Anya woke early again the next morning, in Jack's quarters. The sun had risen, but still hung low in the sky. The memories of the night before flooded her and she remembered how Jack had thrown caution to the wind and left Tom's prematurely so that they could escape Gordon. The wind had been weak, but thanks to the crew, they put ample distance between them and the Giant. But the thought that the Giant was looking for them still lurched at the back of Anya's mind, and a sense of impending doom was beginning to build in the pit of her stomach.
Anya stretched and looked to the chair, where Jack usually slept. But he was nowhere to be seen. She pushed the heavy blankets away and climbed out of the bed, walking on tiptoes to the door.
The salt air blew past her and the wind whipped her tangled hair in her face. Gibbs was asleep, as usual, sitting on the stool and leaned against the stern. Anya smiled as her bare feet padded along the damp wood. Yesterday had been so odd. How Jack had commented on their hands fitting together, and the way she had felt the heat of his stare. Anya shook her head, and mentally slapped herself. How could she think those thoughts… about Jack!
Anna Maria suddenly appeared at the head of the stairs leading below. She was wearing what Anya supposed were her bedclothes. Then her face fell.
Jack appeared at her side, wearing his brown trousers, boots, and a bandage around his chest. Anya felt like she was rooted to the spot, she couldn't run away, which she wanted nothing more than to do.
As if sensing she was watching, Jack turned his head towards her. Anya still couldn't feel her legs, so all she could do was stare back.
'Jack!' Anya whipped around to see Gibbs, standing at the helm, looking as alert as possible and smiling jauntily. 'Yah be up from me bunk! Feeling better?' Anya exhaled. He had been using Gibbs' bunk. He hadn't been ….. with Anna Maria. This was definitely good news.
Anya turned back around to face Jack, who was still staring at her, as if unsure. She smiled, to assure him she was fine. He seemed to relax a bit, and began walking toward her. Anna Maria looked between the two and then disappeared back down into the lower levels. Jack came to a stop in front of Anya, his hands on his hips with his fingers laced through his belt loops.
'Up are we?' he said in a gruff voice, meaning he had just woken up. Anya smiled. Then her face changed and she frowned.
'You shouldn't be.' She said looking at his bandaged chest. Jack frowned and laughed as if this was a joke.
'What are yah talkin bout pet?' he asked, his chest now in pain from his laughter. Anya remained unfazed.
'You should be resting.' She said taking him by the arm and pulling him toward his lodgings, 'You're still hurt.' She threw open the door and continued to drag him toward the bed.
'I'm fine.' He protested as she firmly placed a hand on his shoulder and sat him on the bed. She shook her head, apparently amused at his unwillingness to cooperate.
'You still should be resting Jack. Let Anna Maria take over for a few days.' She cooed as she laid him back into the pillows gently.
'A woman captaining the Pearl?! Are yah insane?!' he practically shouted. Anya shook her head as she drew the blankets up over his waist.
'You're one to talk.' She muttered as he scowled at her. 'Listen, you're going to lay here, s'posing I have to tie you to the bed! And Anna Maria will take over the helm!' Jack continued to glare defiantly at her.
'Over my dead body!' he said, sitting up. But he groaned in pain, as his chest muscles screamed in agony. Anya laid him back down, frowning in concern.
'Don't be such a baby.' She said as he placed a hand on his chest. Then she decided she'd have to use a more drastic method. She smiled sweetly as she sat down beside him, placing a hand gently on top of his. 'You would refuse me the chance to take care of you?' Jack's face immediately lifted at the sound of her softened voice. He swallowed hard at this sudden fond gesture.
'If you'd be so kind.' He replied, a smile spreading across his face. Anya rolled her eyes as she got up to get a wet rag, though this was not entirely unbearable. A few minutes ago she had been jealous at the thought of Jack and Anna Maria being together. She paused for a moment as she dipped the cloth in the water. Could she be falling for Jack? No that was impossible. He was a rugged, scruffy, scoundrel of a man, who was far too dependent on booze and walked funny. In fact the first time she'd seen him, waving his hands in all manner of directions, and teetering back and forth, she thought him either mad or… to prefer the company of men. She was relieved to find out it was the first one.
Jack made another groaning noise and she turned quickly to see his eyes squeezed shut. She strode over to his side and sat back down, placing the cool cloth on his hot forehead.
