August rolled into September, Sophia's gait grew steadier daily, and she was practically flying through the house by the time October arrived. (Mary became winded more times than she care to admit chasing after the sneaky tyke.) In those three months Sophia turned one, a milestone Mary was more than excited to celebrate. With little Charles in the back of her mind, she threw a party no one would soon forget.
Everyone made it to the party, well everyone except Edward. Mary knew he'd eventually make an appearance and in the meantime they opened gifts. Sophia was beyond spoiled with the copious amount of new clothing and toys. Mary doubted she would be able to wear even half of the outfits before she outgrew them.
Sophia, with the help of her mother, opened her last gift. A tiny pair of leather boots with a dress that matched perfectly. Mary thanked Elizabeth and before she could clean up the paper Thatch plopped down his present. A tiny little pup looked up at her cautiously with a big red bow around its neck. This thing couldn't have been more than eight weeks old.
Mary cocked an eyebrow and glanced up at Thatch, "What's that?" The pup stood, tail wagging joyfully, its blue eyes watch Sophia as she pulls her thumb from her mouth to reach for the new toy. Mary drags her away from the table, worried the pup may bite. Thatch grins and the puppy lets out a shrill bark, "It's a dog!" Mary furrows her brows and her gaze lands back at the black and white pup. "I see that, but what is it doing here?"
The puppy pounces on the paper littering the table, he pulls a paper into his mouth and shakes his head, ripping it to shreds. Mary bites her lip, it's darn cute but dogs sure are a handful. Sophia reaches out again and the pup bounces over happily to lick her little fingers. Thatch scoops the pup up in one of his large hands, "It's Sophia's present."
Mary sighs and rubs her temples, "A present that I'll have to take care of." Thatch frowns and scratches behind the puppy's ears, "I guess I could always just return him..." The puppy gives her a look that could break even the most menacing pirate's heart.
Mary rolls her eyes, "No it's fine, I'm sure with a little training he'd make a fine watch dog." The pup stands, tail wagging so hard his butt wiggles, and barks as if he understood what they were saying.
The celebration ended without Edward making an appearance. Needless to say He slept in his study that night, and the next night, and the one after that. By the end of the week, Edward still hadn't joined her.
The pup, who Mary grew quite fond of, wandered into Edward's study one night. Minutes later he began whimpering, Mary came bursting through the door only to see little Schooner backed into a corner with Edward's arm raised high above his head.
"Edward! Don't you lay a hand on that dog!" Edward stilled his movement long enough for the pup to cower behind Mary. Schooner barked and growled, Edward turned towards them, his eyes bloodshot and hair a mess. Edward loved animals, why was he doing this?
The two had grown distant after the incident.
He received a letter at the start of October, when she asked about it he insisted it didn't exist. He began locking his door and they went days at a time without seeing each other. He barely ate and grew thin, his eyes began to sink and his cheeks hollowed. She knew it was because of the letter and she knew it came from Bristol. Had he decided to return? Was Caroline refusing a divorce? They had an explosive fight nearly a week later.
"You need to get out of this room." Mary stands, arms crossed firmly over her leans back, boring angry lines into her face. He gestures towards his legs, "I can't walk Mary, no one respects me." Her hands land hard on the tabletop, knocking his papers to the floor.
"You can walk, you just choose not to! If you would have come to our daughter's party, even a blind man could have seen how loved you are!" He leans forward with a sneer, the stench of alcohol hot on his breath, "I don't even know why you bothered throwing a damn party."
She bites her lip, "You know why I wanted to celebrate-"
He leans back in his chair, eyes hard as stone, "She ain't like your son." Mary's arms fall to her sides and Edward knows he's gone too far. He reaches out for her but she backs away. "It's no wonder why Caroline left you."
His throat tightens, "At least she never nagged me!" Mary's brows furrow and she crosses her arms, "I'll stop nagging you once you start thinking of someone other than yourself! Stop being selfish Edward!"
