Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Pirates of the Caribbean. It all
belongs to Disney, well except for Valentina, of course. Then there is this
amazingly beautiful song "Valparaiso" which obviously doesn't belong to me
either. It's from Sting's Cd "Mercury Falling", which is highly
recommendable, really!
Chapter 11:
Jack's steps resounded gloomily in the deserted streets of Port Royal. It was almost midnight. The signs above the shops along the street sighed in rusty agony when the sea breeze touched them. Even the lonely rhythm of his step had a melancholic note to it. Either his mind was playing tricks on him or the city was not looking as inviting as last time he had been there (Just for the record: last time they had tried to kill him). In fact it made a rather depressing impression.
Ah, the Blacksmith's! He could hear the steady clanging noise of the hammer hitting the ambos even from outside on the street. Jack had reached his destination. He decided against knocking, it was very unlikely the Whelp would hear it over all that noise. Also it was a highly overrated social habit. Jack had gotten to learn that sneakiness sometimes spared you a lot of trouble. He caught himself thinking of her again. It hurt so deeply, that he quickly pushed those thoughts away, ere the picture of her walking away from the ship appeared anew before his mind's eye as a painful reminder of the fact that he had driven her away.
He stepped through the creaking wooden door and crossed the length of the dark shop with huge strides, dimly noticing from the corner of his eye, an old man sleeping soundly on a heap of hay. He made the impression of almost belonging to the inventory of this room. The snoring blacksmith also seemed to be somebody who enjoyed extended naps and excessive drinking or possibly both in combination, a kindred soul so to say, as the empty bottle by his side proclaimed.
Jack stopped a few meters from the young apprentice who was currently occupied with forging a new sword. It was best if he kept his distance. It lowered the risk of being skewered by a red hot glowing blade considerably.
"If that isn't me good ol' friend William Turner!" he announced loudly. Strangely he wasn't in the mood for jokes today, so he had decided against sneaking up on Will and giving him the scare of his life.
The regular clanging noise recreated by the loud sound of metal on metal immediately stopped. The young man's back flinched slightly. When he turned around a comical mixture of discomfort and genuine happiness about seeing his friend again, was visible on his face.
"Jack Sparrow! How have you been, you scallywag?" he embraced the pirate and clapped him on the back affectionately.
"T' 'ell an' back," Jack answered through clenched teeth.
"Listen, matey, I ain't jus' dropping by fer a social call. I need yer help t' repair me ship, "he informed him briefly.
"Of course, but I'm sure Elizabeth will also be extremely pleased to see you again....You have been missed," the Whelp smiled at him good-naturedly.
"How's the lass? I hope everthin's alright," Jack said simply, breaking with his habit of constantly joking or dropping sarcastic remarks.
Something was different about him. Will wrinkled his forehead pensively. Jack sounded exceedingly ill-humored, which was something extremely suspicious considered the fact that the pirate always seemed to have a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, which was now completely gone.
"Are you sober?" Will asked with unmasked horror in his voice. Something bad must have happened.
"Aye, completely, but that wouldn't be the worst part of it."
"What?! How big is the damage to the Pearl? Did they take our treasure?" the young man asked slowly starting to worry.
"Nay" Jack shook his head dismissively. "None of that. It be far worse," he answered quizzically.
"What can be worse than that? Are Gibbs and Ana Maria alright?" he had gotten to know the crew of the Black Pearl a little bit better while they had sailed the Caribbean together and made some friends in the process. It was only natural that he grew concerned.
"Nay, they're fine. It's 'bout a woman, an exceedingly annoying one, I must add."
Instead of looking compassionate Will suddenly burst out laughing.
"What be so funny about that?" Jack growled.
"Nothing," the young blacksmith tried to keep a straight face, but then started laughing again, "Nothing......at all," he held his stomach and tears trailed down his cheeks. After a suitable amount of laughing fits, which Jack watched with a dark expression on his face, the young man was finally able to contain himself and managed to put on a serious face. He figured that this way he would get more information out of the Jack. "Since.....everything else is alright that means......You fell in love with that woman, haven't you?"
Jack's facial expression was precisely that of a man who had put his hand on a hot stove and had burned himself badly in the process. Extremely pained and also extremely displeased. "If ya absolutely 'ave t' know.....," he briefly hesitated before he continued. It was the first time he was ready to admit his true feelings,"Aye, I think I did fall for her," his gruff voice softened for a second as her picture appeared in his head, but he quickly caught himself, "But that stays between us, savvy? If any of this leaves this room I feel rightfully entitled t' cut yer throat, Whelp!"
