Long time, no see. I apologise, but here you go.
Five: stomping the feet
Charlotte signed to herself, tired, as she reluctantly ate the meal her and Gibsey had prepared- at least she knew what was in it, since she'd made half of it, that was a relief, she thought, as she cast a firm eye over the fork she was using, and once she'd decided it was clean, she began to eat, ignoring the amused look the other pirates gave her.
It was a simple meal, yet she enjoyed it. Maybe since it was the one thing she'd actually made herself, was the reason she enjoyed it so much. Back home in England, she hadn't been allowed in the kitchen, never mind cooking a meal. Glancing at her bandaged hand, she smiled wryly. Maybe they had a point!
As she stood, and helped Gibsey and a small boy gather the dishes into the kitchen, Captain Jack Sparrow himself stood before her, eyeing her over, seeing her dirty shift and bandaged hand, and shiny eyes and flushed cheeks from the cold. "Ye alright there luv?" He asked, as the young boy began soaking the dishes. "Yes, I am." She informed him. "As much as I hate to admit it, I rather enjoyed working today." "Well, the nights young yet," He replied easily. "We having a bit of a party on deck- its young Steven's birthday here," He said, gesturing to the young boy, who smiled and turned red. "How lovely!" Charlotte said, clasping her hands together. "How old are you Steven?" "I is sixteen miss," He said, and Charlotte startled, expecting him to say twelve, or maybe thirteen. "And he's been on the Pearl for a grand total of a year now, haven't ye lad?" "I have, Cap'n." "A whole year?" Charlotte inquired, helping with the dishes as Jack stood, leaning against the wall. "Yep." Steven replied, not getting her shocked tone. "Haven't you a home? Or family?" "Well, miss, the Peal is like my home and my family," Steven said quietly, not meeting her gaze, knowing it wasn't the answer she was looking for. "But-" "My real family weren't nowt much miss. They won't be missing me." He explained for her, and she looked surprised. "I'm sure-" She began, not accepting that this young boy's family wouldn't miss him, but Jack interrupted her. "Now I'm sure ye want to change for the festives Charlie," Jack said, giving her a warning look. "Am I to attend?" She asked, startled by his look. "As part of me crew now, ye are most expected to attend." He told her, leading the way to his room, where she had stayed last night. "I-I am not part of a pirates crew!" She objected. "I am merely a passenger with no other option!" "Ye have plenty options lass. Main one being to swim rather than sail." She pouted. "Fine. I'm part of your crew." Jack laughed. "Now Ana Maria parted with some slacks for ye, which I think you might find a tad more comfortable than them silly dresses-" "Pardon?" "I put them on the bed for-" "I refuse to wear mens clothes!" She cried, seeing the brown trousers, and cringing. It was bad enough sailing with pirates, but now she was expected to dress like them? "Fine, fine, I just thinking of whats best." Jack said, admitting defeat. "Now it be best to leave the subject of Steven's family alone, okay? Most don't like talking about there background." "Does that include you?" She asked, picking out a fresh shift to wear- Jack was right, dresses were uncomfortable to wear aboard this ship, so her thick cotton shifts would have to suffice. "Eh, luv?" "Do you not like talking about your background?" "I have no history pet. Just the present." "Everyone has history, Jack. Everyone has two parents, and-" "I don't." He answered shortly, his brown eyes narrowing. She let it go.
"I don't have a mother," She shared. If someone was going to talk, it might as well be her, she decided. "She was killed when I was child." "Ah." "The memories were to painful for my uncle, so he left with my cousin Elizabeth and found Port Royal." "Ahh, what about Lizzie's mother?" "She died at birth." "Explains a lot then." She shot him a look. "Right luv, see you on deck later." "Righteo!" She said, and made sure the door was shut, and changed quickly into her clean shift, folding her dirty one neatly. Glimpsing a look at herself, she paused, and quickly redid her hair the best she could, but gave up after several fruitless attempts to tame it into a braid. She brushed it out, and left it. Unwinding the bandage on her hand, she saw the cut had closed, leaving an ugly red dash across her palm. Scrunching her nose at the sight, she stood, and lifted out her journal, and began to scribe.
