Author Notes -
Well, its time to announce that this is the second to last chapter of "What's in a Name?" but also to announce that the sequel will definitely be appearing in early August. I realise that its a long time away but I'll be away for a month and though I'll still be writing, I'll have absolutely no access to a computer, let alone the internet ... so, I have to take a brief hiatus from posting. But, like I said, never fear, there will be more soon as I get home. Thanks again for all the reviews, they are great to read and I really appreciate the fact that so many people like my story...definite confidence booster considering that when I first posted it, I assumed that I would be getting nothing but flames, but I'm a perfectionist and I'm always harder on myself than anyone else...not a good thing, sometimes...lol. So, enough with these insane, insomniatic ramblings, and on with the chapter!
-A-
Author Thanks -
RMB - Thanks, mate! Enjoy! (Hope you didn't die from the wait!)
Trinity144 - Thanks! I think the spelling is obsessed, but I knew what you meant. Keep the flying monkies to yourself if you please, I've got enough to sort out at the moment, so, that would just delay me further from updating. Enjoy!
Inu Lover - Thanks!
Moulin-Rouge-Pirate - Thanks! I love the name Rhiannon. It's been one of my favourites for the longest time...I've thought about possibly giving it as a middle name to one of my kids...provided I have them, lol. Enjoy!
TriGemini - Thanks, mate! I wanted to add comic relief throughout the delivery ... but then again, I usually add something comical into everything I say and I was thinking about what I would say if I were in the situation so that justifies some of the sarcasm. I can't think how much pain it would be to have a completely natural birth ... shudder ... Enjoy!
Aurora Everwood - Thanks, mate! I'm honoured that my story is one of your favourites! Enjoy!
Rainbow Glitter - Thanks! My health teacher regaled us last year about the 'joys' of child birth, not to mention the things that were covered in 8th grade. Enjoy the chapter, mate!
MrsGinaSparrow - Thanks! I'm touched! Enjoy!
AJ-Sparrow - Thanks! Enjoy!
Zubachickqt4u - Thanks! Don't adopt solely because of what I wrote, lol. Although writing it and thinking back on all of the pain that it must have been, it definitely makes me wonder as to whether or not I'll adopt or not. But that's in the future, so no worries. Enjoy!
Mirja - Thanks! Don't worry about it, I completely understand about the exams. The days that I had my hardest of my exams I had a few minor breakdowns so I understand. I mitt Pre-Calculas gransking, jeg var ikke plan avslutning! Det var umulig! Jeg lev rommet I tårer! Jeg forstår hva du tenker omkring granskring spenning. Enjoy!
Lazy Jeeves - Thanks, mate! (Hope you're holding up okay with Chance being gone!) Enjoy!
irishbabi6 - Thanks mate! Yeah, I know my story's a touch long...its almost 300 pages on my laptop! I'm glad you like my story so much! Enjoy!
Dimonah Tralon - Thanks! Yeah, that movie really scared me, too. I may be good at leaving cliffhangers and writing things that don't set well with readers sometimes, but I wouldn't have let Jack miss the birth, I'm not that mean. Enjoy!
-A-
Last Time -
And before any further conversation could be made, I fell asleep as the sun peaked out from the horizon, myself in Jack's arms, my daughter in my arms.
-A-
What's in a Name?
Chapter 29 - Motherly Instincts
I woke sometime in the afternoon, feeling very, very sore and still quite tired. But, I couldn't sleep ... and instantly I knew why.
When I slept, I had been moved back to my bedroom and Rhiannon was no where to be seen.
Even though I guessed that Elizabeth would throw a tizzy if I got out of bed, I did ... wanting desperately to find my baby.
I pulled on a dressing gown and slowly made my way out of the room and down the hallway, listening intently for any baby-like sounds.
My mind was still very groggy from sleep and I nearly walked into a wall ... after that near miss, I kept one hand on the wall at all times.
Finally, after what felt like an age of searching, I found my quarry.
As I passed the study, I heard familiar voices.
It was Jack and Will and I guessed that they were enjoying a celebration drink.
I leaned in the doorframe for support as I asked, "Where's Rhia? Jack? I woke up and she was gone ... did something happen? Is she all right?"
Jack shot a humoured glance to Will and then walked over to me. "She's fine, love. Elizabeth's looking after her, keeping her safe and all manner of things. But, you can't say the same for you if she sees you out of bed."
"But, Jack ... " I whined, I was far too tired to put up with games.
"Not another word, love. I'll help you back to bed," and with that, Jack wrapped his arm around my shoulders and steered me back to my room, at an exceptionally slow pace.
"You're sure she's all right?" I asked again as he helped me into bed.
Jack smiled and nodded once more. "She's safe and will stay so, I swear. Now, you, missy, need to rest. You had a big day ... its not every day that one gives birth to the only child of Captain Jack Sparrow."
I smiled. "Yes, because, the task of giving birth is easy, unless of course the father was someone so ... infamous and ... stubborn."
