An update! :D Apologies, I know readers have been waiting. This chapter picks up right where we left off, so you might want to rehash your memory with the last few paragraphs of chapter six. You also may want to have Google translate ready for this one, there's a decent amount of Spanish. Anyway, thankyou to all the reviews and messages guys, I really love them.
Brace yourselves; it's a 6000+-word chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean, or any characters affiliated with the franchise.
~Chapter Seven~
Angelica flipped over to the next page, as she cleared her throat before she began talking again. "It says here, it is located on an island." Jack snapped his attention back to the manuscript. "What? What Island?" Jack proclaimed, as Angelica raised a finger up to his mouth in an attempt to keep him quiet. "Shoosh." She muttered, as she continued to scan the manuscript for any useful pieces of information. "Isle-" Angelica struggled to pronounce. "Isle De Muerta." She glanced at Jack, to see if he had any recognition of the name, before turning her attention back to the manuscript. "Never heard of it." Jack said glumly, as he readjusted Angelica on his lap. "Well, I don't think anyone has." She continued, running her fingers over the ancient inkings. Jack gave a throaty groan, as Angelica read on. "It can only be found by those who already know where it is." She trailed off, as the manuscript went off topic. "That is problematic." Angelica nodded in agreement. "Jack, I don't suppose-" Jack shook his head. "Nobody in living existence would know the location of that Island." Jack glanced over to the window, watching the sky turn a brilliant orange, as the sun set.
Angelica rested her jaw on Jack's shoulder, as she continued to bore away at the manuscript. Jack glanced around the room, skimming the books in the bookshelf, and the many piles of cluttered books that surrounded it. "You have quite a collection of reading material." Jack stated, as Angelica continued to study the manuscript carefully. "Well there isn't many things to do here to preoccupy ones' time." Angelica bit her lip, examining a strange symbol imprinted on the script. "Anyway, most of them are not mine, they are from the great library." Jack's interest peaked. "The library." Angelica turned her head towards his, her brow furrowed. "Surely it shall have a detailed map of the Caribbean." Angelica gave a nod and opened her mouth to speak, before a rap at the door caused them both to jump. "Angelica? Why in God's name is this door locked?" A voice yelled, trying to turn the handle. Angelica jumped off Jack's lap, and pulled Jack off the bed and into the corner, throwing the bed covers over him in an ill-conceived concealment attempt.
"Coming!" Angelica shouted back, grabbing the key for the door and kicking Jack to keep him still. Jack suppressed a yelp; as he listened to Angelica unlock the door. Sister Catalina stood at the door, her eyes running up and down Angelica in disdain. "Sister." Angelica greeted. "Trousers." Sister Catalina muttered. "Trousers-. Angelica!" She persisted. Angelica looked down at her appearance. "These are not appropriate for a novitiate to be wearing!" She gestured towards Angelica's pants, and raising her voice in distress. Angelica's jaw slackened. "They cover my knees, Sister!" She debated, pulling them up slightly so that the skin of her knees could be shown. "Angelica, why can we never get you into a dress? Good God, child. Whatever are we to do with you?" Angelica decided to keep her mouth shut, holding back several witty responses that would surely jeopardize her position to become a nun. "Child-" She started, as she moved a hand to tame her dishevelled hair, softening her attitude towards Angelica. "Come down from here and have some dinner. You will do yourself no good to be locked up here pouring over books all day." Sister Catalina motioned for her to come down to dinner. Angelica gave a groan, as Sister Catalina gave her a light push out the door. "Keep your back straight, Angelica!" She muttered, as she turned to lock the door behind her. "Argh." She murmured, turning on her heel and loudly trudging down the corridor in annoyance.
Angelica followed Sister Catalina down the corridor, as she dawdled behind. "Child, don't be difficult." "I'm not being difficult!" Angelica protested, glaring harshly at Sister Catalina. "Angelica, It is about time you stopped behaving like a child." Sister Catalina stopped Angelica in her tracks, pulling her aside. "Angelica. You know you must take your vowels, dear child." Angelica silenced. "Yes, Sister." The pair of them continued down the hall, until they reached the dining hall. The hall was long, with a singular table stretched through the centre. Sister Catalina raised an eyebrow at Angelica, as she went to join the other senior nuns at the far end of the table. Angelica gave a sigh at the dull atmosphere at the table, and took her place among other notiviates. They ranged in age, from as young as five, up until Angelica, at seventeen. The rest of the occupants from Angelica onwards were all nuns, dressed in the demure uniform Angelica despised. Angelica hated her spot, and what it symbolised. She knew she was the next to become a nun, and all those childish and carefree days were officially over. She looked in disdain at the meagre food at her plate, only choosing to snack on a roll of bread, before pushing her plate away from her.
