Chapter 10

The Past and the Present

Elizabeth sat in the waiting room of the Neurology inpatient unit and sipped on a glass of coffee. The doctors had threatened her that if she was to see Will again without their permission they would restrict her privileges to see him completely. Although she was relieved his injury wasn't more severe, she still longed to be at his side supporting him. It seemed so surreal that just this morning he was playing football and now this evening in a hospital bed fighting for consciousness. She didn't know what she would have done if things had not turned out as they did. Her eyes started to brim with tears again as she continued to mull over how close she came to losing Will. Jack and Anna walked through the waiting room door with some sandwiches.

"Liz smile!" Anna exclaimed cheerfully as she handed Elizabeth a turkey sandwich. "Will is going to be ok, and you are in here pouting."

"I have been by Will's side almost everyday for the past four years, and now when he needs me most, they forbid us from being together. How is that in his best interest?" Elizabeth exclaimed as she pushed the sandwich away.

"Lizzy you need to eat." Jack said solemnly as he sat in a nearby chair. Ever since he saw Will laying lifeless on the field his world had been in disarray. Truth be told Will Turner was Jack's best friend, one of Jack's only friends for that matter. Knowing his life was no longer in jeopardy was comforting, but he too would feel better being able to see him for himself.

"They do not even know Will. If he does not know where I am he worries. Keeping us apart is only causing him more stress." Elizabeth continued as she stood and walked across the room. Anna took a bit of her sandwich,

"Tomorrow the doctor said that they plan to lift some of his sedation, and you will be allowed to see him again." Anna added. Elizabeth shook her head, and covered her eyes with her hand.

"I wish we were married, then this wouldn't be an issue. They are keeping us apart because of some silly formality." Anna looked to Jack for support.

"Liz we are lucky Will's injuries were not more permanent." Jack replied, as he solemnly looked out the window. A nursing assistant then entered the room.

"Can I get anyone anything to drink?" She asked kindly. Jack turned, a grin appearing on his face.

"That depends on what you have to offer?" He smirked.

"Jack, enough!" Anna snipped as she walked over to Elizabeth and placed an arm on her shoulder. "No thank you." She replied to the nursing assistant.

"Miss Swann do you need anything?" Elizabeth took a seat and signed deeply.

"Do you know when I am allowed to visit Mr. Turner's bedside." Elizabeth asked softly.

The assistant shook her head.

"Mr. Turner's vitals have increased, and he has required additional sedation. I fear the doctors will not allow more visitors until tomorrow morning at the earliest." Elizabeth did not reply and just continued to stare blankly out the window.


"Your daughter's actions could have greatly compromised Mr. Turner's outcome." The doctor stated with frustration. Weatherby just nodded and apologized again. Bill Turner had been watching from a distance as the doctor and nurse grilled Elizabeth's father over her apparent careless actions, and subsequent outcomes. There was just one thing that didn't make sense.

"So you are telling me that since Elizabeth left, my son has been more agitated and requiring twice the sedation." Bill interrupted. The doctor turned to face him,

"I'm afraid so Mr. Turner. Miss Swann's actions were deplorable."

"I greatly apologize Bill." Weatherby stated again. Bill just started to chuckle,
"Weatherby if you apologize again I will have to tell you off. Elizabeth did nothing wrong!" The doctor looked as if he had been slapped across the face.

"On the contrary Mr. Turner, her actions harmed your son!" The momentary smile on Bill's face quickly changed to anger.

"Actually, it is your actions that are harming my son!" Bill fumed, "You took away the one person who can bring him peace. The person he loves most, and has been calling for since the moment he arrived here. In times of crisis, we survive on the support from our loved ones. My son's greatest supporter is Elizabeth Swan" The doctor was stunned, Mary stood up.

"Mr. Turner, your son has been greatly agitated since the incident. We can't keep him sedated." She stated gently, trying to support the doctor.

"He is not agitated, he is worried!" Bill practically shouted, "Worried about her! Wanting her!" Bill was done trying to reason. "As William's father I decide on what is best for him. I want Elizabeth Swan to have full access to his room and be updated routinely on his condition. Bring me what ever paper work I have to sign." Bill then turned to the doctor,

"We are done discussing this matter. I expect Mr. Swan to receive a letter of apology from the hospital regarding how he and his daughter have been treated." The doctor didn't say a word. He nodded and left the room. Mary, Will's nurse, lightly smiled.