"Most certainly! But pray tell me, where is that unfortunate woman now?" Will asked barely able to suppress a smirk. Of course, he felt sorry for his friend, but the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow love-sick! That was certainly something you didn't see every day.
"I 'ave no idea," Jack answered dejectedly.
"You have no idea?!" the young man echoed, not able to believe what he just heard. He couldn't believe how anybody could be so stupid as to let the woman he loved walk away. After having battled with a bunch of cursed pirates of the worst imaginable kind, in order to save your one true love, people have the tendency of getting a little bit irritated, when hearing about somebody who gives up in the face of what they deem being slight hindrances.
"Why don't you go and try to find her?"
"It's 'ard t' fin' someone who doesn't want to be found, especially when we're talking 'bout a thief."
*
Valentina looked with childlike fascination at the half empty bottle of red vine that she held clutched in her slender hand. The red liquid crashed in tiny waves against the confinement of glass that surrounded it. It looked like a miniature version of a crimson ocean. She put it down besides her and stretched out on the slightly humid sand of the beach, staring up at the starry night sky.
After she had left the Pearl she had immediately come here - that is after she had stopped shortly at the next best tavern to get some 'supplies'. She came to this place whenever she felt like being alone and tonight she absolutely wasn't in the mood for company. It was a lonely bay at the outskirts of town. Only fishermen came here, as the town folk was usually to lazy to endure the short walk from Port Royal.
Her bare toes brushed against the smooth and cool surface of an empty bottle that lay in the sand before her, the one she had emptied an hour ago. She felt the pleasant buzz of alcohol engulf her. It promised her the gift of oblivion and dreamless slumber and Valentina thankfully took up its well-meant offer. Above all she wanted to forget. Forget the way his lips had felt against hers, how her heart had rejoiced whenever she had been close to him.
Tears trickled down her cheeks and told her to take another draught from the bottle. She gulped down the treacherous antidote greedily, but unfortunately it wouldn't work. Valentina was ready for the pain to stop, but somehow it had its own mind and the only thing she could do, was to accept and endure it. No matter how often she told herself to stop crying, to stop thinking about him - it was all for naught, nothing changed.
Valentina closed her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. She was a very level-headed woman, whenever she was faced with a problem she would sooner or later come up with a solution. What annoyed her most about her current situation was the fact that there was no solution. They say that time heals all wounds, but before time can work its magic the wounds bleed and ache and there's also a high possibility you die from them ere the healing begins. So she decided to just lie there for now and hope on passing out sometime soon.
Fortunately her prayers were answered and after a few more draughts from the sour red vine she fell asleep on the beach. She pleasantly hovered on clouds of dreamless alcohol induced slumber for hours and only awoke in the morning when tide set in and sea water caressed her bare feet. Valentina slowly got up, preparing herself for the aftereffects of her drinking. Surprisingly there weren't any, except for a dry mouth. The rumble of her stomach told her that it was time for breakfast. Automatically her eyes wondered along the coast towards Port Royal, where she could get food and drink.
Seagulls circled over her head, announcing their presence with obnoxious croaking screams, which seemed a little bit louder than usual. They were starting to annoy her a great deal (as everything else that crossed her path that day) and so her departure plans were immediately put into action.
All the while mumbling gruffly under her breath, she made her way to the city, hoping against hope that nobody would immediately recognize her there. Valentina was lucky. She soon arrived at the market place that was seized by busy activity. People were hurriedly scurrying here and there. Nobody was paying attention to anybody. There were only two primary objectives: buying and selling.
She let out a relieved sigh and mingled with the masses, her expert hands sneaking an apple from the next best fruit-seller stand. She briefly rubbed it against her trouser leg until it sparkled like a ruby. Content with her work she brought it to her mouth. Her teeth broke its hard skin and sticky juice trickled down her hand. Valentina let out a muffled curse while she chewed on the sweet fruit. In the middle of the market place was a little well and she directed her steps towards it to wash her hands. Valentina placed the half eaten apple on its edge and dipped her hands into the cool water.