"Not hungry, Angelica?" A young novitiate piped up. She was no older than five, and could barely rest her arms on the table. Angelica gave a smile. "Come over here, Beatriz." Angelica gestured, and the little girl crawled under the table, and reappeared in Angelica's lap. She pulled her up, and the girl tentatively picked at Angelica's plate. Angelica looked at the little girl, seeing so much of herself within Beatriz. The little girl was an orphan, and had been brought to the convent just like she had. Angelica watched her as she picked at her plate, and fiddled with the cutlery. "Beatriz!" One of the senior nuns proclaimed from further up the table. Beatriz immediately put the cutlery down. "You should be ashamed of yourself to not take proper care of a child, Angelica." The same nun called, as Angelica averted her gaze. Once the nun was distracted, Angelica lightly tickled the child over the ribs. The child thrashed around wildly, chuckling, before she managed to wiggle out of Angelica's grasp. Angelica let her go, as she crawled back under the table and returned to her spot. Angelica rested her elbow on the table, leaning her cheek on her palm and ignoring the looks of disdain directed at her from the senior nuns. She watched everyone at the table, who had willingly given their lives to god. Everything about their lifestyle, she hated. Even the notiviates, with the exception of little Beatriz, were willing to devote their lives to God. She watched them, and had no inclination to join them. Neither did Beatriz; she had voiced that to Angelica herself. "Angelica." A voice interrupted her train of thought, as she brought herself back to the present with a jolt. "Elbows off the table, child." Angelica rolled her eyes in insolence, and excused herself from the dining hall.
Jack jumped up from the bed as he heard someone turning the handle of the door. "Relax. It's just me." Angelica muttered softly. Jack relaxed, as Angelica came in, casting an eye behind her to make sure she had not been overheard. "I hope you're happy." Angelica locked the door behind her, before turning to face Jack. "What's that supposed to mean?" Angelica stared at him intently, as Jack gave a pout. "Just leave me here." He complained immaturely. Angelica struggled to suppress her anger that started to boil within her. "Jack, I didn't have a choice." Angelica continued, walking over to the wardrobe and pulling on a brown coat, much to Jack's dislike. Jack gave a grunt of disapproval, as he returned to his position on the bed. Angelica walked over to the window, watching the dark of night slowly take over the sky. "Well now, what are we going to do about getting down to the library?" Angelica smiled to herself. "Just wait, Jack. It must be dark to creep around." Jack gave a groan, at the time he had to wait. Angelica sat down on the bed, and propped herself up against the wall. "So tell me, Jack." Angelica begun, watching as Jack pointlessly paced around the room. "When are you planning to continue this quest?" She asked, picking up a random gold necklace from her collection and running it through her fingers. Jack thought for a moment, before responding. "I will stay here until as long as you will allow me to." Angelica looked at him, and thought of telling him that he didn't want him to leave, but decided against it. "No, Jack. I mean what are you going to do, after this-Oh mother of god, will you stop pacing?" Angelica shouted, sliding off the bed and advancing towards him. Jack stopped in his tracks, and stared blankly at her sudden outburst.
He wanted to shut her up as quickly as possible, knowing they would surely attract attention continuing the ruckus. Without giving it much thought, he grabbed her by the waist, and pushed her against the wall. Angelica's eyes widened at their close proximity, as she subconsciously licked her lips. "Pon tus manos de mí!" Angelica struggled against his actions, but his grip was strong, and she could not break out of his grasp. Jack gave her a few minutes to steady her breathing, before he brought his hands down to her waist, caressing her skin through the thin material of her shirt. He watched with pleasure as Angelica's eyes started to roll shut, as she slowly became lost in the sensation. Acting on a sudden rush or hormones, Jack grasped her thighs, pulling her up to his waist, as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips. He pushed her flush against the wall, and she locked her arms behind his neck. Jack watched as her mouth slowly formed a grin. Jack smiled back, as he pressed his forehead against hers.
