Author's Note: Full apology may be found at end of chapter

Disclaimer: I'm just as heart broken as ever that I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean or any of its characters. My friend gave me a little magazine all about Orlando Bloom though…

Last Chapter: I usually just summarize the last chapter, but it's been so long since I updated that you guys are definitely going to want to just reread it. :(

Chapter 7 Shards and Smiles

Jack kept a close watch over Jessica, but he knew he would have to return to his duties as Captain soon. Not only would the crew grow suspicious, but The Powers only know where his crew would land the ship if left to themselves. Around noon it seemed to Jack that her skin had cooled almost to normal and her breathing had reached the deep even rhythm of sleep.

Jack was surprised to find Anamaria at the helm. His arms waved a little more madly than before as he approached her. Anamaria just raised her eyebrow, "Ye weren't expectin' Gibbs to man the wheel two days straight now were ye?"

"Not at all, 'specially seeing as how you're manning the wheel just fine. " Jack smirked, "Just the same I do believe young Robert could do with a hand."

Scowling, Anamaria stalked off muttering under her breath about a certain captain's affinity for whelps.

Jack chuckled to himself and gripped the smooth warm wood of the wheel.

Later that night Jack was sorting through his charts once again. He had to find a place nearby where he could drop off the ships' latest additions from The Devil's Snare. He didn't plan on leaving them to die on a small island, but he couldn't be thought of as too easy. Jack traced his finger along the map looking for possibilities. France… hmm that would teach 'em. Suddenly his finger stopped. He listened. Something wasn't right. Then Jack realized, Jessica's breathing was no longer deep and even.

The first thing Jessica became aware of was the dull pounding in her head. At least I seem to be all in one piece. Jessica was having trouble remembering anything from the past few days. It was like trying to get a full picture from the broken shards of a mirror. She remembered being very hot, and having hundreds of dirty hands groping for her. That must have been a nightmare. Waking up in the dank brig was not a nightmare however. She wasn't in he brig anymore though, and she definitely felt better than she had before. Someone must have brought my fever down, but who? A young face crossed Jessica's mind. Of course, Robert! Now she remembered. His face reflected back at her from the shards. Someone shifted on a chair nearby. She smiled to herself, Robert must still be watching over her.

"With a smile like that love, you must be imagining me."

Jessica's eyes snapped open.

"Sleeping beauty awakens."

Why? Why does he insist on tormenting me? He already sent me to the brig and left me there to die. Could he possibly get any worse?

"What's th' grimace for luv, I'd think you'd be happy to be opening your eyes again. We almost lost you a little while ago. I hate to think of the affect that'd be havin' on Gibbs. A live woman onboard is unlucky enough."

"I find it amazing that you have the gall to speak to me after leaving me to die."

In a second Jack had leapt upon the bed and pinned her arms to the walls. His face inches from hers, he murmured, "I can amaze you in more ways than one."

Jessica just sat that for a minute before recovering from the shock. She soon regained control of herself and pushed Jack forcefully from the bed.

"Argh! Don't you ever come within ten feet of me again."

Her faced flushed with anger, Jessica only became more vexed when she saw that Jack was still smiling smugly at her.

"What?" she asked harshly.

"Does that mean you won't be needing any supper?"

"No," she said defiantly, "I'm fine thank you."

Jessica's face fell as her grumbling stomach gave her away.

Jack didn't try to contain his laughter as he walked out, "I'll have the cook send some up for you then."

Jessica stared at the wooden bowl.

She had always thought that Jack Sparrow was the most feared pirate in the Spanish Main. Based on the contents of her bowl, he couldn't even afford to buy proper food. A thick gray broth surrounded colorless misshapen lumps. Of course, she knew the cook couldn't be blamed if the provisions he had to work with were bad. Obviously that pirate hoards the gold they steal and doesn't worry himself about the fare his crew is forced to consume. "He's a worse captain than I thought."

"Anyone I know?" Jack swaggered in with the same grin he had worn when he left.

Jessica hated that grin almost as much as that swagger. "You" she said simply.

"Now why would you be thinkin' me a bad captain?" His voice mocked hurt but his smile never wavered.

"Perhaps because you are a greedy little rat who cares nothing for the crew who entrust you with their worthless lives."

Again Jack's cocky smile never wavered. "I'm not sure I deserved that. But I leave it up to your impeccable judgment."

Jessica tugged at her skirt in irritation. "Well, I'm sure."

"Very well then, it's decided."

Jessica just rolled her eyes, "Do you have anything on this boat that's fit for human consumption?"

Jack smiled genuinely, "Anything the cook hasn't touched."

