ManEater

A/N: Hey guys! I would first like to start off with a very heartfelt aplogy for keeping yu guys waiting for another chapter! I've been so busy with work and I am glad to say that I got my apartment and I am moving in June! I have been lazy in writing my chapters, but not to worry! I wrote both chapter 39 and 40 and I will definitely post chapter 40 very soon! There will also be a bonus chapter posted for chapter 40 on this site, which will actually be chapter 41! So enough with the chit chat...here's another exciting chapter! I didn't want to post so soon because I wanted it to be perfect! SO read and enjoy!!
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Elizabeth

I’d awakened earlier than usual the next morning. I was anxious to watch the sun rise over the horizon. For the past couple of days, Jack and I would secretly meet out on deck to watch the glorious sunrise. It was the only way we could spend some private time together. After I got dressed, I grabbed Jack’s sash from out of the dresser drawer. I quietly opened my cabin door and left, being very careful not to disturb Will from his slumber. As soon as I walked out on deck, I was greeted by the cool, summer air. I made my way over to the rail and stood there waiting for Jack to emerge from his cabin. I waited for approximately fifteen minuets. I expected Jack to be awake by now. After every five or so minutes, my eyes shifted from the sea to Jack’s cabin. I clutched his sash close to my chest, inhaling its spicy scent. Jack’s distinctive aroma sent a rush of desire throughout my body, causing memories of our passionate lovemaking to run through my mind. It was incredible being intimate with him again. I hope that we will have many more opportunities to make love.

My thoughts were interrupted when I noticed the sun rise over the horizon. I looked at Jack’s cabin, hoping he would come out.

“I’ll give you a few more minutes Captain Sparrow. If you’re not out by then, you’ll be in serious trouble.” I whispered angrily as I turned my attention back to the beautiful horizon.

Ten minutes turned into an hour. I was angry that Jack was not here with me to watch the sunrise. I soon realized that he was not coming out. Either he’s sleeping late or he’s taking a long walk somewhere. Perhaps he’s avoiding me? He’d probably realized that our intimacy was a mistake and wants nothing more to do with me. I looked at his cabin once more. I was tempted to go inside and give him a very rude awakening if he was inside sleeping. Maybe I should mess up his room…let him see how angry I am at him…but I won’t.

“Coward…why couldn’t you just tell me how you truly felt instead of running away from me? You always run away, Jack.” Hot tears began to run down my cheeks. At that moment, I felt comforting arms wrap around my body, cuddling me into a tight hug.

“Jack…” I sighed under my breath through half lidded eyes. I turned around to greet my embracer, but was disappointed when I’d discovered who it was.

“Will.” I quickly hid Jack’s sash behind my back.

Will smiled and kissed my forehead. “You’re up early. Did you have trouble sleeping?”

“No. I wanted to watch the sun rise over the horizon.” I replied with a reassuring smile.

“I have an idea...” Will began as he brushed a lock of hair out of my eyes. “Since we haven’t spent as much quality time together as I’d hoped, I planned a romantic day for us. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

I stared blankly into his eyes. I was speechless. I didn’t want to have a romantic day with him. I desperately wanted to find Jack. It would be very hard for me to concentrate on Will when I was so worried about Jack’s whereabouts. I sighed and smiled halfheartedly, being careful not to show Will that I was troubled.

“Yes…I would love that very much. But if you don’t mind, I would like to rest before we start our romantic day.”

Will smiled and cupped my face. “Alright then. I’ll let you get your rest. I wouldn’t want you to fall asleep when I’m trying to woo you.” He laughed. He kissed my lips and wrapped a comforting arm around my shoulders as we headed back to my cabin…
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Jack Sparrow

I’ve been walking aimlessly all night. I’m surprised that I’m not tired. I was now a great distance away from the Pearl…and away from my beloved Lizzie. When dawn finally approached, I sat down on the cool sand to rest and watched the sun rise over the horizon. I should be standing on the deck of the Pearl right now with Lizzie, watching this spectacular scene. I should be holding her in my arms right now, but I’m not because this unyielding need to leave has kept me from her. She’s probably watching the horizon right now…alone. Perhaps we’re both watching it together, but from a distance. A smile formed on my face from that very thought. My heart raced from the pleasant memories of all of our passionate nights together. I hope she’s not too worried or mad about my unexpected departure.

A few moments later, I got up and resumed my trek. I soon approached a very small town. The cobblestone streets were unkempt. The buildings seemed to be very old and neglected. There was hardly anyone walking around, except for three drunken men. As I walked further into town, an unsettling feeling formed in the pit of my guts. At first, I thought that I had a stomach ache, but I knew that it had to be something else. I came upon a small shop that had a worn sign hanging on the door. For some odd reason, I was drawn to the building. Something was urging me to go inside. I peered through the window and noticed that there were what seemed to be jewelry and other trinkets inside. It suddenly hit me. I reached my destination. Perhaps I should buy Elizabeth a present…give her something special to show her how much I truly love her.

