Chapter 9: A Revelation
Abbi stood in the crow's nest early one morning while it was still dark. She could see the sun rising in the east, casting a violet hue across the sky. She yawned widely, having already been awake for a few hours. A gasp was heard down below her. Abbi leaned over the edge of the crow's nest slowly to see Faith making her way up the rigging. Faith seemed to have lost her footing for a minute before continuing to climb. "What are you doing?" Abbi called to her curiously.
Faith paused to look at Abbi, but then continued to climb. "I wanted to see the view from up there. Besides, there's nothing else to do down here. I'm bored to tears!" Faith said as she reached the top. Abbi extended her hand and Faith took it gratefully. As Faith climbed into the crow's nest, she asked, "So what is it that you do up here?"
Abbi looked toward the horizon as she answered. "Keep an eye out for land. We should be reaching our destination any day... but it does get rather boring after a while." Abbi looked at Faith who was taking in every aspect of the breathtaking view. "Well, since you're so avidly interested in the view," Abbi said as she gave a wide yawn once again, "why don't you take charge? You don't mind I take a quick nap, do you? Just wake me up if the horizon changes."
"All right." Faith looked toward the horizon, not expecting anything new. Abbi's deep, steady breathing told Faith that Abbi was fast asleep.
The sky was now settling into a bright morning state. The sun was almost up now, and the sky was painted with oranges and golds on the horizon. Faith guessed it had been about an hour since she had taken over for Abbi. She had watched the activity grow on deck as she stood up there. She took in another deep breath and inhaled the sea's scent. She felt more alive than she ever had in her entire life. She scanned the horizon again, only to see something ahead of them. It was a dark line, and it seemed to Faith to be storm clouds. She bent down next to Abbi and shook her awake. "Huh...what?" Abbi grunted.
"I think there may be a storm along the horizon."
Abbi got up and rubbed her eyes. She squinted to where Faith was pointing and smiled.
"That's no storm, mate – that's land!" Abbi looked at Faith, who was smiling brightly at this news. "And if I'm not mistaken..." Abbi trailed off as she pulled out a telescope and put it to her eye. "...that be our destination!" Abbi squealed in delight as she put the telescope away. She stood on the railing of the crow's nest and took a rope before yelling at the top of her voice, "Tortuga ho!" With that, she swung down to the deck while yelling, "Tortuga due north!"
The crew cheered, happy to see their beloved Tortuga along the horizon. Jack quickly put a stop to their fun by giving out orders. "Why are you scallywags celebratin'? We'll probably arrive in Tortuga in the early morn', but until then, there's still of work to be done on this ship! Man the sails, due north! Come on, you dogs, or I'll make you walk the plank!"
Abbi smiled at Jack. He always had his way with the crew, and surprisingly, they never complained. Jack may have gotten on her last nerve every once in a while, but that was what she liked about him. He knew exactly how to make her angry; no one else even dared to cross her, but Jack did it constantly. She smiled all the brighter at the bronze Captain, getting lost in her own thoughts.
Jack surveyed his laboring crew before his eyes fell on Abbi. She was still holding the rope, but she was just standing there, smiling at him. It was a genuine smile, too – not a smirk, but a real smile that seemed to communicate that she was truly happy. Jack smiled back at the piratess, and as if someone had slapped her in the face, Abbi snapped back into reality. The usual scowl back in place, she looked at her feet before trying to reinstate eye contact with the Captain. As she did, she couldn't help but turn a deep scarlet. She turned on her heel and headed below deck, trying to hide her face with the hair that was about a shade lighter than her flushed expression.
Jack was truly confused. He had never seen Abbi like he had just seen her. She was always either scowling, serious, or just slightly smirking on good days. Sometimes, especially around Faith, a grin might surface. "What was that, love?" he mumbled to himself as if Abbi could hear him. And with that thought, Jack went back to steering his ship, still thinking of Abbi.