~*~*~
Later, a knock on the door sounded, and Gibsey stood behind it, grinning. "Time for the festives, girly," He said, and she followed him onto the deck.
Charlotte gasped, as she took in the small band set up, a few pirates with fiddles in the corner, and a small wooden drum behind them. Another corner held a few barrels of ale, and of course, the captain's favourite tipple, rum. Dozens of glasses were strewn, some half empty already, and as if to announce Steven's arrival, the drum-played banged a few sounds out. The cloth-wrapped package in Charlotte's hands felt heavy, and she didn't know why she had rummaged amongst her belongs to find the boy a gift, but for some reason, wanted to. She didn't know him, except for she pitied him, with his family uncaring.
However, she shouldn't pity Steven, as it really was his luck to find a new caring family aboard, and a new exciting life sailing the seas- he was one of thirteen children, born into a poor, London-based family, where the streets weren't uncommon to them. It was only when his father had sold him as a servant that he'd found Jack Sparrow stealing from that servant, and had helped him, therefore gaining a place on the Black Pearl, where he was content, and happy, and at tis current moment, looked it.
His eyes were bright, his dark hair falling in his eyes, his freckled cheeks rosy. He saw the girl Cap'n had found on the 'Princess' and smiled, as she looked rather amazed at the sight of the deck, and the other pirates slugging back rum, and a few trying to convince Ana Maria to dance with them, to which she ignored. A few men had even begun to dance with each other, Marty banging out a fierce rhythm on his drum. Miss approached him, and smiled. "Happy birthday Steven!" She told him, handing a package to him. He raised his eyebrows. "Whats this miss?" "It's a present. I know I don't know you, but I wanted to get you something anyway." "Thanks Miss," He said, and saw Cap'n watching from behind his rum bottle. He tore away the cloth, and revealed a shiny, silver dagger beneath it, jewel-encrusted handle glittering. "A friend gave it to me, on board, for protect, yet I have no use for it. I believe you may actually put it use." She said, smiling at his open mouth, gaping. "Why thank you Miss!" He said, turning it over, admiring his first real birthday present. "You didn't have-" "I know, I wanted to! Sixteen is an important age. Its only three behind me." Charlotte said. "And call me Charlotte." He grinned, showing his teeth, and stuffed the dagger into the band of his trousers, hiding it with his oversize shirt. "Feel like a dance?" He asked shyly, offering his hand. She took it, and frowned. "I don't know how to dance to this music," She told him, biting her lip at the other pirates stomping around, waving their glasses in the air. "Its easy Miss-Charlotte," He corrected himself. "Just follow me," He said, as he spun her round, and she unexpectedly twirled, laughing.
Jack Sparrow watched the lass give Steven a present, and watched her swing around with him, and smiled at the sound her of laughter, and of young Steven's. It was a pleasure seeing him enjoying himself, and even the lass looked as if she was having a good time. Later, the lass was standing by the side of the ship, glancing into the glittering water. He stood next to her. "T'was awfully nice of you to give that to Steven." She turned, and saw Jack. "I wanted to." "Was nice of you. He appreciated it." "And yer dancin' is something else." "I was taught to dance properly, to ballroom dance. Not to stomp my feet upon a wooden deck." "Oh, a low shot their Charlie. Come on, I'll teach you proper dancin'." "I can-" "Now ye can't refuse an order from the captain. Come on." He guided her to the floor, and she reluctantly agreed, smiling as she saw Ana Maria gulp back another mouthful of rum, and let herself be spun by a rather plump pirate. Jack put his hands one hand on her waist, and grasped the other, and proceeded to twirl around, all the whilst stomping and jumping around, a great deal of the other pirates joining in. Laughing, charlotte shed her upper-class lady airs, and joined in, stomping her feet, and letting Jack twirl and swing her around and around until she got dizzy.
