Hi! Thanks to those who reviewed. I'm being shooed out of the room...HAPPY READING

The alarm clock beeped informing Elizabeth it was time to get up. She glared at the display. She has crashed only an hour ago there was no way she was getting up. Her hand fumbled around until she was able to turn the clock off without lifting her head. As soon as the racket ended she fell back to sleep. She was out until early afternoon. The air conditioner starting up awakened her. She lay in bed for a few minutes just staring out the window. This was the first time in awhile that she could wakingwoke up when it wasn't still dark outside. She rose to turn the lap on her dresser off. While said light was her favorite thing at night, it became noting but an annoyance in daylight. Before returning to bed she opened her window to let some fresh air in. Outside the sky was blue and the air was warm. Elizabeth smiled- it was amazing what a few hours of sleep could for one's mood. She dressed in a pair from of comfortable denim shorts and a t-shirt. Her phone rang, playing the chorus from her favorite song. She answered it- James had probably been trying to call her all morning.

"Liz?" The voice of the other line said.

"Yeah James, I'm here. What's up?"

"Whew Lizzie, are you okay? I called like a dozen times and Lindsay said weren't at practice this morning-"

"Don't freak. I was sleeping. I was working late and I guess I forget to set my clock…" It was only a partial lie- she did not need to admit she had been too exhausted to move.

"That's a relief. Hey Liz, my dad reserved us a table at the restaurant. Shall I pick you up around six?"

"Yeah, that's cool. That'll give me some time to put stuff together around here and do whatever else…"

"Great. I'll see you then. Love ya, Liz." The phone clicked. Elizabeth stuffed it in her pocket and inspected herself in the mirror. She couldn't go out with James like this. His family owned the one of the most fancy and acclaimed restaurants in the city. His family was so rich they owned a private beach. For now, she pulled her hair back and slipped on her fuzzy pink flip flops.

Her father had left already. He searched the table, but thereir was no sign of a note or anything to explain his departure.

"Typical." Elizabeth sighed. She took her water bottle from the refrigerator and refilled it with cold water. She placed a slice of wheat bread in the toaster. She wasn't exactly hungry, but she didn't want to run the risk of passing out again. Elizabeth tapped her fingers on the counter. Much like water boiling, toast never seemed to cook while one was watching. Her phone vibrated in her pocket.

"Hey." Elizabeth said.

"Liz! We missed you today. Kinda weird not having you around. You're like always there…"

"It's not really a big deal. I just slept in one day…"

"For someone else maybe…"

"I was tired, Linds. I ran already today anyway."

"So what are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm going out to dinner with James later so I have to decide what I'm to wear and fix my hair and make-up and all that."

"Wow nice. I don't think I'd even have anything nice enough…"

"Are you kidding? Neither do I…oh crap Lindsay something's burning. I'll call you back later." Elizabeth threw the phone down. Black smoke plumed from the toaster. Choking, she hit the cancel button.

"Bad toaster." She scolded. This was part of the reason she didn't make eating a habit. On her way out she threw the charred toast in the trash. Her water would have to hold her over until dinner.

Elizabeth decided it was too beautiful a day to drive. She walked down the street- she had no destination in particular but loved wandering and thinking. A group of children zoomed past her on their bikes. Usually she would run and try to keep but today she was content simply enjoying the scenery. Flowers bloomed in the perfectly landscaped yards of her neighbors filling the air with the aroma many expensive perfumes sought to emulate. She put her hands behind her head and let her feet do the guiding. She walked past a park. The swings swaying in the gentle breeze called to her. She sat on the swing and watched three small boys playing tag. When she was that age she didn't visit the park that much. She hadn't been one for running and screaming. She much preferred the sea, even if that meant sitting in silence for hours watching waves come and go. Growing up, her fantasies were her best companions. Until. She forced the thought from her mind. The past didn't matter anymore. She was here no and no matter how long she strolled down memory lane it would take her to the same place.

