Daft Like Jack

The Love of a Pirate

By: Janna Thomas

N

I was 19 years old when I came to Kingston Port, Jamaica with my father and brother. I remember the first time I saw him standing on the dock in the morning sun. Our eyes met in a warm glance as I stepped off the boat. I had never seen anyone like him before. His eyes were so intimidating yet so beautiful that they captured my heart. It was at that moment, I knew there was something about him that I wanted to know. My father would have never approved of my talking to him and my mother would have rolled over in her grave at my fancying him. He was remarkable and no older than 24. My thoughts were free for a second and then my father called me back into reality. I left him with a smile and hoped to see him again. I was at the dock every morning because my father had a small boat he tended to. Weeks went by and there was no sign of him so I began to stop thinking of the mysterious prate. I decided to wonder from the dock into town one morning when I saw a familiar face. I caught his eyes and he smiled. I was embarrassed for my staring and shyly smiled back. He approached me saying, “Good morning love.” “Good morning.” He took my hand into his and kissed it and I blushed as he let it go. Our eyes were locked at once and I knew there was something more. “Do you remember me?” I asked. “Of course love, the girl from the dock.” he said, “What be your name?” “Aurora” He smiled and said, “Goddess of the dawn; beautiful name.” “ Thank you.” I was blushing again and my heart was fluttering. “I’m Captain Jack Sparrow .” “You’re a captain?” I was swarming with curiosity. “Yes I am, on my ship the black pearl.” “ So you do a lot of sailing then?” “Yes I do, and I’ll be sailing again in a few weeks after I get the supplies I need.” “ My father has a boat at the dock as well, quite smaller than a ship I’ll assure you. But I love to go out on the ocean.” “I would love to show you the ocean from the pearl.” he said. “I would like that.” We both smiled but then I realized that I needed to get back to the dock before my father noticed I had not returned. “What’s wrong?” he said. “Oh, I’m sorry but I have to go. My father is waiting. If he saw me here he wouldn’t like it so I better go.”

“Well then, ye best be off.” He took my hand again and kissed it. “I shall see you again Aurora.” I smiled. As my hand left his and I turned to go, I felt so different. I didn’t want to leave but I had to. My father asked me what I was doing in town and I explained that I was only admiring the town and it’s people. “ I don’t want you going to town by your self too often because we are not far form pirate waters.” I couldn’t sleep that night. My head was full of thoughts and slumber could not reach me for hours. I began to speak to Jack a few times a week when my father would send me to town with my brother. He told me that my father let the Royal Navy know his ship here, so they were constantly looking for him. He had no choice but set sail for Tortuga. Three months later I received a letter form him telling me to meet him at the dock after dark. On the night of my 20th birthday, I took every thing I could carry to the dock and waited for Jack. I saw a figure walking towards me and I knew it was him. I ran to him and he wrapped me in his arms. “Good evening love.” He whispered. “Good evening. I missed you.” He pushed my hair away from my eyes and kissed me softly. “ I want to show you something.” he said. We waked together to the other side of the stone wall and I saw a vast ship with black sails. My breath caught in my chest. “The pearl.” “I want to show you the ocean. Will you come with me?” I had loved him from the moment I saw him. The moment his eyes met mine I knew. “Jack.” “Yes, love?” “My father.” His eyes grew so quite and dull and he looked away from me. I reached for his hand and he looked back at me. “Aurora-” “It’s ok, because I have loved you from the moment I saw you.” I said. I kissed him and his eyes were alive again. “I don’t care, I want to be with you Jack. I will write him a letter.” “There is no need, he already knows.” he said. We set sail for a small deserted island in the Caribbean sea as the moon began to rise about in the sky. “We’ll reach the island by morning love, so try and get some sleep.” When morning came I woke up to the smell of rum and apples and Jack’s whisper in my ear. “Good morning love.” “Good morning.” He told me I was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and that not all treasure is silver and gold. He spoke of the freedom the pearl gave him and how rum was his favorite drink. I had never met a man more passionate about life or anything else for that matter. It made me want to know more. We made love on the beach beneath a grove of palm trees with the sound of the ocean all around us. It was beautiful and I had never been so happy I my life. We talked for hours and hours until it grew dark again. Then he told me about his favorite song, “ na nana na nana nana na na, and really bad eggs!” I laughed so hard I cried as he offered me more rum. “ I know exactly what you mean love.” he said while curling his mustache. He started leaning back. “No Jack, not yet darling.” “ you’re very funny love.” He smiled and put his arm around me slowly. I put my head on his shoulder and he began to talk about the pearl again. “You know you’ll have to live on a boat…a very big boat.” he said and took a drink. “What do ye say to that? Just you and old Jack.” I knew he was trying to tell me something serious but the rum made it hard from him to get the message across. “ I’ve always liked you, from the very moment I saw you, on the dock. I knew that I couldn’t be all by me onesie, so here we are. Rum is a wonderful drink.” And with that he passed out. I knew that I wanted to be with him and I didn’t care where we were as long as we were together. I stayed by his side till morning and ended up falling asleep right next to him in the sand. I heard a voice, “Aurora, wake up love….Aurora.” My eyes opened.

“The rum is gone! We drank it all!” I smiled. “It’s not good. Why are you smiling?” I just looked at him and said. “Jack. There’s more on the ship.” He smiled a mysterious smile and said, “No that’s why I love you. I mean that’s not the only reason. You…” He took me into his arms and looked right at me, his brown eyes gleaming in the sun, “….are my ocean, my entire world.” It was the most beautiful thing I had every heard any one say, especially to me. “Jack.” “I love you. Will you stay with me?” It was everything I wanted to hear, pouring from his lips. “Yes and I love you too, more that ever. A week later we were married on the black pearl.

