True Love: Forever Reunited
Chapter 18: A Wonderful Surprise
A/N: Hey everyone!!! I am so sorry for the delay in updating; since I last updated, I've moved back into my dorm, started my five classes, started work study, started tutoring in the writing center, and become president of my Catholic club on campus. So, needless to say, I've been ridiculously busy. I do hope though, that I'll soon get used to school and everything, and will have more time to work on this story, because I simply adore writing it. Anyway, I'll stop rambling, enjoy!!
Elizabeth Swann woke suddenly the next morning; she really hadn't slept well, because her dreams had been filled with visions of the Brethren Court sailing away. Indeed, the only thing that had helped her get any sleep at all was Will comforting her each time she awoke, telling her that everything would be all right, just as she had done for him when he had returned home from the Dutchman, his dreams haunted with sharp memories of the night he had been made captain. She sat up, seeing that the sun had barely risen, Will still sleeping soundly beside her. She felt a quick pang of intense nausea, and swept speedily up to the deck, and proceeded to be sick. She stood back up rather shakily, and recalled that her monthly time was nearly a week late. She had originally attributed it to the intense stress she was under, thanks in full to the East India Company, but now she wondered if it might be something different.
She felt ill once again, and retched over the side of the ship. Afterwards, she stood still and closed her eyes, allowing the cool, salty breeze to sweep over her, and making her feel a bit better. She heard soft footsteps behind her, and turned to see the confused but smiling form of her husband coming up behind her.
"What's wrong, love?" he asked, placing his hands on her shoulders and rubbing them gently. "Are you sick?"
"In a manner of speaking," said Elizabeth slyly.
Will looked at her with a bemused expression. Elizabeth wasn't entirely sure how much Will knew about the symptoms of pregnancy; he had been on the Dutchman when she had been pregnant with Willy, and she didn't know if his mother or anyone else had taught him what to look for.
"Will," she said slowly, carefully. "My time of the month is late, and I have morning sickness. I think I may be…."
But the rest of her words in were drowned out in a loud, blissful whoop from her husband, who proceeded to pick her up and spin her around in the air, holding her close.
"You must be expecting!!" he cried, "That's the most wonderful news!!!"
"Wait," said Elizabeth curiously, "How did you know those were the symptoms of pregnancy?"
"My mother used to be a midwife of sorts," said Will simply, "So she taught me all the symptoms when I was a lad. She always said it would come in handy when I found a woman that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with." He grinned at her, his deep brown eyes sparkling.
Elizabeth returned the smile, and would have dearly loved to kiss him if it weren't for the fact that she felt like she might be ill again.
"You need to go and lie down," said Will firmly, picking her up bridal style and making his way down to their cabin. He was as gentle with her as he might be with a newborn babe, and as they walked, their eyes hardly ever strayed from each other's faces. It was obvious they were thinking the same thought; they had created a miraculous new life, and this time, Will would be there to experience it all, and little Willy would finally have his much longed for sibling.
Once they reached their cabin, Will put Elizabeth delicately down on the bed, for which she was thankful, seeing as her stomach was still doing flip flops.
"Doing all right love?" asked Will with a smile as he put the covers over her.
"Yes, I'm better now," she answered, as they heard a soft rap at the door, and the small form of Willy entered, yawning profusely.
"Hello Mum, Papa," he said. "What's going on?"
"Well, we have a bit of a surprise for you Willy," said Elizabeth, carefully, not wanting to startle him. "We think that you may soon have a little brother or sister on the way. We will need to check with the doctor in Tortuga…"
The rest of her words were drowned out by a loud cry of delight from Willy, who instantly jumped into the air. "A little brother or sister is just what I've always wanted! I've always thought that Charles and Anna were so lucky to have each other."
Will chuckled, amused at his son's reaction. "I'm glad you're so excited Willy. It is wonderful news."
"It is," said Elizabeth with a tired smile. "We shall have a lovely new addition to our family."
Willy proceeded to give both of his parents a big hug. "Are you not feeling well Mum?" he asked in a rush. "I'll go and wake Uncle James and see if he'll walk into town with me to get you some food and water. He's the only one that would be awake anyhow."
"Thank you darling," said Elizabeth. "I appreciate it."
"Oh and Papa?" asked Willy, turning around in the doorway, "After I help Mum, will you practice with Charles, Anna, and me, like you promised last night?"
"Of course," said Will with a grin. "I'd like nothing better."
Willy pumped an excited fist in the air, and with that went to wake up an unsuspecting James Norrington, to walk with him into town.
