You know, with all this quarantine going on, you probably thought I'd have loads of time to write. Right? Me too. But I'm still working and in the process of building a house. So I am BOOKED. Regardless, I hope everyone is safe, living life to the best they can, and spreading kindness. A special thanks to all Essential Employees! No matter the job, you're kicking butt and being amazing. I hope this little chapter puts a smile on your faces.

Also, in case anyone ever wondered, when Jack says "Q.E.D.," it's an abbreviation of "Quod Erat Demonstrandum," which is Latin for "that which has been demonstrated." I learned that while writing this chapter because I finally remembered to Google it. So, there you go! Did the work for ya :D

Happy Reading!

~MisticLight

P.S. I am willing to make a deal with the person who takes me to 200 reviews on Mind the Tide. Like, I'll answer one question of whatever you want about this story or something. Name your price! And help an OCD lady who loves even numbers out! Also please post a review here too, I guess. Haha!

P.P.S. Shoutout to MagicalOtters. You are too sweet! Thank you for such a lovely private message. It really made my day!

~.~.~.~

My floating turned to falling, then stillness. I was left suspended for hours. Minutes? Perhaps only a few seconds. I could not tell. Time faded away. I felt nothing, could do nothing. Breathing, blinking, hearing… none of it mattered. There was nothing but silence and the memory of where once there was warmth.

Then there was movement. The gesture was small at first, a prickling sensation igniting in my stomach and spreading across the front of my body. Then it grew to a tingle, and then a feeling of bubbles pushing against me. They forced me somewhere. Up? They were adamant I reached their destination. Quickly. They blew past my face, intertwined with my hair until it moved freely about. My back slammed against something not quite solid and sunk into it. I was reminded how the ocean felt. With the memory restored, I also remembered I could not breathe beneath the waves.

I rotated to swim with the bubbles. Though still I did not know their destination, complying would get me there faster. Air left me with every stroke, allowing desperation to fill the space. By the time my hand broke the surface, I was scrambling. Then the bubbles stopped.

The moment my head cleared, I gasped for air and wiped the water from my eyes. I could hardly focus between coughing for air and being blinded by the sun and staying afloat. There had to be something, anything, to steady me. I swam blindly until my fingers brushed a piece of wood. They gripped the rim and pulled it towards me so I could haul my torso onto it.

I gave myself a moment to catch my breath before looking around. Very clearly, I was in the middle of some ocean, but which one I could not tell. Before me as far as I could see in either directions, stretched a beach that lead into dunes. The waves pushed ship debris and the remainder of our crew towards the land. I gave myself time to take in a few breaths then pushed off the driftwood to follow the others.

The waves were fierce the closer I got to shore. It seemed they wanted everyone out of the water but were not going to be easy on us. I was pushed below multiple times and my breath left me again, but each time I went under, a force propelled me to the surface again. We were not meant to die here. Or, if this were Davy Jones's Locker, we were not meant to linger in the water.

When my feet finally found sand to stand on, relief filled me so deeply that exhaustion befell my limbs. I had to crawl up the bank just to pull myself from the ocean. Yet I managed to free myself from its heavy waves, sputtering until my hands found sand not yet touched by it. Only then did I go to my knees and allow another moment just to breathe.

Some of the others emerging from the water did the same, while others found the strength to immediately move forward. Faces became familiar as they passed by. My eyes slid across the sand until they spotted the back of a woman wearing a dress and a man with a large feather hat. Tia Dalma and Barbossa.

Our Captain was approaching two other figures, one of whom I recognized as Elizabeth based on her clothing and the length of her hair. They were searching, as we all were, but from what I could see, there was nothing to be found. I took a few shaky deep breaths and made to stand. Someone nearby noticed my slight struggle and offered a hand to help. I gladly took it.

The firmness of the hold was familiar.

I was so relieved to see Will that tears sprung to my eyes, but I hid them behind a smile. Gently, I cupped his face. His smile formed beside my fingertips. "You're alive!" I exclaimed, making him laugh. It sounded equally as relieved. Then I remembered my boldness before we fell and a different sense set in. Not regret, but some form of embarrassment. My smile faltered, but I distracted the change by pulling my hands to my chest. "I'm alive… But how?"