N

I have now officially been Mrs. Aurora Vivian Sparrow for four years. Jack always tells people that my name has a wonderful ring to it. He is very proud. I love living on the pearl and waking up to Jack soft whisper in my ear every morning. Some nights we like to stay up late. He puts me between him and the wheel and attempts to show me how to steer the ship. This however, always leads to us wildly making out in the captain’s quarters. We also play cards and drink rum on the deck if the weather permits it. This also leads to us wildly making out in the captain’s quarters, but with rum. “Aces and eights! I win Jack!” I shouted. “We’ll just see about that!” “Oh! Wait!” “Come here love!” He chased me to the captain’s quarters and caught me at the door. He pulled me to him and we kissed passionately as he ran his hands through my hair. “Ouch! Jack, your ring is stuck in my hair.” “Sorry love.” We started kissing again as we backed into the room and closed the door. He tried to put me on my back but I playfully fought with him. He tripped me and we feel on top of each other to the bed. “Cheater!” I said. “Pirate!” he smiled and began to kiss me again. I felt something scrape my stomach. “Jack, tack off your belt and sword darling.” “Right.” He held up one finger to signal, “ Hold on.” He took off the belt and discarded it. Then he took off his boots, gun, compass, sword, shirt and other effects. “Your turn love. Then we’ll begin again, savvy?” Obviously I had less to take off, dress, undergarments, and corset. His body was so tan from the weather and I could see his muscles flexing in the dim candle light. He smiled at me when at last the corset was off. “Damn corset.” And my saying that made his smile bigger. “You’re beautiful.” he said. “Thank you.” He blew out the candle and there was nothing but the moonlight peering through a small window in the side of the boat. In the dark, I felt his hands on my waist and stomach and up to my shoulders as he laid me down on the bed. I waited for him patiently and my heart began to race as our bodies became one. He had his hands in my hair and I had my arms around his neck as we passionately shared a french kiss. It was beautiful. I felt his muscles all over my body and I was consumed in a feverous bliss. He had brought me to the edge of the bed and we rolled off onto the floor. Laughing, we kissed again. I coxed him back to me and we started right were we had left off. I could feel his eyes melting into mine, searching my soul for his lover’s answer to a prayer. The world was only a grain of sand to me whenever we made love. Exhausted and joyful I feel asleep in his arms with my head just above his heart. I could hear every breath he took and his voice in my ear. “You are my ocean, my entire world, my only love. Good night…” When morning came I opened my eyes to see Jack looking right back at me. “You’re very beautiful when you’re sleeping love.” “ Oh Jack.” I put my hand on his face and he turned his head to kiss it. He wrapped me up in his arms and rolled over. I looked down at him and said, “Parley!” His calm smile turned into a mischievous grin and his eyes sparkled. “Aye!” Then we made love again. Thirty minuets later we ate breakfast and got the ship ready to make way to Port Royal. We were going to load up on supplies at Port Royal before sailing out to the Caribbean Sea. He was taking me to Colombia for the first time. His plan was to buy me a parrot when we reached the coast and then stay there for a couple of days. I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of thunder and realized that I was alone. I sat up in bed frightened. “Jack?” No answer. I picked up a knife from off the table and put on my undergarments that were similar to a dress. I walked down the dark hallway leading to the deck as lightning flashed. “Jack?” Again no answer. When I reached the deck I felt a cold breeze and could smell rain. The moon was out but the deck was only slightly visible. I kept walking out onto the dock when I stepped on something; it was Jack’s hat. I froze and my heart was pounding. I went to the side of the boat and looked out over the water as it began to rain. The pearl was anchored at the beach so I began to look for foot prints in the sand. Then I saw it, a small vessel coming towards me from the open water. I heard loud voices and could see lanterns. I couldn’t tell who was in the boat but I know it wasn’t Jack. I went back into the hallway and bumped into the wall as I saw a man coming out of the captain’s quarters. “And who might you be missy?!” I screamed as he grabbed me and dropped the knife that was in my hand. He drug me back out to the dock and I saw five other men getting out of the small boat I had seen before. “Let me go?!! What are you doing ?!” I screamed. “Quiet or I’ll feed ye to the sharks!” With that he threw me on the floor of the dock. I was not hurt badly at all, just a few burses but I laid there still. “Where ye put him lads?” A man wearing a big black hat stepped onto the boat with a yellow grin. “He isn’t here sir.” “What!?” “All we found was this.” the man said and pointed at me. “Get up missy. Who might you be?” The man with the black hat walked over to me as I stood up. “Well” his foot tapped on the deck. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t know what I should say. He raised his hand at me. “Ok!” He dropped his hand and grinned his yellow teeth. “Aurora Sparrow.” He began to laugh and said “Look here men, Jack’s blushing bride!” They all laughed with him. “Aren’t you a bet young to be gallivanting around with pirates?” They continued to laugh. “So where be Jack?!” “I don’t know.” He raised his hand, striking the side of my face and I fell to the ground but I was still halfway conscious. Suddenly a shot was fired and the man with the black hat was hit in the shoulder. “If ye lay a hand on her again, I’ll kill you.” It was Jack. He was standing right behind the man. The other three men pointed their guns at Jack. “Hold your fire..” The man said. “What the hell do you want?” Jack asked. “I am here to claim me share of the gold and anything else the men might fancy.” “I never said anything about that-” “The man glared at Jack, “You stole it, so you must pay double the price! Mates, take it all!” I stood up but one of the men grabbed me as the man in the black hat drew his sword at Jack. I screamed Jack’s name and tried to fight but it was no use. “Let her go!” Jack said harshly as he raised his gun. The man in the black hat struck the gun as it went off. Jack drew his sword and they began to fight. I struggled to get away but they were trying to take me off the pearl. I screamed for Jack but he was stuck in a sword fight. He turned to look at me and was cut in the arm. He lunged forward and the man lost his balance slamming into the side of the boat. Jack stabbed him and ran after me. He picked up the gun and shot the man that was holding me. “Get back to the ship Aurora!” “Jack look out!” I screamed as one of the men came at Jack from behind. He swung around and started fighting the man. He dropped his gun so he had to fight him with his hands. Then the other man came at Jack with a sword. He punched the first guy and drew his sword at the second killing him. Then with one final swing he slit the other man’s throat. Jack’s arm was bleeding when he came back to me. I was sitting in the sand by the pearl crying. I was slightly bruised on the left side of my face and on my right shoulder. Jack walked over to me and sat down taking me into his arms. “I’m sorry love. Are you alright?” His voice was to tender and I could hear the concern in the tone. I held on to him and my body trembled. I could feel his muscles tighten around me as he held me. “Yes. Jack where were you? I was so afraid.” He kissed my forehead and said, “I was checking the anchor when they came up and I was hiding so they wouldn’t see me. It was the only way for me to get to you.” I gasped. “You’re bleeding!” I touched his arm. “I’m alright love, it’s ok.” He wiped the tears from my face. “Is that a bruise?” He ran his finger down the side of my face. “That bloody bastard.” He picked me up and carried me back to the ship. He set me on the bed and he laid down next to me. I ripped open the sleeve of his shirt and cleaned his cut. He just looked into my eyes and smiled at me. He touched my hand lightly as I wrapped his cut. “Thank you love.” I breathed hard and I laid back on the bed. I rolled towards him and spoke softly. “Jack….hold me.” He pulled me to him and I laid my head on his shoulder. I felt so safe in his arms but I was still a little shook up. “Try to sleep love, I’ll stay awake and I’ll stay right here till morning.” I lifted my head towards him and my lips brushed his chin. He lowered his head and his lips met mine softly. I put my head back ok his shoulder and got as close to him as I could. “I’m here.” He said quietly. “Jack.” I whispered “Yes?” “Thank you.” He kissed my forehead and I began to grow tired. My eyes finally closed after a short time and Jack’s arms remained around me till morning. When morning finally came I woke up and kissed him. His eyes opened very slowly and he smiled. Yawning he said, “….good morning love.” “Good morning.” He sat up in bed and pulled me onto his lap. I put my arms around his neck and we shared a kiss that was so romantic I almost couldn’t speak. “Let me get the rum.” I said. He smiled as I got up. I grabbed a bottle out of the cabinet and slipped back into bed. We both drank a little and ate some apples as we watched the sun rise from the window. Rum and apples were becoming our morning ritual because there were only certain food items on the pearl. That seemed to make the best combination for breakfast. “Jack what did that man want last night?” “Well, he claims that I stole his treasure.” he said. “I thought you said you found it.” “I did. On a ship I commandeered in the Spanish main returning from the east 6 years ago. That was before I met you love. Anyway he was part of my crew.” “So why was he angry?” “He left me on a god forsaken spit of land and stole the pearl right from under me.” “He marooned you?” “Yes, bloody scallywag. But he forgot who he was dealing with and I got off that island when the rum runners came by. We hid the treasure before that happened then I met Will Turner and ended up getting it back. That didn‘t sit well with him.” “How did you get the ship back?” He smiled and had a very satisfied look on his face. “I commandeered it.”