Placing both his hands on my shoulders, Jack gently pushed me into a reclining position and kissed me lightly. "Sleep. You need it."
"Aye, cap'n," I murmured as I drifted off into dreamland.
-A-
When I woke up again, Jack was sitting in the room with Rhiannon in his arms. One wouldn't think that a pirate holding a baby would be picture that fit, but it did. The look on Jack's face as he held our daughter was one of blissful happiness and serenity. I compared this look to the pirate that I had once feared and then I realised that I had fallen in love all over again by just looking at him ... not that I had ever fallen out of love, but my feelings toward Jack were so much stronger now, almost impossibly so.
Jack saw that I had woken up and smiled over at me. "Afternoon, love."
I pushed myself up in the bed to sit up. My abdominal muscles protested to the change in their position but I didn't reveal the pain.
"Might want to lay back down, Christy, Lizzie'll throw a tiz if she sees you up."
"Yes, she will," Elizabeth said from the doorway before she came over to the bed. "You need to rest, Christy. You'll have plenty of time later to hold her. And Jack's doing a fine job now."
I glanced over at him and smiled. "I know ... but she is partially mine too. Can I at least hold her for a couple minutes? Then I'll do what you want ... I promise."
Jack grinned lecherously. "I'll keep that in mind, love. Will fair warm me on many a cold night."
I rolled my eyes. "Honestly ... "
Elizabeth smiled knowingly at us and nodded briefly. "But not for long. I don't want you getting to tired."
"Yes, ma'am."
Jack came over and sat down beside me on the bed. With his free arm, he helped me to sit up and lean against him before handing me Rhiannon.
Elizabeth tutted slightly before leaving again.
Rhia looked up at me, her eyes bright and aware. I was still completely in shock that this was my child. She gurgled happily and grabbed onto Jack's finger, holding it tightly.
"She's got a tight grip for a babe," Jack said while trying to pry Rhia's fingers off of his finger but nothing doing, she evidently wanted it for herself and she wasn't about to give it up.
"At least she hasn't grabbed your hair or beard."
A faint breeze blew in through the open window and played with the feathers of hair on my daughter's head.
The three of us sat for a long time, my rather improper family of mine and it couldn't have felt more right. I relaxed slightly in Jack's arms and let him support me.
"Are ye too tired, love?"
"No ... just wanting a bit of support ... it hurts a bit to sit up too straight."
My abdominal muscles were starting to spaz and as I leaned more heavily on Jack, he took Rhia from my arms and helped me lie back down. Even though I didn't want to let her out of my arms, I submitted, exceptionally thrilled at the comfort level of the bed.
Elizabeth returned shortly and sent Jack away in order for me to rest. I allowed her to help me even though I didn't want to be coddled. But I knew that either way, she would get her way so there was no point in arguing.
I slept away the rest of the afternoon and when I woke up, I could hear Rhiannon crying. Elizabeth brought her to me but I didn't know how to breast-feed so one of the servants who had had several children showed me the proper way.
The sensation of it was completely different than anything that I had ever felt ... but nonetheless pleasant.
After I fed her, Rhia fell asleep in my arms, a peaceful expression on her face.
-A-
The first two days after I gave birth, Elizabeth kept me bed-ridden. I attempted to stage escapes several times but after my second trial and failure, Elizabeth stationed Jack in my room to keep me somewhat occupied or contained or both perhaps.
Finally, on the morning of the third, I was finally allowed to move about. And though I was still sore when I woke, I was too stubborn to stay in bed another day. Jack helped me to move around and Elizabeth ordered a bath to be drawn for me.
After my bath, I sat down to eat breakfast, Rhia safely in Jack's arms. The three of us walked a bit around the garden and sat on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
"How long are you staying?" I asked quietly. I knew that the subject was bound to come up sooner or later that I would rather breech it myself than later when my defenses were down.
"I don't know ... the Pearl will be back in several days but it would be easy enough to send them to Tortuga for a time while I help ye get set up here."
"What do you mean set up? What's the plan with all of this?"
"You weren't expecting to take a babe not a week old on a ship, were you? Christy, I think that you need to stay here for a while ... and I know that you don't want to but ... I think its what's best for all of us at the moment. I'll pay builders to build you a proper home for you and I'll come back every couple of months to check on you. I'll make sure that it's near enough to Will and Elizabeth...there's plenty of options."
"Jack ... "
Jack stared off into the distance for a while. "Don't, love. I'm not enjoying this either, but its what's best for you and the babe."
I stared down at our daughter for a long time, contemplating what he said. I decided it was true even though I despised the thought of being alone once more. "You swear you'll be back?"
Jack took my chin in his fingers and looked into my eyes. "I swear by all my rum that I'll be back. I swear by all the water in the ocean that nothing save for death itself will keep me from coming back for you."
"I would hope that it won't come to that. And if it would, I'm sure that you would find a way to come even if dead ... that's something you would be able to pull off quite well."
