Chapter 4

Elizabeth sat out on the docks early one morning. She watched the sailors load and unload ships with awe. She envied them, they knew what freedom was like, they explored the seas frequently. The only time Elizabeth had the opportunity to enjoy it was when she was a young girl of twelve years. Oh how she relished those wonderful memories. That was also when she met Commodore Norrington.

He was lieutenant at the time and about the only one on the ship that would pay her any attention. He always answered her unending questions and would tell her stories of his adventures. She had grown quite attached to him then. She had a huge crush on him and dreamed of him becoming her husband someday.

Elizabeth had waited patiently until she was old enough to be seen as a woman. She was determined to get his attention at her sixteenth birthday party. She went all out, she had her father buy her an expensive new dress and had her hair and make up done just right. But he did not seem to notice her hard work. He treated her like he always had; like a friend. At this time she just about gave up on him.

Oh how time seemed to pass by so fast. She was seventeen now and still failed to get his attention. But now she has the attention of a new man. A handsome, powerful, and wealthy man, Lord Cutler Beckett. She had not seen him in a few days but their last encounter was quite pleasant. She really hoped that he would visit again soon.

"Miss Swann?" a familiar male voice spoke to her. She turned around and met the gaze of James Norrington.

"Commodore, I didn't noticed you. I didn't think you wondered around this early in the morning," Elizabeth said.

"Miss Swann you really shouldn't be out here this time of day by yourself," James said and he sat down next to her.

"James, you know just as well as I do that nothing is going to happen to me in this quite little place," Elizabeth told him. He did annoy her sometimes, she honestly did not need another father.

"You're probably right..." he trailed off slowly. Did he really just agree with her that quickly?

Silence took over for a few minutes but it felt like hours. It was not a very comfortable silence and Elizabeth grew concerned about him. He did not seem like his normal self.

"James," Elizabeth broke the silence. "Are you alright?"

"Of course I am," was his quick reply.

"Really, because I sense that something is bothering you," Elizabeth prodded a little.

"Is it that obvious?" James asked. Elizabeth nodded and offered him a small smile of encouragement. James sighed heavily, his eyes looked tired, like he had not slept. "I'm..." he started hesitantly. "worried about you."

"What on earth are you worried about?" Elizabeth asked.

"You...with Beckett," he admitted.

"Oh James...he's not going to hurt me," Elizabeth told him. She could not believe that he was still upset about her and Beckett.

"Not now anyway...." James said quietly. Elizabeth looked at him curiously. What did he know about Beckett that she did not? Surely Beckett was not this horrible monster James was making him out to be.

"Stop worrying, you're being silly. I can take care of myself if I need to," Elizabeth said.

"Elizabeth, it's not just that..." James said but he did not finish his sentence. He took a deep breath before he spoke again. "I...well...I...um.." he stumbled with his words. This was very unlike him. "I'm sorry, I've bothered you enough," he went to stand up but Elizabeth grabbed his arm. He was not about to run away like he did the other night at the party.

"James, please," she begged him to continue.

"Forgive me, Elizabeth," and with that she felt his lips touch hers. She was in a state of shock but quickly she reciprocated. He pulled away and gazed into her eyes. Was that love that she saw in those beautiful emerald eyes? Suddenly they changed to worry and maybe a little embarrassment. He began to blush and quickly looked away from her. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have...I...um...excuse me," he got up and rushed away, this time Elizabeth did not stop him. She just sat there in shock. His lips, they felt so good against hers. She immediately missed him and wished he had not left. Finally the man showed her some emotion but maybe a little too late.

A/N: Sorry for the shortness of this chapter, I've busy and haven't had a lot of time but I wanted to at least get a little something posted.