*
"Abbi!" Faith yelled from the crow's nest, trying to catch the piratess' attention as she crossed the deck at a swift stride and headed toward the stairs. Abbi was now out of sight, and Faith let out a frustrated sigh. She sat down in the shade of the flag, head in her hands. "Why, Thomas? Why on earth did you teach me how to get up here, but not how to get down? Now I'm stuck up her with nothing that a prayer that someone will chance upon me before I bake in the sun or starve!" Faith let out an exasperated sigh before she heard a voice say, "Well, then, consider me an answer to your prayers!"
Thomas heaved himself over the railing. Faith stood up and beamed at him. He smiled in return before looking toward the spit of land they were headed to. "Have you ever been to Tortuga?" Thomas asked, his smile fading.
"No, but Will has told me all about it – says it's a pirate's paradise." Faith furrowed her brow in thought. "However, I'm not sure if I'd like to visit a pirate's paradise."
"There's really not much to see. I'd just as soon stay here on the ship."
"You know, that sounds like a much better idea than getting mixed up in Tortuga."
"It's settled, then." Thomas declared, throwing his hands in the air. "You and I will volunteer to keep watch on the ship while everyone else goes off and has their 'fun'. What do you say to that?"
"I'd like that." Faith grinned broadly. "Of course, I'd rather tell Jack than try to yell from up here."
"Right. I guess we should get down there, huh?"
Faith stopped Thomas short as he moved to take a rope. "I think that now would be a wonderful time to teach me how to get down."
Thomas laughed and consented. "All right, all right! You win! I was just having so much fun! Just repeat what I do."
He took a rope and looked over at Faith, who laughed and did the same. He put a foot on the railing and Faith soon had her foot on the railing as well. He pushed off, allowing the rope to do all the work and landed neatly on the deck. "You probably won't do it that easily or neatly the first time, but you'll get it eventually!" he called up.
Faith, her mouth set in a determined frown, pushed off. She felt herself falling and when she got close enough to the deck, she let go of the rope and landed solidly in front of Thomas. His eyebrows rose up almost to his hairline. "I told you I was a quick learner," she teased.
Thomas cleared his throat and offered his arm. Faith stared at it and then looked at Thomas for an explanation. "Well, we have to go tell Captain Sparrow of our plans."
Faith nodded, smiled, and took his arm. They walked swiftly to Jack's cabin to give their offer.
*
The day passed with great ease and speed. Everyone was happy that Tortuga had finally been spotted, especially Abbi. It had been a trying week, and she was very happy to get a chance to get away from everybody – Jack, in particular. Abbi stood at the helm again, all alone, as she had many times before. She had been trying to avoid Jack since the incident earlier that morning, and thankfully she had succeeded. "Why?" she said to herself out loud as she held the ship on course. "Why did I do that?" It was a question that had been burning in the back of her mind all day long. Jack always seemed to drive her to insanity, but she had to admit: she had often admired him from afar. Of course, she always severely scolded herself afterward for doing such a thing.
Abbi recalled the first time she ever met Captain Jack Sparrow:
Abbi ran up the steps of the ship, desperately trying to find a way off of the ship. She ran to the railing, only to find her Port a speck in the distance. They were already miles away from shore. She gasped, knowing that she was stuck. She felt a hand grip her shoulder. She turned around to see a man staring at her. His long black hair and mustache framed his face as he focused on her. "Who are you?" he asked, the stench of rum heavy on his breath.
"I'm Abigail," she managed to say. She was using every ounce of energy left in her body to stay calm without looking completely petrified. He grabbed her hand and led her to a dimly lit room, apparently a cabin of some sort. She was too dumbfounded to struggle. He pushed her onto a bed somewhat harshly and pulled up a chair opposite her. His face was stern.
"So how did you get 'ere, love?" he asked.
"One of the crew tried to institute me as a wench," she replied. "I will not be treated in such a way," she stated defiantly. She sounded much more confident than she felt.
