Chapter Nineteen
The First Love's Tale
Jack was now sitting on the couch of Jon's living room, slouching down, as he just sat there, waiting for Jon to come home. He has been waiting for the past twenty minutes, and Jon hadn't come home yet. Rose was still upstairs, possibly playing with Amanda, as Katherine was setting up the dining table in the dining room. Jack ran his fingers through his hair, as he sighed, getting up from the couch. Suddenly, Jack heard the doorknob turn. Jack's head lifted to face the wooden door, as he watched it open, revealing Jonathan with a light jacket and a hat on his head. He seemed to be whistling, as he took his hat off and put it on the hanger, beside the door. Closing the front door, he took off his light jacket as he put it up on the coat hanger as well.
“Kat, I'm home!” Jon called out, as he made his way towards the living room. He stopped when he saw Jack stand in the middle of his living room.
“Why, Jack, what are you doing here?” Jon asked, smiling.
“Ah, I was just waitin' for ya to come home.” Jack said. “And I just wanted to talk to ya for awhile. You know, catch up on the good ol' times.”
“Why not?” Jon asked, smiling. Jack smiled back. Suddenly, Katherine entered the living room. Jon turned to face his wife. “Hey, Kat.” Jon smiled as he kissed his wife on the lips. “So, I see that you have met my beautiful wife here.” Jon said, placing his arm around her shoulder.
“Yeah I have.” Jack said. “And your daughter too.”
“My Mandy girl.” Jon said. “You gotta love her.” Jon smiled.
“Of course.” Jack said.
“Mandy!” Jon called out.
“Daddy!” They heard Amanda yell from her bedroom. Suddenly, they heard running footsteps, until Amanda was standing at the top of the stairs.
“Daddy!” Amanda smiled, as she descended the stairs, while holding onto the railings of the banister, until she was standing at the bottom step of the stairs. She ran to her father, as he lifted her up and spun her around, kissing her cheeks as he done so.
“There's, my Mandy girl!” Jon said, balancing his daughter on his lips. Amanda wrapped her little around her father's neck, as she rested her head onto Jonathan's chest. He kissed the top of her blonde head as he set her down. “Go on in the dining room and help mommy set the table.” Jon said, gently pushing his daughter towards her mother.
“Okay.” Amanda said as she walked up to her mother as she held her hand and walked in the dining room.
Footsteps were heard from the upper level of the house. Jack turned his head as he heard more footsteps by the stairs. Soon enough, Rose stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at Jack, a smile on her face. Her hand rested on the banister as her foot took the first step down the stairs. Her red dress flowed behind her as she walked down the stairs, standing beside her husband. Her hair fell down her back, as a few strands of curls were on the sides of her face. Her sapphire-emerald eyes shone with love and care as she looked up at her one and only love. The one man that she would ever fall in love with, every time she looked up at him. Jack smiled as he pressed his lips onto hers, giving her a gentle, but yet intense, loving kiss, as his rough lips brushed against her soft, moist ruby red lips.
When they parted from their short kiss, Jack looked down at her, as he found her loving smile on her alabaster skinned face. Jack's hand went up to her cheek, as his rough, but gentle, thumb brushed against her skin, as he caressed it with much love and care, yet showing her his meaning of his love just by the touch of his skin upon hers. Rose's fingers ran through Jack's tousled blonde hair, as she felt every strand of hair separate from each other, when her fingers slowly traveled through his blonde hair. Jack smiled as he kissed the top of her head. Both had loving smiles on their faces.
“Okay, lunch is ready guys!” Katherine called from the dining room. Jack and Rose turned, to find Jonathan shaking his head, as he smiled.
“My, my.” Jonathan said. “I never knew that newlyweds could be this ridiculous.” Jack smiled.
“C'mon, I'm sure you were like this when you first married.” Jack said.
“Well, I was…and I still am.” Jon said, smiling as he walked towards the dining room. Jack and Rose smiled at each other as they followed Jonathan to the dining room.
