Chapter 5: Too Much
"Oh . . . My . . . God . . . ," she gasped. "Who is that?"
"That's you, luv. Haven't you ever seen yer own reflection?"
"Yes, I have. And that's not me." Her voice began to rise. "What's going on? What is happening to me? I'm not a red head. I'm a brunette!"
"Calm down, luv," he interrupted. "You can't be getting this upset."
"My eyes aren't green. They're grey!" she continued, now utterly panicked.
"Rachel, stop this, girl! Yer goin' to hurt yerself!"
"Who am I?" She didn't seem to even hear him. "This is not me!"
Suddenly she felt a soft pressure against her lips. Something inside of her gave way and she found herself responding to him, deepening the kiss. Slowly he withdrew.
"Better, luv?" he asked
"Why did you do that?" she responded.
"Well, I figured there were two ways to calm ye down, savvy? I could kiss you or I could slap you. I try never to strike a lady. And, to be honest, I've wanted to do that ever since you first opened those beautiful eyes of yours."
"That's just it," she said quietly. "They're not my eyes."
"They are now, missy. Ye might as well get used to it."
"I just wish I knew what was happening to me. Am I crazy? Did my mind invent my entire life?"
"You don't seem crazy to me, if that helps any," he replied. "Tell ye what. In about two days we'll be dockin' in Tortuga. There's a woman there, claims to have the sight. By all accounts, she's very talented. I'll take ye to see her. Maybe she can tell you somewhat about all this."
"Do you think so? I really need some answers. I don't even know what's real anymore."
"Look at it this way," he said with a leer. "If you have t'be stuck in someone else's body, at least you picked a pretty good one to get stuck in."
She smiled. "Has anyone ever told you that you're incorrigible?"
"Almost everyone I meet, luv," he said. "Want to incorrige me?"
She laughed. Somehow, he had a way of making her feel better. He had a look in his eyes that was sheer mischief. / / I'd better watch myself. / / she thought. / / I could fall for this guy, hard. / /
He walked to the door and stuck his head out, speaking to someone outside. Closing the door, he returned to the bed, climbing in beside her.
"I thought you were needed at the helm," she asked.
"I think I'm needed here more," he replied. "Gibbs can take the helm fer now." He put his arm around her. "Don't worry, luv," he said. "I just get the feelin' y'need t'be held tonight. Nothing more."
She relaxed against him. "Thank you. I really could use the company. And the comfort, too, I guess."
"You're quite welcome," he replied. "How about a bedtime story, then?"
Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door.
"So then they made me their Chief," Jack said. "Come in, Gibbs. I been expectin' you."
Gibbs stuck his head through the door. "Just wanted t'check in on the lass," he said. "How're ye feelin tonight, miss? Is yer chest still painin' ye?"
"Some, but it seems to be improving," she replied.
"Glad t'hear it," he said. "Yer bleedin' seems to have stopped, so ye should be up and about in a day or two. Brought ye a little souvenir." He handed her a small metal ball, slightly flattened along one side. "If ye ever see that damned fool of a Captain, ye can give it back t'him. Tell 'im ye didn't really need it after all."
"Thank You, Mr. Gibbs," she replied. "Isn't it amazing how something so small can do so much damage?"
"Sure is, missy. You hold onto that now, it be good luck. I'll be checkin' back in the mornin'. Don't let this scoundrel keep ye from restin', now."
"I don't know if I'd get much rest tonight without him, Mr. Gibbs," she said. "Today has been a really hard one for me. I don't think it would be good to be alone. It would give me time to brood."
"Me and Annamaria will take the helm through the night, Cap'n. Ye just stay with the lass. The Pearl will be just fine wi'out ye for one night."
"She's in good hands, Gibbs," Jack replied. "Keep 'er steady, and wake me if you need to."
"Aye, Cap'n. And good night t'ye both." He stepped out the door and was gone.
"He seems like a good man," she said
"Aye, one o' the best. Helped me get the Pearl back when she was stolen from me. Remind me t'tell you about it sometime."
"What's wrong with now?" she asked.
"Too long of a story, and you need yer rest. Now, go to sleep before I have to shut you up again."
"Yes, sir," she giggled. "Couldn't have that."
She nestled beside him and was soon fast asleep.