'Tom said you've broken a couple ribs, and you probably have a small puncture wound. But other than that, you're fine. And bloody lucky.' She said, trying to sound calm. He forced a smile and she felt her throat close up. After last night, she was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable around Jack. Sure he was an idiot. But he did have moments of wisdom and gentleman like manners. Though he usually ruined them with his "pirate finesse".
'Don't feel lucky, pet.' He said, still clutching his chest. Anya felt a pang of guilt. Perhaps if he hadn't had to fight that soldier, he wouldn't have gotten hurt. She placed her hand on his again and looked into his warm deep, dark eyes.
'I'll take care of you.' She said, looking at him sincerely. It was the least she could do after everything he'd done for her. He cocked an eyebrow.
'Promise?' he asked, a real smile resurfacing on his face. Anya smile and nodded.
'Cross my heart.' She chuckled, gripping his hand. The two looked at each other for a few minutes, smiling, apparently not really paying attention.
'What were you going to say?' Jack asked, suddenly breaking the silence. Anya shook her head, frowning slightly.
'Say?' she asked, puzzled. He nodded.
'Back at the Cove. You started to say somethin then we had to run for it.'
'Oh.' She said biting her bottom lip, her courage failing her. He wasn't supposed to remember their time in the cove. Or so Tom had led her to believe. 'I just wanted to thank you, again.' She said quickly, releasing his hand. 'For everything.' Jack nodded, though he looked a little disappointed. Then he began to frown and Anya thought she had hurt him somehow. 'What?' she asked.
'Nothin.' He said, but it was obvious he wanted to say something. Anya took his hand again and placed it on her knee.
'Tell me.' She demanded softly. He looked up at her, searching for an answer.
'Why'd yah come back?' he asked. Anya's brows knitted, obviously perplexed. 'To the Pearl. Yah coulda stayed with yer cousin.' Anya looked down at her lap, nodding slightly. Then she looked back up.
'I could've.' She admitted. 'But I …' It was Jack's turn to be confused. 'I couldn't…' She said, shrugging, not knowing, herself, why she had come back. Jack shook his head.
'It wasn' cause a me! I wasn't all by me onesie! Gibbs was – '
'No.' Anya interrupted. She took a deep breath, seeking the right words. It was hard, when the reason was hidden, even from her. 'Gordon was there, remember?' Jack nodded, accepting her answer without further question, though he was eyeing her strangely.
'What?' Anya asked
Jack was staring back at her, smirking a bit. 'I can't be your prince charming, eh pet?' he said, releasing her hand and drawing it back to his chest. 'I'm a pirate, an I'm not anyone's prince. Savvy?' Anya's eyebrow rose and she simply looked at him as if he were crazy. 'Sorry love.' He said with a sad shake of the head.
'Captain, I think you've been spending too much time out in the sun.' She said, standing and crossing her arms over her chest. Jack shrugged.
'No need to be ashamed love.' He said smugly. 'I don't blame yeh, most women fall fer me, bein a captain an all.' Anya smirked and raised her hands in defeat.
'Oh, you caught me. Guess I can't sneak anything past you, can I Captain?' Jack nodded, smiling toothily. Anya couldn't hide a small laugh at this. There was suddenly a call, sounding very much like Anna Maria, calling for Anya. 'I better go.' she motioned toward the doors. Jack nodded, not able to hide his grin.
'But, love, if yer feelin a little … ' He winked at her. 'If yah still want tah tie me to the bed posts – '
'No no!' Anya said waving her hands, finding this conversation surreal. She began walking backwards toward the doors. 'No no! I don't think that'll be happening.' Finally she found the door handle and twisted the knob. 'Hope you feel better.'
'Now, pet, don't – '
'Captain I really should go. You need to rest.'
'A minute ago – '
'Yes, well, I must have been suffering temporary insanity. Just forget it.'
'But – '
'No Captain!' Anya said firmly, getting more and more uncomfortable by the minute. Jack settled back in his bed. 'Forget – It – Alright?' Jack nodded. Anya breathed out, and felt her nervousness set in. 'Alright. Okay. That's settled.' Jack couldn't help smirking at her neurotic manner. Then suddenly she turned and walked right into the door, and then fell like a sack of potatoes.
'Where'd you go?' Jack chuckled as he sat up carefully in his bed.
