Chapter Forty Six

Several last minute repairs had taken Jack longer than expected and almost a month had passed since his favorite first mate had sailed away and left him feeling quite deserted while trying to get The Black Pearl back on the ocean. Today though, he refused to think about Anamaria. Today was quite possibly the happiest day of his life. Today was the day that The Black Pearl would take back her rightful home on the deep blue sea. Jack had loaded no less than 20 bottles of rum on board just to celebrate.

With Mr. Gibbs on his right side and Elizabeth on his left, they stood on the beach, each sipping from their own bottle of rum as they stared on at his beautiful ship in her completed state. She was whole again, not broken as she had been for so long, lying useless in the sand. Soon they would have her up and in the water and be sailing her again and Jack could hardly wait.

The proud captain took a long drink of rum from his bottle, "So Mr. Gibbs, I trust that you'll have the crew ready to sail by nightfall."

"Most are waiting on your command," Gibbs responded.

"Do you have everything ready?" Jack asked Elizabeth.

"I only need my trunk carried to The Pearl from the town," she said. "Everything I need is inside."

"Perfect," the captain stated. "Well, I think she looks as good as new."

He walked forward towards his ship. Reaching out, he laid a hand softly on her hull, closing his eyes and drawing in a deep breath to take in the ocean's fresh air. For a moment, it was if he was alone with her. He forgot about Mr. Gibbs and Elizabeth and he was alone in his mind with his love.

It had been so long since he had sailed her. The two months had started to feel an eternity to him and he remembered the time they had spent apart after Beckett had sent her to her watery grave. Several times on this island he had begun to feel that same despair, but he had comforted himself that this was different. She wasn't out of his touch or his watchful eye; she was right in front of him. She had gone nowhere, instead she was only bruised and he would fix her. She would know her former beauty once again. Tonight he would unfurl her sails and turn her back towards the Caribbean where her dark hull would glide smoothly through the bright turquoise waters, leading him back to the islands he knew, leading him back to Tortuga for the rest of the storm season.

He patted her hull gently, slowly opening his eyes. "Soon my luv, soon," he whispered softly. "You're as beautiful to me as you've always been."

Jack turned back towards Elizabeth and Mr. Gibbs and looked up at the sky. "I must say, it's a perfect day to sail out," he said, noticing the bright blue sky and puffy white clouds.

Mr. Gibbs looked concerned, "It could be the calm before the storm." He paused, glancing up at the sky himself. "I loved sailing with Anamaria just as much as the rest of us, but I never will understand why you let her talk you into dragging us out into this mess."

Jack waved his hand dismissively, "Let's not ruin a good day with talk of her. We're going our own way now, sailing back to what we know. We'll be in Tortuga in time to spend at least a good month there before the storm season is over."

Elizabeth stepped up to Jack's side and reached for his hand. She knew that no matter how much he didn't want to talk about Anamaria, he still missed her. She had tried to be there for him as much as possible as he had spent the past month fixing his ship without his former first mate, but she wasn't sure she had always provided a distraction. Several times it had seemed impossible to pull Jack out of his bad moods and she was positive it was because of her. However, he would never admit that to Elizabeth, or anyone for that matter. It was always because The Pearl was taking too long to fix or because he had drank too much the night before, but she knew better.

He squeezed her hand briefly and then put his arm around her shoulders. "Come on luv, let's get back to town and get a bite to eat before we put 'er back in the ocean."

The three began a slow walk across the sand back to the town. Jack was feeling nostalgic about The Pearl and Elizabeth hoped that getting back to a routine and doing what he loved would help take his mind off of Anamaria. Unless of course, it only made him miss her more because he was used to her being with him. Elizabeth leaned in closer to Jack and he squeezed her shoulder and kissed her on the forehead.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded, "Just tired. It's been a long week."

"That it has and it's going to be a hard night, but after that, smooth sailing. I promise."

"I hope so," Elizabeth said. "That would be nice for a change."

"I just can't wait to get back in my cabin," Jack stated proudly. "And get you back in my cabin," he said, only slightly softer to Elizabeth, as he pulled her closer to him and kissed her on the mouth, causing them to stumble through the sand.

