Chapter 6

"Sword Fights, Pretty Boy, & Father's Wrath "

You wake up the next morning with blood-shot eyes, a tangled head of hair, and a red cheek from where your father slapped you. You stay in your bed, not wanting to have to face your father. Sheila comes in, seeing you're still in bed.

" Miss, you shouldn't still be in bed! It is already noon!" she says.

You turn over on your back and sit up. You hide your face from Sheila as you get up to wash. You splash cool water over your face and then take a long, hot bath. You are relieved to know that your father was out to attend a meeting.

You lounge in the study on a comfy sofa, wearing only a black silk bathrobe with a pattern of flowers on it. Your hair is a bit wet from your bath. Your legs are being warmed by the noon sunlight pouring in from the many large windows. You are reading a book about dragons when Sheila comes in and enjoying a warm cup of tea.

"Miss Swann is here to see you," says Sheila.

"Tell her to come in. Thank you Sheila," you say.

Sheila bows and disappears. You dog-ear the page you were on and set the book aside.

You hear footsteps and see Elizabeth.

"Hello (your name)," says Elizabeth.

"Hey," you say.

You sit in the same position when you hear another echo of footsteps approaching. You expect to see Sheila, but gasp at who it is.

"Jack!" you exclaim, a blush creeping on your face.

You quickly hide your legs and grab a pillow to hide behind. Jack smiles ate you.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare ya. Just came with Elizabeth," Jack says with a wide grin.

You get up, still clutching the pillow.

" Umm, if you'll excuse me for just a moment, I'll change into something more decent. Sheila will bring you something to drink," you say.

Jack takes a seat and gives you a wink. Elizabeth smirks. You quickly dodge upstairs and put on a light blue dress. You pull your now dry hair up into a high ponytail. You put on some powder to cover up your droopy eyes and almost visible hand mark on your cheek.

"Okay, sorry for being so rude," you says.

"No problem at tall lass. I like a lady bathing in the sunlight," Jack says.

Elizabeth sends him a disapproving look. You blush and sit down.

"Well, Will is busy waiting for his some of the guests to arrive. The chapel is ready for tomorrow. Just think, today will be my last day is Elizabeth Swann and tomorrow I become Mrs. Will Turner," says Elizabeth with a dreamy look.

"Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so happy for you!" you cry.

Both you and her get up and embrace each other, crying softly. Jack sniffles. Both you and Elizabeth look at him.

"So much love in the room!" he cries.

He gets up and embraces both you and Elizabeth. Elizabeth rolls her eyes, but you secretly love the hug, enjoying the warmth of Jack's arms. He finally lets both of you go and surveys the study.

"Ooh, lots of books. I hate books. Too many words," he says.

You laugh at what he said. Jack spots a sword above the fireplace.

"May I?" he asks while pointing at the sword.

"You may, just be careful. My father was given that by his father and his father before him. Sort of like a family heirloom," you say.

Jack takes it down, admiring the fine golden handle and stainless silver blade. He holds it up and catches your reflection.

"I'm pretty sure my father will give it to Thomas," you say.

Jack turns around and waves the sword in the air. Elizabeth rolls her eyes at Jack.

"Show off," pouts Elizabeth.

Jack jumps about and pretends to stab at invisible enemies. You watch him in awe.

"Marvelous," you whisper.

Jack stops swishing the sword and turns to you. He hands you the sword and draws out his own.

"Have you ever sword fight?" he asks.

"A few times with my father. After all, he is a colonel in the royal navy," you say.

"Have you ever sword fight with a pirate?" Jack asks.

"Pretend ones, but not a real one," you say with a smirk.

Jack smiles, but quickly lunges toward you. You meet the blade of his sword and smirk. Jack steps back.

"Not bad, but are you quick," Jack says.

Just as the last part slips out of his mouth, he quickly spins around and catches you by surprise. You jump back and meet his blade. You both move around the room, attacking each other. You jump over a table and Jack does the same, clipping the edge and falling over and onto his back. His sword falls near him. He reaches out to garb it, but you kick it aside. You have the tip of your blade at his throat.

I guess if I ever really needed to fight a pirate, I'd probably have a rally good chance of winning," you say.

Elizabeth applauds you. Jack smiles. You move the blade away from his throat and extend a hand to help him up. Just as he clasps it, he pulls you down and grabs the sword. You look into his eyes.

"If ya ever do lass, don't ever try ter help one up. Not nice fellas, pirates," Jack grins.

Jack hovers over you. You'd do anything for him to kiss you, even if it were just a quick little kiss.

"My dear God! (Your name)!" says a voice.

Both you and Jack look at the intruder.

"Pretty boy," Jack says with disappointment.

