A.N.

Thank you once again to GENEVRA for her review. I am so happy and honored that you liked my story so far. I apologize for the delay in update. I have been busy applying for work and revising my resume that I had a hard time finding the opportunity to write the story. Hope this chapter was worth the wait. And once again I ask you dear readers to review my work. Thank you!!!

CHAPTER 3: BitterSweet Meeting

Waking up to the sound of the birds singing, I felt well rested and energized. Opening the windows, I took in a deep breath then let it all out slowly. Looking out to the sea, I smiled. I am feeling happy today but I don't know why. Maybe because for the first time, I slept peacefully, no dreams. Or maybe because I felt that this was the day I might see Will? But whatever the reason maybe, the important thing is that I make the best of the day and cherish what I am feeling now because I may never feel like this again.

" You seem to be in a good mood today! " Spoke Jo as she came in the room.

" Today's the day Jo! I could feel it in my bones. The long search will be finally over. I will meet Will today! " I replied excitedly.

" You can feel it? " Jo asked.

And even though my back was facing her, I know that her eyebrow was raised while asking me the question.

" Just wait and see, before this day is through, Will and me would meet face to face. " I spoke with much conviction that Jo was not able to reply or make any other comment.

Taking another deep breath, I looked out unto the sea. I have never been on land this long ever since I became a pirate . . . well . . . expect when I was jailed. But the truth was I missed being on a ship, I missed the sound of the waves crashing and I missed the smell of the sea. Looking at the docks I decided that I could experience two of the things I missed, I could hear waves and smell the sea. So I decided to take a stroll by the docks. Choosing a simple, light, comfortable . . . which meant a corset less dress, I quickly changed. After promising a million times to Jo to be absolutely careful, good and that I would be back before breakfast, I head out.

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Because it was still early, only a few people were up and about. Luckily no one recognized me, so I was able to walk around without any problems. Reaching the docks, I smiled. The sounds of the waves and the smell of the sea always made me calm and happy. Closing my eyes, I began to cherish the moment and let my senses take everything in. Knowing that I was still a good few feet from the edge so with my eyes still closed, I took three steps forward. Big mistake! So I advice you not to follow my example. No sooner after taking my third step, I bumped into someone or something. My eyes snapped open as I began to loose my balance. Seeing that I was about to fall into the water, I closed my eyes again. I had a previous experience of falling into the sea with my eyes open wide and my eye felt it was stung my bees, don't want to experience that again I tell you. Then suddenly felt two strong arms encircle my body in a tight embrace, I then felt myself hit the floor accompanied with a loud thud. Opening my eyes, I was mesmerized. Looking back at me was the most handsome man I have ever met. He had this shoulder length wavy brown hair, gorgeous brown eyes, cute mustache and a perfectly shaped nose. Realizing that we were on the floor in a tight embrace, a very compromising position, I quickly disentangled myself and stood up.

" I am very sorry. I did not mean to bump into you or get you into such an awkward situation. " I rapidly apologized while hiding a blush that I felt was forming on my cheeks. And even though I did not see the person I bumped, I somehow knew that he was the person.

" It's alright, no harm was done." He replied as he stood up and began to brush out his clothes.

Looking up after he finished brushing, he gave me a smile. But to me it was the sweetest smile one could ever receive. Blushing once more, I quickly hung my head. What was happening to me? I never experienced anything like this before. I was acting like a love struck schoolgirl. I am a pirate for Gods sake! And pirates don't blush!

" You are new here right? I have never seen you before. " He asked.

With my head still bent, I nodded.

" I just arrived yesterday. I was on the Nautilus. " I spoke softly. But i guess he heard it.

" In that case let me welcome you to Port Royal and let me have the honor of introducing myself to you, my lady. I am Will . . . . Will Turner, a newly named blacksmith at your service. " He introduced himself as he took a gentleman's bow.

When he spoke his name, I immediately looked up and stared at him wide-eyed. Luckily for me he still had his head bent. I just could not believe my eyes and ears for here in front of me, standing in the flesh was Will . . . My Willy! The love of my life! I wanted to laugh, cry, run to him, give him a hug, kiss him and shout out loud at the same time. My emotions were so mixed up that I just stood there frozen.