"We found Davy Jones's Locker," he said. I slightly moved my head back and forth in agreement, feeling foolish for not believing it prior. "Finding our own way in may prevent death, though I don't believe we're as alive as you think."

"Still, it appears we've all made it through." My eyes turned to the dunes again. "And if we're all here… where does that put Jack?"

"I don't know," Will solemnly replied.

A piece of driftwood hit my boot. I turned to it and the piles of debris scattered across the shore. "And how are we to leave? It seems we've lost our ship, not that it was grand to begin with."

"I don't know," he said again. This time he sounded lost. I looked at him, finding his face beginning to harden.

"At least we're all here together. We'll figure something out," I said with false resolve, forcing a smile above the rising panic. "All we must do is find Jack, who should have the Black Pearl if Tia Dalma is correct. How big can this Locker possibly be?"

"There is someone who might know," Will glowered. His gaze fixated on Barbossa. "He knew how to get here, he can get us back." He briefly glanced at me then pulled away. "Come on."

He headed towards the slowly assembling group of Gibbs, Elizabeth, Marty, Barbossa, and Tia Dalma, who was a little further ahead. I followed behind Will. As we got closer, I could just make out Elizabeth stating: "I don't see Jack… I don't see anyone."

Nothing but sand, I thought as my eyes skimmed the dunes.

"He's here," Barbossa asserted, annoyance shaping his tone. "Davy Jones never once gave up that what he took."

"And does it matter?" Will accused when we arrived. "We're trapped here by your doing. No different than Jack."

I walked slightly ahead of Barbossa and looked at him through the corner of my eyes. "Would being lost help us locate Jack? Just as it did the Farthest Gate?"

He shook his head. "Nay, for this time we are found. We stand before the doorstep, and all that's left is for someone to welcome us."

"And who, pray tell, will that be?" I asked, crossing my arms. "Davy Jones? He cannot because Lord Beckett would not allow it. Jack Sparrow? We have no idea where he is in here."

Tia Dalma chuckled. A knowing expression masked her features as she stroked a crab she found amongst the wreckage. Movement at her feet had glance down. More crabs? I thought with a tilt of my head. Her locket certainly had a crab shape, as did the one on the Flying Dutchman. Can she control crabs? No, that seems preposterous, but… there have been stranger things before.

"Witty Jack," she cooed, interrupting my thoughts, "is closer dan you tink." As she trailed off, she slowly turned her head to the dunes. When I followed her gaze, had I not seen the image for myself, I would never have believed it occurred.

Peeking just above the highest point, a mast began to form. Then sails, the bowsprit, the entire bow, and finally the hull. All without damage, and all completely black. It floated above the sand as if it were water, tossing up flakes as it teetered off the edge of the dune. I followed its path, unblinking and lips parted in shock. "This cannot be," I whispered.

The Black Pearl restored to its former glory sailed before our eyes, making its way home to the sea. When sand and water collided, the ship made no notice and seamlessly transitioned to the new surface. Despite returning to the water, the damage done by the Kraken remained removed. It was as if the attack never happened, though the memory of it sent a shiver down my spine. With the Black Pearl found, all that was left to locate was Jack. Though he was not known to wander too far from his ship. I peeled my eyes from the spectacle to the trail it left, expecting to see a man running after his vessel yet finding nothing.

"Slap me thrice and hand me to me mama—it's Jack!" cried Gibbs.

My head snapped back to the now far away ship, but on deck I could just make out movement. "We found him!" Despite my excitement, my voice came out quiet. I turned to Will. "Perhaps we won't be here as long as we thought."

Except Will was not looking at me. He was focused on who lied beyond me. A slight turn of my head was enough to register Elizabeth, who pointedly stared ahead. I bit my lip. Everything was about to open itself up, all the emotions and hidden secrets… I looked to Will again just in time to notice him turn away from me. Although nervous about how my most recent action could affect things, I held no regrets. My only hope was no one else did either… that he did not.

