Author's Note: Okay, I realize that this is a bit later than I had
intended, but only by one or two or three days...so keep the packs of rabid
dogs to a minimum, if you please. Anyways, I am unfortunately back at
school...for a grand total of 8 school days before a four day Easter
holiday...Which by the way, there is only 11 more days left in
Lent...YAY!!!! *I gave up pop/soda/whatever you call it where ever you
happen to be from and am really looking forward to Easter...* Anyways,
back on subject...I won't be able to update as much...probably once a
week...because my teachers want to get in as much information as possible
before summer...and I haven't had as much time to write...stupid bloody
homework. So, long story short, expect a chapter every week or ten
days...hopefully...
Author Thanks:
Jinxd n cursed - Thanks mate! Hope you enjoy this chappie.
Lauren - I'll send you the extra scene asap...hope you enjoy this chappie.
MoonlightSerenade - Thanks! I am really glad that you like my story and I hope that you haven't died of asphixiation...if you were waiting with baited breath...yeah, I need sleep...anyways, enjoy!
movielvr - Thanks! Enjoy!
WhIPpeD CrEaM 0 - No worries bout not reviewing for a while. I hope you're feeling better. *Smiles broadly* Thanks for all the complements! Such a confidence boost! Hope you like this chapter!
ortain - Thanks! I hope that you keep up with your story! Its really good. Enjoy!
Piper8188 - Thanks! Trust me on the storm issue...I have much more in store for them...I couldn't just kill it off right now...that'd make me go nuts...and probably make you all kill me in my sleep or something...Anyways, enjoy!
TriGemini - Thanks! Yeah, I don't think that anyone would like getting locked in a cabin...even if it is for their own good...I know I wouldn't. But Jack has Christina's best interests in mind and like he said, she's never been in a storm on the ocean before and would get washed over...Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Anaknusan - Thanks! I'm amazing? I'm flattered. Hawaii, I know, it sounds great. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
kimmaree - Another new reviewer! I'm glad you like my story! Hope you like the chappie!
Eccentric Banshee - Thanks! I'm glad you like my story! Keep up the good work on yours. Enjoy!
Cagalli- Actually, I really enjoy all reviews...redundant or not. So no worries on the whole not much to say thing. Chaton is adorable, isn't she. Enjoy!
The Fink - I was actually replying to both you and The Fic Avenger...who basically said something along of remove your story now it sucks so much. I felt bad for the girl because even though her story had flaws as most stories do, I think that it has potential for a good story. And I wasn't trying to say that rape is something that should be rated G or taken lightly...just that she shouldn't have gotten torn into little bitty pieces by the two of you. And I sympathize with people who have been through that and I think that it is a terrible thing. However, it is also something that was common back in this time period if people were kidnapped by pirates. So it was an issue back then too and pirates would have done that to their victims... I don't really think she was completely out of place with writing that.... But its your opinion and I needed to state mine to have a clear conscience...because I didn't exactly agree with what the two of you said. But that aside. Thanks for the review. I was half afraid that you were going to murder my story...There are only so many plots for PoTC and it isn't all that easy to think of an exceptionally original so I appreciate you not killing me for that... I'm glad that you think its good so far and you'll see if I avoid the trap when you finish it...there are some rather unexpected twists that I have planned...Anyways, for mum...well, okay...that was a mistake. Thanks for your criticisms and complements and I hope that you enjoy my story.
Disclaimer - I only own Christina, Colin and less important characters that appear later...and no luck on owning Jack...but they do have a shirt with him on it that I'm buying with my next paycheck...but that's as far as I'm getting at owning CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow.
Last Time:
The ship dropped deeply and Chaton bit my hand in surprise. The waves keep getting worse and more violent. It was a strain for me to keep from loosing what little food in my stomach. Clutching my stomach, I lay back on the bed. Eventually, I dozed off.
~*~
What's in a Name?
Chapter 18: Moody Men
I woke much later. Light was streaming into the window, illuminating the damage done by the storm. All of the books had fallen off the shelves, drawers were hanging wide open and papers were strewn haphazardly across the floor. I pushed myself up by my elbows and saw Jack was feeding Chaton absently with his left hand. His gaze was locked on me and he grinned guiltily.
I smiled over at him. "I thought you didn't like her," I said, slightly accusatorily.
Jack grunted, "She grows on ye... 'sides, you were asleep and she started making a racked when I came in and I didn't want 'er to wake ye."
I pushed myself out of bed. "Storm's over?"
"Aye. About an hour ago or so," Jack affirmed.
"Everyone alright?"
"Aye."
I paused for a moment. "And the Pearl?"
Jack grinned. "Oh, me lady's fine," he said simply before adding, "Both o' 'em."
"Where are we? Did the storm sweep us off course?"
Jack nodded. "Ye should be happy. We got pushed a bit more easternly than we had intended but the storm actually sent us closer to Hawaii."