"One o' me crew?" the man asked, obviously perplexed. "Who was it?"
"I don't know – I shot him before I caught his name," Abbi said without thinking. Abbi put her hand to her mouth, not believing what she just said. The man stood up in shock.
"You shot him? I didn't think a lass like you would be capable of killin' a man."
"I shot him and I'll shoot you if you get any ideas!" Abbi retorted, fingering her pistol through her short barmaid's skirt reassuringly.
The man cracked a grin. "It wouldn't be a good idea to shoot the Capt'n, now would it, love?" Abbi glared at him. He took his seat across from her once again and leaned in close. "I'll make you a deal. That is, if you're willin' to listen." Abbi nodded and leaned in closer. The pair were literally inches away from each other. "You can stay on this ship and be a part of me crew. You can 'ave part of the plunder an' I'll give you your own room. I'll tell the crew you are not for touching and if they try anything, do what you must. I'll deal with them. But you've gotta pull your weight around 'ere."
"I'm used to that," she countered.
"Oh good! All right then. Do we have an accord?" the man said as he stuck out a hand for Abbi to shake.
"Agreed," Abbi said as she shook his hand heartily.
"Now," the man said as he went to his closet. He pulled out many shirts and pants and handed them to Abbi. "You might want to change into these tomorrow. They'll be easier to move around in than that," he said, motioning to her short skirt and low-cut shirt. Abbi stood up and, with her new clothes in hand, headed for the door, determined to choose her own cabin. "Abigail," the man started.
"Please, call me Abbi," Abbi replied.
"Abbi... I like that." Abbi blushed. "Let me escort you to your cabin... just to make sure you get there safely." Abbi started to protest, then decided against it. Jack took Abbi down the stairs to a cabin at the end of the hall. He opened the door for her. She stepped in and laid her clothes on the back of a chair. She turned to look at the Captain.
"Who are you?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
"Captain Jack Sparrow, at your service." He replied sweeping his hat off and performing a funny- looking lopsided bow. "You can call me Captain."
"Thank you, Captain," Abbi said sincerely.
Jack, as she would come to think of him, smiled at her. "You're very welcome, love."
Abbi smiled on the memory fondly. Maybe that was why she liked Jack so much: he treated her like a lady when nobody else did. He was her companion and friend when there was no one else for her. Maybe this was why she loved him...
'Love?!' she thought. 'I can't love anyone! I've loved no one before, and no one has ever loved me. How can I love if I don't even know what love is?'
"I won't!" Abbi said aloud. "I won't, I won't, I WON'T!"
"You won't what, love?"
Abbi spun around to see Jack standing behind her. She took in a sharp shuddering breath and exhaled slowly. "Have you been there the whole time?"
"No, just for a few minutes." Jack moved in front of Abbi. "So, you looked pretty preoccupied just then. What were you thinkin' of?"
"Nothing," Abbi lied through her teeth.
"You know, for a pirate, you're awful at lying," he said, walking to her.
He was close to Abbi. Too close. He could have counted the freckles on her face. "Do you mind backing away, Captain? You're making me rather uncomfortable."
"Are you sure about that?"
Abbi's mouth turned into a thin line. "Very," she said, her voice definite and hard. She started to walk away before Jack said, "Love isn't a sin, Abbi."
Abbi's heart stopped, along with the steps she had been taking. 'How did he know?' she thought frantically. She calmed her thoughts with a tremendous effort and turned back to Jack. "I know that. What would compel you to say such a thing?"
"It's what you were thinking about earlier," Jack said, sounding rather confident about this statement, but his voice was soft and full.
"Well, Captain, it's not like love is actually relevant to me. I can't love."
"That's a lie."
"And how do you know that?" Abbi asked loudly, turning on her heel to head to her cabin.
"What about Faith?"
Abbi stopped once again and looked back at Jack. "What about her?"