"I will bring you the release of information form Mr. Turner. Once signed, Ms. Swan will have full privileges to William's heath care." Bill nodded and turned towards Weatherby, who also looked stunned at his outburst.

"Come Weatherby, I believe your daughter has been through enough today and deserves some redemption." Weatherby smiled and followed Bill out of the waiting room doors.


As Mary entered the waiting room for the Neurology unit, the first thing she noticed was the couple sleeping in the corner of the room. The two were quite the pair. The man, with his tangled dread locks pulled back with a bandanna, had his arms around a beautiful young woman. Her jet black hair matched his, but differed in that it had been washed and combed recently. Her high cheek bones and thin frame made her quite striking, whereas he appeared bony and unkempt. Both appeared exhausted as they napped on the couch together. The next thing she noticed was Elizabeth sitting in front of the large waiting room window, lost in thought. Elizabeth's face was tear stricken and her eyes were puffy and lifeless. Mary quietly approached her from behind, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Ms. Swan, how are you doing?" She gently asked. Elizabeth did not respond, her gaze unwavering from the window. Mary knew she was upset. This woman had been humiliated and belittled, all for trying to be with the one she loved.

"Ms. Swan I am sorry for all of your suffering today." She pulled up a seat next to her. "William has not been well since your left his side. He needs you, and we were wrong to keep you from visiting him." Mary stated the facts plainly. Elizabeth at first did not respond, but after a few moments of silence stood and turned to Mary.

"Please take me to him." She replied coldly. Mary did not blame her for the resentment. After all she had been there when the doctors laid into Elizabeth, and did nothing to stop them. Mary looked over to Jack and Anna, the back at Elizabeth.

"Only you may see him at this time. We do not want to stress him with too many visitors." Elizabeth's affect did not change.

"They are two of Will's closest friends, treat them with the respect they deserve and inform them properly." Mary nodded and led Elizabeth out through the doors. The two did not exchange a word as they walked down the hall to his room. Will's room was illuminated by the soft glow from the monitors. He was restlessly shifting in his bed, tormented by a mix of sedation and pain. Elizabeth's face dropped as she observed his discomfort, and quickly walked past Mary to his bedside. Mary reached for her arm but missed.

"Ms. Swan it is better if you don't touch him, he is very sensitive right now and needs to rest." Elizabeth couldn't hide her anger as she turned to face Mary.

"You call this rest." She coolly stated as she sat down next to Will on the bed. She then gently took his head in her hands, softly calling his name. Mary watched in disbelief as Will instantly calmed. Elizabeth continued her spell and ran her hands slowly though his hair, picking out small pieces of grass as she combed though the tangled mess. Will's heart rate started to slowly steady and his brain activity calmed. Elizabeth whispered soothing words of love and support as her hand caressed the sides of his face. Although heavily sedated, Mary swore she saw the hint of a smile on Will's face. Elizabeth felt his forehead and turned to Mary.

"Can you please get me a cool rag?" She questioned, the ice returning to her voice. Mary nodded and left the room, quickly returning with a basin of cool water and cloths. She took a rag and went to Will's bedside; before she could reach his skin with the cloth Elizabeth stopped her.

"I can do it." Elizabeth stated with determination. Mary handed her the cloth and watched as Elizabeth's cool demeanor instantly changed to loving adoration as she swabbed Will's forehead and started to wash his face with the cool cloth.

"Ms. Swan I will be at the nurses station if you need anything." Mary stated softly as she started to leave the room.

"You may call me Elizabeth." Mary turned to face her, the look of surprise on her face.

"Thank you Elizabeth." She replied, as she left the room.


As Mary sat at the nurses station she could do nothing but marvel as she watched Will's heart rate and brain activity continue to improve.

"Excuse me Mary, have you seen my daughter? We checked the waiting room and found her to be missing." Weatherby's voice startled Mary as she looked up from her charting.

"Mr. Swan" She lightly placed her hand on her chest. "I did not even hear you walk up." Bill looked to Weatherby, reading his mind. So this was how Elizabeth had slipped into Will's room earlier.

