Author's Note: Thank you all for being so patient! Jack and I are discussing new story ideas for the future, including the sequel to this story. Please, keep those reviews rolling! Thanks again for reading!
Aoife
Chapter Seventeen --- Back to Port Royal
A soft knock interrupted my sweet dreams the next morning. "Hold on a minute," I replied groggily, picking up my shift from the floor and throwing it on. It was then I noticed the blood on the sheets. "Shit," I cursed quietly. I threw the blanket over the spots and Jack before going to open the door. I peered through and there stood Edana. "Whatchu want?"
"I overheard Norrington just now. He's coming with some soldiers in about ten minutes. You better get ready," she advised.
"Goddamnit," I cursed again. "I'll be ready by then." She nodded and shut the door. I rushed over to Jack and said in a soothing but frantic tone, "Jack, darling, you have to get up."
"No," he groned, swatting me away. I sighed heavily and leaned over him. I kissed him roughly, tracing his lips with my tongue. He opened and his tongue met mine intensly. He pulled me down on top of him and held me tightly to him. I moved away from his lips and looked down at him. "Come on, Keelin. Let's 'ave some more fun," he protested, whining like a child.
"No can do. Norrington'll be here soon," I replied, smiling at his childish antics.
"Argg," he growled lightly, lifting him off of me. He retrieved his clothes from the floor and I blushed, looking away. If Jack noticed, he didn't say anything. He finished and put a hand out to me. "Let me 'elp ye," he said softly.
I took his hand and said, "Jack, I'm no child."
"No," he replied thoughtfully, his eyes drifting up and down my figure. "Ye're not." I blushed again and he helped me with the petticoats, corset and gown. When I was finished, I brought him to the bed and showed him the blood soaked sheets.
"We have another problem," I pointed out.
"Who cares? Let the commodore find out that ye're no angel," Jack replied, wrapping his arms around my waist. I glared at him and he added, "We'll just tell 'im that ye recieved yer monthly last night."
I kissed him and said, "You're a bloody genius!"
"I know," he replied. "People just don't believe me when I tell 'em. 'Ere, let me comb yer 'air." He sat me on the edge of the bed and grabbed a brush from the nightstand. He pulled it through my hair gently, getting rid of the snarls. I closed my eyes and relaxed, taking deep soothing breaths.
"This is one thing that I really love," I said, almost slurring my words. "People playing with my hair. It really calms me down."
"I'll keep that in mind," Jack replied, tying it half up half down. He laid the bottom half of the curls onto my back and kissed the top of my head.
"Thank you," I said, just as another knock sounded on the door. Jack opened the door as I covered the sheets again. There stood the commodore, armed Marines standing behind him.
"Captain Sparrow," Norrington said in a bored tone, but there was a look of slight excitment in his eyes. "You shall be held in Fort Charles prison until your trial tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock." He turned to me and added, "Miss Burke, you shall go with Governor Swann and Miss Swann. I hope you find your living accomodations suitable in their spacious home."
"Thank you Commodore," I replied, with a slight bow of my head. "I shall be there at your trial, Captain Sparrow. Until then."
"Right so, Miss Burke," Jack replied, a grin plastered on his handsome face. As the Marines came to take him away, he turned and blew me a small kiss. I caught it and pressed it to my heart. He smiled again and then was gone.
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(Edana's POV)
I knocked softly on the door that connected the room Will and I shared to Keelin and Jack's room. I heard Norrington leave and I knew that she'd want some company after the loss of her devilish captain. I heard a soft "come in" and so I entered.
Keelin was dressed in a beautiful medieval style emerald colored gown and her long red hair was pulled half up-half down and she was pulling the sheets off her bed and bundled them up. She glanced towards me and asked, "What's up?"
"What are you doing?" I asked, watching her quick actions.
"I got my period last night," she replied. "I don't want Norrington to see. He'll get the wrong picture."
I could see where this was going. "Yeah, that's not a very good first impression for the governor."
"He's seen worse of me, especially when we first got here. I think he thinks that Jack forced me to come away and go pirating with him," she replied.