An unusual slow ache began to built at her core as she squirmed, arousing Jack in the most delicious and painful way possible. Angelica could barely make sense of her surroundings, let alone have any resistance to his charms. Jack leant his forehead against hers, and grinded into her to stop her wriggling. Angelica was certain she might just melt to the floor if he didn't kiss her. As if he mentally understood her thoughts, he brought his lips to hers in a way that was anything but gentle. Angelica pulled him in closer, as Jack forced his tongue between her lips and groaned at the softness of her mouth under his. Jack heard her sigh into his mouth. He loved when she made noises like that; loved that he could bring out this side of her. A side that was so raw and natural, and completely of her own making, and not tarnished by stereotypes she forced to comply with. The way she responded to him, and she dropped all rational thoughts and brain function, that would prevent her from acting upon her most primitive and urges. Angelica grinded against his hips, and deepened the kiss, urging him on. Jack ran his hands up and down her sides, pulling at the material of her shirt as he did so. Angelica gave a slight chuckle, trying desperately to catch enough breath between each embrace.
She felt Jack's lower half harden, and took a moment to register exactly it meant. After a quick feeling of fear, she began to feel strangely empowered, in the knowledge that she could illicit such a response from him. She grinded into his hips once again, and he pushed her back with more force against the wall. She smiled against his mouth, as he began teasing her tongue with his own. The ache within her began to make her delirious, and she fought for enough breath. Angelica held back, trying to cool off for a second; before she realized how involved their position had become. Desperate for breath, she whispered into his ear. "Jack,-" She began. "I, uh, think we need to slow down for a bit." With great self-control and resistance, Jack slackened his grip on her, and rested his forehead against hers, as beads of sweat ran down his face. Angelica gave a chuckle, wiping some of the droplets off his face. "See?" She added, as Jack began to feel his legs weakening. Jack pulled them both from against the support of the wall, as he felt her legs wrap more tightly around his waist. Jack laid them both down on the bed, as he dragged her against him to bring his body flush with his. The both of them lay in the entanglement of their own bodies in silence for several minutes, until Angelica saw Jack's eyes slowly beginning to slop in fatigue. "Hey!" Angelica protested, slapping him lightly across the face. "What?" He responded in annoyance. "I thought you wanted to sneak about to the library!" Her accent was thick, hitting him in all the right places. He gave a gruff groan of understanding, before continuing. "But we could just stay here and…" He grinned at Angelica, moving in a little closer to her face. He watched as those eyes followed his every move, more en guarde than a hawk catching it's prey. "No!" She protested, as she wriggled away from his lips, and started to untangle herself from his body. "Fine." Jack moaned, with disappointment and insolence hinting in his reply.
Angelica glanced at the clock. Five minutes past ten. She registered just how long she had been preoccupied with Jack, before she put her mind to the task at hand. Re-adjusting her ruffled clothes, she picked up the manuscript and pushed it into Jack's chest. "Take this with you." She muttered, as picked up the key and pressed her ear to the door. "What are you doing?" Jack asked, edgy to keep going. "What does it look like?" Angelica harped back in noncompliance. Angelica listened, until she was confident there was no one lurking in the corridors. Opening the door quietly to prevent any squeaking, and ushered Jack out behind her. Jack followed obediently, as they stood in the corridor. The hall was dark, with little light emanated down the passage. Angelica quietly guided Jack down the familiar corridor, stopping every few yards to check that there was no other human presence. Jack continued to follow her footsteps, until they had made their way to the great library.