"I took her to William's bedside about a half hour ago." She then looked to Bill, "You will be glad to hear that his vitals have stabilized and he is doing much better Mr. Turner." Bill smiled,

"I will have to thank her when I get in the room." Mary pursed her lips and acknowledged what he had said. The pair continued down the hallway towards Will's room. Opening the door Bill entered, quickly turning back to Weatherby holding a finger to his lips. As Weatherby entered the room he was slightly taken aback to see Elizabeth peacefully sleeping on the bed next to Will. She had somehow avoided all tubes and wires, and was nestled into his side, her head resting on his chest. Jack and Anna then walked into the room with Mary following closely behind them.

"I just thought that since he has improved that he could tolerate a few more visitors." She smiled at Bill then left the room. Anna reached for Jack's hand as she viewed Will for the first time. The bruise on Will's face, along with all of the tubing and monitors humbled even Jack. The pair just looked upon their friends, the look of grief filling Anna's face as she buried her face into Jack's shoulder. Bill stepped up behind them and placed a hand on Jack's opposing shoulder.

"He is doing well; there is nothing to worry about. Just a few cuts and bruises." Bill comforted.

"I saw him fall on the field," Jack replied looking intently at Will. He gently shook his head, "they wouldn't even let me near him." As if cued by Jack's voice a single monitor alarm beeped a few times before silencing again. Will slightly moved his head, his eyes remaining shut, but a few wrinkles formed on his brow before Elizabeth moved in her sleep, draping an arm across Will's chest. Will's hand instantly found hers on his chest as he wound their fingers and rested his chin on the crown of her head, quickly calming. Jack slowly turned to Bill,

"Can he hear us?" He questioned quietly. Bill nodded, and lightly chuckled.

"He's sedated Jack not in a coma. The medicine they are giving him is very similar to the effects of alcohol; it slows the body's response to the mind. You can still hear and comprehend things when you are severely inebriated, you are just unable to walk or talk." Jack nodded in full understanding.

"Bloody awful!" He agreed silently as he guided Anna to a nearby chair. The four sat in silence, watching the pair as they peacefully slept, the slight humming of the monitors filled the room.

"How did they meet?" Weatherby's voice broke the silence. Bill thought briefly but soon realized that he too had never heard the story. Anna looked to Jack and smiled,

"They never told you because there are two different versions of the story." She lightly laughed and poked Jack in the ribs.

"Only one version is true." Jack mumbled, sitting on the arm of the couch. Bill looked to Weatherby then back to Jack.

"We'll are you going to tell us?" He asked mystified.

"Which version?" Jack asked imprudently. Anna slightly nudged Jack before she leaned forward to look at both parents.

"Elizabeth and Will both met in fencing class." She stated with a smile.

"That is when Will first saw Elizabeth, she had no clue he existed at that point." Jack smugly added. Anna rolled her eyes, leaning back in the chair. Both were then silent. Weatherby looked to Bill who shrugged his shoulders,

"Continue with the story if you please." Weatherby stated pointedly. Jack nervously looked to Will, who appeared to be in a deep sleep.

"Well it all started when Will spared with Liz during class. Being the brut he is, he quickly overcame her and knocked her to the floor." Jack replied nonchalantly.

"It was an accident!" Anna injected. Jack stared off into space as he continued his story.

"Will had just witnessed a vision of beauty and was so smitten that he didn't even offer to help her up. Needless to say Elizabeth found his behavior appalling and stormed off to the locker room never to think of him again." Jack paused, "William on the other hand was done for…bewitched! Elizabeth consumed his thoughts and he made it his objective to win her heart."

"Drama queen." Anna said audibly under her breath. Jack looked down at her,

"Would you care to tell the story woman?" Anna waved her hand, dismissing Jack's comment. Jack recalled the event as it flashed through his mind-clear as the day it happened.


After agreeing to meet Jack at the Pearl, Will began to have second thoughts on his actions. Elizabeth was obviously intelligent, cultured, and stunningly beautiful. What would she ever see in him? Will achieved good grades, but was primarily known for his skill at football, and thus pegged with the usual stereotype. Elizabeth would just recognize him from the paper and think of him as the typical jock. The more he tried to convince himself to stay home and study, the more her image haunted his thoughts. Especially images of her scandalously clad doing amorous things. It was these images that convinced him that there was no harm in just meeting Jack for one drink at the bar. As strange as Jack was, Will found him refreshing and insightful, much different than his football friends. Different was good.

