/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /
Chapter Twenty-Two
The walk into town was excruciating. Despite my constant running around, I still wasn't in shape and I was breathing heavily by the time we reached harbor. I wanted to tell Jack to slow down, but I knew that time was counting against us and we needed to get as far away as possible.
Jack stopped and I slouched against a nearby pole, gasping for breath. I knew that once I got home for good, I was staying home and not moving for a long time. All this exercise was too much exercise for a delicate body like mine.
"Here we are," Jack said, pulling on my arm. "We have to go now."
I gasped. "How much farther is it?"
"Only a short way, love," Jack exclaimed. "In a minute you can have all the rest that you like, but I promise you we need to move now."
I rolled my eyes. I never knew what was going through that pirate's mind, but I knew one thing about him. Jack Sparrow could be crazy, but inside all craziness laid a genius. No matter how hard it was to see sometimes.
As we walked ahead, I saw two figures coming towards us. As they came closer, I realized that it was Will and Bootstrap Bill. Never had I been gladder to see any other two people.
Rushing towards Will, I threw my arms around him, smothering him with kisses. All the anger that I had held against him melted away from me. I didn't care what happened now, I was just glad to be with the one man who loved me for who I was and wouldn't stop at the ends of the earth to find me. I had been so blind.
"Oh, Will, I've missed you so much," I said in between kisses. "Please forgive me for being so stupid about everything. I love you so much."
Will brushed his hand gently across my face and I stopped long enough to look into his loving eyes. I could've been lost in those eyes forever for all I knew or cared. There wasn't any other person I wanted to be with more than him.
"There is nothing to forgive, Elizabeth," Will exclaimed. "I could never stop loving you even if you hated me forever."
I couldn't help but smile. Will was such a gentleman. He would be able to make anybody's dream come true. But yet he chose to make mine.
Jack cleared his throat. "Well, I'm sure there'll be plenty of time for romancing under the stars with candlelit dinners in the distance harbor of a romantic city. But right now, I hope it's in everybody's best interest to get away from here as quick as we can."
Will turned towards him, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I could see the twinkle in his eyes and a small smile on his face. I had never seen him so happy before. I didn't want the moment to end and was a little upset at Jack for upsetting it. But I knew the source of his concern and I also knew we had to leave as quickly as possible.
Bootstrap Bill stepped foreword, an amused smile on his face. In his eyes, I could tell he was pleased for the choice that his son had made and the love for both me and his son wrapped into one. And somewhere inside of me was relieved. Someone had accepted my choice unquestionably.
"Let's say we go, savvy?" Jack asked, desperation in his eyes.
I nodded. "Let's go. The sooner we leave, the better."
Will took hold of my hand as we quickly weaved in and out of people. It was a beautiful night, yet hid the danger that lurked around the corner. I stopped suddenly. I had just remembered something.
Will turned and looked at me curiously. "What's wrong, Elizabeth?"
"Ana Maria, we can't leave her here with those men!" I exclaimed.
Jack looked at me impatiently. "We have no time to stop and be the hero now, Elizabeth. It would be more disaster to stay than to leave. Ana Maria can take care of herself."
"But what if they do something to her?" I said.
"She's been in predicaments before now, Elizabeth," Jack stated, his patience wearing thin. "She knows what's she's doing and what's in it for her. We can't do anything more for her."
My stance slipping away, I nodded my head in obedience. "What ever you say, Captain Jack Sparrow."
Jack gave a nod. "Good, we have an accord, then."
Without another word, we slipped into the darkness. I could only hope that we would all get through this alive and unharmed.
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Author's Note: Chapter Twenty two for everybody! I've been busy with many different things, including writing other fan fiction stories. So if you've managed to wait patiently for several weeks, I thank you for it and I'll update as soon as you can. And if you've just read this story, I hope you continue reading it.
Thanks again, and I'll update as soon as I can! Don't forget to review, it makes the writer happy!