invitation to you. I would so much enjoy seeing you again and hearing all about your business and all the news of Paris. If you would oblige, your father and I would very much love for you to come home for at least a fortnight. For on the twentieth of May your dear friend, Lucille Vaughn is to be wedded to Sir John Upton. Please make haste upon replying to this letter, for I am to inform Mrs. Vaughn how many guests our little party will contain.
I shall anxiously await your reply. Till then, may God bless you, your journeys, and your success. I am to inform you, from your father, that he finally received his first gold inlaid sword not half a fortnight ago. When will you two grow out of your little boyish ways?
With All of Our Love,
Your Dear Mother and Father
Folding the letter, he placed it back into his pocket and gazed out into the ocean for the umpteenth time that day, deep in reflection. Lucie Vaughn. There was a name that he hadn't thought about in some time. He probably was the only one who called her Lucie or sometimes Lucie-Lu. He could remember to this very day the petit blonde who had stolen his heart at the age of five. Of course he didn't realize it then or now that he cared for her more than an acquaintance or friend. Such is the way of life though. He smiled as he remembered the very first day he had met Lucille Marie Vaughn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Begin Flashback)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
August 1765
Anita Smith pulled on her silk cream gloves as she walked to the bottom of the stairs. "Jackson Allan Smith, if you aren't ready in two minutes I shall leave you here."
"I'm coming. Don't leave yet mommy!" The exasperated six-year-old yelled down stairs as he hurriedly tried to clasp his jacket buttons with his short, pudgy fingers. Sighing in distress he looked at his reflection in the mirror. His brown suede pants were spilling out over his black, leather boots. His long sleeved, white dress shirt was tucked in neatly. But his coat was very disheveled. All the buttons were lined up in the incorrect holes, at least the ones he could get in the holes. 'Good enough' he smiled as he grabbed his matching brown, suede cap. Putting it on his head he made a mad dash down the flight of stairs and into the awaiting arms of his mother.
"What happened to you? Hasn't Cecilia dressed you yet?" She bent down and starting rearranging his jacket and pants.
"No. I wanted to do it all by myself," he smiled proudly as he kissed her on the cheek.
"Well, I must say you did a commendable effort. But we must hurry if we're to meet the Vaughns. And I know how desperately you want to meet their daughter, Lucille. But if we don't hurry I'm afraid they'll think we've slighted them, and we mustn't let that happen. There, all ready now," She stood up and looked down at her son with a wide grin.
Jack looked down at his attire with a glum look.
"Whatever is the matter now?"
"Mommy, it's so hot and sweaty in this suit. Can't I just wear normal clothes?" He tried unloosening his collar as he followed his mother out to the awaiting carriage.
"Yes, you must. It's very important that we make a good impression on the Vaughns tonight. For, they're one of the most respected families in England." She climbed in and fixed the collar of her sons suit.
"What's an impression mommy?" He stared out the window and watched the greenery fly by him.
"It means that if we don't attend to their every whim and fancy we shall be the social outcasts of the century," Arthur Smith laughed as he smiled down at his son.
"Oh Arthur. You're such a bad egg"! (Couldn't resist) Anita playfully slapped her husband's hand. Smiling back, Arthur leaned over and placed a soft, gentle kiss upon her waiting lips.
"Ewwwwwwww," Jack made a disgusted look and covered his eyes with his hands.
"Oh Jack! You'll soon find out my boy that women are delicate things whom should be treated with the utmost respect. And who knows? You might just end up falling in love with one yourself!" Arthur gave Jack a pointed look as he placed his hat upon his head. They had reached the Vaughn manor and we're about to step out of the carriage, to the awaiting family.
"Never!" Jack grumbled as he pushed his way out of the carriage.
"Ah, Lord Vaughn! It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. We deeply thank you and your hospitable family for the invitation to tea and dinner today." Arthur said all this while taking a bow.
"Enough with the formalities, Sir Smith. You are amongst friends now." The jolly, short and fat man vigorously shook Arthur's hand as he offered his best smile to him and his family. "And who are these strange creatures?"