"Elizabeth? Is that you? How are you?" Elizabeth's eyes rose from the sand. Her thoughts must have called him.

"I'm actually pretty good since I got some sleep. What's up with you?"

"Just getting some practice in. Jack was supposed to spar with me today, but he is MIA." Will held two wooden practice swords under his arm and his hair was swept back in a bandana. Will was in fencing- a hobby he claimed to have taken it up when he lived on the plains since he had nothing else to do, but Elizabeth remembered even when they were younger he was always swinging a stick pretending to fend off the bad guys. It was in the fencing classes that Will first met Jack.

"Fun."

"Well, you certainly aren't doing anything incredibly amusing yourself."

"I'm just blowing time."

"Make yourself useful then." Will pushed one of the swords into her hand. Elizabeth grinned. She often helped Will practice. She had even gone through a phase where she too wanted to take up the sport, but she dropped it after a runner at a track meet made a rude comment about it.

"I'd be honored to accept your challenge, Mr. Turner." She bowed. The pair moved to the field- the sand pit around swings was hardly anywhere to spar. Will got into his battle stance.

"You ready?" He asked. She nodded. Will came at Elizabeth, his sword raised. She blocked though the force from his strike nearly toppled her to her back. He swung again. It was obvious he was holding back- if he wasn't she would never be able to keep up with him. Despite his assault she was mostly able to hold her ground. Will had taught her mostly defensive skills. Endless hours of vigorous training had honed Will's dexterity. Elizabeth's hand eye coordination wasn't anywhere near as good, but her raw speed made up for this.

"Too much for you." Will asked, he was getting fired up.

"Not likely." Elizabeth was just saying that. When Will actually tried, no one, who hadn't been training as diligently as he, could ever hope to challenge him. He pushed her sword down- leaving her defenseless. Elizabeth stumbled backwards and landed on her back.

"Checkmate." Smirking, Will touched his weapon to her chest.

"Will, you got me dirty." Elizabeth groaned and rubbed her hand, which was sore from gripping the sword. Will scratched the back of his head.

"Guess I got a little carried away." The enthusiasm drained from his eyes and he offered her a hand to stand.

"Don't sweat it. After all I could still run laps around you."

Elizabeth and Will went back to the swings. Elizabeth traced her foot in the sand, but Will kicked off- he was too tall to go high but he tried anyway.

"So you have a tournament soon?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah kinda, in like two weeks or so. Jack and I are still planning out our routine actually…I got some new tricks to show off and he has some rather creative ideas." His eyes glowed as he swung back and forth.

"Really?"

"If you want to see, you better be there. I'll give you all the details once I remember them."

"Sure, why not? At least I can laugh when you fall flat on your faces."

"Hey, that only happened once." Will chuckled as he recalled his past mishaps. When his phone rang, Will planted his feet to stop the swing and dug through the pockets of his cargo shorts to find it. Elizabeth used the moment to check the time on her own phone.

"Woah, it's Jack. This can only be interesting." Will flipped the phone open and was about to greet his friend but was beaten to it.

"Will! You love me right? How about helping a friend in need out?" Jack said in one breath. Will blinked. This would be very interesting indeed.

"Where are you, Jack. I thought we were practicing today, but no one was home and you weren't answering…"

"I felt like going out on the water today so I loaded up the boat in the car and headed down to the beach…"

"Not the boat we crashed into all those rocks with?"

"I wish you would have reminded me of that fact BEFOREI took her out. I just made it out of the shallows when I noticed I was sitting in a few inches of water so I scooped it out with my hat, but of course it was coming in much faster than my hands could move. Worse yet in the time I was trying not to sink I lost course so I was in a swamped boat without the slightest clue where I was. As logic would suggest, I jumped ship and started swimming. So to answer your first question I'm stranded on a small sand bar."

Will slapped his hand to his face. Jack never disappointed. Elizabeth studied Will, her eyebrows nearly to her hairline.

"There have to be other people out there. I mean how far could you have gotten?"

"Ahhh, maybe I'll ask these sea turtles where we are?"

