A/N: Once again, thanks so much to those who read, especially to those who reviewed. No school tomorrow because of the snow, so I should be able to get at least another chapter up by tomorrow. Enjoy!
Chapter 5
I spent several weeks learning the basics of piracy. I helped with the sails, but was mostly put on kitchen duty. I didn't mind though. I just loved being on the ship. The sun was setting, and I decided to go see Jack at the wheel. I approached him quietly. "So, if you don't mind my asking, where are we headed, Captain?" he motioned for me to join him, then pointed out at the horizon.
"See that tiny spot on the horizon love? Tha's Isla de Muerta, where--"
"Where the cursed Aztec gold was hidden," I finished for him. He smiled.
"So you 'ave 'eard the stories. We keep all our plunder there, and the ship's awfully full about now. Besides, we got ourselves some hopes for the near future. We won't be returning for quite some time," he grinned mischievously. "So, what do you say to taking the wheel for a while, love?" he asked me.
"Oh, no, Jack, I couldn't possibly--"
"It's alright love, I'll be right 'ere," he reassured me. I swallowed and stepped up to the wheel. "Like this," he said, as he wrapped his arms around me from behind, placing his hands over mine on the wheel. I could feel the warmth of his skin as he placed his head on my shoulder. "How's it feel, love?" he asked me, as we stared into the quickly setting sun, reflecting orange, pink, and yellow on the shimmering water.
"Like heaven," I whispered.
"Tha's the same thing I said when I first took the wheel. Stay 'ere a moment love, I'm going to get meself some rum. Care for some?" he asked. I remembered my promise to myself back at the bar in Tortuga.
"Oh, no thank you Jack,"
"Suit yourself," he smiled, and was gone. I stayed at the wheel, transfixed on the horizon as thoughts of only one man were running through my mind, when a voice startled me.
"Leave Jack alone! We can't have our captain constantly distracted when there's so much to concentrate on!" Ana Maria suddenly appeared in front of me, as she addressed me with her usual scowl.
"Why do you dislike me so?" I asked her. She had hated me since the moment I set foot on the ship.
"Because ever since you came on board, Jack hasn't been himself. His full attention needs to be on the wheel!" she snarled.
"Are you sure that's where you want his attention aimed? On the wheel? Or is it something else…" I retorted. Her scowl only deepened as she lunged at me, knocking me down on the deck, and closed her grasp around my neck.
"Why you little.."
"ANA MARIA!" I heard Jack's voice bellow. Her gaze shot upward instantaneously. "Get your hands off of her. NOW!" he demanded. She rose slowly, her gaze downcast.
"She provoked me, Captain…"
"I 'eard the whole damn thing! Now get out of 'ere!" he snarled. She glared at me.
"Aye, Captain!" she growled, then disappeared. Jack then came to me.
"Love, I must say, you really don't seem to be making many friends 'ere. Are you alright?" He asked me, helping me to my feet. My throat ached.
"I'm so sorry Jack. It was my fault. But she's hated me since the day I--"
"I know love, I know. Don't worry yourself so. It always takes Ana Maria some time to warm up to new crew members." he assured me.
"I just feel like all I've done is cause problems since I've come here," I choked out, holding back tears.
"Tha's not true. Your company has been greatly appreciated, if not by anyone else, then by me. Actually, I even think ol' Gibbs is startin'' to warm up to you," he teased.
"You've been so kind. You're sure your patience with me isn't wearing thin?" I asked him. He got serious.
"I want you to stop worrying about me, alright? I brought you on the ship, and I intend for you to remain here, if you so choose. Savvy?" he told me sternly.
"Savvy," I whispered, or else I knew the tears would start flowing. I'm sure that's the last thing Jack would have wanted to deal with, again. Jack took the wheel once more.
"Get some rest love. I want to start teaching you to sword fight tomorrow, if you'll agree to it," As if he thought I wouldn't.
"I can hardly wait!" I cried, stepping behind Jack, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you Jack, so much." I told him once again. He placed his hand gently on top of mine.
"Aye, love." He turned around and lightly removed my hand, kissing it gently. "Goodnight, Hallie," he told me.
"Goodnight, Captain Sparrow," I told him, my heart caught in my throat once more. I then retired to the small cabin Jack had prepared for me a few weeks ago. Jack sighed heavily, Isla de Muerta looming in the distance. He had not noticed Mr. Gibbs standing behind him.
"Good God, you're in love with 'er!" he muttered, visibly disgusted.
"Gibbs, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm Captain Jack Sparrow! It's not possible!" he insisted, trying to convince himself more than Gibbs.
"Not probable, mate." Jack smiled reminiscently. "Remember wha' you told me, when I first told you I was frightened to be a permanent member of your crew, Captain?" Jack sighed heavily. "Never be afraid to feel, Jack," Gibbs smiled slightly.
"So now you're warming up to 'er, eh?" he asked, amazed.
"No bad luck yet, Captain," he smiled, then left Jack at the wheel. A small smile formed its way across Jack's lips, as he grasped the wheel firmly, humming a tune under his breath. "And really bad eggs…"
A/N: Sorry to those of you who like Ana Maria…I liked her in the movie too, but I'm not creative enough to come up with my own villain, lol. So sorry. I'd really appreciate reviews, any comments or constructive criticism you have. Thanks!!
