Author's note: Sorry I didn't post sooner, but I just got back from a 30-hour famine with my church!  It was awesome!  We went 30 hours without food to raise money for starving families in Peru and Ethiopia! It is possible…my stomach didn't start growling until today…like early today…like eleven.  But yea…read my chapter!

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Beverly stood in front of the fire alone and stared into it.  She had been standing her near an hour, just gazing at the portraits of her and James, and the children.  She sighed and crossed her arms.  The whole day had been trying.  Although she had tried her hardest not to show her anxiety about being around Jack, she was sure something slipped out.

        She relaxed when two warm, arms wrapped themselves around her.  She closed her eyes and leaned back, feeling the soft chest of her husband.  He kissed her temple and said, "What's wrong?"

        "Hmm…Nothing…"

        "Don't lie to me, Bev."

        "James…The picnic thing today…Jack looked so strange."

        He sighed; he had feared that was what was wrong with his wife. "He does…I understand he's going through a bit of transitional period, like I had a couple years ago."

        She smiled at the memory, "That was you who wanted to become a pirate, wasn't it?"

        He laughed, "Yes.  So I'm sure he's going through the same thing.  Heaven knows why.  He's much older than I was when it happened."

        She nodded, "Would it bother you if I asked to see him?"

        He paused, "Why would you want to do that?" he asked, tightening his grip around her.

        Beverly felt his arms and smiled, "I just want to talk to him…nothing to worry about James, I promise."

        "Can I be here?"

        She shook her head and turned around, "And I realize that's a horrible thing to ask James, but what I have to say needs to be said in private."

        He took a deep breath and nodded, "Okay, I trust you," and kissed her on the lips.

***

        Brenda moaned when the sound of a yappy dog filled her bedroom window.  She had somewhat grown attached to the little beagle, but in the mornings when she wanted her sleep, she wanted to shoot it.  And this morning was worse considering her massive hangover caused by the night before.  She growled and grabbed one of the many pillows on the bed and covered her ears. 

        Gwyneth quickly came out of her room, rushing to the little dog yappy and scratching at Brenda's door.  "Oh, I know you like her, but I'm sure you're in danger if you keep barking." She scooped Suzie up and carried her into her room.  She set her on the bed as she went back to her vanity.  She sighed and sat down.  She unbraided her long hair and started brushing it.

        What time was Jack coming again?  Noon?  I have to get ready soon, I suppose.  Soon her hair was up, her clothes were on, her makeup on and Jack was due in an hour.

        She knocked on Brenda's door ever so slightly and walked in.  She assumed that under the mass of sheets, she was alive and breathing.  When Gwyneth heard a slight snore, she knew someone was under there.  She walked over and sat on the side of the bed.  "Brenda, I know you sleep like a rock but-" another snore escaped her lips.  Gwyneth rolled her eyes and leaned over and jiggled the young woman.  No effect.  She paused and then leaned in next to Brenda's ear and yelled loudly, "Man overboard!"

        Brenda immediately sat up and said, "Batten the hatches!"  and then looked around, her eyes finally landing on Gwyneth.  She grimaced and laid back down.

        "Brenda, you need to get up!  You've been doing absolutely nothing except for sleeping."

        "You make it sound like that's a bad thing."

        "Brenda, please, your father is going to be here soon and I…wanted you to at least make an appearance."

        "You're going to lunch.  Why do I need to escort you?"

        "Brenda, you're going to get out of this bed if I have to pull you by your ankles." 

        She slowly sat up and looked Gwyneth in the eyes, "I had a hard night…please."

        "Yes…but I wouldn't necessarily call it a 'hard' night.  Though I do understand the walk here was hard."

        Brenda's eyes narrowed, she was desperately trying to search her brain to try to remember what exactly had happened after she left the bar, but nothing was coming to mind.  Curse dad's drinkin' habits bein' passed to me!  "Gwen, I honestly don't remember anything about last night…"

        "Not surprising."

        She sighed, "Was there a reason you came in here?"

        Gwyneth looked at her, "Just to wake you up and tell you that your dads' coming."  Brenda nodded and Gwyneth paused before leaving. She walked down the stairs and met Faith in the kitchen, sitting at the table reading a book and eating some pineapple.

        Gwyneth plopped down next to her and sighed.  Faith paused and then looked at her, "Something wrong dear?"