I smiled. "You know, I love you, don't you?"
Jack reached out and pulled me into his lap. I played with his hair idly all the while, not breaking his stare. After a while, Jack said, "That one's been tried before, love."
I scowled slightly but said, "Oh, but I do." There was a pregnant pause. I knew what I was wanting and I knew Jack knew what I wanted to hear too...but it didn't come.
"Pirates don't love, darling," Jack said gruffly, gently pushing me off his lap so he could stand.
That was definitely not what I wanted to hear. I frowned and said in a low hiss, "What is all that-" I gestured from him to me and then to the bed- "About then? If not for love?" My heart felt like it was breaking on the inside...like it was being ripped apart before my eyes.
Jack didn't look at me, instead he spent his time putting his jacket back on. He moved towards the door silently.
Quickly, I blocked the doorway with my body and said, as calmly as I could manage, "What was it for?"
Jack grabbed my arms in a strong grip and maneuvered me away from the door. I swung out my arm and caught him in the chest.
"Answer me," I whispered dangerously.
Jack rolled his eyes and said, gesturing wildly, "All right. Here it is. I do care for ye. Just don't go waving it about."
I scowled slightly up at him, meeting his dark brown eyes with my own fiery green ones. "Am I not good enough for you, then? Not good enough to merit feelings from the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow? Or are you ashamed to admit it? Are you merely a coward...too afraid to love?"
Jack took a deep breath, as if to calm himself. He pulled my chin up in his strong grasp, forcing me to meet his eyes. He held his grip strong and whispered coldly, "Don't dare call me a coward. I've seen things and done things that would drive you, my dear woman, out of your mind and into a pit of despair. Unless you have done this, then don't dare presume to call me such." And with that, he relinquished his hold on my chin, turned around and strode to the door.
Cursing myself, I longed to run after him but I knew that it would only make him right...and right now, that was not what I wanted. Swallowing my damnable pride, I ran after him. I grabbed onto his arm and pulled him back farther into the room. Keeping my hands on his arms, "I didn't mean that. Jack. I'm sorry."
Jack didn't look at me...I gazed up into his eyes and saw something akin to hurt glaring back at me. I had offended him... "I'm sorry..." I whispered.
We stood silently for a time. Jack finally looked down at me. "Its all right, Christy," he said in a weary voice.
I rested my head against his chest lightly and said, "I didn't mean to offend you, Jack."
"I expected it a while ago. Or at least I should have. Tigers aren't meant for capture and someone as young as you can't be expected to be happy with someone like me."
I sighed and said quietly, "It wasn't that, Jack...I just was hoping...for some affirmation that I...didn't give up my maidenhead for no reason...And when it didn't come...I...lost my temper."
Jack brought him thumb up and traced my jaw lightly. "No worries." Jack said in a falsely jovial voice.
I pulled away slightly and said, "Well, I am sorry, all the same."
"It's in the past. Don't loose any sleep over it."
"Jack?" I asked. "Can you answer my question? Please?"
Jack met my eyes. "Have I ever done anything that would lead you to believe that I did not have feelings for you? Anything to hurt you? Have I ever raised a hand in anger against you? Or given you reason to leave my ship?"
I shook my head 'no.'
"Then what does your heart tell you?" he asked in a low voice.
I grinned. "You love me?"
Jack nodded ever so slightly.
"You love me?"
Once more, Jack nodded.
"You love me?!"
"Sweet silence, woman, how many times must things be told to you?" Jack asked exasperatedly. "I bloody love you, if that's what it takes to shut ye up!"
I smiled broadly. "Now, was that so bloody hard?" I asked mulishly.
Jack smiled mischievously. "Clever little trick, lass."
"I learn from the best," I said, returning the grin.
Jack said simply, "Yes, I'd agree with that." He caught me in a swift kiss before releasing me and turning to go. Then he strode out of the room, humming "A Pirates Life for Me" under his breath.
I stood in shocked silence for a moment before walking out of the cabin myself and down to the galley.
~*~
That morning, Colin seemed in a bit of a foul mood. He was oddly silent today. I found it very discerning. Typically, he was a rock for me, a good friend and always ready to make a funny comment. But today...I was greeted by a sombre, silent Colin.
Walking up to him, he was cooking at the moment I arrived, I poked him in the back slightly. Ducking aside, I waited for the typical response but it didn't come. "Colin, are you all right?" I asked quietly.
Colin didn't answer. He stood facing away from me, not breaking his attention with the fish in the pan.
Again, I poked him in the back.
"What is it?" he asked in an annoyed voice.
I shrank back slightly and muttered quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't...mean to...I'll..." I broke off. Silently, I set to work on the fish. Colin sat down and glared out the window, brooding. It was a long time before anything was said. I started humming lightly under my breath, a mix of shanties that I had learned from the odd bunch of pirates I was always around.
