30. Heart of the Ocean
Disclaimer: The lyrics are not my own. They belong to Gaelic Storm—really good song—you should listen to it—it's perfect for this story!!
Aboard the Pearl, we sail north—north, away from the Caribbean, north towards England, north towards Massachusetts. The air and waters grow colder with each latitude we climb.
We have been at sea for almost two weeks, sailing up the coast of America—colonial America—an America I don't know, and perhaps never will know. The cold Atlantic air is salty and strong as it whips through my hair as I gaze over the railing at sundown.
"Luv—Massachusetts lies just north of 'ere," Jack says to me. I look at him and smile.
"I've forgotten how much colder it is up here," I reply, brushing my hair from my face.
"Aye—I 'aven't been north o' New Providence in many years," he replies with a nod and a golden grin.
In a couple hours, just as the last bit of light is gone from the sky, land is spotted.
"LAND HO!" Gibbs cries out from the crow's nest. I look at the land passing by our left and can immediately tell it's Cape Cod. I turn to Jack and smile.
"Cape Cod," I say finally.
"Cape Cod!" Jack hollers to his crew.
"After ye, milady," Jack gestures to the wheel. I smile at him and take the wheel. Jack lets me bring the Pearl around the arm of the Cape and into the grasp of the Massachusetts Bay—protected by the great arm of Cape Cod.
"I guess we can dock in Boston Harbor," I say to Jack.
"Aye," he replies.
"You know, Jack—Boston is the largest distributor of rum," I say as the ship sails closer to the glowing inland that is Boston.
"Really, luv. I'll 'ave t' get me 'ands on some then," he replies with a troubled smile. He walks down the stairs to the main deck and into his cabin. Moments later he returns with the powder made from the leaves of the Sun King's tree.
Within the hour, Boston is in clear sight—colonial Boston—a Boston I had never laid eyes on and my heart jumps at this beautiful and privileged sight. I smile widely at Jack as I take the Pearl right into the harbor.
"Lower the anchor! Starboard side!" Jack orders from beside me at the helm. "Ready, luv?" Jack asks as he reveals a pouch with powder inside. I smile back at him and nod.
"I'm ready, Jack. Let's do this and get it all over with so we can get back here," I laugh as I take hold of the bag and pour a little powder out into my hand. Jack dips his hand in the powder in my hand and smears it under my nose, knocking my hand out of the way.
"Jack!" I exclaim, "quick—get the powder for yourself!"
"Luv, this is somethin' ye need t' do alone. Ye said it yerself—ye 'ave unfinished business t' deal with an' I don't wanna hold ye back," he says.
"No! Jack! Please come with me!" I shriek quickly, grabbing hold of him as I feel myself grow weak in the knees. We collapse to the floor and Jack holds onto me tightly.
"I'll be there t' visit ye. I'm sure ye won't be long at home—but I promise I'll visit ye and let ye know when the wedding is so ye can make it," He says, holding onto me. Tears begin rolling down my cheeks.
"Jack! Please—don't leave me again—don't let me do this alone!" I sob. He kisses me, mixing my tears on our lips as we kiss.
"I'll see ye soon luv," he whispers.
"Jack, no…" I squeak out softly as I feel myself growing unconscious.
"I love ye, Lindsey," he says as I fade away.
Now I'm bound for the heart of the ocean
I'm riding the sea in my soul
In the dark and the deep
She will rock me to sleep
Down below... where the black waters roll
When the sea birds cry out in the morning
And the sun lays its kiss on the sand
I'll be drawn to the shore
Like so many times before
As I long to be far from the land.
Now I'm bound for the heart of the ocean
I'm riding the sea in my soul
In the dark and the deep
She will rock me to sleep
Down below... where the black waters roll
I can still hear your voice on the trade winds
I can still taste your tears on the foam
But the lure of the tide that I'm feeling inside
Will not rest till my heart finds its home