AN (1/4): Today is my last day of freedom. I have to go to school again. Curses. It took me nearly three hours to do my statistic homework yesterday. I still have an essay to write for AP American on Tuesday, and yet I sit here tapping my PDA's screen. My brother wanted the computer. Can you believe I was working on the last chapter until midnight last night? I must be crazy, 'cause church started at nine this morning. Jack pokes catgirlutah with a pistol. He growls menacingly, threatening her so his favorite part will get written sooner. You know Jack, that's going to be a while. Jack growls again. Fine, I'll start the chapter so I can get to your favorite chapter faster. Jack smiles and lowers the pistol.
AN (1/5): Here I am, still procrastinating my silly essay. Isn't it crazy how much homework teachers give you on the day you get back? I hate school so much sometimes...
AN (1/6): I sit here in my English class, having just barely finished my essay. I must be crazy, seeing as I watched a movie last night rather than doing my cursed essay. Now I am done. Hallelujah! On with the story, although I should probably listen to my English teacher. Ps- I'll now put my thank you's on the end of newer chapters-hopefully making things more convenient.
Chapter 5- Drowning
Jack slowly followed the slave out of the dining room, walking in an erratic pattern. The slave paused, waiting for Jack to follow. Her coal eyes watched Jack move in faint amusement. He felt her eyes on him and he grinned.
"Like wha' y' see, luv?" Jack glanced up and down the slave's petite body suggestively. The slave rolled her eyes and continued walking, not caring if Jack followed. Her simple cotton dress billowed behind her. Jack sighed and followed her, walking at a brisker pace to keep up.
The slave soon reached her intended destination, the door to the family's private courtyard. She held the door open for Jack. He paused before going in and appraised her once more with his liquid brown eyes.
"I must b' goin' sir." The slave motioned Jack into the room. He grinned and walked into the courtyard, glancing one more time into the slave's alluring eyes. She let go of the heavy door and it hit Jack in the back, catapulting his feet to action.
Jack found his proper balance in the secluded courtyard the slave had shown him to and began scanning for Bootstrap. He grinned as he caught sight of the young pirate, but struggled to keep from laughing as he surveyed Bootstrap's choice in clothes.
Bootstrap was wearing a faded green shirt riddled with lace. He wore bright red silk pants, which clashed horribly with his green shirt. His normally greasy and loose brown hair was cleaned and pulled back into a tight ponytail. He had on the ugliest pair of brown shoes Jack had ever imagined seeing. Musty lace stockings up to his knees completed the look.
"'Ello, Mister Smith. 'Ave ye made a plan yet?" Bootstrap shifted uncomfortably on his feet. He felt incredibly conspicuous, a feeling most pirates couldn't stand. He was anxious to hear the eccentric teen's plan.
"Aye. It involves a duel between you and I, Mister Turner. I shall, of course, lose. I just need you to insult me sister, Jodi. I'll rise to her defense and challenge you to a duel. You jus' do what you're superb at, an' we convince me dad an' sister that I'm dead." Jack grinned. "Do we have an accord?" He reached out with his hand, his eyes carefully gauging Bootstrap's reaction.
"Jack, that plan be absolutely insane! 'Ow could I escape after "killin'" ye? How would you slip away before they buried you? No one can go that long without breathin', boy. It be pure madness!" Bootstrap looked into Jack's eyes, amazed that the boy wasn't locked up in an asylum.
Jack grinned and put his hand down. "Good, I'm glad ye 'ave the guts to tell me that." He laughed at Bootstrap's obvious relief. Bootstrap looked at him in curiosity, trying to figure him out.
"Wha' is the plan, then?" Bootstrap's voice was full of apprehension. What if Jack never bothered in thinking up a plan?
"I've decided I'm going to drown. There be a spot near my home were Jodi and I often eat lunch. It's right next to the sea. I'll mosey me way to the cliff and fall off." Jack's hands moved in little circles, indicating a falling motion. "It'll look really natural, seeing as I'm somewhat unsteady on me feet." Jack laughed as he pictured himself falling off the cliff.