Stop thinking! I lectured while shaking my head. My focus needed to be with what was happening before me, not what lied in the past.

As Jack began rowing a single boat towards the shore, those from his original crew darted forward to meet him while those we picked up in Singapore gathered around Tai Huang. Being somewhat of a friend at times, I supposed I should be with the former group. So, I took my first steps towards the formerly deceased captain. Not running like the others but keeping my own neutral pace. Will and Elizabeth, I noticed, followed my lead.

It was hard to see Jack amongst the crowd of gathering pirates. However, I could tell once he left his boat because I heard shouts of "It's the Captain!" and "Sight for sore eyes!" amongst others shouting his name. Even Mr. Cotton's parrot chimed in! I also lost sight of where those I recognized most were until suddenly the whole group stopped and I smacked into the person in front of me, and as a result the person behind ran into me.

"Sorry," I mumbled, rubbing the tip of my crushed nose. Whoever was behind did not offer the same apology. I looked at him first, finding Tai Huang. Although I had not known him long, I noticed he was never one to think something was his fault. I rolled my eyes and turned to say more to the person in front of me, but it was Will and he hardly seemed to acknowledge anything other than Jack standing at the very end of the line the group somehow managed to form. Will was tense, and I saw anger rising within him by the way he folded his arms over his chest. I used our cluster to disguise shifting a bit closer to him. Just enough so my arm pressed against his; lending comfort without speaking. His shoulders loosened at the gesture.

"Mr. Gibbs!" Jack bellowed so aggressively even I jumped. He has only been back for a moment! What could possibly be wrong?

"Aye, Captain." Though I could not see Gibbs, he sounded just as startled.

"I thought so," I could hear the smug smile pulling Jack's lips. When I peeked around Will, I noticed he had finally reached the beginning of our line, and he did not appear pleased. "I expect you're able to account for your actions, then."

"Sir?" Gibbs said. The confusion in his voice echoed what, I assumed, we felt.

"There has been a perpetual and virulent lack of discipline upon my vessel. Why? … Why is that, sir?"

"Sir, you're…" Gibbs started, but could not bring himself to finish. He looked down the line at the rest of us then turned back. His voice was much quieter. I could hardly hear it above the waves. "You're in Davy Jones's Locker, Captain."

There was a pause. A very long and very confusing pause. The two men stared at each other until Jack became too fidgety to stand still.

"Does he not remember?" I whispered.

Will leaned back and said in a low voice: "Evidently."

"I know that," Jack said loud enough for those in the back to hear. He did not want us to have the thought I just uttered, yet it was too late. Will shot me a knowing glance and I returned one of my own. He would not fool us. "I know where I am. And don't think I don't."

"Jack Sparrow," Barbossa cut in. He drew the name out to better gather our attention, which worked. Jack's reaction specifically I anticipated since he had yet to find his old nemesis alive, but the man remained unphased.

"Ah, Hector!" he smiled and sauntered to Barbossa. He seemed too delighted upon facing a man he killed. "It's been too long, hasn't it?"

"Aye," our current Captain nodded. "Isla de Muerte, remember? You shot me."

Since Jack was significantly closer, I was able to make out more of his expressions. He seemed puzzled by the accusation, as though he forgot about the entire incident. With a shrug and a smile, the matter was ignored. "No, I didn't," he said before turning to the next person in line. "Tia Dalma. Out and about, aye?" She seemed enticingly pleased when he stood before her, but his expression did not change. Something was at play in his mind, but I could not decipher what. "You add an agreeable sense of macabre to any delirium."

"He's gone mad," I whispered. Will nodded his agreement, but then I realized I did not quite know what he was agreeing with. My statement in reference to his actions, which is what I emphasized, or my statement regarding what he said. I turned to Will. "Wait. What does he mean?"

"He things we're a hallucination," he explained. He sounded annoyed, but I knew it was not directed at me.

"William, tell me something," Jack said as he approached him. "Have you come because you need my help to save a certain distressing damsel, or rather… damsel in distress? Either one."

"No," Will coldly replied.

