For the first time in years, Alexandra was happy. She was free to dress in knickers, free to run barefoot, free to explore the harbor, and most importantly free to let her hair roam free. This particular morning, she decided to awake her horse Abby and ride down to the beaches. Along her way she stopped and bought a small parcel of wild flowers, some she had never seen.
"They come from Jamaica Miss," said Aaron, a young man who had a sharp eye for Alex, "They're new to this part of the Caribbeans. Would you like me to bring you some fresher ones later?" While Alex never accepted Aaron's proposals and offerings, she never denied them either.
"I would like that, yes."
"And, now would you like some for Abby?"
"For Abby?"
"Sweet taste to the mares...Miss." He smiled and handed a rather large bundle to the horse. Alexandra then pardoned herself, never knowing exactly how to respond to the boy's charm.
It was a short stroll from the Turner's to the shore. Commodore Norrington was out and about, patrolling with his blundering sailors. The man had aged a great deal in the 6 months Alex had known him. Rumors had spread far and wide of the Black Pearl. She seemed to harbor in Tortouga for a while, then turned tail and headed for the Royal Islands.
"Piracy is not a very fashionable life, Miss Alexandra, no matter what childhood story was told to you. Please do keep a clear head out here, and not stray too far out of my men's eyes." Of course she never listened to the Commodore, although Elizabeth did encourage it.
The sand was gorgeous at this time. Sunset, Abby had needed a rest so they both laid in the dimming light. Alex gently stroked Abby's soft white mane.
"I wonder if the Black Pearl is a real ship? Wouldn't that be funny, all this fuss over a fantasy. How Norrington would blush!" Suddenly, a cry from the town, quite softly, arose. The bells in the church tower were clanging in alarm. Abby, on cue, ran back Alex saddling her mid-stride.
"Dear God! Pirates! Where are the children? My God!" Aaron tried to calm his mother, but to no avail.
"Aaron!" He looked over, face white, into Alexs's eyes.
"Aaron, dear Lord what's happened?"
"The Black Pearl..."
"What about it?"
"...it was spotted on the northern shore. Port Royal is to be raided...We can't find Adam. He's only 4, Miss Alex. My only brother. What shall we do?" The town was in chaos. Alex pointed Abby home, and grabbed Aaron's arm.
"Come with me."
"Miss, what are you doing?"
"We're going to find Adam and then head back to the manor."
"But my mother..."
"She'll be fine. Someone will eventually get her into shelter." The crowds were thick. Aaron and Alex were knocked down a few times before they reached the blacksmith shop. Alex kicked out a window, which they entered through to avoid being crushed by the enormous wave of people. The fire in the stove was still going. Will's swords had been toppled over and messed about.
"WILL! WILL! Please, answer me!" Alexandra expected the worst. Aaron had sat down, staring into the air. His eyes were clouded and dark, as if he knew a great deal of their future. Finally, Alex gave up the struggle and joined the boy.
"I don't understand, Will was supposed to be here." The back door came crushing in, and as if he heard, there was Will and a tiny crying Adam in his arms.
"The boy got caught outside the bakery." Will set him down. Adam rushed into Aaron's arms, where he cried for his mother. Alex stared at the blonde man, taking in the fact he was alive and ok. He clasped her arm and devoured her into a warm hug.
"We have to go, Alex. The crowd won't hold much longer. I don't even know what's happening, all I care about right now is getting to the damn house!" Alex stared.
"You haven't heard?"
"No."
"The Black Pearl. It' coming this way Will we shall all perish!" A certain calmness reached his eyes.
"The Pearl?"
"Yes..."
"...Jack." Before she could question a blast shot through the wall, throwing wood and powder everywhere. Alex was knocked back, losing her breath. She felt as if she lay there for the longest time, looking up at the ceiling. A warm trickle fell down her thigh. Her stomach felt numb. And it was as if, that very moment, her eyes would close heavily. And she would never awake to anyone's face again. But along with that moment, a pair of dark strong hands encased her. She was lifted up next to a warm chest. She noticed a shining of medallions around a face, and two chocolate eyes. Out of the back came Will's voice, angry and cold.
"Jack, what the bloody hell are you doing busting up Port? Look at what you've did to Alex!" The man, Jack stared down into his arms.
"Alex? Well, tis just a scratch dear, don't listen to old Will. And by the way, mate. I admit it is my boat on shore, but this? No, not my cannons." He felt at Alex, her abdomen aching. "We need to get you cleaned up. Welcome to the real Caribbeans, love. I'm Captain Jack Sparrow. And you, are in for a real adventure."