Jessica eyed him uncertainly, "You're lying. I know you hoard the gold and buy rotten food for your crew. It's terrible that you're blaming some poor cook."

Jack's face twisted into a devious smile. "I bet you an hour of no insults that the provisions I supply are plenty fit for human consumption. Jack stuck out his hand, "Do we have an accord?"

Jessica didn't like the way he was smiling, but she disliked agreeing with him more. She resolutely placed her hand in his.

Jack swept his hands up joyously in the air, "Agreed!"

He sauntered out the door and closed it behind him.

Jessica sighed, leaning back against the wall. She was irritated. This was something new for Jessica. It confused her, which made her angry. Anger was normal for her. It and hatred were what she usually felt after dealing with the pirate. Why was she suddenly now irritated? Certainly that stupid cocky grin of his annoyed her. That's it! In the past he always left angry when I insulted him. Now he just smiles. He even agreed with me when I called him a greedy rat!

Her new understanding brought Jessica no relief. On the contrary, she was more annoyed than before. Why on earth is he acting this way? What is he planning? She punched the pillow in frustration. It is impossible to figure out what goes on in that twisted mind of his.

Jessica closed her eyes tightly against the whirling thoughts in her head and abandoned herself to sleep.

Rolling over onto her side, Jessica's eye's drifted open. The moon shone in through the window. Its bright beams illuminated a figure on the floor. His calm face glowed. Jessica sighed to herself, she had never seen an angel before. The angel grew hazier until all Jessica saw was darkness once more.

"Get movin' yer highness."

Someone was banging on her door. Jessica groaned. Her father couldn't possibly want her up this early in the morning.

"Get that lazy rear of yours outta bed missy."

That is definitely not my Father. Jessica pulled the covers over her face as reality sunk in. She was still on that blasted ship with that blasted pirate. Who happened to be banging on her door with a vengence. What did he want?

In response to her thought Jack burst in to the room. "Up ye get woman, there's work to be done." Jack waggled his finger at her, "It's not polite to stare. And don't worry yourself lass. I'll not be workin' ye too hard this morning. Ye just need to sit in the crows nest and call lookout if ye see anything."

"You don't honestly think I'm going to work for you do you?"

"As a matter of fact I did." Jack said firmly. "Or did you think you'd be getting' free passage."

"It's your fault I'm on this ship in the first place. You're daft if you think I'll slave for you like one of your pirate crew."

Jack opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a call from Gibbs. He frowned, "We'll finish this discussion later."

Jessica pulled herself out of the bed and straightened the blankets on reflex. Did he really think she would warn him if a navy ship was coming? Or even worse, a merchant ship for him to prey on?

"Not likely"

How would he even know if she didn't call the alarm? Not until it was too late. He would be overtaken by the Navy, or an innocent merchant vessel would have time to escape. If she was watching lookout instead of a pirate, she might actually be able to save the lives of some poor honest citizens.

Jessica paused with her hand on the doorknob. What about all the pirates outside? The thought of them made her shiver. Though in the crow's nest she would be far away from them. It would be best to walk quickly and look straight ahead. Jessica took a deep breath and pulled open the door. This time the sunlight didn't blind her. It was just showing hints of color on the horizon. She walked purposefully to the rigging, never taking her eyes off it.

When she was halfway up the ropes Jessica chanced a glance below. She was surprised to find only the captain and a short pudgy pirate on the deck. She savored Sparrow's stunned look. She smiled gleefully to herself for the rest of the climb up the ropes. She had shown him.

When she reached the crow's nest Jessica pulled her knees up to her chest and watched the sun rise over the water. It truly was magnificent.

Author's Note:

How many apologies will it take? I'm sorry a hundred million times. Life has thrown me a few curveballs but I've managed to get back to writing. It's such a release for me. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I wrote the last chapter. I really hope I didn't lose any of my awesome reviewers. You guys make my day. Especially if you're reading my story for the first time, I'd love to know what you think.

I know it's been forever but it's still important to me to thank each of you individually, so special thanks to…

Dimonah- I'm glad too, it's kind of a relief.

Cayenne- awesome review as always :) I missed Jessica's raging too, so you got plenty of it in this chapter.

YueMichiruNaragisawaMiko- hehe you're so funny

Agent Katy- guilt, -sigh- Well it's not soon, but I hope you enjoyed the update just the same.

Hero Girl Of Brien- You're review made me smile :) It was like, the perfect review. I hope you're still reviewing.

Clueless-Patty- Your reviews are always interesting. I hope that Jack is still there after all this time, I wonder how he's doing now…

Lucy- yay! I'm glad that you still like Jess. You don't happen to have a tickling fetish do you? –raised eyebrow-