'I'm – alright.' Two hands appeared at the foot of the bed, followed by Anya's golden haired head. She looked positively humiliated, cheeks flushed, avoiding Jack's smiling face. 'Nothing happened.'
'Except your not so graceful exit, m'dear?' Jack said with an enormous grin. Anya managed a weak laugh, though it practically died on the way out.
'And then she burst into flame.' She said under her breath, though she had the distinct feeling that he had heard her. She didn't bother turning around as she staggered out the door.
Jack sat back in his bed, still chuckling slightly. But then it happened again. The funny jolt in his stomach that made him feel empty and sick at the same time. As he watched Anya walk away, her full hips swaying invitingly, he felt his chest tighten, which hurt like hell. What was happening to him? He couldn't be developing feelings for her! That was impossible! What am I thinking? Jack asked himself. She's just a clumsy, spoiled brat, who happens to be nice to him, which just proves that he must be softening up as a pirate captain. He really was insane if he was beginning to feel for her. He never felt for anyone. Not Will, not Miss Swann, not his crew, no one mattered to him. He had to look out for number one. Which was him. Wasn't it?
Anya walked up the stairs, toward Anna Maria, who was surveying her strangely. Anya came to a halt at the landing and waited for Anna Maria to speak. But she didn't for a few minutes, simply casting her gaze out onto the choppy waves of the ocean. Finally Anya crossed her arms and shivered. Anna Maria's eyes snapped back to her.
'I s'pose I should be thankin yah fer the Cap'n.' she said, though Anya could tell she really didn't mean what she had just said. All she could think about was what sort of demeaning task Cotton, or Cotton's bird, had set for her. But the temporary captain continued. 'An I s'pose I should be telling yah that soon the wind's gonna stop and the Giant'll catch up.' Now she had Anya's attention. Her mouth opened slightly and her eyes widened in alarm.
'What?' she managed to croak. Anna Maria shrugged.
'We're comin up tah the windless passage.' She said shortly, and she turned her attention back out onto the water. But Anya wouldn't be ignored.
'Well then let's go somewhere else!' she said desperately, taking a few steps forward and grabbing the helm. Now she had Anna Maria's attention. 'If the Giant catches up, Gordon'll kill me!' The two women stood in silence, staring at each other.
'My condolences, then.' Anna Maria said shortly, before looking out at the water. Anya frowned and banged her fists against the helm.
'NO! That's not it!' she yelled, walking around the helm so that she was face to face with Anna Maria, who was surveying her as if she were joking. 'You have to take another route or I die!'
'Tis no skin off my hide.' Anna Maria spat. 'And what can we do?! Run from then forever?! Face it princess,' Anya glared at her, 'ya're not gonna die. Ya're already dead!'
'Anna Maria that's enough!' Gibbs shouted taking Anya by the arm and pulling her back down the creaking wooden steps. It was only now that she realized the whole crew was staring at them. 'Well, back to work, yah dogs!' Gibbs boomed, in a tone that Anya had certainly never pictured him to have. He continued to drag Anya down the stairs until he'd pulled her under it.
'Gibbs, you have to talk to her! Tell her!' Anya pleaded. But Gibbs' face was stony and mournful. He shook his head, dragging a chubby hand through his greasy gray hair.
'Can't missy. No one regrets more than I.' He said in a grave, and quiet tone. 'WE have to take the Windless Passage.'
'Why?!' Anya demanded. Gibbs face contorted slightly, but in a flash it returned to its mournful look and Anya became suspicious. It seemed everyone was keeping secrets from her these days. Her mother, Tom, now Gibbs and the crew. If there was one person who would talk, it was…
'JACK!' shouted as she burst through the doors into Jack's quarters. Jack looked up, old eyeglasses sliding down his nose, a book propped up on his chest. 'You're reading?' Anya asked incredulously. This was a surprise. Jack shrugged.
'Not very good at it.' He said shortly. Anya smirked.
'I think I know why. You're holding it upside-down.' She said walking forward and turning the book over, so that it was right side up. Jack shrugged again, as if it was no big deal and took the spectacles off his face. 'And you need glasses?'
'Naw. But they make me look dead smart, eh?' Anya rolled her eyes and grabbed the specs, throwing them onto the table across the room. 'Hey!' Jack said scowling.