Wearing a muscle fit grey T-shirt and jeans, Will casually approached the Pearl. It was only 9pm and already there was a line outside the door. As he walked past someone caught his arm,

"Aye William!" Jack stated as he tried to light a cigarette. Will was surprised to see Jack in a button down shirt, dark blue jeans, with his dreads gathered back and tied with a leather strap. Will actually felt slightly underdressed.

"Care for a light?" Will shook his head,

"No thanks." Jack shrugged his shoulders and watched as the line moved slowly forward.

"So when we get in there, it is all for one mate." Jack quipped as they steadily approached the entrance. Will raised an eyebrow,

"All for one?"

"I mean with Ms. Swan, I have had my eye on her as well." Will chuckled,

"Jack she will probably ignore the both of us. I just came to have a drink with you." Jack eyed Will with caution and slight surprise,

"We'll just see when you get inside. You can't hide it then."

"Hide what?"

"The look." Replied Jack as he paid for both his fare along with Will's. Will looked at Jack with slight disbelief. No one had ever paid his fare before, besides his father. As they walked up the stairwell to the second level Will remembered what Jack had said. He raised his voice, practically shouting over the loud music,

"What look?" As he crested the stairs the world momentarily stopped revolving. The bar was about fifteen feet in front of them. Saddled up to the bar were Elizabeth and six of her friends. She was wearing a deep purple satin top that had an asymmetrical neckline that draped off of one shoulder. The top along with her dark jeans were snug and hugged her curves perfectly. Her hair was tied up off her shoulders, but a few long curls escaped and hung loosely down the sides of her face. Jack looked over to Will with his mouth slightly gaped standing frozen in place as people pushed past him at the top of the stairwell.

"That look mate!" He chuckled as he too checked out Elizabeth and her friends. Suddenly appearing behind Elizabeth with two pitchers of beer in her hands was a tall slender woman with jet black curly hair that was held back with a tight black bandanna. The mass of curls was then pinned into a messy bun. It wasn't her tight black tube top or slender jeans that captivated Jack but rather her choice of jewelry. Adorning the flawless skin of her neck and chest was a thin long silver chain with a particular charm dangling from it. The skull and cross bones were easily visible on the small silver coin that currently rested on her bountiful chest. Her smile left Jack's mouth dry as he watched her lay a kiss on Elizabeth's cheek and was instantly filled with jealously.

"Will." Jack said very seriously, keeping his eyes firmly planted on the mysterious woman. Will breaking from his trance turned to see Jack with a look of wonderment on his face.

"Jack go find a table, I'll get us something to drink." Jack grabbed Will's arm.

"New plan," Jack pulled Will slightly out of the way to allow more people to pass, "we sit at the bar, but not too close to the prize. That way we can keep and eye out until Plan B." Will looked confused,

"Plan B?" Will asked. Jack noted two men standing up from their seats at the bar, opposite Elizabeth and her friends. He started to pull Will in that direction,

"I'm no longer interested in Ms. Swan," he stated flatly, "there are other fish in the sea dear William." As they walked behind the group, the two were momentarily distracted by smell of flowers drifting from the assembly of girls they so desperately wanted to meet. It was Jack who quickly came to his senses and pulled Will along practically pushing him into the empty bar stool. Jack took the seat next to him then waved at the bar tender, putting up two fingers. He turned to Will who was still blatantly staring at the group of women across from them.

"Will man get a grip!" He scoffed as he smacked him lightly on the shoulder. Will shook his head, as if coming out of a dream, then looked in front of him to see a beer waiting patiently. He smiled as he picked it up and took a drink, deciding that Jack had to be one of the most brilliant people he had ever met.

"William you must think like a woman." He took another drink, "Take clothing for example, women love clothing. You just don't walk into the store and buy the first thing you see; instead you look for something that catches your interest." He momentarily glanced across the bar at the gaggle of women then back to Will, "We must be that item of interest." Will nodded in agreement. Although cryptic, Jack had a way with words that impressed him.
"So how do I become that coat she's dying to have?" Will replied as he chuckled and took another drink of beer. Jack smiled, noting in his peripheral vision how Elizabeth and her friend were staring directly at them.