"Jack are you seeing things? Try and find some shade so your mind doesn't shrivel away."

"All I see is sand and water. And sun. Lots of sun."

"And you can't swim back?"

"Wouldn't even know which way land is."

"Jack, how do you get yourself into these things….?"

"I just told you mate."

"Just hold on…I'll go look for you…somehow…oh and by the way Liz says hi."

"She's there? Hey you weren't fencing with her were you? You know how much I love beating her."

"I'll be sure to tell her. Stay where you are. I'll be there soon…"

Will put his phone away and leaned back as far as his arms would reach. "Jack sends his condolences for missing the chance to see you today."

"Excuse me while I go cry. What's his problem?"

"He is lost at sea."

"Funny."

"No really. I've shown you the holey boat right. Well, he took that out and it sank."

"Good riddance. He finally gorgot what he deserves."

"No, I'm sure he is enjoying this…Wanna go along when I try to rescue him. I should be able to track a boat down and there are only so many places he could be."

"Nope. I gotta head off. I got a date I have to get ready for."

"What's wrong with what you're wearing now?"

"You can't be serious Will."

Will shrugged. He always thought she looked better without all the make-up and fancy clothes, but she wouldn't even hear the suggestion. "Go then, you don't

Want to keep the man waiting."

"See ya later, Will." Elizabeth left the park and started running home. She had stayed out too late- now she would have to hurry.

As soon as she got home, Elizabeth went into the shower. When she was done there, she wrapped a towel around her wet hair and opened her closet to decide what to wear. Her closet was overflowing with clothes- most of which she had only worn a few times. She sifted through various skirts and blouses none of which were up to her standards for the day. She cursed at the clock- she didn't have the time to be this picky. Finally she decided upon a long, frilly brown skirt and a silk top with a bow in the back. She took her dressiest sandals from her shoe rack returned to the bathroom where she ran the straightener through her hair. Her make-up completed the outfit. Elizabeth looked over her results in the body length mirror on the back of the door. She frowned- no matter what she did she never thought she was pretty. In the fear the wind would ruin her hair, she waited in the foyer. James' car pulled up. He too was dressed to kill. Elizabeth met him halfway up her walkway. James drew in a breath.

"You look…uh…stunning." He pulled her close. Even though she could never agree, Elizabeth lived to be praised.

"Nah." Her cheeks burned. James escorted her to the car.

"So you're feeling better right? I know you said you were tired and such. You certainly look better, that's for sure."

"Don't worry. I'm good. This time of year is always stressful. I just have to stay on top of things…"

"Hopefully I can help." James threaded is hand through Elizabeth's. She sighed. As they pasted the ocean Elizabeth couldn't stop herself from giggling. She wondered if Will found Jack or if he too became lost. Maybe she felt a little left out- that was surely an adventure.

"You see something funny?"

"Uh no…just thinking about a conversation I had earlier. It's nothing- just a passing thought."

"Don't frown. You're so much prettier when you smile." His hand climbed here arm. Elizabeth was getting goose bumps. She wished he would just pay attention to the rode.

The restaurant was a large brick building with blue shutters that stood some hundred yards from the bay. James clutched her hand as they entered. She stared straight ahead- convinced all eyes were judging her. The restaurant was crowded as usual, for those who didn't have reservation wait times could be up to two hours. The server seated them right away.

"So what you think?" James grinned from ear to ear.

"Impressive." Though she had attended a few of her father's corporate parties, this was by far the nicest restaurant she had ever been too.

"Pride and joy of the family. We built all this from nothing-" Elizabeth watched the sunset over the ocean as James continued to boast about his family. The waiter finally cut him off when he came to take their orders.

"Liz, I convinced my dad to let them serve us wine. It would a crime to eat food this good without it." Elizabeth nodded. From what she had seen in her encounters with the man, Mr. Norrington would give his son absolutely anything he wanted.

"What do want?" He asked. "It is all so good,good; it just really comes down to what you are in the mood for."