~*~*~
Is it wrong of me to say I had fun tonight, journal? As I did!
I know my father would see it as morally wrong, but I did. I enjoyed the so- called dancing, and I even sipped some of Ana Maria's rum, who seemed much more friendly after a glass or two! It is foul of course, as I expected, but I felt a tiny bit rebellious. James, brother dearest, would have a heart attack, and I am so glad. He's back at home in England, with his boring wife and two hideous children, and I'm dancing aboard a pirate ship!
I don't understand why Steven wouldn't tell me of his family, or Jack of his- maybe pirates are just private people. Although I do suspect Steven's family may have mistreated him, perhaps. But of Jack's? I have no idea. He could be the son of a rich Lord for all I could guess! The rebellious, mischievous son perhaps? Or maybe just the son of a pirate, following in the footsteps of his father? Who knows!
~*~*~
I hope you guys all liked this chapter! I made up all that dancing stuff, so if you have a really weird image of stomping pirates in your mind, I'm sorry. Even though that image is incredibly funny in my head right now!
Round of thanks:
Sally: thanks! And Will won't be a sissy, I promise. He should be in soon, the next few chapters.
Snape's Faery: couldn't possibly disclose who Charlotte ends up with! It may change.
Emeraldmedallion: Sorry I didn't update sooner but im lazy. I have no clue where Gibsey come from; I didn't even remember Gibbs when I thought of it! Doh! I did try and think of a more piratey name than Steven, but nevermind. He's young; he has yet to earn his piratey name!
Captain Cheesehead: wow, the 2nd? But that's a great day! My birthday! The grand old age of 18 I was so it was even more special! But still, its not often us English get things earlier than other people.I think I've worn out my dvd player now the amount of times I've watched it! Hehe!
Review all! Hope you all had a good Christmas and new year! I did ( Yellowfluffyducks X
Five: stomping the feet
Charlotte signed to herself, tired, as she reluctantly ate the meal her and Gibsey had prepared- at least she knew what was in it, since she'd made half of it, that was a relief, she thought, as she cast a firm eye over the fork she was using, and once she'd decided it was clean, she began to eat, ignoring the amused look the other pirates gave her.
It was a simple meal, yet she enjoyed it. Maybe since it was the one thing she'd actually made herself, was the reason she enjoyed it so much. Back home in England, she hadn't been allowed in the kitchen, never mind cooking a meal. Glancing at her bandaged hand, she smiled wryly. Maybe they had a point!
As she stood, and helped Gibsey and a small boy gather the dishes into the kitchen, Captain Jack Sparrow himself stood before her, eyeing her over, seeing her dirty shift and bandaged hand, and shiny eyes and flushed cheeks from the cold. "Ye alright there luv?" He asked, as the young boy began soaking the dishes. "Yes, I am." She informed him. "As much as I hate to admit it, I rather enjoyed working today." "Well, the nights young yet," He replied easily. "We having a bit of a party on deck- its young Steven's birthday here," He said, gesturing to the young boy, who smiled and turned red. "How lovely!" Charlotte said, clasping her hands together. "How old are you Steven?" "I is sixteen miss," He said, and Charlotte startled, expecting him to say twelve, or maybe thirteen. "And he's been on the Pearl for a grand total of a year now, haven't ye lad?" "I have, Cap'n." "A whole year?" Charlotte inquired, helping with the dishes as Jack stood, leaning against the wall. "Yep." Steven replied, not getting her shocked tone. "Haven't you a home? Or family?" "Well, miss, the Peal is like my home and my family," Steven said quietly, not meeting her gaze, knowing it wasn't the answer she was looking