        "Are all children such…stubborn…children?"

        "You don't have children Gwyneth."

        "I know.  But…still, can you answer my question?"

        Faith sighed, closing the book and setting it down, giving her full attention to her sister in law.  "Yes.  Especially in their teens.  I think Jonathan and Trevor are the hardest to get along with."

        Trevor.  "Where is Trevor?" Gwyneth asked suddenly changing the subject. 

        "He left early this morning, went off to the winery, why?"

        She sighed, "I just wanted to talk to him about how last night went."

        "Oh, well I can tell you that he considered a complete disappointment.  He said the evening was totally uneventful and he never wanted to go out to the same place again.  I guess he ended up carrying one of his friends up to their door.  I'm so glad he's not like that…but yes, why did you want to know, dear?"

        She shrugged, "Inquiring minds…" she stopped.  A door creaked open upstairs and someone called for her.  She grimaced and got out of her chair, excusing herself from Faith's presence.  She walked up the stairs and into Brenda's room again.

        "Yes?"

        "Can you brush my hair?"

        Gwyneth's heart almost melted.  She didn't care why she wanted her hair brushed, she was just happy to get the opportunity to.  She had always wanted a little girl of her own just so she could brush her hair.  She nodded and Brenda went to her bed and sat down on it.

        "You have beautiful, black hair, Brenda."

        She nodded, "I assume I got it from dad."  She paused, "Gwen…dad's told me little 'bout you and it was a long time ago…did you know my mom?"

        Gwyneth paused.  Jack needs to tell her the truth…not me.  "I wasn't there when you were born."

        "Oh."

        "But I do understand that…she was a sweet woman.  Caring and such."

        "A pirate sweet and caring?  I don't believe it." Brenda said, lightheartedly.

        Gwyneth shrugged, "What has your father told you about your mom?"

        She took in a deep breath and let it out before saying, "He met her here, in Port Royal a long time ago…she was picking his pocket.  They both got thrown in jail…she agreed to go on the Pearl with dad and then she got pregnant…died in childbirth.  Sound correct?"

        Gwyneth swallowed, "Somewhat."

        Brenda brushed the doubt aside and said, "I hope you and dad have fun today."

        "Thanks hon."

        Brenda paused, the mention of 'hon' suddenly jolted her and made her feel a little comfortable.  She sighed and got up from her spot, "That's good enough…thanks Gwen."

***  

        "So you're goin' out with Gwen today…" Rick said, coming upside Jack while he packed things for his picnic meeting today with Gwyneth.  He sighed at the presence of his friend and said, "That's Gwyneth."

        Rick's eyes narrowed, "Wake up on the wrong side of the couch this mornin', Sparrow?"

        He looked at him, "Honestly?  I'm a little irritated that you're making me go through with this."

        "Go through with what?  You asked her to have lunch with you without any prodding from me."

        "That's my point.  Prodding.  I shouldn't even be doing this.  Gwyneth deserves better than to be the object of you bets and amusement."

        "Remember, it's our bet."

        "That's another thing!  You pushed this bet on me when I was drunk I-"

        "Jack," Rick stopped him, "I think you knew exactly what you were doing, and that's what's killin' you.  I know your drinkin' tolerance level.  Three an half mugs doesn't come close.  You were tipsy, but in complete control."  Jack just met his steely gaze with his own.  There were a lot of good qualities in Rick that Jack appreciated and liked, this wasn't one of them. 

        "Now they way I can see it is, you can give me the fifteen pounds now if you're so hasty on giving up this bet, or you can go through with it to test our theory."

        "What theory?"

        "The theory of thinkin' that you're more appealing now than you were fourteen years ago," Jack just glared at him, "Hey, I don't think such things, but you never know with these folk- now you look like one of them.  And you somewhat act like one.  You're more acceptable to society."

        "What if our theory is true?" Jack said with a sneer.

        "Then you can find out how shallow Gwyneth really is.  And then leave her for the despicable female she is."

        Jack narrowed his eyes, I have a feeling he doesn't like women.

        I have a feeling he doesn't like anyone except for pirates.

          Rick shrugged, the angst mood leaving him, "But, if I'm wrong, then she's alright and we can leave…if you want."  Jack nodded, not necessarily agreeing to anything he said, but wanting to leave and quickly.