Colin took to whistling along with me as I hummed the shanties. I glanced over at him. He was still staring out at the ocean. But his face didn't have the hidden emotion that it held earlier.
"Colin?" I asked boldly. "Is everything ok?"
"Aye, miss," Colin said in a distant voice.
"Colin, I've told you not to call me miss before. My name's Christina. You know that. What's wrong?"
Colin didn't answer immediately.
I rolled my eyes slightly. "Look, I know that you're not okay, so I'm going to keep asking until you tell me. So, if you want me to keep annoying you, then I will. Or you can just tell me forthright. It'll be easier for you," I chided.
Colin sighed deeply and said, "Fine, if you'll stay quiet while I tell ye."
I nodded silently, to prove my point that I could be silent.
"Well, I told ye that I had left home after me da killed me mam. Well, I got on board the Pearl. We stopped in Tortuga after I had been onboard for a few years and I met meself a nice gal. Barmaid. Beautiful gal. Nice as you please. Ne'er raised 'er voice at ye. Anyways, I spent some time on land and I fell in love wif 'er. We got ourselves married and soon she was wif child. I only saw her when the Pearl was in port. And by the time we was married, we knew each other for two years. I was in port when she went inta labour. I heard from one of the other barmaids that she was 'aving the baby and I went right away. But by the time that I 'ad gotten there, the midwife was waitin' for me. She had a sad look on 'er face and I knew summat was wrong. I ran inta the room and there she was...dead...our son wif her. It was a year ago today."
My hand fluttered to my chest. I drew in a sharp breath. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Colin," I murmured.
"Nuffin ye can do, lass," Colin said in a low voice and came over to help me with the food. I patted him lightly on his arm in a sympathetic manner.
The rest of the day passed silently.
~*~
It took two weeks to reach the island of Hawaii. The storm had pushed us so much quicker towards the island than the regular weather would have. However those next two weeks were full of high winds and incessantly choppy water. I had to stay in the cabin more often...partly because of Jack's new regime and partly because of seasickness. He apparently wanted to keep me safe but the boredom was killing me. I grew so fidgety that Jack threatened to tie me to the bedpost to keep me still.
Finally we reached the island.
I was down in the galley as usual when I heard the cry of "Land ho!" filter down through the ship. I ran up onto the deck, Colin close at my heels. The crew was clustered at the prow of the ship, gazing out at the new sights. Mr. Gibbs was at the helm with Jack, telling Jack some item of necessary information. I ran up to them, practically floating off the ground.
"Hey! We're here!" I cried joyfully. "We're finally here!"
Jack laughed heartily at me and said, "Tell the crew that they have until tomorrow sunrise for shore leave and then they absolutely need to get back here and make the repairs on my Pearl."
Gibbs stepped about three feet away and bellowed the order. He was so loud that I had to cover my ears.
I laughed again gleefully and waited, bouncing on the balls of my feet, as Jack pulled off an amazing feat of docking the Pearl beautifully.
I quickly I pulled Colin aside and asked him to keep an eye on Chaton while I was gone.
I pulled at his arm eagerly and Jack led me off onto the dock. The dock of Hawaii was a lazy place. Most of the boats were small fishing boats and day vessels. The people here were different than I've ever seen. They were darker than Jack and me but not as dark as the people in Madagascar. Their skin was the colour of caramel and they had exceptionally dark hair. The homes in this strange place were made of some sort of grass and wood...and other natural objects. There were no cobbled streets, like in London...instead, there was just a path through the homes. I didn't really notice any shops, either. Jack led me up to a large home a bit beyond the village. This home, unlike others, had a bit of an English influence to it. The home was only single story but seemed to be exceptionally wide. It was a very interesting home... (Sailors reached Hawaii in the 1600's, leaving behind influences of modern culture.)
Once we had reached that house, Jack led me up to the door. He pounded on the door for a while until a older man answered. The man asked something in an odd, lilting language to Jack.
Jack answered in the same language and the man led us into the house.
I gazed around the home as we walked through it. I noticed a young man in a side room watching me most intensely as we walked through the home. I hurried up to keep in stride with Jack. But I could still feel the man's eerie gaze upon my back. Quickly, I hooked my elbow around Jack's and struggled to get away from that man.
The old man led us to another room and swiftly left. There was a fat man gazing out at the outside scenery who turned slowly.
"Jack! Jack Sparrow!" he said in a loud sonorous voice. The man strode over and embraced Jack in a friendly hug.
I shifted my weight behind them as they spoke in that language that I had heard before.
The fat man's eyes traveled over me slowly. "Who is this delightful flower you are hiding behind you, Jack?"
"This is Christina Smit, mate," Jack said, hands waving flamboyantly in my direction.
I whispered, "It's Delcot."
