I want to apologize to all of you wonderful readers. It's been more than year since I've updated and that's really rude of me.

I thought going back and revising the previous chapters then continuing the story was a great idea. Complications arose, ensued, and here we are. I've decided to just continue the story.

Chapter 20 has been giving problems for months. It had been written long ago but I was unhappy with it for some reason. So it was rewritten a few times.

In the past few hours I had idea for this. Then it changed and here it is. I'm happy with it. I hope you will be too.

I can't wait to share this with you!

-EF

It was as if the world was tired of me and as ready to be done with me as Marie, Scarlet, Captain Barbossa, and even Giselle -who had always been supportive of me- were. I felt like the world wanted to eat me alive.

I was called into the Captain's cabin after everyone got back and settled into routine.

They were waiting.

The small bruises on my arms, the one on my cheek, and the mark on my neck revealed that something had happened. So did the blood below deck and matching stains on the steps and deck.

I was questioned. They blamed me for the events of that night, and why would they think otherwise? There was no proof. No one from last night was aboard to be questioned except for Will. I gave no details other than what was asked and necessary. I told them the men on watch had gone to shore after I told them George had attacked me and they asked about the men. I reluctantly revealed Thomas and Will as my rescuers. Was it George's blood? Yes, I answered. Were there others? Yes, Pintel and Ragetti. They wanted more. Will remained quiet about everything. Scarlet voiced everyone's concern.

" It all seems suspicious." She said. Then Captain Barbossa, tired of it all, again bed Will speak but this time he was completely done with Will's silence.

" She has not lied. I have nothing left to say." He finally answered.

" Elizabeth," the Captain sighed angrily, looking straight at me, unyielding. " Tell me everything. From the beginning. Don't leave anything out." He eyed Will. "And I want the truth." He glowered at me in aggravation. I looked up at the older man, tears brimming my eyes.

" We're waiting Elizabeth." Scarlet added viciously. I didn't speak. They waited.

" For damn's sake, leave her be! Can't you see she's told you everything she can?" Will stood indignantly and glared at everyone assembled in the Captain's quarters. He pierced them with his eyes.

" You best be sitting down boy." Barbossa cautioned harshly. "Now, if it matters to you so much," He paused. "I'd stop asking the girl if you would start talking." The Captain offered with menace. I had never seen the man act so cruelly

" I know nothing more than what she has already told you." He reached for my arm and pulled me from my seat. It was done so suddenly that I gasped. He led me by the arm toward the door. I didn't try to fight him. The only thing I saw was Scarlet stand and Barbossa raise an arm to keep her from moving.

" William, you've bought yourself a long stay in the brig!"

" No!" Scarlet shrieked at his words. "I'll get him to talk -I'll get her to talk! Please Captain."

" Get out of my sight girl! If he crosses me again, I swear I'll keep him down there until we reach land!" That was the last I heard as I was led by Will across the ship to the women's room. I noticed it was starting to get dark. It was night again? I turned back to Will and he pulled me inside and locked the door behind himself, then turned to me.

" Do you need anything?" He asked hurriedly. I shook my head. "Are you alright? I didn't hurt you?" He was more quiet.

" I'm alright." I answered weakly.

" I apologize for grabbing you like that but-" He looked at me for an instant. The most insignificant amount of time one could imagine. Then shaking his head and grabbing his forehead, sighed. He was unable to finish speaking any more words. The look I had seen in his eyes shattered me. It was guilt and despair and a sadness I had never seen in a person. I wondered how anyone could still be alive after feeling that. He must be dying, I thought, and even my inner voice cracked at the words. When he looked back to me again, I saw it was rage too that shook him, that tortured him again and again mercilessly. His eyes were dark yet there was a luster on their surface. I shook the image, its thoughts, and its implications from my head. Will didn't cry. He wasn't vulnerable enough to do that. Or weak enough.

" I'm fine. " I replied.

He looked at me still, but the depth of his eyes waned and his sincerity grew murky. Like mud. He smiled. And walked out of the room.

Thank you for reading!

I know it's short but the next chapter will be posted soon. I'm hoping for it to be done this week.

Please tell me your thoughts. Was it bad? Good? Boring? Expected? Unexpected?

But most of all, did it make you feel something? Any feedback would be great!