The large, wooden door stood before the two figures, as Angelica groped around for the lantern. Lighting the lamp, Jack and Angelica hurried inside. The great halls towered above Jack and Angelica, as Jack cast an eye over the wide array of books piled as high as the eye can see. "Right. I suppose you know where to start?" Angelica raised an eye at Jack, giving a chuckle. "Follow me." She continued, as she ambled down the main passage, passing many aisles, until she finally took a right. She slowed her pace, scanning the titles of the many books, novels and manuscripts, until she reached the place she was looking for. Standing on her toes, she reached for a large, tatty book a couple of shelves above her. "I can't reach it." Angelica muttered. Jack contemplated for a moment. "Come here." He gestured towards her, as she advanced towards him. "I'll lift you up." He whispered, as she nodded and gave him permission. Jack grabbed her by the waist, and strained his muscles to push her directly upwards. She managed to reach for the book, and brought it down with her, as Jack lowered her body back down. "Here." She whispered, flicking through the pages to find the one she was looking for. She managed to find the page, opening to a large map, detailed with the many islands from the old world, to the new world. Angelica traced her fingers over the seas, feeling a strange sensation of longing. Quickly pushing the thought to the back of her mind, she pointed out to Jack what the Spanish translated to. "What would you do without me?" Angelica said, casting an eye over Jack. He gave her a sympathetic smile, before resting his arm on the shelf. He looked over Angelica's shoulder, as she scanned the maps carefully for any Islands that may have been possible locations, or that may have been listed as "unknowns." She filed through a few more manuscripts, with detailed maps and accounts of the New World, but her efforts remained futile. Sighing, Angelica closed over the last book, and started to place them back on the appropriate places. "I'm sorry, Jack. There is nothing her that will help us." He gave a groan, running a hand through his thick dreadlocks in frustration.
Angelica watched him intently as he tried to calm himself, pacing fruitlessly in a continuous circle. She cast an eye around the vast reading material surrounding them in a hopeless effort to think of a solution to their dilemma. Becoming irritated by his constant pacing, she snapped back at him. "Oh, for God's sake; stop it, Jack!" She spat in his direction, taking the opportunity to direct a glare at him. Jack stopped his pacing, as Angelica approached him. She pulled a serious tone, ignoring Jack's effort to raise his hands to her waist and pull her in closer. "Jack, what are we going to do about this?" I can't harbor you forever." She said, taking a step back. Jack contemplated for a moment, unsurprised that the question had been roused. "Just until the authorities stop searching for me." Jack offhanded, desperately hoping Angelica would not question him further on the topic. Angelica directed her gaze at him, as the low light only illuminated a portion of his face. She chuckled, watching Jack's eyes move to the books around them. "They will never stop searching for you." She paused for a moment, as Jack fixated his gaze. "I think you know that Jack. Jack was slightly taken aback by the fact he had been outsmarted by a woman, although hardly surprised that woman was Angelica. Despite how private Jack kept his emotions, Angelica always seemed to pull at his heartstrings, and for numerous reasons, too. Jack couldn't help but make connections between her and him, at even the most minute and seemingly unimportant details. She picked up on when he diverted a topic; and would pick the opportune moment to bring it up again. She let curiosity get the better of her, just like him. In fact, as much as Jack didn't care to admit it, they were almost a mirror image of each other, and more alike than any person Jack had ever come across.
Jack didn't merit her a response, but took the opportunity to lift Angelica up onto the shelf and bring himself to stand between her legs. She didn't react, although continued to wait for an answer. He brought himself in a little closer, and watched as Angelica kept her gaze low. She wanted to kiss him and just let everything else go to pieces, but she couldn't help the constant stream of doubts that took precedence of feelings. The only explanation she gave herself for allowing Jack to stay with her was that her religion constitutes that she must help those in need. She disregarded the fact he was a criminal. To her, that really didn't matter anymore. She though of all the trouble this could get her into, but she had never felt happier in her life. Pushing her thoughts back into the present, she watched as Jack brought her jaw up with his finger. Jack noticed she was not willing, and he knew exactly why, although he couldn't think of a way to make her more at ease. He concentrated deeply on those dark brown eyes the size of orbs, and the way in which she looked at him. "Jack." She started softly; no more audible than a whisper. He saw her start to breath a little more heavily, as she continued. "I really shouldn't be doing this, you know." Jack tried to resist the temptation to smile, but realized she was completely serious this time. "I know." He stated calmly, downplaying the seriousness of what was at stake with those two simple words. Angelica's mind sped up again, trying to deduce all possible meanings of the phrase. Jack decided that this was the opportune moment, and kissed her. He felt her smile against his mouth, as she responded. Angelica brought her arms to encircle his neck and bring her in closer. She relished the feeling of him, and how exciting it was to be with him. It seemed to fulfill her curiosities, and made her genuinely comfortable. He locked his hands behind the back of her knees, and brought her up flush with his waist. Her muscles automatically tightened around his body. She broke away from the kiss, giggling as he brought her up. Her hair surrounded them like a curtain, as Jack did his best to steady himself with her additional weight. "This is fun." She whispered into his ear, as he gave a nod.