"You love her. You love her as if she were your own sister. You're happy when you're around her. Anybody with half a heart could see it." He walked closer to Abbi. "And you love someone else."
Abbi looked down at her feet. "And how do you know that, Captain?"
Jack put his hand under her chin and lifted her face so her blue eyes met his brown ones. He moved a stray piece of hair out of her face and put it behind her ear. "Because I can see it when I look in your eyes." He paused. "I can see it right now as I'm talking to you."
Abbi took another shuddering breath and exhaled slowly. She wanted to cry, but a voice inside told her to be strong. "Jack... I can't... I won't," was all she could say as she backed away from him slowly. She groped for the handrail of the stairs. She finally found it, turned her back on Jack and ran to her cabin. Jack gave a deep, exasperated sigh, muttered something about needing a drink, and headed for his own cabin.
What neither of them realized was that Faith was in the crow's nest the whole time. Her mouth was agape as she watched Jack head back to his cabin. She scolded herself mentally for eavesdropping on their obviously private conversation and went back to her duties, her mind still on Jack and Abbi.
~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~
Dun dun dun! What will happen to Jack and Abbi?!?!? Only time will tell...
Pirate'sRedWinter: That you so much for your reviews! They mean so much to us! We decided it wasn't going to be Faith and Will because will already has a girl, and we didn't want to break them up, whether that be through an actual breakup or death! TOO SAD! Anyway, we hope this was a good chappy with Jack and Abbi. (JOEY: I personally loved it... ARY: Of course you did! Abbi is YOUR character!)
JOEY: I will probably post Chapter 10 tomorrow because I meant to post this one last Wed., but I got really busy and kinda forgot to...
ARY: How responsible of you!
JOEY: Hey- who reminds you when economics homework is due because YOU forget?!?
ARY: Ok, we're even. Anyway, there will be more to come tomorrow!
JOEY: And for the rest of you readers out there, R-E-V-I-E-W!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy R&R!
~Ary and Joey~
Abbi stood in the crow's nest early one morning while it was still dark. She could see the sun rising in the east, casting a violet hue across the sky. She yawned widely, having already been awake for a few hours. A gasp was heard down below her. Abbi leaned over the edge of the crow's nest slowly to see Faith making her way up the rigging. Faith seemed to have lost her footing for a minute before continuing to climb. "What are you doing?" Abbi called to her curiously.
Faith paused to look at Abbi, but then continued to climb. "I wanted to see the view from up there. Besides, there's nothing else to do down here. I'm bored to tears!" Faith said as she reached the top. Abbi extended her hand and Faith took it gratefully. As Faith climbed into the crow's nest, she asked, "So what is it that you do up here?"
Abbi looked toward the horizon as she answered. "Keep an eye out for land. We should be reaching our destination any day... but it does get rather boring after a while." Abbi looked at Faith who was taking in every aspect of the breathtaking view. "Well, since you're so avidly interested in the view," Abbi said as she gave a wide yawn once again, "why don't you take charge? You don't mind I take a quick nap, do you? Just wake me up if the horizon changes."
"All right." Faith looked toward the horizon, not expecting anything new. Abbi's deep, steady breathing told Faith that Abbi was fast asleep.
The sky was now settling into a bright morning state. The sun was almost up now, and the sky was painted with oranges and golds on the horizon. Faith guessed it had been about an hour since she had taken over for Abbi. She had watched the activity grow on deck as she stood up there. She took in another deep breath and inhaled the sea's scent. She felt more alive than she ever had in her entire life. She scanned the horizon again, only to see something ahead of them. It was a dark line, and it seemed to Faith to be storm clouds. She bent down next to Abbi and shook her awake. "Huh...what?" Abbi grunted.
"I think there may be a storm along the horizon."
Abbi got up and rubbed her eyes. She squinted to where Faith was pointing and smiled.
