3: The Black Pearl

I opened my eyes to unknown surroundings. I felt heaviness on top of me; using my legs I kicked it off. It was merely a blanket. The soft sheets rubbed up against my arms. I slowly sat up to find my bearings, when I realised I was in a ships cabin. The room appeared yellow from the light given by all the candles in room, giving a cosy feeling. I was sitting on a large bed, situated in the corner of the room. To the left of me sat a big table, covered with what looked like maps, a few books, empty bottles and more candles. Past the table the wall was made of a giant bookshelf, completely filled. I looked to the ground and noticed a pillow and blanket lying on the floor close to the bed. I peered out the door that sat diagonally to the left of me. From what I could make out it appeared to be night. I tried to stand up, but felt it best if I stay sitting. I could feel the ship beneath me rocking from side to side, a soothing motion. It calmed me down, and I started to feel comfortable.

Suddenly the door opened, and I jumped. A girl about my age had entered the room and smiled when she seen I was awake. She carried over a tray that contained a few slices of salted pork and a bottle of rum.

"Jack will be glad you've woken" she spoke. "He was getting a little worried you'd never wake. I'm Elizabeth Swann by the way"

"I'm" my voice cut out. I coughed. "I'm Charlotte, Charlotte Starling"

"Pleasure to met you"

"May I ask what ship I'm on?"

Elizabeth smiled. "The Black Pearl"

I couldn't believe it. I had heard tales of the fastest ship in Caribbean, but never imagined I'd see it. " 'The' Black Pearl?" I asked.

"Yep, the one and only" Elizabeth stood up from the bed. "Well I must get back to my fiancée, Will, he'll be wondering where I am. Jack wanted me to check on you, I'll let him know you're awake. For the mean time, I think it's wise if you rest and regain your strength" she turned to leave.

"Elizabeth" I said. She turned. "Thankyou"

She smiled and nodded leaving the room.

I looked down at the food she brought in; I could smell the salty pork. I took and bite and swallowed. It felt weird eating. I took a couple more mouthfuls and stopped when I started to feel queasy. My stomach wasn't used to food, so I better take it careful. I glanced at the full bottle of rum. I smiled, it reminded me of my father. He always used to have a bottle in his hand, although he didn't often get drunk, he always drank. I opened the bottle and took a long swig, quenching my thirst. The rum tasted sweet and slightly burned my throat.

I wondered what Jack had planned for me. What life I would live while I was on this ship. Then I remember he had bought me, I started to shake. Knowing what possibly could happen. Men of the sea had needs. I was well aware of that. That's why my father always kept a close eye on her while aboard. The crew on "Ocean Breeze" were good though, each were like a brother to me. I wanted Jack to come to the cabin, just to know what my fate was. He had been so nice to me when I'd first met him, but then again a lot of men were. They all changed. They all acted different behind closed doors. I lay in the bed, tightly gripping the bottle of rum, trembling, waiting.

It must have been an hour or so later, when I heard the door open. I closed my eyes tight. Hoping whoever it was wouldn't realise I was here. I heard the door lock, and footsteps move around. Then I heard the thud of someone sitting down. I listened to the sound of shuffling paper and a small "bugger".

I turned around in the bed, still grasping the bottle. I remained quiet underneath the covers. It was Jack, sitting at the table searching for something. Had he forgotten I was here? I thought to myself. He stood up and walked over to a small cabinet near the bookshelf, he opened it and looked annoyed when he realised the cupboard was empty. He walked back to the table and sat down.

I didn't know what to do. Should I speak? I quietly pushed the covers back. I realised I was still in my dirty white dress, as I stood up.

"You looking for this?" I asked showing the rum.

Jack turned, startled. He smiled when he'd seen what I was holding. "Ahhh… that's exactly what I was looking for"

I walked slowly over and handed him the bottle. He took a couple long mouthfuls and then looked at me.

"Glad to see you're awake, feeling better?" he asked curiously.

"Mmm a little" I said hesitantly. "How long have I been asleep?"

"A couple days. I figured you needed the rest," he answered, motioning for me to sit down. I leant against the table. He looked me up and down and smiled. "I think you're worth every penny"

I looked blankly at him. I took a risk in asking, "What are you planning on doing to me, Captain Sparrow?"

"Don't worry love, I won't be like the last owner you had. In fact I wouldn't call myself your owner"

"You bought me though, I'm your servant" I said confused.

He laughed, and placed his hand on mine. I flinched.

"Its okay, love. I wont harm you in any way."

I looked into his dark chocolate eyes; they seemed to be telling the truth. They had a warm-hearted, caring feeling to them.

I gave a slight smile, as if to say that I trusted him. But I didn't trust him. I didn't know how to trust.

"So what's your name love?" he asked.

"Charlotte Starling" I answered.

"Charlotte Starling…" he repeated. "What a lovely name"

I looked from him across to the bed and realised I'd probably been hogging his bed. In fact I had been, that's why there was a blanket and pillow on the floor.

"I didn't mean for my presence to take your bed," I said.

"Nonsense. You needed the bed more than I do"

"Thank you Jack. You've been awfully kind" We sat there in an awkward silence, until he took another mouthful of rum and offered me some. I politely took the bottle and swallowed a mouthful. He smiled.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing. You know I must say, for a girl like you I didn't expect you to be able to handle rum"

"A girl like me?" I questioned. I could probably handle rum better than most guys. Obviously Jack didn't know I was a pirate, and I wasn't in any mood to open up to him.

"You know, I figured it would take some time for you to get used to the sea. But you seem to be handling it quite well. I'm impressed." He paused. I looked at him.

"Jack…" I started. "I've been through hell…" I stopped. A felt tears welling in my eyes. "I've forgotten what its like to feel happiness. Its hard for me to believe that your saying you won't harm me" I actually felt a little better telling him how I felt. I grabbed the bottle of rum and took another drink.

"Looks like we'll be needing more of that" he commented.

I moved from off the table and walked over to the bed, leaving the bottle near Jack.

"I can sleep on the floor, if you want" I said, changing the subject.

"No there's no need for that," he said watching me get into the bed.

"You're not going to sleep?" I asked yawning.

"I've got some things to do," he answered, looking back at his maps.

I couldn't remember the last time I'd fallen asleep without crying. I quietly sung a song to myself that I'd written.

Can I ask you a question please?

Promise not to laugh at me.

Honestly, I'm standing here, afraid I'll be betrayed.

As twisted, as it seems, I only fear love when it's in my dreams

So let in the morning light and let the darkness fade away

Can you turn my black roses red?

Drowning in my loneliness

How long must I hold my breath?

So much emptiness inside, I could fill the deepest sea.

I reach to the sky as the moon looks on

As one last tear has come and gone

Dying to let your love rain down on me

Can you turn my black roses red?

Hope you liked the 3rd chapter!!! Oh, and I didn't write the poem/song its actually the song Black Roses Red by Alana Grace so all credits go to her!!!!! Tell me what you think and review!!!! D and thanks to everyone for leaving nice comments! i wasn't sure if people would like the story, glad to see that some are!!xox!!