Raine's 1st review: RAINE ISHIDA! Me? Jack obsessed? NEVER! Maybe a little...a lot...a whole lot...*grins sheepishly* WHO ISN'T??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?

2nd review: Yupperz, definitely a punishment for not updating NEED enough to keep me healthy. I swear, every single time I read a new chapter of that my writer's block goes away!

3rd review: Jack and anything to do with a baby really is hilarious...

Cassie: I'm glad you like it! I updated two days later than I had planned, sorry you had to wait...

Jeyke: IF YOU DON'T GET OFF YOUR REAR AND REVIEW THIS STORY MORE OFTEN, I'M COMING CLEAR OVER THERE TO BEAT YOU!!!!!!!!! It's been a long time since your last review...*sniffles and compulsive sobs* Blackmail isn't fffffffuuuunnnnnnn.

Chapter 9

"LAND HOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The cry jolted Melia awake the next morning. She glanced around the room, searching for Jack. All that was left of his makeshift bed was a neat pile of blankets in the corner. The cry rang throughout the ship again, and she felt a sudden wave of fear wash over her entire being. She stood up, fighting the fear into the back of her mind. This was best for her baby, that's all that mattered. She slipped on a full, dark green skirt that was loose around her stomach and a white peasant blouse, and slipped out the door. She walked up beside Jack, keeping her face rigid and emotionless.

"How much longer?"

Jack's heart sped up at the sound of her voice. He fought to keep his voice steady.

"Two, three hours."

Her face turned deadly white.

"I'll go pack my things."

"Don't be packin' pack a lot. You won't be needin' much."

"Of course." And without a backward glance, she disappeared again, leaving Jack to his thoughts, of her.

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They reached Tortuga within an hour, much both the captain and his only passenger's dismay. She spent that hour choosing between her precious books, full knowing that she would only be able to bring a few of them. She packed two other skirts, a few blouses and her heavy shawl, along with assorted other little things and three of her books. There was no way she'd be able to spend six months with just the few volumes, but they'd have to do.

There was a soft rap on the door.

"Melia? You ready?"

"Yes, give me a moment." She forced a smile on her face and picked up her satchel before reluctantly leaving the room. Jack met her in the narrow hallway, his arm held out like a formal escort. She reached out and slid her hand in the crook of his arm, fearing that any instant she might faint.

"Jack, must I?"

"I'm not takin' no chances, luv. Thus you must."

"But..." She stopped short when he sent her a menacing glare. Alright, two can play at this game! she thought. Her mouth tightened into a thin line, she straightened her back, and lifted her head up a bit higher.

"Let's get a move on then." Her crisp, English accent made the words even more blunt. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jack's hand move toward his pistol, but then fall limply at his side.

"Aye." Stony silence hung around them as they proceeded to long boats that were going ashore. The crew felt the tension and also remained warily silent.

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"Alright ye scabbard's dogs! Go on, have yer fun, be back here by sunrise, at least partially sober!"

Cheers rose for the group of pirates before Melia. She hung slightly behind Jack, watching in wonder as he ordered the crew around like a bunch of school children. How was it that the man before her held such power, and why did the lot of frightening men fear and obey him? She watched the group slowly disperse, still somewhat in awe. She shook he head and shrugged her shoulders. Men! She icked up her bag and began to walk in the general direction to Treva's boarding house.

"Melia? Where you goin'?"

"To Treva's."

"But I thought we might get sumptin' to drink before you go..."

She snorted, "Jack, when was the last time you saw a pregnant woman drinking?"

He blinked, "Well then, you could come with me, and watch me drink afore you disappear into the twilight."

"Captain Jack Sparrow. I no more want to watch you get drunk than I was to get drunk myself."

"I wasn't sayin' that luv, just a shot o'rum perchance."

"Well you can have your shot of rum without me thank you very much." And with that she turned on her heel and walked away. Jack blanched and scurried after her.

"Melia, wait..." She stopped and stood perfectly still.

"Yes?"

"Look, luv, I don't want ta be leavin' you on some bad terms.."

"It's a little too late for that, Captain." Jack sighed.

"At least let me help you with your things...?" Now it was her turn to sigh. Why did he have to be so good to her? She was doing her best not to fall in love with him, her very best, but it just wasn't working! Maybe the six months apart would be good, for both of them.