"Well, then you wouldn't be here, would you? So you can't be here. Q.E.D., you're not really here." Jack finished his statement by spinning his fingers around Will's face.

I pushed forward. "He means, we're not trying to save a damsel in distress. We came in search of you. To take you back!"

"Ah, Evelyn," Jack smiled as he turned to me. He griped either side of my arms with his hands. "You're here too, though I can't say I'm too surprised. Tagging along, as usual." I cocked my head in confusion. He elaborated. "Are you or are you not only here because he," he nodded to Will, "is?"

"Well, we arrived together, but it wasn't because—"

"But you did come together, did you not?"

I looked him directly in the eyes. "If you want to be technical about it, then yes."

He pulled his hands back, displaying all ten fingers. "I rest my case."

I sighed and crossed my arms. There was no deterring him.

"Jack." The call of his name was calm, soothing almost. And it came from Elizabeth. The crowd parted for her so she could make her way to the front, and I noticed Jack had no reaction upon seeing her. Certainly not the look those in love would share upon being reunited. My gaze shot to Will, who held no emotion. He refused to look at either of them. Elizabeth continued, "This is real. We're here."

I turned back to Jack, who had not taken a step closer to her. For a moment he stared, absorbing her words and placing them to her face. Then something flashed before him. A look of horror and distress shrouded his face. He rose a finger and opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. Instead, his upper lip twitched and he avoided her gaze. His eyes strayed to mine since I was in front of him, and within them I sensed a plea for help. Then he spun on his heels and hurried his way back to Gibbs. They mumbled a conversation I could not decipher.

Odd, I thought. Then I turned to Elizabeth. She seemed perplexed at his departure, yet relieved and hopeful all the same. Her expression was just as confusing as Jack's. She quickly broke free of the crowed and halfway joined Jack at the front. As she passed Will, I noticed his jaw set. He had to be dwelling on their kiss because the pain I saw the night of the incident held him once more. I unfolded my arms to give his hand a comforting squeeze. Then I followed Elizabeth.

"We've come to rescue you," she stated.

"Have you now?" Jack quipped, spinning around with the same breezy smile on his face. He advanced on her. "That's very kind of you. But it would seem that as I possess a ship and you don't, you're the ones in need of rescuing, and I'm not sure as I'm in the mood."

Elizabeth shot her head back in disgust and sought anyone who would agree with her silent statement. Her eyes found mine and I sighed, equally irritated. She narrowed hers and shook her head. "He wouldn't dare," she seemed to say.

"He has not been himself," I said through the motion of shrugging. She scoffed her agreement.

"I see my ship," Barbossa interrupted and gestured towards the Black Pearl, "right there." He turned back with a grin, but Jack made no notice. Instead, he brushed past him and looked to the horizon.

"Can't spot it," he said. He brought his hand to his temple to shade the sun from his eyes. "Must be a tiny little thing, hiding somewhere behind the Pearl."

"Jack!" Will called from the back. He pushed through the crowd, past me, and up to the formerly dead man. Upon hearing the serious tone of his voice, more of us pushed forward. "Cutler Beckett has the heart of Davy Jones. He controls the Flying Dutchman."

"He's taking over the seas!" Elizabeth added over his shoulder.

Tia Dalma rounded his other side. "De song has already been sung. De Brethren Court is called."

"Leave you people alone for just a minute, look what happens. Everything's gone to pot!" Jack looked at all the faces surrounding him then forced himself away from the troubles we brought from the living world. He made for his rowboat. I stepped closer, filling the hole he created.

"Aye, Jack, the world needs you back something fierce," Gibbs pleaded from the side, but Jack continued forward.

"And you need a crew" Will added. That bit of information halted him, but he did not turn to us. Perhaps he still did not fully believe we were real, or maybe he was not yet fully convinced?

"And we've come all this way," I tried. "Surely you do not mean to leave us. We could help end this."

"Help?" Jack was so humored by the thought his voice rose. "You lot can hardly help yourselves. What makes you think I'd want you aboard me ship? Besides," he spun back, "why should I sail with any of you? Four of you have tried to kill me in the past. One of you succeeded." He pointed at the culprit.