Jack flicked my nose playfully and kissed me. Rhia, evidently annoyed that the focus of my attention was not on her, wrapped her fingers around my braid that had fallen over my shoulder and pulled hard on it.
I jerked my head back and attempted to untangle my hair from her tiny fingers.
"Yes, heaven forbid it if Mummy takes her attention off you, isn't that right, little one?" Jack asked, his smile reaching into his eyes.
"I can definitely see where she gets her spirit from," I muttered conspiratorially as I threw the braid back over my shoulder, hopeful that that situation wouldn't be easily repeated.
A couple of silent moments elapsed as we sat simply enjoying the moment.
"As much as I don't like this very much, I think that its the right thing to do. And as long as you come back every couple of months ... I won't have to go on a murderous rampage across the entire Caribbean in search of you. But once she's old enough ... I'll expect some sort of change in arrangements, savvy? I'll make people realise that Christina Delcot is a force to be reckoned with if need be."
"Aye, missy."
-A-
The next day Will took me into the town to hire builders and to buy some land near his and Elizabeth's home. Jack would have gone with me, but as he was still a wanted man, he gave Will an insane amount of money for the land and builders. Rhia, of course stayed with Jack and Elizabeth was near by so that she could help him if need be. And even though I didn't want to leave her, I didn't want to expose her to the city, fearful that she would catch something.
We had kept up the charade of Will being my cousin so no one raised any questions as to why he was escorting me to do the purchasing.
The lot that we bought was right beside Will and Elizabeth's home was exceptionally large and fortunately, with an excellent overlook to the sea. But as it was large ... it was exceptionally expensive.
Will and the proprietor bantered back and forth over quite a while before finally settling on the obscene price.
After that, Will introduced me to some builders that he knew and I sat idly as they talked about a base price. When they started talking about structure and the like, though, my ears perked up. Evidently, Jack had a design in mind and had given Will instructions on what was needed. Once again, price was the majour factor. It wasn't that I needed to be mindful of money at the moment, as Jack was providing for me, but it did seem shocking how much people would agree to pay for things.
The chief builder told us that it would be up to a year before the home was finished and ready to live in but Will assured me that his and Elizabeth's hospitality would linger until everything was set up and as long as I wished. I thoroughly appreciated this but I did regret having to rely on their hospitality. Although, I had few other options, so I had not many choices. I wished deeply to be able to repay them ... but I had to no means to do so.
When finally the negotiations were finished, Will and I returned to the home just in time for lunch.
During the meal, Jack gave Will and I a hard time about spending so much of his gold but I could see from his eyes that he didn't mean it.
-A-
Jack stayed for a week or so before he announced that it was time for him to leave. I could see it in the way he gazed out the window's longingly, by the way that he stared into space and sighed deeply when he thought no one was listening.
"You'll be leaving soon, I imagine," I said when he sat down in front of me when I was feeding Rhia.
"How did you know that, love?"
I smiled. "They way that you've been acting lately ... you've been distracted, lately. And I can see it in your eyes. You're restless."
Jack grinned at me. "Aye, tomorrow morning."
I nodded. I wasn't thrilled about the development but I knew that putting up a fuss would do absolutely no good whatsoever.
"I should be back in a few months and the house should be done by then. Will and Lizzie are more than willing to let you stay as long as need be."
When Rhia had finished and fallen asleep in my arms, I laid her down gently in a cradle that had been brought by Jack for her ... he claimed to have bought it, but I knew that it had been most likely 'liberated.' "I trust you, Jack. I know you'll be back."
He smirked slightly. "Aye. When I get back, she'll be all over the place and ye'll be not quite so enthusiastic to be raising her, I'll tell ye."
"I'm sure. She'll be crawling everywhere and then you'll get to take her for a bit while I sleep!"
We laughed together at the thought.
I leaned in and pulled on one of Jack's dreadlocks playfully, pulling him to me for a kiss. "I love you," I whispered when we pulled apart.
Jack glanced down at Rhia and made sure that she was sleeping before he pulled me from my place on the bed into his lap. Kissing me softly, he ran his hands down my arms and started loosening the laces on my dress. I twisted my fingers into his dreadlocks and deepened the kiss slowly. When we pulled apart for air, Jack traced patterns down my back as I pulled his shirt out from his pants. I kissed him lightly along his hairline and after removing his shirt, relished in the taste of his tattoos.
My overdress fell off as we moved over to the bed and I was left clad in my chemise and Jack in his trousers only. His boots were kicked off carelessly and we lay down together, locked in a deep kiss. Jack kissed down my neck and along my collarbone.
But before we went any farther, as I knew we would if I didn't say anything, I said mournfully, "Jack ... I can't ... I'm ... "
Jack nodded knowingly. "Still sore?"
I nodded, feeling like I was about a centimetre tall. It wasn't that I didn't want to be with him, it was just that I couldn't.
Jack kissed me gently, "No worries, love. There are other things to do with Captain Jack Sparrow other than just tumbles."
