Chapter 12: Don't let him Go

When they returned to Port Royal, Elizabeth's eyes watered when she saw her children running over to her. "MOTHER!" They shouted. Elizabeth fell to her knees and she embraced her children with tears falling down her face.

"What happened mommy?" Rose asked.

Elizabeth pulled back and placed her hands on her daughter's face. "I was in a lot of trouble. You sister came out to save me," she replied. Mackenzie smiled at her brothers and sisters. William walked over to Mackenzie.

"Welcome home," he greeted.

Mackenzie smiled as she embraced him. "Let's get back to the house," Will insisted. He picked Emily up and had her sit on his back. Emily giggled and wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "Coming, Jack?" Will asked.

"Right behind you," Jack replied.

Mackenzie watched as Jack, Anamaria, the girls, and Jacob walked after her family. However, as she was following her family back home, she couldn't help but catch the heartbreak in his eyes.

When they got back to the house, Bootstrap was sitting in the study. "Grandfather," Mackenzie murmured. Bootstrap looked up and he dropped his book to see his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

"Thank the heavens!" He praised.

He walked over and embraced them. "What happened to Barbossa?" He asked.

"He escaped," Will replied.

"But we'll get him next time," Mackenzie put in.

Bootstrap nodded and he watched as Mackenzie hurried upstairs. "She hasn't been herself since we came back," Will commented. Elizabeth let out a sigh.

"I'll go talk to her," she stated.

She then went upstairs to find out what was going on with her daughter.

Mackenzie was lying on her side and was staring at the wall. "Mackenzie, may I come in?" She asked.

"Yes," Mackenzie replied.

Elizabeth came in and walked over to her daughter. She sat next to her and stroked her hair. "You have been acting very strangely since we escaped," she commented. Mackenzie sighed and she traced the embroidery on her blankets.

"Jacob told me he loved me the other night," she answered.

Elizabeth stroked her daughter's hair with a sigh. Mackenzie sat up and embraced her mother. She sighed as she held her daughter tight. "Why is this so hard, mother?" She asked. Elizabeth sighed as she stroked her hair.

"Who knows, darling. Do you love him?" Elizabeth asked.

Mackenzie let out a heavy sigh and pulled back. "Mother? What does that have to do with it?" She asked.

"Mackenzie. If you feel the same way. Then why are you sitting up here in your room?" Elizabeth asked.

Mackenzie sighed again and she pushed her hair behind her ear. "I can't," she replied.

"And why not?" Elizabeth asked.

"He's a pirate."

"Oh…so that's the problem isn't it?"

Elizabeth sat back against the headboard of Mackenzie's bed. "Mother? What's wrong?" She asked.

"Mackenzie, I didn't raise you to be afraid to be in love," Elizabeth replied.

"But mother, after what happened to you and father because…"

"There were more good times than bad."

Elizabeth cradled her daughter's face in her hands. "Do not let fear ruin your future. If you love Jacob, go to him," she instructed.

"But he's probably already gone," Mackenzie answered.

Elizabeth pressed her forehead against hers. "Darling daughter, they haven't left port yet. Go out there and you follow your heart," she instructed. Mackenzie nodded with a smile. Elizabeth kissed her forehead. "Go," she added. Mackenzie got off the bed and ran out of the room.

(The Docks)

"Hurry up boy," Jack called out. Jacob glanced back at the house and let out a sigh as he turned to get onboard.

"JACOB!" A voice shouted.

Jacob looked over and nearly hit the ground when Mackenzie threw her arms around him. "Oi! Easy there luv, I only 'ave one son," Jack commented. Anamarie sighed and dragged Jack up to the helm.

"What's going on?" Jacob asked.

Mackenzie smiled. "I'm going with you," she replied.

"You're what?" He asked.

Mackenzie stood up with a smile. "I'm leaving Port Royal, I'm going with you," she replied.

"Leaving your mum, dad, brothers, and sisters?" He asked.

"I'm eighteen, Jacob. I think I'm old enough to make my own choices," she replied.

"You two coming or what?" Jack asked.

"Shut up," Anamaria hissed quietly.

Jacob and Mackenzie laughed slightly. "We're coming," Jacob replied. He held Mackenzie's hand as they walked onto the ship.

(Turner's Home)

Elizabeth stood out on the balcony of her home, happy to finally be back home. Will walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "There goes the Pearl," she commented. Will looked out to see the Black Pearl sailing away.

"Think Mackenzie's just as happy?" He asked.

"Probably as happy as we are," she replied.

Will smiled and kissed her cheek. "Who would've thought a blacksmith would marry the governor's daughter?" He asked. Elizabeth smiled at the thought.

"Tell you one thing. It's been one great adventure," she replied.

"I agree."

Elizabeth turned around and kissed him, knowing that everything was going to be just fine.