Four of us? I thought. Well, Pintel, Ragetti, and Barbossa, certainly. But four? Maybe Will… wait." The last portion of his claim connected and I followed Jack's finger to "Elizabeth?"

She flinched back, not denying the claim. I immediately turned to Will. Everything he had thought… was wrong. All of it! Every action she made, every word she spoke, suddenly had purpose. This changes everything.

"Well, yes, I-" she stuttered.

"Oh. She's not told you." Jack strode back to us, confidence emanating from every part of his body. "You'll have loads to talk about while you're here." He gestured to Will and Elizabeth, meaning he did not plan to take them. Then he turned to me. "As for you…"

"Really, Jack?" I crossed my arms and nodded towards the two he rejected. "This is barbaric."

"That may be, but it's my ship. The luxury of owning one is I get to pick who crews it!" He smiled, but I maintained a frown, which after some time he mimicked. "Now, you've never particularly bothered me, but sometimes this" he gestured to all of me "righteousness thing you do is annoying. So…" he clasped his hands together and pointed them at me, "I'll let you choose."

His acted as though I should be grateful for this freedom, but I retained my disappointed expression. When I made no motion to choose, he sighed and leaned in. He was so close the tip of his mustache tickled my ear. "Although, between you and me, I don't think you'd do well without Mister Turner. You do best when you're together."

Disgusted, I pushed him away, but I could not hide a blush from flaring across my cheeks. When he noticed it, he winked. "You know I'm right." Then he smiled and approached Tia Dalma.

I crossed my arms and looked down. Anything to hide my face and escape this exposure, but the damage was already done. A hand gently fell on my arm and curiosity had me peek. Elizabeth shifted to stand beside me, and behind her stood a very annoyed Will.

"What is it? What did he say?" she gently asked. I could tell she did not mean to pry, but if the rolls were reversed I, too, would want to know what phrase could cause such a reaction. However, she was also the last person I would tell due to how it would affect her.

Well… almost the last. My gaze briefly shifted to Will.

"It was nothing!" I exclaimed, sounding more flustered than I meant to. "It was just…" My hands flew to cover my cheeks. "Jack and his silly fantasies."

Elizabeth's face paled and she dropped her hand. "Oh?" She seemed surprised. Will, too, seemed stirred. He even made to go after Jack, but then I realized their assumptions.

"No! Not like that!" I held my hands up. "He just… it's complicated."

That was not the best answer to give, but fortunately I did not have to explain further because a call from Jack filled the air: "Weigh anchor! All hands, prepare to make sail."

Those selected surged forward at their Captain's command, leaving behind Will, Elizabeth, Barbossa, Pintel, and Ragetti. Even Tai Huang and his men made the cut! Although I had my pick of where to go, I would not leave behind anyone, specifically Will. Knowing Jack was correct warmed my cheeks again.

"Come on," Barbossa growled to the five of us. He grabbed the charts from his monkey, who climbed up it to perch on his master's shoulder. Not knowing what else to do, I did as he commanded, as did the others. He made straight for Jack, who was distracted by his compass.

"Jack," he called, drawing out the name again. The pirate briefly lifted his eyes to us. "Which way are you going, Jack?" The money furthered the point with a screech as Barbossa tapped the charts with his fingers.

Jack's upper lip twitched as he weighed the new offer: Bring us all and get the charts, or leave us and remain trapped. At length, he released a long, audible sigh and said, "Very well. But you keep that money away from me!" He pointed at the animal, who screeched again. Jack flinched back then pushed through all of us to reach his crew.

Barbossa snickered as he turned to us. "Welcome aboard my ship."

~.~.~.~

Having two captains with only one boat proved to be more challenging than I thought imaginable. Simply taking command of rowing to the Black Pearl caused arguments. Both Jack and Barbossa wanted to be the first to step foot aboard the planks. Jack argued since he had been on the ship since its arrival into Davy Jones's Locker, he was the rightful Captain. Meanwhile, Barbossa pushed back claiming were it not for him, there would not be a chance for it to return to the living, so he deserved the title.

