Chapter 19:
A/N: COFFEE! Okay now that I have my morning coffee right here next to me it is safe for me to begin! So here is the final chapter and I hope ye scurvy dogs like it! Thanks again for the reviews!
Disclaimer: If I've said it once I've said it twice, but what the heck? Here it goes again! I don't own POTC. Disney does, call the mouse to put in your bid! *Mickey dancing off stage*
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During his speech I was conscious but hadn't had the strength to acknowledge or object to anything. In that quick moment I went from being an abandoned lover to being the Commodore's fiancé. What was I to do? I could barely move from all the pain and hadn't the tears to cry anymore. I sat in my father's bed starring at the ceiling contemplating my death. I wanted to die in that empty bed right then but would I? Would I die years from now as a widow laying in what was once the Commodore's bed? I hated this life.
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Turner stood at the bow of the ship, watching into the night; furious over how easily Sparrow could give up his only child. Elizabeth's warm touch startled him and he stifled a chill. "I'm sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Noticing how ticked off he looked she continued to talk. "What's the matter, Will, you're not ill are you?"
"No, I'm just- just upset is all." He leaned his crossed arm onto the railing gazing out into the black oblivion. Elizabeth was about to ask why when Will pulled her to the side just bursting out with the answer.
"He's giving her to Norrington so that we can have a safe passage back and he can pillage and plunder as much as he wants!" His face was beat red with sweat drops glazing over his forehead.
"Calm down Will, please." She rested her hands on his arms steadying his emotions. "Now who is giving who to Norrington?"
"Jack is giving Justine to Norrington for our safe passage." He stated solemnly.
"To arrest? He's going to arrest Justine, for what?" Her brown eyes showed a hint of confusion.
"For marriage, Norrington wants to marry Justine! That's what this whole thing is with him staying here and them escorting us back to Port Royal. He'll stay off Jack's back if Jack has Justine marry him."
"James wants to marry Justine why?" Elizabeth thought about it a moment and then decided to disregard it all together. "I'm sure all will reveal itself in due time, but I must attend to my duties now."
"But Elizabeth don't you-?" Turner looked up and noticed the Commodore at the helm watching. He immediately shut up and followed Elizabeth but separated when he went down the stairs to the lower decks.
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Elizabeth opened the door to my father's cabin and stepped in quietly making sure not to disturb my slumber, although I was not asleep. She waltzed over to the bed side table, no longer wearing her tattered dress but men's clothes that suited a piratical life. She lit the cerasine lamp and jumped when she saw my eyes open just starring away in a daze. I believe she thought I was dead at first.
Miss Swann slowly inched closer to me whispering quietly, almost to herself for comfort. "Justine? Are you awake? Are you alive?"
I allowed a small grin to show through, "yes." I turned my head to look at her frightened face, her color was still very pale but gaining its tan luster back.
"Oh good heavens!" She said in relief, "I thought you had died." Elizabeth knelt next to bed, "how well can you move?"
"Okay, I guess. I haven't really tried. But I know my back is really stiff." I suffocated my own laugh because of the pain it would cause me.
"Well I do need to change your bandages and, if you feel up to it, I could bathe you to get all of that dry blood off completely?" She asked charmingly.
I pulled myself to the side of the bed gazing at her, "anything to relieve this stiffness." She snickered and helped me out of bed attempting to stretch out my legs a little.
I was extremely tired and felt as if I was bled dry, which probably wasn't too far from the truth. But I figured if I could get up I will try just about anything to release this pain and right about now a bath sounded so good. I hobbled over to the tub with Elizabeth's assistance, where upon she sat me on a chair so she could go get some heated water for my bath.
About ten minutes later she came in with one large bucket of water and poured it into the basin. I stood shakily from the chair, without aid this time, when Elizabeth ordered me to undress from my attire. I stood naked in front of her not caring what she though only stuck on the thought of releasing this pain and stiffness.
Miss Swann unraveled my bandages and aided me in sitting in the tub before sitting at the back of the basin and examining my wounds. "Ana said that if you could get up to move into a tub, that within two days of resting you could be able to walk about on the ship again and do small tasks."
I laughed aloud, "You think I'm staying? We'll be in Port Royal within another day or so and, if my father does not take me, I'll barter a passage back to England."
"England? That's so far away." Elizabeth thought silently about what will had told her, 'does she even know?'
"The farther away from here the farther away from my past. I think it would be the best route for me to take." I could feel the rough texture of the sponge rub across my back and I winced as she slid dangerously close to one of my lashes.
"I'm sorry!" She pulled away from that spot moving to a less tender part of my back. "Better?" I nodded hesitantly the stinging still lingering beneath the skin. Elizabeth noticed something shinning in the light of the lamp on my hand, "what's that?"
I had forgotten all about it, I lifted into view and gazed at it wondering once again what I was to do. The past week flashed through my mind from beginning till now as if it were telling me something, but what? "Norrington. He came in while he thought I was sleeping and did a sort of proposal. It was a shock and although I understand his reasons I don't know what spurred it. There had to be something."
"What where his reasons?' She asked her blonde hair falling gently onto my shoulder as she studied the ring, the tips of her hair sopping up the now warm water on my skin.
"He couldn't marry you so he settled for someone who could understand him. It's more of a business partnership option than it is a respectable marriage proposal, if you ask me." I slid the ring from my finger and held it up to her; "you can take it if you want? It means nothing to me, honestly."
"No. I couldn't. Come on, we need to get you out of the tub and then back into bed." She lifted me to a standing position then draped her robe around me as I stepped out of the basin.
That night I would not soon forget, for the first time Elizabeth and I saw each other as friends, sisters even. She bandaged my wounds, clothed me, brushed through my hair and tucked me in for bed. In one night that woman had become so dear to me.
"I'll tell Gibbs to bring you up some food, Good night Justine." She left the room, the lamp out and the moonlight shinning in through the windows illuminating the cabin. It was quiet and once more I was left alone with my thoughts.
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Sparrow stood outside of the room in the dark shadows of the stairwell waiting for Elizabeth to leave. When she had and she was far enough away from the sight of him he snuck into his cabin. The door creaked closed, "Justine? Justine are you awake?"
I moved my head up to see who was there and grumbled quietly when I saw sparrow's shadow in the moonlight. "What?"
He moved closer sitting on the bed and looking at me. It was as if he was bewildered to see I was okay, his dark brown eyes hung over me and I became stiff. "You're fine?"
I gave way to a small smirk and nodded slightly not expecting him to lean in and hug me. "Sparrow. Sparrow! Captain!" I shouted the last one for he was pressing on my back and causing me to have enormous bouts of pain. My father loosened his grip and starred at me.
