Author's Notes:

Well, another week has passed and low and behold, another chapter! So, not too much to say. Nothing exceptionally out of the ordinary has happened lately for me although, we were talking about my work and a friend was giving me a hard time because Whitey's claims to be pure and a good enviroment but as Joey said, "There's at least one love triangle going on..." But to defend myself, its not my fault that I'm in it because the one guy, I can't stand...so, that's the latest scoop in my life for now. I only have 5 days of school plus 3 days of finals! Then its summer! Yay! Hope everybody's having a good week.

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Author Thanks:

AJ-Sparrow - Thanks! Hope you like the chapter!

completeopposites - Thanks as always, mate! Enjoy!

Anaknusan - Yeah, its never good when they get back to their old antics is it? I'm already grounded again...just for the evening from the car, but my mum is already back to her old 'cheery' self, lol. Thanks for the review. Hope you like the chappie!

Cagalli - Thanks for the review! At least you're computer lets you get online and such...my laptop is my dad's old one and it only has Word and other programs...although it works for doing stories and essays, but I have to sneak downstairs to use the family one if I wanna get online at weird times. I'm glad you've liked the chappies. Hope you enjoy the chappie!

Jinxd n cursed - Thanks for the review! Make sure you check out the note at the bottom, savvy?

Inu Lover (times 3) - 1) Thanks! Personally, I've always liked writing in first person, gives more insight to the character...I'm glad you agree. 2) I'm sorry that it mad you sad...I was sitting at my laptop bawling when I wrote it...kinda like on 'Something's Gotta Give' only...not. It was REALLY hard to write. 3) Thanks a bunch! Enjoy the chapter!

Blackcat69 - Thanks! Enjoy!

ortain - Thanks for the review. Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies...Enjoy!

Eccentric Banshee - Thanks for the review! Nah, Elizabeth's okay, she has her moments but...who doesn't? I know I do all the time. Anywho, hope you like the chapter and keep up the good work on your story!

Piratey Elf - Thanks! Enjoy!

TriGemini - Thanks for the review! The way that I can justify Will and Elizabeth's behavior is that think about someone you know who does things...differently than you do in certain situations. Say they show up at your house with something sorta suspicious...would you assume the worst? I hope that makes some shred of sense...its as best as I can do...need more sleep...lol. Anywho, enjoy!

RK9 - Thanks for the review! Trust me, I know all about limited net time, my parents thoroughly enjoy the concept. I'm really glad that you like the story, though. Cheers. Enjoy the chappie.

Jeeves Swineford - Thanks for the review. Again I'll say 'Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies.' No, you can't die! I can't loose a faithful reviewer! Plus, I don't really want anyone to die...but I suppose that's beside the point. Yeah, I wanna swear off of Number 2 pencils...i'm soo sick of needing them. lol. Glad you like The Aftermath...it needs all the love it can get. Enjoy the chapter!

Mirja - Takk! Det vet jeg. Mitt venn I Norge å forteller meg langt før omkring Syttende de Mai. Jeg håper du har en god uke! Tusen takk på tilbakeblikk! Jeg håper du likker så kapittelet

MoonlightSerenade - Thanks, mate! Hope you like the chapter!

Piper8188 - Thanks! I'm really glad that you like my story! Just wait and see... I can't tell you what's gonna happen...sorry, I have to be evil in this aspect of things...Glad you like The Aftermath! Enjoy!

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What's in a Name?

Last Time:

Jack nodded feebly and I laughed once more, joined by Will and Elizabeth. Then the butler came and informed Mr. and Mrs. Turner that dinner was ready.

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What's In a Name?

Chapter 25: Table Talk and Secrets

The meal was a pleasant affair, although it was more than a tad bit awkward at first. Elizabeth and Will were exceptionally hospitable although, I had reason to believe that Jack had failed to mention that I would be staying...or rather, he had failed to ask if I could stay with them. But once they had gotten over the shock of me being Christina Smit-Delcot, the Turners made very entertaining conversation.

"And then, Jack said, 'Elizabeth, it would have never worked between us, darling. I'm sorry.' You should have seen her face, Christina, I thought she was going to either die of shock or murder Jack," Will said, in between laughs. "And then he said, 'Gents, you will always remember this as the day that you almost caught CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow' and then he fell off the little wall and swam to the Pearl."

