What's in a Name?
Author's note: Okay, I'm sorry this took me a bit longer than I had expected to update. But bare in mind, I had a really really good excuse. I did the 30 hour famine this week-end at my church and didn't have any time to write. And if anyone wants to know, we raised enough money to feed almost 7 children for a year! Plus, we collected cans from members of our congregation and between us and another church, we got 940 items!!!!! It was seriously crazy! We had such an awesome time and it was really an excellent experience and the facts that we learned were shocking. Like 29,000 children die a day from hunger and related diseases! Seriously, that's one child every time we breathe! But thanks to what people have done through the 30 hour famine in the last couple years, that number went from 35,000 to 29,000 deaths per day. Which is still a huge number, but at least its decreasing. It was really hard but really rewarding...although, most of my mental skills slipped away...we wrote devotions and I had to really think in order to write...and that's bad for me. And, yes, I suppose you might say that I could have written some other time, but time seems to slip away from me. Anywho, huge thanks to everyone who reviewed.
Author Thanks:
TriGemini - Thanks for reviewing mate! Alright, down to business - Black- Eyed Pete is one of those guys that can melt into a crowd...nothing particularly striking about him and in the chaos that a pub would be...it would be easy to disappear. As to how he knew Christina was lying, he knew her father so well...knew how he looked when he lied (you know those little nervous twitches everyone has when they're trying to talk their way out of an impossible situation) and he was just able to tell that Christina was lying because she did the same thing that her father used to do. I hope that the story has been interesting up til now...(grins)...but I will definitely say that you are all in for one heck of a ride in the next few chapters...mwhahahahahaha! *cough* I'm okay...but I hope you like this!
D'Ilen - Thanks for the review, mate! Thanks for the compliments! I feel so loved!
jinxed n cursed - Thanks for the review! You reviews are always a big confidence boost!
Alexis8 - Thanks for the review and keep up the great work on your story!
Delphein - Okay, I know that you said that you'd be reviewing after you finished the other chapters but I just thought I'd leave a little thankies here too...spread the love around...lol...anyway, I hope you liked Jack's new behaviour and hope you like this chapter!
Jaffa Fairy - Hey, no worries, mate. Thanks for the review! I'm surprised that someone actually commented positively on Jack's behaviour. Everyone else has been threatening to burn me at the stake. He gets nicer but I try to keep the whole lovey-dovey stuff moderately toned down...if you know what I mean...
Last time:
My eyes widened and I turned around to talk to him more but Jack caught my arm and pulled me back gently. In the brief time that I wasn't looking, Black-Eyed Pete had vanished into the chaos.
What's in a Name?
Chapter 10: In the Inn
Jack led me by the arm out of the pub and down to a quieter sidestreet. We walked to an inn and Jack purchased a room. He muttered something to the innkeeper and pointed at me. The innkeeper laughed, said something to a woman, who immediately left and Jack pulled me gently to the room. As he led me there, I immediately started looking for ways out. I knew that Jack didn't want me running off...but I still had that unquenchable desire to be free. I knew also that escaping would probably do me little good but for some reason I immediately sought to find the quickest routes out and possible hazards. Jack led me down the hall and we stopped at a door. Jack fumbled with the key slightly and then opened the door, bowing me in. He waited until he had bolted the door before speaking. "What was that about?"
I started pacing around the room. "I don't know," I said exasperatedly. "I'm confused."
"Love, I don't need a mind-reader to tell me that. What was it that he said that got ye so flustered?"
I smiled faintly and said, "Well, for one thing, it was the fact that he knew who I was before I even said my name. Another is that he said that the last time he saw me, I was up to his knee. And finally, he knew who you were. I never said that you were Jack Sparrow as you will well recall."
"Captain, Captain Jack Sparrow. And its fairly well known that I am the captain of the Black Pearl," Jack said calmly.
"Yes, but it doesn't justify how he knew who I was," I replied.
Jack pondered this for a moment before saying. "Yer sure that yer father hid the treasure before ye were born. I mean, could it have been when ye was a little kid still?"
"Its doubtful. I was born in London. That's what I was always told," I explained.
"Is it entirely possible that you were born on your father's ship?"
"I don't...its possible...but Mum hated ships...she would get sick something awful...I don't think that she would have come here with him...but I don't know," I said exasperatedly. I crossed the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. Distracted, I ran my fingers through my hair as I tried to figure out the latest news about my life.