"I never called you selfish when you were wallowing after Sophia's birth! Can't I get a little sympathy for once?"
"I was scared! I didn't want to get close to her, I didn't want it to hurt when she died!"
Edward stands, he throws the chair on its side, cracking the seat right down the middle. "Will you just shut up already! He's dead let him go! You only had three days with him, how close could you have really gotten?!"
Mary's jaw tightens and she feels the sting of tears, but she clears her throat, not allowing him the satisfaction of know her hurt. She turns on her heel and heads for the door, "Sometimes I wonder why I ever loved you."
She exits the room not bothering to shut it behind her, dread fills his belly. He doesn't know what possessed him to say that, he didn't mean it. He glances down at the chair splintered on its side, his churlish manner finally hurt the one he loved the most.
He grabs his cane and hurries from the room, stopping at the doorway, "Mary!" She continues walking and his heart drops, the same scene from years ago replaying. "Mary if you leave now-" He stops himself and shakes his head, It's no use.
Ah Tabai sent her on a mission after that, Adé was asked to join and he was more than happy to accept. They left as soon as the Jackdaw was loaded and ready, Mary didn't even bother to glance twice at the cove as they left.
Forts, October 25th 1721
They were able to anchor the Jackdaw behind the Tortugas fort without arising suspicion. They lowered the dinghy and slowly paddled their way to the Templar fort. Adé rowed in silence and Mary kept lookout, her shoulders stiff and jaw tight. "What's got the Captain's woman so ruffled?" Mary lowers her spy glass and furrows her brow, "I am nobody's woman."
"I apologize master Kidd, I did not mean to offend." Mary sighs, scrubbing her face with her palms. The boat slows as the beach comes closer then finally comes to a stop. The pair pull the boat onto the beach and survey the land, "Luck is on our side, it seems as though no one is here." Mary scales the wall, hoping from one foot hold to the next, "Aye, but I'm sure it won't last for long so we better hurry."
They pull themselves up over the edge just as a pair of well armed soldiers stroll by, "They'll be here any time now. Have you prepared the war room?" Their boots grow louder as they pass, "Only waiting on Thomas to deliver the parchment." The foot falls stop just on the other side of the crates, Mary leans forward, ready to strike, "Good, the Grandmaster would have our heads-" A bell rings three times and the two men curse and hurry away.
Mary watches as a ship is tied off at the docks, the gangplank is lowered and off walks a young man with dark brown hair smoothed back against his scalp. The crew parts around him, an air of authority surrounding the lad, who couldn't have been more than nineteen.
The two soldiers from before salute him and he flashes a bright smile. "Grandmaster waits, shall we escort you, Simon?" The teen's eyes narrow, "That's commodore Murphy to you." The soldier kneels, "My apologies, may I-" The boy waves him off, "No I know where I am going, get out of my sight."
The two soldiers nod and scurry away, Simon's smirk returns and he struts through the gate. Mary and Adé follow the kid through the fort until they make it to the meeting room. They hang from the edge of the tower and watch as the guards pull the door open for the young man. "How do we get inside?" Adé asks and Mary sighs, searching for any sort of opening. There!
Her eyes narrow in on a small window at the top of the tower. She shuffles along the wall, her fingertips digging into the dirt. "I found an opening, follow me Adé." She whispers and the two shuffle carefully along the wall.
Her arms burn, it's been so long since she's had to hold herself up like this. Damn that year off. She places her toe into a hole in the wall, just to get some weight off her poor arms-
She slips and nearly plummets to the ground, Adé grabs her by the wrist and drags her back up. Her heart pounds heavily in her chest and they hear the loud crack of brick against stone. She glances down at the brick now lying in shards on the ground, "Christ Adé, you saved my life." He grins and she pushes off from the ledge, landing on the scaffolding.
They make it to the window, it's tiny, Adé shakes his head, "I don't think I'm going to fit." Mary pulls herself up and slides through, "I'll just have to go in alone, keep watch Adé."