N

N

Light seeped through the window warming the bed. I felt a hand softly stroking my back and lips on my neck; I woke up to Jack. I rolled over to look into his deep brown eyes. Every night I looked forward to waking up near to him and his heart of gold. He took my hand into his and spoke tenderly saying, “There’s something I…I need to show you… darling.” His eyes left me, his head sank. “What’s wrong?” His eyes met mine again in confusion and he grew very nervous. “I found this.” He took out a piece of paper from his jacket and placed it in my hand. “What is that?” “They are coming for me love.” I didn’t understand. “Read it.” He looked a little pale and he began to lay down in my arms. I opened the paper slowly and saw that it was written on Royal Navy stationary.

“How did this happen?! I don’t understand it.” He took a deep breath and said, “It’s quite simple really, I took something that someone wants back” “What are you going to do?!” “To be honest I….don’t know and that’s what’s troubling me mind.” He laid his head back down on me. “But why is this burden put upon you?” He didn’t speak for a few moments and sat up. “ Two things love, this ship…” His eyes grew so dull and sad. “…and you.” He looked away from me but I put my hand on his chin and turned his face to me. “Tell me that’s not true…” He got up grab a bottle of rum and sat back down with out saying a word. “I don’t know.” I felt tears forming under my eyes and they trickled down my cheek. “Don’t love.” I closed my eyes and he kissed them. “Your father never wanted this.” he said. “You told me he knew.” “He did know and he said If I convinced you to go with me he would turn it in to the Navy and have me hung.” I gasped and put my hand over my mouth. “Listen love, I wont let anyone stand in my way to you at any cost.” “So they will be after us?!” “Correction, they been after us for some time. But the trick is, not letting them find us.” I began to cry again. “Jack…Jack.. If anything happened to you. I..” “No please don’t cry love.” He waved his hands and began wrap them around me. “They are going to hunt for you…they wont stop.” I tried to pull away from him but he kept on holding me and brushed the hair out of my eyes. “Let me go!” “Let me hold you Aurora.” I just broke down and wept on his shoulder. “I wish you wouldn’t do that love, I pains me.” I had no way to comprehend the though of losing Jack. My hear wouldn’t let me hear it. Why would my father be so hurtful, when he knew that Jack loved me. I held on to him as tight as I could until it passed. “Please smile darling, let me see you eyes.” I looked at him. “There you are beautiful.” He started to think and touch his chin with his fingers. He held up one finger to signal that he had a thought. “I’m having a thought here Aurora. I’m taking you to Columbia, I’ll get you the finest parrot I can, stock up on some rum. Robert’s your uncle Fanny’s your aunt, we sail off into the sunset never to be seen or hear from again. I know a great little island where the pearl can make birth. Now what do ye say to that?” “Jack I’d follow you around the world three times and you know it.” I smiled at him and I saw him looking back at me in a way I had never scene before. “I do know it.” He reached for my hair as usual, but I moved away and pieces of it fell from his fingers. “I will never see my father or brother again will I?” “I’m afraid not, and I’m sorry.” He reached for my hair again but I turned my head so he retracted his hand. “Don’t be. It’s a choice I have to make in order for us to be together.” He reached for my hair a third time running his hands through it and kissed me on the cheek. “I will never leave you Aurora, know that.” He said. We will still a day away from Colombia and everyone was ready for some shore leave. We decided to get off the ship for a bit and try to relax. “You still haven’t told me.” We were walking on the beach while the crew repaired the main mast on the pearl. “Told you what darling?” I said. “What color parrot you want love.” I put my hand on his shoulder and ran it down his arm to hold his hand. He looked down at his hand in mine and then back at me with a smile. “You are so cute.” I said. “Yes I tend to get that a lot.” I laughed and playfully shoved him. “Jack.” “Oh so that is how you want to play then.” He grabbed me but he lost his balance and fell on top of me into the sand. “Why do we always end up one the ground Jack?” “Because we’ve been taking advantage of opportune moments.” “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” He leaned in to kiss me but stopped. “What are you thinking?” I sighed and paused to heighten the anticipation. I moved my lips so close to his that they were almost touching and said, “I’m thinking of what color parrot I want.” “Talk about killing the mood love.” I laughed and Jack’s face was unsatisfied in a humorous way. “Blue ok, now come here.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. “About this time tomorrow we will be in Columbia. You’ll love it. There is a lot of…natives.” He said. “Are those the ones who made you their chief?” I asked. “No , that would be the natives in Srilanka.” He pulled a small bottle out of his coat and put it to his lips. He took a swig and handed it to me. It was rum of course, he never drank anything else. I handed it back to him and he finished it. He took off his hat and placed it on my head. “No one looks better in my hat then you.” he said. He stood up and waved his hands while saying. “I feel like singing.” He staggered around and starting walking so I got up to follow him. His voice always sounded sexier when he was drunk and his walk was so funny. “ Now tell me Aurora, do you want a parrot that talks or a parrot that sings? Or do you…want a parrot that dose both?” He started to hum his favorite song and took my hand into his. “Let’s dance love…just you and me.” We began to do some form of a tango. Even though his humming wasn’t really music, I played along and let him dip me. Mistake…BOOM! In the sand, again. When we hit the ground he had a very serious look on his face and said, “Have you been drinking love?” All I could do was laugh.