I removed Elizabeth’s heart shaped necklace from my pocket. Ever since I’d discovered that I still had her necklace, I was debating over what to do with it. I didn’t want to throw it out…I wanted to do something special with it, say add a few jewels to it. That’s when another idea came to mind. I looked at the sapphire ring that was on my left hand. Perhaps I could do something with it, also? It doesn’t hold too much sentimental value, other than being a remembrance of the incredible night I had with Carmen.

As I was about to go into the jewelry shop, something was holding me back. I’d never given a woman a sentimental gift. In fact, I’ve never thought of giving a woman anything…besides my body, of course. I’d promised myself long ago that I would never give any woman a gift…especially one from the heart. I didn’t want to put myself out there and wear my heart on my sleeve…like some damn eunuch. But then, I’d also promised myself that I would never allow myself to fall in love. As fate would have it, being as cruel and unpredictable as it is, I’m in love, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I struggled with my decision for the next few moments. I’m not so sure if I should still give Lizzie a gift, being as though she’s still with the whelp. It would be very foolish of me to get her something so sentimental. I looked at Elizabeth’s heart shaped necklace and examined it for a few moments, debating on what to do with it. It was then that my sapphire encrusted ring caught my eye and I made my final decision…
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Elizabeth

Three days later, early evening…

Will and I had been in town all day, looking through merchant shops and watching sideshows. I was growing very irritated by the large crowd, and bored with Will’s company. I tried with all of my might to enjoy myself, but I couldn’t. I was distracted the whole time because Jack was still gone…and I was gravely worried about him. He’s been missing for three days now. Just the mere thought about what could have happened to him brought tears to my eyes. Where could he be? Why hasn’t he returned yet? As Will and I made our way down the crowded street, I noticed Mr. Gibbs standing alone in front of a pub. I immediately left Will’s side and ran towards Jack’s first mate.

“Mr.Gibbs!”

He turned around and greeted me with a smile. “Ms. Swann, yer lookin’ quite lovely today. How…”

“Where’s Jack?” I had to interrupt him, for I was in no mood for small talk.

His smile turned into a serious frown. That’s when I knew something was amiss.

“I don’t know where he be Elizabeth.”

I clearly didn’t believe him.

“Are you certain? He’s been missing for three days now. I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

Gibbs sighed and stepped closer to me. I knew by his awkward demeanor that he was hiding something from me and was struggling to keep his secret.

“Aye, I’ve noticed. If ya must know Elizabeth, Jack approached me three nights ago and told me that I was in charge now, and to keep a close watch on the Pearl. I didn’t bother ta ask 'im where’d he be goin’ or when he’d be returnin’.”

“Did you notice anything unusual about Jack’s behavior? Did he look upset or angry?”

Gibbs shook his head. “No…he seemed fine ta me. There was nothin’ strange 'bout him…well nothin’ strang-er than what he normally is.”

“Why didn’t you ask him where he was going or when he’d return?”

Gibbs shrugged his shoulders. “I figured it was none of me business. I’m sure that wherever he went, he had some very important business ta take care of.”

I was becoming annoyed with his answers. I was angry that he seemed not to care that my beloved Captain was gone.

“This is not like Jack to leave without notice.” I mentioned.

Gibbs sighed and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Actually Ms. Swann, this is very typical of Jack.”

My eyes widened with disbelief. “What? I don’t understand.”

“Ever since I’d be knowin’ Jack, he’d always leave without sayin’ where he’s goin’ or when he’d return. He’d always put me in charge of tha crew n’ tha Pearl until he returned.”

“He might be in trouble! We should round up the crew and go find him right now!” I exclaimed as tears began flowing uncontrollably down my cheeks.

Gibbs shook his head. “No miss…that won’t be necessary. Jack's fine. He can handle himself if trouble arises…”

“But Gibbs you don’t understand…we must do something…”

“There’s nothin’ that can be done, lass. We’ll just have ta wait ‘til he returns.”

“When will that be?” I asked, wiping the tears from my eyes.

He shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe days…probably a week or so from now. Nobody knows but Jack.”

I looked at Gibbs one last time and wiped the remaining tears from my eyes. Before I’d turned around to leave, he spoke once more.

“Try not ta worry lass…Jack will be fine. I promise.”

I turned around and walked away, making my way back to my fiancé through the thick crowd of townspeople. Just as I made my way past a few people, I’d spotted a familiar figure in the distance, standing by one of the shops. When I took a few steps closer to get a clearer view, I noticed that the man had long brown plaited hair like Jack. He wore a gray, long overcoat and pirate attirel that looked similar to Jack's. I couldn’t see his face because his back was facing me. When he started to walk away, I noticed that his gait was the same as Jack’s. It was at that moment that I realized who it was…

“Jack!” I yelled as I quickly made my way towards him. When he stopped in his tracks and turned around, I was utterly disappointed. He wasn’t my Captain. It felt like my heart had just crumbled into a million pieces. Tears welled up in my eyes as hopelessness overwhelmed me. The man smiled then turned around and walked away. I watched as he sauntered down the winding road. God how I wished he was Jack! I couldn’t stop looking at him, for he reminded me too much of my Jack. I never took my eyes off of him until he disappeared from view. I reluctantly turned around and left, knowing deep down in my heart that I would probably never see my Captain again…
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Later that evening…

Will and I sat quietly on the beach, watching the summer sun set peacefully over the horizon. I found the magnificent view to be very calming, but it didn’t heal my broken heart. In fact, it made me think more about Jack, for our first kiss in a month took place during the same sunset. Just then, Will wrapped a comforting arm around my shoulders and hugged me close to his body.