I smiled broadly and opened my mouth to speak but before I could utter a single syllable, Jack cried, "Slander! I did not fall! Whelp, I made a graceful exit and swam to MY ship."

I laughed at this, thinking what Jack's idea of a graceful exit must entail. "I must confess, Jack, that I believe Mr. Turner, Will, much more than I do you."

Elizabeth laughed merrily. "You've got a good point, Christina," At Jack's angry glare, she added, "After all, Jack, you're stories are a bit over- exaggerated. I mean, tell her about your grand adventure while you were on that island."

"Why thank you, Lizzie, I think that's one excellent story that I haven't told her yet. Thank you, my dear, for stealing my thunder," Jack pouted.

I kicked Jack under the table and said, "Oh, come on, baby, tell me the story."

Jack obliged. "Well, I told you that my first mate led a mutiny against me," I nodded. "So, they made me governor of an island and gave me a pistol with one shot. Well, that one shot wouldn't do any good to hunt with, but I didn't give up. No, I knew that I was CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow, infamous pirate extraodinaire, and I wouldn't be cheated by something small like death. So, I got the idea to wade out into the ocean and I stayed in the water for three days and nights, this was after being marooned for three weeks, mind you, love. And all sorts o' sea creatures got accustomed to me presence and I managed to rope some sea turtles, and make a raft and return to the nearest port...Tortuga."

I quirked an eyebrow. "But, Jack, what did you use for rope?"

Will laughed as though he was sharing some inside joke. "Tell her, Jack."

"Human hair...from my back," Jack answered.

I scrunched up my nose in disgust and poked my fork around my plate for a moment, trying to remember. "Jack...you're back's not--"

"So, Will, how's the blacksmith trade going for ye, lad?" Jack interrupted.

Will and Elizabeth shared a knowing glance and Will answered, "Business is booming, Jack. But you already know that."

"Its CAPTAIN Jack, lad. Only the lass calls me Jack, and she shouldn't, but she's a stubborn little wench, like your wife...I imagine they'll get along quite well."

I rolled my eyes at this and Elizabeth laughed. She leaned over and whispered in my ear, "He spent three days lying on the beach drinking rum before the rum runners came and took him...to Tortuga, nonetheless."

I glanced sideways at Jack, who was sitting on my right and laughed. I whispered back conspiratorially, "Figures he'd do that."

Jack by now, had leaned his head behind mine and whispered in my other ear, "Secrets don't make friends, love."

I jumped in surprise and glared at Jack, my heart pounding an angry tattoo against my chest. Jack made a sad face and pouted, causing me to relent and pat him gently on the shoulder. "There, there, poor baby."

Will laughed. "So, Christina, where exactly are you from?"

"Well, I grew up in London, but I spent a lot of my life at one of the only boarding schools outside the city...my father feared for my brother's and my safety. So he sent us to boarding schools. I was home for holidays and such but seldom home for more than a month, two at the most. And then my mum got sick and I spent a year and a half getting her back to full health before Father and Timothy's accident. Then we came here...and now I'm here."

"Weren't you terribly homesick, being away for so long when you were so young?" Elizabeth asked.

I thought about that for a while. "Not really. I suppose I was at first but once I grew comfortable, I was causing too much trouble to get properly homesick."

Meanwhile, Jack and Will were in a rather...interesting conversation about whether or not Will was, in fact, a eunuch. I blushed scarlet and hastily re-engaged Elizabeth in more polite conversation.

"So, Elizabeth, how long have you and Will been married?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment. "Nearly two years, come the fourteenth."

"I'm sorry...what day is it...I've lost track of time..." I said, staring intently at my plate.

"Its November seventh," Elizabeth replied kindly.

I nodded my thanks. "Being on a ship for months on end...one looses track of time. Last day that I knew it was was months ago and that's because it was the day after my birthday. I just didn't keep track or anything.."

"Don't worry about it. Loosing track of time happens. When I was kidnapped by Barbossa, I lost complete track of time and I was only there for about a week at the most. I had other things that I was worried about."

I grinned slightly, feeling much more comfortable. The rest of the meal passed leisurely and enjoyably.