Beneath the surface she noticed the tempting glitter of several golden doubloons- vain wishes never to be fulfilled. Strangely enough nobody had thought about taking them, which was rather odd in a place like Port Royal that had its custom pickpockets, thieves and pirates. She stared at the silvery surface of the water which gradually smoothed out after she had drawn back her hands. A reflection hovered on the tranquil water. She peered curiously into the well. It was almost like looking into a fortune teller's crystal ball. Then she recognized the face. She felt a feeling of nausea rise inside of her and her eyes immediately searched the market place nervously. They came to rest on a pole behind the fountain, to which a warrant of arrest was fixed. Valentina stepped closer and inspected it with what bordered on masochistic interest. The portrait on it was done very well. His eyes seemed to twinkle at her mischievously and his mouth was curved into the usual overconfident smirk. She felt like somebody had hit her into the stomach, as if all air was knocked out of her sails effectively. Yep, that was him alright. With a quick gesture of her hand she ripped off the piece of paper and read what was written beneath it.
* END OF FLASHBACK:
So that's how I ended up in this run-down little tavern with the waitress staring at me in annoyance and Jack torturing me recklessly with his drunken slur. There was a silent war raging inside of me unbeknownst to them. One side of me still loved him, it told me to smile at him and hug him, forget all those things that had happened. The other side, though, some would say it's my evil side, told me to order another round and drop him of in front of Commodore Norrington's door the next morning. The reward certainly was very tempting. But up to now I wasn't able to decide.
I was ripped out of my reverie when he mentioned my name. The alcohol had already worked its wonders - it's usually very reliable - by this point he wasn't even able to recognize me anymore.
"....Valentina......ya know....the lass left me," he gazed into his mug, looking dejectedly sad.
"Suits him well," I thought to myself.
"It's been two bloody days...two bloody days...Wanna know what me thinks, matey?"
I didn't want to know at all what Jack thought, but in order to go along with the plan I said, "Of course, Captain Sparrow, I beg you do enlighten me," fortunately he wasn't able to detect the sarcasm in my voice.
"Me thinks that that bloody witch must 'ave cursed me...," he trailed off for a moment staring interestedly at a point on the wall behind me. Then he shook his head and took another sip from his mug.
"Oh, Jack, stop your flattery, you are such a charmer," I laughed to myself evilly.
"Can't eat, can't sleep, the rum tastes like water.....me beloved Pearl could sink an' I wouldn't even notice. All I can bloody think 'bout's 'er," he took off his bandana and ran his hands through his hair in frustration.
"I'ave searched the whole town fer 'er. Nothin'! Nobody 'as seen 'er, let alone ever 'eard 'er name," he paused and looked at me with a wistful expression in his brown eyes, "'onestly, mate, I don't know what to do. The worst part of it is that I......I think I might love 'er."
By this time I sat starring at him with my mouth agape. Did he just say what I think he said? I blinked a few times in disorientation.
"You really love that girl?" I enquired interestedly, leaning forward in my chair.
"Aye," he said simply and drunken honesty shone in his eyes.
To say that I was astonished would have been a slight understatement. Yes, I was happy, even ecstatic; nevertheless his words scared me a great deal. See, I'm not a believer in 'they lived happily ever after', it's just not realistic, but I, as ever offer woman secretly does, hold on to the idea that somewhere out there you will find your soul mate. In order to find him, to make him recognize you as his missing half, you have to bare your innermost feelings to him and that is a truly scary thought. I'm not that kind of person who runs around spilling her guts to everybody. I'm afraid of the consequences, afraid I might get hurt and I knew that Jack would eventually hurt me again. I was waiting for some kind of sign to show me the right way and the right decision to take. As usually nothing happened and it obviously wouldn't anymore tonight.
"I will get you home, it isn't that far away after all," I informed him, my voice sounding mellow and soft. Of course, he takes me up on the offer. Somehow I have a feeling of deja-vu, when I heave him towards the Pearl, his arm slung around my shoulders for support and his step insecure.
There were things I wanted to talk to him about in the morning. Well, it's a wide spread believe that drunks and children always tell the truth, but to be honest I would rather have him declare his love to me while he was sober - that is if he still had the courage to. At least he would then recognize my face and he would understand my response. What was I going to respond anyway? Could I forgive him?
