Note on this story: This is my first fanfic that I have actually posted anywhere, so reviews would be great, you know- constructive criticism and all. Just please, no flames, I barely had the courage worked up to post this.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean, I do not own the characters Norrington or Gillette. Disney Enterprises, Inc and Jerry Bruckheimer, Inc have that honor.
However, if they ever wish to hand over ownership to someone . . . :)
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Reflections
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The day had been bright. The cloudless Caribbean sky had held no promise of rain, only that of a bearably, hot day. The wind coming off the ocean cooled it to pleasant, bringing in with it a fragrance pleasant to the senses. It was what was supposed to be an important and joyful day.
Yet, as was frequent in the Caribbean, a sudden rain squall came out of nowhere. It sent the people rushing to shelter, eager to avoid the drenching rain.
Norrington stood passively to the side observing it all. In a way it fit him perfectly. It fit the events that had recently happened.
It had all started with the pirate- Jack Sparrow. The pirate who had stepped in and bravely, without regard for the consequences, saved Miss Swann.
Oh, Elizabeth, if only I had chosen a better place to propose! There would have been no fainting, and falling into the ocean. No need for Sparrow to rescue you. No need for any of the events that now keep us apart. But who do I fool, you would never have loved me. Your heart has always belonged to another.
Norrington felt a presence to his side, and he briefly glanced over. It was Gillette. The other man kept his quiet, perceiving Norrinton's need for silence.
Bless you, Gillette. You are the best friend someone could have in a time of need.
The rain continued to pour, but here and there, some of the blue sky started to show through the clouds above. The rain started to slow, and the sun could finally be seen, peaking through the dissipating clouds.
Within minutes the sky was cloudless again, and the only evidence of the rain was the puddles on the streets, and the water vapor rising from them.
The typical short-lived Caribbean storm. One moment everything is going perfectly- the sun is shining, then the next everything is cloudy and grey, and all hard work is for nothing. Then it is over, and everything is back to normal.
No, similar to life, but not an accurate representation of it.
For once, I had everything. A reputation as the best pirate fighter in the Caribbean, a promotion to Commodore, and the chance to marry the most beautiful woman in the world. Then I lost her, I let a pirate escape, and now being a commodore holds no meaning to me. Life will not go back to the way it was.
For now, I shall have to learn to cope.
Norrington turned to Gillette who had patiently waited out the storm with him.
"You and some of the other officers are planning to go out for a drink tonight, are you not?" Norrington asked.
Gillette nodded.
"Yes sir."
Norrington looked down at one of the puddles by his feet. Soon it would be gone, evaporated, not to be seen again.
I must at least try to move on.
He looked back at Gillette.
"Would the company of one more be objectionable?"
Gillette smiled.
"We should be delighted with your company sir."
Norrington smiled too, the first one in a long time, and certainly not the last. He was learning to continue.
-fin-
