Chapter 28
Long, dainty, white arms snaked around Jack's neck as the longboat moved farther and farther away from the shore, and Mari.
"Oh Jack," Sarah cooed as she leaned against him. "What are you thinking about?" Jack said nothing and watched the shore move farther and father away. He felt strange and empty without Mari, without her making some odd comment or hitting him, or something. He felt strange just because she wasn't within ten feet of him. The crew were determinedly looking away, with the exception of Will, who was being forcibly, but quietly, restrained from strangling Sarah. By now Jack had told the crew what had happened and it hadn't taken Will or any of the crew long to figure out exactly why Mari had done that. And Sarah was one of the main causes, besides Jack being impossibly clueless.
Once they were abroad the Pearl they saw the warriors leave and Will was dragged to his cabin by Elizabeth and Gibbs. Orion had been safely stowed in Mari's cabin. Jack stood at the hull of the ship. Mari had stood there just a few hours before. Things already felt different without her. As he thought about it he wondered what had really caused Mari to do something as drastic as that. She had to have known exactly what she was doing, she was too smart not to. She had to have known she was giving up her freedom and the sea, all for them. Why would she do that? Then he remembered she had spoken to Sarah before they had been taken away. What ha she said to her?
Sarah came up and snuggled against Jack, he didn't smile this time, only frowned. Gibbs and Cotton watched this and shook their heads. Jack was a great captain and a good man, but he was clueless when it came to actual love. Mari deserved better than a clueless captain, but she didn't want it. All she had wanted was Jack, and she had never admitted that, she had only given in to this fancy lady. Mari never wanted to give in, but she had seen jack smile a couple times when Sarah had leaned against him and shown affection. Mari wasn't that type of girl; she couldn't compete with that, not it this game. So she had decided to save Jack and the crew at the cost of her freedom, though they all knew she would rather have died free. Gibbs just shook his head and called orders for the ship to hoist anchor. But the crew's heart was not in it like it had been before. Their hearts went out to Mari, and Will. Jack, currently, didn't deserve it. Will had fought in the boat trying to get back and had needed Elizabeth and Gibbs to get him to his cabin.
"What did Mari say to you before we left, Miss Sarah?" Jack asked, leaning away from her. Gibbs had let Orion out, but also tied him to the helm to keep him from flying away.
"Um, She mentioned something about winning and happiness. And something about you, I think she was telling me to tell you how I feel Jack. And I think she was right. Jack, I love you. And I want to know how you feel about me." Sarah said cutting him off. Jack went around her and stroked Orion's soft feathered head.
"Miss Sarah," Jack said curtly. "I feel honored that you chose the Black Pearl to carry you to the coast of Africa but I feel you are merely a guest. And your time would be better spent in your cabin until we arrive at your destination and you can meet your fiancée, as was arranged." Jack said untying Orion. Sarah was speechless and stormed off to her cabin in a huffy rage. Orion made to fly off towards the island but Jack grabbed a clawed foot.
"No birdie, she's gone. And you can't follow. But another creature can." Jack said on a sudden inspiration. "Hold all sails and weigh anchor. And find that blasted monkey! We need him in a cage." Everybody stared at him.
"Come on you mangy dogs! We have a crew member to save!" Jack shouted. Everybody raced to obey.
"How could she do that? Why did she do that? And why the hell isn't Jack doing something about it?" Will half shouted. He felt like something was missing, and could never be healed. His heart ached from loss. He had just found her and now she was gone for good. Jack loved her and wasn't doing a thing about it. Instead he was courting Sarah. What was in his head?
"Will have you seen that monkey?" Jack asked poking his head in the door.
"No and I don't care about the monkey, I care about Mari." Will snapped.
"You aren't the only one now hop to it! We have to find that monkey. I have a plan." Jack shouted. Will and Elizabeth darted out the door to help.
What is Jack's plan? Will he arrive in time to save Mari? Will his plan even work? read on to find out.