Their dining room has wooden walls, as well as a wooden floors. Their wall had designs of little yellow and white daisies. In the middle of the dining room, there was a rectangular shaped dining table, which was set with silverware, white dishes with a gold trim, wine glasses, and the food at the center, which contained of mashed potatoes, pork chops, and a green salad. The five chairs that were pushed in were the same as the dining table, wooden with the color of mahogany. A high-chair was placed beside the end table, with a juice cup and a small plate filled with Amanda's food. As Rose looked around the medium-sized dining room, she smiled, deciding that this was a perfect-sized dining room, for a perfect sized family.
“Well, why don't ya guys have a seat.” Jon said, urging for Jack and Rose to take their seats. “You wouldn't wanna eat standing up, do ya?” Jack laughed, as he helped Rose sit down beside Jon. Once Rose was seated and pushed in, Jack helped Katherine in her seat, after she set Amanda on her high-chair.
“Why, thank you, Jack.” Katherine smiled as she pushed herself in.
“Not a problem.” Jack said, as he sat beside his wife, pushing himself in. Amanda folded her hands together and bowed her head, as did Katherine and Jon. Jack and Rose were soon to follow their example, as Amanda began to thank the Lord.
“Dear Lord, thank you for the yummy food that my mommy makes, and thank you for Rosie and Jack, and thank you for mommy and daddy, and thank you for Angel, and thank you for this house, and thank you for my family. Amen.” Amanda said, as she unfolded her hands and began eating her mashed potatoes. Rose smiled as she elegantly picked up her fork and began eating the mashed potatoes as well. Rose placed the forkful of mashed potatoes into her mouth as she chewed it professionally, with her mouth closed and her back straight. She was still used to her upper class manners, that it's hard for her to let it go. Jonathan noticed the way she sat, and the way she ate the food; with elegance and with upper class style.
“So, uh, where'd you two meet?” Jon asked. “All Jack told me was that you guys met on a ship.” Jack and Rose looked at each other, fright shining in their once happy eyes. Both grew nervous as they tried to contemplate on whether to tell them or not.
“Uh, well, it's a long story.” Jack said, as he put a forkful of a piece of pork chop into his mouth, chewing it quickly.
“Well, we're not goin' anywhere.” Jon said, wiping his mouth with his napkin. Jack coughed slightly.
“Well, I dunno if it's good to tell you guys in from of Amanda, here.” Jack said. “It might be a little too soon for her to know.”
“Well, then, you could tell us after lunch.” Jon said. “Amanda always goes over her friend's house, after we eat lunch. She'll be staying for two hours. That should give you enough time to tell us.” Jack sighed and nodded as he continued to eat his food. Rose became quiet as she slowly ate her food, but still as elegantly as before. Rose set her fork down as she placed her two hands onto the dinner table.
“May I be excused?” Rose asked, as she got up, and left the dining room, to go out on the porch. Jon and Katherine were the only ones confused. Jack just ran his fingers through his hair, as he sighed heavily.
“Was it something I said?” Jonathan asked, confused.
“Sorta.” Jack said, getting up. “I'll be back.” Jack left the dining room as he went out on the porch, where he found Rose sitting on the porch swing, crying. “Rose…” Jack said, as he went towards her. She looked up at him, with her tear-filled eyes.
“Oh, Jack.” Rose cried, as she got up and threw her arms around his neck, holding him close.
“Shhh,” Jack whispered, as he gently rubbed her back, resting his chin on the top of her head, as her head rested on his chest, tears falling down her delicate cheeks. “I'm here, Rose. Everything's gonna be okay, I promise.” He held her as close to him as he could, wanting to take the pain and the fear away from Rose, so she could be happy again; so he could see that wonderful smile on her face once more. Jack drew in the scent of her crimson colored hair, as he buried his face into her curls. “Everything's gonna be okay…I promise.”
