Sorry for such a long wait. I have been so busy with school and soccer and homework, and then editing and adding to this chapter took longer than expect, but I think I'll be able to get another update in over the weekend. I hope ya'll enjoy!

Chapter Thirteen

When Elizabeth didn't show up on that dreary night on the beach, Will began to worry. He walked past their house, but didn't dare get to close. The light was off in their room, in fact, there wasn't a candle lit in the house. What could be going on? Fighting the instinct to make sure nothing was seriously wrong, he walked back to the inn. Afraid that further investigation would only stir up trouble.

It was not until early the next day that the rumors met his ear. He was walking through the bar, on his way out to the beach when he heard two of the table ladies talking forlornly...

"The Commodore and Elizabeth have always had their problems," One of them spoke quickly, "especially since those Will Turner rumor years back, but no one ever imagined anything like this to happen!"

Will couldn't envision what the women were talking about, but it concerned him. Something could have happened during the night...to Elizabeth! He stood still for a moment, waiting for the woman to say more.

"Yes," the other woman replied. "It is devastating news! Very devastating,"

Will couldn't stand it any longer, turning towards the woman he spoke "Excuse me ladies..." he asked, surprising them both, "I couldn't help but overhear, is everything alright in the Norrington household?"

"Oh, but 'aven't you heard?" One woman spoke, delighted to tell someone about the juicy gossip. She grabbed Will's arm, speaking slowly and in a hushed whisper, "Last night, the Commodore caught Mrs. Norrington sneakin' off to meet her secret lover!"

Will froze, something could have happened to Elizabeth! He knew himself, how gruff the Commodore could be. "Secret lover?" He blurted, squeaking as he spoke "Who?"

"Oh, no one knows," the other lady drew closer, "But personally I think it's..." She looked around nervously, "William Turner, come back from his banishment!"

Will turned towards her, alarmed. He had never been well known in the town, (at least until after the banishment) and was suddenly thankful for that. These ladies obviously didn't recognize him, as not many people, if any, did.

"Anyhow, the Commdore was in an angry rage...and I can completely understand...what was Elizabeth thinking, fooling around and sneaking off at night? Many woman would have payed money to have married the Commodore..."

"I know I would have..." The other woman nodded boldly as if trying to convince Will.

"But then again, the Commodore had plenty of money...and he was quite set on Elizabeth I must say."

"As we where saying..." The woman turned back around, just to see Will walking towards the door.

"Thanks ladies!" He said smiling and he pushed open the door, trying to smile as best he could and hide his worry.

"But don't you want to hear the rest of the story!?" One woman called after him, but Will ignored her, walking down the road swiftly, never missing a step.

Finally, he arrived at the manor, just to find the large iron gate, usually open for visitors, closed. Will cursed under his breath, running his hands through his hair. Something was obviously wrong, and he had to find out what it was.

Looking around timidly, Will noticed a few uneven bricks on the wall several yards around a corner. The barrier wasn't very high, only around 8 feet, he could surely mount it.

A part of Will was afraid to make the climb. No, not because he was afraid to physically climb the enclosure, just because of what may be waiting to haunt him on the other side.

But his curiosity, and not to mention, his mix of worry and love for Elizabeth urged him forward, stepping up to the wall, he pulled himself up onto the first brick, just as a voice called out from behind him.

"Hey! You! W-what do you think you're doing?"

Will turned around, cursing himself as he noticed the Royal Army uniform sported on a small, younger man. There must have been a guard by the gate that he hadn't noticed. Will pondered what to do, judging by the looks of the guard, he was inexperienced and quite fearful. Taking the advice he had learned from Jack, he took the friendly approach. "Hello!" He said, smiling, "Beautiful day, isn't it?"

"I'm going to a-ask you again," He said, pointing his musket directly at Will, who now had his hand laid on his sword, "You...What...do you think...you where doing!?"

Will tilted his head, deciding to try to confuse the young man, "Well, that depends if you want the truth or if you want an excuse...I'm awful good at making up excuses..." He added, not afraid of the guard who seemed anything but professional, Will could see his hand shaking, proving his suspicion right. The guard was obviously nervous to be facing a real "villain".

"Yes, I w-want the truth!" The guard spoke eyeing Will's sword.

Will couldn't help but laugh, "What if I don't want to give you the truth?" he asked, taking a step towards the young man.

"S-STAND BACK!" He yelled. Will rolled his eyes, he couldn't take much more of this.

"I'll tell you what, if you tell me what is going on in with the Norringtons, I'll leave you be and you can go on guarding the house...which is a prime job I must say. Do you mind me asking how you got involved in the field?"

"Actually I-"The guard started, falling for Will's mockery, "Hold on! Don't you try to change the subject!"

"So what do you say?" Will asked again, still fingering his sword.

"That's p-personal business for the Norringtons to know and you to keep your n-nose out of!" The young man said.

Will had lost the friendly approach and was beginning to worry again. "I'm sure the Norrington's wouldn't mind you telling me." He took another step forward, causing the anxious guard to lunge towards him.

But Will, of course, was ready, pulling out his sword he knocked the musket out of the young man's shaky hands and punched him square in the jaw, knocking him out.

Not taking a second glance, Will fled quickly, he moved towards the wall again, but with more speed this time.

He landed behind a bush on the other side, and not worrying about any other guards, he half walked, half ran up the drive towards the house.

Skipping three stairs at a time, he arrived at the front door at last. He was about to knock, but then pondered. Was this really his business? He was worried, that was for sure...and he had surely gone through a lot to get here, but should he really be meddling like this?

Bringing his hand back down he was about to turn around when the door opened and Elizabeth jumped into his arms, crying hysterically.

"Elizabeth, what's wrong?" He said, relieved to see her alive and somewhat well. He pulled her closer into his grasp.

"Oh Will, I d-don't what I am to do! This wasn't supposed to happen, it wasn't supposed to..." Elizabeth stopped as Will pushed her shoulders upright, causing her to look him in the eye.

"What happened?" He asked.

"Will, he caught me sneaking out of the house! He assumed I was going to see you, he got upset. He ran out of the house but I wanted to explain everything to him. I – I followed. He headed towards his off - office and there was a carriage..."

Will got the picture from here. He shushed her by pulling her towards his chest as she burst into tears and buried herself in his shirt. "Will, this is all my fault! If I... hadn't tried to sneak out n-none of this would ever have happened!" She spoke between breaths. Will felt suddenly guilty, himself. He had caused this too. "Father is in the dining room with the attorneys. I don't know what will happen! What do I tell Young James? What do I tell him? He is only 9 years old!"

"Sssshhhh..." Will tried comforting her the best he could, "Don't worry about those things right now. It will all work out..."

But he wasn't completely sure when he said those words that they where true. Never had he expected this. Never in a thousand years. He had wished for Elizabeth just a few days ago. Wished the Commodore didn't exist, now he felt like it was all his fault. He pulled Elizabeth tighter towards him, resting his chin thoughtfully on the top of her head. His thoughts were interrupted, though, as the door opened and the guard burst in, causing Elizabeth to pull away.

"THERE! That man right there! Trespassing Mam! And I caught him in the act!" He pointed knowingly at Will.

Elizabeth, looking nervously at him and then the guard, calmly spoke "Wilson, it's alright, calm down...Mr. Turner...." She spoke, trying to decipher an excuse. She opened her mouth to continue, but was interrupted by a small voice at the top of the stairs.

"Ma? What is happening Ma?"