"That's no storm, mate – that's land!" Abbi looked at Faith, who was smiling brightly at this news. "And if I'm not mistaken..." Abbi trailed off as she pulled out a telescope and put it to her eye. "...that be our destination!" Abbi squealed in delight as she put the telescope away. She stood on the railing of the crow's nest and took a rope before yelling at the top of her voice, "Tortuga ho!" With that, she swung down to the deck while yelling, "Tortuga due north!"
The crew cheered, happy to see their beloved Tortuga along the horizon. Jack quickly put a stop to their fun by giving out orders. "Why are you scallywags celebratin'? We'll probably arrive in Tortuga in the early morn', but until then, there's still of work to be done on this ship! Man the sails, due north! Come on, you dogs, or I'll make you walk the plank!"
Abbi smiled at Jack. He always had his way with the crew, and surprisingly, they never complained. Jack may have gotten on her last nerve every once in a while, but that was what she liked about him. He knew exactly how to make her angry; no one else even dared to cross her, but Jack did it constantly. She smiled all the brighter at the bronze Captain, getting lost in her own thoughts.
Jack surveyed his laboring crew before his eyes fell on Abbi. She was still holding the rope, but she was just standing there, smiling at him. It was a genuine smile, too – not a smirk, but a real smile that seemed to communicate that she was truly happy. Jack smiled back at the piratess, and as if someone had slapped her in the face, Abbi snapped back into reality. The usual scowl back in place, she looked at her feet before trying to reinstate eye contact with the Captain. As she did, she couldn't help but turn a deep scarlet. She turned on her heel and headed below deck, trying to hide her face with the hair that was about a shade lighter than her flushed expression.
Jack was truly confused. He had never seen Abbi like he had just seen her. She was always either scowling, serious, or just slightly smirking on good days. Sometimes, especially around Faith, a grin might surface. "What was that, love?" he mumbled to himself as if Abbi could hear him. And with that thought, Jack went back to steering his ship, still thinking of Abbi.
*
"Abbi!" Faith yelled from the crow's nest, trying to catch the piratess' attention as she crossed the deck at a swift stride and headed toward the stairs. Abbi was now out of sight, and Faith let out a frustrated sigh. She sat down in the shade of the flag, head in her hands. "Why, Thomas? Why on earth did you teach me how to get up here, but not how to get down? Now I'm stuck up her with nothing that a prayer that someone will chance upon me before I bake in the sun or starve!" Faith let out an exasperated sigh before she heard a voice say, "Well, then, consider me an answer to your prayers!"
Thomas heaved himself over the railing. Faith stood up and beamed at him. He smiled in return before looking toward the spit of land they were headed to. "Have you ever been to Tortuga?" Thomas asked, his smile fading.
"No, but Will has told me all about it – says it's a pirate's paradise." Faith furrowed her brow in thought. "However, I'm not sure if I'd like to visit a pirate's paradise."
"There's really not much to see. I'd just as soon stay here on the ship."
"You know, that sounds like a much better idea than getting mixed up in Tortuga."
"It's settled, then." Thomas declared, throwing his hands in the air. "You and I will volunteer to keep watch on the ship while everyone else goes off and has their 'fun'. What do you say to that?"
"I'd like that." Faith grinned broadly. "Of course, I'd rather tell Jack than try to yell from up here."
"Right. I guess we should get down there, huh?"
Faith stopped Thomas short as he moved to take a rope. "I think that now would be a wonderful time to teach me how to get down."
Thomas laughed and consented. "All right, all right! You win! I was just having so much fun! Just repeat what I do."
He took a rope and looked over at Faith, who laughed and did the same. He put a foot on the railing and Faith soon had her foot on the railing as well. He pushed off, allowing the rope to do all the work and landed neatly on the deck. "You probably won't do it that easily or neatly the first time, but you'll get it eventually!" he called up.