They bantered for some time until Gibbs piped in: "Um, begging your pardon, Captain… s, but don't you think we should head off soon? What with the world needing us and all?"

The two arguing men looked at each other, nodded, then scrambled for the small boat. They agreed Gibbs should come with them as he was the most trusted first mate, as well as a handful of Tai Huang's men so they could row more boats back to get the rest of us.

So, despite everything going on in the world of the living, we were left waiting for a ride.

I plopped down in the sand, just above the jagged line were the ocean could not tread further upon the land. A stick was buried beside me, so I dug it out and began poking holes into the damp sand. Each mark nearly erased when the water flowed forward. If only memories acted the same, I sighed.

With a temporary reprieve to go over everything that had happened within the past day, my mind continuously latched onto my boldness at the falls. Had I really done that? I thought as a blush threatened my cheeks once more. It was difficult to believe I had summed the courage to kiss Will with no regard for who witnessed, but desperation alters the mind. Especially when those you love are in danger.

I looked to my right, where I knew Will was speaking with Tai Huang. My lips automatically formed a smile. Merely thinking of the moment warmed heart and lifted my stomach, but realizing he, too, more than likely remembered it dragged everything back down. I had no means of explaining myself, and apologizing with an easy excuse of "I was scared" would be lying. We had also promised not to do those childish things anymore. Therefore, it was probably best to avoid the subject altogether until I had more time to collect myself… and decide just how much I wanted to confess.

Unfortunately, my staring had caught Will's attention and he began making his way towards me. Even though I was quick to snap my gaze back, I knew it was too late. So, I straightened my back and scribbled out my nerves in the sand.

"What are you doing?" he asked, taking a seat beside me.

"Oh, nothing, really," I shrugged. "Just waiting for the crew to return so we can board the Black Pearl and leave. I know we only just arrived, but I am ready to return. This place… it doesn't sit right." My eyes traced the horizon and I heard Will shift.

"I can feel it too, but I don't think going back will sit right either."

"Meaning finding a way to fight Beckett so we can free your father? Or Elizabeth?" I looked at Will. Him lowering his head was the only answer I needed. "So, Elizabeth, then."

"Yes," he whispered. "I don't understand why she didn't tell me."

Discovering the kiss Will saw was a ruse to trap Jack aboard the Black Pearl changed everything: Will's thoughts, the emotions at play, the actions she took. She never loved Jack. Therefore, she never stopped loving Will. My heart fell, despite knowing them being together was the right path. The only path.

"If she had, I never would have thought…" he continued. "I would have understood. We could have worked through everything together, but she decided to keep her lie."

"She did not mean to lie," I murmured. My soul ached at defending her because it meant taking a step back from him, but Will had yet to hear her reasoning. It was not like him. Something else was on his mind, clouding his judgement. "I have said it before, but I think it would be best to speak with her. Not now, but soon."

When I turned to him again, I was met with such a piercing stare that my breath caught. I could hardly move. Does he not want to sort everything out with her? I traced his face, but I was drawn most to his eyes. Desire, desperation, fear, and love swirled within his brown iris. The same emotions I felt when I kissed him.

All at once I realized how close we were. Not enough to arouse suspicion of any sort, but more than simply friends should be. And the sun! The heat of it suddenly made me dizzy, though perhaps the fault was not entirely due to that. Those mixed with the emotions I saw and the memory on my lips overwhelmed me. I shifted back and made to stand. "I'll check on her first. Make sure she's okay."

When I moved, Will took hold of my hand. "Evelyn, wait. I…" He trailed into silence but with another gaze so penetrating my heart leapt into my throat. I wanted to say something, but my mouth felt dry. We did not waiver until, at length, his grasp loosened and those emotions dissipated from his eyes. He forced a smile. "You're right. I will talk to her when we're aboard the Pearl. We have a lot to discuss."

It seemed like there was more he wanted to say, but as I waited, he made no motion to add anything else. "All right, then," I slowly said with a nod. This time when I stood, he did not stop me. "I'll be over there if you need me." I flashed a smile and was met with a brief sincere one. That was enough for me to feel comfortable leaving, and to ignore the nagging sensation that there was more left out than said. On both our parts.

