***Author's Note*** It's been a while since I last updated and I apologize for that. I'm back in school so I probably won't be able to update so often. All I can promise is that as soon as I write a new chap. I will post it. As for now, I have chap. 5 posted! Hope you like!

Chapter 5: A Funny Looking Man

I have been working all night, knowing quite well what has kept me awake. The Pearl has returned, I can feel it. Last night was just like the night when the Pearl had first come to Port Royal, there is no use denying that. The reason for the Pearl's return, I do not know but the purpose can't be to launch an attack. If that were the case, there would be no way that any of us could have been able to survive the night unharmed.

Last I heard Jack had possession of the Pearl. If that is still so, then there should be no reason to be fearful, right? Jack may be greedy and a crook but he would never be responsible of the killings of innocent people. If Port Royal was able to sleep in peace last night then it must be Jack that has returned, not Barbossa.

I've been thinking mostly positive thoughts but I can help but worry just as much.

A few minutes ago, a gun- shot erupted from somewhere near the docks and I could hear many villagers scream in response. I haven't a clue to what is happening and I honestly don't wish to know. Whatever is happening is only guaranteed to make my life more complicated.

Amanda sits perched on the window- sill, searching the street to find the source of the commotion.

Heavy foot- steps trod passed the shop. No, wait, the footsteps have stopped just outside. A sudden pressure on the door causes it to shake violently; whoever is on the other side of the door is clearly attempting to force it open.

Fear flows through me and the questions I have been asking myself return. Could it be Barbossa's crew coming for Amanda as I have dreamed for many nights? Mr. Brown had warned me that there would be a second attack on Port Royal. Could that indeed be true? Could this be it?

There is another pound on the door and a distinct grunt from the man outside. The door shakes and rattles but refuses to open. I feel slightly relieved for not opening yet opening the shop this morning. The door is still locked and it will prove harder for the madman outside to bring it down.

"Daddy," Amanda cries, "there's a funny looking man at the door!"

Utterly shocked that her tears are those of laughter and not fear, I question her statement. She responds by ordering me to look out of the window.

Nervously, I poke my head out of the window to catch a glimpse of the so-called "funny looking man."

I stare at the man in disbelief, resisting the urge to shout out to him. I'm finding it rather enjoyable watching his pathetic attempts to break down the door. In fact, I almost laugh out loud at the sight of the middle-aged man, throwing himself against a door that will most likely never open.

The door continues to rattle and shake with the impacts and I make up my mind to let him in before he hurts himself.

I move away from the window just in time to see the man step several feet away from the door.

After fiddling through my pocket for the key, I place it in the key- hole, and turn it clockwise until I hear the familiar click. My hand wraps tightly around the cold, steel handle and I pull, opening the door with a loud 'creak.'

A wild man runs in at full speed through the door that now stands ajar. He makes a sorry effort to bring himself to a halt but it's too late.

I close my eyes, wincing at each 'crash, bang,' and 'boom,' that fills the shop.

The first thing I make sure to do once I open my eyes is to seal and padlock the door once - I don't want to take any risks of anyone finding him here. The next thing, I do unwillingly. I turn reluctantly to look at the giant mess that has been created. Strips of metal, tools, and weapons are haphazardly strewn across the floor. A wooden shelf that had held many of these objects has fallen to the ground, contributing to the heap. Layers upon layers of red dust now cover the ground but the majority of it has yet to settle.

I sigh and shake my head solemnly, as my eyes become transfixed on the unconscious man who lies in the center of the mess.

He is positioned face down, legs spread eagle and his arms are sprawled out stupidly over his head. His tattered and torn clothes are coated with dust and his black leather boots have somehow managed to slip off of his feet. The sight truly is a sad one to behold.

Amanda finally hops down from her spot on the window- sill and walks over to me, eyes glued to the strange man on the floor, mouth opened wide with surprise. I take one of her tiny hands in mine and we stare together at the quiet shape on the floor.

Amanda is absolutely correct. Captain Jack Sparrow is a "funny looking man" indeed.

***Author's Note*** I know, that was a really short chapter. The next one should be longer, though. Thanx for your time and attention, I really do appreciate it!