"Yes, terribly sorry, love. I mean, this is Christina Delcot," Jack corrected, hardly missing a beat. "Christy, this is King Kamehameha the Great."
Remembering my manners, I fell into a polite curtsey, of course, I wasn't wearing skirts so I fell into my curtsey rather awkwardly.
"It's a pleasure, Miss Delcot," the king said graciously and held out his hand. I had never met someone of royalty before, nor did I know how to properly greet a king from a country that I've never heard of before. I shot my gaze over at Jack. He mimicked kissing the rings on his hand and I followed his advice. Leaning down, I brushed a light kiss on the oddest of the rings on the king's hand.
The king said something in some language that I did not understand to Jack, who laughed and replied in the same odd musical language.
I righted myself and shifted slightly. Feeling very uncomfortable, I listened absently but I was lost as to what they were saying.
Several minutes later, I heard the conversation switch abruptly to English again. Sighing inside I thought, 'Finally, something I can understand.'
"If you follow my wife," the king said to me. "She will find you some suitable clothes for dinner."
"Thank you, your majesty," I said quietly.
There was a flurry of speech in Hawaiian and a kind faced woman appeared in the door. She made a hand sign and I assumed it meant to follow her. I walked silently behind her and she led me to another room.
In that room, a younger woman asked me, thankfully in English, to try on a loose fitting pair of trousers and a long blouse that fell to my mid thighs. The cloth was an assortment of colours and rather difficult to describe. But exceptionally comfortable none the less.
The same woman, whose name was exceptionally long...too long for me to remember, led me back to where Jack and the king were. Several others had joined them and there was a rumble of conversation that filtered into the hall. As we walked in, however, the soft din of conversation died and I heard Jack whistle low under his breath.
"Nice, love. Very nice," he murmured when I took my seat beside him.
I blushed furiously at the complement.
The king sat as well and stared at me unblinkingly. "So, Miss," he said in his nearly perfect English. "Jack tells me how you've come aboard the Pearl. Now you must tell me what it's like."
I recognized this as not a request but an order, so meeting the king's dark deep-set eyes, I said, "Well, I must admit that when I first came aboard, I hated it most profusely. But now...I must admit I would be hardpressed to leave it."
He nodded slightly.
The meal progressed as such. The man that I had noticed earlier staring at me joined us at dinner. I had been introduced to everyone at the start of the meal and I knew that the man's name was something like...Kao. I was immensely glad that I was sitting by Jack for the man was staring at me had a hungry expression on his face. Slight smatterings of polite conversations, jabberings in other languages, and some very awkward feelings for me. Personally, I felt out of place, but I just focused on what was in front of me...rather than the big picture.
As we neared the end of the meal, the question was raised as to how long we would be staying. Jack answered simply that he didn't know for sure because, the Pearl was in need of some repairs that couldn't wait until we reached Port Royale.
Jack told me quietly that if I felt like going up to bed I could follow the young woman so I could get some rest.
Feeling immensely tired, I jumped at the offer, bade the men good-night and followed the young woman to another room. I sat feeling immensely sleepy as she laid out two sleeping mats right beside each other along with lightweight blankets. I glanced again at the mats, they seemed to made of some odd material...some plant fibre or something, I wasn't sure what. When she had finished, I thanked her and lay down to sleep.
Whatever the mats were made from, they certainly were comfortable...I fell asleep quickly.
I had odd dreams that night. I dreamt that the fat man...the king, rather...was chasing me down a corridor waving one of the sleeping mats in the air and then Jack showed up to block my path, wearing my clothes. When I asked him, in my dream, why he was wearing my clothes, he chuckled and said, "You gave them to me, love." Then I looked down and saw that I was...in fact, exceptionally naked. I screamed in my dream and jolted awake.
I felt Jack pressed up against me, one hand on my hip, the other under me, curling up to rest on my ribs. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt just then. I felt safe and secure...more than I had in quite a while...outside of being in Jack's embrace. Having him near me was like a cool refreshing drink of water to a parched throat or a burst of sunlight peeking through a mass of dark clouds.
I shifted slightly and Jack tightened his grip on me, pulling me closer to him. I sighed deeply and fell back asleep soon...not registering the scuffle outside our door.
~*~
Author's Note: Ooh, who was it? Any guesses? Not too much of a cliffie...didn't want to make everyone murderous...again. So, I hope that you all liked the chapter. And if you didn't and you hate it and think it should burn for all eternity...well, that's your opinion and I'd like to know why you think so...Point is, if you have an opinion, let me know and I'd be glad to know what it is or field any questions, whatever...So, review! Next chapter probably in a week...maybe sooner depending on how much homework I have...