"Fall off a cliff? Tha' sounds risky. An' why would y' need me aroun' if'n ye fall off a cliff?" Bootstrap peered into Jack's liquid eyes, still desperately trying to determine if Jack was sane.
"Ah, dear William, I need ye to convince Jodi tha' I'm really dead while comforting her at the same time. Le' her look for me to surface for about two minutes an' then distract her so I can breathe. It'll work perfectly." He grinned smugly. "Can y' believe I actually considered the first plan until this morning?" Jack laughed and slapped the bewildered Bootstrap on the back. Bootstrap gave Jack another long, piercing gaze until he determined the teen might have a good plan.
"'Ow long d'ya wan' me to comfort the lass an' where should I meet y' afterwards?" Bootstrap was anxious to know exactly what was required of him.
"Come t' the tavern sometime before midnight tonight. I'll be waitin' there." Jack looked earnestly into Bootstrap's eyes. They both extended their arms and shook. Jack cleared his throat after the two let go. "Are y' ready to fool me sister in'o believen' I'm dead?" Jack glanced into Bootstrap's brown eyes, noting the faintest hint of fear in them.
"I've ne're 'ad t' trick a real lady before, Jack. Won' she see right through me?" Bootstrap looked earnestly into Jack's eyes.
"Oh, she knows you're me friend, an' won' mind if you speak like me. She also won' mention your odd choice in clothes, dear William. Jus' don' forget to call me Jacob." Jack patted Bootstrap's back reassuringly. "Ready, Mister Turner?" Jack tried to convey some reassurance to Bootstrap.
"Ready as ever, Mister Smith." Bootstrap and Jack walked out of the courtyard together.
Jodi looked up and she heard Jack and Bootstrap laugh. Her gaze leapt to Bootstrap's odd color scheme immediately, but she refrained from talking rudely to any Jack's friends and therefore, said nothing. She smiled at the tall man. Bootstrap smiled back, and Jodi noted the glints of gold in his teeth. Jodi soon looked into his eyes and forgot about his odd appearance.
Jack noted the brief interchange between the two and smiled mischievously. He made several pointless gestures and began talking. "Ah, me beloved sis, this here be me friend, William Turner o' Jamaica. 'E came 'ere t' witness your weddin'." Jack smiled again as Jodi stood and curtsied, holding her blue chiffon skirt in her dainty hands.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, sir." Jodi spoke with an alluring tone of voice. She smiled as she looked up into his amber eyes. He smiled in return and she felt a bit woozy. She held her hand up expectantly.
"The pleasure's all mine, Miss Smith." Bootstrap managed to say without stuttering. This was quite an accomplishment, seeing as he always felt uncomfortable around most women Bootstrap grinned and kissed Jodi's hand. She smiled and stared at him with honey eyes.
Jack coughed and waved his arms wildly. Jodi and Bootstrap looked away from each other, toward Jack's direction. "Sis, how'd y' like t' go on a picnic wi' me an' William, eh? It'll be me weddin' present t' y'." Jack grinned at his sister as she glanced at Bootstrap again, sizing him up.
"That would be lovely." Jodi smiled at Bootstrap. "Would you like to help me pack the food, Mister Turner?" She smiled enchantingly, showing off perfect teeth. She fluttered her eyelashes a bit.
"Call me William, Miss Smith. An' I'd love t' help you." Bootstrap grinned. Jack gagged behind Jodi's back so only Bootstrap could see him. Bootstrap grinned even broader in response, hidden meaning in his eyes. Jack then placed his hand defensively on Jodi's shoulder.
"Well, I can' leave you two alone, mates. I'll come wi' you." Jack grinned at Bootstrap, noting the sad look that came to his face. "Shall we go, then?" He pivoted on his heel and went to the kitchen. Bootstrap and Jodi looked at each other sheepishly and followed. They quickly reached the kitchen.
Jack went amongst the various cupboards, always being careful to stay away from the one that brought back special meaning, and pulled out various food items. He grabbed several bottles of wine and a few crackers.
