Hello readers! Thank you to all those who have responded to my first chapter. You're awesome!
I hereby dedicate this chapter to:
thomthom830
For being my first reviewer.
Not to be forgotten are Alenor Peredhel (thanks for the tips) and Kara Adar. Thanks you guys!
A/N I don't own POTC.
On with the chapter!
RUN AWAY
Chapter 2
James sat on deck, going over what had happened in the past week. It was hard to think about what he had done to his family. Were they worried about him? Did they even care?
And now Gibbs was suspicious. His earlier comment would most likely get him in trouble.
His thoughts were interrupted by Jack calling his name. He walked slowly over to the helm. Jack glanced down at the boy. He seemed worried about something.
"You done moppin'?" James nodded. "Good. You're on the second watch tonight, so go get some rest." He headed below deck to his hammock and laid down. Tilting his hat over his eyes, he drifted off to sleep.
James was awoken later by the previous watchman. He fixed his hat and went up on deck. Again he was alone with his thoughts. James shook his head, trying to focus on something else. If he kept thinking, his plan would be ruined. He would be sent back home. And that was the last place he wanted to go. Tears came to his eyes, and he wiped them away quickly. He walked around the ship, trying to take his mind off his home. It worked, and soon the man on the next shift stumbled groggily on deck.
Back in his bunk, James tried to sleep, but his mind wouldn't let him. He was never going to fall asleep. Despite his thought, he fell into a short, turbulent sleep.
The next day Jack had him mopping again. He wanted to watch the boy, see how he acted. There was something different about James, but he couldn't but his finger on it. He put together a list of things that were strange about him in his mind.
His walk. He walked lightly, his feet barely making a sound.
His hygiene. He washed his hands in the bucket frequently.
His eyes. They were a deep chocolate brown, and seemed to bore holes in whatever he looked at.
His speech. He spoke in a way that seemed fitting of the high life, not like someone from Tortuga. Although it was possible that he wasn't from there, it was weird.
His clothes. He wore baggy clothes, and never ever took off his hat. Maybe he liked it, after all, Jack liked his. But at least he would take it off occaisonally.
Yes, there was something strange about James. He stared at the boy mopping below him.
James felt someone watching him, and tried to ignore it. After a few minutes he still felt eyes on him. He lifted his head from his work and looked around. No one seemed to be looking at him. Then he noticed Jack, looking down from the helm. Their eyes locked. James was suddenly stricken with panic. He suspects something. But he can't know. What have I done to give it away?
Jack kept staring back at him. As painful as it was to look into those eyes, he wouldn't turn away. James picked up his bucket and walked hurriedly away from Jack's gaze. He spent the next three days trying to avoid Jack, which wasn't easy, seeing as he was the Captain. When he came to the galley, James went up on deck and vice versa.
Finally Jack had no choice but to call the boy to his quarters. A look of dread spread over his face when Gibbs told him. He knocked on the door and was called inside. James entered warily, and found Jack sitting at a large table, his feet crossed on top.
"Sit down James." He did and felt the colour drain from his face. This is it. Now everyone will know.
"So how are you liking the pirate life?"
"It's fine." He muttered. Jack nodded and looked at the boy. His eyes were downcast, and he played with his hands in his lap. Must he drag it out like this?
"Tell me a little about yourself." He hesitated, but began to speak.
"I was born in Cartagena, the fourth of five children. My father was a carpenter and a heavy drinker. He would beat us and my mother when he came home drunk. One day when he came home, he ended up killing my mother and little sister. I couldn't take it anymore, so I left. I bought passage to Tortuga, where I heard that you might be looking for some new crew members. I found out when you would be there, and waited."
Jack had been listening attentively to the story, and was surprised by how willingly he had told it. He had barely moved, and had a somber expression on his face.
"I'm very sorry boy. You can go." The boy looked up, surprised.
"That's all?" Jack nodded. James got up and left the room, leaving him to ponder what the boy had said. Constant beatings could explain some things, but not others, like the hand washing and speech. But he wouldn't pry.
James walked out with a smile. His plan had worked. Jack didn't suspect a thing, and after that story, it was doubtful that he would ask anymore questions. Careful. You're not clear yet. He thought, trying not to smile. But he couldn't help it. He couldn't believe he fell for it.
Oooo…. What is he up to? You'll just have to wait and see! ; ) R+R please! - Chicaga