Faith, her mouth set in a determined frown, pushed off. She felt herself falling and when she got close enough to the deck, she let go of the rope and landed solidly in front of Thomas. His eyebrows rose up almost to his hairline. "I told you I was a quick learner," she teased.
Thomas cleared his throat and offered his arm. Faith stared at it and then looked at Thomas for an explanation. "Well, we have to go tell Captain Sparrow of our plans."
Faith nodded, smiled, and took his arm. They walked swiftly to Jack's cabin to give their offer.
*
The day passed with great ease and speed. Everyone was happy that Tortuga had finally been spotted, especially Abbi. It had been a trying week, and she was very happy to get a chance to get away from everybody – Jack, in particular. Abbi stood at the helm again, all alone, as she had many times before. She had been trying to avoid Jack since the incident earlier that morning, and thankfully she had succeeded. "Why?" she said to herself out loud as she held the ship on course. "Why did I do that?" It was a question that had been burning in the back of her mind all day long. Jack always seemed to drive her to insanity, but she had to admit: she had often admired him from afar. Of course, she always severely scolded herself afterward for doing such a thing.
Abbi recalled the first time she ever met Captain Jack Sparrow:
Abbi ran up the steps of the ship, desperately trying to find a way off of the ship. She ran to the railing, only to find her Port a speck in the distance. They were already miles away from shore. She gasped, knowing that she was stuck. She felt a hand grip her shoulder. She turned around to see a man staring at her. His long black hair and mustache framed his face as he focused on her. "Who are you?" he asked, the stench of rum heavy on his breath.
"I'm Abigail," she managed to say. She was using every ounce of energy left in her body to stay calm without looking completely petrified. He grabbed her hand and led her to a dimly lit room, apparently a cabin of some sort. She was too dumbfounded to struggle. He pushed her onto a bed somewhat harshly and pulled up a chair opposite her. His face was stern.
"So how did you get 'ere, love?" he asked.
"One of the crew tried to institute me as a wench," she replied. "I will not be treated in such a way," she stated defiantly. She sounded much more confident than she felt.
"One o' me crew?" the man asked, obviously perplexed. "Who was it?"
"I don't know – I shot him before I caught his name," Abbi said without thinking. Abbi put her hand to her mouth, not believing what she just said. The man stood up in shock.
"You shot him? I didn't think a lass like you would be capable of killin' a man."
"I shot him and I'll shoot you if you get any ideas!" Abbi retorted, fingering her pistol through her short barmaid's skirt reassuringly.
The man cracked a grin. "It wouldn't be a good idea to shoot the Capt'n, now would it, love?" Abbi glared at him. He took his seat across from her once again and leaned in close. "I'll make you a deal. That is, if you're willin' to listen." Abbi nodded and leaned in closer. The pair were literally inches away from each other. "You can stay on this ship and be a part of me crew. You can 'ave part of the plunder an' I'll give you your own room. I'll tell the crew you are not for touching and if they try anything, do what you must. I'll deal with them. But you've gotta pull your weight around 'ere."
"I'm used to that," she countered.
"Oh good! All right then. Do we have an accord?" the man said as he stuck out a hand for Abbi to shake.
"Agreed," Abbi said as she shook his hand heartily.
"Now," the man said as he went to his closet. He pulled out many shirts and pants and handed them to Abbi. "You might want to change into these tomorrow. They'll be easier to move around in than that," he said, motioning to her short skirt and low-cut shirt. Abbi stood up and, with her new clothes in hand, headed for the door, determined to choose her own cabin. "Abigail," the man started.
"Please, call me Abbi," Abbi replied.
"Abbi... I like that." Abbi blushed. "Let me escort you to your cabin... just to make sure you get there safely." Abbi started to protest, then decided against it. Jack took Abbi down the stairs to a cabin at the end of the hall. He opened the door for her. She stepped in and laid her clothes on the back of a chair. She turned to look at the Captain.