"Easy Captain Sparrow," she said simply, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

"It's bad enough there's always such a ruckus at the inn we're staying in," Mr. Gibbs commented, "but please try to remember that the crew doesn't want to know what you and your mistress are up to once we're on board. It's impossible to pretend it's someone else at that point."

"I'll try to remind Elizabeth to keep it down when she gets too excited," Jack smirked.

Elizabeth slapped him playfully across the chest. The two had been enjoying their romantic time together lately. She had really let loose, allowing Jack to see a side of her that she had not even shared with her former husband. She was enjoying herself and enjoying Jack. He had shown her how to feel good and not be intimidated or feel dirty by trying new things. She still had moments where she felt guilty. She knew the suggestions she made to Jack would have turned Will crimson, but Jack assured her there was nothing wrong with her ideas and was more than willing to let her try anything she came up with. He assured her that as long as she enjoyed herself, he was having a good time.

Although he had been upset and angered by Anamaria's leaving, it seemed that it was exactly what Jack and Elizabeth had needed. The tension that used to occur between them when the dark skinned pirate was involved dissolved over night. Elizabeth enjoyed holding her captain's attention and he now gave it much more freely and without division, as he had before.

Elizabeth had found herself in a position over the last month in which she was actually happy and it surprised her. First because she was so sure after Will and Thomas died that she would never find happiness again and second because she was living a lifestyle that five years ago she would have been quite certain would have made her absolutely miserable. She was a bloody pirate! A scallywag! Sure, Jack had kept her well clothed in the beginning, but as time had worn on, she had dressed more and more like a pirate every day. She no longer wore finery and dresses, but found herself instead in pants and work shirts and boots. She wasn't afraid of working on the ship, but found instead that she rather enjoyed it. The tasks of the day helped her keep her mind off her past and her nights with Jack took her far from the tossing and turning and crying that she used to pass them with.

As they arrived back in town, Mr. Gibbs was more than happy to let the two of them go their own way. "I'll let you two grab a bit to eat and I'll be on my way."

"Two hours, Gibbs," Jack shouted back to the man. "Have the crew on the beach in two hours."

"Aye Captain!" Gibbs shouted back through the bustling streets.

"Two hours doesn't give him very long," Elizabeth commented. "Or us, for that matter."

"We don't need very long," Jack stated simply. "We grab a bite to eat, head back to get your trunk and go straight to The Pearl. I can't wait much longer luv. I need to be with her again. You and I can celebrate more when we're on board."

"I like the sound of that," Elizabeth said, smiling and leaning over to kiss Jack.

"Let's just pop in here," he said, stopping into the first restaurant he saw. They chose a table in the corner and Jack quickly looked around for service. At the bar, a flash of red caught his eye.

Oh please, no he thought briefly to himself, but it couldn't be that easy and yes, it was her…Mary…the whore he'd shared that romp on the beach with so many nights ago. What were the odds that she would be here tonight?! He debated quickly what to do. He could hope she would never see them…unlikely. He could pull Elizabeth up from the table and tell her he wanted to go somewhere else…suspicious, but safer than Elizabeth realizing what was really going on. He could go up to the bar to order a drink and speak to her first…that seemed safest of all. Jack always preferred to be in control of a situation.

"I don't see anyone coming so I'm gonna run to the bar for some rum," he said, standing up.

Elizabeth smiled, "You're so impatient. It looks busy. I'm sure someone will come."

"Well, until then, I'll just be getting us something to drink," he moved towards the counter, hearing Elizabeth's sigh of frustration before he went.

He approached the bar and stood right behind the red head. Leaning around her, he whispered in her ear, "Don't look now…"

She turned quickly to face him. "Captain Sparrow!" she squealed, throwing her arms around him. "You're alright!"

Bad move Sparrow, he thought to himself. "I did say don't look now," he stated again.

She released him and stepped back, looking anxiously around. "Sorry," she whispered. "I was a little worried after I left you in such a predicament the last time I saw you."

Jack took the opportunity to peer over at Elizabeth. Fortunately, she was being distracted by a buxom wench taking their order. Perfect timing.

"Ahhh, you're with the lass over there," Mary stated. "Want to take me back to her as a surprise?"