N

We had been sailing for 12 hours strait when finally one of the crew members spotted something. “Land ho Captain! Land ho!” Everyone cheered and Jack smiled. “Mr. Cotton, hold the wheel mate!” Jack went below to the captains quarters to get me. “Aurora! We spotted land love! Aurora?” He went down the stairs to the hallway still calling me. “Aurora? Oh!” I was getting dressed when he came in. “Don’t mind me.” “We reached Columbia?!” I said with excitement in my voice. “Yes, we’re just off shore.” I came out from behind the curtain and looked out the window. Jack got up and came to stand beside me. His hand came to rest on my shoulder and he said, “So what do you think?” “It’s breathtaking.” I said. Giant palm trees lined a white sandy beach and the water was as clear as a blue diamond. We were coming into one of the unpopulated areas and there was no dock to pull up to, so we dropped the anchor and used the long boats to get to the shore. “All hands on deck!” a crew member yelled as I stepped on deck with Jack. “Mrs. Sparrow and I are to go to shore.” He looked at me and then at the crew. “Mr. Gibbs, man the ship. And you,” He said pointing to someone. “Come with me and man the long boat, savvy? When we return then you all take shore leave. No what do ye say to that?” “Aye Captain!” they shouted. He turned to me and took my hand to lead me to the latter on the side of the ship. “Welcome to Columbia love.” We paddled the small vessel to the shore and the man stayed with it on the beach. Jack started walking into the woods and I followed. The trees where so tall I could hardly see the top. Dense jungle growth covered the ground like a green carpet and the are smelled of nectar from flowers. “Jack, where are we going?” He stopped and turned around, “To get a parrot and I know just the place to find one. Come on.” He held my hand and I followed behind him through the brush. He took out his sword and began hacking a path through the woods. “Have you been here before?” I asked. “A few times.” “So you know where we are going then?” “No.” We kept on walking through the woods until we came to a lagoon. “How long has it been since you were last here?” “Five years.” I heard a branch crack behind me and turned to look. It was a leopard. I gasped, “Oh my god.” Jack turned around behind me to see what it was. “He wont hurt you. Just stay next to me and keep going.” Just beyond the lagoon were several shacks with palm leaves for a roof. An old man came out wearing a leopard skin and smoking a pipe. Jack pointed to the man and said, “That’s why the leopard, wont hurt you. He knows the consequences.” The man greeted a Jack with a hug and said, “Ma -dall lakia” “Ma-dall lakia” Jack said. I took it as some form of greeting. “Son ma-de coy, ma-de squawk squawk, savvy?” The man smiled and motioned for us to follow him. “What did you say Jack?” I asked. “I asked him if he had any parrots that I could have.” Behind the shack was an enormous cage with several parrots. There were blue, green, and multicolored birds. They were so beautiful I didn’t know what to say. The man opened the cadge and stretched out his arm. He whistled and one of the blue parrots flew to his arm to perch. “De-co ma sha.” The man said and the bird flew to Jack’s shoulder. “Ma-dall.” Jack thanked the man and turned to me. “It’s all settled love. He‘s yours.” I held out my arm, “He is beautiful.” I whistled and the bird flew to me. He stretched out his wings and chirped. They folded neatly against his side and were as soft as silk. I took the bird’s feet and placed him on my shoulder and we walked back to the beach. “Did ye think of a name yet? Jack asked. “No, not yet. Jack, how did he know.” He smiled. “I arranged it when one of the men went to Columbia a month ago. Today we had to pick it up.” “Thank you for that.” I said. “You’re welcome.” We kept on walking through the woods. It was so quiet that I could hear myself breath. Jack was walking in front of me and naming off names for the parrot. “What about George?” “No” “Napoleon?” “No” “Cut throat Jim? “No Jack.” We started down a hill into a patch of ferns and the ground was rocky. “Wait. I got it! You can call him… Wahaaaaaa!” I stopped dead in my tracks as a rope tightened around Jack’s foot and sent him right up in the air. He was hanging upside-down waving his arms and his hat feel off his head. “Jack!” I screamed. “Are you aright?!” “Perfect…. I forgot all about these bloody things.” The bird squawked loudly and said “Foot in a noose, foot in a noose!” “Well at least we know if he talks or sings.” I looked at him and said, ”You know Jack. You look very cute hanging there.” “Aurora. Blood, rushing to head.” “But how am I to get you down?” “Take my sword off my belt and cut me down please.” “I’m not sure if I can reach it.” The parrot flew up to Jacks foot and landed on it. “Hey! Get off!” Jack said. “Jack I have the sword but I’m not sure I can reach the rope? “Stand on that rock love.” I got onto the rock and climbed onto part of a tree that was low. I swung the sword at the rope but nothing happened. “Try it again but harder.” He said. I swung again and the rope frayed. The third time I hit it Jack fell to the ground landing on his back. “Ooaf!” He sat up and shook his head. “Are you ok ?!” I asked. “Yes. I’m fine.” I climbed down and went to him. “Thank you.” He stood up and put his hat back on. “Now, as I was saying, you should name him Roy. It has a nice… ring to it.” I paused and then repeated the name. “Roy….yes I like that one. That will be his name.” I took his arm and we proceeded thought the woods with the parrot on my shoulder. Back at the pearl the crew waited impatiently for us to return. When we reached the ship, we all sailed down a ways to Playa Del Sol, a little port that most pirate vessels stopped at when combing through the Columbia area. The crew wanted to go to shore to take a brake and find a tavern. “All hands on deck! The Captain!” The men scrambled to the deck and stood at attention when Jack and I stepped on deck. “Well gents, I supposed its time you had a walk on dry land.” Jack said. “Ay captain!” They shouted. He turned to me and said, “Darling…come with me.” We went below deck to get some rum while the sun sank low below the water. “You know.” He began, “I always save a particular bottle for such an occasion as this.” I was puzzled. “What would that be?” “Look around Aurora,” He got closer to me and his voice grew softer, “You, me….empty ship…..savvy?” His eyes were very mysterious and they pulled me in. I couldn’t fight it if I tried. “I understand perfectly.” I said and took the bottle of rum from his hand. I turned to walk back to the deck when I felt Jack’s hand on my arm. He pulled me back and his other hand went around my waist. I was quickly made to face him and the space between us was gone. He held me to him and spoke saying, “I couldn’t resist love.” “Jack.” I whispered and he kissed me. I dropped the bottle of rum on the floor and it shattered but was unnoticed. I wrapped my arms around his neck and we continued to