Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original POTC characters…otherwise I would be making a real book or movie…not fan fiction. I hold all rights to my original characters.

Chapter 4

His stomach grumbled as he stood up, pulling me with him. "Not that I'm not enjoying this," he quipped while giving me a small, sweet smile, "but could we get something to eat now, love?" He cocked one eyebrow as he called me that famous little pet name…Damn. He was as courteous as Will Turner, but had his father's rugged, wild, seductive ways.

His smoky brown eyes locked on my coffee ones and I just couldn't move. He slowly dipped down, bringing his face closer to mine at an excruciatingly slow pace. It was like he was giving me a chance to avoid him, but I had no intention of doing any such thing. I went up on my toes until our lips met, and the result was electric. Shivers ran all over my body. He started out sweet and slow, then pulled away, gauging my reaction, I guess. I let my face relax into a shy smile, and he sat me down on the couch with a bright laugh. Jack pulled me forward, and I gasped as he ran his tongue over my lips.

Just as I was about to retort, his stomach growled again. I broke away hesitantly and said, "Have you ever had a grilled cheese sandwich?" He raised his eyebrows questioningly and replied, "I've never heard of a sandwich, let alone a grilled cheese one…but it sounds delicious."

As we reached the top of the stairs, I felt Jack reach out to hold my hand. He caught it and gave it a soft, reassuring squeeze. I turned around, apparently the desired effect. Jack gave me a warm, loving smile that made me feel like I had taken a sip of a hot drink after ice-skating…Warm to the core. He was acting secretive even though we were the only ones in the house…Evidently, Jack knew how to make a girl…how to make me…feel special.

Once in the kitchen, I stepped up to the calendar; it doubled as the family note board. Maybe they had a good reason to leave, maybe they left me a note… Sure enough, there was a pink envelope addressed to me taped to the wall. I could see Jack out of the corner of my eye, watching me. I slit open the envelope and opened the card inside it—tons of $100 bills cascaded to the ground. My eyes grew even wider as I read the card…

Dear Sarah,

Here's $2000. We are going on a two-month trip to visit some relatives and will be back on July 20th. This is your birthday present—You get the house for two months. We also left you the car; the keys are on their hook. There's a list of numbers and dates to where we will be when on your desk—you can call us anytime you need anything. Feel free to have parties and friends over; the only condition is the house be as clean as we left it (or, alternatively, cleaner. ;D)

We love you tons,

Dad and Jodi

Hooooly shit. I counted the bills and it came up to 29…but that couldn't be right. There should've only been 20. I counted again twice, then spotted another one that slide underneath the fireplace. That made 30…but I saw another card that had fallen to that hidden place as well. It read…

Dearest Sarah,

Your father told us of their present to you, and we think it is a wonderful idea and opportunity for you. Have an awesome time---our contribution is another $1000.

Love, hugs and kisses,

Mum and James

P.S. Another little gift—Johanna's arriving tomorrow. We're sending her conformation number to your email at 5:00pm today.

I couldn't believe it…two months with my own house and car. What made this even better was my school started and ended at odd times. The school year ended right before the May long weekend, giving me my birthday (May 20th) off. It also started back up around the end of July, so no extra long breaks…but it was cool having a different holiday. I just couldn't believe this…and Johanna, one of my best best best friends EVER was coming out TOMORROW! I nearly stopped breathing I was so excited…

"Sarah? Are you okay?" Oops. I had completely forgotten Jack was there for a second… "Yeah, I'm cool. Just found out they didn't forget my birthday after all…I get two months with the house to myself, and Johanna (best friend, etc. etc.) is coming out! And, they left me tons of money…holy crap! $3000!"

"So that's what all the little papers are?"

"Yes. Money…these are bills, each worth $100. Hmmm…Do you think you could wait around 30 minutes to eat?"

"Yes, if necessary…I haven't eaten in a day, a few more minutes aren't going to change anything."

I checked the time—it was 6:00, perfect time to go out to my favorite restaurante, La Dolce Vita. I wonder if Jack's ever had Italian food before….