Jodi shook her head and grabbed the wine from Jack. "Jacob, we don't need wine for a picnic."
Jack looked crestfallen. "Bu', sis, it's a celebration. I'm tryin' to make it up t' you tha' I missed the party las' night. I was jus' waitin' for William to come in. His ship arrived late." He pouted a bit until he saw Jodi soften up.
"Fine, we'll take the wine. Why didn't you tell me you were waiting for a friend?" Jodi looked towards Bootstrap. Bootstrap cleared his throat uncomfortably, not wanting to get into the middle of the siblings' scuffle.
"'E was supposed t' be a surprise, sis. If 'e'd come on time, I woulda brought him to the party t' congratulate you." Jack smiled reassuringly.
Hoping to divert Jodi's attention away from himself and Jack, Bootstrap changed the subject. "Isn' it a lovely day for a picnic?"
Jodi smiled. "Yes, it is. Jacob's idea almost makes up for yesterday." Jodi's swift hands hurriedly pulled a basket out and filled it with delectable victuals. While Jodi was distracted, Jack signaled his thanks toward Bootstrap by bowing with his hands in front of him. Bootstrap nodded in return.
Jodi soon had all the food ready for the picnic and the trio went out into the warm sun, marveling at how clear the sky was. A gentle breeze cooled them just enough as they began the arduous trek to the special spot.
Jack sat on top of the expensive cotton blanket, eyeing Jodi with a mask of contentment covering his slightly apprehensive emotions.
Jack watched Bootstrap flirt with his sister with amusement. Jack reached into the basket of food Jodi had carefully packed earlier that morning. He pulled out a shiny green apple, rubbed it on the hem of his shirt, and took a large bite out, savoring the slightly tart taste. He moved his hand in little circles that grew faster and faster as his inner tension increased. Finally, able to stand it no longer, Jack stood. Bootstrap and Jodi looked at him, startled out of their reverie.
"Well, lovebirds," Jodi blushed in embarrassment at Jack's tone of voice. "I think I'll go an' look a' the ocean." Jack turned around to face the cliff. He heard Jodi and Bootstrap stand. Jack quickly turned to face the two. "Ah, don' feel guilty on my account, mates. You should enjoy William while y' can, sis. Soon ye'll be shackled t' ye're fiancé an' won't be able to enjoy the company o' such fine gentlemen." He grinned suggestively.
"Jacob Smith! Are you insinuating what I think you are?" To Jack's surprise his sister smiled rather than exploding.
"P'raps. Anyway, enjoy your time together. William 'as to go home t'night." Jack pivoted around again and seemed to nearly fall down. He heard Jodi and Bootstrap sit down and resume their conversation.
Several doubts ran through Jack's head as he approached the cliff. The distance he intended to plunge suddenly looked a lot longer. He stifled the uncontrollable urge to run that swept over him as he walked precariously on the edge of the cliff. He wobbled a bit near the edge.
Jodi looked over at her brother, sensing he was up to something. Her honey eyes widened in alarm as she saw how close Jack was to the precipice. "Jacob, what are you doing? Have you gone mad?" Jodi yelled over to her brother and quickly stood, Bootstrap right behind.
Jack turned to face his sister, this being the moment he was waiting for. "I won't fall, sis. I am Jacob Smith, after all. I wouldn' want t' miss your weddin', sis." Jack allowed some of the fear he felt show as he clumsily took a step back, as if to show Jodi that he was perfectly capable of keeping his balance. He suddenly disappeared from both Jodi's and Bootstrap's sight.
Jack heard his sister scream as he slowly tumbled off of the cliff. He faintly heard the sound of footsteps running toward the cliff. He looked up and saw Bootstrap carefully clutching his sister, ensuring she wouldn't fall as well.
Jack began screaming, just for effect. His screams abruptly were drowned out by curses and foul language when his head hit a particularly brutish rock rearing its ugly face on the cliffs. He saw stars as his head collided with another rock and was knocked unconscious when he hit a particularly sharp one.