Smiling at the fact that he understood and wasn't upset about the fact that it was not possible that I could participate in certain activities I responded, deepening the kiss.
We lay together for the entire night and relished in one final night of each other's embrace.
-A-
When I woke the next morning, I found the bed empty. Rhia was crying and I hurried over to calm her down. But as I walked back to the bed with Rhia in my arms, I noticed a folded piece of parchment lying on the bed stand.
I sat down with her and grabbed the letter. As Rhia fed, I read what the letter had to say.
"Christy -
I'm sorry that I didn't wake you this morn, love, but I had to be off early and as much as you don't want to admit it, you need your rest. And blame my selfishness ... but you're beautiful when you sleep. But more than everything, I had little other options.
Late last night, Gibbs came to the house and told me that the Navy may have discovered the Pearl's presence in Port Royale and that it was necessary to leave as soon as possible. I only had time to write this and grab my things before I left. And though I didn't wish to leave, I had little choice. Don't be too mad with me, love, but fate isn't on my side right now.
Remember my promise, I intend on keeping it.
Stay out of trouble ... I'll be back in a few months.
Keep good care of Rhia for me ... make sure she knows that her father loves her. Wouldn't want her to think he's a common pirate. (Not that the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow is anywhere near a common pirate.)
I love you.
Jack"
Feeling more than a bit saddened, I laid the letter back onto my bedstand before going down to see Will and Elizabeth.
"Morning," I murmured sleepily. Will was no where to be seen and Elizabeth was sitting at the table, nibbling some toast.
"Morning," Elizabeth answered tentatively. "Have a good sleep?"
"All right, I suppose. And you?"
"Well, Will left far too early and he's very loud when he's tired so I got up ... I can never fall back to sleep after I wake when the sun's up."
I smiled. "You're at least lucky to know when someone leaves ... I sleep through nearly everything that goes on around me."
There was a stiff silence for a moment.
"Jack had to leave, you know. He truly didn't want to."
I sighed. "I know. He left a note. Norrington found out about the Pearl being here?"
"Yes. But, we got a warning soon enough from Gibbs and Jack left soon after. He said to tell you that he'll keep his promise."
"I know ... he put it in his letter."
I took a piece of bread and jam from the plate on the table and Elizabeth and I talked for a while before we decided to go visit Will.
-A-
The smithy was as it always was when I had been there. It was hot, dark, slightly dank and full of swords and other metal objects, but that was to be expected.
I wandered around idly while Will and Elizabeth talked. Rhia slept in my arms as I walked and I attempted to not hear their whispered conversation, although I heard Jack's name mentioned several times. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw them both staring at me as they spoke.
Finally giving up on not concentrating on their conversation, I strode over. "Umm ... I'm sorry to interrupt, but, did something happen to Jack?"
Will looked slightly hesitant and glanced meaningfully at Elizabeth. "Christy ... Norrington found out about the Pearl. He wants to speak with all of us this afternoon. I don't think that he suspects you, per say, just that he thinks that you might ... I don't know, provide some information for him."
My eyes widened. "Oh my ... do you think I could pretend to be ill?"
Will shook his head. "Most likely ... no. It'll just be better if you come and act like the only time that you met Jack was when he was at our house ... provided of course that he knows that Jack was at our house. If he doesn't ... then don't mention Jack. Just ... I don't know, answer his questions as well as you can and leave the messy stuff to me and Elizabeth."
I nodded, my mouth feeling too dry to speak. I didn't want Jack to be found out. I knew that Norrington was a decent man, but I was afraid of what he might know or find out.
Elizabeth elbowed Will in the ribs. "Oh yeah," Will continued. "It might be wise not to bring Rhia. She's the spitting image of Jack. We don't want any more coincidental going on around us."
I nodded and quite quickly was ushered out of the door and back to the carriage by Will and Elizabeth, on our way back to the house.
I left Rhia with the chief housekeeper, who had always adored her and then we made our way to the fort.
-A-
Author Notes -
Well, like I said in my earlier note, this is the second to last chapter for the story. I will update by next Friday at the latest...since I leave on Monday of the following week. So, look for a chapter by the 25th of June.
Review, please, its always greatly appreciated.
Check out Pirates of the Caribbean: The Aftermath by The Quidditch Gals, which are two of my mates and myself. The story needs love, folks. Also, WeasleyGirl, one of The Quidditch Gals not to mention my best mate, gets back from Australia on Sunday! She was supposed to get back Friday but there were some problems with the plane... So, that story should be updated soon...hopefully.
Random thought of the moment - I have a poem by e.e. cummings stuck in my head at the moment. Its 1:15 AM here, I have a store meeting in 7 hours and I have 'anyone lived in a pretty how town' it's a good poem, it just is bothering me that it's in my head.
Well, now that you're all searching out for that poem, I must get some sleep before this evil meeting. I told my manager that I'd be there I just wouldn't be overly conscious! lol!
Have a great week!