The room is dark and she can barely find the door, she shuffles through kicking a cannon ball in the process. She bites her lip and curses, "God dammit!" And stumbles a few more times before pulling the door open a crack, No one here.
She shuffles her way down the staircase, smirking when she hears, "Grandmaster, it's good to finally meet you." She quickens her pace as she nears the meeting room. She halts at the bottom, the room is filled with at least a dozen guards.
She curses again under her breath, she can't just sneak through and she certainly can't take any chances with attacking. Two men play a round of checkers so who knows how long they'll be playing. She takes a seat for a second to think but when her sheathe hits the stone step one of the men hops up.
"Did you hear that?" His opponent jabs a finger to the tabletop, "You ain't getting out of this just cause I'm winning." The man flips him off, "I'm serious!"
"Fine, but if it turns out to be nothing you owe me double."
Mary's breath hitches in her throat as the men disperse, she flattens herself against the wall and begs that their search won't last long. "Ah ha!" Her heart skips a beat and she cocks her blade, the voice is just behind the wall. "Someone made a mistake today."
The room is filled with the sound of blades being unsheathed, Shite. She takes a deep breath and just as she's about to step out into the room it's shakes with the resounding boom of cannon fire. The men cheer and charge out of the room.
Mary takes a step away from the wall and wipes the sweat from her brow. That was too close for her comfort and she doesn't care to stick around to see if they'll come back. She charges down the hall and leaps into the rafters. She follows the beams through the hallways until she finally finds the meeting room.
She peeks inside noticing the lad from before with three other men. One man is a portly gentleman with a receding hairline, the man on his left is much thinner with bronze colored hair. He had a goatee and mustache that curled up at the ends. Across from him had a stiff upper lip that commanded authority from the others.
He sat tapping his fingers against the table impatiently, someone must be late. The door opens and they all rise except powdered wig man who furrows his brows, "You're late." The man enters the room, practically gliding as he walks. He chuckles, "I do apologize, I had to deal with a little skirmish outside."
The portly man's brows raise and he stammers, "What of my goods? Is my ship still in one piece." The man gestures towards the chairs, "I would never allow my guest's belongings to be stolen from lowly pirates. Don't worry, my men will put an end to this quickly."
Mary's breath hitches, Has Adé been caught? She has a mission to complete and she knows Adé can handle his own but she can't help that nagging in the back of her mind. The man takes a seat at the head of the table, brown hair tied into a neat ponytail at the back of his head.
He watches his associates carefully and folds his hands in front of him, "I am so glad to finally meet all of you in person. Commodore we met earlier." He nods at the young man who smirks back. The portly man leans forward to shake hands, "Nico Cobo, I've brought the merchandise you have asked for." The man grins, "Good, where have you taken them?"
Nico straightens his back and clears his throat, "I was instructed to send them to the cellar." The man leans back, turning towards the bronze haired man who had yet to speak, "And are you Torres?" The man shakes his head, "No, lo siento, He has passed away, I've come in his place. Mi nombre es Martín García Márquez."
The man frowns, "Ah, I am sorry to lose such an important man. Do you have his research like I asked?" Martín slides a stack of papers over, "Si señor. There were a few pages that Señor Torres did not translate before he died." The man flips quickly through that papers, "This is enough, thank you."
The powdered wig man slams his hand down, commanding attention from the room, "Enough! I demand you explain why we are all here! I don't know why we couldn't have just met in France!" The man leans forward, "You must be Colonel Du Pont, while France is a beautiful country, you must understand that the piece of eden is here in the Caribbean."
Du Pont leans back in his chair with a frown, he mumbles something under his breath. "Excuse me?" The colonel sits upright in his chair, back stiff as a board, "My apologies Grandmaster Bates." The man smiles, "Thank you, but please you may all call me Jackson."
Jackson stands and spreads a map out over the table, "May the father of understanding guide us." The Grandmaster crosses out several small islands and explains, "Since the Observatory has been sealed for the next millennia the council has decided we must move forward with the Fountain of Youth."