But as Willy closed the door behind him, a thought came to Elizabeth, like a pin pricking her large bubble of happiness. She looked up at Will, and it was obvious that he could tell what was bothering her.
"Elizabeth," he said softly, "Don't let the problems with the EITC overshadow this miraculous news. Yes, it is an issue, especially with the Brethren behaving as they did, but we will get through this, alive and well. I can feel it."
"Do you really think so?" questioned Elizabeth.
"Absolutely," said Will reassuringly. Together, and with the help of our friends, I am positive that we will be able to keep our baby safe, and come out victorious.
"I think you're right," responded Elizabeth, feeling more confident. "And if Clinton or any other EITC agent dares to try and hurt our new life, I will make them wish they had never done so. You know, I never knew those sword lessons you gave me would come in so handy," she said, her eyes glinting with fierce courage.
"Neither did I," said Will thoughtfully, "But I am rather relieved that I had the idea to teach you. Although, you were quite a pain to teach," he said, grinning cheekily at her.
For this statement, he earned a rather hard smack with a nearby pillow, and as he now knew that his wife was with child, he did not retaliate.
"You deserved that," said Elizabeth in a matter of fact tone.
"Yes," said Will, nearly unable to stop laughing, "I did."
"Well," she said rubbing her stomach. "I think I'm going to have a bit of a lie down and wait for Willy to come back with the water and food from town. Why don't you go and spread our amazing news?"
"Are you sure you'll be all right alone?" asked Will nervously.
"Will," said Elizabeth firmly, "I'll be perfectly fine. I managed with Willy when I was pregnant with him, and I can manage now."
"Yes," said Will, "I know you can. But you aren't alone now." He gazed at her, his eyes locking with hers with an intense fire. Elizabeth was a strong, independent woman; and living those ten years without him had made her even more so. But it was clear that he wanted her to know that she didn't have to do everything by herself. They would take care of each other now that they were together.
Elizabeth looked back at him, her heart racing. Sometimes she forgot that she wasn't without her beloved anymore, and that she didn't always have to do everything. She smiled, and his expression softened. "I know I'm not alone, and that gives me more comfort than you know Will. But really, I will be all right for a little while, so you can go and spread the news. Willy is likely to be glued to my side until you come back anyway; he's always like that when I feel ill.'
Will seemed reassured by this, and gave his wife a swift kiss on the cheek as he swept from the room.
"I love you, Elizabeth," he said, glancing back with a grin.
"I love you too, Will," she said, her heart aflame with tender feelings, even though her stomach churned. "Now go and tell everyone you see our amazing news, and try not to worry so much."
He laughed at that, knowing that it was true, and the sound echoed as he walked up the steps onto the sunny deck. It was about fifteen minutes before Willy reappeared with a tray of food and some tea for his mother, a surprised James Norrington in tow. James, it seemed, had taken to the young boy, and Willy had deemed him "Uncle James."
"Here you are Mum," said Willy, handing over the tray, which consisted of toast with jam, an apple, and a cup of tea. "Are you feeling better?"
"A bit," said Elizabeth with a thankful smile. "These things come and go during the first few months or so. Though, it did rather surprise me when you first came along."
Willy blushed slightly, and sat on the bed next to his mother, eating an apple, the expression on his face looking almost identical to his father's.
"Congratulations, Elizabeth," said James, coming over and sitting in the cushy chair next to the bed, a smile on his face. "This is wonderful news."
"Thank you James," she said sincerely. "I am thrilled that we are expecting another child. And Willy is quite happy at the thought of having a sibling, aren't you son?"
Willy nodded vigorously. "It's very exciting! When they're old enough I can teach him or her how to read, and write, and handle a sword, and all sorts of things!"
"I think you will be a wonderful older brother," said Elizabeth sincerely, kissing his cheek, causing him to blush again.
"Mum…" he muttered, grinning sheepishly.
"Sorry love, I'm just feeling very motherly today," said Elizabeth, still rubbing her ill stomach.
"I think I'm going to go and see if Charles and Anna are awake, so I can tell them the news," said Willy, hopping up from the bed. "Will you be okay for a few minutes, Mama, or should I stay here?"
"You go on and tell them," said Elizabeth, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "I'll be fine."
Willy nodded, and ran from the room, leaving Elizabeth and James alone. An awkward silence resounded through the room. The pair had not been alone together ever since the night of James' death. Ever since his strange and miraculous return, they had always been surrounded by others, so the opportunities for talking had been slim. James glanced up, and then glanced back down, twisting his fingers nervously.