Mange Klemmar,
CrazyCanoeingGIT
Well, its time to announce that this is the second to last chapter of "What's in a Name?" but also to announce that the sequel will definitely be appearing in early August. I realise that its a long time away but I'll be away for a month and though I'll still be writing, I'll have absolutely no access to a computer, let alone the internet ... so, I have to take a brief hiatus from posting. But, like I said, never fear, there will be more soon as I get home. Thanks again for all the reviews, they are great to read and I really appreciate the fact that so many people like my story...definite confidence booster considering that when I first posted it, I assumed that I would be getting nothing but flames, but I'm a perfectionist and I'm always harder on myself than anyone else...not a good thing, sometimes...lol. So, enough with these insane, insomniatic ramblings, and on with the chapter!
-A-
Author Thanks -
RMB - Thanks, mate! Enjoy! (Hope you didn't die from the wait!)
Trinity144 - Thanks! I think the spelling is obsessed, but I knew what you meant. Keep the flying monkies to yourself if you please, I've got enough to sort out at the moment, so, that would just delay me further from updating. Enjoy!
Inu Lover - Thanks!
Moulin-Rouge-Pirate - Thanks! I love the name Rhiannon. It's been one of my favourites for the longest time...I've thought about possibly giving it as a middle name to one of my kids...provided I have them, lol. Enjoy!
TriGemini - Thanks, mate! I wanted to add comic relief throughout the delivery ... but then again, I usually add something comical into everything I say and I was thinking about what I would say if I were in the situation so that justifies some of the sarcasm. I can't think how much pain it would be to have a completely natural birth ... shudder ... Enjoy!
Aurora Everwood - Thanks, mate! I'm honoured that my story is one of your favourites! Enjoy!
Rainbow Glitter - Thanks! My health teacher regaled us last year about the 'joys' of child birth, not to mention the things that were covered in 8th grade. Enjoy the chapter, mate!
MrsGinaSparrow - Thanks! I'm touched! Enjoy!
AJ-Sparrow - Thanks! Enjoy!
Zubachickqt4u - Thanks! Don't adopt solely because of what I wrote, lol. Although writing it and thinking back on all of the pain that it must have been, it definitely makes me wonder as to whether or not I'll adopt or not. But that's in the future, so no worries. Enjoy!
Mirja - Thanks! Don't worry about it, I completely understand about the exams. The days that I had my hardest of my exams I had a few minor breakdowns so I understand. I mitt Pre-Calculas gransking, jeg var ikke plan avslutning! Det var umulig! Jeg lev rommet I tårer! Jeg forstår hva du tenker omkring granskring spenning. Enjoy!
Lazy Jeeves - Thanks, mate! (Hope you're holding up okay with Chance being gone!) Enjoy!
irishbabi6 - Thanks mate! Yeah, I know my story's a touch long...its almost 300 pages on my laptop! I'm glad you like my story so much! Enjoy!
Dimonah Tralon - Thanks! Yeah, that movie really scared me, too. I may be good at leaving cliffhangers and writing things that don't set well with readers sometimes, but I wouldn't have let Jack miss the birth, I'm not that mean. Enjoy!
-A-
Last Time -
And before any further conversation could be made, I fell asleep as the sun peaked out from the horizon, myself in Jack's arms, my daughter in my arms.
-A-
What's in a Name?
Chapter 29 - Motherly Instincts
I woke sometime in the afternoon, feeling very, very sore and still quite tired. But, I couldn't sleep ... and instantly I knew why.
When I slept, I had been moved back to my bedroom and Rhiannon was no where to be seen.
Even though I guessed that Elizabeth would throw a tizzy if I got out of bed, I did ... wanting desperately to find my baby.
I pulled on a dressing gown and slowly made my way out of the room and down the hallway, listening intently for any baby-like sounds.
My mind was still very groggy from sleep and I nearly walked into a wall ... after that near miss, I kept one hand on the wall at all times.
Finally, after what felt like an age of searching, I found my quarry.
As I passed the study, I heard familiar voices.
It was Jack and Will and I guessed that they were enjoying a celebration drink.
I leaned in the doorframe for support as I asked, "Where's Rhia? Jack? I woke up and she was gone ... did something happen? Is she all right?"
Jack shot a humoured glance to Will and then walked over to me. "She's fine, love. Elizabeth's looking after her, keeping her safe and all manner of things. But, you can't say the same for you if she sees you out of bed."
"But, Jack ... " I whined, I was far too tired to put up with games.
"Not another word, love. I'll help you back to bed," and with that, Jack wrapped his arm around my shoulders and steered me back to my room, at an exceptionally slow pace.
"You're sure she's all right?" I asked again as he helped me into bed.
Jack smiled and nodded once more. "She's safe and will stay so, I swear. Now, you, missy, need to rest. You had a big day ... its not every day that one gives birth to the only child of Captain Jack Sparrow."
I smiled. "Yes, because, the task of giving birth is easy, unless of course the father was someone so ... infamous and ... stubborn."