kiss. The world faded. The air around us was gone and the sea did not exist. The only thing that was left for my lungs to breath was Jack and the only thing his heart knew was me. Nothing mattered any more. The warrant for his arrest, my father’s disapproval, the royal navy, the pearl, the crew. They were all crumpled pieces of paper cast into the wind. The only thing that existed in time was our love. The only thing they could never take from us. Life was made for these moments. Wile the crew was at the port, they managed to fine themselves a tavern. However they had no knowledge of events that would soon occur when they entered. The royal navy had been tracking us since we left Port Royal. They had sent lookouts to every port on the way looking to find information on Jack’s whereabouts. Mr. Gibbs , Mr. Cotton and the rest of the crew split up though out the town. A few of the men ended up in the tavern and were approached by the Navy’s scout. “Hey you there. May I have a word.” The man asked on the crew members, Jim, if he know of Jack Sparrow. “Yep I know him, he’s my captain.” “Well,” the scout said. “He must be here then right?” “No he’s not. Why, are you looking for him? Jim said. “Actually Commodore Tunslton is looking for him. After all he is a wanted man.” “I don’t know where he is sir.” “Let’s not play games. I’ll have you know there is a big reward in store for the man who tells me where to find him. You might want to think about that before you decided that you do not know where your captain is.” Jim began to get nervous and stood up from the bar. “I told you sir, I don’t know.” The scout turned to the other man next to him and asked, “What about you? Would you be interested?” Jim went outside and found Mr. Gibbs standing against a wall. “There’s some man in there askin about Cap’in Sparrow. Says he’d give a reward, cause Commodore Tunslton is looking for him. We better go an warn him ay?!” “Aye!” They both started heading for the docks. The other crew member was not so loyal. “There were are, a hundred shillings. I appreciate the information.” the scout said. The man did not return to the ship with the others. The rest of the crew made their way back to the ship with out knowing that one of their own turned in the captain. The Royal Navy ship was only one port over from where the pearl was and hot on their trail. The scout took a horse and left to tell the Commodore. If they didn’t catch Jack tonight they would surly catch him the next day. “Captain!” Mr. Gibbs yelled “Make hast men! Captain!” We were still below deck when were herd someone yelling. “What was that?” Jack said. “It sounds like Gibbs.” We stood up and head him again. “Jack! The navy is only a port away! Jack!” “Ay!?” Jack yelled. “Oh no!” I said. We ran up the stairs to the dock as Gibbs started down. “Sir, Jim said were short a man and he thinks that’s who told ‘em where the Cap’ in was!” A man yelled. “Jack they coming, we got to get into open water.” Mr. Gibbs said. “ On deck you scabrous dogs! Hoist the anchor and run out those sails men!” Jack yelled. He grabbed the wheel and spun it to the left. On the horizon, just over the rock cliffs on the east side of the bay we could see a ship. It was Commodore Tunslton. We started off form the docks and into the open water. The Commodore was going to try to head us off but the pearl was too fast for them. “There gaining on us!” a crewmember said. “She can make it!” Jack yelled. The ship soared over the waves but there was no where to hide. We had to out run them and disappear into the night before morning. “Dust the lamps.” Jack said to Gibbs. “Aye. Dust those lamps men!” Gibbs yelled down to the crew. Jack took out his compass and gave his heading. As soon as we were out of sight we were going to head south instead of north to throw them off. I stood at the helm near Jack and watched form the rail. I could see the ship behind us getting smaller and smaller and I was overcome with relief. The crew cheered when we could no longer see the lanterns on the commodore’s ship. I was still frightened at the thought of them being so close. Jack let Gibbs take the wheel and came to me. I was sting on the steps the led to the deck from the helm. “That was interesting. Better luck next for them ay?” he said with a smile. When he saw my face his smile disappeared slowly and his forehead wrinkled. “Are you alright?” He asked me. I sighed. My face was not aglow. I almost felt like crying. I knew that they were always going to be behind us and we were always going to be running. I shook my head no. He sat down very calmly and cocked his head towards me. “It wasn’t today love.” He said. I interrupted him saying, “It could be tomorrow Jack.” He opened his mouth to speak but his tong retracted the words and his lip became very small. His forehead wrinkled and his eyes left me to gaze at the floor. I started to stand up and he looked up at me. “Wait.” I walked to the rail and laid my arms upon it. I looked out over the water, and Jack joined me. He staggered over to the rail and stood their with his head up. His left eyebrow was arched up ward. His neck loosened and he leaned towards me. I could tell that he was having a deep thought and was waiting to find the exact words before saying it. “It seems to me that distance would be our greatest advantage in a situation like this one. However I am aware of the trifles that lay ahead.” I kept on starting out at the water trying to breath. “You have to trust me love.” I turned to face him. “Trusting you is not the problem. It’s losing you. I don’t care to live my life under a cloud of sorrow.” “I don’t wish it either love, that’s why we have to counter it. That’s why I got a plan.” He smiled. “What do you propose we do?” I asked. “It’s quite simple,” He began with his hands in the air. “ We sail on to the next port, commandeer a ship, split the crew, they take the pearl and sail on to keep the Commodore on their trail while you and I and some… other people.. follow behind in the other ship. Then, when the commodore catches up to the pearl we attack him from both sides with both ships. Then we sail back to Columbia in the pearl! Now what do ye say to that?” It was a brilliant idea. However we were unaware of the fact that there was a fleet of four Royal Navy ships after us instead of one. “I think it’s a fine idea. I just hope it works.” I said and walked off. He walked quickly, following after me with his finger in the air saying.” It will! I promise! After all, I am Captain Jack Sparrow.” Its not that I didn’t have faith in him. I had more faith in him than any other man I’d ever met. I was just afraid of what might happen it we were captured. It was like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Pick the lesser of two evils. Stay on the run always looking over our shoulders in fear. Or let them catch us and Jack never see the light of day again. My heart to be tormented for all eternity. I preferred to keep running. There was always a chance that they would not find us. There was always a glimmer of hope.