"Oh, please forgive me. This is my wife, Lady Anita Anne Smith, and my son Jackson Allan Smith." He went and stood behind his family, as one would do when having a family portrait done.
"But you can call me Jack!" Jack beamed up at Lord Vaughn.
"Jackson!" Anita exclaimed with a shocked expression.
"Oh let the boy be! I'll call you Jack so long as you call me Dan," Lord Vaughn bent down so that he was eye level and shook his small hand.
"Ok, Dan!" Jack could tell already that this Dan was sure to be one of his new friends.
"Daddy, daddy! You'll never believe what's happened?" A small blonde came running around the corner of the house and up to her father, breathless.
"I bet I won't, so why don't you tell all. But before you explain, let me introduce you to this fine family. This is Sir Arthur Smith, Lady Anita Smith, and their son Jack Smith. And this is my youngest daughter, Lucille Marie Vaughn."
"Pleased to meet you." She smiled and took a small, unsteady curtsy.
"The pleasure's all ours." Arthur smiled down at the cute, little nymph.
"Daddy, now can I tell you?" She was bursting with excitement and it was evident as shown by her facial expressions.
"Yes dear, what is it?" He bent down at eye level and grasped her tiny hands.
"The cat had kittens! Seven!" She squealed with delight and emphasized the amount of kittens once more "Seven! Can you believe it?"
"No, not seven!" He feigned shock. And looked up at the Smiths with an amused look.
"Yes, seven! Come look!" She grasped his arm and tried pulling him towards the direction of said kittens.
"Maybe in a little while. But I'm sure Jack would love to see them." He gestured towards Jack with a questioning gaze.
"Come on Jack!" She dashed towards the backyard and called out "Last one there is a bad egg!"
"Not fair! You got a head start!" With that he was off light a bolt of lightening. He rounded the corner of the manor but stopped dead short when he couldn't find Lucie anywhere. Removing his hat and scratching his head he roamed the backyard with his eyes. "Where are you Lucie?"
"Surprise," she jumped out from behind a bush and landed right in front of him, which in turn caused him to jump a mile in his shoes. "Did I scare you?" She smiled anxiously up at him waiting for a positive reply.
Jack smiled down at her and said, "You sure did. I nearly died of fright!"
"Oh good! Now come have a look at the kittens." She walked over to an old oak tree and sat down behind it. He sat down and picked up one of the new kittens.
"They're so small!" Jack seemed disappointed. For he thought he was going to see full-grown, viscous cats, but instead he found sweet innocent looking kittens.
"Of course they are silly! They're just like humans, they have to grow too." She said sounding quite the authority of the matter while stroking one of the kittens in her lap.
He took this moment to really get a good look at her. She had long, curly, blonde hair that was halfway pinned back but started falling into her face. She looked like one of his mother's porcelain dolls that he had recently broken. She had fair skin that looked like the cream he loved to eat every day. The only color she had was on her cheeks, which were a pink hue, but turned crimson when she got excited, embarrassed, or breathless. Her lips weren't pink or bright red but rather a subtle crimson. They were currently pursed at the moment for she was making kissing faces at the small kitten in her hands. She had a small frame, which was covered with a baby blue dress, embroidered with dark blue pimpernels, and had lace around the collar, cuffs, and bottom of her skirt. On whole, she was very pretty Jack thought. He declared, mentally, that he would never get tired of looking at her face. He could, in fact get used to it. He suddenly realized that he'd been staring at her and hadn't heard a word she'd said. "Huh?" He snapped back into reality.
"I said what are you staring at? Do I have food between my teeth?" She flashed her tiny, white teeth at him.
Laughing he said, "No, you don't. You're very nice looking."
"Well thank you! I would say the same to you, but I don't fancy your suit very much," She looked him up and down and shook her head disapprovingly. "No, not one bit."
"Well it's not my fault," he could feel the color burning in his cheek as he cast his head down in embarrassment. "Mother made me wear it today. If it were up to me I would rather be wearing my favorite pants and shirt."
"Well why don't you take off the hat and jacket at least," she reached over and tugged at his hat till it came off in her hand. Grinning he undid his buttons, which took some time, and placed it down in a heap along with the cap. Rolling his sleeves up to his elbows he turned to her smiling, "Better?"