Placing both his hands on my shoulders, Jack gently pushed me into a reclining position and kissed me lightly. "Sleep. You need it."
"Aye, cap'n," I murmured as I drifted off into dreamland.
-A-
When I woke up again, Jack was sitting in the room with Rhiannon in his arms. One wouldn't think that a pirate holding a baby would be picture that fit, but it did. The look on Jack's face as he held our daughter was one of blissful happiness and serenity. I compared this look to the pirate that I had once feared and then I realised that I had fallen in love all over again by just looking at him ... not that I had ever fallen out of love, but my feelings toward Jack were so much stronger now, almost impossibly so.
Jack saw that I had woken up and smiled over at me. "Afternoon, love."
I pushed myself up in the bed to sit up. My abdominal muscles protested to the change in their position but I didn't reveal the pain.
"Might want to lay back down, Christy, Lizzie'll throw a tiz if she sees you up."
"Yes, she will," Elizabeth said from the doorway before she came over to the bed. "You need to rest, Christy. You'll have plenty of time later to hold her. And Jack's doing a fine job now."
I glanced over at him and smiled. "I know ... but she is partially mine too. Can I at least hold her for a couple minutes? Then I'll do what you want ... I promise."
Jack grinned lecherously. "I'll keep that in mind, love. Will fair warm me on many a cold night."
I rolled my eyes. "Honestly ... "
Elizabeth smiled knowingly at us and nodded briefly. "But not for long. I don't want you getting to tired."
"Yes, ma'am."
Jack came over and sat down beside me on the bed. With his free arm, he helped me to sit up and lean against him before handing me Rhiannon.
Elizabeth tutted slightly before leaving again.
Rhia looked up at me, her eyes bright and aware. I was still completely in shock that this was my child. She gurgled happily and grabbed onto Jack's finger, holding it tightly.
"She's got a tight grip for a babe," Jack said while trying to pry Rhia's fingers off of his finger but nothing doing, she evidently wanted it for herself and she wasn't about to give it up.
"At least she hasn't grabbed your hair or beard."
A faint breeze blew in through the open window and played with the feathers of hair on my daughter's head.
The three of us sat for a long time, my rather improper family of mine and it couldn't have felt more right. I relaxed slightly in Jack's arms and let him support me.
"Are ye too tired, love?"
"No ... just wanting a bit of support ... it hurts a bit to sit up too straight."
My abdominal muscles were starting to spaz and as I leaned more heavily on Jack, he took Rhia from my arms and helped me lie back down. Even though I didn't want to let her out of my arms, I submitted, exceptionally thrilled at the comfort level of the bed.
Elizabeth returned shortly and sent Jack away in order for me to rest. I allowed her to help me even though I didn't want to be coddled. But I knew that either way, she would get her way so there was no point in arguing.
I slept away the rest of the afternoon and when I woke up, I could hear Rhiannon crying. Elizabeth brought her to me but I didn't know how to breast-feed so one of the servants who had had several children showed me the proper way.
The sensation of it was completely different than anything that I had ever felt ... but nonetheless pleasant.
After I fed her, Rhia fell asleep in my arms, a peaceful expression on her face.
-A-
The first two days after I gave birth, Elizabeth kept me bed-ridden. I attempted to stage escapes several times but after my second trial and failure, Elizabeth stationed Jack in my room to keep me somewhat occupied or contained or both perhaps.
Finally, on the morning of the third, I was finally allowed to move about. And though I was still sore when I woke, I was too stubborn to stay in bed another day. Jack helped me to move around and Elizabeth ordered a bath to be drawn for me.
After my bath, I sat down to eat breakfast, Rhia safely in Jack's arms. The three of us walked a bit around the garden and sat on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
"How long are you staying?" I asked quietly. I knew that the subject was bound to come up sooner or later that I would rather breech it myself than later when my defenses were down.
"I don't know ... the Pearl will be back in several days but it would be easy enough to send them to Tortuga for a time while I help ye get set up here."
"What do you mean set up? What's the plan with all of this?"
"You weren't expecting to take a babe not a week old on a ship, were you? Christy, I think that you need to stay here for a while ... and I know that you don't want to but ... I think its what's best for all of us at the moment. I'll pay builders to build you a proper home for you and I'll come back every couple of months to check on you. I'll make sure that it's near enough to Will and Elizabeth...there's plenty of options."
"Jack ... "
Jack stared off into the distance for a while. "Don't, love. I'm not enjoying this either, but its what's best for you and the babe."
I stared down at our daughter for a long time, contemplating what he said. I decided it was true even though I despised the thought of being alone once more. "You swear you'll be back?"
Jack took my chin in his fingers and looked into my eyes. "I swear by all my rum that I'll be back. I swear by all the water in the ocean that nothing save for death itself will keep me from coming back for you."
"I would hope that it won't come to that. And if it would, I'm sure that you would find a way to come even if dead ... that's something you would be able to pull off quite well."