Check out Pirates of the Caribbean: The Aftermath by The Quidditch Gals...its an excellent story, has great characters and a good plot but is exceptionally under-appreciated. So much that it makes me feel bad for them. So, check it out, its a great read and The Quidditch Gals are glad to have any opinions that are out there, even if they are flames...But seriously, look it over if you have time...or if you need something to read when you are bored or in an evil class or just wanting to read a great story by some good authors...
Well, that's all for my little commercial.
Until next time.
Keep up the reviews!
~CrazyCanoeingGIT
Author Thanks:
Jinxd n cursed - Thanks mate! Hope you enjoy this chappie.
Lauren - I'll send you the extra scene asap...hope you enjoy this chappie.
MoonlightSerenade - Thanks! I am really glad that you like my story and I hope that you haven't died of asphixiation...if you were waiting with baited breath...yeah, I need sleep...anyways, enjoy!
movielvr - Thanks! Enjoy!
WhIPpeD CrEaM 0 - No worries bout not reviewing for a while. I hope you're feeling better. *Smiles broadly* Thanks for all the complements! Such a confidence boost! Hope you like this chapter!
ortain - Thanks! I hope that you keep up with your story! Its really good. Enjoy!
Piper8188 - Thanks! Trust me on the storm issue...I have much more in store for them...I couldn't just kill it off right now...that'd make me go nuts...and probably make you all kill me in my sleep or something...Anyways, enjoy!
TriGemini - Thanks! Yeah, I don't think that anyone would like getting locked in a cabin...even if it is for their own good...I know I wouldn't. But Jack has Christina's best interests in mind and like he said, she's never been in a storm on the ocean before and would get washed over...Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Anaknusan - Thanks! I'm amazing? I'm flattered. Hawaii, I know, it sounds great. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
kimmaree - Another new reviewer! I'm glad you like my story! Hope you like the chappie!
Eccentric Banshee - Thanks! I'm glad you like my story! Keep up the good work on yours. Enjoy!
Cagalli- Actually, I really enjoy all reviews...redundant or not. So no worries on the whole not much to say thing. Chaton is adorable, isn't she. Enjoy!
The Fink - I was actually replying to both you and The Fic Avenger...who basically said something along of remove your story now it sucks so much. I felt bad for the girl because even though her story had flaws as most stories do, I think that it has potential for a good story. And I wasn't trying to say that rape is something that should be rated G or taken lightly...just that she shouldn't have gotten torn into little bitty pieces by the two of you. And I sympathize with people who have been through that and I think that it is a terrible thing. However, it is also something that was common back in this time period if people were kidnapped by pirates. So it was an issue back then too and pirates would have done that to their victims... I don't really think she was completely out of place with writing that.... But its your opinion and I needed to state mine to have a clear conscience...because I didn't exactly agree with what the two of you said. But that aside. Thanks for the review. I was half afraid that you were going to murder my story...There are only so many plots for PoTC and it isn't all that easy to think of an exceptionally original so I appreciate you not killing me for that... I'm glad that you think its good so far and you'll see if I avoid the trap when you finish it...there are some rather unexpected twists that I have planned...Anyways, for mum...well, okay...that was a mistake. Thanks for your criticisms and complements and I hope that you enjoy my story.
Disclaimer - I only own Christina, Colin and less important characters that appear later...and no luck on owning Jack...but they do have a shirt with him on it that I'm buying with my next paycheck...but that's as far as I'm getting at owning CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow.
Last Time:
The ship dropped deeply and Chaton bit my hand in surprise. The waves keep getting worse and more violent. It was a strain for me to keep from loosing what little food in my stomach. Clutching my stomach, I lay back on the bed. Eventually, I dozed off.
~*~
What's in a Name?
Chapter 18: Moody Men
I woke much later. Light was streaming into the window, illuminating the damage done by the storm. All of the books had fallen off the shelves, drawers were hanging wide open and papers were strewn haphazardly across the floor. I pushed myself up by my elbows and saw Jack was feeding Chaton absently with his left hand. His gaze was locked on me and he grinned guiltily.
I smiled over at him. "I thought you didn't like her," I said, slightly accusatorily.
Jack grunted, "She grows on ye... 'sides, you were asleep and she started making a racked when I came in and I didn't want 'er to wake ye."
I pushed myself out of bed. "Storm's over?"
"Aye. About an hour ago or so," Jack affirmed.
"Everyone alright?"
"Aye."
I paused for a moment. "And the Pearl?"
Jack grinned. "Oh, me lady's fine," he said simply before adding, "Both o' 'em."
"Where are we? Did the storm sweep us off course?"
Jack nodded. "Ye should be happy. We got pushed a bit more easternly than we had intended but the storm actually sent us closer to Hawaii."
I smiled. "You know, I love you, don't you?"
Jack reached out and pulled me into his lap. I played with his hair idly all the while, not breaking his stare. After a while, Jack said, "That one's been tried before, love."
I scowled slightly but said, "Oh, but I do." There was a pregnant pause. I knew what I was wanting and I knew Jack knew what I wanted to hear too...but it didn't come.