"Who are you?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
"Captain Jack Sparrow, at your service." He replied sweeping his hat off and performing a funny- looking lopsided bow. "You can call me Captain."
"Thank you, Captain," Abbi said sincerely.
Jack, as she would come to think of him, smiled at her. "You're very welcome, love."
Abbi smiled on the memory fondly. Maybe that was why she liked Jack so much: he treated her like a lady when nobody else did. He was her companion and friend when there was no one else for her. Maybe this was why she loved him...
'Love?!' she thought. 'I can't love anyone! I've loved no one before, and no one has ever loved me. How can I love if I don't even know what love is?'
"I won't!" Abbi said aloud. "I won't, I won't, I WON'T!"
"You won't what, love?"
Abbi spun around to see Jack standing behind her. She took in a sharp shuddering breath and exhaled slowly. "Have you been there the whole time?"
"No, just for a few minutes." Jack moved in front of Abbi. "So, you looked pretty preoccupied just then. What were you thinkin' of?"
"Nothing," Abbi lied through her teeth.
"You know, for a pirate, you're awful at lying," he said, walking to her.
He was close to Abbi. Too close. He could have counted the freckles on her face. "Do you mind backing away, Captain? You're making me rather uncomfortable."
"Are you sure about that?"
Abbi's mouth turned into a thin line. "Very," she said, her voice definite and hard. She started to walk away before Jack said, "Love isn't a sin, Abbi."
Abbi's heart stopped, along with the steps she had been taking. 'How did he know?' she thought frantically. She calmed her thoughts with a tremendous effort and turned back to Jack. "I know that. What would compel you to say such a thing?"
"It's what you were thinking about earlier," Jack said, sounding rather confident about this statement, but his voice was soft and full.
"Well, Captain, it's not like love is actually relevant to me. I can't love."
"That's a lie."
"And how do you know that?" Abbi asked loudly, turning on her heel to head to her cabin.
"What about Faith?"
Abbi stopped once again and looked back at Jack. "What about her?"
"You love her. You love her as if she were your own sister. You're happy when you're around her. Anybody with half a heart could see it." He walked closer to Abbi. "And you love someone else."
Abbi looked down at her feet. "And how do you know that, Captain?"
Jack put his hand under her chin and lifted her face so her blue eyes met his brown ones. He moved a stray piece of hair out of her face and put it behind her ear. "Because I can see it when I look in your eyes." He paused. "I can see it right now as I'm talking to you."
Abbi took another shuddering breath and exhaled slowly. She wanted to cry, but a voice inside told her to be strong. "Jack... I can't... I won't," was all she could say as she backed away from him slowly. She groped for the handrail of the stairs. She finally found it, turned her back on Jack and ran to her cabin. Jack gave a deep, exasperated sigh, muttered something about needing a drink, and headed for his own cabin.
What neither of them realized was that Faith was in the crow's nest the whole time. Her mouth was agape as she watched Jack head back to his cabin. She scolded herself mentally for eavesdropping on their obviously private conversation and went back to her duties, her mind still on Jack and Abbi.
~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~
Dun dun dun! What will happen to Jack and Abbi?!?!? Only time will tell...
Pirate'sRedWinter: That you so much for your reviews! They mean so much to us! We decided it wasn't going to be Faith and Will because will already has a girl, and we didn't want to break them up, whether that be through an actual breakup or death! TOO SAD! Anyway, we hope this was a good chappy with Jack and Abbi. (JOEY: I personally loved it... ARY: Of course you did! Abbi is YOUR character!)
JOEY: I will probably post Chapter 10 tomorrow because I meant to post this one last Wed., but I got really busy and kinda forgot to...
ARY: How responsible of you!
JOEY: Hey- who reminds you when economics homework is due because YOU forget?!?
ARY: Ok, we're even. Anyway, there will be more to come tomorrow!
JOEY: And for the rest of you readers out there, R-E-V-I-E-W!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy R&R!
~Ary and Joey~