“Beautiful sunset isn’t it?” He asked, rubbing the length of my arm.

“Yes…it is very beautiful.”

“I’ve always thought that after our wedding, we would spend some time on the beach and watch the sunset over the horizon…”

Will continued to speak, but I was no longer listening. My mind drifted off to Jack, focusing on finding him. My thoughts were soon interrupted when I’d heard my name being called.

“Elizabeth…” Will said as he gently turned my face to meet his piercing eyes.

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“Oh…I’m sorry. What did you ask me?”

“I asked if you’ve come to a decision as to when and where our wedding will take place.”

I was utterly speechless, for I did not know how to answer him. I couldn’t tell him that I haven’t been thinking about our pending nuptials or that I wasn’t interested in planning a wedding. I tuned my face away from him and watched the horizon. I couldn’t bare to look into his docile eyes anymore.

“No. I haven’t come to a final decision yet. In fact, I haven’t had the time to think about it.”

He was silent for a few moments. The air between us slowly changed from relaxed to slightly tense. I turned to look at him and noticed the frown on his face. I knew he was upset.

“I just thought that maybe you’ve already planned our wedding.”

I placed my hand on his. “I’m sorry, but I haven’t had the time to sit down and plan everything out. I’ve just been so distracted lately…”

“Distracted by what?” He interrupted. The tone in his voice sounded annoyed.

“I’m not so sure anymore…there’s just been too much going on lately that’s making me mentally exhausted. I just can’t focus on anything, especially our wedding.”

His hurtful eyes pierced my soul. He nodded and moved his hand away from mine. “Do you know when you will have the chance to think about us? Think about our future? I don’t think you’re all that interested anymore.”

I was shocked by his words, but I knew he was telling the truth. “What are you talking about Will? Of course I’m interested in our wedding, and I’m very interested in our future. I just haven’t had the mental capacity to plan things out.”

He looked at me in disbelief. “You’ve changed Elizabeth…”

“How have I changed?”

“You never spend time with me like you used to. You would be the one to initiate our quality time, but you haven’t. Remember when we used to sit up all night and talk about our future and what we wanted in life? We don’t do that anymore. You don’t share your dreams with me anymore, Elizabeth.”

I was almost in tears. Even when I tried to pretend that I was interested in my relationship with him, I showed otherwise. I can’t let him think that I’m still having my affair with Jack.

“I’m sorry…I’ve just been, I don’t know…”

He then turned his whole body towards me and looked into my eyes. “I’ve noticed other things that have been bothering me about you.”

“Such as?”

“It seems like you don’t want to hold my hand or be around me when we're in public. Just yesterday when that old man asked if we were married, you frowned as if you were disgusted when you answered him.”

I looked at him confusedly. “But we’re not married, Will. I couldn’t lie to that sweet man.”

He sighed and then stood up. I could see pain emitting from his eyes. I stood up with him. “Will…”

“I wasn’t upset that you said no, Elizabeth…I was upset with the way you said it. You’re not interested in being with me are you?”

“What? Will how could you say that? Just because I haven’t planned our wedding yet doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you!” I exclaimed, tears streaming down my face.

“Then why haven’t you just told me about it? Why couldn’t you’ve said that you’re having a difficult time?” He then cupped my face. “Elizabeth, you’re my fiancé. Whatever you’re feeling or whatever you’re going through, you must tell me about it. We’re in a partnership, remember?”

“Yes I know, but…”

He then removed his hands from my face and stepped back. His eyes seemed to be watery. “You’ve changed so much, Elizabeth…I don’t know who you are anymore…and I don’t believe that you’re still interested in our wedding.”

He then turned around and began to walk away. I was about to follow after him, but I couldn’t. I watched as he made his was down the shore, but instead of walking on the Pearl, he walked in the direction towards the town. I watched him as he disappeared from view. This was one of the most serious fights we’ve ever gotten in to. I stood on the beach in shock. I looked around and noticed that I was alone…both of my lovers were gone. I slowly made my way back to the Pearl, alone and crying, uncertain as to what may lay ahead in the future…
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A/N: So...what do you guys think? Is this the end of Will and Elizabeth? What is Jack planning on doing with ELizabeth's necklace and his ring? Will he buy her a sentimental gift? What's to come of all of this you may ask...The answer is that you must stay tuned for more! Chapter 40 is written, but I must type it up and proofread it a million times so that it can be perfect for you guys! Thanks to all who have continued reading my story and reviewing! You guys mean a lot to me! Take care! Until next time!!