"Well, I'm going to lock ye in. There's a bottle of rum calling me name at yonder pub. The innkeeper's wife..." Jack started. But before he could finish the sentance, there was a knock at the door. Jack opened it to see the innkeeper's wife standing at the door with two men and a basin. "Well, love, that's my cue to leave. She's gonna get ye whatever ye need and you can have a bath and whatnot." Jack finished. He waited for the two men to put down the basin and walk out before him and then he, too, left.
I watched as the door closed and turned to the woman. She looked to be about fifty or sixty years old, her skin was not black but it was not white either and she had gray hair that hinted at being black before. I had thought that I was short in the past but she only came up to my shoulder. She smiled at me kindly and asked, "Do you need anything, miss?"
I nodded. "Yes, actually. Ummm, I was wondering if you had a comb I could borrow...you see, I lost mine sort of...and...yeah..." I stuttered.
She smiled again at me, withdrew a comb from a pocket and handed it to me.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
"You're Jack Sparrow's girl, yes?" she inquired.
I met her eyes and said as calmly as was possible, "I am not his girl. He kidnapped me. I am not here by my own free will."
The woman studied me for a moment and asked, "You are scared, yes?"
I nodded.
"It's ok to be scared. Also good to trust in others."
I nodded once more.
"You need to stay with him. You too obvious here. This," She said pointing to my hair. "Is good luck but also bad. You show up easy. No try and disappear. Not work."
I raised a dubious eyebrow...how had she known that I was thinking of ways to escape. "How did you know that?"
The woman tapped her head with a finger. "I see it in your eyes. I had that look before, when my husband took me. I try and run in place like this...almost died. I had that same spark in my eyes that you do. I was confused. My life upside down. I didn't know how I felt 'bout him. I hated him for taking me, but I loved him in other ways. You better safe and imprisoned than free and dead. Trust me," she said in her accented voice.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly. "I didn't mean to be rude. I just didn't want you to get the wrong impression."
"Don' worry. Hard to insult an old woman like me," she said kindly. "Do you need anything else?"
I shook my head. "No ma'am, thank you."
"You can keep that, its always been good luck for me. Maybe it will bring you some," she said before walking over to the door.
I hadn't been expecting that. "Thank you," I reiterated.
"You a good girl. Don' think on it. 'Sides, Cap'n Sparrow said to get ye what ye needed. One o' the nicest cap'n's that I ever met, that Cap'n Sparrow. Good to women. Don't hurt 'em like some o' the others. Ne'er 'ave I 'eard tell o' him hitting a gal. You're alright with him. From what I sees, he's keepin' an eye out for you and I sees it as more 'an jes curtesy, you got his fancy," she said before leaving the room.
I listened as the door locked behind her before I moved over to the still steaming tub.
~*~
Half an hour later, I had finished my bath and was attempting to sort out the painful mess of knots that had made themselves at home in my hair.
It took some time but by when my hair had dried, I had worked out all the tangles and my hair shone like golden sunshine. I didn't bother to braid it, I just let it hang down in a golden waterfall reaching my waist. I stood staring out of the window that was in the room, observing the streets below. In the distance, I could see rolling hills in the fading light.
The sun was completely set by the time that Jack returned. I listened from the window as he hummed while unlocking the door. The door opened and I listened to the boots make their way across the room to stand behind me.
I started when I felt hands on my shoulders. Turning my head, I saw Jack standing over me, smiling down at me.
"You look beautiful, Christina," Jack said leaning down so his lips brushed my ears.
"Thank you," I replied. There was a silence for a minute. "You know, that woman...she thought that I was your girl. Do you know why she would think that?" I asked, sounding painfully naive.
Jack laughed. "Think about it, love. Its an inn. Anyone would tink it. If you walked into an inn full o' yer family and friends, they would think it. 'Specially if ye have such a good-looking escort like meself."
I grinned and said, "Okay, okay, I get it. I just don't particularily like being known as 'Jack Sparrow's girl.'"
Jack studied me for a moment. "Well love, you are."
That affirmation made me stand up angrily. I shugged out of his grip and started pacing around the room. "But I'm not your girl," I said in a low, almost-controlled voice.
"Christy, for all intents and purpose, you are. Can you go home? Can you even able to go down to that pub and get a rum if you wanted? Are you able to go wherever you please? No. You have no money, nothing to trade with. You don't even know anyone except a few pirates. Face it, love, you're mine," Jack explained.