I brushed those thoughts aside as we walked through the dark streets of Port Royal. He had grown silent, that meant he had probably slipped into some sort of alcohol induced delirium, pardon me slumber. Amazingly he was still able to walk. I started humming to myself. Somehow the darkness around us inspired me to.
Minutes later we finally reached his quarters and I softly laid him down on his bed. He was somewhere between waking and sleeping, looking at me with tiny and very sleepy eyes. "What ya be singing?" Jack asked curiously, his voice low and dark.
"Nothing," I tried to cover. Damn, he had heard me.
"I maybe drunker than a whole brewery, but I still.....I still 'ear when somebody be 'umming," he answered in alcohol induced annoyance.
"Alright, you win," I replied, feeling slightly embarrassed. "It's a song my Dad always used to sing." I refrained from telling him about my more than colorful family history.
"Can I hear it?"
I was stunned. Usually I only sing when I'm completely alone, so I didn't know whether I was any good at it. Well, we would find out.
Chase the Dog Star
Over the sea
Home where my true love is waiting for
Me
Rope the south wind
Canvas the stars
Harness the moonlight
So she can safely go
Round the Cape Horn to Valparaiso
Red the port light
Starboard the green
How will she know of the devils I've seen
Cross in the sky, star of the sea
Under the moonlight, there she can
Safely go
Round the Cape Horn to Valparaiso
And every road I walked would take me
Down to the sea
With every broken promise in my sack
And every love would always send the
Ship of my heart
Over the rolling sea
If I should die
And water's my grave
She'll never know if I'm damned or I'm
Saved
See the ghost fly over the sea Under the moonlight, there she can
Safely go
Round the Cape Horn to Valparaiso. (Sting - Valparaiso; from the Album Mercury Falling)
By the time I had finished he was sound asleep. He looked boyish, even innocent in his sleep. I smiled and sat down on the armchair besides his bed where I fell asleep several seconds later.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
@ Quennya: Okay, *grins in embarrassment* I admit there might be a tiny little plot hole, which I kind of overlooked. Thanks for pointing it out though. But that can be fixed easily by inserting another scene or so....I'll do the end of the story first and than I'll eventually get to that as well (if I still have time).
@ KokoAstra: I also fixed the part with the "You're not" you might wanna check back on that. I hope its more understandable now.
Hang on, you guys! There is still one more chapter to come. You know the drill: R&R! Bye!!
Chapter 11:
Jack's steps resounded gloomily in the deserted streets of Port Royal. It was almost midnight. The signs above the shops along the street sighed in rusty agony when the sea breeze touched them. Even the lonely rhythm of his step had a melancholic note to it. Either his mind was playing tricks on him or the city was not looking as inviting as last time he had been there (Just for the record: last time they had tried to kill him). In fact it made a rather depressing impression.
Ah, the Blacksmith's! He could hear the steady clanging noise of the hammer hitting the ambos even from outside on the street. Jack had reached his destination. He decided against knocking, it was very unlikely the Whelp would hear it over all that noise. Also it was a highly overrated social habit. Jack had gotten to learn that sneakiness sometimes spared you a lot of trouble. He caught himself thinking of her again. It hurt so deeply, that he quickly pushed those thoughts away, ere the picture of her walking away from the ship appeared anew before his mind's eye as a painful reminder of the fact that he had driven her away.
He stepped through the creaking wooden door and crossed the length of the dark shop with huge strides, dimly noticing from the corner of his eye, an old man sleeping soundly on a heap of hay. He made the impression of almost belonging to the inventory of this room. The snoring blacksmith also seemed to be somebody who enjoyed extended naps and excessive drinking or possibly both in combination, a kindred soul so to say, as the empty bottle by his side proclaimed.
Jack stopped a few meters from the young apprentice who was currently occupied with forging a new sword. It was best if he kept his distance. It lowered the risk of being skewered by a red hot glowing blade considerably.
"If that isn't me good ol' friend William Turner!" he announced loudly. Strangely he wasn't in the mood for jokes today, so he had decided against sneaking up on Will and giving him the scare of his life.
The regular clanging noise recreated by the loud sound of metal on metal immediately stopped. The young man's back flinched slightly. When he turned around a comical mixture of discomfort and genuine happiness about seeing his friend again, was visible on his face.
"Jack Sparrow! How have you been, you scallywag?" he embraced the pirate and clapped him on the back affectionately.