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When the meal was over, Elizabeth and Will bade us good-night and asked one of the maids to show us to our rooms. Jack and I were given rooms at either end of the hall...in an obvious attempt to keep us apart. I kissed Jack goodnight and went into my room. Elizabeth had laid out a nightgown for me and I put it on before climbing into the warm enfolds of the bed. It was immensely comfortable and definitely a relief that the bed wasn't moving beneath me. However...it was a bed to myself. And that in itself was something that I had grown unaccustomed to. I lay awake for what seemed like hours...trying position after position after position with no success. Finally giving up, I pushed myself up and out of bed and made my way down the corridor.

Finding Jack's room, I gently pushed open the door and peeked my head around the corner. I had expected to see a sleeping pirate but to my surprise, Jack was awake. I pushed the door open completely and stepped in. I pulled the door shut and leaned on it, watching Jack carefully. "I can't sleep."

Jack grinned slightly. "There are ways to cure that, you know."

I smirked and shook my head. I walked in further and sat down on the bed. "You do realize that we are guests in an exceptionally fancy home...granted that home is owned by friends of yours...although they already apparently know that we're...well... involved with each other...and these people seem to scorn me enough already, I think that doing certain things would just push them over the edge."

Jack studied me for a moment. "What makes you say that?"

I blushed. "I...um...overheard...a fair amount of your conversation...I heard what they said...I heard Mr. Turner..."

Jack gently grabbed my chin and made me look into his eyes. "They were simply expressing concern of how someone as beautiful as you could have fallen for someone as roguish as me. Nothing more. If anything, they were wondering how much I had to change to even be any interest to you."

I snorted. 'That was as bold of a lie as I've ever seen and if I had believed it I would have to be one of the most naive people in the world.' I tapped Jack on the arm. "Liar."

"Pirate."

I scowled for a moment and stared at the wall.

"They were concerned about you and your safety. I have strong morals...for a pirate...and they were worried that those morals had been pushed aside...in the heat of the moment," Jack admitted.

I nodded and deflated slightly. I felt slightly more tired now that I had that issue settled. My eyes started to droop and before I knew it, I saw no more and my head landed on Jack's chest as I fell asleep.

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I woke much later, nestled in the warmth of the blankets. But it felt oddly empty. I rolled over and stretched. The bed was empty. I was in my own room, too.

He hadn't...

He wouldn't...

He didn't...

Did he?

He can't have...

Doubts running wildly through my mind, I hurried out of bed and ran from the room. I didn't bother to tame my hair...this was more important. I hurried down the corridor and down to Jack's room. I pulled the door open sharply.

He wasn't there.

Not giving up hope, I ran downstairs, brushing rudely past several maids and an ancient butler. Quickly, I found the dining room.

I jerked the door open.

There he was...sitting at the table by himself, eating and drinking. His eyes took in the sight of me standing in the doorway, looking as though trumpets were blaring warnings for arrival of the next kingdom.

My heart sunk back down to its usual place in my chest. Mentally, I slapped myself for panicking over the situation when I didn't have the facts.

I seemed to unfreeze and I strode across the room and slapped him across the face.

Jack looked innocently up at me...albeit a bit stunned for being greeted in such a fashion.

"I thought you had left..." I wheezed. "I thought that you had left without even saying goodbye..."

Jack laughed and shook his head. "You do realize, love, that when we first met all you wanted was to be rid of me. Look at yerself now...worried about one ol' pirate..."

I flushed. "Well that was before..."

"Yes?"

"Before this," I gestured down to my stomach. "And before I became...rather...attached to you. Okay?"

"Excuses," Jack said dismissively.

I sat silently for a moment. "You still haven't asked them, yet, have you?

At that moment, Will and Elizabeth came into the room. I smiled over at them as they sat down silently before I returned my gaze to the pirate in question.

Jack seemed to catch my drift and said, "Say, Will, Lizzie. Ye have an extra room or two that isn't being used, right?"

Will nodded mutely.

"How bouts Christy taking up a temporary residence or something like that around here? You don't mind do you, Lizzie?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "But, Jack, are you sure that she wants to stay here...its terribly dull most of the time."

Before I could speak up, Jack took over once more. "Of course she wants to...and its not like she has any choice. I can't get her to some doctor if she has any trouble with that babe she be carryin' around...so there's not much choice, is there?"