'Look, we're heading for the Windless Passage. Gordon'll have no trouble catching up if we take that route, but no one will tell me why we're not going another way. Now talk!' she said planting herself next to him on the edge of the bed. Jack was frowning and his eyes were raking down her. 'Jack!'
'Right, right, what were yah sayin lass?' he said raising his hands in defense, as if she might lunge at him.
'Windless … passage … Gordon … not turning back … WHY?!'
'Alright, no need to shout love!' he said putting his hand on his head and staring at nothing in particular.
'We have to turn back, do something!' she said, sounding like she was on the brink of hysteria. Then he exhaled deeply. Anya sat back a little at this and her face fell. He wasn't going to tell her. His eyes betrayed him, he wanted to tell her but couldn't.
'We're not turning back are we?' she said, her voice emotionless and detached. Jack didn't say anything, didn't even look up and acknowledge her question. The two sat, still as stone, for what seemed like hours. 'How long?' Anya ground out. Jack looked up, confused.
'How long until we hit the passage?' she said, though this time it hurt her throat to say anything. Jack licked his lips, which had suddenly gone dry and looked back down.
'Bout half a day.' Her eyes closed in defeat. That was it. She was really going to die. No hope of rescue or protection from the untrustworthy band of pirates, not even from the captain she thought she had befriended. She was alone. 'I'm sorry, pet.' She let out a small laugh.
'Cross your heart, and hope to die.' She said softly. Jack felt as if she'd just hit him upside the head with an iron pan. Then her face bore a frown and she looked angry, betrayed, and scared. Her hands were bawled into fists, that clenched as she stood, her back to him. 'I hope you do die, Jack Sparrow. You deserve nothing less.' She said before storming out of the lodgings and continuing to run until she'd disappeared below deck. Jack breathed out, shaking his head, the tightening of his chest growing, feeling like there was a giant cord, twisting up inside him.
'It's Captain Jack.' He said in a low voice, to convince himself he was worthy to be captain. But right now he felt like he wasn't worthy of being a maggot.
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Well… another chapter! Please review with lots of specifics… like : Do you think Anya was too hard on Jack? Or do you think the crew hates Anya? What do you think is going to happen when the Giant catches up? And is Jack going to give up his earlier statement and be Anya's prince charming? This is fun stuff! Okay answer those questions and I love yoU! I am not updating till I get more reviews! So GET BUSY!!! And I made it so that you don't have to sign in to review, so everyone is welcome!!!
Peace out, Stokes
Anya stretched and looked to the chair, where Jack usually slept. But he was nowhere to be seen. She pushed the heavy blankets away and climbed out of the bed, walking on tiptoes to the door.
The salt air blew past her and the wind whipped her tangled hair in her face. Gibbs was asleep, as usual, sitting on the stool and leaned against the stern. Anya smiled as her bare feet padded along the damp wood. Yesterday had been so odd. How Jack had commented on their hands fitting together, and the way she had felt the heat of his stare. Anya shook her head, and mentally slapped herself. How could she think those thoughts… about Jack!
Anna Maria suddenly appeared at the head of the stairs leading below. She was wearing what Anya supposed were her bedclothes. Then her face fell.
Jack appeared at her side, wearing his brown trousers, boots, and a bandage around his chest. Anya felt like she was rooted to the spot, she couldn't run away, which she wanted nothing more than to do.
As if sensing she was watching, Jack turned his head towards her. Anya still couldn't feel her legs, so all she could do was stare back.
'Jack!' Anya whipped around to see Gibbs, standing at the helm, looking as alert as possible and smiling jauntily. 'Yah be up from me bunk! Feeling better?' Anya exhaled. He had been using Gibbs' bunk. He hadn't been ….. with Anna Maria. This was definitely good news.
Anya turned back around to face Jack, who was still staring at her, as if unsure. She smiled, to assure him she was fine. He seemed to relax a bit, and began walking toward her. Anna Maria looked between the two and then disappeared back down into the lower levels. Jack came to a stop in front of Anya, his hands on his hips with his fingers laced through his belt loops.
'Up are we?' he said in a gruff voice, meaning he had just woken up. Anya smiled. Then her face changed and she frowned.
'You shouldn't be.' She said looking at his bandaged chest. Jack frowned and laughed as if this was a joke.
'What are yah talkin bout pet?' he asked, his chest now in pain from his laughter. Anya remained unfazed.