Smoldering, I sighed. "This isn't how I pictured my life turning out to be."
Jack put an arm around my shoulders and drew me close to him. "I know, lass," he whispered before pulling me into a kiss.
As I had already proven myself capable of doing, I responded. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pushed myself up onto my tiptoes. Jack's arms, one at my neck and one at the small of my back, pulled me closer to him, deepening the kiss. Everything became a blur of kisses and passion until I found myself lying on the bed in my chemise, Jack half-covering me. A jolt went through me as I realized what would happen if I didn't stop. I froze, causing Jack to look down at me.
"What's wrong, love?" he asked huskily.
I shook my head. "I can't do this. I'm not ready."
Jack looked somewhat pained but rolled away and stood up. "'S alright."
I pushed myself up and said quietly, "I'm sorry Jack." He didnt' answer. I stood and walked over to him. Standing behind him, I wrapped my arms around his chest. "Listen, please. It isn't that I don't want what was about to happen. I just...don't feel ready yet. But it's not to say that I won't feel ready eventually, just not yet."
Jack turned to looked down at me. He shifted me so that I was at his front rather than behind him and ran his fingers through my hair soothingly. "Don' worry about it, kitten. We've got all the time in the world."
I smiled up at him and leaned up to plant a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for understanding," I whispered before climbing into the bed.
I laid there silently for a while before I felt the bedmove slightly as someone climbed in. Thinking it was Jack, I scooted back and snuggled into the person. I looked down as an unfamiliar arm wrapped around my waist.
~*~
Final Author's note (For this chapter at least) - Oooh, a cliffie! Aren't I evil? Mwhahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!! So, I hope that you liked it. If not, shoot those flames right at me, I'll gladly take it. And if you have any questions, I am more than happy to field them, so just send them my way!
Also, if anyone feels the urge to read another story, I strongly encourage you to read "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Aftermath" by The Quidditch Gals. It is an excellent story and really needs some attention! So, share the love! But seriously, its been up longer than my story has (by alot) and I have about 10 or so less reviews than it does and it has more chapters up.
REVIEW! S'il vous plait! Vær sa snill! REVIEW!!!!
Thanks!
~CrazyCanoeingGIT
Author's note: Okay, I'm sorry this took me a bit longer than I had expected to update. But bare in mind, I had a really really good excuse. I did the 30 hour famine this week-end at my church and didn't have any time to write. And if anyone wants to know, we raised enough money to feed almost 7 children for a year! Plus, we collected cans from members of our congregation and between us and another church, we got 940 items!!!!! It was seriously crazy! We had such an awesome time and it was really an excellent experience and the facts that we learned were shocking. Like 29,000 children die a day from hunger and related diseases! Seriously, that's one child every time we breathe! But thanks to what people have done through the 30 hour famine in the last couple years, that number went from 35,000 to 29,000 deaths per day. Which is still a huge number, but at least its decreasing. It was really hard but really rewarding...although, most of my mental skills slipped away...we wrote devotions and I had to really think in order to write...and that's bad for me. And, yes, I suppose you might say that I could have written some other time, but time seems to slip away from me. Anywho, huge thanks to everyone who reviewed.
Author Thanks:
TriGemini - Thanks for reviewing mate! Alright, down to business - Black- Eyed Pete is one of those guys that can melt into a crowd...nothing particularly striking about him and in the chaos that a pub would be...it would be easy to disappear. As to how he knew Christina was lying, he knew her father so well...knew how he looked when he lied (you know those little nervous twitches everyone has when they're trying to talk their way out of an impossible situation) and he was just able to tell that Christina was lying because she did the same thing that her father used to do. I hope that the story has been interesting up til now...(grins)...but I will definitely say that you are all in for one heck of a ride in the next few chapters...mwhahahahahaha! *cough* I'm okay...but I hope you like this!
D'Ilen - Thanks for the review, mate! Thanks for the compliments! I feel so loved!
jinxed n cursed - Thanks for the review! You reviews are always a big confidence boost!
Alexis8 - Thanks for the review and keep up the great work on your story!
Delphein - Okay, I know that you said that you'd be reviewing after you finished the other chapters but I just thought I'd leave a little thankies here too...spread the love around...lol...anyway, I hope you liked Jack's new behaviour and hope you like this chapter!
