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Chapter 10: Reunion

Amazingly enough, the flowered fabric belonged to a dress, and the dress belonged to Isabel, who was hiding under the bed.

"Oh! What a surprise to see you here, Commodore. I was looking for my earring." I looked sheepish.

"Really? Are you quite sure that's the reason you're under there? Come out this instant!"

I crept out, somewhat reluctant and somewhat not. Just as I stood my self up and brushed away the dust bunnies, Norrington brought me into his arms with a tight embrace.

At first, my body was stiff and awkward. After a moment or so, I relaxed, leaned against his broad chest, and closed my eyes.

"Do you realize," stammered Norrington, "How much trouble I've gone through to find you again?"

"I'm terribly sorry…" I murmured. After a moment, I snapped out of that dreamy state. "Where's Jack? And the rest of the crew?"

He looked hurt. "Bound up by now. I have agreed not to capture them if they do not attack us."

Hearing this, I threw off his arms. "What? Where is he? Where are they?" I rushed out of the cabin.

Norrington sprang out, grasping my wrist. "Let go! I won't have this!" I struggled to break free.

"Isabel! Listen to me first. I have not harmed Jack. I've just put him on a temporary restraining order until we're all back at Port Royal."

I noticed how Norrington never called me by my nickname, Is, like everyone else.

"So you can turn him in?" I tried to pull away.

"Please, I beg of you. I've gone through so much to find you again and I don't want to lose you again. Hear me out, once we arrive at Port Royal, I'll cut his ropes."

I stopped struggling. "I just want to see Jack for now, is that all right?"

Norrington looked at my face before answering. "You may."

He led me to another cabin where Jack was being held. Upon entrance, I saw him sitting on the floor, his hands tied together with his eyes shut. He had dozed off from pain and fatigue that I dare not wake up.

Stepping out, Norrington asked me, "Are you satisfied now?"

I kept my eyes on the ground and nodded.

"Come now, don't be upset with me. You know I can't bear it."

"Please, Commodre—,"

"James."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Call me James."

"Ah, yes. James, I can't go on like this forever. Running away and hiding, it's too much."

"You're saying you do not return my affection?" He fingered the locket that I had given him the night before my departure.

"Please don't take it the wrong way. It's not that I don't return your affection, its that…"

Norrington finished my sentence. "You yearn to be free and do not want to settle down, am I right?"

"Well…" I was uncomfortable discussing this with him. "I'm not sure where my heart lies. I don't know what I really want, do you understand me?"

He nodded and averted his attention elsewhere.

I gazed at the side of his face, imagining the empty, distant look in his eyes. Thinking that, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

Not thinking at all, I spun him around, tiptoed on my feet, and placed a kiss on his lips, a kiss so passionate that would surely make him faint.

After we finished, I ran off to my own cabin without another word.

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A/N: Just review, thanks.