'You should be resting.' She said taking him by the arm and pulling him toward his lodgings, 'You're still hurt.' She threw open the door and continued to drag him toward the bed.
'I'm fine.' He protested as she firmly placed a hand on his shoulder and sat him on the bed. She shook her head, apparently amused at his unwillingness to cooperate.
'You still should be resting Jack. Let Anna Maria take over for a few days.' She cooed as she laid him back into the pillows gently.
'A woman captaining the Pearl?! Are yah insane?!' he practically shouted. Anya shook her head as she drew the blankets up over his waist.
'You're one to talk.' She muttered as he scowled at her. 'Listen, you're going to lay here, s'posing I have to tie you to the bed! And Anna Maria will take over the helm!' Jack continued to glare defiantly at her.
'Over my dead body!' he said, sitting up. But he groaned in pain, as his chest muscles screamed in agony. Anya laid him back down, frowning in concern.
'Don't be such a baby.' She said as he placed a hand on his chest. Then she decided she'd have to use a more drastic method. She smiled sweetly as she sat down beside him, placing a hand gently on top of his. 'You would refuse me the chance to take care of you?' Jack's face immediately lifted at the sound of her softened voice. He swallowed hard at this sudden fond gesture.
'If you'd be so kind.' He replied, a smile spreading across his face. Anya rolled her eyes as she got up to get a wet rag, though this was not entirely unbearable. A few minutes ago she had been jealous at the thought of Jack and Anna Maria being together. She paused for a moment as she dipped the cloth in the water. Could she be falling for Jack? No that was impossible. He was a rugged, scruffy, scoundrel of a man, who was far too dependent on booze and walked funny. In fact the first time she'd seen him, waving his hands in all manner of directions, and teetering back and forth, she thought him either mad or… to prefer the company of men. She was relieved to find out it was the first one.
Jack made another groaning noise and she turned quickly to see his eyes squeezed shut. She strode over to his side and sat back down, placing the cool cloth on his hot forehead.
'Tom said you've broken a couple ribs, and you probably have a small puncture wound. But other than that, you're fine. And bloody lucky.' She said, trying to sound calm. He forced a smile and she felt her throat close up. After last night, she was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable around Jack. Sure he was an idiot. But he did have moments of wisdom and gentleman like manners. Though he usually ruined them with his "pirate finesse".
'Don't feel lucky, pet.' He said, still clutching his chest. Anya felt a pang of guilt. Perhaps if he hadn't had to fight that soldier, he wouldn't have gotten hurt. She placed her hand on his again and looked into his warm deep, dark eyes.
'I'll take care of you.' She said, looking at him sincerely. It was the least she could do after everything he'd done for her. He cocked an eyebrow.
'Promise?' he asked, a real smile resurfacing on his face. Anya smile and nodded.
'Cross my heart.' She chuckled, gripping his hand. The two looked at each other for a few minutes, smiling, apparently not really paying attention.
'What were you going to say?' Jack asked, suddenly breaking the silence. Anya shook her head, frowning slightly.
'Say?' she asked, puzzled. He nodded.
'Back at the Cove. You started to say somethin then we had to run for it.'
'Oh.' She said biting her bottom lip, her courage failing her. He wasn't supposed to remember their time in the cove. Or so Tom had led her to believe. 'I just wanted to thank you, again.' She said quickly, releasing his hand. 'For everything.' Jack nodded, though he looked a little disappointed. Then he began to frown and Anya thought she had hurt him somehow. 'What?' she asked.
'Nothin.' He said, but it was obvious he wanted to say something. Anya took his hand again and placed it on her knee.
'Tell me.' She demanded softly. He looked up at her, searching for an answer.
'Why'd yah come back?' he asked. Anya's brows knitted, obviously perplexed. 'To the Pearl. Yah coulda stayed with yer cousin.' Anya looked down at her lap, nodding slightly. Then she looked back up.
'I could've.' She admitted. 'But I …' It was Jack's turn to be confused. 'I couldn't…' She said, shrugging, not knowing, herself, why she had come back. Jack shook his head.
'It wasn' cause a me! I wasn't all by me onesie! Gibbs was – '
'No.' Anya interrupted. She took a deep breath, seeking the right words. It was hard, when the reason was hidden, even from her. 'Gordon was there, remember?' Jack nodded, accepting her answer without further question, though he was eyeing her strangely.