Jack tumbled around as he fell. If he'd been conscious, Jack would have marveled at the glorious scene before him. Seagulls sat on heated black rocks below him, squabbling over small morsels of food. They looked at the odd figure heading towards the water with wonder and shrieked. Sunlight filtered into the calm waters below, making the greenish water look like it was glowing. Jack would have to shift his weight if he was going to survive the ordeal, as he was approaching the water at a dangerous speed. He plummeted with his face toward the water. His normally expressive face was completely blank and peaceful.
Jack Sparrow couldn't be out of the count for very long. He was young and healthy and the last bump was only hard enough to keep him out for half a minute. Jack soon opened his eyes and gauged his perilous approach. Raw animal instincts kicked in. Jack filled his lungs with precious life saving air. He quickly positioned himself at an angle. He put his hands in front of him and braced himself as he hit the water at a nearly fatal speed. Lady Luck was smiling at him that day, because he didn't hit any of the dangerous rocks and managed to survive the fall.
Bootstrap began tensing the moment Jack stumbled off the cliff. It was impossible to watch the descent and hold Jodi at the same time. Bootstrap had been reassured when Jack began screaming and slightly amused when he heard a string of foul words.
Bootstrap's heart skipped a beat when he could no longer hear anything but the faint sound of seagulls below. The crash of Jack hitting the water seemed incredibly loud and Bootstrap began wondering if Jack had been killed.
Jodi cringed when she heard the awful smack Jack made as he hit the water. Fresh tears came to her eyes and she buried her head into Bootstrap's strong shoulders. He tried to vainly comfort her, getting more and more apprehensive as the dreadful seconds began adding up.
Jack tensed as he hit the water, hurriedly diving into his sanctuary to keep the pain from registering as every nerve in his body responded to the force of the surface tension of the water colliding with his lithe body.
After Jack was under the water, he opened his eyes, not registering the intense pain as the briny salt water stung his eyes. He saw a sandbar not too deep to his right and swam there.
The water and sunlight cast an eerie blue hue on everything. Life surrounded Jack as he sat on the sandbar to wait two minutes. Tiny crabs were busily burrowing into the sand around him. Tiny silver fish swam near him. Jack attempted to catch one, but they kept swimming just out of his reach. He would have grinned, but he didn't want to chance letting water into his mouth. He merely saluted them. It was an incredibly surreal experience.
Jack was an excellent swimmer, due to various romps at the beach with his friends. Jack could normally hold his breath for up to a minute and a half and not feel the least bit strained. Because he'd hit his head and consequently had only just barely held his breath in time, this attempt at two minutes would be very difficult. Jack's lungs were already beginning to burn, although he wasn't aware of the fact. His mind was numbed enough to ignore the splitting headache he had as well.
Jack patiently waited on the sandbar. The seconds slowly ticked by and the burning sensation in his lungs only increased. When about a minute and a half had passed since Jack had sat down, Jack finally began his ascent to the surface. The burning was so much even his sanctuary couldn't bear the pain any longer.
When Jack reached the surface, his lungs involuntarily sucked vast amounts of oxygen into his burning lungs. Jack's muscles were weak from oxygen deprivation. He slowly swam away from the cliff until he spotted Bootstrap clutching Jodi, anxiously watching the water for some sign of Jack.
Jack began treading water and waved wildly. He saw a brief flicker of movement near Bootstrap's hands and decided Bootstrap was acknowledging him. Jack then swam as fast as he could to get to the safety of the shore before he passed out in shear exhaustion.
Bootstrap was worried when he finally saw the big lummox wave to get his attention. He breathed a sigh of relief. Jack didn't even need to hold his breath, because Jodi hadn't been able to see Jack as he fell. Once Bootstrap was sure Jack had made it safely to shore, he gently kissed the top of Jodi's head. He led her back to her house and the biggest charade of his life began.
ChaosLightning13- thank you once again for the smashing review!
Sida- Thanks for your support, mate!