The port was full of morning merchant ships and people were all around. Jack suspected it would be busy so our best attempt was to let half of the crew go ashore while the other half remained on the pearl. The Royal Navy had not reached the port yet but we figured they weren’t too far behind. Jack and I took our half of the men and left the pearl to Gibbs. “Sail on mate, as soon as you see those colors on the horizon.” Jack said. We had to scan the area for a ship with guns. Most merchant vessels were ill-equipped and couldn’t withstand the Navy’s cannons. The crew went into a local tavern to wait for the proper instructions. Jack and I walked the dock together. “Don’t you think you’ll be easy to spot?” I asked. “Not if I’m already on a ship with friendly colors.” I was still doubtful and weary from the whole situation. Just then a larger ship pulled in the harbor. “When you say friendly colors, what exactly are you talking about?” I asked. “Well, I..” Jack’s attention suddenly shifted to the ship coming up to dock. It was a trading ship from Asia and it was fully equipped to withstand an attack. “Friendly like that.” Jack said and pointed. It’s flag was red with gold star on it which could be taken as anything but a pirate ship. “So that’s the one then?” I said. “Yes love, yes it is. We must wait for there crew to take shore leave before we do anything.” We went and told the others who were waiting in the tavern and then Jim went back to the dock to check on things. We waited for a short amount of time and then Jim returned. “Captain, There crew is coming ashore but they’re leaving three to man the ship.” “Good.” There were seven of us so it would be no trouble at all. By now it was mid afternoon. We quickly went out to the dock and went aboard the merchant ship. The three men guarding were forced to jump over the side and we prepared the ship to make way. Gibbs already had the pearl sailing out to see when the Navy entered the bay. We saw the ship that had almost caught up to us the night before but it wasn’t alone. We followed in the merchant ship when we saw the other three Navy vessels. They began to open fire on the pearl. “Captain! There’s more sir! On the starboard side!” Jack looked and sure enough they were coming up behind us. “Run out those cannons men!” Jack yelled. The pearl made a sharp turn to the left and was side by side with the Navy ship. The both began firing. I ordered the crew to fire on the second ship and that’s when they knew of our attempted plan. “Fire!“ I screamed and the cannons roar broke upon the sea. The third Navy ship fired on us and then the fourth. The pearl hit the first ship causing her to go down. The men scrambled into the longboats and headed for the her. The fire power was even but the fight was far from over. The smell of gunpowder was strong and thick. Wood and debris fell all around us but we kept on shooting. “Load it all men!” Gibbs yelled to the crew. “Don’t let em take her with out a fight!” Jack was running around trying to find me in the confusion. Then the strangest thing happened. I was below deck with the men yelling at them to keep loading the guns when I heard a pricing sound over head. I ran up the steps to the dock and saw Jack coming across it. Then a cannon ball hit the main mast and it fell between us. Another crew member came up behind me and yelled, “She’s sinking! Abandon ship!” Cannon balls had hit the side of the ship so much that the whole left back half was almost gone. I looked back to see where the pearl was and I saw the crew fighting on the deck with the Navy soldiers. I ran to Jack and we all went to the long boats. There was nothing but a pile of wood and the Navy was closing in on us. The men started jumping off the rail and into the water. “What do we do Jack!” I said franticly. The soldiers were starting to board the ship and they were coming towards us. Jim was coming out from below deck and drew his sword. “What do we do Captain?” he asked. “ Save yourself Jim.” “Jack Sparrow!” The Commodore was yelling form the other side of the ship. “They asked me to give you up but I refused sir. I gave my word to sail under you.” he said. “Suit yourself then.” By this time the crew on the pearl were captured and being taken to one of the ships. Jim ran towards the soldiers. The moment I had been dreading had finally come to call on me. The got up to the helm and Jack drew his sword. Jim was shot in the neck and now there was nothing to be done. I grabbed Jack’s pistol from his belt as a last attempt to brake free but Jack threw down his sword and stopped me. “No no!” We fell to the ground and sat there. The men closed in and Jack held the pistol in front of me pointed and ready to be shot. One of the soldiers tried to grab me and Jack shot him. “Stay back!” It was too late. I held on him and tears began to fall from my eyes while closing them. I opened them moments later but only to see a menagerie of bayonets before us. Commodore Tunslton was standing with his sword drawn. “I have to say that I expected better from you Miss. Thomas.” I didn’t look at him but I heard the clinking of the irons. None of them knew that I was married to Jack and therefore called my by my father’s name. “And you,” He said pointing the tip of his sword at Jack, “ I’m quite flattered to be honest, that you weren’t smart enough to stay clear of me. Stand up Sparrow and take it like a man.” Jack and I stood up. “You know, your one to talk mate.” Jack said. Unexpectedly Jack put the pistol against the commodore’s chest and cocked it. The Commodore put his sword to his neck and said, “Don’t even think it.” Two men pointed their guns at Jack and he lowered the pistol. “And another thing Miss. Thomas you can’t hold on to a pirate forever, so you might as well let go of him now. Mr. Smith, the irons.” An officer took my hands and pulled me away from Jack. I struggled and Jack started to lunge forward. The Commodore put his sword in front of Jack and he retracted his hands awkwardly and stopped. The Commodore had an annoyed look on his face and said. “Stay…..” He looked right at him in disgust and said “….good dog. It’s bloody time you learned your place Jack.” The irons were placed tightly on his wrists. Jack smiled a sarcastic smile that quickly faded into a lifeless frown. His eyes were cold and stiff but he held his head proudly. He would not give the Commodore the satisfaction of a broken spirit. He looked the Commodore in the eyes before walking and said “It’s Captain Jack Sparrow to be honest.“ They led both of us to the ship and locked us in the brig with the others. Some of the crew didn’t make it because they drowned or were shot. Everyone was quiet and the sun was setting. Jack lifted his arms over my head and put the chains of the irons around my waist. I laid my head on his shoulder. He leaned back on the side of the boat and I leaded on his chest. It was the only way he could hold me. I had never been more heart broken in my life. It would take four days to reach Port Royal and that meant for days in the brig with bread and water. Even though they were supposed to be rescuing me from my pirate kidnapper, I was charged for one account of piracy, therefore, Tunslton would see to it that I too would get the proper punishment. Jack’s however would be far worse. His entire life was on trial. I learned later on that night that my father and brother were on the first Navy Ship that we sank and they didn’t survive. Jack was all I had left now and I was four days away from loosing him. There was nothing to be done that could numb the pain in my heart. I closed my eyes and attempted to sleep out of sorrow and exhaustion.