for. "But-" "My real family weren't nowt much miss. They won't be missing me." He explained for her, and she looked surprised. "I'm sure-" She began, not accepting that this young boy's family wouldn't miss him, but Jack interrupted her. "Now I'm sure ye want to change for the festives Charlie," Jack said, giving her a warning look. "Am I to attend?" She asked, startled by his look. "As part of me crew now, ye are most expected to attend." He told her, leading the way to his room, where she had stayed last night. "I-I am not part of a pirates crew!" She objected. "I am merely a passenger with no other option!" "Ye have plenty options lass. Main one being to swim rather than sail." She pouted. "Fine. I'm part of your crew." Jack laughed. "Now Ana Maria parted with some slacks for ye, which I think you might find a tad more comfortable than them silly dresses-" "Pardon?" "I put them on the bed for-" "I refuse to wear mens clothes!" She cried, seeing the brown trousers, and cringing. It was bad enough sailing with pirates, but now she was expected to dress like them? "Fine, fine, I just thinking of whats best." Jack said, admitting defeat. "Now it be best to leave the subject of Steven's family alone, okay? Most don't like talking about there background." "Does that include you?" She asked, picking out a fresh shift to wear- Jack was right, dresses were uncomfortable to wear aboard this ship, so her thick cotton shifts would have to suffice. "Eh, luv?" "Do you not like talking about your background?" "I have no history pet. Just the present." "Everyone has history, Jack. Everyone has two parents, and-" "I don't." He answered shortly, his brown eyes narrowing. She let it go.
"I don't have a mother," She shared. If someone was going to talk, it might as well be her, she decided. "She was killed when I was child." "Ah." "The memories were to painful for my uncle, so he left with my cousin Elizabeth and found Port Royal." "Ahh, what about Lizzie's mother?" "She died at birth." "Explains a lot then." She shot him a look. "Right luv, see you on deck later." "Righteo!" She said, and made sure the door was shut, and changed quickly into her clean shift, folding her dirty one neatly. Glimpsing a look at herself, she paused, and quickly redid her hair the best she could, but gave up after several fruitless attempts to tame it into a braid. She brushed it out, and left it. Unwinding the bandage on her hand, she saw the cut had closed, leaving an ugly red dash across her palm. Scrunching her nose at the sight, she stood, and lifted out her journal, and began to scribe.
~*~*~
Later, a knock on the door sounded, and Gibsey stood behind it, grinning. "Time for the festives, girly," He said, and she followed him onto the deck.
Charlotte gasped, as she took in the small band set up, a few pirates with fiddles in the corner, and a small wooden drum behind them. Another corner held a few barrels of ale, and of course, the captain's favourite tipple, rum. Dozens of glasses were strewn, some half empty already, and as if to announce Steven's arrival, the drum-played banged a few sounds out. The cloth-wrapped package in Charlotte's hands felt heavy, and she didn't know why she had rummaged amongst her belongs to find the boy a gift, but for some reason, wanted to. She didn't know him, except for she pitied him, with his family uncaring.
However, she shouldn't pity Steven, as it really was his luck to find a new caring family aboard, and a new exciting life sailing the seas- he was one of thirteen children, born into a poor, London-based family, where the streets weren't uncommon to them. It was only when his father had sold him as a servant that he'd found Jack Sparrow stealing from that servant, and had helped him, therefore gaining a place on the Black Pearl, where he was content, and happy, and at tis current moment, looked it.
