The Painter Of Port Royal

Chapter 8

Lydia stumbled onto the beach after Elizabeth, chucking off her jacket into the sand and pulling at her now soaked shirt to stop it sticking to her curves. Jack fumbled with his effects, throwing the rope that bounded him to the ground. All three of them spun and watched as the Black Pearl disappeared into the distance.

"That's the second time I've watched that man sail away with my ship," Jack said glumly.

"Sorry jack," Lydia rested a hand on his shoulder.

"It's alright," He whispered.

Elizabeth pulled a face behind them, confused why Lydia was so close to him. Lydia was fascinated by pirates like Elizabeth sure but this pirate in particular was not one Elizabeth wanted to trust, no matter what went on between him and Lydia. Jack nodded to Lydia and strolled off, examining the island. The white sand jumped as Lydia plopped down onto it, taking off her boots and letting her toes be stroked by the water. Elizabeth soon joined her, patting down her under-dress. Lydia knew exactly how Elizabeth must have felt just in that dress, her being in her own only days ago. She looked up into her best friends eyes and smiled, the pair in joy of each other's company.

"I'll say it again. So you're a princess," Elizabeth laughed.

"Yes I appear to be. My parents you see, are pirates," Elizabeth revealed a shocked glance her way "they are like royalty in this line of work. And I became almost like a legend when they died and I wasn't found."

Elizabeth chuckled and looped an arm around her. Lydia rested her head on hers letting the sound of the waves dance into her ears.

"I would say I'm surprised but you being a princess suits you well," Elizabeth said.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Lydia giggled back.

"So what's going on between you and Jack," Elizabeth was quick to ask.

Lydia stiffened and retracted her arm away from her. The amount of times she was asked about Jack was making her grow frustrated. She didn't know how she felt about him. He was a handsome man, she wouldn't deny that but he was also a pirate still. But so was she. So what was really standing in her way?

"I don't know what you're talking about," Lydia scoffed nervously.

"Come off it. I know the face you give when you like someone. I just didn't expect it to be him," Elizabeth trailed off.

"There's something about him Elizabeth. I can't explain it. I wish I could," Lydia looked down.

Elizabeth crouched further down to meet her gaze and pulled her into a hug.

"It's alright. Love appears when you least expect it. You never know until it's there," She said into Lydia's shoulder.

Elizabeth mind became of Will. She hoped he was safe out there. But then it came back to the fact they were still marooned. They should get out soon if they wanted to save Will. And Jack was the only person who knew how to get out. She watched over Lydia's shoulder as Jack wondered about, sizing up trees and bushes. What was he doing?

"I don't think I love him. Not yet," Lydia let go of her.

"Be careful when fawning for a pirate. He's an unpredictable man," Elizabeth assured her.

"Do you think he knows how to get off the island again?" Lydia turned to watch Jack with Elizabeth.

"He must," Elizabeth began to stand up.

The two girls ended up chasing after Jack as he stomped around the island, looking for something. At least he appeared to, Lydia and Elizabeth having no idea what he was doing in the present moment. Elizabeth huffed and grabbed Lydia's hand, tugging her with her as she stormed after Jack.