Rose looked up at her husband, as he held her close, his hands resting at the small of her back. She looked into his eyes and she saw love shining down at her. Not only did she see love, she saw care, fright, pain, hurt, and sorrow, shine into his eyes, the same emotions, and the same feelings as she had locked inside her. She saw his eyes move around her face, as if examining her face for any more hurt and pain, so he could kiss them away. Rose just buried her face in the crook of his neck, as she wrapped her arms around his masculine body. More hurtful tears fell from her eyes, as it trickled down her face and fell onto Jack's neck. A gentle breeze hit them, causing for Rose's dress to fly behind her as she held onto her loving husband. She closed her eyes and envisioned him floating upon the freezing waters, as she lay on a wooden debris, desperately trying to wake him up, when he wouldn't open his eyes. When he left her for good. This would break Rose's heart, every time she thought of it. Not matter how hard she tried to block it out of her mind, it would creep back in. Rose knew it was impossible to erase Titanic from her mind. Jack's hand slowly caressed her back, as her hair flew in the cool breeze. Rose's hands now clutched onto his shirt, as more tears escaped her sapphire-emerald eyes.
“Jack…” Rose whispered, as she slowly lifted her head from its hiding spot. “I'm scared…I'm scared that if we tell them, that all the hurt and all the pain we've been through would come back to me and hurt me even more. I'm scared, because I almost lost you on that fateful night. I can't bear to lose you again, and I can't bear to live with the same feeling again.” Rose cried, as she looked down. “I don't know, but, I'm afraid. It happened a mere week ago, and talking about it now, it seems too soon. Too sudden. I couldn't possibly go through that again. Please, Jack, I can't. I don't know if I can live through it again.”
“I understand, and we don't have to tell them the truth, yet.” Jack said. “Maybe, someday, in the near future, we'll tell them the exact story on how we met, but for now, we're gonna have to stick with one story, that is similar to our own, and when the time is right, we'll tell them exactly how we met.” Rose nodded her head, as she held onto him, for dear life.
“Okay, Jack.” Rose said, calming down from her tears. Her fingers brushed through her cheeks, as she wiped away every tear of hurt and despair away, composing herself, taking the skill of an upper class woman, who went to finishing school. Sighing, she looked up at her husband. “We'll stick to your plan, for now. Until the time is right, we'll tell them the truth on how we met.” Jack smiled, as he pressed his lips onto her curls.
“Ready?” Jack asked.
“I'm ready.” Rose said, slipping her hand into his, as they went back inside the house, and to the dining room, where they heard Jon and Katherine talking. They stopped at the edge of the dining room door, so they could eavesdrop on their conversation.
“I dunno, Kat, maybe they were on it.” Jon said.
“They couldn't have been.” Katherine denied. “I mean, a guy like Jack, on the Titanic? Think about it, Jon.” Jack closed his eyes as he heard this.
“Kat, Jack is a poor guy, I know, cause I was once also.” Jon said.
“Jon, don't judge people before you know them.” Katherine warned.
“I already do know him!” Jon said.
“So, he could've changed. You haven't seen him in what…two, three years?” Katherine asked.
“Well, I dunno, maybe he could've but still.” Jon said. “Kat, something's up between those two, and I know it. They're hiding something. I know they are. Every time I ask ‘em where'd they meet, they'd get all quiet and their faces gets all white, as if they seen a ghost or somethin'.”
“Jon, don't argue with me on this. I just met them, and they seem like nice people, to me.” Katherine said.
“They are nice people!” Jon said. “No one said they weren't, but somethin' is suspicious between those two. Haven't you even looked at Rose? Haven't you watched her eat? She eats as if she were a first class lady or somethin'. Now, what is a first class girl, doin' with a guy like Jack. Answer that question, Kat.”
“I don't know, Jon!” Katherine shouted. “I honestly don't know! I'm not going to judge them, just because you find a few suspicions. Jon, you weren't the one to judge people.”
“I'm not judging them!” Jon shouted. “All I'm sayin' is that they could've been on that ship. Just last night, I heard Jack sayin' that he met Rose on a ship, then he got all quiet. After that, he told us that it was a long story that he isn't ready to tell yet. Jack is my friend, I know he is, but he's hidin' somethin'' from me, and I'm not likin' it. He used to be truthful to me back when I first met him, now all he's doin' is lyin' to me.”
“Jon, say if they were on the Titanic. Would you think that they'd be ready to tell us?” Katherine pointed us. “I mean, more than fifteen hundred people died on that night, for Christ's sake! If they were on that ship, they witnessed many people lose their lives over nothing!” Katherine exclaimed.
