The Pearl was in Tortuga for Jack's 14 birthday so the crew took him out to give him a proper celebration.

Meaning they were getting him a few drinks and a lady friend for the night.

Bill was sitting next to Jack when he said, "You don't have to do any of this, kid." Bill could tell Jack was nervous.

"No I don't…but I will."

"Here you go Jack…I mean sir, your first bottle of rum. This will take all of your past and future worries away." Said a crewmember

"Down it" said another

So Jack took the drink and tilts his head back. No sooner than it happened Jack started spitting and sputtering for dear life. This got a round of laughs from the bar.

"Good job son, you're almost a man now."

When Jack caught his breath he asked, "What else do I have to do?"

"Spend the night with a lady. This here is Abby; she'll show you the ropes."

"Jack if you're not ready…"

"Nonsense captain, it has to happen sometime."

"Well then I guess sometime is now." Jack said as he was led up to a room.

"You are all helping me in the morning" Bill said to his crew.

"Aye captain" came from the smiling crew.

Next morning

Jack woke up the next morning in a bed he didn't recognize. He then remembered the last night. That was the worse he though. The rum wasn't the greatest, but after that was great, even is he wasn't. But you had to give him credit; it was only his first time.

Jack stood up to find the room spinning. When he got his footing he headed to the door and down the stairs. It was extremely loud and bright. He jumped and would have fallen down the rest of the stairs if Bill didn't catch him.

"You alright lad?"

"I'm fine, just stop talking so loud…and why is it so bright?"

A crewmember came up and said, "Congratulations on your first hangover son. How does it feel?"

"Like hell."

"That bout sums it up. Come on we'll get you some water and you'll be fine in an hour." Bill said

Later that night

They had left Tortuga and were sailing again. Bill was looking over the edge as Jack was steering the ship. Jack got them out of the dock; he just needed a little help. It would be like that for awhile, but he was getting the hang of it. He was a quick learner.

Bill walked up to the helm. "I'll take it from here Jack, why don' you get some sleep."

"I'm fine. I could stay up here all night."

"Well that won't be necessary. Come on push over."

Jack reluctantly let go of the wheel.

"How was your son?"

"He was fine, just a cold. He got over it in a week."

"That's good. How's Emily?"

"She's good too."

"I'm not gonna get much more am I?"

"Probably not. How was your first real night in Tortuga?"

"It could have gone better. I don't like rum, but I enjoyed the company, even if she didn't."

"Heh, well we'll be back there."

There was a silence for a few moments.

"I'm sorry if you didn't want me at the wheel. They just picked me, I wasn't even gonna volunteer." Jack said quietly.

"Why would you be sorry about that? Jack from the sound of it, you did a great job. You're well on your way to being the greatest pirate captain ever."

"Second best"

"Whys that?"

"Because you have the Pearl and this is the greatest ship in the Caribbean. It's the fastest and it brings in the most swag wit you as captain. So that will make me the second best. I would never take this from you."

"You love this ship, don't you?"

"Aye, she is a beauty. Maybe I could just be your first mate forever."

"No Jack, you will not be my first mate forever."

"You don't want me to be here?" Jack looked and sounded hurt.

"That's not what I mean. What I mean is that never settle for anything. You will be the greatest pirate there is someday, with or without the Pearl."

"Why are you pushing this so much?"

"Because you deserve so much more out of life."

"Thanks William, I really can't wait to be a captain."

"Pay attention Jack, it may happen sooner than you think."

"Maybe, maybe not. Goodnight Bill."

"Night Jack"

It will happen soon Jack; I want to see my son grow up, just like I watched you grow up.