"What has gotten into you, my captain? I'm okay, Ana says I'll be able to get back to small chores in two days." I laid back in bed studying his scared facial expression. "What is it?"
"You're to marry Norrington," I interrupted informing him that I already knew that and showed the ring as proof. "You are to marry him upon our return to Port Royal, there is to be two ceremonies that day." My questionable and shocked gaze told him to press on, "Elizabeth and Will are also to be married on that day, and you will never return to the Black Pearl or the Piratical life at all once you are married. You will remain the Commodore's wife for as long as he shall live and keep your place in respectable society for as long as you shall live. Those were the exact words of the treaty."
"Treaty! WHO'S TREATY? WHY THE BLEEDING HELL WASN'T I INFORMED OF THIS TREATY?" I threw myself up in his face ignoring the pain from my torso.
"The Commodore and mine's treaty. You weren't told for fear that you would become overly stressed and your body would give way resulting in your death." He stated looking me straight in the eye, not even flinching.
"You son of a bitch! How could you do this to me? You lying cheating Bastard! I should have known from the start that you'd never be a good father! You never cared about my mother or me! YOU INSENSITIVE TRIVIAL CUR!"
"Now that's enough!" Sparrow pushed me against the bedpost covering my mouth, unable to move my neck. "I've had enough of this, I have problems of my own to figure out without yours coming into play on mine." He released his hand from my face.
"I wouldn't have any problems if you hadn't started them! Besides what's in this for you, hugh? What is so glorious about giving up your only daughter to a selfish Commodore who can't seem to get his way?" My eyes grew darker with more hate and rage circling around my pupils my loose curls landing gently over my shoulders.
"I was never going to give you to him, that's why I came here. If you died the treaty would still be liable the only thing changed would be he wouldn't get married. If you fake your death everything will come out hunky dory. You could still stay a pirate on this ship or go home to England or do whatever it is that you want to do!" He rested his hand on mine as he explained further into the night what would happen.
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The next morning came and as sure as the horizon I was pronounced dead. I died during the night and a select few gave me a burial service at sea, early in the morning, just to enhance the fact I was dead. There of course was no body to bury because I was still in fact alive. But we tied some pots, pillows, and other useless junk together sewed it in a sack-like- body bag and tossed it over, as if it was I. Norrington would just have to except that I was dead, sure he would question it but he would never find evidence of my survival.
Gibbs gave the official okay of my death and for an added bonus he said specifically I had died during my sleep late last night when he was requested to bring food to my chamber. Although most the crew from the Pearl knew of my existence Elizabeth and Turner were never told. I did not want to change their plans and I would do just as I had planned, barter a passage back to England and restore my old estate.
Everything was perfect; no flaws detected none were ever found, not then atleast. I stayed huddled away in the back corners of the kitchen with Gibbs, crammed in with packaged flour and bottles of rum. I took the liberty of opening a bottle of my own, why not? Sparrow's got plenty to last him.
Ana would come down twice a day to change my bandages and to bring another blanket or pillow for me to rest on. I needed my strength for the journey back to England so I had to rest my body now.
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When we arrived back in Port Royal a day and a half later almost everyone left the ship. Gibbs opened the door to the rather well built pantry and handed me a couple of apples and a bottle of water. "You do well to eat those and when I come back that there fresh water best be gone, you understand missy?"
I smirked now having full control over my body and a medium amount of pain left, "yes sir, you need not have any worries about that."
"There's a good lass, will be back soon. Oh and your's father said to stay put until all them navy men are out of sight." Gibbs winked and made his way out of the kitchen.
I grabbed up my first apple and bit into it, ah how the sweet summer juice slid down the leathery surface of the fruit and onto my fingers. That was one of the best apple I had ever had it was so sweet but had the right hint of sourness to make it perfect. Much like how I like my men, kind enough to not beat up on me but our bad boys deep inside.
William Turner. At the thought of men his name rang through my mind I could hear his luscious voice whispering into my ear. He has so much love but has no idea how to care for it. Now that's a problem if I've ever seen one. I pulled my body from the floor and stood to get knife to peel the apple when I noticed Samuel standing not 5 feet in front of me.
"Sam? Whatcha' need?" I said with absolute carelessness. My curly hair waving to and fro as I searched for a knife.
"How can you do it?" He took a few steps closer to me pulling a knife from the drawer and handed to me.
"Thanks," I began peeling in circles around the end of the apple, "how can I do what?" The chain of apple skin broke, "apple skin?" He shook his head, "your loss." I took a piece of the chain and ate it.
"How can you go along with your business like nothings wrong?" He questioned picking up and apple for himself.
"Because nothing is wrong," I smiled taking a drink of the fresh water.
"Oh really?" I nodded and he grabbed my hand, "come with me." Sam took me down the hallway out of the kitchen and up the stairs to my father's room where he opened the window and pointed down at a ceremony down on the peer. "Do you see them?"
"Yes, what are they doing?" There were men and a couple of women dressed in black dropping flowers into the water at the end of the dock.
"They're remembering you. Most of them know you're alive like your father and Ana. But there are those few down there who don't and are really mourning you." He pointed to the three people standing in the front row.
Elizabeth dropped a rose into the water her face tear stricken, her fiancé, Turner, standing next to her holding deep within himself all of his sorrow as he dropped three lilies into the crystal clear ocean water. Then there was James Norrington who stood solemnly to the side dropping only a single trinket down to my watery grave, a gold band that had sat lovingly on my ring finger. I glanced down at the spot where it had occupied a day or so ago before Gibbs gave it back to him.
"But I can't do anything or I'll prove my father a ruthless liar only out to save his own back, in the process I'll also ruin a perfectly good marriage and Turner, Elizabeth and James will hate me. I cannot do that." I shook my head shutting the window and slumping onto the floor.
"Why not?" Sam crouched down in front of me, "what difference would it make, you still plan on going to England right? Well atleast then they know you're alive and well."
"And that I left them behind. Is that any good?" I crossed my arms over my knees resting my chin on the tops of my knees.
"Look you have three days to decide. On Friday at sun down Elizabeth will marry William and at that point you'll never have a chance. But if you act now you will. It's all up to you." He stood his blonde hair pulled in a ponytail lying loosely on his strong back as he walked away out of the door.
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The three days flew by fast leaving me still with no specific decision. It was almost midday Friday and I knew Elizabeth was back at her palace dressing for her wedding and Turner is probably at his blacksmith shop memorizing his vows nervous as ever, and I was here in my father's cabin sipping my rum and playing cards with him.
"What do you wager will happen at the wedding today?" I asked tossing down two cards to trade in for our game of poker.
