Author's note: yet another short chapter, sorry. I'm sooo busy with school that I've got serious writer's block. So here's a bit of Kaylee/Jack interaction for you to ponder while i finish my psychology and french. oh, and norry's still not mine (tear) and neither is anybody but kaylee.
It had been months since James had left Tortuga. It had been weeks since Kaylee had awoken in tears, something in her heart breaking all over again, like it had that night he left. Something told her that something had happened, and so she watched the harbor for black sails. James had left with Jack, perhaps he would return with him too. Kaylee shook her head to herself as she wiped out yet another dirty glass. After what James had said to her before he left, she should have been hoping he had fallen overboard, not been waiting for his return. Still, she knew he had been drunk and probably hadn't realized what he was saying. She finished the dishes and made sure everything was in order before she made her way down to the docks to look again, just as she had every day since that night. But today, as she walked down the muddy street, she caught a glimpse of tattered black sails. Against all common sense, she took her skirts in her hands and broke into a run toward the docks.
She had been right; it was the Pearl. She saw the men disembarking from the ship, carrying purses full of plunder that she knew would soon be in the pockets of the local whores and barkeeps. She kept watching their faces, hoping that she'd see James come down the gangplank, looking for her. But the deck of the ship cleared and still there was no sign of him. Kaylee crumpled a bit, her hopes dashed, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She brightened momentarily, but when she turned around, she was twice as disappointed. There stood Jack, wearing that irritating self-assured grin and looking her over as usual. "Lookin' for me, luv?"
Kaylee scowled. "Only in your wildest dreams, Jack, and even then, no."
Jack's face became a little more serious. "I was just teasing you, luv. I know who you were looking for, Kaylee-bird. He's not with us anymore."
"You mean he's not a member of your crew any longer?"
Jack's face twisted a bit, for once uncertain. "Something of that sort." He slid an arm around her shoulder, and surprisingly she let him, realizing this was just Jack being Jack. "How about I tell you all abo' it over a bottle o' rum?" Kaylee scowled at him again and Jack chuckled a bit. "Don't worry, I'll pay for it. Come on."
See, I don't hate Jack, he's actually being sort of sweet in this chapter. Thanks for your patience! please R&R.