"Elizabeth," he said abruptly, "There is no excuse for what I did, giving the heart to Beckett. I was blinded by greed; I only wanted my own life back. But my actions caused so much grief and horror. The only thing I can say is that I had no idea at the time quite what consequences of my actions would be; I joined the wrong side. And when you told me the truth about what happened to your father…" his voice shook and died.
For a moment, Elizabeth could only stare at her friend and former suitor. This display of emotion, however small, was surprising. James had always kept his feelings to himself, feeling that as a naval officer, he should not show his feelings to others. The last time she had seen him display any kind of emotion to anyone, was when he had proposed to her all those years ago.
"James," she said gently, a tentative hand on his shoulder. "If you had known about Beckett's plans for my father, I know you would have tried to stop it. And you're right; you did join the wrong side. But you died in order to get me off the Dutchman, and for that, I cannot thank you enough." She gave him a small smile, her eyes meeting his with intensity.
"Are you angry with me?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper, as though not wanting to know the answer.
Elizabeth was taken aback; frankly, she hadn't thought he would ask that. She ran a nervous hand through her golden brown locks, pondering how to answer.
"I was at first, especially right after I found that you had given the heart to Beckett. It just didn't seem like something you would do. But my anger was mixed with relief at seeing you that night when the Empress was attacked by the Dutchman. Your death was a huge blow to me," she said, her eyes still meeting his with that same intensity; she would not allow him to look away. "After having lost my father, then you, and then having to be separated from Will for a decade nearly did me in, and your sacrifice for me did away with my anger. I've come to the realization that things happened the way they were meant too, despite how hard it all was. So to answer your question, no, I'm not angry with you."
James sighed with what appeared to be relief, and for the first time in several minutes, he smiled. "I truly am glad that you are happy with Will, Elizabeth. Deep down, I always knew that you loved him. But I do hope that we can be friends."
"I would love that," said Elizabeth, moving to embrace him.
He seemed surprised, and was stiff at first, but after a moment, he fully returned her warm hug. Elizabeth thought fleetingly of mentioning the impulsive kiss he had given her just before his death, but thought better of it; it was obvious that it made him uncomfortable, and she did not want that. They broke apart as the door sprang open loudly, causing them both to nearly jump out of their skins. In came Jack, dragging Will by the collar, and followed by Andrew, Amelia, Groves, and Estrella, all of whom looked supremely delighted.
"Well, don't be bothered to knock," said Elizabeth, sarcasm in her tone.
"Dear William," announced Jack, still grasping Will's collar, "Told the lot of us that you are expecting, dear Lizzie; is it true?"
"I'll only tell you if you let go of my husband; I think you're choking him," replied Elizabeth, noticing Will's look of the utmost annoyance and discomfort.
"Oh, right," said Jack in a very nonchalant way, letting go of his friend. Will scampered over to Elizabeth, clearly wanting to get away from Jack's vice like grip.
"And to answer your question," said Elizabeth, an ecstatic grin overcoming her face, "Yes, all the signs point to a pregnancy."
"That is delightful!" exclaimed Amelia, clasping her hands together excitedly, "It will be so exciting to have a new baby!"
"Indeed it will," commented Andrew, grinning widely.
"Congratulations to you both!" said Estrella happily. "Never forget that all of us will help you whenever you need it."
"Absolutely," said Groves, smiling as well, and looking more and more content in the midst of so many infamous pirates.
"Thank you so much everyone," said Will, placing a delicate arm over his wife's shoulder. "It really is surprising news."
"Well," said Jack, raising his hand tentatively, "I don't find it very surprising, seeing as you two were celibate for over ten years…"
"Thank you Jack," cut in Elizabeth, not wanting to hear the rest of that sentence. Everyone in the room began talking in excited and happy tones about the baby to come, but Elizabeth could hardly take her eyes off of Will. He was quiet, but his face held an expression of contentedness. His face was glowing, and his hand rested in hers, squeezing it ever so often. His eyes looked around with interest and amusement at the friends gathered around them. Elizabeth's heart swelled with love for him; the thought that he would be here through her pregnancy this time, and that they, along with their beloved Willy, could share this experience together.
The pleasant buzz of conversation went on for several more minutes, until the door to Will and Elizabeth's small, and now overcrowded cabin, burst open, revealing Willy, Charles, and Anna's shocked faces.
"Mum, Papa," said Willy breathlessly, his eyes wide, "There are East India ships on the horizon."
The bottle of rum in Jack's hand came crashing to the floor, but no other sound could be heard in the small room, except for the fearful shouts of the people of Tortuga.
AN: I do apologize for the cliffhanger, but I just couldn't help myself. Thanks for all the reviews everyone, and I hope you enjoyed this!!