"What will we be doing with this Fountain?" Martín asks and Jackson smirks, "We will become immortal."
The room goes silent, Martín and Nico shift uncomfortably in their chairs. Simon leans back, asking, "And how will we find such a place?" Jackson laughs and his eyes shift over to Nico, "With the merchandise I have purchased, we will have hundreds searching for us." Mary's brows furrow, Of course they'd use slaves.
"Nico, how many have you brought me now?"
"Only twenty, the weather was not kind and we lost many in our journey." Jackson curses and rubs his chin, "I'll need one hundred by week's end." Nico nods and Jackson flips through Torres' research again. "Martín, I read somewhere that Tulum was once home to the assassins. What have we learned?"
He shakes his head, "Nothing señor, they did not leave a trace." Jackson purses his lips, "Let's tear that place apart, just to be sure." There is a crash loud enough to shake the building and Nico leaps from his chair, "I thought you said your men would take care of this!"
"Hmm, we will have to meet another time it seems, we will be in touch." Mary is gone before Jackson can even stand, she weaves through the hallways and exits the building only to shield her eyes from the smoke. The damn place was up in flames!
She doesn't recognize any of the crew so she flees as quickly as her legs will carry her, spotting the row boat with Adé waiting patiently inside, "Adé get the boat in the water we've gotta go!"
Great Inagua, August 10th, 1721
Dearest Edward,
I should have known sooner that it would come to this, we were young and foolish. Perhaps if we would have listened to Father we wouldn't have drifted apart. I wish everyday for your return to Bristol but whatever you choose you have my support.
Love always, Caroline
Edward drops the letter to his desk and rubs his face with his palm, All these years and now she want to fix their marriage? He's sent so many letters and the first one that had money she replied to. He wads up the letter and tosses it across the room, she has her payment why should he even bother with a reply.
There's a knock on the door and the person slips in before he can even say enter. She saunters to his desk clad in only a white linen shirt that rides up a bit in the front. She kneels, ghosting her hands up his thighs to undo his belt. He smirks, "Something you need Captain Read?" She wets her lips and winks.
At Sea, November 1st, 1721
"Are you sure?"
"I'm damn sure Adé,"
Mary grips the wheel so tight she can feel the wood splintering in her palm. Adé pulls out his spy glass, trying to find out where in the hell they were. Mary's sailed through storms before but she's never had the ship actually redirected. They're just lucky they didn't end at the bottom of the ocean.
Mary sighs, "I think the fog is starting to clear up."
Great Inagua, August 19th, 1721
Dearest Edward,
The Emperor returned to Bristol last night, I was so eager to see you that I waited at the docks. Imagine my disappointment when the last person to leave wasn't you. I will hold onto this letter until I know where to contact you, until then this is goodbye.
Love always, Caroline
The Emperor? The war has been over for half a decade now, it should have returned years ago. Edward scratches at the stubble on his chin, What game are you playing Caroline? He crumpled the letter, discarding it with the last one.
At Sea, November 10th, 1721
Mary swallows the lump in her throat as they pass Cape Bonavista. Too many painful memories surround the cove for her. Adé places a hand to her shoulder, making her jump at the contact. His eyes are soft; he knows something's bothering her. She squeezes his hand and fixes her gaze back to the sea.
Great Inagua, August 24th, 1721
Dearest Edward,
It have been nearly a week and I have yet to hear word from you. I raised enough courage to ask Captain Dolzell of your fate, he explained that you joined another crew. I hope you are safe.
Love always, Caroline
Edward was fed up with these letters, Caroline knew damn well where he was and why he wasn't coming home. Why is she acting like nothing has happened? He picks up a pen and starts a letter, if she won't stop he needs to tell her about Mary. There's a knock at the door and he jumps, the handle turns and he scrambles to hide the letter.