"Pirates don't love, darling," Jack said gruffly, gently pushing me off his lap so he could stand.
That was definitely not what I wanted to hear. I frowned and said in a low hiss, "What is all that-" I gestured from him to me and then to the bed- "About then? If not for love?" My heart felt like it was breaking on the inside...like it was being ripped apart before my eyes.
Jack didn't look at me, instead he spent his time putting his jacket back on. He moved towards the door silently.
Quickly, I blocked the doorway with my body and said, as calmly as I could manage, "What was it for?"
Jack grabbed my arms in a strong grip and maneuvered me away from the door. I swung out my arm and caught him in the chest.
"Answer me," I whispered dangerously.
Jack rolled his eyes and said, gesturing wildly, "All right. Here it is. I do care for ye. Just don't go waving it about."
I scowled slightly up at him, meeting his dark brown eyes with my own fiery green ones. "Am I not good enough for you, then? Not good enough to merit feelings from the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow? Or are you ashamed to admit it? Are you merely a coward...too afraid to love?"
Jack took a deep breath, as if to calm himself. He pulled my chin up in his strong grasp, forcing me to meet his eyes. He held his grip strong and whispered coldly, "Don't dare call me a coward. I've seen things and done things that would drive you, my dear woman, out of your mind and into a pit of despair. Unless you have done this, then don't dare presume to call me such." And with that, he relinquished his hold on my chin, turned around and strode to the door.
Cursing myself, I longed to run after him but I knew that it would only make him right...and right now, that was not what I wanted. Swallowing my damnable pride, I ran after him. I grabbed onto his arm and pulled him back farther into the room. Keeping my hands on his arms, "I didn't mean that. Jack. I'm sorry."
Jack didn't look at me...I gazed up into his eyes and saw something akin to hurt glaring back at me. I had offended him... "I'm sorry..." I whispered.
We stood silently for a time. Jack finally looked down at me. "Its all right, Christy," he said in a weary voice.
I rested my head against his chest lightly and said, "I didn't mean to offend you, Jack."
"I expected it a while ago. Or at least I should have. Tigers aren't meant for capture and someone as young as you can't be expected to be happy with someone like me."
I sighed and said quietly, "It wasn't that, Jack...I just was hoping...for some affirmation that I...didn't give up my maidenhead for no reason...And when it didn't come...I...lost my temper."
Jack brought him thumb up and traced my jaw lightly. "No worries." Jack said in a falsely jovial voice.
I pulled away slightly and said, "Well, I am sorry, all the same."
"It's in the past. Don't loose any sleep over it."
"Jack?" I asked. "Can you answer my question? Please?"
Jack met my eyes. "Have I ever done anything that would lead you to believe that I did not have feelings for you? Anything to hurt you? Have I ever raised a hand in anger against you? Or given you reason to leave my ship?"
I shook my head 'no.'
"Then what does your heart tell you?" he asked in a low voice.
I grinned. "You love me?"
Jack nodded ever so slightly.
"You love me?"
Once more, Jack nodded.
"You love me?!"
"Sweet silence, woman, how many times must things be told to you?" Jack asked exasperatedly. "I bloody love you, if that's what it takes to shut ye up!"
I smiled broadly. "Now, was that so bloody hard?" I asked mulishly.
Jack smiled mischievously. "Clever little trick, lass."
"I learn from the best," I said, returning the grin.
Jack said simply, "Yes, I'd agree with that." He caught me in a swift kiss before releasing me and turning to go. Then he strode out of the room, humming "A Pirates Life for Me" under his breath.
I stood in shocked silence for a moment before walking out of the cabin myself and down to the galley.
~*~
That morning, Colin seemed in a bit of a foul mood. He was oddly silent today. I found it very discerning. Typically, he was a rock for me, a good friend and always ready to make a funny comment. But today...I was greeted by a sombre, silent Colin.
Walking up to him, he was cooking at the moment I arrived, I poked him in the back slightly. Ducking aside, I waited for the typical response but it didn't come. "Colin, are you all right?" I asked quietly.
Colin didn't answer. He stood facing away from me, not breaking his attention with the fish in the pan.
Again, I poked him in the back.
"What is it?" he asked in an annoyed voice.
I shrank back slightly and muttered quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't...mean to...I'll..." I broke off. Silently, I set to work on the fish. Colin sat down and glared out the window, brooding. It was a long time before anything was said. I started humming lightly under my breath, a mix of shanties that I had learned from the odd bunch of pirates I was always around.
Colin took to whistling along with me as I hummed the shanties. I glanced over at him. He was still staring out at the ocean. But his face didn't have the hidden emotion that it held earlier.
"Colin?" I asked boldly. "Is everything ok?"
"Aye, miss," Colin said in a distant voice.
