/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /

Chapter Twelve

The night was unbearable. Unable to sleep, I quietly slipped away from my spot beside Will and quietly went outside. The heat was unbearable and I didn't want to wake Will up with my tossing and turning.

As I went outside, the cool air gently washed over me and I sighed with relief. I didn't know how that woman could live in that hut with the fire going on constantly. I think I would have gone crazy for the heat. But then again, Tia Dalma was a little crazy.

"You couldn't sleep, either?"

I turned to look up at Will. I shrugged slightly and looked back over the river. Our last argument was still fresh in my mind and I didn't want to look at him. Despite my unwillingness, Will came over and wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder.

"I know you're still mad at me, Elizabeth," Will said in a low voice, "but I still want to try again. You're my only love and I wouldn't be complete without you."

I shook my head, leaning my head against his. "You're only saying that to make me love you again."

Will looked at me curiously. "I love you with all of my heart, Elizabeth. If you ever left me or something would happen to you, I wouldn't be able to go on without you. I wouldn't be whole. Don't you love me anymore, Elizabeth?"

"I do love you, Will. But we've been arguing so much I feel like we're suffering and dividing amongst it. I'm scared for us, Will," I whispered, feeling the tears rise into my eyes.

"Then we must stop arguing. Let's start at the beginning and work our way up again. It's obvious we can't salvage from the ruins of before, so let's rebuild," Will said.

"We've had this discussion before and we've tried all that, but it doesn't seem to work," I said, feeling the weariness and defeat rise into my voice.

"Maybe it doesn't seem as if we're getting anywhere right now, but somewhere down the road, we'll reap the rewards. I don't want you to give up, Elizabeth," Will exclaimed. Placing a hand under my chin, he lifted my face up so that I was looking into his face. "Don't ever give up, Elizabeth."

I managed a small smile. "I promise, Will. I won't ever give up."

Will smiled back. "That's alright, then."

"We should go back inside…" I started but Will pressed two gentle fingers on my lips.

"Let's not just yet. We haven't been alone together in a long time. Let's enjoy the moment," Will said.

Bending over, his lips gently touched mine. It was the sweetest one that I hadn't known in a long time. Pulling him closer to me, I let the strength of his body envelope mine and our kiss became more passionate, more longing. Too soon, Will pulled away from me.

"This isn't the right time," Will said, his voice low and husky. "There is too much risk."

"Too much indeed," I said with equal longing. How I wanted to feel his loving touch again.

"I love you so much, Elizabeth," he said, his hand stroking my cheek.

"I love you too, Will," I answered.

Without another word, Will stepped away and walked a little way down the river. I watched him go, my heart breaking in two. I had hoped he wouldn't leave so soon. Suddenly I felt very angry. It was all so unfair—two lovers find each other only to endure trials and sufferings. Maybe it was God's way of seeing if we were really meant to be, but I still felt bitter about it. All I wanted was peace and a long, loving marriage with Will. So much for a happily ever after.

Suddenly, a shout was emitted from down the river. Thinking that Will was in trouble, I hurried down the river to look for him. He still hadn't recovered from his wounds received on the ship and I didn't want him to become worse than he already was.

Seeing Will on the ground made me gasp and run the rest of the way towards him before falling to my knees. Stroking his cheek lovingly, I looked into his face. He was unconscious.

"Now what am I going to do?" I asked, feeling the panic rise within me.

"You will do absolutely nothing," a voice said behind me.

Before I had time to turn around to see who it was, something heavy hit me against the side of my head. I felt myself fall on top of Will, despite my weak efforts to fall sideways away from him. Before I fell into darkness, my last thoughts were that Will and I were going to die together.

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Author's Note: I know it's really short, but I promise I'll make it up in the next chapter or so. I have somewhat of a plan and if I wrote anymore, it would reveal too soon what I want to write about. I hope everybody likes it just the same and I hope everybody keeps reading. I'll update when I can. Don't forget to review, it makes the writer happy!