Mary tosses his shirt at him, "Will you just get ready!" Edward's eyes flick down to the cloth now lying in his lap, "I told you I'm not going." He glances up at her and she looks about ready to rip his head off. She folds her arms over her chest and tightens her jaw, "Sophia is turning one, I will not have you ruin this day for me!" He tosses the shirt behind him.
Mary slams her fist hard on the desk "God dammit Edward!" She tugs on the sleeve of his shirt, "I said get ready!" He pulls his arm back, "And I said I'm not going!" She tugs on his sleeve again but this time she falls to the ground, sleeve in hand. She throws the torn fabric at him and bites back bitter tears, "You're such an arse Edward!"
She stomps from the room, slamming the door behind her. Edward leans back with a sigh, he rests his head in his hands. He knows how much this means to her, but he just can't do it. The looks he'll receive and this whole Caroline mess... he'll just ruin the party. He crumpled up the letter and it too joins the pile.
Havana, November 30th, 1721
Mary was anxious to return home, she knew it, Adé knew it and the crew knew it. This mission shouldn't have taken more than a week and a month later she still hadn't returned. Rhona needs help Mary insists, Adé knows better but he goes along with it, Ah Tabai asked him to watch her after all...
Great Inagua, October 20th, 1721
Dearest Edward,
I've heard a treaty has been signed, I have a someone to introduce to you when you return.
Love always, Caroline
Mary left that night without even a goodbye, Edward rubbed his cheek watching from his window as the Jackdaw left port. She deserved so much more than him. He turns back to the letter, An introduction? He sighs crumpling the letter and it joins its friends on the floor.
Great Inagua, November 1st, 1721
Dearest Edward,
You have two weeks to make good on your promise, it's been two years and I have yet to receive a reply. Two weeks Edward.
Love always, Caroline
Edward moved all of his belongings back into his office, Mary's bed no longer welcomed him. All this time Caroline was waiting for him, but he loves Mary now. Right? I mean they have a beautiful daughter and... when was the last time they talked without it ending in an argument?
He thought back, I love Mary and I love Sophia, Caroline had her chance. He hangs his head in his hands, but the things I said to her, and the things I said about her son. I can't even forgive myself. He leans his forehead against the table, I'll just disappear, She'd want that.
The door squeaked open and his head bounced up, hoping Mary came to save him.
Schooner scampered in, tail wagging happily behind him and barked once. Edward sighs and pats his lap, welcoming the pup over. He flops down, rolling over for belly rubs. Edward chews nervously at his lip, That's it, I'll just go.
Great Inagua, November 20th, 1721
Dear Edward,
I cannot believe I was stupid enough to believe you would come home. Remember that person I wanted to introduce you to? It was your daughter Edward, our daughter. She is now a year old and she is beautiful, it's a shame she will never meet her father.
Love, Caroline
Edward lowers the letter, his blood running cold. I have a daughter? He takes in a breath and stands, I have another daughter. He gets only two paces away from the desk before he falls to his knees. He clutches at his chest, his shirt too constricting. How can he explain to Mary that he abandoned his first child?
Great Inagua, December 30th, 1721
Dear Edward,
I guess you deserve an update, Jennifer is learning to walk, she falls but gets right back up. She is no quitter, just like her father. She looks like you, she has your hair and your eyes. Please come home Edward.
Love, Caroline
Mary is gone, Caroline is gone, and Edward's heart ached. His heart ached for Mary and for Caroline, Sophia and for Jennifer. How could he have been so dumb? Of course she was pregnant! That's why she insisted on living with her parents, Stupid, stupid Edward!
Great Inagua, January 17th, 1722
Edward,
Jennifer is asking of you Edward, I do not know what to tell her. Should I tell her you abandoned us? It wouldn't be fair to tell her that since you didn't know. But would you have still left?
Sincerely yours, Caroline
He swallowed a lump in his throat, she's given up on him. It's so painful to read, why hadn't his letters reached her? "Damn it!" He smashes his fist into the wall, startling Schooner from a dead sleep. Edward leans his forehead against the wall, frustrated and tired, so very tired.