"Just keep acting like that perfect item hanging in the store, flash her your best side, and hope she tries you on." Will looked at Jack who seemed overly calm and kept glancing about the bar. He then glanced over at the party of interest and noticed that Elizabeth was staring directly at him; he quickly picked up his beer and turned back to Jack, finally understanding what he had meant. Will flashed Jack his best attribute, his broad smile, noting how Elizabeth turned to her friend whispering something in her ear.

"How are my buttons mate?" Will humorously asked Jack, picking up on some of his British slang.

"The perfect bloody coat you are." Jack smiled back to Will. The two then briefly sat in silence, trying hard to act like they didn't notice the two women across the bar eyeing them down. Then one of Elizabeth's friends stood on a bar stool and shouted at the top of her lungs holding a shot glass in her hand,

"To anyone who cares," the DJ saw the cute woman standing on the chair and immediately killed the music, she continued

"Tonight is my dear friend Elizabeth's birthday so everyone raise your glass then buy her a shot! To Elizabeth!" All the girls raised their glasses, most of the bar following in suit shouting her name then downing their drinks. Elizabeth looked mortified as the music was then continued and a mass of men surrounded the girls offering drinks galore. Will turned to Jack slightly concerned, only to see Jack lifting his glass and tipping it to Elizabeth's friend across the bar. She followed in suit, and gave him a slight smile.

"Now what Jack, every guy in the bar is over there?" He questioned. Jack turned back to Will,

"Keep being the coat mate," he glanced over and saw both Elizabeth and her friend ignoring the men around them and watching them curiously,

"Now casually look over to her and raise your glass in respect, nothing more." Will taking Jack's advice looked over to see Elizabeth staring at him with wide eyes. He gave her a small smile then raised his glass, shocked to see Elizabeth follow his lead and raise hers. He couldn't contain the large smile that spread across his face, and took a slow drink never loosing eye contact with her. Jack kicked him under the bar and brought him back to reality.

"Will women don't like cheap mass produced clothing!" Will raised an eyebrow at this statement.

"How am I being cheap?" He questioned. Jack rolled his eyes,

"Women like the chase." Jack finished his beer then stood from the bar. "Be unique William and leave them wanting more. Now finish your drink." Will complied then stood and followed Jack around the bar. Jack stopped a few feet short and turned to Will,

"The annual football bash, it's this weekend correct?" He asked with urgency.

"Yea." Jack then nodded his head for Will to follow. They pushed though the heard of men around the women until they were standing next to Elizabeth and her friend at the bar. Will could hardly breathe, the scent of roses and lavender clouded his thoughts as he stood frozen next to Jack. Jack literally grabbed the bar tender and threw money at him. The bar tender handed Jack two beer bottles. Jack then pointedly looked at Will and handed him a bottle, both then turned to see both Elizabeth and Anna looking at them with interest. Jack smiled as he extended his free arm to her friend,
"Jack Sparrow." He said smoothly with a slight smile. The girl hesitated then extended her hand to his.

"Anna." She replied with a smirk. Will and Elizabeth just stood staring at each other until Jack stepped on his foot,
"Will Turner," he softly stated, his eyes lost in Elizabeth's round hazel orbs.

"Elizabeth Swan." She replied, never losing eye contact with him, and extending her hand. The moment her small hand grazed his, Will felt a sudden burst of energy and the overwhelming need to kiss her. Jack noting Will's weakness quickly handed his beer to Anna then grabbed Will's bottle and handed it to Elizabeth.

"The annual football gathering is this weekend, you two ladies planning to attend?" Anna looked to Elizabeth who shrugged her shoulders, both taken by surprise at the question.

"We're not sure of our plans yet." Anna confidently stated, raising her eyebrows at Jack.

"We'll see you there." Jack replied boldly, as he grabbed Will by the shoulder and started to push him towards the stairwell. Will held his gaze with Elizabeth,

"See you there." He smiled, as he followed Jack down the stairwell and out of the building. Once out in the cold air, Will turned to Jack distressed.

"We had them right there and we left!" He practically shouted. Jack smiled and started to walk towards the bus stop.

"Always leave them wanting more mate." Jack replied with a smile, quite pleased with the interaction. Will sighed, still fighting the urge to go up and profess his undying need to be with Elizabeth.

"But why the football party?" He questioned with disappointment.