Jack felt his knees go weak very briefly as that image flashed into his head. Anamaria might have gone for a gift like that, but he was sure Elizabeth's cheeks would burn at the mere thought. "If only," he said sadly.

Mary took another glance at her, "Yeah, she doesn't really look the type, does she?"

"You've no idea," Jack said softly.

"Well, don't worry, I won't acknowledge that I know you at all. I'll grab you some rum, perhaps she'll think I work here. I'm here often enough as it is." She stepped around and behind the bar and began to pour him two mugs of rum. "I hear your ship is all fixed. You'll be sailing out soon?"

"Today, actually," Jack confirmed.

"And that sailor you were fighting with?" she asked.

"He left on The Sea Wench. Anamaria took him on as a prisoner. Who knows what happened to the poor lad," Jack smiled.

Mary handed him the mugs over the bar and he noticed the ring he had given her was still on her finger. "That's a beautiful piece of jewelry on you."

She glanced down at the ring and smiled, "I'll never forget the man who gave it to me." Winking at him, she added, "Now go enjoy your lady friend before she gets suspicious."

Jack picked up the rum and headed back to the table where Elizabeth was waiting.

"She came to take our orders right after you left," she said. "I told you that you were being impatient."

"What did you order for me?" he asked.

"Some seafood plate. It's really the only thing they offer. I got myself one also. It will probably be a while before we eat this well again," she commented, taking a sip from her mug. "She's bringing more rum too. The girl at the bar seemed talkative. Did she know you?"

Talkative, he thought, well talkative was better than 'why did she hug you?' he guessed. "She recognized me," he smiled softly. "I'm famous you know."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him. "Oh yes, everyone's heard of the grand Captain Jack Sparrow, haven't they?"

"Apparently here, they have," he smiled again.

Their food arrived shortly thereafter and they ate mostly in silence, an odd comment added in here and there. When they had finished eating, Jack paid and they left to collect her trunk. He held her hand as they hurried through the town, but she was less certain that it was out of genuine concern for her than that he wanted to be back at his ship as soon as possible, even if it meant he had to drag her along to get there.

In what had to be record time, they were back on the beach and Elizabeth was amazed to find most of their crew already there, waiting for them. Upon seeing their captain, the crew began to clap and shout loudly, excited that they were finally going to get off this bloody island that had occupied so much of their time in the past months. Jack grinned broadly clapping a few times himself.

"Gentlemen," he shouted, drawing everyone's quiet attention. "I want to offer my deepest thanks for all your help in fixing The Black Pearl over the last two months. It has been a difficult task at times and one that I definitely could not have come even close to completing without each and every one of you as well as the help we received from The Sea Wench early on. I have decided that we will not be following our former sister ship to Madagascar at this time. I think it is better for both crews that we go our separate ways for now. We will make our heading back to the Caribbean. Storm season is almost over and we have been profitable there in the past. We'll hold over in Tortuga for a while until t I'm sure we can be profitable there again in the coming year. Soon, we will all board the ship and make our way out into the open seas again. Make ready!"

The crew clapped loudly. Everyone was just as excited as Jack was to get back to their normal duties on board the ship, not to mention getting back to earning treasure and gold to spend.

Jack turned to her, "Well luv, the best place for you is definitely on the ship. Let's get you on board."

He helped her carefully climb the rigging onto the main deck and then scurried along to his cabin to store her trunk until they got the ship leveled out. Leaving her safely on deck, he climbed back down the side of the ship to continue helping with the preparations. It wasn't long before Elizabeth could glance over the side and see the tide beginning to come in.

The crew had all arrived now and they were hastily working to get the ship ready to make sail. In less than an hour the tide had completely washed in and most of the crew were on board with the exception of the men who had to cast off the lines on shore and then scramble through the waves to get to the ship. Two hours later and the tiny island the crew had lived on for two whole months was a dark black speck in the Caribbean.

Jack was overjoyed and could hardly contain himself. He had several crew members that were musically inclined bring out their instruments and instructed them to begin playing sea shanties. He handed out measures of rum to all the crew so that they could celebrate. Everyone was up on deck, many dancing and singing, some playing cards or dice. It was truly a sight to behold and Elizabeth knew that she had never seen Jack happier.