" Miss are you OK? " Will asked.

I wanted to answer him right away but I cannot seem to get any words out. I wanted to nod but I also cannot seem to move. This is embarrassing! I am very lucky Jo is not here to see this. She would be laughing her ass off by now.

I watched him take a step towards me as he questioned me again if I was all right.

"" I am fine Mr. Turner, it seems the fall had me a little out of breath. I am ok right now. By the way I am Rose Clayton and it is an honor to meet you acquaintance. " I finally spoke then I gave a ladies curtsy.

I mentally applauded myself for finally finding the voice to answer him. I also congratulated myself for making sure to speak my name clearly. I'm sure he would recognize me now, I had hoped that he would see me from afar, recognize me instantly and then run to meet me. I was being too romantic, right? Anyway I can't blame him. I too was not able to recognize him instantly until he mentioned his name. Now to wait and see his reaction.

" The pleasure is all mine Miss Clayton, but please do call me Will. Mister Turner sounds too formal for my liking. "

" I will, if you too would call me Rose from now on. " I replied with a smile.

" It's a deal then! " He quickly responded.

I was fortunate enough to answer him without my voice betraying my emotions of disappointment. From feeling happy just a few moments ago, now it felt that the world is crashing down on me. I felt betrayed! I have kept my promise, but he forgot to keep his. How could he forget me? Am I not important in his life? I guess the saying that promises are meant to be broken is true. My heart now felt that is slowly breaking into millions of pieces. Tears were starting to form in my eyes but before it could fall down, I said my good-byes to Will and quickly left without giving him the chance to say a word.

" Wait! Rose . . . wait! " He called out.

And even though I could hear him calling, I pretended not to hear him. I still continued to walk. I just cannot stand being near him right now.

" Rose! Rosey!!! Can you please wait for a moment! " He called out again while walking to catch up with me.

Halting immediately, I turned around to face him and blurted out " What did you just call me? "

He too stopped but took a step back when I questioned him. I did not intend to sound angry but my heart was racing, I was not able to control my emotions.

" I did not mean to call you that, I am so. . . " He began to babble.

" Answer the question!" I somewhat demanded. "What did you just call me!" I asked again.

" Rose . . . Rosey . . . . I called you Rosey, I am sorry to call you that. I did not mean to . ." He responded.

" And why? Pray tell did you call me that? " I interrupted him as I raised an eyebrow. Something I learned to do unconsciously. Jo seems to be rubbing off me.

" I don't know . . . It just suddenly came out. It seemed natural to call you that. Maybe . . I think . . . Somehow I knew you would respond to that name. . . I . . " Will tried to explain but was failing miserably.

" Its all right. No harm was done. It is just no one has called me that since I was a little girl back home. " I informed him.

" I am truly sorry, I promise not to call you . . . "

" Please don't say that. I would appreciate it if you would continue to call me Rosey."

"Ok, so Rosey it is!"

"Oh! Thank you Willy!" I blurted out as I crossed the distance between us and gave him a hug.

"Willy???" It was now his turn to become shocked and it was clearly written on his face.

" I'm so sorry . .I . ." It was only now my turn to start apologizing, as I mentally scolded my self for letting the name slip out of my mouth.

But before I could finish what I was saying, he raised his hand to stop me.

" Hmmm. . . Willy it sounds good. Willy and Rosey . . .it seems to fit. Ok, so from now on I will be calling you Rosey and you would be calling me Willy. " He spoke while smiling.

I too smiled. I was in cloud nine, heaven or even in paradise. The day has just become better. But because it was almost time for breakfast I had to leave. But now I properly said my goodbye as I explained to him why I was going. He understood, as he too had to take his breakfast. As I made my way back to the house, I could not help myself whistle a happy tune. We have agreed to meet by the dock again later on, He had promised to show me around town. And I cannot wait to tell Jo the good news. I have found him!