Chapter 13: A Series of Most Unfortunate Events

Night seemed to fall early that evening, and the crew gradually made their way to their various cabins. Juliet had been sharing Jack's cabin, and so she headed down there once she was the only one left on deck besides Jack, Gibbs, and Anamaria. Jack told her he'd be steering for a while longer, and that they might just drop anchor for the night once he got tired, because the other two were sick of the night shift at the helm. She had offered to take over, but he brushed it away, mumbling about how she shouldn't strain her shoulder and how he didn't think she was entirely trustworthy.

Juliet was a bit perturbed at the fact that she had been hurried downstairs by Gibbs and Anamaria, even though they were staying on deck, and was also rather suspicious about the whole situation. She also found that she was not the least bit tired, so she resolved to sit down by the window. In the distance, she barely made out what seemed to be a large island, no more than three or four miles away most likely. She wrote it off however, and her gaze dropped down into the water, focusing into the endless depths before her.

.......................

Juliet had drifted into her own world, lost in the waves that caressed the sides of the ship. However, she was quickly brought back to reality by the sound of light footsteps heading down the stairs to Jack's cabin. She dove into the bed as quietly as possible, scurrying under the covers and closing her eyes. The door opened slowly and the click of boots echoed around the quiet room as Jack approached the bed.

"Ahh, just like old times. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist me, Jules. And who could blame you? Afterall, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow," he said aloud, clicking over to the bed.

He chuckled quietly as he set eyes on Juliet. She was in his bed. She had been insisting that she sleep on the floor, and had allowed him his bed. Of course, Jack, being who he was, he had offered to share the bed, but Juliet did not agree. Jack poked her arm to make sure she really was asleep, and he got no response, so he figured she was.

"Sleep well, luv. I'm off to find out what you've been hiding from me." He grinned mischeviously as he turned and exited the cabin, quietly shutting the door behind him and heading back to the deck.

As soon as Jack was safely up the steps, Juliet bolted out of the bed and back to the window. Of course there was land in the distance, and no wonder she thought she recognized it. It was Port Royal! Jack was probably going to see that bloody Will who had probably been spying for him the entire time they were gone and Will had probably talked to Caroline who had probably told him everything. Too much guessing, Juliet decided. She needed to know for sure.

.............................

By the time they had dropped anchor in their usual location, the sky was pitch black. And the cover of darkness if often too good to resist. Juliet watched from the window as Jack slipped away from the ship, and then she snuck up on the deck. Gibbs and Anamaria stood near the helm, so Juliet slipped by them through the shadows. She crouched at the bow of the ship, waited for both of the helm-guards to look away, then lowered herself over the side of the ship. Halfway down, she realized there was no boat waiting for her at the bottom. Oh well.

Juliet dove into the water as quietly as she could. It was surprisingly cold, so she quickly resurfaced and swam to shore. She shook her head around as she stepped out of the water to try to dry it off, but the beads that were now scattered throughout her long locks ended up making quite a racket. Oh well.

.............................

"Will? Why are you still downstairs?" Elizabeth called from the top of the steps.

"Um, no reason, I'm just not tired... yet."

Unfortunately, the loud bangs on the door that followed gave Will away. Elizabeth came down the stairs and Will started toward the door, but Elizabeth cut him off.

"Sit," she said curtly. She faked a smile and walked toward the door, swinging it open surprisingly hard. Her mouth dropped at the sight she met, a smiling Jack Sparrow.

"What is he doing here, AGAIN? And why didn't I know he was coming? And why so late? This can't be good. Sit, Jack," Elizabeth ordered.

"Lovely to see you again, too, Liz. Now, Will," Jack said as he sashayed over to Will and sat down. "What have you found out for me?"

"Well..." Will stammered, standing up from the chair and starting to pace around Jack and Elizabeth. "I did find something out, but... Jack, you may want to sit down."

"I'm already sitting."

"Oh, right, well... uh..." Will ran his hand through his hair, collecting his thoughts and thinking about what to say. Suddenly, however, there was a series of deafeningly loud knocks at the door.

"Please, gentlemen," Elizabeth said sarcastically, "Don't trouble yourselves. I'll get it." She rose from her chair and stalked to the door, opening it slowly. Needless to say, her eyebrows shot up even higher than before when she saw who stood at her door.

"May I-" she was cut off by the young woman as he launched herself into the room towards Will.

"Will! Will! Oh, it was horrible! You must help me!" Will looked around uneasily as Caroline ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. Elizabeth's mouth dropped open, and then she galred at Will and went to sit down with Jack. Jack was entirely amused by the situation, watching this strumpet invade their home.

"Caroline... how did you find out where I live? And uh... what exactly are you doing here?" Will asked as he tried to get Caroline off of him.

"How do you know her?!" Elizabeth shrieked from her seat.

"That would be my fault, Lizzy," Jack said as he stood up. "Caroline, luv, please dislodge yourself from Will, or you may not make it out of this house," he said as he tilted his head toward Elizabeth.

"Well," Caroline began, "About finding your home, I asked the Commodore last night." Eyebrows shot up all around the room, along with countless stifled laughs. "Anyway," she continued, "When I came home last night, or should I say this morning, I found this note pinned to my door." She handed a crumpled piece of paper to Will, who opened it and began to scan it over.

Juliet:
I wonder if by now you've realized your mistake in leaving me. If not, you will now. If you'd ever like to see you most treasured possesion, or may I say, mistake. I imagine Sparrow will be wanting to help you, if you've even told him about this lovely little thing. I suggest you do so now if you have not. If you'd like to see this item again, alive, that is, you will find me in one of Mr. Sparrow's favorite places. My crew and I will be waiting for you there, for two weeks. After that period of time, the offer is up. Upon meeting, you will see what I desire in return.

Until we meet again,
Conway

Will read it out loud and looked to Caroline, then to Elizabeth and Jack's confused faces. Then, they all noticed, the door was ajar. Juliet stood in the doorway, one hand clasped over her mouth, tears running freely down her cheeks. Jack turned to Will, then looked to Elizabeth and Caroline. When he looked back to Juliet, she was lying in a heap on the floor, obviously having fainted.

"Will, do us a favor, meet me in my cabin on the Pearl in fifteen minutes. You would do well not to be seen, savvy?" said Jack as he scooped Juliet up into his arms. "Ta, Lizzy. Caroline, luv, come with me."

A/N: a farely long one! I am SOOOO sorry, I promise that Jack will find out about the kid in the next chapter, I just thought this one was getting a little long. I'm going on vacation and i'm not sure if I'll have internet access, but if I do, I'll try to post more!! Hope you enjoyed, and please review! ALSO, very sorry for the horribly long delay but I was on vacation... now im back!! =)

DeynaIanBloom: NAUGHTY YOU! Dont hurt jack lol. Well, my deeeeeepest apologies I swear i'll get to that scene in the next chapter. Don't hurt me ;] i'll try to do the next one verrry soon! Thanks so much for being such a loyal reader, oh and sorry for the cliffie. Hehe ;]