'What?' Anya asked
Jack was staring back at her, smirking a bit. 'I can't be your prince charming, eh pet?' he said, releasing her hand and drawing it back to his chest. 'I'm a pirate, an I'm not anyone's prince. Savvy?' Anya's eyebrow rose and she simply looked at him as if he were crazy. 'Sorry love.' He said with a sad shake of the head.
'Captain, I think you've been spending too much time out in the sun.' She said, standing and crossing her arms over her chest. Jack shrugged.
'No need to be ashamed love.' He said smugly. 'I don't blame yeh, most women fall fer me, bein a captain an all.' Anya smirked and raised her hands in defeat.
'Oh, you caught me. Guess I can't sneak anything past you, can I Captain?' Jack nodded, smiling toothily. Anya couldn't hide a small laugh at this. There was suddenly a call, sounding very much like Anna Maria, calling for Anya. 'I better go.' she motioned toward the doors. Jack nodded, not able to hide his grin.
'But, love, if yer feelin a little … ' He winked at her. 'If yah still want tah tie me to the bed posts – '
'No no!' Anya said waving her hands, finding this conversation surreal. She began walking backwards toward the doors. 'No no! I don't think that'll be happening.' Finally she found the door handle and twisted the knob. 'Hope you feel better.'
'Now, pet, don't – '
'Captain I really should go. You need to rest.'
'A minute ago – '
'Yes, well, I must have been suffering temporary insanity. Just forget it.'
'But – '
'No Captain!' Anya said firmly, getting more and more uncomfortable by the minute. Jack settled back in his bed. 'Forget – It – Alright?' Jack nodded. Anya breathed out, and felt her nervousness set in. 'Alright. Okay. That's settled.' Jack couldn't help smirking at her neurotic manner. Then suddenly she turned and walked right into the door, and then fell like a sack of potatoes.
'Where'd you go?' Jack chuckled as he sat up carefully in his bed.
'I'm – alright.' Two hands appeared at the foot of the bed, followed by Anya's golden haired head. She looked positively humiliated, cheeks flushed, avoiding Jack's smiling face. 'Nothing happened.'
'Except your not so graceful exit, m'dear?' Jack said with an enormous grin. Anya managed a weak laugh, though it practically died on the way out.
'And then she burst into flame.' She said under her breath, though she had the distinct feeling that he had heard her. She didn't bother turning around as she staggered out the door.
Jack sat back in his bed, still chuckling slightly. But then it happened again. The funny jolt in his stomach that made him feel empty and sick at the same time. As he watched Anya walk away, her full hips swaying invitingly, he felt his chest tighten, which hurt like hell. What was happening to him? He couldn't be developing feelings for her! That was impossible! What am I thinking? Jack asked himself. She's just a clumsy, spoiled brat, who happens to be nice to him, which just proves that he must be softening up as a pirate captain. He really was insane if he was beginning to feel for her. He never felt for anyone. Not Will, not Miss Swann, not his crew, no one mattered to him. He had to look out for number one. Which was him. Wasn't it?
Anya walked up the stairs, toward Anna Maria, who was surveying her strangely. Anya came to a halt at the landing and waited for Anna Maria to speak. But she didn't for a few minutes, simply casting her gaze out onto the choppy waves of the ocean. Finally Anya crossed her arms and shivered. Anna Maria's eyes snapped back to her.
'I s'pose I should be thankin yah fer the Cap'n.' she said, though Anya could tell she really didn't mean what she had just said. All she could think about was what sort of demeaning task Cotton, or Cotton's bird, had set for her. But the temporary captain continued. 'An I s'pose I should be telling yah that soon the wind's gonna stop and the Giant'll catch up.' Now she had Anya's attention. Her mouth opened slightly and her eyes widened in alarm.
'What?' she managed to croak. Anna Maria shrugged.
'We're comin up tah the windless passage.' She said shortly, and she turned her attention back out onto the water. But Anya wouldn't be ignored.
'Well then let's go somewhere else!' she said desperately, taking a few steps forward and grabbing the helm. Now she had Anna Maria's attention. 'If the Giant catches up, Gordon'll kill me!' The two women stood in silence, staring at each other.
'My condolences, then.' Anna Maria said shortly, before looking out at the water. Anya frowned and banged her fists against the helm.