        "Jack, come in, please." Faith said as her man servant opened the door wider.  Jack tipped his head and stepped into the house.  "Gwyneth should be right down."

        He nodded and looked around, finding Brenda leaning against the stair banister.  "Brenda dear!  My, your hair looks nice, it's grown rather long, hasn't it?"

        She rolled her eyes, "Good to see you too dad."

        "They treating you well?"

        She shrugged, "The children are gone- it's been much more…pleasurable when they're gone."

        "I'm sure you think so."

        Brenda looked at Faith who had a look on her face, and she tried to explain, "They insist on crawling on me.  At least the littlest does.  I hate being touched."

        Jack nodded knowingly.  "It happened when she matured," Jack said to Faith, "I'm sure you went through the same thing with your eldest?"

        She shrugged and nodded, not sure that she had, then Gwyneth came out of her room- smoothing her dress and touching her hair to see if it still looked the same.

        Jack stopped and stared as she came towards him, "Jack…" she said, a weak smiling spreading across her face, "You're here."

        "You think I'd stand you up?"

        How shallow Gwyneth really is…

        She smiled, breaking through his thoughts, "No."

        "Then let's go…"

***  

        Gwyneth felt foolish as she and Jack walked the back roads of Port Royal.  She wasn't sure why either.  He looked like a normal person, so Jack wasn't the problem.  Was it the fact that they both weren't talking, were alone and it was going to be the first time they've really talked in fourteen years?

        Yea, that's it.

        Her spirits lifted when she heard the sound of horses' hooves and wheels against the rough ground.  Both her and Jack turned and stared at it came to a slow stop in front of them.  The door opened to reveal a woman with auburn hair in her early forties.  Jack felt Gwyneth's muscles tense in her hand alone when the door opened, and then she squeezed his arm when the woman spoke.

        "Gwyneth dear!  How are you?  I haven't seen you in ages…" she giggled dryly before moving her emerald green eyes to Jack and said, "And who is this lovely man?"

        Jack's jaw dropped and Gwyneth quickly said, "Mr. Smith…he's visiting the Turners."

        She looked him over, "Interesting…and where are the two of you going?"

        Not like it's any of your business… Gwyneth thought.  Jack answered her however, "To lunch…in the country side…"

        "Hmmm, well I'll be sure to see you again, Mr. Smith.  Good day to you both…" she said, shutting the carriage door and leaving. 

        Great, another complication to this stupid bet, he thought, watching the carriage leave.  He drew in a deep breath and drew his attention to Gwyneth and asked, "Who was that?"  Both of them started walking again.

        She sighed, "Hannah Powell."

        "And?"

        "And…She goes through men like they were pets.  She has marriages and then become a widow."

        "They die?"  Gwyneth nodded.  Jack paused, "Of what?"

        "Old age.  She marries them…supposedly for their riches.  She tried going after the Governor once."

        Jack's eyes widened, "Elizabeth's dad?"

        She nodded.  He shuddered, that was just wrong.  "Yes, but now she seems to have found a new target…" Gwyneth said, a smile never gracing her lips like Jack would've liked.  Instead he felt her arm clench around his, as if she wasn't ever going to let him go.  He sighed, trust me…sooner or later- you'll want to…

***

        Gwyneth sighed contently.  Plenty of laughs had been shared between her and Jack in the past hour and a half.  Stories of Brenda's childhood and of the past they had shared together.  In the back of her mind she wanted to bring up Beverly and Jack wanted to bring up Hannah.

        "So Jack…" She said leaning against the wide tree both of them were sitting against.  "Brenda tells me her mother is dead…she made that perfectly clear to us the day we saw her in the jail."

        Jack sighed and sat forward, clasping his hands around his knees, "That's what I told her."

        You would lie to your daughter?

        Gwyneth shook her head, "You shouldn't have lied to her…"

        "Why not?" he said turning his head to look at her, "Why tell her the truth?"

        "Because she's going to find out.  Yesterday she met her mother and didn't know it.  She has a right to know, Jack."

        He turned away and didn't say anything.  Gwyneth leaned forward as well, lightly touching Jack's forearm, "I'm not trying to tell you how to run your daughter's life…I'm just afraid for her.  It's a huge possibility that she'll find out."

        He shook his head and put a hand on hers, "You shouldn't worry for her."

        "I do though."