"Colin, I've told you not to call me miss before. My name's Christina. You know that. What's wrong?"
Colin didn't answer immediately.
I rolled my eyes slightly. "Look, I know that you're not okay, so I'm going to keep asking until you tell me. So, if you want me to keep annoying you, then I will. Or you can just tell me forthright. It'll be easier for you," I chided.
Colin sighed deeply and said, "Fine, if you'll stay quiet while I tell ye."
I nodded silently, to prove my point that I could be silent.
"Well, I told ye that I had left home after me da killed me mam. Well, I got on board the Pearl. We stopped in Tortuga after I had been onboard for a few years and I met meself a nice gal. Barmaid. Beautiful gal. Nice as you please. Ne'er raised 'er voice at ye. Anyways, I spent some time on land and I fell in love wif 'er. We got ourselves married and soon she was wif child. I only saw her when the Pearl was in port. And by the time we was married, we knew each other for two years. I was in port when she went inta labour. I heard from one of the other barmaids that she was 'aving the baby and I went right away. But by the time that I 'ad gotten there, the midwife was waitin' for me. She had a sad look on 'er face and I knew summat was wrong. I ran inta the room and there she was...dead...our son wif her. It was a year ago today."
My hand fluttered to my chest. I drew in a sharp breath. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Colin," I murmured.
"Nuffin ye can do, lass," Colin said in a low voice and came over to help me with the food. I patted him lightly on his arm in a sympathetic manner.
The rest of the day passed silently.
~*~
It took two weeks to reach the island of Hawaii. The storm had pushed us so much quicker towards the island than the regular weather would have. However those next two weeks were full of high winds and incessantly choppy water. I had to stay in the cabin more often...partly because of Jack's new regime and partly because of seasickness. He apparently wanted to keep me safe but the boredom was killing me. I grew so fidgety that Jack threatened to tie me to the bedpost to keep me still.
Finally we reached the island.
I was down in the galley as usual when I heard the cry of "Land ho!" filter down through the ship. I ran up onto the deck, Colin close at my heels. The crew was clustered at the prow of the ship, gazing out at the new sights. Mr. Gibbs was at the helm with Jack, telling Jack some item of necessary information. I ran up to them, practically floating off the ground.
"Hey! We're here!" I cried joyfully. "We're finally here!"
Jack laughed heartily at me and said, "Tell the crew that they have until tomorrow sunrise for shore leave and then they absolutely need to get back here and make the repairs on my Pearl."
Gibbs stepped about three feet away and bellowed the order. He was so loud that I had to cover my ears.
I laughed again gleefully and waited, bouncing on the balls of my feet, as Jack pulled off an amazing feat of docking the Pearl beautifully.
I quickly I pulled Colin aside and asked him to keep an eye on Chaton while I was gone.
I pulled at his arm eagerly and Jack led me off onto the dock. The dock of Hawaii was a lazy place. Most of the boats were small fishing boats and day vessels. The people here were different than I've ever seen. They were darker than Jack and me but not as dark as the people in Madagascar. Their skin was the colour of caramel and they had exceptionally dark hair. The homes in this strange place were made of some sort of grass and wood...and other natural objects. There were no cobbled streets, like in London...instead, there was just a path through the homes. I didn't really notice any shops, either. Jack led me up to a large home a bit beyond the village. This home, unlike others, had a bit of an English influence to it. The home was only single story but seemed to be exceptionally wide. It was a very interesting home... (Sailors reached Hawaii in the 1600's, leaving behind influences of modern culture.)
Once we had reached that house, Jack led me up to the door. He pounded on the door for a while until a older man answered. The man asked something in an odd, lilting language to Jack.
Jack answered in the same language and the man led us into the house.
I gazed around the home as we walked through it. I noticed a young man in a side room watching me most intensely as we walked through the home. I hurried up to keep in stride with Jack. But I could still feel the man's eerie gaze upon my back. Quickly, I hooked my elbow around Jack's and struggled to get away from that man.
The old man led us to another room and swiftly left. There was a fat man gazing out at the outside scenery who turned slowly.
"Jack! Jack Sparrow!" he said in a loud sonorous voice. The man strode over and embraced Jack in a friendly hug.
I shifted my weight behind them as they spoke in that language that I had heard before.
The fat man's eyes traveled over me slowly. "Who is this delightful flower you are hiding behind you, Jack?"
"This is Christina Smit, mate," Jack said, hands waving flamboyantly in my direction.
I whispered, "It's Delcot."
"Yes, terribly sorry, love. I mean, this is Christina Delcot," Jack corrected, hardly missing a beat. "Christy, this is King Kamehameha the Great."
Remembering my manners, I fell into a polite curtsey, of course, I wasn't wearing skirts so I fell into my curtsey rather awkwardly.