'NO! That's not it!' she yelled, walking around the helm so that she was face to face with Anna Maria, who was surveying her as if she were joking. 'You have to take another route or I die!'
'Tis no skin off my hide.' Anna Maria spat. 'And what can we do?! Run from then forever?! Face it princess,' Anya glared at her, 'ya're not gonna die. Ya're already dead!'
'Anna Maria that's enough!' Gibbs shouted taking Anya by the arm and pulling her back down the creaking wooden steps. It was only now that she realized the whole crew was staring at them. 'Well, back to work, yah dogs!' Gibbs boomed, in a tone that Anya had certainly never pictured him to have. He continued to drag Anya down the stairs until he'd pulled her under it.
'Gibbs, you have to talk to her! Tell her!' Anya pleaded. But Gibbs' face was stony and mournful. He shook his head, dragging a chubby hand through his greasy gray hair.
'Can't missy. No one regrets more than I.' He said in a grave, and quiet tone. 'WE have to take the Windless Passage.'
'Why?!' Anya demanded. Gibbs face contorted slightly, but in a flash it returned to its mournful look and Anya became suspicious. It seemed everyone was keeping secrets from her these days. Her mother, Tom, now Gibbs and the crew. If there was one person who would talk, it was…
'JACK!' shouted as she burst through the doors into Jack's quarters. Jack looked up, old eyeglasses sliding down his nose, a book propped up on his chest. 'You're reading?' Anya asked incredulously. This was a surprise. Jack shrugged.
'Not very good at it.' He said shortly. Anya smirked.
'I think I know why. You're holding it upside-down.' She said walking forward and turning the book over, so that it was right side up. Jack shrugged again, as if it was no big deal and took the spectacles off his face. 'And you need glasses?'
'Naw. But they make me look dead smart, eh?' Anya rolled her eyes and grabbed the specs, throwing them onto the table across the room. 'Hey!' Jack said scowling.
'Look, we're heading for the Windless Passage. Gordon'll have no trouble catching up if we take that route, but no one will tell me why we're not going another way. Now talk!' she said planting herself next to him on the edge of the bed. Jack was frowning and his eyes were raking down her. 'Jack!'
'Right, right, what were yah sayin lass?' he said raising his hands in defense, as if she might lunge at him.
'Windless … passage … Gordon … not turning back … WHY?!'
'Alright, no need to shout love!' he said putting his hand on his head and staring at nothing in particular.
'We have to turn back, do something!' she said, sounding like she was on the brink of hysteria. Then he exhaled deeply. Anya sat back a little at this and her face fell. He wasn't going to tell her. His eyes betrayed him, he wanted to tell her but couldn't.
'We're not turning back are we?' she said, her voice emotionless and detached. Jack didn't say anything, didn't even look up and acknowledge her question. The two sat, still as stone, for what seemed like hours. 'How long?' Anya ground out. Jack looked up, confused.
'How long until we hit the passage?' she said, though this time it hurt her throat to say anything. Jack licked his lips, which had suddenly gone dry and looked back down.
'Bout half a day.' Her eyes closed in defeat. That was it. She was really going to die. No hope of rescue or protection from the untrustworthy band of pirates, not even from the captain she thought she had befriended. She was alone. 'I'm sorry, pet.' She let out a small laugh.
'Cross your heart, and hope to die.' She said softly. Jack felt as if she'd just hit him upside the head with an iron pan. Then her face bore a frown and she looked angry, betrayed, and scared. Her hands were bawled into fists, that clenched as she stood, her back to him. 'I hope you do die, Jack Sparrow. You deserve nothing less.' She said before storming out of the lodgings and continuing to run until she'd disappeared below deck. Jack breathed out, shaking his head, the tightening of his chest growing, feeling like there was a giant cord, twisting up inside him.
'It's Captain Jack.' He said in a low voice, to convince himself he was worthy to be captain. But right now he felt like he wasn't worthy of being a maggot.
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Well… another chapter! Please review with lots of specifics… like : Do you think Anya was too hard on Jack? Or do you think the crew hates Anya? What do you think is going to happen when the Giant catches up? And is Jack going to give up his earlier statement and be Anya's prince charming? This is fun stuff! Okay answer those questions and I love yoU! I am not updating till I get more reviews! So GET BUSY!!! And I made it so that you don't have to sign in to review, so everyone is welcome!!!
Peace out, Stokes