"Why not?" Jack replied, "it is the social event of the season that everyone attends. They were most likely planning to go even if we didn't ask them. Now they will associate the two of us with the party. Perfectly planned if I do say so myself." Will dropped his head,

"Because I am a freshmen football player." Jack stopped and turned to Will,

"This is bad because?" Will rolled his eyes.

"Freshmen have to wear pink this year, and are forbidden to hook up with any girl at the party."

"Good God why?" Jack asked perplexed.

"The pink is to make us stand out; the other is so there are more girls for the senior players to hook up with." Jack nodded,

"Smart." The bus pulled up. "Well dear William you will just have to make a decision that night. Which is more important…" They boarded the bus, "Playing football, or playing with Elizabeth."


The remainder of the week flew by for Will. He was unable to see Elizabeth at fencing on Friday because it was the night before a game and the team was out of town. At the game Will actually played part of the second and forth quarters. He nailed 8/9 passes and even threw 40 yards for a touch down play. The starting quarter back, James Norrington, was a senior this year thus played the majority of the game as starting quarterback. In the locker room after the game, everyone was talking about the upcoming party that night. James stood up on a bench,

"Attention!" He yelled, as the room began to quiet, "For all you freshman I expect to see you pretty in pink tonight, and at the Alpha Chi house tonight by 8pm." The Alpha Chi house had offered the use of the house free of charge and the team had gladly accepted. "You all know the rules, if you drink you don't drive, and all women are hands off to anyone wearing pink." A few freshmen groaned, and Will just rolled his eyes. "Any questions?" James asked. With no response he smiled and hopped off the bench.

"Do you have your pink prom dress picked out for tonight my young apprentice?" James questioned as he sat down next to Will. Will continued to pack his bag and smiled. James was a good friend and mentor. He never complained when Will was put in for him, and always offered constructive criticism.

"My father actually convinced a tailor to make me a pink sport coat with a matching buttoned up shirt." Will responded. James laughed,

"Only this year my friend, next year you will be their leader and can dictate the rules."

"I think I will do away with the pink rule first." James nodded,

"I like the freshmen to wear pink mainly for the crowd. It makes them stick out and tells people they are part of the team. The importance is that after tonight they will no longer be pegged as freshman but hopefully as freshmen football players, do you understand the difference?" James was an excellent leader; he always had a method behind his mayhem.

"What about the hands off rule?" James laughed again,

"That only benefits me Turner." James stood and went back to his locker. Will finished packing his duffel then left to get ready for that night.


The house was packed by 9pm. Will was trapped in the library with James and about a dozen of his friends. A surprise to the freshmen upon arrival was that they were assigned as a slave to a senior. James promptly chose Will and had been keeping him busy fetching drinks for his friends for the past hour.

"Will why don't you go mingle for awhile, check back on us in about 30 ok?" James replied as he put his arm around a tall brunette. Will nodded and headed out of the library. Pushing through the crowd he started to look for Jack. Will's cell had rang about twenty minutes ago and he text Jack to meet him in the library. Needing some air Will walked out through the kitchen to the large backyard. The DJ was set up outside and people were everywhere drinking and singing along to the lyrics. Will grabbed a bottle of water from a children's pool filled with drinks. The party was loud and in the middle of a residential area. It was practically screaming to be busted by the police. Will looked over to an area of couches that had been set up and noticed Elizabeth's friend Anna. She was madly kissing someone on a nearby couch. The back of the couch prevented Will from seeing whom she was with. He slowly circled the couch, silently laughing to himself on how upset Jack would be when he found out. As he rounded the couch he could clearly see the dread locks coming out from under Anna's grasp.

"You would think they have known each other for years." A small voice came from behind him. Startled Will turned to find Elizabeth smiling back at him. She was wearing a fitted black collar shirt and jean mini skirt. Her hair was down and blew across her face with the breeze. Will quickly demoted himself for staring so long.

"I'm so glad you came." He replied with a slight smile. Elizabeth smiled and looked away shyly. Will inwardly slapped himself for such a tacky response and tried to amend for it.

"So how did Jack end up pinned on the couch?" Elizabeth laughed.

"I don't know, one minute he was introducing himself and commenting on something about pirates. The next moment Anna is snogging him wildly on the couch." Her smile made Will's heart race.

"Better watch out Miss Swan, he will be after your heart next." Will jested.

"What if my heart is already taken?" Elizabeth responded coyly. She knew what information Will was after, and he was going to have to try harder than that. Will raised his eyebrows, and reached for her left hand. He then raised her hand to eye level, carefully inspecting her ring finger.