Jack flicked my nose playfully and kissed me. Rhia, evidently annoyed that the focus of my attention was not on her, wrapped her fingers around my braid that had fallen over my shoulder and pulled hard on it.
I jerked my head back and attempted to untangle my hair from her tiny fingers.
"Yes, heaven forbid it if Mummy takes her attention off you, isn't that right, little one?" Jack asked, his smile reaching into his eyes.
"I can definitely see where she gets her spirit from," I muttered conspiratorially as I threw the braid back over my shoulder, hopeful that that situation wouldn't be easily repeated.
A couple of silent moments elapsed as we sat simply enjoying the moment.
"As much as I don't like this very much, I think that its the right thing to do. And as long as you come back every couple of months ... I won't have to go on a murderous rampage across the entire Caribbean in search of you. But once she's old enough ... I'll expect some sort of change in arrangements, savvy? I'll make people realise that Christina Delcot is a force to be reckoned with if need be."
"Aye, missy."
-A-
The next day Will took me into the town to hire builders and to buy some land near his and Elizabeth's home. Jack would have gone with me, but as he was still a wanted man, he gave Will an insane amount of money for the land and builders. Rhia, of course stayed with Jack and Elizabeth was near by so that she could help him if need be. And even though I didn't want to leave her, I didn't want to expose her to the city, fearful that she would catch something.
We had kept up the charade of Will being my cousin so no one raised any questions as to why he was escorting me to do the purchasing.
The lot that we bought was right beside Will and Elizabeth's home was exceptionally large and fortunately, with an excellent overlook to the sea. But as it was large ... it was exceptionally expensive.
Will and the proprietor bantered back and forth over quite a while before finally settling on the obscene price.
After that, Will introduced me to some builders that he knew and I sat idly as they talked about a base price. When they started talking about structure and the like, though, my ears perked up. Evidently, Jack had a design in mind and had given Will instructions on what was needed. Once again, price was the majour factor. It wasn't that I needed to be mindful of money at the moment, as Jack was providing for me, but it did seem shocking how much people would agree to pay for things.
The chief builder told us that it would be up to a year before the home was finished and ready to live in but Will assured me that his and Elizabeth's hospitality would linger until everything was set up and as long as I wished. I thoroughly appreciated this but I did regret having to rely on their hospitality. Although, I had few other options, so I had not many choices. I wished deeply to be able to repay them ... but I had to no means to do so.
When finally the negotiations were finished, Will and I returned to the home just in time for lunch.
During the meal, Jack gave Will and I a hard time about spending so much of his gold but I could see from his eyes that he didn't mean it.
-A-
Jack stayed for a week or so before he announced that it was time for him to leave. I could see it in the way he gazed out the window's longingly, by the way that he stared into space and sighed deeply when he thought no one was listening.
"You'll be leaving soon, I imagine," I said when he sat down in front of me when I was feeding Rhia.
"How did you know that, love?"
I smiled. "They way that you've been acting lately ... you've been distracted, lately. And I can see it in your eyes. You're restless."
Jack grinned at me. "Aye, tomorrow morning."
I nodded. I wasn't thrilled about the development but I knew that putting up a fuss would do absolutely no good whatsoever.
"I should be back in a few months and the house should be done by then. Will and Lizzie are more than willing to let you stay as long as need be."
When Rhia had finished and fallen asleep in my arms, I laid her down gently in a cradle that had been brought by Jack for her ... he claimed to have bought it, but I knew that it had been most likely 'liberated.' "I trust you, Jack. I know you'll be back."
He smirked slightly. "Aye. When I get back, she'll be all over the place and ye'll be not quite so enthusiastic to be raising her, I'll tell ye."
"I'm sure. She'll be crawling everywhere and then you'll get to take her for a bit while I sleep!"
We laughed together at the thought.
I leaned in and pulled on one of Jack's dreadlocks playfully, pulling him to me for a kiss. "I love you," I whispered when we pulled apart.
Jack glanced down at Rhia and made sure that she was sleeping before he pulled me from my place on the bed into his lap. Kissing me softly, he ran his hands down my arms and started loosening the laces on my dress. I twisted my fingers into his dreadlocks and deepened the kiss slowly. When we pulled apart for air, Jack traced patterns down my back as I pulled his shirt out from his pants. I kissed him lightly along his hairline and after removing his shirt, relished in the taste of his tattoos.
My overdress fell off as we moved over to the bed and I was left clad in my chemise and Jack in his trousers only. His boots were kicked off carelessly and we lay down together, locked in a deep kiss. Jack kissed down my neck and along my collarbone.
But before we went any farther, as I knew we would if I didn't say anything, I said mournfully, "Jack ... I can't ... I'm ... "
Jack nodded knowingly. "Still sore?"
I nodded, feeling like I was about a centimetre tall. It wasn't that I didn't want to be with him, it was just that I couldn't.
Jack kissed me gently, "No worries, love. There are other things to do with Captain Jack Sparrow other than just tumbles."