Jaffa Fairy - Hey, no worries, mate. Thanks for the review! I'm surprised that someone actually commented positively on Jack's behaviour. Everyone else has been threatening to burn me at the stake. He gets nicer but I try to keep the whole lovey-dovey stuff moderately toned down...if you know what I mean...
Last time:
My eyes widened and I turned around to talk to him more but Jack caught my arm and pulled me back gently. In the brief time that I wasn't looking, Black-Eyed Pete had vanished into the chaos.
What's in a Name?
Chapter 10: In the Inn
Jack led me by the arm out of the pub and down to a quieter sidestreet. We walked to an inn and Jack purchased a room. He muttered something to the innkeeper and pointed at me. The innkeeper laughed, said something to a woman, who immediately left and Jack pulled me gently to the room. As he led me there, I immediately started looking for ways out. I knew that Jack didn't want me running off...but I still had that unquenchable desire to be free. I knew also that escaping would probably do me little good but for some reason I immediately sought to find the quickest routes out and possible hazards. Jack led me down the hall and we stopped at a door. Jack fumbled with the key slightly and then opened the door, bowing me in. He waited until he had bolted the door before speaking. "What was that about?"
I started pacing around the room. "I don't know," I said exasperatedly. "I'm confused."
"Love, I don't need a mind-reader to tell me that. What was it that he said that got ye so flustered?"
I smiled faintly and said, "Well, for one thing, it was the fact that he knew who I was before I even said my name. Another is that he said that the last time he saw me, I was up to his knee. And finally, he knew who you were. I never said that you were Jack Sparrow as you will well recall."
"Captain, Captain Jack Sparrow. And its fairly well known that I am the captain of the Black Pearl," Jack said calmly.
"Yes, but it doesn't justify how he knew who I was," I replied.
Jack pondered this for a moment before saying. "Yer sure that yer father hid the treasure before ye were born. I mean, could it have been when ye was a little kid still?"
"Its doubtful. I was born in London. That's what I was always told," I explained.
"Is it entirely possible that you were born on your father's ship?"
"I don't...its possible...but Mum hated ships...she would get sick something awful...I don't think that she would have come here with him...but I don't know," I said exasperatedly. I crossed the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. Distracted, I ran my fingers through my hair as I tried to figure out the latest news about my life.
"Well, I'm going to lock ye in. There's a bottle of rum calling me name at yonder pub. The innkeeper's wife..." Jack started. But before he could finish the sentance, there was a knock at the door. Jack opened it to see the innkeeper's wife standing at the door with two men and a basin. "Well, love, that's my cue to leave. She's gonna get ye whatever ye need and you can have a bath and whatnot." Jack finished. He waited for the two men to put down the basin and walk out before him and then he, too, left.
I watched as the door closed and turned to the woman. She looked to be about fifty or sixty years old, her skin was not black but it was not white either and she had gray hair that hinted at being black before. I had thought that I was short in the past but she only came up to my shoulder. She smiled at me kindly and asked, "Do you need anything, miss?"
I nodded. "Yes, actually. Ummm, I was wondering if you had a comb I could borrow...you see, I lost mine sort of...and...yeah..." I stuttered.
She smiled again at me, withdrew a comb from a pocket and handed it to me.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
"You're Jack Sparrow's girl, yes?" she inquired.
I met her eyes and said as calmly as was possible, "I am not his girl. He kidnapped me. I am not here by my own free will."
The woman studied me for a moment and asked, "You are scared, yes?"
I nodded.
"It's ok to be scared. Also good to trust in others."
I nodded once more.
"You need to stay with him. You too obvious here. This," She said pointing to my hair. "Is good luck but also bad. You show up easy. No try and disappear. Not work."
I raised a dubious eyebrow...how had she known that I was thinking of ways to escape. "How did you know that?"
The woman tapped her head with a finger. "I see it in your eyes. I had that look before, when my husband took me. I try and run in place like this...almost died. I had that same spark in my eyes that you do. I was confused. My life upside down. I didn't know how I felt 'bout him. I hated him for taking me, but I loved him in other ways. You better safe and imprisoned than free and dead. Trust me," she said in her accented voice.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly. "I didn't mean to be rude. I just didn't want you to get the wrong impression."
"Don' worry. Hard to insult an old woman like me," she said kindly. "Do you need anything else?"
I shook my head. "No ma'am, thank you."
"You can keep that, its always been good luck for me. Maybe it will bring you some," she said before walking over to the door.