His old leather boots were propped on top of the table and his hat skewed on the back of his chair. "Oh I don't know, two people getting wed and living happily ever after. Just a guess though." He looked at me with a corky smile, "You're a smart lass Justine, you can out wit a lot of people-."
"But?" I suggested looking over my cards.
He pulled his feet from the table and sat his card down on the surface, "you don't know when to give in."
"What would you like me to do?" I tossed my cards onto the wood table. "Because I can't seem to come up with the correct answer on my own."
"Go to the wedding with Ana, Gibbs and me. It'll be a blast, drinks all around!" He winked and I stifled the want to laugh.
"And expose that I am alive? Sparrow you out of all people should know that I couldn't do that. Not now, not when everything is going so well."
"Everything is not going well, you're still missing what you want most." He stood and paced around the table using his hand motions to explain. "I saw you two that day that we attacked Millson. You loved him then and I know you love him now. That was a passionate kiss, something you don't forget." He sat on the table prying his thoughts into my mind.
"I wish people will just forget about that, it will never happen again." I stood walking to the door.
"Only because you're too stubborn to admit that you care." He shouted at me as I left the room slamming the door shut. "She'll go," he mumbled to himself, but not in vain.
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I starred out of the mess hall window watching the sun lower in the afternoon sky. I don't have to go to the wedding to know what will happen, in the words of my father, 'two people will be wed and live happily ever after.'
The door to the kitchen swung open and Ana stepped in she was wearing a peach colored dress with small floral vines etched throughout the design. Her figure fit the dress well although her belly was slightly larger than I had ever known. "You look radiant my fair lady." I swaggered over to her.
"Are you sure you won't attend?" Ana tried pushing the subject further.
"Me wear a dress again, after what happened last time I wore one you'll be lucky you ever get me in one of those again." She laughed slightly giving cheer to my over all depressed emotion. "No, I won't go. I'll be fine here this is where I belong. Not in a church, I never was one for marriage."
"Okay then, I'll see you when we get back. You know your father will- "
"Be drunk, yes I know. I think it was he who said, 'I love weddings drinks all around.'" She laughed again hugging me lightly and leaving the doorway.
I went back to my window watching with glee as Ana met with Sparrow and Gibbs who, for once in their lives, were dressed as gentlemen. It was a sight to see. My depression sunk back in as I watched them waltz away to enjoy the night while I hid away in my 'tower' lonely and confused.
Sam burst into the kitchen gown, shoes, ribbons and face cloths in his hands. I swung around, eyes wide at the sight of him, "oh no!"
"You are going to that wedding whether you like it or not! You have no choice in the matter!" He sat the outfit down on the table and grabbed a bowl and some hand soap from the back of the kitchen.
"I have every choice in the matter, thank you! And do you know what I choose?" I yelled my arms crossed over my chest.
"No! And frankly I don't care!" He grabbed me by my arm and tossed me onto the bench, "you're acting like a child and I'm going to fix that right now. Hand me that bottle of water from behind you." When I sat still and did nothing he reached for it himself and poured it all in the bowel scrubbing the soap in it to make suds then washing my face with the cloth.
"Are you insane? This will never work, it's a failure even before it starts." I objected.
"First off I'm not insane," he scrubbed at my face more. "And secondly you won't let it fail because I'll take your share of the plunder from Millson's ship!" He snapped back.
"Gimme that!" I snatched the rag from his hand and scuffed as I cleaned my own face. "You were doing it wrong."
"What ever gets you to go," was his only reply.
Twenty minutes later I was transformed into the belle of the ball. You couldn't tell the difference between a high-established woman and me, except the fact that she would want to be pretty and I didn't. My dress was a royal pastel green with thin flowers whirled in and out of it's design. Half of my unruly locks of solid black hair were tied back with a barrette and a few ribbons while the rest hung loosely down the center of my back. It was time.
Sam escorted me to the front of the church and distracted the guest list guard while I made my way up the steps to the big oak doors of the chapel. "I can do this, there's nothing to be afraid of." I grabbed my old tattered hat out of the bag slopping it onto my head, removing the 'glass slippers' from my aching feet, and pulling my boots on in their place. At least now I was as comfortable as I could get.
"JUST DO IT JUSTINE!" Sam shouted at me as he pinned the guard to the wall, annoyed at my delays.
"You can't go in there! Stop her!" The guard shouted to the other guards in vain for none heard his cries.
With my last burst of courage I shoved opened the doors stepping straight into the chapel aisle way. I took a deep breath, shadowing my eyes with the rim of my hat, as I marched down the aisle way ignoring everyone's stares. From the corner of my left eye I noticed a soldier heading straight for me and on the other side another guard moved almost simultaneously.
I stoped and gave a small smile, the priest looking down at me with confusion as I pulled my pistol from the adjusted pocket in my gown, aiming it at the man to my left. "You'd do well to stop right there or I might have to kill you." WHOA! I got everyone's attention with that, what a rush of power, I had to keep going. "COMMODORE! Please call your men back, I highly doubt that you want them slaughtered!"
My father gazed at me from the corner of the room wondering what my intentions were and why I had forced a gun into the situation. When the men backed down I released the air in my lungs and calmed my fears of them attacking me. My left arm dropped back to my side, pistol still clutched within my fingers.
"Young lady! What is the meaning of this?" Governor Swann shouted at me furious with my behavior as a woman.
I took a few steps closer, "I am no lady, sir, but all the same I shall explain myself." I swerved on my heels now facing the alter where Elizabeth and William stood honorably. They were beautiful together, her long blond locks landing softly on the shoulder of her white gown and his deep brown eyes unlocking a whole new world for her; I could never mess with that.
My mind snapped back to reality and I paused thinking of what and how to speak. I pulled my wrinkled hat from my brow bending into a curtsey before acknowledging them. "You both know who I am, there is no need for me to make an announcement."
"Justine?" Elizabeth's voice became weak as she starred me over, "you're wearing a dress." She made a small laugh to cover up her tears ans she stepped lightly down the steps to me. Her arms fell warmly around my neck in a hug, she was my sister and I could not ruin this day for her.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I'm sorry that I lied to you, Will, and James about my death." We broke from the hug and she gazed at me a little puzzled. My eyes wondered about the room trying to gather strength from any color I could find but all was white. "Jack and I both did not agree to the terms that my life would face. James is a good man but he doesn't know when to let go. Neither did I, until now that is." I lifted my chin to peer into Turner's eyes.
"Let go, you came here to let go." He repeated quietly.
"Will," I lifted my gown from the floor to walk up the steps leaving Elizabeth to her own unanswered questions. I began in a whisper, "Will, look at that woman down there. I mean, really look at her. She is beautiful, intelligent and wild enough to keep you going. Me, I am smart but only about the sea and piratical life, yes I'm wild but I'm too wild for you. I am more likely to get you killed then survive in a marriage with you."