"I can see it now. 'Did you hear about that Miss Burke? Yes, they found bloody sheets in her cabin that she and that pirate were in when the commodore went to bring said pirate to the jail. That Jack Sparrow must've taken advantage of her, the poor darling. And on the Commodore's own ship! Dear me, what a scandal!' Give me a friggin' break! The women'll probably pity you and say, 'Oh, that dreadful monthly curse must've come in the middle of the night.'," I acted, fanning my hand about my face as though I were a lady at a ball. She blushed furiously at the mention of having sex with Jack and her eyes clouded slightly, as though remembering something. That's when I knew what had happened. "Oh...my...gawd. Keelin!" I cried. "You didn't!"
"Do what?" she replied, her eyes focusing on mine, a slight fear hiding in the depths of the green.
"You had sex with Jack!" I whispered loudly, pointing at her. My accusations were confirmed when her cheeks flamed with blush and her eyes showed agreement to my words. "Tell me the truth," I demanded.
She nodded slowly and said, "Yeah, I did. So what?"
"So what? So what? Keelin, you wouldn't let any other boyfriend close enough to kiss you but you do it with a pirate?"
"Will Turner's a pirate too," she retorted, crossing her arms.
"But I haven't done it with him...yet," I replied. "You've gotta love him a hell of a lot, eh?"
"Of course I do. You've know it all along. So have I. I just had to find it first."
"So," I said akwardly. "How was it?"
Keelin shot me a grin and said, "Hurts like hell at. But it gets better. Much better."
"Thanks," I grumbled. I had been hoping for more details but Keelin didn't seem too keen on giving them. I changed the subject instead. "You're living with Elizabeth and Weatherby?"
"I guess," she replied with a shrug. "But only for tomorrow."
"Of course," I sighed. "The hanging."
"Where are you going to stay?" she asked me, sitting on the edge of her bed.
"With Will. He knows what's going to happen."
"You told him how to rescue Jack?"
"Of course, I wouldn't let your pretty pirate boy die on us."
"Actually, Jack is more ruggedly handsome," she laughed.
There was another knock on the door and Elizabeth entered. "Keelin, are you ready to go?" she asked. "The carriage is here."
"I believe so," Keelin replied, standing to her feet. She gave me a quick hug and whispered, "Till tomorrow."
"Eleven," I replied and hugged her back. She and Elizabeth left and I went through the adjourning cabin. Will was grabbing his effects and putting them in his belt.
He turned towards me and asked, "Ready to go?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied. He took my elbow in his and we left the cabin. Up on the deck, the sun shone brightly and the sky was as blue as the sea beneath our feet. He led me to the gangplank and down we went. We headed into town and followed the twisting turning alleyways to the blacksmith's shop. Will held open the door for me and then showed me where he slept.
It was a little room in the back of the shop with a small kitchen just across from it. A bed that was more like a cot was pushed in the corner and a dresser was across from it on the opposite wall. A small wooden window overlooked a sliver of the harbor but mostly the alleyway. "It's not much, but it's home," Will said, breaking the quiet stillness.
"It's lovely," I sort of lied. It was shabby and small but comfy and he smiled at the compliment.
"You can take the bed and I'll sleep on the floor," he said, pointing at the cot.
I faced him and said, "There's enough room for two on the bed."
He grinned and replied, "You're on. Listen, I've got some backwork to catch up on but you can read some of the books that are hidden under the bed."
"Hidden?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Mr. Brown wouldn't like it too much if he found them, you see. He might burn them in a drunken stupor."
"So I see," I replied, chuckling softly. "What a funny man."
"Try working for him," Will replied and then kissed my forehead and left.
"Touché," I said to myself as I picked out a book from under the bed. It was Robinson Crusoe, a favorite of mine. I crawled under the thin cover of the bed and read about the sea merchant.
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(Keelin's POV)
My brain felt like it was rattling around in my head as the carriage bounced rockily over the rough cobblestone streets. Elizabeth and Governor Swann were talking about some party that was to be held in two day's time. I had tuned them out and was watching the buildings of Port Royal fly past.
"Wouldn't that be nice, Miss Burke?" a voice interrupted my train of thought. I glanced up and found the governor and Elizabeth staring at me intently.
"Pardon me, what was that?" I asked, turning to face them.
"Father asked if you thought that Miss Henderson and Mr. Turner should get married. They seem so in love. Wouldn't that be nice?" Elizabeth repeated the question.
I nearly choked but somehow managed to cough delicately. "They're a bit young, doncha think?"
"Nonsense," Governor Swann replied. "My Elizabeth is twenty and she is to be married. Besides, you are in love yourself, so my Elizabeth tells me."
