Author's Note: Once again, let me start by apologising for the delay. I haven't had internet
access since my last update. I doubt you want to hear my woes and frustrations with my
computer, so I won't bore you, but just know that I've written this chapter at least seven
different times just because of saving problems. To make up for my long absence, I'm giving you
two chapters instead of just one. Aren't you proud of me? Anyway, I still don't own Pirates or
any of the original characters and I still don't have a beta reader (Any volunteers?) so point out
my mistakes. Hope you like it.
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E.S.T.:
He had changed. It wasn't obvious, but rather lurking just beneath the surface. It wasn't
just the powdered wig, although that had thrown her off for a moment before she recognised her
old friend underneath, or the fancy clothes, although they contributed to the sense of change.
Elizabeth invited them in, sent a maid to fetch her husband, led her guests into the parlour
and locked the servants out.
He'd introduced himself as Mr. Jonathon Sparrow, a business associate of her
husband's, and Elizabeth kept up the charade until they were away from prying eyes and ears.
Once safe, she hugged Jack so tightly his wig was knocked askew and hugged her goddaughter
with the same enthusiasm.
As he sat across her, with a serious look on his face that looked out of place there,
Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder over what had brought these changes to the normally
carefree pirate.
They exchanged pleasantries as she poured them a cup of tea, to keep up appearances
for the servants who were undoubtedly listening. She heard the front door open, and the next
thing she knew, her husband had barrelled through the door looking out of breath. Jack's newly
straightened wig was this time knocked off as he received a bear hug from his old friend.
Pearl was then swept up and twirled around by her excited godfather, her dress in
danger of knocking down several expensive vases. By the time everything had settled down
again, Elizabeth pulled a rope and instructed the servant, who came in at the bell's call, that they
would be having guests for the next few days, so could they please prepare the extra rooms.
With all the servants scuttling to get those rooms ready, they were fairly sure that no one
was listening now, and signalled to Jack that it was safe to say whatever he wanted now.
He glanced uneasily at his daughter, and was interrupted by the opening of the parlour
doors by another breathless blacksmith. Bill stumbled in, looking as if he'd run all the way from
the docks, and knowing her son's habits, he probably had.
Glancing around the room with a grin that threatened to crack his face in half, Bill
rushed over to the visitors. He shook Jack's hand with a hearty, although slightly absentminded,
"Hello, Uncle Jack." while his eyes rested solely on his best friend.
He moved slightly slower this time, over to the embroidered sofa, his eyes never
wavering. He held out a hand to raise her to her feet and she accepted with a nod. He twirled
her around gently, openly staring at the change in his friend.
Pearl's smile widened at his dumfounded look, and held out held out her arm, which he
tucked into his. They walked out the back door without a further word to their parents, onto the
patio that had a remarkable view of the hills and ocean beyond.
Will and Elizabeth shared a smile, knowing exactly what was going on in their son's
mind, even if he didn't. Jack stared after them, with a wistful look on his face, which he quickly
shook off when his friends looked at him.
"Now mates, you better sit down for this…"
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Author's Note cont.: It's my first cliffhanger! I have a basic plot for the story in mind, which is
amazing 'cause I usually do no planning whatsoever for anything, but I'd still like ideas and small
scenes that could be added. If you have any ideas, please tell me.