"So what this all is about a better match? I thought marriages were supposed to be about love." Turner pressed on.
"William look down at that woman and tell me you don't love her. You can't do it can you? I am just a fling. I'm not real to you, she is! You have loved her practically your whole life and she will make an excellent wife for you." My eyes began to tear up.
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"She must really love him," Ana stated to my father.
"How can you say that? She's up there giving him away!" He stated to her sternly.
"Justine knows that he truly loves Elizabeth and Elizabeth truly loves him. She loves him so much that she is willing to sacrifice what she wants so that he is happy, even if it is with another woman." She whispered into his ear.
"She's giving in, heh, she's taking my advice." He grinned vainly.
"Wow, you actually suggested something smart for once. I didn't know it was possible." Ana retorted.
"Just remember within whose bed you sleep at night." Ana rolled her eyes at him and rubbed her growing stomach soothingly.
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I stood in front of him and the white linen alter, one single tear cascaded down my cheek and he caught it. His thumb caressed the spot in which it lay watching me as I pulled it away from my face. I embraced him warmly with a hug holding him tightly against my body. "Thank you. I now am confident in what I am about to do." He commented to me.
"You're welcome. I am still going back to England father is taking me. Please come by and see me sometime, I want to meet the little un's when you finally get around to having a few." I felt his laugh on my shoulder as we broke from the hold.
"Children? Oh lord you're really expecting a lot. Speaking of babies, you know Ana's pregnant right?" I shook my head my eye wide. "yeah she is, three months by now."
"Why that sly old dog, I'm going to have to beat him for that." My eyes met back with Will's and I knew this was goodbye. I probably would never see him or Elizabeth again, though I would write.
"Thank you for coming today, it meant a lot to me." He paused thinking of what to say.
"Will don't worry about it, everything worked out the way it was supposed to." I leaned in for one last embrace when he whispered something unexpected in my ear.
"But I still love you," my heart skipped a beat afraid of what to do.
I lifted my heavy face and kissed his cheek, "you may always feel that way, but I am only second to her." I backed away, "congratulations you two." I let myself waltz down the steps to Elizabeth and congratulated her one last time before making my way over to James.
"May we continue now?" the priest asked, a tad irritated over my presence.
"Oh, by all means yes!" I approved arms flailing and all as I plopped down next to the commodore. "Hello James."
He rolled his eyes and ignored me slightly. "Did I do something to offend you my dear Norrington?"
"Does faking your death count? Or maybe marching in here just to keep the marriage running? I mean if you'd have any knowledge at all you'd know you storm the church to take the guy not leave him with his bride!"
"Still having no luck with the ladies." I suggested.
"None what so ever! It seems I am too high class and snobby." He answered turned sideways in the pew.
"That'll do it. Say, did you try the cute puppy routine?"
"Yes."
"The 'feel sorry for me' routine?"
"Yes."
"The 'flashy money' routine?"
"Yes, none worked." He sighed.
"Man, these ladies are tough." I concluded.
"You're telling me." The Governor looked at us strangely.
"This is my daughter's wedding, could you two keep it down?" His eyebrows laced together as his old raspy voice crackled.
"I'll take that as my cue to go, I'll talk to you outside." He nodded and I stood walking to the back corner.
My back pressed against the wall as I held back from laughing at my father. "so you couldn't help but create another me, eh?"
He looked up at me and grunted, "What makes you think it will be anything like you?"
"Because I'm exactly like you!" I pointed out.
"Besides it's going to be a boy." He continued.
"Girl."
"Boy."
"Girl."
"Boy."
"Girl."
"Bo-."
"Will you two stop it! This is a wedding for Christ's sake! Anyway it's my baby too and I say it will be a girl!" Ana hit both of us in our arms.
The priest went on with the ceremony, which was absolutely gorgeous, not to mention flawless. "I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Their kiss was unmatchable, so passionate and romantic I did not know a kiss could bare so much love.
I watched them walk out of the chapel and followed slowly with the rest of the guests. Their carriage was waiting just outside of the church ready to take them to their own home, a present from the Governor. Long term project of his, as I was told. They looked so happy together that for once in my life my femininity took over me, tears of joy streamed down my face.
Sam approached me, "what happened? Their still together! How can that be? You were suppo-." He saw my tears and thought I was upset. "Oh luv, I'm so sorry."
"Would you get off of me! Look at them, their so perfect. Their children will be handsome."
"Have you flipped your lid?" Sam placed his hand to my forehead as if I were sick.
"I might have." I faced the carriage again and noticed Elizabeth running up to me, her train dragging on the cobblestone. "Get in that carriage Mrs. William Turner before I flog you!"
"I couldn't leave" she paused to catch her breath, "without giving this to you." She held out a gold charm bracelet.
"Oh, I couldn't. it's too expensive for my tastes, you keep it." I pushed it back to her.
"No I insist. Will gave it to me last Christmas as a gift and I want you to have it as a way of remembering us while you're back in England." She pulled my wrist out in front of her and hooked the clasps. The bracelet jingled when it moved.
"Thank you." I hugged her once more. "Now get in that carriage before your husband drives off without you!" Her smile warmed my soul as she hopped down the steps in her snow-white dress. They drove off into the distance up the cobblestone drive and with a blink of the eye they were gone from sight.
"You still love him?" Sam gazed down at me.
"Have no fear, it will disappear over time." I replied taking in a deep breath of fresh air.
"So we're off to England then?"
"We, who said anything about a we?" I cocked my eyebrow curious about his comment.
"Well you know you'll need someone to look after you and you don't have enough money to refurbish you're estate all by yourself. Plus your father won't leave you all the way up there by yourself."
"So what is it that you are proposing Mr. Samuel?" I smiled holding my arm out to him, which he took with pride as we walked down the steps, my boots clicking with every step I took.
"I believe that I should be your escort." He puffed out his chest trying to seem overly rich and snobbish.
"Well I do believe that is the best idea I've heard yet." I could hear Ana and Sparrow catching up with us so I decided to shout out loud. "GIRL!"
"BOY!" My father hollered back at me and we argued about it all the way back to the ship.
With the night air waving through my hair I knew everything was as it should be. I was finally free.
THE END
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A/N: Well what did you think? I struggled a lot over this chapter, in fact I rewrote it three times. At first I was going to have Justine win Will back, but then an idea for the sequel smacked right into my head. So you may not have liked them not being together at the end of this but there's a whole other story just waiting to be written! Ha! Well please review me and tell me what you thought of this last chapter, I hope you liked it. Ta!