N

We reached Port Royal in the evening while the red sun dwindled in the sky. The soldiers came down to the brig with their guns to escort us to jail. They pointed their guns at us and a few more grabbed the crew. They shut the door and left Jack and I standing their. “You wait here.” a solider said. “What are they doing?” I said to Jack. “Waiting for the Commodore love. He wants to look brave taking me in.” A few minuets passed and we heard foot steps on the stairs. Commodore Tunslton came down to the door of the brig with a smirk on his face. “So I guess pirates do get married after all.” He said laughing. “Like I said before Miss. Thomas, I really expected better from you. And I’m sure your father did too.” I flung myself at the bars and gripped them with rage. I was furious. “Easy their, you don’t want to waste your energy quite yet.” He said. Jack walked up to the bars slowly and said, “Get on with it then.” “In time Sparrow. Mr. Smith, take Miss. Thomas, or should I say Mrs. Sparrow…” He laughed. “…to her new home. I’ll deal with Jack myself.” I looked at Jack and my heart sank. They took me to the deck and then on to jail. I was placed in my own cell right next to the cell that they put all of the crew in. I waited without saying a word. “You really thought you were going to out smart me this time didn’t you.” the Commodore said with a harsh tone. “I was hoping to.” Jack said with a smile. “Just because six years have passed does not mean I have forgotten the last time we met.” “Oh, so you your are sentimental!” Jack said. “Hardly. You slipped through last time and ran amuck and I have to say this time you’ve hit rock bottom. You’ll never see the light of day again. And as for your bride, she will rot away in that cell till the rats get what’s left of her.” Jacks eyes got very small and serious. “That’s not a very nice way to talk about a lady.” he said. “And what to you propose to do, cut my tong out. I’ve had enough of mangy dogs like you. Times up Jack.” “Only according to your watch mate.” Jack said. “I don’t own a watch.” The Commodore said and punched Jack in the stomach. “Take him away.” Jack stumbled to the ground but the soldiers picked him up. It was dark outside and the only light there was came torches on the walls in the jail. I noticed that Jack walked slower than normal when they brought him in and he was holding his stomach. The solider took off the irons, put him in the cell next to me and walked off. “What’s wrong Jack? What happened?” I asked. I could tell that he was uncomfortable. “Nothing love, I’m fine.” He sat down on the ground and put his hand through the bars to me. I quickly sat down and held it with mine. The only sounds we could hear was the ocean hitting the shore and the rats running on the floor. The ground was filthy but I wanted to be close to Jack so bad that it didn’t matter. I put my other hand through the bars and he held it too. He looked into my eyes and spoke softly saying, “Aurora, I’m sorry for what I’ve done.” He hung his head and then looked back at me as I responded. “Don’t be. Because of what you’ve done, I’ve been able to spend the best part of my life with you and I would not change that.” Our eyes locked. “I love you Jack.” I said. “I love you too. More that anything. If this be our last night, at least I’ll know I’ve always had you.” He smiled. “If this be our last night, at least I’ll always know that you loved me.” I said. “From the moment I saw you. I never cared for, wanted, or needed anyone else. You are everything, you’re my ocean, my entire world, my life.” he said. I felt a tear rolling down my cheek and then another. “Jack you are the air my lungs breath, the diamond in my soul, the song my hear sings.” I started to cry softly. Jack let my right hand go and reached threw the bars to my neck. “Aurora.” he said and kissed me. When our lips met I felt the sorrow in my heart. Pushing it out of my head, I kissed him back. I was heart broken, heart sick, but madly in love with the only man who’d stolen my heart from the moment my eyes fell upon him. Jack was very quiet and very still, not saying a word. He reached inside his shirt and took off a necklace. On the end of a small leather rope was a silver ring with a green stone. It was his mother‘s ring. “Here, you take it.” I did as I was told and put it around my neck. My eyes were so full of tears it was hard for me to see. We continued to hold hands as we learned against the bars. The night drug on and I tried to stay awake but finally I could not hold my eyes open any longer. When the sun rises in the morning, my world will come to an end. I was awoken by the sound of the jail door creaking. I looked in the cell next to me. Jack was still there and I noticed that he was watching me. “Jack.” I said standing up. We both came to the bars and held hands again. “I’m so sorry Aurora, I’m so sorry.” He kissed my hand and let it go, it was time. “No.” I said. “Jack.” He let my other hand go as the soldiers came down the steps. I began to grow very frantic. “I love you.” he said. I held back tears. “Alright, here we go” the solider said and began unlocking Jack’s cell. He kept looking at me waiting for me to respond. Through tears I said I loved him and then they put the irons on him. He hesitated to move and keep looking at me. “Come on then.” The solider said led him out. “Jack, no.” I said and sobbed. I put my hands on the bars and they led him up the stairs. “No.” Our eyes met one last time and he was gone out the door.” I sank down. I sat there crying and shaking. All of the crew were silent. Since my mother died, my father never talked about anyone in her family or anything to do with her for that mater. I was never told of my grandfather or the fact that he was the governor of a port. Apparently my father and grandfather did not see eye to eye on anything including the marriage of my mother. I heard the drums out side and knew they were taking Jack to the gallows so I covered my ears. It was no use, I could still hear the drums counting life away. The fact of the matter was that I had never met my grandfather and therefor had almost forgotten about him. They began to read the charges against Jack. “Jack Sparrow Wanted on account of piracy and the kidnapping of a young women, in Kingston and Port Royal. Wanted for stealing merchant vessels and Royal Navy ships in Port Connor and Whitdale. Sentenced to death, at the gallows in Port Royal by Commodore Tunslton of British Royal Navy, and the order of Governor James B. Windle of Port Royal.” Suddenly it all became clear, my grandfather was James B. Windle. However I had no way of getting to him. The drums stopped and my heart stopped but then their was a voice. “Before we carry on with this I’d like to see the girl.” “Governor Windle is that really necessary?” another voice said. “Commodore Tunslton, do not question me.” the Governor said. “As you wish sir.” A solider was sent to bring me out. “The Governor wants to see you Miss.” the man said to me and I went with him. When we got to gallows yard I saw Jack standing on a platform with a noose around his neck. I had to look away. “For heaven sake Commodore! Why is that child in irons?!” The Governor was impatient. “Your job was to secure her not treat her like a prisoner. Mr. Smith remove these irons at once!” He said. “She was running with pirates and took part in the steeling of merchant ship out of Playa Del Rocco, with Jack Sparrow.“ Tunslton replied. “Captain Jack Sparrow” Jack said. “That was not part of this warrant.” The Governor said. “What is your name child?” He asked. “Aurora Vivian Sparrow, but my mothers name was Cathreen Windle .” I was hoping he’d remember. He had a puzzled look on his face and walked up to me. “Cathreen Windle? My daughter. Then you’re…” I shook my head yes. “And your husband is…” He pointed to Jack. “Commodore, can you please explain to me why you have arrested my granddaughter’s husband on account of her kidnapping?!” “ I was unaware.” He said. “Your lying. You knew when you mocked me!” I replied. “Mr. Smith, release him.” The Governor said and pointed at Jack. “This man has committed piracy and other crimes against the crown! He deserves the penalty!” Tunslton said harshly. “Commodore! If you want to keep you title then I suggest you learn how to hold your tong!” Jack came swaggering over very proudly. “Funny ol’ world ain’t it Commodore? You know, you might want to get that watch fixed mate.” He said and pointed his finger in the Commodore’s face. “Governor Windle, I appreciate the hospitality and for returning me to my bonnie lass. Now I think we should end this with a toast of rum, ay?!” He put his arm around me and I hugged him. “Jack, my grandfather has pardoned you.” I said. He put his hands together as if to pray and said, “Thank you.” “Her mother would have wanted it this way, it’s the least I can do after all these years.” The Governor said. I hugged him and said, “Thank you so much grandfather.” “So is there anything you’ll be needing?” He asked. “Well there is one thing. My ship has seem to have falling into the hands of the navy as well as my crew.” Jack said politely. “It’s as good as done.” The Governor said. “Oh good!” Jack answered. “Now you must come and dine with me before you leave.” The Governor said. “We will grandfather, that would be lovely.” I said. “Ok then. Mr. Smith see to it that Captain Sparrow’s ship and crew are ready to go on their way by tonight. And if anyone has any objections, Commodore, they can be stepped of their rank. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes Governor Windle!” They yelled. Jack and I went to the Governors mansion to stay for the rest of the day. I took a hot bath and had my clothing washed. It felt so good to relax in a clean environment after everything. Jack came into the bed room to see me, I was in my robe and had just gotten out of the bath. He was humming his favorite song as he came into the bath room. “Ello love.” I turned around surprised and said, “Jack!” I threw my arms around him and he held me close. “You look beautiful.” I smiled and laughed because my hair was wet. He kissed me, “I’m so glad I didn’t lose you.” He said. I put my finger to his lips and said, “Don’t speak of that. We’re together now.” He smiled and put his hands in my hair, holding my face gently. “So he’s your grandfather ay?” He asked. “Yes. Father never told me he was the Governor of Port Royal. He didn’t get a long with my grandfather so I never met him till today.” I said and put my hands on top of his. “The pearl will be ours again. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go love.” He held me again and I put my head on his shoulder. “Columbia?” I whispered. “Columbia.” He said. My grandfather had the Navy repairing the pearl, stocking it with supplies, and feeding the crew. The Governor’s personal cooks were busy preparing a meal for Jack and I to eat with him. I was given a beautiful blue and white dress to wear to dinner. It was the nicest dress I had ever worn and Jack couldn’t take his eyes off of me. My hair was rolled and pined up with a pearl hair pin on each side. I could not remember the last time I was able to dress up so I loved it. We came into the candle lit dining room with gold china set on the table. There were plates of food and several types of wine and desserts. “There now, sit down child and tell me about your journey.” The Governor said. “Grandfather, I am so glad to finally met you but I ‘m sorry about everything to do with father.” “There is nothing to be sorry for. Tell me about you child.” “Well you see, Jack and I.” I looked at Jack and he at me. We smiled. “Jack and I met four years ago when I came to Port Royal with father. And I decided to go with him when he asked me to marry him and when Father had told the Navy about Jack’s ship being in the area. So he did not take me against my will. We fell in love. I am now 23 years old, I live on a ship and have never been more happy in my entire life.” My grandfather smiled at me and the turned to Jack. “Well, Captain Sparrow, I trust that she will be in good hands. You seem like a loyal man.” Jack put the turkey leg he was eating on his plate and put his hands together as if he were going to pray and said, “Thank you Governor. I really appreciate everything you’re done for us mate.” “Her mother would have wanted it.” The Governor said. “Grandfather. Why were my father and brother on one of the ships sailing with Tunslton?” I asked. “Your brother wanted nothing to do with it. He kept telling your father to leave it alone but your father was determined to catch the pirate who he claimed stole his daughter and put him to death.” I was shocked and appalled. My father knew that we were going to get married and he talk to Jack before we left. ‘But my father knew.” A tear rolled down my cheek. “He spoke to Jack before we left. He knew that Jack and I were to be married.” Another tear fell and I got up from the table. “Please excuse me grandfather, for a moment.” “I’m sorry child.” He said. Jack got up. “I’ll talk to her. Oh and the food is great.” In the hall way Jack came to me. “Aurora, its ok.” “He set us up for this Jack.” I wiped my face. “He knew and he didn’t care.” Jack put his finger to my lips and said, “Don’t speak of that love. It’s just you and me now, together.” I looked at him and said, “Together.”