"Much better. I dare say you look very handsome," she blushed while suddenly looking very interested in his jacket. Picking it up she began to trace the buttons with her tiny finger.
"Do I, now?" He raised an eyebrow at her.
"Yes. Now listen here Jack. I must know, are you my best friend or not?" She placed his jacket back down and started plucking at the green, grass beneath her.
"Well, I don't see why not. Best friends?" He spat on his hand and extended it to her.
Disgusted she grimaced and asked timidly, "Ewww, what am I suppose to do?"
"Do the same. It's how you make a promise," he looked disbelievingly at her.
"Ok….here goes…." She spat on her hand and took Jack's in her own. She grimaced at the feel of the warm slime in her palm. Yet, it seemed hysterically funny to her. Laughing she whipped her hand off on the grass.
Doing the same thing Jack asked "Best friends?"
"Forever," she smiled a sweet smile at him and blushed a deep crimson.
"Forever," he whispered while staring deeply into her eyes. Pools of icy blue captured his own. Never before had he seen such beautiful, strong, innocent eyes and never would he again. No, those were the eyes that could only belong to one sweet, beautiful, and strong girl. Lucille Marie Vaughn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(End Flashback)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Staring out into the depths of the now darkened sea, he failed to see its color. One color reverberated throughout his head, ice blue. He would never forget those eyes as long as he lived. Even if he lived to be one hundred and eighty he would still remember those eyes. Thinking of her eyes triggered other trains of thoughts that had the same subject, Lucie. When had they grown apart? Did she still think of him? Did she consider him her best friend still? Why would she want to marry such a vile, disgusting, man such as John Upton? Did she love John? Shaking away such silly thoughts Jack collected himself mentally.
Standing up he strode towards his room determined to write a reply. In the process he called out "Anna Marie, take the wheel, I'm goin' to sleep off me tiredness for a bit."
"Aye Aye, Captain!" She saluted him and grasped the wheel in her hands savoring the feel of the fine oak in her hands.
Bursting through the cabin door he walked directly to his desk and sat down. Removing a sheet of paper, a pen, and his seal he lit a candle and ran some thoughts through his head.
Dear Mother,
I must admit that I was shocked but nonetheless, happy when I received your letter. Tell father that I am very anxious to see his fine sword. If that doesn't answer your question, yes I believe it is time for a visit. I have missed you all very much. And to answer your previous question, the last visit we had was fifteen years ago when you saw me off.
You may tell Lady Vaughn that I would be pleased to accept her invitation. I shall arrive shortly after you receive this letter. I am to turn around after composing this letter and arrive directly. You can expect there on the twentieth of April. I may only stay till the wedding as will soon be off after that. I look forward to seeing you once again. I too have quite forgotten what you and father look like. I'm only jesting.
Your Faithful Son,
Jack Smith
He gave his letter one last look over the letter and nodded approvingly. He folded it three ways and dripped candle wax on the crease of the folded paper. He removed his ring and continued to seal the letter. When he drew his ring back a tiny sparrow was embedded into the waxed seal. He turned it over once and wrote the address on the front. He would send it off first thing in the morning when they stopped at some port.
Sighing he sat back in deep reflection. 'Why the hell am I going back home? Have I gone mad? I'm a daft prick. I should just tear this up and act as though I never received it.' He grasped the letter between his hands contemplating his next course of action. 'But you'll get to see Lucie again' a voice in his head called out. 'She won't want to see you after the way you just picked up and left' 'But you're best friends thru thick and thin' 'But that was ages ago' 'Remember 'Best Friends Forever''. Sighing he placed the letter back down on the table and stood up to ready himself for bed.
Some pirate he was he internally scoffed as he pulled his shirt off over his head. 'I've gone completely soft' he began massaging his temples as he curled up in his bed. 'I seriously need a drink' was the last thought in his head before he drifted off. But the last image in his head was a set of icy blue eyes piercing through the dark of his cabin.
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End of Chpt 1. Like it, hate it, review it. If there are any discrepancies let me know so I can fix it. Say it with me, constructive criticism. No flames please.
