I miss the morning sun, Veronica thought as she made her way onto the deck. The past week, ever since that wonderful night, had brought a change of weather. Most of the day was spent almost as if in a cloud, misty and uncommonly cool. The strange fog surrounding the ship had some of the more superstitious sailors a little shaken. Veronica found the superstitions ridiculous, as she was more of a religious woman, but even she found herself a little frightened in the ghastly weather.

Veronica strode up and down the deck at an even pace, eager to stretch her legs. Up ahead, the captains quarters stood, the large ornate doors slightly intimidating. Just as she was within five feet of them, a small face peaked around the opening door, followed by the face's mother.

"Good morning, Veronica!" the other woman called out to her. Mary Hawthorne, the captain's wife, had found a good companion in this young woman, despite the gap in their age. Being the only two women on board, the two had become close, almost like sisters.

"Good morning, Mary!" Veronica called back. She waited for Mary and her son, Nicholas, to make their way over to her before she continued her stroll.

Mary smiled slyly before beginning. "So, my dear Veronica, are you looking for any particular gentleman today?"

Veronica felt heat rise into her face and didn't answer.

"Mr. Goldman is speaking with my husband," Mary went on, as if Veronica had answered. "Apparently, this horrid fog is putting our ship behind schedule and we'll not arrive in Port Royal for at least another week and a half. Bad for Mr. Goldman and his business you know. I know how dreadful that must be for you as well, after being separated from your brother and foster family all these years. I would say that I feel you pain, except that I was never separated from my family, excluding the time when – Veronica, are you even listening to me?"

Veronica had ceased listening to Mary long before, and she still didn't hear her when she inquired as to where her attention was focused.

Veronica's eyes had become fixed upon something she could not believe. In the ominous mist surrounding the ship, a ship with black sails seemed to partially appear through the thick cover, as if in a dream.

"The Black Pearl," Veronica murmured to herself. Elizabeth had written to her about some grand adventure regarding the ship, its infamous captain, and a ghostly curse. Along the way, Elizabeth had apparently found love in a young man she had known since childhood. Veronica had dismissed the story as just that – a story. However, the ship which had disappeared into the fog moments before carried a menace identifiable with that of Elizabeth's tale.

"What's that, dear?" Mary asked, a look of concern on her face.

"Nothing," Veronica said, trying to set aside the image of the black-sailed ship which had become graven into her mind. "Nothing at all."

"Well, as I was saying," Mary began again, only to stop herself. "I'm sorry, I forgot something in my room. Do you mind taking Nicholas to your room with you while I go fetch it? I wouldn't want him to catch a chill," she said, smiling at the little blonde-haired boy.

"Not at all!" Veronica said, taking Nicholas' hand in hers and leading him down below deck.

Once in her cabin, Nicholas set about telling Veronica all about what wonders his little blue eyes had seen, the things he was learning, and what he was going to do in Port Royal. Veronica tried to remain interested in the six-year-old's commentary, but all she could think about was the ship she had seen. Veronica was wondering where Mary was just as a knock came at her door. She excused herself from Nicholas and went to open the door.

Jonathon stepped in and seemed about to say something, but seemed to think better of it. "Ver – Veronica," he stammered. "You look absolutely lovely."

Veronica felt her face flush. She had worn this dress, her most flattering one, intentionally, hoping to spend time with Jonathon. The corset was unusually tight and the fabric rich for what you would wear while you travel, but Veronica knew that Jonathon's response would be worth the wait.

The two stood there for a moment, a bit awkwardly at first, but Jonathon stepped forward to close the space between them. Veronica felt her heart pounding and her breath quickening, as she nervously looked down at her hands. Jonathon's strong fingers moved under her chin and lifted it so that she was looking right into his clear blue eyes. Jonathon tenderly pulled her face closer. Their lips were very close now, and Veronica felt a bit weak, as she'd never been kissed.

Just as his lips dropped to meet hers, cannon fire exploded nearby, and the cries of sailors above could be heard.

A/N: Sorry! No kissing as of yet. Anyway, good news! THE PIRATES ARE HERE!!!!! Great, you're thinking, maybe now she'll write something interesting! Well, I'm trying. Please R&R!