A lull in the music came and Elizabeth, who had been dancing with Mr. Gibbs, looked around for her captain. She had just seen him not long ago, a huge grin on his face, rum bottle in hand, standing in front of the musicians as he swung his arms about as if conducting an orchestra, but he was gone now. She scanned the deck again, growing slightly worried when she didn't spot him. She made her way across the deck to his cabin and let herself in. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the dark room, but her captain was not inside. She stepped back out onto the deck and made her way up to the helm. From her now elevated position, she spotted him, sitting up front towards the bow of the ship, staring out at the horizon. She descended the stairs and made her way to the front of the ship, climbing over the rail so she could sit beside him.

When he did not respond to her presence, she could tell he was lost in thought. "Jack," she said, softly.

"Mmmm?" he replied.

"Are you alright?" she asked, attempting to pull the rum bottle from his hand.

Then she saw him come back to her, snapping out of his trance. He turned to look at her and loosened his grip on the bottle. "What was that, luv?"

She took a long drink of the rum, letting it burn her throat on the way down. "Are you alright? You seemed like you were having fun a minute ago and now you're out here all alone."

Jack nodded, taking back the bottle she handed him. "I'm fine. Just needed a moment to reflect with her. It's been hard…being away from her for so long." Jack patted the railing beside him softly, then ran his hand over it as if memorizing each grain of the wood.

"But we're back," Elizabeth said cheerfully, "It should be a time of celebration."

"I know. I am happy," Jack took a drink of rum. He started to say more, but stopped. "I'll be back on deck soon. Just give me a minute more alone."

"Ok, just don't keep me waiting too long," she said, reaching over and squeezing his hand.

He gave her a faint smile and she stood, climbing back over the rail that separated them from the festivities. Jack stared out at the horizon again. The truth was that he missed Anamaria all of a sudden. If it had been hard learning to sail without her on board his ship, it was even tougher knowing she was gone altogether. Before, at least, he had been able to look out his cabin window or climb up on deck and see The Sea Wench and know that she was there, off in the distance. Now, she was truly gone and being at sea without her was making him feel lost.

At least he had Elizabeth, although right now, he felt that was of little consolation. Never the less, she was obviously missing him and he really should try to go up on deck and have a good time once again. He had brooded enough tonight already; it was time to go back to enjoying himself and his ship…and Elizabeth for that matter.

He made his way back up on deck and over to Elizabeth. Slipping up behind her, he put his arms around her and leaned into her, kissing her ear. She turned to face him and kissed him hard. He kissed her back and then pulled away to take a drink of rum. She took the bottle from him and took a long drink of her own, passing the bottle back and returning to their kiss.

"Is it time for us to celebrate alone yet?" she asked.

She felt Jack smile against her kiss. Then he managed, "I think…we…can probably…get…away."

She had been standing close to his cabin and she felt him stepping backwards towards the door without trying to break their kiss. She then heard Mr. Gibbs, "Easy, you two lovebirds."

She broke their kiss, brushing her lips with her sleeve as Jack took her hand and turned toward his cabin. Mr. Gibbs had made the comment in passing and was already halfway across the ship, but Elizabeth hesitated.

"Come on," Jack tugged at her hand.

"Jack…" she started.

"Not listening," he pulled at her hand again and she followed him into his cabin.

They resumed their kissing as soon as he closed the door. She had been a step behind him and as she entered the room, he closed the door and pushed her back against it. She kissed him back hard and Jack had a difficult time refraining from being as rough as he knew he wanted to be. She pulled at his jacket, sliding it off his shoulders and down his arms and it fell on the floor behind him. She then started working on his shirt, pulling it out from his sash. He broke their kiss long enough to pull the shirt over his head and then he had her back in his arms, pushing her against the door. Their kiss deepened, Jack running his hands through her hair and down her back to work at her dress. He suddenly scooped her into his arms and carried her to his bed. She sat on the edge of his bed as he undid the laces on her dress and helped her out of it, slowly running his hands down her body. He finished undressing himself and then moved to lie down beside her.

"It's good to be back on The Pearl," he whispered against her lips as he moved to enter her.