        He paused, wanting so badly to kiss her but the words of Rick came into his head…you're more appealing now… He drew away from her and turned his head.  This had to end.  He couldn't do this bet, he couldn't wager fifteen pounds on Gwen's heart when he cared for her. 

        I thought you didn't and that's why it would be okay…

        I'm not sure anymore.

          Because if you didn't care about her, it would be an easy fifteen pounds.

        Jack sighed and closed his eyes, wanting to leave soon, but couldn't pull himself away from the spot.  He could feel Gwyneth next to him, hear her breathing and feel her eyes on him.  Suddenly she leaned his head against his should and said, "Fourteen years is really too long Jack…"

        "You think so?"

        He felt her nod, "I missed being with Captain Jack Sparrow."

        He winced, that's not the only reason she was with me, was it?  That's not the only reason she's here now…is it?

        "You liked it when I was the Pirate Captain?" 

        Gwyneth paused, this sounded like a trick question, if she said the wrong thing then he would be offended, but she wasn't sure how he would take her answer.  Maybe if I say yes he'll change…oh I hope so.  "Of course I did.  Who wouldn't like Captain Jack Sparrow?"

        He paused, thinking she only was here because of his title, his fame…he turned his head and looked at her.  In an instant his feelings went from confused to anger.  How shallow Gwyneth really is…  Bring on the fifteen pounds.

***

        "Brenda there's something you might want to see…" Jonathan said, poking his head into her room.  She had taken up counting how many stitches there were on her comforter.  They had already had dinner and she really wanted her trunk about now.  It had her coal and paper, her wood that she carved and more of her weapons that she could practice throwing with.  Gwyneth was still out with Jack; Brenda figured he got her drunk.  Not likely, he's not 'that way' anymore.  She scoffed. 

        She sighed and got off her bed and walked downstairs to the large foyer.  All the children, Faith and Edward were gathered around something that she couldn't really see.  "What's this somethin' I should see?"

        Faith turned and immediately covered Rebecca and Caitlin's ears.  The rest of them moved aside to reveal a large trunk.  Brenda paused for a minute and then cussed rather loudly and stomped her foot twice.  "Bloody backstabbers!" she yelled.  She kicked the chest and then grabbed her foot and swore again.  Faith quickly ushered the two girls out of the room while Edward addressed Brenda who was still twirling around, grabbing her foot.

        "Brenda please, the language you use could make a pirate man blush."

        She let go of her foot and growled.  "Sorry Mr. Johnson." She said and then cussed under her breath as she glared at the trunk before her. 

        "Who's it from?" Mark asked once Edward had left.  She looked at the two boys and noticed Trevor was missing. 

        "Where's Devil boy?"

        "Who?" Jonathan asked.

        Mark smirked, "Trevor's in our room."

        "Was he at dinner?"  They both shook their heads and she shrugged, "Well Mark, the trunk is most likely from my ship."

        "You mean the Black Pearl?!"

        "Yea…bloody scoundrels.  They drop my trunk off and don't bother to come and get me."  she shook her head and almost kicked the trunk again but decided better of it. 

        "Maybe they left you a note…" Jonathan suggested, "It could be inside the trunk,"

        She grimaced and opened it.  There of course, was a note.  She cursed and picked it up and paused as she looked over the badly written, sloppy words.  She looked at the two boys in front of her, "Uhm…" she looked into their expectant eyes and then back at the note.  She bit her lip and then said, "They got some other business to get to…most likely Tortuga…bloody pirates." She said folding up the note and putting it in her pocket.

        She closed it and sighed, "They'll come for me…it's just they want to make sure they're not caught…" she said dragging on the subject.  The boys made sideward glances at each other and then at Brenda.  She sighed, "Look, just take the bloody thing up to my room- I'm not strong enough to carry it…and it would be worse to break my back than my pride."  They paused and she yelled, "Get!"

***

        Gwyneth snuck in the house just as Jacque was blowing out all the candles and getting ready for bed himself.  He nodded at her and told her that her brother had been asking about her.  She sighed and nodded.  Suzie came bounding from the hall and straight to her ankles.  She jumped and yipped until Gwyneth finally picked her up and carried her up the stairs to her room. 

        She finally got a match lit and was quite startled as she saw Brenda laying on her bed quite lazily.  "What are you doing in here?"