Jack's stomach gave a sudden loud protest at the absence of food; and he wished for it to suppress itself. Jack caught her lips once again as she tried to catch a breath, before she pulled away. "Jack, you can't hide the fact you're hungry." Jack gave a smirk, kissing her again. She let the matter slip for a moment, and returned his embrace. "Jack, you're hungry." She persisted. Jack gave a sigh. "Know how to get your hands on any food?" Angelica gave a snicker. "Of course I do! I have lived here all my life." Jack nodded, but did not loosen his grip on her. "You know, you have to get down if we are to go." Jack commented. She had no intention of moving. Angelica shook her head. "No. I like it here." She said, as she pressed his lips to his. She wiggled in a movement to get down, and Jack put her back down until her feet touched the solid floor. Angelica started to make her way back down the aisle. "You coming?" She called to Jack, as he followed her timidly down the hall.
The kitchen was dark, but Jack could make out the basic features of the room. There was a large wooden counter that stretched the almost entirety of the room, with loaves of bread and bowls of vegetables placed around the middle. Angelica led Jack into the middle of the room, and passed him some bread. "There's not much." She muttered, as she searched for something decent to eat. She moved amongst the pots, lifting up the lids individually, as Jack took a bite out of the bread. "I don't suppose there is any chance of rum?" He asked hopefully. Angelica laughed. "You really expect alcohol to be housed in a convent?" Angelica asked, privately amused by his hopeful ignorance. "No." She stated flatly. "Although, there is this." She said, indicating to a bowl of stewed meat in sauce. It was indeed much more appealing than the bread. "It's saved for the senior nuns. But I know how to get to it after hours." She said, grinning a little. She sat down next to Jack on the counter, her legs dangling over the edge. She passed the pot to Jack, as he accepted it willingly. She watched as he dug in hungrily, signaling to him to keep the noise down. "So, Jack. It just occurred to me how little I know about you." She started, as Jack continued to fill his appetite. "Not much told about the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow." He managed to pronounce between mouthfuls. Angelica gave a giggle. "Infamous is a strong word." She said with a smirk, as Jack immediately pouted, putting the pot down on the counter. "Infamous is fitting nonetheless." He persisted. Angelica put the pot back where it came from, and pulled up a chair facing Jack. "
"Tell me more, Jack." She asked in a way that made Jack think of an inquisitive child. Jack didn't see much danger in confiding in her, with her being essentially cut off from society, and with a smug grin, he thought of a useful place to start. Angelica's smile widened as she pulled her chair even closer to Jack. "I was born during a raging typhoon off the coast of India. I was mainly raised by my father in Shipwreck Cove-" Jack stopped midsentence as Angelica interrupted him. "Where?" She asked curiously. "Ah. It's located on Shipwreck Island. A wonderful island, where I spent more of my childhood amongst the tangled bits of sunken ships and little sunlight." Angelica seemed surprised at the notion, so he took the time to explain. "You see dear, Shipwreck cove is a fortress. It is built mainly from the wreckage of broken ships, all forming a city with hundreds of levels." Jack took a moment to catch his breath before continuing. He saw Angelica's confused gaze, and elaborated further. "The whole city is located in the crater of a volcano, and the cove can only be reached by venturing through the Devil's throat-" "The what?" She interrupted. "It's a passage through the rock, like a crack; but only big enough to pass a ship." Angelica's eyes widened as she became more fascinated by Jack's story. "It was built by men, who carved it out of the rock. It is a fortress, and houses some of the more evil and hardened pirates you will ever come across."