A/N: COFFEE! Okay now that I have my morning coffee right here next to me it is safe for me to begin! So here is the final chapter and I hope ye scurvy dogs like it! Thanks again for the reviews!
Disclaimer: If I've said it once I've said it twice, but what the heck? Here it goes again! I don't own POTC. Disney does, call the mouse to put in your bid! *Mickey dancing off stage*
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During his speech I was conscious but hadn't had the strength to acknowledge or object to anything. In that quick moment I went from being an abandoned lover to being the Commodore's fiancé. What was I to do? I could barely move from all the pain and hadn't the tears to cry anymore. I sat in my father's bed starring at the ceiling contemplating my death. I wanted to die in that empty bed right then but would I? Would I die years from now as a widow laying in what was once the Commodore's bed? I hated this life.
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Turner stood at the bow of the ship, watching into the night; furious over how easily Sparrow could give up his only child. Elizabeth's warm touch startled him and he stifled a chill. "I'm sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Noticing how ticked off he looked she continued to talk. "What's the matter, Will, you're not ill are you?"
"No, I'm just- just upset is all." He leaned his crossed arm onto the railing gazing out into the black oblivion. Elizabeth was about to ask why when Will pulled her to the side just bursting out with the answer.
"He's giving her to Norrington so that we can have a safe passage back and he can pillage and plunder as much as he wants!" His face was beat red with sweat drops glazing over his forehead.
"Calm down Will, please." She rested her hands on his arms steadying his emotions. "Now who is giving who to Norrington?"
"Jack is giving Justine to Norrington for our safe passage." He stated solemnly.
"To arrest? He's going to arrest Justine, for what?" Her brown eyes showed a hint of confusion.
"For marriage, Norrington wants to marry Justine! That's what this whole thing is with him staying here and them escorting us back to Port Royal. He'll stay off Jack's back if Jack has Justine marry him."
"James wants to marry Justine why?" Elizabeth thought about it a moment and then decided to disregard it all together. "I'm sure all will reveal itself in due time, but I must attend to my duties now."
"But Elizabeth don't you-?" Turner looked up and noticed the Commodore at the helm watching. He immediately shut up and followed Elizabeth but separated when he went down the stairs to the lower decks.
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Elizabeth opened the door to my father's cabin and stepped in quietly making sure not to disturb my slumber, although I was not asleep. She waltzed over to the bed side table, no longer wearing her tattered dress but men's clothes that suited a piratical life. She lit the cerasine lamp and jumped when she saw my eyes open just starring away in a daze. I believe she thought I was dead at first.
Miss Swann slowly inched closer to me whispering quietly, almost to herself for comfort. "Justine? Are you awake? Are you alive?"
I allowed a small grin to show through, "yes." I turned my head to look at her frightened face, her color was still very pale but gaining its tan luster back.
"Oh good heavens!" She said in relief, "I thought you had died." Elizabeth knelt next to bed, "how well can you move?"
"Okay, I guess. I haven't really tried. But I know my back is really stiff." I suffocated my own laugh because of the pain it would cause me.
"Well I do need to change your bandages and, if you feel up to it, I could bathe you to get all of that dry blood off completely?" She asked charmingly.
I pulled myself to the side of the bed gazing at her, "anything to relieve this stiffness." She snickered and helped me out of bed attempting to stretch out my legs a little.
I was extremely tired and felt as if I was bled dry, which probably wasn't too far from the truth. But I figured if I could get up I will try just about anything to release this pain and right about now a bath sounded so good. I hobbled over to the tub with Elizabeth's assistance, where upon she sat me on a chair so she could go get some heated water for my bath.
About ten minutes later she came in with one large bucket of water and poured it into the basin. I stood shakily from the chair, without aid this time, when Elizabeth ordered me to undress from my attire. I stood naked in front of her not caring what she though only stuck on the thought of releasing this pain and stiffness.
Miss Swann unraveled my bandages and aided me in sitting in the tub before sitting at the back of the basin and examining my wounds. "Ana said that if you could get up to move into a tub, that within two days of resting you could be able to walk about on the ship again and do small tasks."
I laughed aloud, "You think I'm staying? We'll be in Port Royal within another day or so and, if my father does not take me, I'll barter a passage back to England."
"England? That's so far away." Elizabeth thought silently about what will had told her, 'does she even know?'
"The farther away from here the farther away from my past. I think it would be the best route for me to take." I could feel the rough texture of the sponge rub across my back and I winced as she slid dangerously close to one of my lashes.
"I'm sorry!" She pulled away from that spot moving to a less tender part of my back. "Better?" I nodded hesitantly the stinging still lingering beneath the skin. Elizabeth noticed something shinning in the light of the lamp on my hand, "what's that?"
I had forgotten all about it, I lifted into view and gazed at it wondering once again what I was to do. The past week flashed through my mind from beginning till now as if it were telling me something, but what? "Norrington. He came in while he thought I was sleeping and did a sort of proposal. It was a shock and although I understand his reasons I don't know what spurred it. There had to be something."
"What where his reasons?' She asked her blonde hair falling gently onto my shoulder as she studied the ring, the tips of her hair sopping up the now warm water on my skin.
"He couldn't marry you so he settled for someone who could understand him. It's more of a business partnership option than it is a respectable marriage proposal, if you ask me." I slid the ring from my finger and held it up to her; "you can take it if you want? It means nothing to me, honestly."
"No. I couldn't. Come on, we need to get you out of the tub and then back into bed." She lifted me to a standing position then draped her robe around me as I stepped out of the basin.
That night I would not soon forget, for the first time Elizabeth and I saw each other as friends, sisters even. She bandaged my wounds, clothed me, brushed through my hair and tucked me in for bed. In one night that woman had become so dear to me.
"I'll tell Gibbs to bring you up some food, Good night Justine." She left the room, the lamp out and the moonlight shinning in through the windows illuminating the cabin. It was quiet and once more I was left alone with my thoughts.
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Sparrow stood outside of the room in the dark shadows of the stairwell waiting for Elizabeth to leave. When she had and she was far enough away from the sight of him he snuck into his cabin. The door creaked closed, "Justine? Justine are you awake?"
I moved my head up to see who was there and grumbled quietly when I saw sparrow's shadow in the moonlight. "What?"
He moved closer sitting on the bed and looking at me. It was as if he was bewildered to see I was okay, his dark brown eyes hung over me and I became stiff. "You're fine?"
I gave way to a small smirk and nodded slightly not expecting him to lean in and hug me. "Sparrow. Sparrow! Captain!" I shouted the last one for he was pressing on my back and causing me to have enormous bouts of pain. My father loosened his grip and starred at me.
