Ok...there are only a few chapters left..short, I know. BUT, there are two more coming, savvy? I know before I wrote "And I have a newborn son"...but Will was a little older. Maybe three or something...I dunno...what ever age he needed to be.
Chapter eight: Decisiveness
Else was slowly prowling the sick bay...wondering if it was in her best interests to go out, or stay in. Her yearning to go and talk to Jack about the treasure was just as strong as her humiliation of finding out that Brandy was his sister. In the end, the treasure ruled supreme.
Else stepped out into the bright morning light, glancing around for anyone who could tell her. Bill was leaning against the bulwark, trimming a few holes that were in the sails with a large needle, and feeling he was the best to confront, walked over to him.
"Ah..the slave," He started, smiling, until he caught her fierce glare. "Er..yes?" He tried again.
"Has...Jack said anything about the island?" Bill set down his sail and stood up, rubbing his hands on his canvas breeches. Piracy had changed him little. He only had a full grown beard, whereas before he was clean shaven. True, he wore the stereotypical pirate garb, but none the less...he was the same man. He did have his merchant profession to uphold as well.
"I think so. I think he plans on going." Without hearing another word, Else strode away from the man, her face full of thunder. She burst into the cabin, finding Jack and Barbossa pouring over a map.
"Out," Else growled at Barbossa, who gave her a look of absolute disgusted skeptical irritation, not moving. They stared each other down, until Jack quietly whispered, "Ya better do it mate, other wise she might take off your head..." Barbossa gave them both disgusted looks, and strode out of the room, closing the door none too quietly on the way.
"So, what is in your head that you send out me first mate? Eh?" Else was fuming, and trying not to let a string of curses emit from her mouth, instead; her hands balled into tight fists, her knuckles going white. She took a deep rattling breath.
"I hear we are now sailing to the Isle De Muerta ...is this true?" Jack stood up, and walked towards Else. As soon as they were a nose apart, he spoke, his breath warm against her face.
"There are other people on this ship, then you, Else." It was more of a reprimand, but he said it almost kindly, and with affection. "If you stop and think about it, I am doing this–not only for the money–but for us. Can you imagine? All the world at our fingertips? With a few gold pieces we could make people forget we are pirates–but why would we want to?–and live a highflying social life...or we could buy an island and live there in a large mansion with slaves to run a plantation with all we need. I am not only thinking about myself and all the rum and whores I could buy," He broke off for a moment, a rueful look on his face, then shook his head. "But about us. You. Me. The Pearl. And a whole lot of currency."
Instantly the fire went out of Else's anger. She opened her mouth to say something, but Jack's lips were soon on hers. She was quelled. Every thought other then those soft lips slipped out of her mind, as he made his way slowly to the bed, pulling her along with him.
"Geesh. Get a room," Brandy strode into the sunlit room, rolling her eyes at the pair sprawled out on the bed.
"We are in a room," Jack snapped, sitting up and pulling on a shirt. Else slammed her eyes shut, reluctant to get up, and go about her usual tasks.
"Oh...yeah. So, the baby makers at it? Or are you two just enjoying the others company?" Else snorted, and opened her eyes, sitting up. Brandy was wearing a black kirtle with crimson trimmings and her hair looked like it had been curled with rags over night. Like always, she was beautiful.
"Get out!" Jack barked, but Brandy just crossed her arms over her chest, and leaned more on her left foot.
"Well...beings that I have a share in the ever elusive treasure...I think I need to know where exactly we are going...and when we are getting there." Else stood up, and stretched her arms over her head, yawning big. Brandy shot her a glance of emotions all mixed in one; awe, hatred, admiration, respect, and resentment. It was a horrifying combination–then turned her amber gaze on Jack.
"Im not saying where it is. Frankly–"
"Its always good to be frank." He shot her a dirty look.
"–Frankly I don't trust you one whit. But, we should be there in a few days, give or take a few things." Silence. "Will you get out now?" Brandy regarded the two, the same look on her face that Barbossa's held only a few hours ago.
"I suppose you want to get back to your wild and passionate love making." She snorted, and turned on her heel, out the door in a flash of black and crimson.
"Oh...I should have strangled her in her sleep when we were kids." Jack got a buffet on the ear with a soft pillow for that.