His eyes were bright, his dark hair falling in his eyes, his freckled cheeks rosy. He saw the girl Cap'n had found on the 'Princess' and smiled, as she looked rather amazed at the sight of the deck, and the other pirates slugging back rum, and a few trying to convince Ana Maria to dance with them, to which she ignored. A few men had even begun to dance with each other, Marty banging out a fierce rhythm on his drum. Miss approached him, and smiled. "Happy birthday Steven!" She told him, handing a package to him. He raised his eyebrows. "Whats this miss?" "It's a present. I know I don't know you, but I wanted to get you something anyway." "Thanks Miss," He said, and saw Cap'n watching from behind his rum bottle. He tore away the cloth, and revealed a shiny, silver dagger beneath it, jewel-encrusted handle glittering. "A friend gave it to me, on board, for protect, yet I have no use for it. I believe you may actually put it use." She said, smiling at his open mouth, gaping. "Why thank you Miss!" He said, turning it over, admiring his first real birthday present. "You didn't have-" "I know, I wanted to! Sixteen is an important age. Its only three behind me." Charlotte said. "And call me Charlotte." He grinned, showing his teeth, and stuffed the dagger into the band of his trousers, hiding it with his oversize shirt. "Feel like a dance?" He asked shyly, offering his hand. She took it, and frowned. "I don't know how to dance to this music," She told him, biting her lip at the other pirates stomping around, waving their glasses in the air. "Its easy Miss-Charlotte," He corrected himself. "Just follow me," He said, as he spun her round, and she unexpectedly twirled, laughing.
Jack Sparrow watched the lass give Steven a present, and watched her swing around with him, and smiled at the sound her of laughter, and of young Steven's. It was a pleasure seeing him enjoying himself, and even the lass looked as if she was having a good time. Later, the lass was standing by the side of the ship, glancing into the glittering water. He stood next to her. "T'was awfully nice of you to give that to Steven." She turned, and saw Jack. "I wanted to." "Was nice of you. He appreciated it." "And yer dancin' is something else." "I was taught to dance properly, to ballroom dance. Not to stomp my feet upon a wooden deck." "Oh, a low shot their Charlie. Come on, I'll teach you proper dancin'." "I can-" "Now ye can't refuse an order from the captain. Come on." He guided her to the floor, and she reluctantly agreed, smiling as she saw Ana Maria gulp back another mouthful of rum, and let herself be spun by a rather plump pirate. Jack put his hands one hand on her waist, and grasped the other, and proceeded to twirl around, all the whilst stomping and jumping around, a great deal of the other pirates joining in. Laughing, charlotte shed her upper-class lady airs, and joined in, stomping her feet, and letting Jack twirl and swing her around and around until she got dizzy.
~*~*~
Is it wrong of me to say I had fun tonight, journal? As I did!
I know my father would see it as morally wrong, but I did. I enjoyed the so- called dancing, and I even sipped some of Ana Maria's rum, who seemed much more friendly after a glass or two! It is foul of course, as I expected, but I felt a tiny bit rebellious. James, brother dearest, would have a heart attack, and I am so glad. He's back at home in England, with his boring wife and two hideous children, and I'm dancing aboard a pirate ship!
I don't understand why Steven wouldn't tell me of his family, or Jack of his- maybe pirates are just private people. Although I do suspect Steven's family may have mistreated him, perhaps. But of Jack's? I have no idea. He could be the son of a rich Lord for all I could guess! The rebellious, mischievous son perhaps? Or maybe just the son of a pirate, following in the footsteps of his father? Who knows!
~*~*~
I hope you guys all liked this chapter! I made up all that dancing stuff, so if you have a really weird image of stomping pirates in your mind, I'm sorry. Even though that image is incredibly funny in my head right now!
Round of thanks:
Sally: thanks! And Will won't be a sissy, I promise. He should be in soon, the next few chapters.
Snape's Faery: couldn't possibly disclose who Charlotte ends up with! It may change.
Emeraldmedallion: Sorry I didn't update sooner but im lazy. I have no clue where Gibsey come from; I didn't even remember Gibbs when I thought of it! Doh! I did try and think of a more piratey name than Steven, but nevermind. He's young; he has yet to earn his piratey name!
Captain Cheesehead: wow, the 2nd? But that's a great day! My birthday! The grand old age of 18 I was so it was even more special! But still, its not often us English get things earlier than other people.I think I've worn out my dvd player now the amount of times I've watched it! Hehe!
Review all! Hope you all had a good Christmas and new year! I did ( Yellowfluffyducks X