"It appears that it is still on the market." Will smiled and lowered her hand, entwining her fingers with his in the process. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at his lame trick, but didn't pull her hand away.

"I see your part of the pink posse tonight." She commented as she reached up with her free hand and straightened a lapel on his sport coat.

"I like pink." Will replied with confidence, "Only real men feel comfortable wearing pink." Elizabeth laughed,

"So what do you do in school Will Turner, other than football?"

"I'm a history major, what about yourself?" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows,

"History, interesting…"

"Yes, it is." Will added cheekily. Her smile was unending,

"I am an Art major."

"Interesting…" She laughed again,

"Yes it is!" She added, and squeezed his hand. The DJ then started to play a horrible rendition of U2's One Love. Will pulled away slightly and bowed, offering his hand to Elizabeth for a dance. She smiled and placed her hand back in his. Will pulled her closely to him and started to slowly dance. Elizabeth looked around and noticed they were the only two dancing, everyone else seemed to be either too busy utilizing the couches or singing along with the band. Will's cheek was resting against hers as they swayed to the music together.

"I think we are spot lighting the dance." Elizabeth whispered into his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

"It is their loss." Will replied softly back as he slipped her arm around his neck and placed both his arms around her waist. Elizabeth lightly laughed, and placed her other arm around his neck.

"How so?" Will slightly pulled back to look her in the eyes,

"Because I get to hold the most beautiful amazing woman in my arms and they do not." Elizabeth smiled and couldn't contain her blush. Will then made his move and slowly moved in closer until his lips were practically brushing against hers,

"It is definitely their loss," he whispered and claimed her lips softly at first but then with more fervor. Her body seemed to melt into his as they continued to sway to the music of the band. Will kept his hands planted on her hips, although they were aching to move in any direction. Elizabeth pulled him in closer, and he deepened the kiss. She tasted like berries, and Will couldn't get enough of her.

"WILLIAM TURNER!" A booming voice came from behind them. Before Will could even process his name being spoken, someone grabbed the back of his collar and pulled him abruptly away from Elizabeth.

"Turner you are faced with a serious offense. The rules were hands off, and your hands look pretty busy to me." James exclaimed as he pushed Will into the arms of two seniors. Will looked to Elizabeth who looked back at him in utter confusion. Her lips were still red and swollen from moment before and her eyes were as wide as saucers.

"Do you know the punishment for breaking the rules?" This statement brought Will back to the present, which was James and two seniors staring him down.

"Punishment?" He asked meekly. James grinned,

"You broke the rules! What did you think would happen, a slap on the wrist?" Will swallowed hard as the two seniors gripped him from under the arms and guided him up to the stage. James then took the microphone from the DJ and made the announcement.

"Attention!" James shouted in his usual fashion, "Everyone knows me, but for those of you who don't…get out and watch some football would you!" The crowd cheered loudly. A quick announcement was made inside the house and soon the entire backyard was brimming with people. Will just stood behind James, still at the mercy of the two seniors. He tried to find Elizabeth in the crowd, but there were too many people.

"This is my last year as starting quarterback," James announced. "Next year you will have a new quarter back and he will lead you to great things!" James looked back at Will, "I would like everyone to meet your next quarterback, Will Turner." The crowd cheered as the two seniors brought Will forward to stand next to James on the stage. Will just smiled nervously; he hated to be the center of attention. James continued,

"Will has proved to hot with his hands both on and off the field." The crowd cheered again. Will looked down at the stage trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Therefore we need help him to cool off…the baby pool please!" The crowd loudly cheered and a group of men starting empting the baby pool of drinks and caring the icy tub of water up to the stage. Once the pool was on stage James continued his torture,

"Now Will, I know the ladies out there deserve a good show tonight." The women in the crowd started to cheer and whistle loudly. Will gave a pleading look to James, who just shook his head and smiled,

"Don't give me those puppy eyes Turner, save it for the ladies, off with your shirt!" The two seniors started to pull at Will's sport jacket. Will pushed them away with annoyance and removed the jacket himself. He then looked to James one last time for a plea bargain. James once again shook his head,

"Off with it!" He confirmed. Will sighed and turned his back to the crowd, then removed his shirt. The crowd was in an uproar as the seniors turned Will back around and guided him over to center stage. Will's toned abs, and the whip cord muscles of his chest and arms only fueled the whistles and cat calls. Two women tried to rush the stage but were quickly caught. Will just stood there with his arms behind his back looking down at the stage. The men carried the baby pool behind him in preparation. James approached him, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Any last words Turner?" He questioned holding up the microphone. Will raised his head and smiled,

"She was worth it." He replied with defiance. James smiled and stepped back as the men dumped the pool of ice water over Will's head. The crowd was going crazy. The band started up again and James led Will off the stage. He handed Will his clothes and patted him on the back.