I frowned slightly but didn't say anything. I didn't exactly look up, though, either...I didn't want to mess anything up...for some reason I was very nervous around these people. They seemed nice enough and we had had a nice chat the previous evening...but... something was different.

Will cleared his throat. "We'd be happy to have her, Jack, provided she's happy to stay."

I looked up and smiled. "Well, if I have to stay anywhere, I'd rather stay where I'm welcome."

Elizabeth nodded and said, "Well, then that's settled. Jack if you'll give me money, I'll be more than happy to take Christy shopping...I think if she'll be staying here, people might raise questions about her more if she runs about in trousers."

Jack frowned but pulled a bag out of his coat pocket and tossed it to Elizabeth. "I'll be wanting some of that back, love."

I grinned over at him. "Thanks, Jack."

Elizabeth and I left soon after. I had to borrow one of Elizabeth's dresses, she was right, it would arouse suspicion if I traipsed about Port Royale in trousers. And suspicion was not what I needed.

The day passed pleasantly enough and Elizabeth was excellent company. We chatted as we went and I gained a wealth of knowledge about my hostess and her husband.

In spite of my original nerves about her, it turned out that I had absolutely nothing to worry about and had been over-worrying (as usual). By the time that we returned, I had several dresses, petticoats and other such necessities for civil life and Jack's moneybag was exceptionally lighter. I think there were a grand total of three to four coins left inside it.

During the day, the women at the shops commented on how radiant I looked. I knew it was because I was pregnant, but to me...I looked awkward, fat and too different to be counted as beautiful or radiant, etc. But I took it all in stride, figuring that as my child grew, I would receive similar comments and not just from people dealing with clothing.

Elizabeth and I finally made our reappearance close to dinner and we both had to hurry to change in time.

The meal passed pleasurably. Will told me about how he made swords and such and also about his first confrontation with Jack, which I found exceptionally amusing. After some 'gentle nudging' from Jack, Will asked me if I wanted to learn how to sword fight but Elizabeth quickly quelled the idea. I protested to this because I wasn't handicapped...I was pregnant. But, my arguments were in vain and in the end, I let Elizabeth hold victory for the time being. Even though I would have liked to learn, I figured there would be time later...my life was not going to stop after this, I reminded myself. But that thought send a pang into my stomach...what if it did? Women had died in pregnancy before, it wasn't entirely uncommon...

Quickly diverting my attention from that less than happy thought, I asked, "Elizabeth, do you by chance know Victoria Evans?"

Elizabeth pondered this for a moment. "Does she have short dark hair?"

I nodded. "Or at least she did when I knew her."

"She's married to an officer at the fort," Will supplied. "I've delivered an order to her house before."

My heart swelled with happiness. "Really?" I squealed with glee. Then, I turned to Jack to explain, "We were best friends in boarding school. I lost contact with her when my mum was sick."

Jack nodded, looking rather distracted.

"What's wrong?" I asked after nudging him in the shoulder.

"Nothin' darling. Just caught up in my thoughts."

He sounded so serious, so sad that it made me doubt that that was what really bothered him but I didn't press the issue, figuring it would come out with time, as things always tended to. "Elizabeth, would it be possible to inquire about her somewhere...I would love to see her again."

Elizabeth nodded. "I can send a message with one of the boys tonight after dinner if you wish. Then maybe you could see her tomorrow."

The way she said tomorrow made me wonder what was going on. First Jack, now Elizabeth...I was definitely starting to doubt. "I would appreciate that greatly."

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Author's Notes:

Okay, a couple things before I go. Those of you who asked about a link for my prom pics - I'm afraid that I can't get a link because my computer is being spastic...however, if you email me, I can send you one of them as an attachment, savvy? My email address is NslUffdaaol.com.

Let's see, Check out Pirates of the Caribbean: The Aftermath, written by WeasleyGirl and myself. It truly is a good story and needs some love.

Finally-

I am sad to say, however that we are fast approaching the ending of my fic...tear...I figure that there will be a couple more chapters but sadly, we have passed both major climaxes of the story and things are going to start winding down.

So, Review!!!!

Mange Klemmar

CrazyCanoeingGIT