Jack made a movement towards her chair; bringing his body down so he could begin to run his hands over her body. He heard her breath hitch, she grinned a little. "Go on, Jack." Jack liked the way she was so interested in his past. He had never had anyone be so interested in his personal story without having some cunning ulterior motive; hence why he always strived to keep it hidden, and he did a bloody good job, in his opinion. Jack saw a shadow move in the doorway, which struck icy cold fear straight into his hear. A million things raced through his mind: He shouldn't be here; he had been lingering in the same place for too long; and was letting feelings and desires get the better of him. He jumped up, and Angelica instantaneously followed; sensing his alarm. Neither of them exchanged a word, but fixated their eyes on the doorway. Angelica's stomach churned, and Jack's breath became lodged in his throat. Not a sound could be heard, not even their breathing. Jack involuntarily reached for his pistol, which was tucked into his sash, tightening his grip on the handle. He saw the shadow move on the wall, as he tried to recall the features of the room for a possible escape route. He thought about Angelica next to him, but his thoughts grinded to a halt as the shadow moved out from the darkness.
At the sight of a flinch of movement; Jack reacted, pulling the pistol out and pointing it straight towards the figure. The face was now visible. Struck with fear, the little girl stopped in her tracks. Her eyes were wide with shock and surprise; as their blackened depths glistened by the slight light cast by the open window. "Angelica?" The girl whispered in a thick Spanish accent, as her eyes did not dare dart away from the barrel of Jack's pistol. Angelica put her hand over her mouth in awareness. Jack watched the child, but did not lower his pistol. Coming to the quick realization there was a good chance the child may scream, he hoped the child would keep her mouth tightly shut. "Ah, Angelica?" Jack whispered, but did not avert his gaze. Angelica shot a glance at Jack, before rushing towards the child. Angelica got down to her knees and pressed the girl against her body, covering her mouth as she did so. "Oh, Beatriz." Angelica muttered, unsure which of the three of them had the greatest shock. Jack watched the child's face over Angelica's shoulder, and saw those black eyes, with tears silently streaming down her small face. "Jack, put the gun down." She mumbled, shooting a glare at him. Jack timidly did as he was told, and put the weapon away swiftly. He remained unsure of himself, and bestowed it upon Angelica to remove the tension from the situation.
Angelica brought the girl up from the floor, brushing off her knees as she did so. She placed young Beatriz down on the counter, and wiped the tears off her cheeks. Angelica smiled, for she knew exactly what the young girl was here for. "Jack, fetch that pot and a fresh spoon." She indicated to Jack, before returning her attention to the girl. She looked struck with shock, and did not dare let her glance move to Jack. He passed the pot to Angelica, who passed it onto Beatriz. The young girl began to eat apprehensively, as Angelica considered what exactly to do about Jack. "You frightened us, Beatriz." Angelica began, in a tongue that Jack could not understand. "No-nosotros?" Beatriz stuttered. Jack stared at the pair of them, oblivious to what they were saying. "Sí. Se trata de un amigo mío." Angelica replied, gesturing for Jack to come forward. Beatriz stared intently at Jack, which made Jack feel uncomfortable under her gaze. "Su nombre es Jack. Él es un pirata." Angelica continued. Beatriz' eyes lit up in excitement, as Angelica motioned for her to hush. "¿Entonces por qué es un pirata aquí?" Beatriz asked. Angelica smiled. "Es un secreto." Beatriz seemed happy with the explanation, and returned to pick at the food in front of her. "Jack, what are we going to do?" She gazed hesitantly at Jack, only to see he was just as anxious. "What have you told her?" He asked tentatively. "Just the truth; that you're a pirate, and it's a secret that you're here." Jack contemplated for a moment. "Bugger." He mumbled to himself. Seeing that there was no solution coming anytime soon from Jack, she took it into her own hands.
Angelica picked up Beatriz, and signaled for Jack to follow. "What are you doing?" He asked, as he started to follow Angelica out of the kitchen. Angelica rolled her eyes. "I'm taking her back to her room, unless you have another suggestion." Jack kept quiet, and watched as Angelica ran a hand through Beatriz' hair and placed a kiss on her cheek. Beatriz watched Jack intently. Jack averted his gaze, as Angelica was quick to pick up on his insecurity. "Honestly Jack, I think you are more scared of her, than she is of you." She gave a smirk, eyeing Jack. He quickly rebuttled; arguing it was not true, but than left the subject alone as Beatriz signaled cheekily for Jack to hush. "No se lo digas a nadie sobre esto, ¿de acuerdo?" Angelica whispered into Beatriz' ear. She gave a devilish grin, nodding as she did so. There was something very unique about what Jack had his eyes fixated upon. What were the odds that a pirate, a novitiate, and an orphan were walking the dimly lit corridor of a convent at midnight? It was quite a sight. Jack watched intently at the way Angelica had developed such motherly affections for the girl, even though she was not yet eighteen. Jack had never given much thought to children, nor associated with them. But Jack liked the way Angelica held that child. There was a certain beautiful imagery about it that was beyond Jack's comprehension.
