Chapter Seventeen

Cordelia changed into the shirt and breeches and strapped on her dagger. She went to the galley and cleaned up last night's dinner. Her mind was racing. She thought she was in love. With a pirate. What was she going to do? He appeared to love her back but will he go back to that prostitute if she wouldn't sleep with him? Did she want to sleep with him? What about starting a new life, far away from her past? Wasn't that kind of what she was doing?

"Ugh. I don't know! What should I do?"

"About what?" asked Will, entering the galley.

"Will. What're you doing here?"

"Moving into my cabin and looking for some breakfast. What seems to be troubling you?"

"Nothing."

"Don't try to deny it. I was watching to from the door for a minute. You're beautiful when you're agitated. I also just heard your little outburst. What's the matter, I won't tell anyone."

"Don't flirt with me. Everything seems to be the problem."

"Well, what's the biggest one?"

"Jack."

"What did he do this time?"

"Nothing. Well nothing bad. We spent a normal evening together and, Will I think I love him. And that brings up some many questions that it's overwhelming me."

"Wow."

"I know."

"Well what sort of questions have you got?"

Cordelia quickly told him the list she had compiled.

"Well it seems to me you're thinking about this too much. You should ask yourself a few simple questions. Are you safe here?"

"Yes, from this crew anyway."

"There's one. Do you want to go back? At all?"

"No."

"Have you ever felt like this about someone before?"

"No."

"Do you want it to go further?"

"I...yes."

"Then I think you should talk to Jack. He'll understand. And he won't make fun of you. I saw him as I came down, he looks different. Though, maybe he's just not hung-over. However, that in itself is a change of character."

"Oh Will, I'm still not sure. Do you have anymore questions I could answer?"

He kissed her like he did in the inn two nights ago. She pulled away.

"What was that?"

"Did that feel wrong to you?"

"Yes."

"There's your answer."

She smiled.

"Thanks Will."

"No problem, now how bout some breakfast?"

Cordelia went above deck. It was a very bright day. The crew was working tirelessly to ready the ship. Jack was directing people here and there and showing various pirates how to do this and that. She realized she was happy here, even if it wasn't the safest environment. But then a little excitement never hurt anyone. Jack saw her and walked over. He stood next to her and watched the crew.

"How soon are we going to be ready?"

"Well if we keep up at this rate and the wind's with us we'll be able to leave with the tide tomorrow morning. There's a few thing that won't be ready till then. You alright Cordelia?"

"Oh yes, I'm fine."

He looked like he had something else to say but he didn't. He returned to giving orders, leaving her standing there confused and second guessing herself again. What should she say to him?