N

When morning came, I woke up to the smell of rum and apples. The sun outstretched it’s hand over the shores of Columbia as it rose. I felt something on my face and opened my eyes. Jack ran his hand down the side of my face and said. “Good morning love.” “Good morning.” I said happily. “I want to show you something.” Jack said and his face grew very serious. He stood up and staggered over to the door of the captain’s quarters. He walked onto the dock and whistled. When he came back into the room he had my parrot, Roy, sitting on his shoulder. I sat up in bed. “It’s Roy! You found him!” He smiled a satisfied smile and put Roy on his perch. “Thank you.” “Your welcome love.” I took a drink from the rum bottle and ate a slice of apple. Jack sat down on the bed next to me. He reached towards my chest and put his fingers on my necklace. His fingers followed the leather rope down to the ring on the end and pulled it out form my underclothes. “You still have it on.” He said. “I’ve never taken it off since the day you gave it to me.” I looked down at his hand and then at his dark, chocolate eyes. We were both silent for a long time but our hearts knew our thoughts. For the rest of our lives we would be free to live and free to love each other. It was the song of my heart a thousand times. We spent our day walking through the jungle and on the beach. When night fell upon us we went to the pearl to play cards on her deck. It was a full moon and the stars were like a sea of diamonds. We sat on deck in the moon light laughing. “Can you play your cards under the command of a pirate or can you not?” Jack was drunk but more attractive that ever. “I don’t believe I’ve had enough rum to allow those types of comments.” I was too, slightly but still beautiful in his eyes. He smiled and laughed. “Read ‘em and weep love! Ladies over twos!” “Well Jack, it just wasn’t good enough. Ladies over eights! I win!” I said slyly. Jack took off his hat and set it on the table. “That’s interesting.” He said, leaning back in his chair. He had that look in his eyes. I laughed. “Jack.” I started grabbing the chips off the table. “That’s very interesting.” He said and stood up. I laughed again. “Jack!” He started walking around the table slowly with a mischievous grin on his face. He grabbed at me. “Come here love!” I screamed playfully and tried to run. He laughed and grabbed me, pulling me to him. He picked me up and I put my arms around his neck. “Now I win!” He said. We kissed and then he carried me to the captain’s quarters.

N