"T' 'ell an' back," Jack answered through clenched teeth.
"Listen, matey, I ain't jus' dropping by fer a social call. I need yer help t' repair me ship, "he informed him briefly.
"Of course, but I'm sure Elizabeth will also be extremely pleased to see you again....You have been missed," the Whelp smiled at him good-naturedly.
"How's the lass? I hope everthin's alright," Jack said simply, breaking with his habit of constantly joking or dropping sarcastic remarks.
Something was different about him. Will wrinkled his forehead pensively. Jack sounded exceedingly ill-humored, which was something extremely suspicious considered the fact that the pirate always seemed to have a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, which was now completely gone.
"Are you sober?" Will asked with unmasked horror in his voice. Something bad must have happened.
"Aye, completely, but that wouldn't be the worst part of it."
"What?! How big is the damage to the Pearl? Did they take our treasure?" the young man asked slowly starting to worry.
"Nay" Jack shook his head dismissively. "None of that. It be far worse," he answered quizzically.
"What can be worse than that? Are Gibbs and Ana Maria alright?" he had gotten to know the crew of the Black Pearl a little bit better while they had sailed the Caribbean together and made some friends in the process. It was only natural that he grew concerned.
"Nay, they're fine. It's 'bout a woman, an exceedingly annoying one, I must add."
Instead of looking compassionate Will suddenly burst out laughing.
"What be so funny about that?" Jack growled.
"Nothing," the young blacksmith tried to keep a straight face, but then started laughing again, "Nothing......at all," he held his stomach and tears trailed down his cheeks. After a suitable amount of laughing fits, which Jack watched with a dark expression on his face, the young man was finally able to contain himself and managed to put on a serious face. He figured that this way he would get more information out of the Jack. "Since.....everything else is alright that means......You fell in love with that woman, haven't you?"
Jack's facial expression was precisely that of a man who had put his hand on a hot stove and had burned himself badly in the process. Extremely pained and also extremely displeased. "If ya absolutely 'ave t' know.....," he briefly hesitated before he continued. It was the first time he was ready to admit his true feelings,"Aye, I think I did fall for her," his gruff voice softened for a second as her picture appeared in his head, but he quickly caught himself, "But that stays between us, savvy? If any of this leaves this room I feel rightfully entitled t' cut yer throat, Whelp!"
"Most certainly! But pray tell me, where is that unfortunate woman now?" Will asked barely able to suppress a smirk. Of course, he felt sorry for his friend, but the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow love-sick! That was certainly something you didn't see every day.
"I 'ave no idea," Jack answered dejectedly.
"You have no idea?!" the young man echoed, not able to believe what he just heard. He couldn't believe how anybody could be so stupid as to let the woman he loved walk away. After having battled with a bunch of cursed pirates of the worst imaginable kind, in order to save your one true love, people have the tendency of getting a little bit irritated, when hearing about somebody who gives up in the face of what they deem being slight hindrances.
"Why don't you go and try to find her?"
"It's 'ard t' fin' someone who doesn't want to be found, especially when we're talking 'bout a thief."
*
Valentina looked with childlike fascination at the half empty bottle of red vine that she held clutched in her slender hand. The red liquid crashed in tiny waves against the confinement of glass that surrounded it. It looked like a miniature version of a crimson ocean. She put it down besides her and stretched out on the slightly humid sand of the beach, staring up at the starry night sky.
After she had left the Pearl she had immediately come here - that is after she had stopped shortly at the next best tavern to get some 'supplies'. She came to this place whenever she felt like being alone and tonight she absolutely wasn't in the mood for company. It was a lonely bay at the outskirts of town. Only fishermen came here, as the town folk was usually to lazy to endure the short walk from Port Royal.
Her bare toes brushed against the smooth and cool surface of an empty bottle that lay in the sand before her, the one she had emptied an hour ago. She felt the pleasant buzz of alcohol engulf her. It promised her the gift of oblivion and dreamless slumber and Valentina thankfully took up its well-meant offer. Above all she wanted to forget. Forget the way his lips had felt against hers, how her heart had rejoiced whenever she had been close to him.
Tears trickled down her cheeks and told her to take another draught from the bottle. She gulped down the treacherous antidote greedily, but unfortunately it wouldn't work. Valentina was ready for the pain to stop, but somehow it had its own mind and the only thing she could do, was to accept and endure it. No matter how often she told herself to stop crying, to stop thinking about him - it was all for naught, nothing changed.