"It's a pleasure, Miss Delcot," the king said graciously and held out his hand. I had never met someone of royalty before, nor did I know how to properly greet a king from a country that I've never heard of before. I shot my gaze over at Jack. He mimicked kissing the rings on his hand and I followed his advice. Leaning down, I brushed a light kiss on the oddest of the rings on the king's hand.
The king said something in some language that I did not understand to Jack, who laughed and replied in the same odd musical language.
I righted myself and shifted slightly. Feeling very uncomfortable, I listened absently but I was lost as to what they were saying.
Several minutes later, I heard the conversation switch abruptly to English again. Sighing inside I thought, 'Finally, something I can understand.'
"If you follow my wife," the king said to me. "She will find you some suitable clothes for dinner."
"Thank you, your majesty," I said quietly.
There was a flurry of speech in Hawaiian and a kind faced woman appeared in the door. She made a hand sign and I assumed it meant to follow her. I walked silently behind her and she led me to another room.
In that room, a younger woman asked me, thankfully in English, to try on a loose fitting pair of trousers and a long blouse that fell to my mid thighs. The cloth was an assortment of colours and rather difficult to describe. But exceptionally comfortable none the less.
The same woman, whose name was exceptionally long...too long for me to remember, led me back to where Jack and the king were. Several others had joined them and there was a rumble of conversation that filtered into the hall. As we walked in, however, the soft din of conversation died and I heard Jack whistle low under his breath.
"Nice, love. Very nice," he murmured when I took my seat beside him.
I blushed furiously at the complement.
The king sat as well and stared at me unblinkingly. "So, Miss," he said in his nearly perfect English. "Jack tells me how you've come aboard the Pearl. Now you must tell me what it's like."
I recognized this as not a request but an order, so meeting the king's dark deep-set eyes, I said, "Well, I must admit that when I first came aboard, I hated it most profusely. But now...I must admit I would be hardpressed to leave it."
He nodded slightly.
The meal progressed as such. The man that I had noticed earlier staring at me joined us at dinner. I had been introduced to everyone at the start of the meal and I knew that the man's name was something like...Kao. I was immensely glad that I was sitting by Jack for the man was staring at me had a hungry expression on his face. Slight smatterings of polite conversations, jabberings in other languages, and some very awkward feelings for me. Personally, I felt out of place, but I just focused on what was in front of me...rather than the big picture.
As we neared the end of the meal, the question was raised as to how long we would be staying. Jack answered simply that he didn't know for sure because, the Pearl was in need of some repairs that couldn't wait until we reached Port Royale.
Jack told me quietly that if I felt like going up to bed I could follow the young woman so I could get some rest.
Feeling immensely tired, I jumped at the offer, bade the men good-night and followed the young woman to another room. I sat feeling immensely sleepy as she laid out two sleeping mats right beside each other along with lightweight blankets. I glanced again at the mats, they seemed to made of some odd material...some plant fibre or something, I wasn't sure what. When she had finished, I thanked her and lay down to sleep.
Whatever the mats were made from, they certainly were comfortable...I fell asleep quickly.
I had odd dreams that night. I dreamt that the fat man...the king, rather...was chasing me down a corridor waving one of the sleeping mats in the air and then Jack showed up to block my path, wearing my clothes. When I asked him, in my dream, why he was wearing my clothes, he chuckled and said, "You gave them to me, love." Then I looked down and saw that I was...in fact, exceptionally naked. I screamed in my dream and jolted awake.
I felt Jack pressed up against me, one hand on my hip, the other under me, curling up to rest on my ribs. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt just then. I felt safe and secure...more than I had in quite a while...outside of being in Jack's embrace. Having him near me was like a cool refreshing drink of water to a parched throat or a burst of sunlight peeking through a mass of dark clouds.
I shifted slightly and Jack tightened his grip on me, pulling me closer to him. I sighed deeply and fell back asleep soon...not registering the scuffle outside our door.
~*~
Author's Note: Ooh, who was it? Any guesses? Not too much of a cliffie...didn't want to make everyone murderous...again. So, I hope that you all liked the chapter. And if you didn't and you hate it and think it should burn for all eternity...well, that's your opinion and I'd like to know why you think so...Point is, if you have an opinion, let me know and I'd be glad to know what it is or field any questions, whatever...So, review! Next chapter probably in a week...maybe sooner depending on how much homework I have...
Check out Pirates of the Caribbean: The Aftermath by The Quidditch Gals...its an excellent story, has great characters and a good plot but is exceptionally under-appreciated. So much that it makes me feel bad for them. So, check it out, its a great read and The Quidditch Gals are glad to have any opinions that are out there, even if they are flames...But seriously, look it over if you have time...or if you need something to read when you are bored or in an evil class or just wanting to read a great story by some good authors...
Well, that's all for my little commercial.
Until next time.
Keep up the reviews!
~CrazyCanoeingGIT