Great Inagua, February 28th, 1722
Edward,
No more than two years! You promised me! What keeps you wandering? Do I not make you happy?
Caroline
Mary returned last week but she still hadn't come to see him, she's given up too.
Great Inagua, March 9th, 1722
Dear Edward,
We received your letter asking for a divorce, I regret to inform you that Caroline has passed away. I wasn't planning on responding back, abandonment doesn't deserve a response. However, while I was cleaning Mister Scott's office I came across several unopened letters from you. Edward, you said in your last letter that you have a life you enjoy out in the west. Is there room for Jennifer? If I don't hear from you by May I will assume the answer is no.
Best Wishes, Rose
Edward wipes his tears on the back of his sleeve. Caroline is dead and it was Emmet's fault! If he would have received just one of her letters, one! He would have been back to Bristol in a heartbeat. She wouldn't be dead and his daughter wouldn't have gone seven years without a father! He scribbles the last sentence on the paper just as he hears the door click shut.
"Edward?"
His head bounces up, Mary stands at the door, hazy through his tears. He wipes his eyes once more on his sleeve and leans back in his chair. The world spins as he tries to focus on her silhouette, "Aye?" The room is dark, the only light is coming from the lantern on his desk. Mary plays nervously with her sleeve, Edward's fingers click softly on his desk, Neither know where to begin.
"I-" they both start, Edward bites his lip and Mary sighs. He stands, tucking the papers away then shuffles so he is standing in front of his desk. Mary watches him and in three quick strides, wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him into a kiss.
Their lips glide together with absolutely no rhythm. The flame between them dwindling with each press of their lips. She bites his lip and he parts them, his hands fumble with her shirt. This is a dance the two are so familiar with but there is no love behind it.
He pops the last button and the white linen falls to the floor. Her nipples pink and welcoming, he pulls one into his mouth rolling his tongue over the hardened bud. She moans, tangling her hands in his hair. His hand is toying with her other breast, firm under his palm and the other wanders under her waistband.
His thumb brushes her clit and she hikes her leg up on the desk behind him. He can feel her warmth through her trouser, he groans and flips their positions. Their pants are quickly shod and he's positioned at her entrance. She wraps her legs around his waist watching him as he enters her fast and hard.
She leans back onto the desk as he thrusts into her. She holds onto the desk for support and rocks her hips up, meeting each one of his strokes. He throws her leg over his shoulder allowing him in deeper, he hits that spot inside her that causes her toes to curl and she's close.
Edward leans down, pulling her bruised nipple back into his mouth, his fingers back on her clit. She gasps, the pleasure too much and now it's nearing painful. He slams into her harder, rocking the desks with each of his thrusts and she comes undone. She screams his name loud and her voice is raw. He spills his seed inside her, warm and sticky.
There's pounding on the door, Elizabeth's worried shouts come from the other side of the door. The dog is barking, Sophia is crying but Mary and Edward stay joined together. Watching each other carefully as the other regains their lost breath.
Mary hops from the desk, leaving Edward staring at a spot on the wall. Mary pulls on her trousers and buttons her shirt, leaving the only evidence that in the air. Mary leaves the room without another word and Edward returns to his desk. To reread his letter.
Great Inagua, April 27th, 1722
Edward watched as Mary loads the Jackdaw for her next mission. It'd been long enough, they've both had time to think. He clutched the crumpled letters with shaking hands, today was the day Edward let Mary in.
He shuffled towards the docks, cane in one hand, papers in the other. The looks he received made him want to crawl back into his hole but he held his head high. Mary was much more important than his comfort. "Mary?" he asked from the dock.
She glanced at him from over her shoulder, immediately returning to her work. "Did you need something Kenway?" Edward's heart beat hard in his chest and he tightened his grip on his cane. She was mad at him and he deserved it.
"Mary, we need to talk." Her shoulders stiffen and she sighs. "I already know what you're going to say." Edward swallows, his mouth had never felt so dry before. Mary turns, her eyes soft and a bitter smile etched into her face.