Valentina closed her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. She was a very level-headed woman, whenever she was faced with a problem she would sooner or later come up with a solution. What annoyed her most about her current situation was the fact that there was no solution. They say that time heals all wounds, but before time can work its magic the wounds bleed and ache and there's also a high possibility you die from them ere the healing begins. So she decided to just lie there for now and hope on passing out sometime soon.
Fortunately her prayers were answered and after a few more draughts from the sour red vine she fell asleep on the beach. She pleasantly hovered on clouds of dreamless alcohol induced slumber for hours and only awoke in the morning when tide set in and sea water caressed her bare feet. Valentina slowly got up, preparing herself for the aftereffects of her drinking. Surprisingly there weren't any, except for a dry mouth. The rumble of her stomach told her that it was time for breakfast. Automatically her eyes wondered along the coast towards Port Royal, where she could get food and drink.
Seagulls circled over her head, announcing their presence with obnoxious croaking screams, which seemed a little bit louder than usual. They were starting to annoy her a great deal (as everything else that crossed her path that day) and so her departure plans were immediately put into action.
All the while mumbling gruffly under her breath, she made her way to the city, hoping against hope that nobody would immediately recognize her there. Valentina was lucky. She soon arrived at the market place that was seized by busy activity. People were hurriedly scurrying here and there. Nobody was paying attention to anybody. There were only two primary objectives: buying and selling.
She let out a relieved sigh and mingled with the masses, her expert hands sneaking an apple from the next best fruit-seller stand. She briefly rubbed it against her trouser leg until it sparkled like a ruby. Content with her work she brought it to her mouth. Her teeth broke its hard skin and sticky juice trickled down her hand. Valentina let out a muffled curse while she chewed on the sweet fruit. In the middle of the market place was a little well and she directed her steps towards it to wash her hands. Valentina placed the half eaten apple on its edge and dipped her hands into the cool water.
Beneath the surface she noticed the tempting glitter of several golden doubloons- vain wishes never to be fulfilled. Strangely enough nobody had thought about taking them, which was rather odd in a place like Port Royal that had its custom pickpockets, thieves and pirates. She stared at the silvery surface of the water which gradually smoothed out after she had drawn back her hands. A reflection hovered on the tranquil water. She peered curiously into the well. It was almost like looking into a fortune teller's crystal ball. Then she recognized the face. She felt a feeling of nausea rise inside of her and her eyes immediately searched the market place nervously. They came to rest on a pole behind the fountain, to which a warrant of arrest was fixed. Valentina stepped closer and inspected it with what bordered on masochistic interest. The portrait on it was done very well. His eyes seemed to twinkle at her mischievously and his mouth was curved into the usual overconfident smirk. She felt like somebody had hit her into the stomach, as if all air was knocked out of her sails effectively. Yep, that was him alright. With a quick gesture of her hand she ripped off the piece of paper and read what was written beneath it.
* END OF FLASHBACK:
So that's how I ended up in this run-down little tavern with the waitress staring at me in annoyance and Jack torturing me recklessly with his drunken slur. There was a silent war raging inside of me unbeknownst to them. One side of me still loved him, it told me to smile at him and hug him, forget all those things that had happened. The other side, though, some would say it's my evil side, told me to order another round and drop him of in front of Commodore Norrington's door the next morning. The reward certainly was very tempting. But up to now I wasn't able to decide.
I was ripped out of my reverie when he mentioned my name. The alcohol had already worked its wonders - it's usually very reliable - by this point he wasn't even able to recognize me anymore.
"....Valentina......ya know....the lass left me," he gazed into his mug, looking dejectedly sad.
"Suits him well," I thought to myself.
"It's been two bloody days...two bloody days...Wanna know what me thinks, matey?"
I didn't want to know at all what Jack thought, but in order to go along with the plan I said, "Of course, Captain Sparrow, I beg you do enlighten me," fortunately he wasn't able to detect the sarcasm in my voice.
"Me thinks that that bloody witch must 'ave cursed me...," he trailed off for a moment staring interestedly at a point on the wall behind me. Then he shook his head and took another sip from his mug.
"Oh, Jack, stop your flattery, you are such a charmer," I laughed to myself evilly.