"What has gotten into you, my captain? I'm okay, Ana says I'll be able to get back to small chores in two days." I laid back in bed studying his scared facial expression. "What is it?"
"You're to marry Norrington," I interrupted informing him that I already knew that and showed the ring as proof. "You are to marry him upon our return to Port Royal, there is to be two ceremonies that day." My questionable and shocked gaze told him to press on, "Elizabeth and Will are also to be married on that day, and you will never return to the Black Pearl or the Piratical life at all once you are married. You will remain the Commodore's wife for as long as he shall live and keep your place in respectable society for as long as you shall live. Those were the exact words of the treaty."
"Treaty! WHO'S TREATY? WHY THE BLEEDING HELL WASN'T I INFORMED OF THIS TREATY?" I threw myself up in his face ignoring the pain from my torso.
"The Commodore and mine's treaty. You weren't told for fear that you would become overly stressed and your body would give way resulting in your death." He stated looking me straight in the eye, not even flinching.
"You son of a bitch! How could you do this to me? You lying cheating Bastard! I should have known from the start that you'd never be a good father! You never cared about my mother or me! YOU INSENSITIVE TRIVIAL CUR!"
"Now that's enough!" Sparrow pushed me against the bedpost covering my mouth, unable to move my neck. "I've had enough of this, I have problems of my own to figure out without yours coming into play on mine." He released his hand from my face.
"I wouldn't have any problems if you hadn't started them! Besides what's in this for you, hugh? What is so glorious about giving up your only daughter to a selfish Commodore who can't seem to get his way?" My eyes grew darker with more hate and rage circling around my pupils my loose curls landing gently over my shoulders.
"I was never going to give you to him, that's why I came here. If you died the treaty would still be liable the only thing changed would be he wouldn't get married. If you fake your death everything will come out hunky dory. You could still stay a pirate on this ship or go home to England or do whatever it is that you want to do!" He rested his hand on mine as he explained further into the night what would happen.
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The next morning came and as sure as the horizon I was pronounced dead. I died during the night and a select few gave me a burial service at sea, early in the morning, just to enhance the fact I was dead. There of course was no body to bury because I was still in fact alive. But we tied some pots, pillows, and other useless junk together sewed it in a sack-like- body bag and tossed it over, as if it was I. Norrington would just have to except that I was dead, sure he would question it but he would never find evidence of my survival.
Gibbs gave the official okay of my death and for an added bonus he said specifically I had died during my sleep late last night when he was requested to bring food to my chamber. Although most the crew from the Pearl knew of my existence Elizabeth and Turner were never told. I did not want to change their plans and I would do just as I had planned, barter a passage back to England and restore my old estate.
Everything was perfect; no flaws detected none were ever found, not then atleast. I stayed huddled away in the back corners of the kitchen with Gibbs, crammed in with packaged flour and bottles of rum. I took the liberty of opening a bottle of my own, why not? Sparrow's got plenty to last him.
Ana would come down twice a day to change my bandages and to bring another blanket or pillow for me to rest on. I needed my strength for the journey back to England so I had to rest my body now.
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When we arrived back in Port Royal a day and a half later almost everyone left the ship. Gibbs opened the door to the rather well built pantry and handed me a couple of apples and a bottle of water. "You do well to eat those and when I come back that there fresh water best be gone, you understand missy?"
I smirked now having full control over my body and a medium amount of pain left, "yes sir, you need not have any worries about that."
"There's a good lass, will be back soon. Oh and your's father said to stay put until all them navy men are out of sight." Gibbs winked and made his way out of the kitchen.
I grabbed up my first apple and bit into it, ah how the sweet summer juice slid down the leathery surface of the fruit and onto my fingers. That was one of the best apple I had ever had it was so sweet but had the right hint of sourness to make it perfect. Much like how I like my men, kind enough to not beat up on me but our bad boys deep inside.
William Turner. At the thought of men his name rang through my mind I could hear his luscious voice whispering into my ear. He has so much love but has no idea how to care for it. Now that's a problem if I've ever seen one. I pulled my body from the floor and stood to get knife to peel the apple when I noticed Samuel standing not 5 feet in front of me.
"Sam? Whatcha' need?" I said with absolute carelessness. My curly hair waving to and fro as I searched for a knife.
"How can you do it?" He took a few steps closer to me pulling a knife from the drawer and handed to me.
"Thanks," I began peeling in circles around the end of the apple, "how can I do what?" The chain of apple skin broke, "apple skin?" He shook his head, "your loss." I took a piece of the chain and ate it.
"How can you go along with your business like nothings wrong?" He questioned picking up and apple for himself.
"Because nothing is wrong," I smiled taking a drink of the fresh water.
"Oh really?" I nodded and he grabbed my hand, "come with me." Sam took me down the hallway out of the kitchen and up the stairs to my father's room where he opened the window and pointed down at a ceremony down on the peer. "Do you see them?"
"Yes, what are they doing?" There were men and a couple of women dressed in black dropping flowers into the water at the end of the dock.
"They're remembering you. Most of them know you're alive like your father and Ana. But there are those few down there who don't and are really mourning you." He pointed to the three people standing in the front row.
Elizabeth dropped a rose into the water her face tear stricken, her fiancé, Turner, standing next to her holding deep within himself all of his sorrow as he dropped three lilies into the crystal clear ocean water. Then there was James Norrington who stood solemnly to the side dropping only a single trinket down to my watery grave, a gold band that had sat lovingly on my ring finger. I glanced down at the spot where it had occupied a day or so ago before Gibbs gave it back to him.
"But I can't do anything or I'll prove my father a ruthless liar only out to save his own back, in the process I'll also ruin a perfectly good marriage and Turner, Elizabeth and James will hate me. I cannot do that." I shook my head shutting the window and slumping onto the floor.
"Why not?" Sam crouched down in front of me, "what difference would it make, you still plan on going to England right? Well atleast then they know you're alive and well."
"And that I left them behind. Is that any good?" I crossed my arms over my knees resting my chin on the tops of my knees.
"Look you have three days to decide. On Friday at sun down Elizabeth will marry William and at that point you'll never have a chance. But if you act now you will. It's all up to you." He stood his blonde hair pulled in a ponytail lying loosely on his strong back as he walked away out of the door.
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The three days flew by fast leaving me still with no specific decision. It was almost midday Friday and I knew Elizabeth was back at her palace dressing for her wedding and Turner is probably at his blacksmith shop memorizing his vows nervous as ever, and I was here in my father's cabin sipping my rum and playing cards with him.
"What do you wager will happen at the wedding today?" I asked tossing down two cards to trade in for our game of poker.
