Chapter 9

I ran out into the rain and flung myself against the rail, breathing hard. What the hell was wrong with me? I was confusing myself and, not to mention, Annie as well. All these long years I'd loved Elizabeth, but now I wasn't sure anymore. Who knows what Annie must be thinking, I thought, after that kiss I'd be surprised if she ever spoke to me again. I know what I had to do, I had to apologise. But why did that kiss feel so right?

Who knows how long I stood there, lost in thought, but it must have been a long time, because the sun began to rise, pulling me out of my trance.

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Annabelle's POV.

After Will rushed out of the cabin, I just sat there, stunned. He was confusing me, but why? Hadn't he loved Elizabeth for years? Elizabeth had told me over and over about how much she loved Will, they were a smart match, a perfect match. But why did I have to love him as well? Because he is brave, handsome, kind, strong....started the voice in my head. And that kiss...I had wanted to hold him like that forever. But the kiss hadn't been meant for me had it? Sighing, I brought my knees to my chest, my wet gown clung to me,
and my wet hair dripped down my back.

It occurred to me then, I shouldn't worry about such silly things, my father would frown at me. My father. The memory of him flooded into my mind. I wondered how worried he would be to know I was sailing to an Island that only pirates had been. The thought of it made me smile. Then my thoughts wondered to Elizabeth, was she alright? I prayed to God that the pirates hadn't harmed her. I remembered all the times Will, Elizabeth and I had played pirates, when we were children in Port Royal. Elizabeth would pretend to be captured, then Will and I would rescue her. Who would have known that childish games could be real.

Tiredness soon overcame me and I eventually fell into a deep sleep.

I don't know what time it was when I woke up, but daylight shone through the small window above the desk.I lifted myself off the bed and made my way out onto the deck. Looking around I noticed we were in a ship-graveyard. My eye's wandered to where Will was speaking intently to Mr Gibbs.

"What did he use for rope?" I heard him ask. Gibbs thought for a moment.

"Human hair...from my back." Said Jack, joining the two. Disgusted, I wandered what on Earth they had been talking about.

"Let go of the Anchor!" Shouted Jack.

"Let go of the Anchor!" Echoed one of the crew.

"Young Mr Turner and I are to go ashore." Jack explained, making his way toward where some of the crew were lowering a rowboat.

"Jack!" I cried making my way towards him. "I'm coming with you!"

"No you're not, Annie." He replied, not even looking back, annoyed I followed him.

"You can't just leave me here! Elizabeth is my sister! Don't you think I should be able to come to her rescue as well!!" I asked, struggling to rein my anger and keep up with him at the same time.

"Quite true, but I can't risk you getting hurt, therefore you are staying here." He replied stopping and looking straight into my eyes, as if daring me to stop him.

"You think you can stop me? I can take care of myself!!" I said and pulled out my sword, only to be met with Jack's.

"You want to fight me, Annabelle, go on then." Taunted Jack, and we began to parry.

The crew circled us, and soon we were in our own tiny arena, our swords clashing angrily.

"Annabelle!" Will cried, pushing his way to the front of the group.

Unfortunately, I turned back to look at him, letting my guard down. Jack knocked me to the ground and placed a foot on my stomach, his sword thrust at my throat.

"You're stayin' here, luv." He said, smiling, like a child on his birthday. In my mind I cursed him and myself for letting my guard down, Dammit!!!

Still grinning, Jack removed his foot and helped me up. Angrily, I brushed past him and to my cabin.

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Will and Jack didn't return for almost two hours, I was going mad with worry. Eventually, in the distance,I saw a row boat coming back. As it drew nearer I saw that it had only two passengers. Will! I thought, I hope he wasn't hurt. Fear clenched my heart and I ran to the railing for a closer look. I breathed out, it was Will and Elizabeth. But a part of my was upset that Jack hadn't come back with them.

Not long after Elizabeth came aboard the ship, she was soaking wet.

Elizabeth looked around and sighed. "Not more pirates" She said, sounding worn out.

"Elizabeth!" I cried and gave her a hug. I was so glad she was alright.

"Annabelle! I didn't see you! It's so good to see you again!" She cried, hugging me back tightly. My sisterly instinct let me know when my older sister was distressed. I sighed, for both our sakes, soon we would be back safely in Port Royal.

"Welcome aboard, Miss Elizabeth" Said Gibbs, as we broke apart.

Elizabeth was shocked. "Mr. Gibbs?" She asked, wide-eyed. I chuckled and nodded.

Will climbed aboard and I saw he was wet also. He caught my gaze and I was lost in his beautiful chocolate eyes.

"Hey, boy." Gibbs said, breaking Will and I out of our connection. "Where be Jack?"

Elizabeth looked like someone had slapped her. "Jack? Jack Sparrow?" She asked Will.

Will gave Gibbs a look. "He fell behind." He muttered and led Elizabeth below deck.

I clapped my hand over my mouth. Oh my god, I thought.

Gibbs's face was grave as he turned to Ana Maria. "Keep to the code." He told her.

Code? I thought, what bloody code was he talking about?

Ana Maria, nodded slowly, face blank. "Weigh Anchor! Hoist the sails! Make quickly, divvies!" She yelled.

I turned back to the horizon before me, a light tear slipped down my cheek and quietly sung a small tribute to Captain Jack Sparrow.

"Yo ho yo ho, a pirates life for me...."