Elizabeth hadn't really even looked at the menu. It was thick with small print, more like a book than a menu. "Umm…surprise me since you seem to know more about this than me."

James tilted his head. "Fine…we shall both take the lobster then." The waiter grunted and walked off to the kitchen.

The couple passed the evening with idle small talk and smiles. By the time their food arrived, the combination of the incense from the candles and the wine had caused Elizabeth light-headedness. If James wasn't waiting for her to taste the food she wouldn't have eaten at all. The food was as wonderful as James had said, but Elizabeth's stomach just wasn't used to eating. Each bite brought her more queasiness. If James noticed she looked ill he didn't mention it. Chances are he didn't though- he was in the middle of some long winded story. Elizabeth swallowed more wine to combat the paleness she feared she was showing. For dessert the waiter served them the most elaborate cake Elizabeth had ever seen. It was so rich; she couldn't believe anyone could keep more than one bite down.

The candles burned low and the room cleared out. Elizabeth had her hands folded on the table in front of her - she was smiling. James reached across the table and touched her.

"Wanna go up to my family's condo?" He was already on his feet. Elizabeth nodded. The wine has left her less than lucid. He took her in his arms and they departed through the back door. As they walked along the dock, Elizabeth relied on James to steer her so she didn't fall into the dark water. The guard let them into the condo building and pointed the pair to the correct elevator. Elizabeth kept on hand on the railing on the other on her boyfriend for balance. Once he unlocked the door, he showed Elizabeth to the sofa.

"Want something to drink?" He asked. More wine was the last thing Elizabeth needed, but since he was pouring she didn't feel like turning him down. She sat down next to her- his arm draped around her shoulders.

"I love you, Elizabeth." He kissed her neck. Elizabeth moaned. She closed her eyes- the lights, dim as they were, were like daggers to her eyes. James continued to caress Elizabeth. She lean her head on his shoulder and within minutes she was out.

When she finally opened her eyes again, the room was entirely dark. James was asleep next to her. She rubbed her eyes, trying to remember where she was. The clock on the far wall chimed- startling Elizabeth. She did a double take- the clock claimed it was three. She shook James.

"Wake up, I have to go home."

He groaned, but made no sign of awaking. "Lizzie, you make a great pillow don't move."

"James, I'm going to get in trouble if I don't come home. My father doesn't know where I am. Take me home." She said with more urgency. In reality, she wasn't even sure if your father was home, but she wasn't going to run the risk that he noticed her absence.

James woke up. "Really Liz? I'm so comfortable."

"I'm sorry."

He got his keys. For a moment, Elizabeth regretted her decision. James was having trouble walking in a straight line- she wasn't sure if him driving was a good idea. Elizabeth rushed to the parking lot; James stumbled behind her. He drove as fast as he did when he completely aware. Elizabeth held the door- the drive home seemed far longer than the ride there. At her home she climbed out of the car and waved him off nervously. It was late- the roads were mostly empty- he'd be okay. She was really bad at reassuring herself.

Her father was sitting at his desk, when Elizabeth walked in. "I hope you have a damn good explanation for this." He said without turning around. She didn't respond.

"It's almost three thirty Elizabeth. Where the hell have you been? For all I knew you could have been lost or dead somewhere."

"You could have called?"

"No, you could have picked up."

"My head hurts. I'm going to bed."

"Elizabeth Swan, don't think you can come marching in four hours after curfew without saying anything."

"I was with James. We were watching a movie and I fell asleep. I ran home as soon as I realized what time it was."

"Damnit Elizabeth, what were you doing for that long? What is wrong with you? Spending time with your friends is fine but you're pushing your luck. I'll lock you in your room if I find out your social life is interfering with your studies, track or your well-being. Now, go upstairs to bed or you'll never be able to get up tomorrow and DON'T ever let me see you doing this again."

Elizabeth shuffled up the stairs. Most of her father's lecture was lost on her since her head was in the clouds. She used the last of her energy to undress and climb into bed.