Thomas walks in with a look of shock upon his face.

" Mr. Sparrow, what is the meaning of all this? (Your name), has he hurt you? Are you all right?" asks Thomas.

You role your eyes and sigh.

" I'm all right, Thomas. Jack and I were just sword fighting and we got a bit carried away," you say.

Jack gets up as Thomas walks over to you. He helps you up.

"A lady should not be sword fighting!" Thomas says with a pout.

"Thomas, I can do as I please. We are not married at this moment!" you say with clenched teeth.

Elizabeth walks up to you.

"Don't worry, Mr. Brown. If Jack got too carried away, I promise you I would have intervened," she says.

Jack smiles at Thomas mockingly. Thomas shoots daggers at him with his eyes. Jack puts away his sword and you put away your father's sword. You sit back down and feel sick when Thomas sits by you.

" Miss Swann, tomorrow is your wedding, is it not?" asks Thomas.

"Yes, it is," she beams.

Thomas turns to you.

"Shall I accompy you?" Thomas asks you.

" I.uh." you stutter.

You look at Jack. He just stares at you.

"I guess," you say.

"(Your name) will be beautiful. Her dress is lovely," says Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, you're the bride. You will be the most beautiful person there," you say sheepishly.

"And you, (your name), will be a beautiful bride for our very own wedding day," Thomas says with a wide smile.

"When is it?" Elizabeth asks with a small voice.

"The 21st of this month," replies Thomas.

"Bit of a rush, aye mate?" Jack asks.

"The sooner the better," says Thomas.

Your father walks into the room. It seems he has returned early his meeting. You father is pleased to see you and Thomas together. Your father nods at Elizabeth and stops when he spots Jack.

"Well, well, if it isn't Captain Jack Sparrow," says your father.

"Aye, that be me. I didn't know ya lived here," says Jack with a grin.

"What business do you have in my home? Shouldn't you be hanging somewhere?" spits your father.

"No mate. Been cleared of any charges. Got right with the navy here. Miss Swann saw to that," says Jack.

Jack grins at Elizabeth who smiles back. You see the corner of your father's mouth twitch.

"Why are you in my home?" asks your father with cold tone.

Jack opens his mouth but you cut him off.

"I invited him over, father. He's a dear friend of Will's. He's also the Best Man," you say.

Your father turns an icy gaze toward you.

"You? But he's a pirate! I will not have my daughter socializing with such scum! I've been dying to hang him for years, but when he's here in my very home, the navy pardons him!" shouts your father.

You stand up.

"He's not an awful man! Jack is a great man and I admire him very much. I'll socialize with who ever I please!" you yell at your father.

Elizabeth stands up.

"Well, we must be going. There are last minute affairs we must see to," she says hurriedly.

"I'll show you out," you say with a huff.

You can feel the heat radiate off your father as you leave the room with Jack and Elizabeth.

" I'm so sorry!" whispers Elizabeth.

"That's all right. Father is always this edgy," you say.

Elizabeth hugs you, concern etched on her face.

"See you at the wedding," says Elizabeth.

"See you," you say.

Elizabeth climbs into her carriage. You turn to Jack who's looking at you with sad eyes.

"Sorry luv for the trouble. I didn't know your father was Colonel Terrance (your last name). He's been after me skin for a while now. I just hope he doesn't take out his anger on you," says Jack softly.

"That's okay. I really enjoyed having you over," you say.

"Why thank ya. You're a great sword fighter," he says.

You smile at Jack. You extend your hand to shake goodbye, but Jack leans down and gives you a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Later, luv," Jack says dreamily.

You watch him climb into the carriage and leave, touching your cheek in awe. He looks out the window and waves you goodbye to you. You stand out there for a while, feeling warm and happy before going back in your house.

Your father is right there waiting for you. You suddenly come crashing back down from your dream world to the real world.

"So, you think a pirate is worth risking your spot in this world?" he huffs.

He grabs you by the hair and drags you up the stairs to your room. He tosses you down on the floor.

"I saw the way you looked at him. I saw him kiss you on the cheek. If he lays so much as another finger on you, I will kill him myself. I won't have my daughter wasting everything I've spilt my blood and sweat for so she can run off with some pirate, but not just any pirate, Jack Sparrow!" he hisses.

You get up and back away from your father, feeling your back meet the cool wall. He grabs your arms and shakes you.

" You've cause too much trouble! If you so much as step a toe out of line, I will disown you and kick you out on the streets!" he snarls.

He slaps you hard and spits in your face. He leaves you there, slamming the door. You whip your face off and cry. Why were you cursed to live this life? Why? You lay there on the floor, slowly crying yourself to sleep.