His old leather boots were propped on top of the table and his hat skewed on the back of his chair. "Oh I don't know, two people getting wed and living happily ever after. Just a guess though." He looked at me with a corky smile, "You're a smart lass Justine, you can out wit a lot of people-."
"But?" I suggested looking over my cards.
He pulled his feet from the table and sat his card down on the surface, "you don't know when to give in."
"What would you like me to do?" I tossed my cards onto the wood table. "Because I can't seem to come up with the correct answer on my own."
"Go to the wedding with Ana, Gibbs and me. It'll be a blast, drinks all around!" He winked and I stifled the want to laugh.
"And expose that I am alive? Sparrow you out of all people should know that I couldn't do that. Not now, not when everything is going so well."
"Everything is not going well, you're still missing what you want most." He stood and paced around the table using his hand motions to explain. "I saw you two that day that we attacked Millson. You loved him then and I know you love him now. That was a passionate kiss, something you don't forget." He sat on the table prying his thoughts into my mind.
"I wish people will just forget about that, it will never happen again." I stood walking to the door.
"Only because you're too stubborn to admit that you care." He shouted at me as I left the room slamming the door shut. "She'll go," he mumbled to himself, but not in vain.
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I starred out of the mess hall window watching the sun lower in the afternoon sky. I don't have to go to the wedding to know what will happen, in the words of my father, 'two people will be wed and live happily ever after.'
The door to the kitchen swung open and Ana stepped in she was wearing a peach colored dress with small floral vines etched throughout the design. Her figure fit the dress well although her belly was slightly larger than I had ever known. "You look radiant my fair lady." I swaggered over to her.
"Are you sure you won't attend?" Ana tried pushing the subject further.
"Me wear a dress again, after what happened last time I wore one you'll be lucky you ever get me in one of those again." She laughed slightly giving cheer to my over all depressed emotion. "No, I won't go. I'll be fine here this is where I belong. Not in a church, I never was one for marriage."
"Okay then, I'll see you when we get back. You know your father will- "
"Be drunk, yes I know. I think it was he who said, 'I love weddings drinks all around.'" She laughed again hugging me lightly and leaving the doorway.
I went back to my window watching with glee as Ana met with Sparrow and Gibbs who, for once in their lives, were dressed as gentlemen. It was a sight to see. My depression sunk back in as I watched them waltz away to enjoy the night while I hid away in my 'tower' lonely and confused.
Sam burst into the kitchen gown, shoes, ribbons and face cloths in his hands. I swung around, eyes wide at the sight of him, "oh no!"
"You are going to that wedding whether you like it or not! You have no choice in the matter!" He sat the outfit down on the table and grabbed a bowl and some hand soap from the back of the kitchen.
"I have every choice in the matter, thank you! And do you know what I choose?" I yelled my arms crossed over my chest.
"No! And frankly I don't care!" He grabbed me by my arm and tossed me onto the bench, "you're acting like a child and I'm going to fix that right now. Hand me that bottle of water from behind you." When I sat still and did nothing he reached for it himself and poured it all in the bowel scrubbing the soap in it to make suds then washing my face with the cloth.
"Are you insane? This will never work, it's a failure even before it starts." I objected.
"First off I'm not insane," he scrubbed at my face more. "And secondly you won't let it fail because I'll take your share of the plunder from Millson's ship!" He snapped back.
"Gimme that!" I snatched the rag from his hand and scuffed as I cleaned my own face. "You were doing it wrong."
"What ever gets you to go," was his only reply.
Twenty minutes later I was transformed into the belle of the ball. You couldn't tell the difference between a high-established woman and me, except the fact that she would want to be pretty and I didn't. My dress was a royal pastel green with thin flowers whirled in and out of it's design. Half of my unruly locks of solid black hair were tied back with a barrette and a few ribbons while the rest hung loosely down the center of my back. It was time.
Sam escorted me to the front of the church and distracted the guest list guard while I made my way up the steps to the big oak doors of the chapel. "I can do this, there's nothing to be afraid of." I grabbed my old tattered hat out of the bag slopping it onto my head, removing the 'glass slippers' from my aching feet, and pulling my boots on in their place. At least now I was as comfortable as I could get.
"JUST DO IT JUSTINE!" Sam shouted at me as he pinned the guard to the wall, annoyed at my delays.
"You can't go in there! Stop her!" The guard shouted to the other guards in vain for none heard his cries.
With my last burst of courage I shoved opened the doors stepping straight into the chapel aisle way. I took a deep breath, shadowing my eyes with the rim of my hat, as I marched down the aisle way ignoring everyone's stares. From the corner of my left eye I noticed a soldier heading straight for me and on the other side another guard moved almost simultaneously.
I stoped and gave a small smile, the priest looking down at me with confusion as I pulled my pistol from the adjusted pocket in my gown, aiming it at the man to my left. "You'd do well to stop right there or I might have to kill you." WHOA! I got everyone's attention with that, what a rush of power, I had to keep going. "COMMODORE! Please call your men back, I highly doubt that you want them slaughtered!"
My father gazed at me from the corner of the room wondering what my intentions were and why I had forced a gun into the situation. When the men backed down I released the air in my lungs and calmed my fears of them attacking me. My left arm dropped back to my side, pistol still clutched within my fingers.
"Young lady! What is the meaning of this?" Governor Swann shouted at me furious with my behavior as a woman.
I took a few steps closer, "I am no lady, sir, but all the same I shall explain myself." I swerved on my heels now facing the alter where Elizabeth and William stood honorably. They were beautiful together, her long blond locks landing softly on the shoulder of her white gown and his deep brown eyes unlocking a whole new world for her; I could never mess with that.
My mind snapped back to reality and I paused thinking of what and how to speak. I pulled my wrinkled hat from my brow bending into a curtsey before acknowledging them. "You both know who I am, there is no need for me to make an announcement."
"Justine?" Elizabeth's voice became weak as she starred me over, "you're wearing a dress." She made a small laugh to cover up her tears ans she stepped lightly down the steps to me. Her arms fell warmly around my neck in a hug, she was my sister and I could not ruin this day for her.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I'm sorry that I lied to you, Will, and James about my death." We broke from the hug and she gazed at me a little puzzled. My eyes wondered about the room trying to gather strength from any color I could find but all was white. "Jack and I both did not agree to the terms that my life would face. James is a good man but he doesn't know when to let go. Neither did I, until now that is." I lifted my chin to peer into Turner's eyes.
"Let go, you came here to let go." He repeated quietly.
"Will," I lifted my gown from the floor to walk up the steps leaving Elizabeth to her own unanswered questions. I began in a whisper, "Will, look at that woman down there. I mean, really look at her. She is beautiful, intelligent and wild enough to keep you going. Me, I am smart but only about the sea and piratical life, yes I'm wild but I'm too wild for you. I am more likely to get you killed then survive in a marriage with you."