Edward's hands tremble as she comes closer. She places a kiss to his cheek, biting her lip as she backs away. "I was hoping last night would change your mind but I know you're still returning to Bristol." He reaches out for her but she backs away, "But Mary-"
"Don't make this any harder Kenway." She deepened her voice, the way it was when they weren't anything other than privateers. He wets his lips, this is going the completely wrong direction. "Mary-" She slips into the Captain's cabin leaving Edward breathless.
Mary tucks her face into her knees, she knew this was coming so why was it so damn hard? She jumps when she feels the hand on her shoulder. "Mary, I'm not returning to Bristol." She tucks her face further into her knees and he rubs her back gently.
"Caroline is dead."
She looks up at him, eyes red and puffy, "I'm so sorry Edward." she croaks but he shakes his head. "She'd been writing me letters while I was gone, she never left me like I thought." He hands the letters over and she scans through them.
She lowers the papers and asks, "Who did she want to introduce? I think there's a letter missing." He rubs the back of his neck, "Aye, that's what we need to discuss." He grabs onto her hand, stroking the top gently. Their eyes meet and he smiles, "Sophia wasn't my first child."
Mary's jaw drops, "But you said-"
"I didn't know she was pregnant." He hands over the letters that spoke of Jennifer. Mary's eyes bounce back and forth furiously as she finishes the last three letters. She lowers the papers and chews on her lip, "It says she wants a response by May but it's already April, we'll never send a response in time."
Edward smiles, "We?"
Mary cocks an eyebrow, "You want to bring her here don't you?"
Great Inagua, June 17th, 1722
Mary continued her search for the fountain, Nico was assassinated and they freed at least 100 slaves that day. Edward sent his letter, growing anxious everyday that Jennifer hadn't made an appearance.
Mary took a week off after returning, orders coming straight from her mentor. She grew pale and he'd insisted that she rest before she overworks herself. She was glad to rest though, having a nagging headache for the past two weeks. Mary groaned quietly in bed and Edward sat anxiously in his office.
An unfamiliar ship comes into port, he leaps from his chair and darts into Mary's room. He shakes her and she groans, rolling over onto her side, "Edward please leave me alone." She begs but his shaking continues, "Get out of bed Mary!"
She sucks in a deep breath of air and sits up drenched in a layer of sweat. She looks up at him, his eyes glowing with an emotion somewhere between excitement and fear. Her stomach flutters, Jennifer must have arrived.
He practically pulls her all the way to the dock and she eyes the unfamiliar ship. She steps onto the warm wood of the deck, she watches the first person to step off. He's a young man with auburn hair with a thick set of sideburns. His green eyes sparkle as the sun catches them and he turns back, saying something to someone on the ship. She can't see who he's talking to.
He lowers his hand and helps a small child across the gangplank. She looks scared and Mary doesn't blame her, Edward toys nervously with a flower he picked along the way. The girl stops in front of Edward and he kneels, he says something to her and she clutches the toy tightly to her chest. The child meets her eyes, ocean blue's staring back at her, there's no denying who her father is.
Edward hands the flower over and she flashes him a smile. He stands and with each step they take Mary's stomach bubbles. He guides the child over, her mind races as Sophia kicks unhappily at Mary's hip, struggling to get down. Edward pulls Sophia from Mary's arms and she's thankful because she's feeling faint.
She's so mad at herself for reacting like this, she's just a child. He kneels down again and smiles, "And Jennifer, this is your sister, Sophia." She can't hold it in anymore. Darting to the nearest bush, she empties the contents of her stomach. Jennifer watches Mary curiously as she wipes her mouth on her sleeve.
What a great first impression.
A/N: So I over heard the nurse today telling a joke to a resident, figured I share it because it gave me a good laugh, then again it was pretty early in the morning haha. PM me with your guess and if you get it right I'll let you name a special new character~
What's a pirate's favorite letter?