Something More Than Before
Chapter 6 – Unexpected
Over the next few days, Jack and Elizabeth's newly established relationship became general knowledge on board the Black Pearl. People could be heard talking about it twenty-four-seven. Well, they hadn't exactly tried their hardest to keep it secret. They could be seen holding hands as they walked, Jack whispering into Elizabeth's ear while she giggled and kissed him on the cheek.
In fact, many of the crew members had noticed that since Jack and Elizabeth had gotten together, there had become less and less mention of Will, and nobody was trying as hard to find him anymore. Instead, they were now focusing on picking up Tia Dalma, which was growing sooner. The ship was nearly at its destination, and Jack took charge more than usual as they drew ever closer.
Elizabeth's fascination of why they needed such a woman on board was growing. If nobody was that bothered about Will anymore, then why go and get her? When she asked Jack this, he had an answer she had forgotten.
"Simple, love," Jack said, "we need the chest, remember?"
"Why don't we just pull in at land?" Elizabeth asked. It seemed like a much easier option to her. "Davy Jones can't get you there."
"Because she helps many sailors," Jack told her, "mainly us. But we're planning to sail for as long as possible after picking up Tia Dalma. We want to pace ourselves before we head to Tortuga.
"Why?"
"So we can sort everything out," Jack explained calmly. "We need time."
Elizabeth nodded; she understood.
-----
Tia Dalma sat in her shack on the river. She knew that Jack, his crew, and his girlfriend were approaching. She also knew why and how her presence on board would help the young woman who Jack was calling his girlfriend. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, she didn't know why.
And so, it didn't surprise Tia Dalma when there came a knock on her door. Even before they opened it so she could actually see who it was, she said, "Jack, you may come in."
Sure enough, Jack Sparrow, holding Elizabeth's hand, and followed by a few crew members, including Gibbs, Pintel and Ragetti, walked through her door.
"I know why you have arrived here," Tia Dalma said matter-of-factly. "You have come for my presence on board your ship."
"I don't know how you do that," Jack said, frowning, "really, I don't." Tia Dalma smiled. She stood up and moved around to Elizabeth.
"You..." she said mysteriously, pointing to Elizabeth, "...you shall find yourself carrying a great burden, and it may save you from loneliness."
"What does that mean?" Elizabeth asked quietly.
"Tell the one you love most, he will understand," Tia Dalma said wisely.
Elizabeth nodded, not knowing what this woman was talking about. She looked up at Jack, who shrugged. All Elizabeth knew was that the one she would tell was Will, not Jack. She loved Will the most. Not to mention, Will was the only one she loved.
She sat back down at her desk, waiting for Jack to speak.
"Yes, we need you on board," Jack said, somewhat nervously, "and you obviously know why."
"You need the chest, correct?" Tia Dalma asked. "And you seek something else," she went on, pointing again at Elizabeth, "...the man you love."
"That's right," Elizabeth said, nodding.
"I knew it was true," Tia Dalma said indignantly. "And I also know about you two."
Elizabeth gasped and looked up at Jack. "How does she know?" she whispered furiously.
"I don't know," Jack whispered back, frowning again.
"I hope you both know what you've gotten yourselves into," Tia Dalma said quietly, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Jack felt Elizabeth squeeze his hand tighter as she spoke, "Yes, we do."
"And all of you, including William Turner can end up hurt by the end of this," Tia Dalma went on.
"We don't intend to hurt anyone," Elizabeth stated firmly.
"It may not be your intention, but it is likely," Tia Dalma told them.
"Can we just go?" Jack asked wearily, tired of Tia Dalma's dire warnings.
Tia Dalma smiled. "Whenever."
Jack turned to leave. "Wait."
He turned back around. "What?"
"There is someone we have forgotten," Tia Dalma said knowingly. She looked over to the stairs in her shack. Everyone else looked too. Who was descending the stairs? The boots on the person's feet could be heard hitting each step.
Everyone gasped and Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hands as none other than Hector Barbossa stepped down from the last step. Barbossa smiled. Tia Dalma turned to face Jack.
"Room for one more?" she asked, smiling. Jack had both his eyebrows raised.
"How...?" he muttered.
"I'll explain on the ship," Tia Dalma said hastily.
Jack led them all out, still holding Elizabeth's hand.
"Is this a bad thing?" she whispered to him as they left the cabin and climbed into the little rowboat they had arrived in.
"Possibly, but we'll try and work around it," Jack told her, pecking her on the cheek.
-----
Will was still quite far away from arriving in Tortuga; the ship had been made to make port in other legal places before heading well on their way. Just as long as he stuck around in Tortuga for a bit, he might find Jack and Elizabeth soon.
He looked down at the key in his hand; the key that had caused so much trouble. He was tempted to throw it overboard, but that would mean that his trouble and efforts would all have been in vain, and he was not in the mood for that.
-----
The little rowboat sat in silence other than the gentle sound of the oars hitting the water as they travelled slowly to the shore.
"So..." Jack said uncomfortably, trying to make conversation, "...how did Hector come to join us again?"
Barbossa glared at Jack. He hated his first name, and Jack knew it.
"Voodoo, Jack," Tia Dalma explained quietly. Jack nodded and silence surrounded them once more.
Oooh, Barbossa's back! Will this cause trouble on board?
Review please!
QueenSerenity818 out.