"I am, sir, but at this time, am not thinking of an engagement." I suspected that Elizabeth hadn't told him that I was in love with Jack. I was afraid the man would drop dead if he found out. I decided to keep that to myself.
"There's no rush, of course," he replied, thinking I had been offended.
"I know. At this time, we're just uncertain about what the future holds for us at this particular time," I said, cryptically.
"No one does," the governor smiled kindly. He glanced through the curtain that covered the window and said, "Oh look, we're home."
I peered out the window as the carriage rolled up the driveway to the mansion. "Oh my," I breathed.
Governor Swann beamed and said, "Welcome to the Governor's Mansion. Elizabeth will show you to the room where you'll be staying."
"Thank you," I replied. I was assisted out of the carriage and then I followed Elizabeth into the house. Any damage that had been done by Barbossa's crew was gone. I gazed around at the magnificent things in the house as I was led up the grand staircase and to a room down the hall.
"This is your room," Elizabeth said. "Go on in and look."
I stepped in and gawked. "This is beautiful!" The room was huge with a balcony overlooking the harbor and the walls had gold wallpaper with gold roses pictured on it. A canopy bed with sheer ivory curtains and golden blankets sat against one wall and across from the bed was a large fireplace. Wood paneling lined the floor and a wardrobe hid in a corner, a silk dressing screen next to it. "Thank you," I said, turning to face her.
"There's a garden just under your balcony, so if you care to explore, feel free. Supper's at four," she added before leaving me by myself.
The second she was gone, I couldn't resist any longer. I lifted my skirts and flew towards the bed, jumping on to it with a squeal of delight. "Oh...my...goodness," I breathed happily. I leapt off the bed and went out to the balcony. The sun was bright in the blue sky and beneath my feet were too many flowers to count. I could get used to this, but then again, my heart just wanted to be out on the sea again. To be with Jack again. "Until tomorrow, my love," I whispered to the sea and turned to go back inside.
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(Edana's POV)
I read until darkness began to creep into the room, casting shadows on the floor and walls. I put the book down, rubbed my eyes and stretched. Yawning, I stood up from the bed and went into the shop. Will stood over a hot fire, his bare skin glistening in the light from the flames. His curls had been pulled back off of his face and he was leaning over another sword. I snuck up behind him and began massaging his shoulders. He jumped at my touched before realizing it was only me. "Working hard?" I asked softly in his ear.
"Not anymore," he replied, relaxing under my touch. I massaged up and down his back and his head rolled back. I kissed his temple and he turned to face me. Placing his hands on my hips, he lowered his lips to mine, kissing me sweetly.
"Mmmm," I said, smiling at him. My eyes drifted briefly over his toned tan chest. My lips brushed down his neck and my fingers played with the curls that had come loose from the ponytail.
"Do you want supper?" he asked, donning a shirt.
I focused back on his face and nodded, "I'm starved."
"Come on, then," he pulled me along after him. We ended up in the kitched, which consisted of nothing more than a fireplace, a tub that was a sink and an icebox. Will hunted for food and found some rice in a cabniet, fruit in the icebox and some bread in a breadbox.
"It'll do for just us," I grinned, finding two plates in a cupboard.
"Wait until I get some money," Will said. "I'll buy you a real house, maybe a ship, the fanciest food you'll ever eat, the latest fashions and beautiful jewel to decorate yourself in."
"Will," I said softly. "I'm not Elizabeth. There's no need to impress me with your hopes. As long as I have you, then my life is perfect." As an afterthought, I added, "Besides, I always thought we'd join Jack's crew and sail with him."
He laughed in reply. "Edana, you're a wonderful girl."
"Thanks," I replied. He brought the food to the table and we grabbed a little of each and put it on our plates.
"But I will get you better food," he promised. I laughed and took a bite of an apple slice. "Edana, why is your nickname Eddie or Ed? I mean, that's a male name and you certainly aren't a male," Will questioned honestly.
"I dunno," I replied. "Where I come from, it's socially acceptable to call a female by a male's name. It depends on the person and if suits them and their personality."
He nodded and replied, "So I see. That's a bit strange, isn't it?"
"Maybe now, yes. But in the future, no."
"Do you want to go back?"
I chewed another apple slice thoughtfully before replying. "No. I mean, I'd like to be able to see everyone I know again but I love it so much more here. Do you want me to go?"