Smiling at the fact that he understood and wasn't upset about the fact that it was not possible that I could participate in certain activities I responded, deepening the kiss.
We lay together for the entire night and relished in one final night of each other's embrace.
-A-
When I woke the next morning, I found the bed empty. Rhia was crying and I hurried over to calm her down. But as I walked back to the bed with Rhia in my arms, I noticed a folded piece of parchment lying on the bed stand.
I sat down with her and grabbed the letter. As Rhia fed, I read what the letter had to say.
"Christy -
I'm sorry that I didn't wake you this morn, love, but I had to be off early and as much as you don't want to admit it, you need your rest. And blame my selfishness ... but you're beautiful when you sleep. But more than everything, I had little other options.
Late last night, Gibbs came to the house and told me that the Navy may have discovered the Pearl's presence in Port Royale and that it was necessary to leave as soon as possible. I only had time to write this and grab my things before I left. And though I didn't wish to leave, I had little choice. Don't be too mad with me, love, but fate isn't on my side right now.
Remember my promise, I intend on keeping it.
Stay out of trouble ... I'll be back in a few months.
Keep good care of Rhia for me ... make sure she knows that her father loves her. Wouldn't want her to think he's a common pirate. (Not that the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow is anywhere near a common pirate.)
I love you.
Jack"
Feeling more than a bit saddened, I laid the letter back onto my bedstand before going down to see Will and Elizabeth.
"Morning," I murmured sleepily. Will was no where to be seen and Elizabeth was sitting at the table, nibbling some toast.
"Morning," Elizabeth answered tentatively. "Have a good sleep?"
"All right, I suppose. And you?"
"Well, Will left far too early and he's very loud when he's tired so I got up ... I can never fall back to sleep after I wake when the sun's up."
I smiled. "You're at least lucky to know when someone leaves ... I sleep through nearly everything that goes on around me."
There was a stiff silence for a moment.
"Jack had to leave, you know. He truly didn't want to."
I sighed. "I know. He left a note. Norrington found out about the Pearl being here?"
"Yes. But, we got a warning soon enough from Gibbs and Jack left soon after. He said to tell you that he'll keep his promise."
"I know ... he put it in his letter."
I took a piece of bread and jam from the plate on the table and Elizabeth and I talked for a while before we decided to go visit Will.
-A-
The smithy was as it always was when I had been there. It was hot, dark, slightly dank and full of swords and other metal objects, but that was to be expected.
I wandered around idly while Will and Elizabeth talked. Rhia slept in my arms as I walked and I attempted to not hear their whispered conversation, although I heard Jack's name mentioned several times. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw them both staring at me as they spoke.
Finally giving up on not concentrating on their conversation, I strode over. "Umm ... I'm sorry to interrupt, but, did something happen to Jack?"
Will looked slightly hesitant and glanced meaningfully at Elizabeth. "Christy ... Norrington found out about the Pearl. He wants to speak with all of us this afternoon. I don't think that he suspects you, per say, just that he thinks that you might ... I don't know, provide some information for him."
My eyes widened. "Oh my ... do you think I could pretend to be ill?"
Will shook his head. "Most likely ... no. It'll just be better if you come and act like the only time that you met Jack was when he was at our house ... provided of course that he knows that Jack was at our house. If he doesn't ... then don't mention Jack. Just ... I don't know, answer his questions as well as you can and leave the messy stuff to me and Elizabeth."
I nodded, my mouth feeling too dry to speak. I didn't want Jack to be found out. I knew that Norrington was a decent man, but I was afraid of what he might know or find out.
Elizabeth elbowed Will in the ribs. "Oh yeah," Will continued. "It might be wise not to bring Rhia. She's the spitting image of Jack. We don't want any more coincidental going on around us."
I nodded and quite quickly was ushered out of the door and back to the carriage by Will and Elizabeth, on our way back to the house.
I left Rhia with the chief housekeeper, who had always adored her and then we made our way to the fort.
-A-
Author Notes -
Well, like I said in my earlier note, this is the second to last chapter for the story. I will update by next Friday at the latest...since I leave on Monday of the following week. So, look for a chapter by the 25th of June.
Review, please, its always greatly appreciated.
Check out Pirates of the Caribbean: The Aftermath by The Quidditch Gals, which are two of my mates and myself. The story needs love, folks. Also, WeasleyGirl, one of The Quidditch Gals not to mention my best mate, gets back from Australia on Sunday! She was supposed to get back Friday but there were some problems with the plane... So, that story should be updated soon...hopefully.
Random thought of the moment - I have a poem by e.e. cummings stuck in my head at the moment. Its 1:15 AM here, I have a store meeting in 7 hours and I have 'anyone lived in a pretty how town' it's a good poem, it just is bothering me that it's in my head.
Well, now that you're all searching out for that poem, I must get some sleep before this evil meeting. I told my manager that I'd be there I just wouldn't be overly conscious! lol!
Have a great week!
Mange Klemmar,
CrazyCanoeingGIT