Chapter Twelve: Hurt

Everything wasn't fine. Cordelia couldn't sleep. She could only think of Jack. When she finally did fall asleep Jack invaded her dreams, trying to entice her to engage in things she'd already refused to do. He was very tempting but she didn't give in, which woke her up. Her breathing was rapid and she was covered in sweat. It was too hot to wear clothes to bed tonight but that wasn't an option.

She went to the window and opened it, welcoming the breeze. Looking at the harbor reminded her of Jack again. Nothing she did could completely rid her mind of him. Not even for one night! It had to be a sign that she should apologize, but she didn't want to. He had been intolerable and she would give him the silent treatment until he begged for her conversation. She lay down again and Jack invaded her thoughts again. It was useless trying to sleep, her conscience wanted her to apologize and it wouldn't stop until it was appeased.

She got dressed as quietly as she could. She had no idea how to get to the harbor except what she saw from her window. She got her bearing outside. The harbor was south. Cordelia walked as close to the buildings as possible to insure her safety and quickly made her way to the harbor. Her head was pounding with what she needed to say. She darted across every opening and jumped at every gunshot. She wished Jack was there more than ever.

Finally she saw the ships. The Black Pearl was easy to find. Her head is pounding more than ever, what should she say? Why was she so impulsive? She swallowed her pride and turned the door knob of his cabin.

"Jack. I came to—."

She stopped. All the pounding in her head was gone and has been replaced with the sounds of fervent love making. She walked in on Jack and another woman making love. He heard her and turned his head, a horrified expression on his face.

"I'm sorry I've intruded. I'll speak to you in the morning Jack," she whispered, head bowed and trying not to cry.

Cordelia fled from the room. She heard him call after her but she kept running. She ran through the streets, not knowing where she was going and tears streaming down her face. Now she was frightened. She had gotten herself lost in Tortuga, the worst place to get lost. She stopped, sitting down on a crate outside a darkened building. Cordelia sobbed freely, her face in her hands, making herself as small as possible. She wanted to disappear. She heard his footsteps but she didn't look up. He said something and sat next to her, pulling her into his arms. He cradled her against his body as she cried.

She looked up and dried her eyes.

"Good cry always helps, don't it luv?"

She glared at him.

"How could you be so insensitive Jack Sparrow. I'm done crying, I'm trying to get over it. I'm obviously upset so don't you try to shrug it off. Don't even ask me why."

"Didn't mean to hurt you luv."

"Well you did."

"Can I walk you back to the inn? I think you're lost."

"Fine. But that's all. Then return to the Pearl alone."

He didn't even ask why she thought she could order him around. She didn't know why she thought she could order him around. She didn't know why she cared. She didn't have feelings for him. He was a pirate, she wanted someone like Will.

"Here we are luv, get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."

Cordelia went upstairs and lay back down next to Will, thought and feelings swirling in her head as she drifted to sleep.