Angelica entered Beatriz' room, and ushered Jack in. The room was much like Angelica's; containing the same furnishings. For a young, somewhat wild girl, the room was surprisingly clean. Jack assumed there were the senior nuns to thank for that. Angelica walked over to the bed, and pulled back the covers to settle Beatriz in. "For such good religious people, it's surprising you don't allow your children to truly live before they take their vowels." Jack said, glancing around the room. Angelica tucked Beatriz in, and said goodnight. "I would not argue you on that." She agreed, as she and Jack left the room and shut the door behind them. Jack began to make his way to Angelica's room, before she pulled him by the arm and stopped him in his tracks. "What?" He shot back at her, trying not to let his voice exceed a whisper. "Stay, she'll be back."
She replied, as she stood with her back against the wall, watching the door. Jack did the same. "You know her well." Jack said pointedly, eyeing her from his position at the other side of the doorframe. He could hardly make out the features of her face, but her eyes glistened in the low light. "She's no different than I was." She said, and pressed her ear to the door. After a few minutes of dead silence between Jack and Angelica, the wooden door slowly began to open. The small figure of Beatriz made an appearance from behind the door. On her tiptoes, she silently crept out of the room, as Angelica was quick to skulk behind her and bundle Beatriz up in her arms. Jack assumed this was habit, as Beatriz did not show the slightest sign of surprise. Angelica took her back inside her room, and once again tucked her underneath the covers. Jack watched from his position leaning against the doorframe, as Angelica moved to stand next to him. "In regards to traits, you two are a spitting image." Jack observed, watching Angelica with a smile. Angelica nodded, before shutting the door behind her, and resting her back on the wood of the door, letting out a sigh of relief. She smiled at Jack, before pulling herself together and continuing up the corridor with Jack by her side.
Jack walked by her side, and tried to fixate his thoughts on his desire for Angelica, or at the very least the Treasure of Cortez. However, he could not shake that memory of Angelica holding that young girl. Jack could not understand why he liked it so much. He racked his brain to think of all possible reasons he could conjure. He knew children would please his father; but somehow in his train of thought it did not click that it would indeed be his children that would please his father. Maybe that's it Jack thought to himself. Maybe it's just a need to please my father. Jack pondered it for a while more, before realizing no matter how much time he thought about it, he could not come to a conclusion. Pulling him out of this deep thought, Angelica spoke. "I have never known a pirate to be scared of something so small and harmless than a child." She chuckled, continuing down the passageway. Jack did not like appearing so transparent, and tried to quickly think of a snide comment to counter it. "Firstly, I doubt you have known any pirate prior to me at all, and secondly, I would infer you to be quite capable of being anything but harmless, and assume that child to be the same." Jack raised his finger back in the direction of Beatriz' door in an effort to demonstrate his point.
Angelica smiled, realizing she was undone, and let the matter go to rest. "So, Jack. What are we going to do? We're running out of options." Her use of "we're" made Jack strangely comfortable with their dire situation. "I don't know." Jack stated humbly, showing an openness Jack had never shown to anyone else. Once Jack had realized that, he felt open and unguarded. But there was something in that notion that was truly new and curiously confronting. Jack liked that.
~End of Chapter Seven~
You're probably wondering when this story is going to pick up, and please know that the fun and games will soon be rudely halted when reality comes knocking. Sucks, doesn't it? But the story needs some solid foundations before it kicks off on an adventurous tone, and I think I have pretty much established those foundations.
Thanks again to everyone who reads and reviews. Seriously, it keeps this story going.
I'm not entire sure when I will post chapter eight, but I hope to see you there when I do.
I like reviews, guys. :3 xoxo