Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters except Albert, the cook is my personal assistant and bodyguard, so should anyone decide to sue me, just remember who'll you'll have to go through to get to me. Thanks and remember, have a nice day.

Five Months From Now

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Standing up straight, Jack stretched his tired arms, his body propped up against the helm. A slight breeze rustled the sails and his hair, the warm feeling of the sun washing over him. From his spot, he could make out a form resting on the lower deck against the railing, another figure standing close by. Handing the helm to Cotton, he sauntered down to the figures, a hand holding his tri-cornered hat in place.

Jack chuckled as he caught bits and pieces of the conversation between the two: Ana and Gill.

"Now Mrs. Ana, I really must detest!" Gill exclaimed. "You should be in bed resting!"

Ana slid her gaze to him, a frown on her face as she huffed, "Gill, for the last time- I can't take the four walls and the bed any more than you can hold your liquor."

Gill raised a brow, one hand smoothing out his wrinkled shirt in opposition. "I can so hold my liquor," he stated wearily. "What have you heard?"

The dark-skinned woman smirked. "Listen, I understand your concern but I can only take so much," she warned. "Besides, wasn't it you who said some fresh air would do me good?"

"You leaning over a railing attempting to secure a rigging was not how that suggestion was applied," he scoffed.

Ana glanced at him. "Wasn't it? What did it imply? That I lounge around like the capt- Jack," she quickly covered upon seeing the captain. She slid her eyes to Gill with a fierce demand in the brown depths as Gill scurried off impatiently.

"Ana," Jack greeted. Standing beside her asked, "See anythin' interestin'?"

"No."

The pirate captain chuckled as he turned around, his back against the railing and his elbows propped up. "Ye need a hobby, Ana," he finally proclaimed smugly.

Ana shifted her weight as she faced him, the slight side view showing her pregnant condition. "You mean protecting my sanity from Gill isn't hobby enough?" she questioned disappointedly. "What kind of hobby like this?" she asked, her hand gesturing her current state.

For a moment Jack seemed to be caught in thought before he replied with a shrug, "Knitting?"

---

"I presume that your wife is resting?"

Jack turned to face the speaker, a disapproving grin on his face. "Now Gill," he started. "If you honestly think that my wife is indeed resting, then you have the wrong girl, mate."

Gill chuckled as he handed Jack a flask, the pirate studying it intently before taking a sip. He passed it back as he added, "No, she's down below in the galley helping young Mr. Miles with his studies."

The young doctor rubbed his chin in thought as he nodded. Despite Gill's decision to join Jack, he still valued the positive effect an education for his son would be and was sure to keep the lad on his toes. Their last stop in Port Royal had provided them with several good books and lessons, courtesy of Elizabeth.

Being a pirate was one thing, but even Jack had emphasized the lad's keen ability and backed Gill's opinion in the boy getting an education, even if the schooling was few and far between. The doctor and the pirate captain shared another drink before Gill stated, "I don't believe I did ever thank you for allowing Miles and myself to travel with you, much less stay on as part of your crew."

Jack quirked an eyebrow at the younger man, his hand grasping the doctor's shoulder. "No thanks is needed," he rasped. "Let's just say we're squared and leave it at that. 'sides, that lad of yours is enjoyable company and a damn good worker. Did I mention he also provides a marvelous distraction for Ana?"

Laughter from both chorused from the deck as they sailed in silence, a drink continuously shared between the two.

---

"…Now you take this number and add it, understand?"

After what seemed like hours of silence, the young pupil scratched a piece of charcoal across the paper producing a figure, his other hand nervously tapping the table.

Ana drug the paper closer for inspection, her eyes skimming the numbers as she chewed on her lower lip. She finally set the parchment down and slid it back to him before saying, "Wonderful, I think you're getting the hang of it."

Miles' head came up, a sheepish smile plastered on his face as he looked down at his book and the paper. "Thank you Mrs. Ana," he replied shyly. "You're awfully good at this. Better than anyone else I can think of."

"Better than your father?" she joked ruffling his hair.

The young boy's face fell at the mention of his father. He closed the book and pushed it away saying, "Papa is good too and he used to help me everyday before he met the captain. But now he is very busy."

Ana sensed the change in the boy's attitude and frowned. She draped an arm around his shoulders, scooting a bit closer. "Your father is a busy man, Miles. But that doesn't mean he doesn't still love you or cares. Maybe you should ask him to help you instead of assuming he can't. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to agree."

Miles glanced up at her before throwing his arms around her neck catching her off guard as he stated, "Thank you. You're the best!"

Ana chuckled as she hesitantly embraced him back before pulling away. "It's getting late. Why don't you run on up and help the others," she suggested as he rose to his feet and began collecting his books. "If you hurry, I think they're playing cards this evening."

Miles hurriedly finished gathering his things before sprinting up the stairs just as Jack came down. The captain pressed himself against the wall to miss the running boy and he turned his head to the woman still seated at the table, a look of curiosity on his face.

"Well, he was certainly," Jack commented. "In a hurry. Whatcha do, promise to read him a bedtime story?"

Ana stuck her tongue out at him as he sat down beside her, a smug look upon his rugged face. "Things go well?" he asked.

She nodded. "He's doing good for the little schooling he's had. I think Gill should consider allowing him to stay in Port Royal a few weeks out of the summer to be tutored. I'm sure Elizabeth knows a good teacher," she offered.

Jack hid his grin as he hugged her. "And I think ye should consider a serious career change."

Ana sat up and looked at him skeptically. "You do, do you?" At his nod she questioned, "Like what?"

He shrugged, pulling her back into his arms. "I believe a nanny would do just fine."

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A/N: Short notes today- short chapter, but things are coming full circle. I am now aiming at at-least two more chapters to complete this little tale, just to be on the safe side of the river. S'all for now.

Thank you to everyone who has read/reviewed.