Chapter Eight
(Jackie's View)
I had of course been here before, on several occasions. No one here knew by real name but they knew me none of the less. I also knew before this day was over Will would know the last thing I have kept from him. He held out his arm to me and I gratefully took it. I wasn't sure if he would let me near after today. I concentrated on the wonderful excited feelings that I always get when close to Will, and did not pay attention to whatever Jack was talking about.
"Smack!"
My attention focused just in time to see one of the prostitutes of the island walking away from Jack. I saw another of the painted ladies walk up to my father, "Giselle!"
"Oo was she, and for the mat'er who's that?" Pointing a finger in my direction.
"Wha.." Jack did not even get to finish before this women slapped him and stalked off. "I mi't a deserved that."
Will quickly pointed at something so that we could turn our heads, at least until we could keep from smirking in his face.
Jack headed off and Will and I followed at a slower pace. I did not want Will to find out from someone else, so I stopped causing him to stop as well. I saw Jack enter a building and turned to Will.
"I need to tell you one last thing and I ask that you please do not judge be by it." I could feel tears well up and turned my head.
"What is it?" Will lightly grasped my chin and turned my head so that our eyes met. "You do not have to tell me anything."
I took a breath to steady myself. "This I do, because whether I tell you, or you hear it from someone else you will know today. I would rather you hear it from me."
Will nodded but stayed quiet, "I do not sail with merchant ships. I would have never been able to find out the information I was looking for on a legitimate ship. I am a pirate." At this I hung my head, because I did not want to see the disappoint in his eyes. I felt him let go of me, and braced myself for his outrage. Suddenly I felt his arms go around me and hug me tightly to him. I could feel his warm breath against my hair as he began softly to speak.
"I figured that out for myself. I refused to admit it to myself until recently, but I have known since the beginning."
"What? How? I was so careful."
"My dear you can not make the money on legitimate ships that you make."
I looked up and let our eyes meet again. There was something in his eyes that I had never seen before, and could not figure out.
Will started to speak again, "Remember there is nothing that you could do that would make me think ill of you."
His head started to lean towards me slowly.
'He's going to kiss me!'
"Alright me maties I know where Mr. Gibbs is lets go get 'em."
With the sound of Jack's voice, me and Will sprang apart like we had been burned.
"Well let's go, moonlight's burnin, savvy."
Will reached down and entwined his fingers with mine and we set off after Jack. I was never so bloodthirsty, but I really wanted to my father for appearing at that moment. 'Probably for the best though."
Will squeezed my hand as if he knew what I was thinking and wanted to reassure me.
As we came upon a pig trough, I saw Mr. Gibb. He was in the trough asleep with the pigs. Jack grabbed two buckets of water. Will released my hand and took one of the buckets from Jack. I looked at Jack and he raised his eyebrows at me and smirked, and I knew what he was going to do.
Jack did not wait another minute and threw the water over Mr. Gibbs, who sat up right sputtering.
"Curse ye for breathin' ye slack jawed idiot!" Mr. Gibbs' eyes swung around wildly trying to figure out who threw the water on him. "Yeh should know better than ta wake a man when 'e's sleepin'. 'S'bad luck."
Jack stepped towards him and replied calmly, "Ahhh, "fortunately I know 'ow ta counter it." Then Jack leaned even closer as if he was sharing a secret, "The man 'oo did the wakin' buys the man 'oo was sleepin' a drink. The man 'oo was sleepin' drinks it while listenin' ta a proposition…by the man 'oo did the wakin'."
Mr. Gibbs' looked to be considering what Jack said and then calmly replied nodding his head, "Aye. That'll abou' do it!"
I felt Will move and stepped aside and the contents of Will's bucket splashed Mr. Gibbs for the second time.
"BLAST, I'M ALREADY AWAKE!"
Will covered a chuckle by coughing discreetly, "That was for the smell." Mr. Gibbs looked as if he wanted to hurt Will, but then a small smile surfaced, "Aye."
Jack helped him stand and then Mr. Gibbs spotted me.
"Watcha doin with such a scallaway, Ray, I taut you kept bet'er company."
Jack's expression was one of shock. 'Shoot I forgot to tell him, that I was known here. Oh well too, late now.'
I held out my hand to shake Mr. Gibbs, "An look at ya dress'd as a fine lady."
"Thank you Mr. Gibbs, and pleased to see ya again."
Mr. Gibbs then turned back to Jack, "Now, Jack, I 'eard yeh mention somethin' abou' a drink…"
"Too righ' yeh are!" Jack nodded. "Come on, then! The Faithful Bride awaits!"
