A Name (Pirates fanfic)
Jack always remembered a woman’s name. Even if he had only known her a few minutes, he always caught her name. Women- especially two beautiful women in particular- were his downfall. The thing that always tripped him up. If he could quit loving women, he would be able to be truly free.
Her name was Mary. She was quite beautiful. She liked to play and laugh and talk. More flighty than some girls. A bit too young for him, really. Filthy rich, though…her father was some sort of count or something. She was swept away by pirate stories and consequently, swept away by Jack.
“You bought a present for me?” he asked with an arched brow. Women were always giving him presents. He’d only really ever loved two. Elizabeth never gave him a gift. Angelica gave him a few, but always ended up breaking them.
“Yes!” Mary squealed, tugging on his hand. “In the barn. Come see!” She whirled on her heel, a whirlwind of twirling skirts and tousled hair.
Losing Elizabeth had hardened him. Made him more jaded, rougher than he had been in years. Then Angelica came stomping back into his life and made things harder. He wanted to go visit Elizabeth, but he simply didn’t think he had the balls to do it. Seeing her, Mrs. Will Turner, would break his heart into a million twisted pieces yet again. I can’t handle that, he thought with a grimace. Not again. It’s been a year. Let it go, move on, there is plenty more fish in the sea.
Mary flung open the door to the barn and pointed to a beautiful horse. “She’s all yours!”
“You bought me…a horse.” He turned and looked at her with a grin. “Love, how did you know I wanted a horse?”
He could forget about Elizabeth once and for all, he promised himself. The sea. Loose women. Drinking. Three excellent goals to distract him to the grave.
“So you like her?” Mary smiled excitedly.
“Almost as much as you.” He charmed as he petted the animal’s mane. “Gorgeous creature.”
“Then you can start thanking me now.” She giggled as he drew her close for a deep kiss. “What will you name her?”
“Elizabeth,” he murmured as he ran his fingers over her neck.