"Well done Will, now they will never forget your name. Next year is as good as gold."

"I would prefer they learned my name from watching me on the field over public humiliation, but whatever works." Will jested as he dried his face off with his shirt.

"Go find yourself some towels." James replied as he walked away. Will pulled on his shirt and quickly skirted through the crowd, which was a gauntlet of women hitting and pinching him as he ran past. By the time he made it to the bathroom he felt seriously violated. He shut the door and pulled off his shirt again, toweling off his face and chest. His then removed his jeans and stood over the tub wringing water from them. He heard the bathroom door open and close behind him.

"Please leave." Will stated blatantly without even turning around.

"Oh sorry!" A familiar voice responded. Will turned around and caught her hand as she attempted to exit the door.

"Liz, I'm sorry I thought you were someone else." Elizabeth looked down at his hand holding hers then back up at him, quickly looking away. Will then realized he was in his boxers, soaking wet boxers at that, and grabbed another towel from the cupboard and wrapped it around his waist. Elizabeth looked behind her, and shut the door as she walked back into the bathroom.

"I just wanted to apologize for getting you into trouble." She softly replied.

"Do not apologize; I'm not sorry for what happened." Will replied stepping closer to her. Elizabeth backed up slowly until her back was against the bathroom door. Her hazel eyes met his and she smiled as he moved in closer yet. Not to be out maneuvered, it was Elizabeth who then closed the remaining distance and wrapped her arms around his neck, lightly moving her hands over his bare shoulders. Will, taken completely off guard, stood frozen unable to move. The touch her hands was like electricity on his bare skin. When her lips grazed his, she replied

"I'm not sorry either." She then kissed with such intensity that Will stumbled back sitting down abruptly on the toilet with Elizabeth following him. Her legs straddled his, and his hands traveled up her thighs over her skirts to her waistline to pull her in closer. Time seemed to stop as Will plundered Elizabeth's mouth. Suddenly Elizabeth stood up, and walked back towards the bathroom door. Will still in a complete daze looked up and saw her trying to catch her breath while typing something into his cell phone that he had set on the sink counter. She then looked at him again, quickly ran back and gave him another solid kiss on the mouth before heading out of the bathroom, stating on her way out,

"Pick me up tomorrow at 5." She then was gone. Will stood and grabbed his cell phone. A phone number was typed on the screen. He sat back down, still trying to catch his breath. With a large smile on his face, he pulled his wet jeans back on along with his shirt and coat. He walked out of the bathroom only to find Jack waiting patiently for him. Jack gave him a wicked smile,

"She was worth it then." Will smiled back,

"Worth dying for."


Weatherby looked as if someone had punched him in the stomach. Bill's head was in his hands as he recalled the graphic story that was just revealed. Anna looked to Jack,

"That was way too much detail." She sneered. Jack just looked innocently back at her,

"They wanted to hear the story!" He said defensively.

"They wanted to know the premise not the play by play." Anna retorted.

Bill just shook his head,

"It's fine, I think we all have had a long day and should try to get some rest." Weatherby nodded and looked at his sleeping daughter, now entangled in Will's arms.

"I will be here all night Weatherby, if it is alright with you she can stay." Bill replied to the unspoken question. Weatherby nodded,

"I will be back first thing in the morning," he then looked to Jack and Anna, "come you two I can take you home." When everyone had left, Bill stood over Will and smiled as he gently pushed the hair from his eyes. He then settled down into a nearby recliner and draped a blanket over himself, chuckling lightly to himself at the sight of Weatherby throughout Jack's dramatic story.


My longest chapter yet : ) The italics in the story represent a flashback (hopefully you could tell). I apologize for the wait and greatly appreciate the reviews. Smiles!