"No. I love you too much. Now that we're together, I don't want to be seperated," he sighed.
"This is so confusing," I copied his sigh.
After a few moments of silence, he asked, "Would you like to take a walk?"
"Sure," I replied, leaving my empty plate on the table.
We stepped out into the alley and walked down towards the harbor. A few people were out, heading home for supper after a hard day of work. The sky was turning towards dusk and the sun was painting oranges, pinks, purples and reds across the sky. A path led down to the sandy beach that lined the water. I ran ahead of Will, lifting my skirts to my knees and I kicked off my heels. Lucky for me, I had decided not to wear stockings. I splashed through the water, shrieking with glee as the warm water hit my legs. "Edana, wait for me!" Will cried. He kicked his boots and socks off and rolled up the legs of his trousers. He waded out to meet me where I was waiting. He grabbed my hand and we jumped as the waves came at us. I fell down at one point, dragging him down into the water with me. Laughing, we pulled ourselves back up and just stood there instead.
"Ah. The water here is so nice. Unlike at home. There, the water is freezing," I commented, watching some seagulls fly overhead.
"Are you glad you're here?" he asked, pulling me against his chest. He wrapped his strong arms around my waist, holding me close to him.
"Of course," I replied. He kissed my head and we stood there together, watching the sun disappear beyond the horizon, the water pushing past our legs towards the shore.
Once the sun had disappeared completely, Will picked me up in his arms and carried me up the shore to our belongings, me fighting him a little, squealing like a schoolgirl. He laughed and sat me gently on the sand. He grabbed my shoes and slid them onto my feet. He put on his own socks and shoes and unrolled his trousers. He pulled me up from where I sat and I adjusted my wet dress. "We should probably head home," Will said softly, gazing into my eyes. I nodded and he slid an arm about my waist and we started towards the shop.
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(Keelin's POV)
Dinner was a tedious affair. A maid had been sent to my room to help prepare me for a meal. The maid picked out an ivory colored gown, with pearl buttons. I was forced into five petticoats, a hoopskirt, a corset that the maid tied unbelievablely tight and silk pumps. She pulled my hair up into a French twist, leaving a few curls down to frame my face. She applied some blush to my cheeks and very natural colors to my eyes. When she finished two hours later, I was brought downstairs to the dining room.
Inside, I had found Elizabeth, the governor and Commodore Norrington waiting for me. And now, here I was, sitting across from Elizabeth and Norrington with Governor Swann at the head of the table. A whole five course meal was in the process of being brought out, including a salad, soup, fish, pheasant, and of course, dessert. And every little bit was delicious, even though I couldn't eat all that much because the damn corset was cutting off my breathing.
"I'm so glad that Jack Sparrow is finally going to hang tomorrow," the governor said haughtily. "It was terrifying to know that he was loose and in the company of my Elizabeth."
"Captain," I whispered so quietly that they couldn't hear.
"Of course, he gets what he deserves for piracy. A short drop and a sudden stop," Norrington added. He turned his gaze to me and asked, "However did a charming young lady like you end up with a pirate like Sparrow?"
"He actually saved me from drowning," I replied.
"The same," Elizabeth spoke up.
"He must have some good in him then, Commodore," I said.
"Maybe but it shan't get him out of this mess he's been in his whole life," he replied sternly.
"But he's willing to die for me! Who else would he die for?" I protested. "I know about the deal you made."
"How do you know?" he questioned after a slight pause.
"By a certain pirate named Captain Jack Sparrow."
"Surprise, surprise," Norrington said sarcastically. He paused, examining my face. "By God, you're in love with him, aren't you?"
Governor Swann watched the conversation awkwardly. He watched me intently for my anwswer. I paused, knowing that if I said yes, they'd lock me up so I couldn't help him escape. "No, I don't," I lied, shaking my head and any emotion from my face and eyes.
"Oh, well, that's a relief," the governor sighed, wiping his brow.
"If you'll excuse me, I have a dreadful headache," I pleaded and stood abruptly. I hurried quickly to my room, where I collapsed on the bed, sobbing. "Oh, Jack, I'm so sorry. I do love you," I promised, almost afraid that he had heard my words. I cried and cried and no one comforted me. My eyes were burning once my tears ran out and they closed as I drifted into nightmares of Jack hanging and telling me if I couldn't love him, then he'd have to leave me for good.