"So what this all is about a better match? I thought marriages were supposed to be about love." Turner pressed on.
"William look down at that woman and tell me you don't love her. You can't do it can you? I am just a fling. I'm not real to you, she is! You have loved her practically your whole life and she will make an excellent wife for you." My eyes began to tear up.
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"She must really love him," Ana stated to my father.
"How can you say that? She's up there giving him away!" He stated to her sternly.
"Justine knows that he truly loves Elizabeth and Elizabeth truly loves him. She loves him so much that she is willing to sacrifice what she wants so that he is happy, even if it is with another woman." She whispered into his ear.
"She's giving in, heh, she's taking my advice." He grinned vainly.
"Wow, you actually suggested something smart for once. I didn't know it was possible." Ana retorted.
"Just remember within whose bed you sleep at night." Ana rolled her eyes at him and rubbed her growing stomach soothingly.
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I stood in front of him and the white linen alter, one single tear cascaded down my cheek and he caught it. His thumb caressed the spot in which it lay watching me as I pulled it away from my face. I embraced him warmly with a hug holding him tightly against my body. "Thank you. I now am confident in what I am about to do." He commented to me.
"You're welcome. I am still going back to England father is taking me. Please come by and see me sometime, I want to meet the little un's when you finally get around to having a few." I felt his laugh on my shoulder as we broke from the hold.
"Children? Oh lord you're really expecting a lot. Speaking of babies, you know Ana's pregnant right?" I shook my head my eye wide. "yeah she is, three months by now."
"Why that sly old dog, I'm going to have to beat him for that." My eyes met back with Will's and I knew this was goodbye. I probably would never see him or Elizabeth again, though I would write.
"Thank you for coming today, it meant a lot to me." He paused thinking of what to say.
"Will don't worry about it, everything worked out the way it was supposed to." I leaned in for one last embrace when he whispered something unexpected in my ear.
"But I still love you," my heart skipped a beat afraid of what to do.
I lifted my heavy face and kissed his cheek, "you may always feel that way, but I am only second to her." I backed away, "congratulations you two." I let myself waltz down the steps to Elizabeth and congratulated her one last time before making my way over to James.
"May we continue now?" the priest asked, a tad irritated over my presence.
"Oh, by all means yes!" I approved arms flailing and all as I plopped down next to the commodore. "Hello James."
He rolled his eyes and ignored me slightly. "Did I do something to offend you my dear Norrington?"
"Does faking your death count? Or maybe marching in here just to keep the marriage running? I mean if you'd have any knowledge at all you'd know you storm the church to take the guy not leave him with his bride!"
"Still having no luck with the ladies." I suggested.
"None what so ever! It seems I am too high class and snobby." He answered turned sideways in the pew.
"That'll do it. Say, did you try the cute puppy routine?"
"Yes."
"The 'feel sorry for me' routine?"
"Yes."
"The 'flashy money' routine?"
"Yes, none worked." He sighed.
"Man, these ladies are tough." I concluded.
"You're telling me." The Governor looked at us strangely.
"This is my daughter's wedding, could you two keep it down?" His eyebrows laced together as his old raspy voice crackled.
"I'll take that as my cue to go, I'll talk to you outside." He nodded and I stood walking to the back corner.
My back pressed against the wall as I held back from laughing at my father. "so you couldn't help but create another me, eh?"
He looked up at me and grunted, "What makes you think it will be anything like you?"
"Because I'm exactly like you!" I pointed out.
"Besides it's going to be a boy." He continued.
"Girl."
"Boy."
"Girl."
"Boy."
"Girl."
"Bo-."
"Will you two stop it! This is a wedding for Christ's sake! Anyway it's my baby too and I say it will be a girl!" Ana hit both of us in our arms.
The priest went on with the ceremony, which was absolutely gorgeous, not to mention flawless. "I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Their kiss was unmatchable, so passionate and romantic I did not know a kiss could bare so much love.
I watched them walk out of the chapel and followed slowly with the rest of the guests. Their carriage was waiting just outside of the church ready to take them to their own home, a present from the Governor. Long term project of his, as I was told. They looked so happy together that for once in my life my femininity took over me, tears of joy streamed down my face.
Sam approached me, "what happened? Their still together! How can that be? You were suppo-." He saw my tears and thought I was upset. "Oh luv, I'm so sorry."
"Would you get off of me! Look at them, their so perfect. Their children will be handsome."
"Have you flipped your lid?" Sam placed his hand to my forehead as if I were sick.
"I might have." I faced the carriage again and noticed Elizabeth running up to me, her train dragging on the cobblestone. "Get in that carriage Mrs. William Turner before I flog you!"
"I couldn't leave" she paused to catch her breath, "without giving this to you." She held out a gold charm bracelet.
"Oh, I couldn't. it's too expensive for my tastes, you keep it." I pushed it back to her.
"No I insist. Will gave it to me last Christmas as a gift and I want you to have it as a way of remembering us while you're back in England." She pulled my wrist out in front of her and hooked the clasps. The bracelet jingled when it moved.
"Thank you." I hugged her once more. "Now get in that carriage before your husband drives off without you!" Her smile warmed my soul as she hopped down the steps in her snow-white dress. They drove off into the distance up the cobblestone drive and with a blink of the eye they were gone from sight.
"You still love him?" Sam gazed down at me.
"Have no fear, it will disappear over time." I replied taking in a deep breath of fresh air.
"So we're off to England then?"
"We, who said anything about a we?" I cocked my eyebrow curious about his comment.
"Well you know you'll need someone to look after you and you don't have enough money to refurbish you're estate all by yourself. Plus your father won't leave you all the way up there by yourself."
"So what is it that you are proposing Mr. Samuel?" I smiled holding my arm out to him, which he took with pride as we walked down the steps, my boots clicking with every step I took.
"I believe that I should be your escort." He puffed out his chest trying to seem overly rich and snobbish.
"Well I do believe that is the best idea I've heard yet." I could hear Ana and Sparrow catching up with us so I decided to shout out loud. "GIRL!"
"BOY!" My father hollered back at me and we argued about it all the way back to the ship.
With the night air waving through my hair I knew everything was as it should be. I was finally free.
THE END
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A/N: Well what did you think? I struggled a lot over this chapter, in fact I rewrote it three times. At first I was going to have Justine win Will back, but then an idea for the sequel smacked right into my head. So you may not have liked them not being together at the end of this but there's a whole other story just waiting to be written! Ha! Well please review me and tell me what you thought of this last chapter, I hope you liked it. Ta!