I hadn't been expecting that. "Thank you," I reiterated.
"You a good girl. Don' think on it. 'Sides, Cap'n Sparrow said to get ye what ye needed. One o' the nicest cap'n's that I ever met, that Cap'n Sparrow. Good to women. Don't hurt 'em like some o' the others. Ne'er 'ave I 'eard tell o' him hitting a gal. You're alright with him. From what I sees, he's keepin' an eye out for you and I sees it as more 'an jes curtesy, you got his fancy," she said before leaving the room.
I listened as the door locked behind her before I moved over to the still steaming tub.
~*~
Half an hour later, I had finished my bath and was attempting to sort out the painful mess of knots that had made themselves at home in my hair.
It took some time but by when my hair had dried, I had worked out all the tangles and my hair shone like golden sunshine. I didn't bother to braid it, I just let it hang down in a golden waterfall reaching my waist. I stood staring out of the window that was in the room, observing the streets below. In the distance, I could see rolling hills in the fading light.
The sun was completely set by the time that Jack returned. I listened from the window as he hummed while unlocking the door. The door opened and I listened to the boots make their way across the room to stand behind me.
I started when I felt hands on my shoulders. Turning my head, I saw Jack standing over me, smiling down at me.
"You look beautiful, Christina," Jack said leaning down so his lips brushed my ears.
"Thank you," I replied. There was a silence for a minute. "You know, that woman...she thought that I was your girl. Do you know why she would think that?" I asked, sounding painfully naive.
Jack laughed. "Think about it, love. Its an inn. Anyone would tink it. If you walked into an inn full o' yer family and friends, they would think it. 'Specially if ye have such a good-looking escort like meself."
I grinned and said, "Okay, okay, I get it. I just don't particularily like being known as 'Jack Sparrow's girl.'"
Jack studied me for a moment. "Well love, you are."
That affirmation made me stand up angrily. I shugged out of his grip and started pacing around the room. "But I'm not your girl," I said in a low, almost-controlled voice.
"Christy, for all intents and purpose, you are. Can you go home? Can you even able to go down to that pub and get a rum if you wanted? Are you able to go wherever you please? No. You have no money, nothing to trade with. You don't even know anyone except a few pirates. Face it, love, you're mine," Jack explained.
Smoldering, I sighed. "This isn't how I pictured my life turning out to be."
Jack put an arm around my shoulders and drew me close to him. "I know, lass," he whispered before pulling me into a kiss.
As I had already proven myself capable of doing, I responded. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pushed myself up onto my tiptoes. Jack's arms, one at my neck and one at the small of my back, pulled me closer to him, deepening the kiss. Everything became a blur of kisses and passion until I found myself lying on the bed in my chemise, Jack half-covering me. A jolt went through me as I realized what would happen if I didn't stop. I froze, causing Jack to look down at me.
"What's wrong, love?" he asked huskily.
I shook my head. "I can't do this. I'm not ready."
Jack looked somewhat pained but rolled away and stood up. "'S alright."
I pushed myself up and said quietly, "I'm sorry Jack." He didnt' answer. I stood and walked over to him. Standing behind him, I wrapped my arms around his chest. "Listen, please. It isn't that I don't want what was about to happen. I just...don't feel ready yet. But it's not to say that I won't feel ready eventually, just not yet."
Jack turned to looked down at me. He shifted me so that I was at his front rather than behind him and ran his fingers through my hair soothingly. "Don' worry about it, kitten. We've got all the time in the world."
I smiled up at him and leaned up to plant a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for understanding," I whispered before climbing into the bed.
I laid there silently for a while before I felt the bedmove slightly as someone climbed in. Thinking it was Jack, I scooted back and snuggled into the person. I looked down as an unfamiliar arm wrapped around my waist.
~*~
Final Author's note (For this chapter at least) - Oooh, a cliffie! Aren't I evil? Mwhahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!! So, I hope that you liked it. If not, shoot those flames right at me, I'll gladly take it. And if you have any questions, I am more than happy to field them, so just send them my way!
Also, if anyone feels the urge to read another story, I strongly encourage you to read "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Aftermath" by The Quidditch Gals. It is an excellent story and really needs some attention! So, share the love! But seriously, its been up longer than my story has (by alot) and I have about 10 or so less reviews than it does and it has more chapters up.
REVIEW! S'il vous plait! Vær sa snill! REVIEW!!!!
Thanks!
~CrazyCanoeingGIT