When I did manage to clear my head enough to approach Elizabeth, I noticed she was completely alone. Not even Tau Huang's men dared to linger near her. She had found a large piece of wood to sit on and her hands rested on her knees. The boats were making their return journey from the Black Pearl, so we did not have much time left on the beach. Her gaze did not shift from them.

"Elizabeth?" Despite the softness of my voice, she jumped. She spun around to face me, her eyes wide. I immediately put my hands up. "Sorry! Did not mean to frighten you. I just wanted to check on you, considering everything that's happened."

She arched a brow. "You're not mad at me like everyone else certainly is?"

"Well, perhaps a little. It would have saved us a trip here…" I paused for a moment then smiled to let her know I meant to harm in my statement. To my surprise, I saw the hint of one twitch her lips. It was fleeting, but at least she understood. I sat on the ground in front of her. "But your actions did save us from the Kraken. I do not believe it would have left us alone while Jack had the Black Spot. And it took us out of Davy Jones's sights! That has to count for something. Even though you did… kill him."

"I do believe you are the only person on this entire place who believes such things. Although…" She traced my face, as though trying to decipher what she should tell me. "It is nice to finally have someone to talk about this with… a friend. No one else has even tried."

This time when she smiled, a true genuine smile, it did not fade away. She truly did appreciate my company. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Of course."

"It's all so freeing!" She said. I had not seen her this… relieved in quite some time. "Every day I carried the guilt of knowing I killed someone I cared about, and I saw how it affected those around me. And now, everyone knows… I would have carried this with me forever if not for Jack." She trailed off for a moment, retreating to her thoughts. "But I'm bringing him back. My debt is settled." The sadness and guilt from before slowly returned, turning her skin pale. I had to pull her out.

"Why would you want to keep such a burden to yourself?"

"Because I…" she looked about the space behind me, collecting herself. "Evelyn, have you ever done something you equally felt was wrong but would never change if given the chance?"

Kiss your fiancé.

I pulled my knees to my chest, my heart pounding. "Yes."

"Then you know how difficult it can be! The pull of speaking truthfully yet wanting to avoid the consequences…" Her voice lowered. "I thought I could do it… That I would be strong enough." She took a shaky breath. "I am sorry for any pain I may have caused you, Evelyn. It was not my intent."

"Thank you." I smiled at her again, hoping if I continued to do so her spirits would rise. Then perhaps her inevitable confrontation with Will would go smoother. However, I could tell piece by piece she was returning to her former secluded mindset. That the time I had left was precious. "You are strong, Elizabeth. Possibly the strongest woman I have ever met! But having strength is also acknowledging not all things need to be carried alone. I hope if ever you feel trapped again, you will confide in me. Will, too, could help. I'm sure of it."

"Will," she sighed. Her lips fell to a frown and she sadly chuckled. "I am most afraid of speaking to him."

We turned to him sitting on the beach, right where I had left him. He did not notice our stare. I turned back to Elizabeth, but she continued to look at him. "Why would you be afraid of that? I know he will understand, especially if you tell him what you've told me."

"He's been hurting for so long. I know you've seen it. You've hardly left his side and pushed him to speak with me those moments he did, which I do thank you for. However, I've seen his pain, too, and have done nothing. I could hardly look at him without feeling ashamed of who I was and what I did. And now…"

She looked at him in silence for a long time. I could not tell what she wanted to find in him, but when she did finally turn, her gaze immediately fixated on me. A strange feeling erupted in my stomach and I felt my heart pulsating in my ears. It was not guilt, but perhaps some of the fear Elizabeth had expressed. But fear for who? Elizabeth? That could not be it. She did not seem angered, but there was something about her expression that uneased me. Some form of understanding she reached that involved me. My own eyes narrowed with curiosity. What does she know?

Elizabeth took a breath. When she spoke, her words were firm. As though whatever decision she had reached was final. Yet there was a twinge of sadness I could not place. "And now things have changed."