"Can't eat, can't sleep, the rum tastes like water.....me beloved Pearl could sink an' I wouldn't even notice. All I can bloody think 'bout's 'er," he took off his bandana and ran his hands through his hair in frustration.
"I'ave searched the whole town fer 'er. Nothin'! Nobody 'as seen 'er, let alone ever 'eard 'er name," he paused and looked at me with a wistful expression in his brown eyes, "'onestly, mate, I don't know what to do. The worst part of it is that I......I think I might love 'er."
By this time I sat starring at him with my mouth agape. Did he just say what I think he said? I blinked a few times in disorientation.
"You really love that girl?" I enquired interestedly, leaning forward in my chair.
"Aye," he said simply and drunken honesty shone in his eyes.
To say that I was astonished would have been a slight understatement. Yes, I was happy, even ecstatic; nevertheless his words scared me a great deal. See, I'm not a believer in 'they lived happily ever after', it's just not realistic, but I, as ever offer woman secretly does, hold on to the idea that somewhere out there you will find your soul mate. In order to find him, to make him recognize you as his missing half, you have to bare your innermost feelings to him and that is a truly scary thought. I'm not that kind of person who runs around spilling her guts to everybody. I'm afraid of the consequences, afraid I might get hurt and I knew that Jack would eventually hurt me again. I was waiting for some kind of sign to show me the right way and the right decision to take. As usually nothing happened and it obviously wouldn't anymore tonight.
"I will get you home, it isn't that far away after all," I informed him, my voice sounding mellow and soft. Of course, he takes me up on the offer. Somehow I have a feeling of deja-vu, when I heave him towards the Pearl, his arm slung around my shoulders for support and his step insecure.
There were things I wanted to talk to him about in the morning. Well, it's a wide spread believe that drunks and children always tell the truth, but to be honest I would rather have him declare his love to me while he was sober - that is if he still had the courage to. At least he would then recognize my face and he would understand my response. What was I going to respond anyway? Could I forgive him?
I brushed those thoughts aside as we walked through the dark streets of Port Royal. He had grown silent, that meant he had probably slipped into some sort of alcohol induced delirium, pardon me slumber. Amazingly he was still able to walk. I started humming to myself. Somehow the darkness around us inspired me to.
Minutes later we finally reached his quarters and I softly laid him down on his bed. He was somewhere between waking and sleeping, looking at me with tiny and very sleepy eyes. "What ya be singing?" Jack asked curiously, his voice low and dark.
"Nothing," I tried to cover. Damn, he had heard me.
"I maybe drunker than a whole brewery, but I still.....I still 'ear when somebody be 'umming," he answered in alcohol induced annoyance.
"Alright, you win," I replied, feeling slightly embarrassed. "It's a song my Dad always used to sing." I refrained from telling him about my more than colorful family history.
"Can I hear it?"
I was stunned. Usually I only sing when I'm completely alone, so I didn't know whether I was any good at it. Well, we would find out.
Chase the Dog Star
Over the sea
Home where my true love is waiting for
Me
Rope the south wind
Canvas the stars
Harness the moonlight
So she can safely go
Round the Cape Horn to Valparaiso
Red the port light
Starboard the green
How will she know of the devils I've seen
Cross in the sky, star of the sea
Under the moonlight, there she can
Safely go
Round the Cape Horn to Valparaiso
And every road I walked would take me
Down to the sea
With every broken promise in my sack
And every love would always send the
Ship of my heart
Over the rolling sea
If I should die
And water's my grave
She'll never know if I'm damned or I'm
Saved
See the ghost fly over the sea Under the moonlight, there she can
Safely go
Round the Cape Horn to Valparaiso. (Sting - Valparaiso; from the Album Mercury Falling)
By the time I had finished he was sound asleep. He looked boyish, even innocent in his sleep. I smiled and sat down on the armchair besides his bed where I fell asleep several seconds later.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
@ Quennya: Okay, *grins in embarrassment* I admit there might be a tiny little plot hole, which I kind of overlooked. Thanks for pointing it out though. But that can be fixed easily by inserting another scene or so....I'll do the end of the story first and than I'll eventually get to that as well (if I still have time).
@ KokoAstra: I also fixed the part with the "You're not" you might wanna check back on that. I hope its more understandable now.
Hang on, you guys! There is still one more chapter to come. You know the drill: R&R! Bye!!