        "Yer out late…" she said, not moving. Gwyneth shook her head and quickly fed her fish. 

        "You shouldn't be waiting up for me."

        Brenda shrugged, "How was lunch…and dinner for that matter."

        She sighed, "Wonderful," and then paused and saw who she was talking to, "Brenda, I don't think it's proper to be discussing this with you."

        "I agree.  But I just wanted to make sure dad didn't make a complete idiot of himself in front of someone who…" she paused, "Gwyneth, I need your help, and I'm only askin' you this because…well 'cause dad has mentions this kinda thing to me…"

        "What is it?"  Brenda sat up and dug a piece of paper out of her pocket and threw the crumbled thing to her.  Gwyneth caught it and opened it.  She looked at Brenda for an explanation.

        "Dad never taught me how to read."

        Gwyneth's reaction was a simple raise of her eyebrow, "Oh…" she said quietly.  She cleared her throat and began reading, not wanting to make a big deal out of the sad fact.

        " 'Lil Sparrow, here's ye trunk, the navy was on our tails the minute we got back on the ship'...uh…'we're going to get the Captain.  When we find him, we'll come back for ye. The crew'." Gwyneth looked at Brenda with a face, "Sorry hun."

        She sighed, "Bloody idiots…I swear they don't make bloody crews like they used to."

***

        The minute Jack felt Gwyneth's lips graze his, his anger disappeared.  All the doubts disappeared along with it as he remembered who he was with.  Gwyneth wouldn't think any less or more of him because of his outward appearance, and he felt foolish for thinking such a thing.

        The walk back to Elizabeth's he had to decide if he felt anything for Gwyneth or not.  Had he really cared for her all those years ago?

        Of course I did.  But fourteen years is a long time.  I'm not sure I still think of her that way.

        Then why'd you kiss her?

          Because I wanted to win the bet.

        And was that a pleasurable kiss?

          Jack grimaced.  He didn't want to think about how the kiss affected him.  He paused, I can do this bet.  I'm not emotionally involved with Gwen and I won't be.  I'm a good actor and this will be a easy fifteen pounds. 

        And if you get…emotionally involved?

          I have more will-power than that.

        Sure you do…let's go back to the kiss.

          Jack shook his head, no, he could do this.  Gwyneth was just a woman of his past.  He could treat her as he treated the whores in Tortuga…right?  He could discard the emotional feelings and just work on the mental and physical reaction of this bet. 

        Maybe I'm a true pirate after all.  He thought, pushing away the feelings of self-hatred creeping up on him. 

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Author Thanks:

          Emma436: Yea, nice to hear from you again.  I wondered where your review was.  I missed it too.  I'm glad you wrote me a long one though.  Its fun reading them, it gives me an insight into your mind…lol…uhm dealing with your story- it sounds like she's telling the story, you know?  I can't remember her name, but the main character, you know?  So if you want to change it, go ahead, but warn everyone like in a AN…so yea…You could be one of the kids' friends…and ask a lot of questions about Jack and Gwen!!! YEA!  Let's do that.  YAY!  Lol  *smiles*  Okay, that review was beastly, but yea- Trevor and Brenda, be patient…I think next chapter there's a bit of tension between them…so yea.  And maybe you caught my hidden meaning for him not being at dinner and leaving the house early and stuff…if you didn't and you don't know why- ask me.  If you don't think it's important- then yea…forget it.  OKAY!  Gwen and Jack- Gwen will talk to him sooner or later in detail about this change of his…so yea.  And this is too long- later babe

          Vicki Turner: Yea, I figured after having Jack as a father and the only other woman with you is Ana Maria, you would get to be not so innocent…you know?  I'm glad you like her…I like her too.

          Piper8188: I liked the little conversation too!  I like to write things like that, it shows the…sweetness maybe of the character.  And Jack usually doesn't show his sweeter side to well the outside world, but he's also not the same Jack…crap.  Well yea- I liked it too.  YES!  Brenda gets his name wrong!  I love it too!  You're awesome, you like point out the best parts of my chapters that we both like!  RIGHT ON!

          Bitty-Buffy:  oh!  Good, you liked the long-ness.  I didn't really get another review commenting on the long-ness…so thanks!

          Dawnie-7: I think I need to stop dropping hints about what's going to happen with Brenda and Trevor…you all are too smart for me.  Hmmm…