“Jon, be a man, and just be patient. It's their business, not ours. You mustn't push them into telling you something they don't want to discuss yet. Moreover, you mustn't make them feel bad. You haven't even given them a chance to finish their lunch, then you mention where they met.”
“Kat, it was a simple, innocent question!” Jonathan said.
“I know, but maybe for them, it wasn't that easy to answer. Maybe they've been through some kind of crisis or something.” Katherine said. “Jon, give them time, please. Don't be stupid.”
“I'm not, Kat, I'm not.” Jon said, sighing. “I'm just curious, that's all. I've known Jack for quite a while now, and he disappeared two years ago, leaving me to wonder if he was alive or not. Now, he returns with a wife beside him. I wanna know what happened, for I'm his friend. I care for him, Kat, I really do. He's like a second brother to me. But if he keeps on lyin' then I dunno what I'd do.”
“Jon, please, don't throw your relationship out the window, just because you're curious.” Katherine said. “Jon, they have their own lives to live. They're individual people, who love each other, just like we do. Jon, it would hurt me if your friendship with Jack breaks, just because you want to know here they had met. Jon, like I said before, don't do anything stupid.”
Jack and Rose just stayed back, staring at each other as they heard their conversation. Rose's eyes watered with fresh new tears, as Jack leaned his head against the wall, as he closed his eyes. He sighed as he tightened his grip on Rose's hand. Jack looked down at her as he placed a small smile on his lips, to make her ease down her worries. Rose smiled back as she nodded her head. Jack nodded his head as well as he led them into the dining room. Once they entered the dining room, Jonathan stood up straight, as Katherine looked over her shoulder.
“Oh, hi Jack, Rose.” Katherine said. “I see that you're back. Why don't you two take a seat.” Jack and Rose obeyed, as both took their seats on the same dining room chairs they had sat in earlier. There was silence in the dining room, neither knowing what to say. Amanda was the one to break the silence.
“Mommy, I'm done.” Amanda said. Katherine turned and got out of her chair, as she helped Amanda out of the high-chair, allowing for her daughter to go up to her room, to play. Once Katherine placed the tray back onto the high-chair, she sat back down, and looked at the three people before her. Jon sat there, his eyes looking from Rose to Jack, his eyes showing fright as he hoped that they hadn't overheard their conversation. Jack and Rose just sat there quietly, neither wanting to discuss anything, or wanting to start a conversation. Rose picked up her fork, as she began playing with the food before her. She had lost her appetite from when Titanic had crept through her mind, and she wasn't really looking forward to nutrition and protein at the moment. She looked over at Jack, finding him doing the same thing. Rose gently placed her fork down, as she placed her hands onto her lap, her back as straight as if a piece of board was holding her up. Her red curls fell gracefully down her back, as a few strands were in front of her sorrowful face. Rose tucked a strand of curl behind her ear, as she drew in a soft, deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. At the corner of her eye, she could see Jack run his fingers through his hair, as he sighed.
Katherine looked at Jack and Rose, who seemed to be nervous about something. She looked over at her husband and found him playing with his food, just as Rose had done earlier. She glanced over at Rose and found fright shining in her eyes, as if she had been through something terrible and frightening. Katherine was beginning to wonder if Jonathan had been right. Maybe Jack and Rose had been on the Titanic. Maybe they had been through all that pain and witnessed more than fifteen hundred people die. No matter how curious she was, she wasn't going to be the one to ask them. She respected their privacy, and if they wanted to keep that to themselves, then she was willing to allow them to do so. To distract herself from her curiosity, she got up and began gathering up the dirty dishes that was left on the table. Rose looked up and got up as well, helping her with the dishes.
“Oh, no, you don't have to.” Katherine objected.
“No, I want to.” Rose said, her face still as grim as before. Katherine just gave her a small smile as she picked up the last dish on the table, and led Rose towards the kitchen, leaving the two men to their own privacy.
Jack just sat there, not knowing what to say, or what to do. He had just heard Jonathan interpret that he might've been on the Titanic, and Jack knowing it was true, hadn't wanted to discuss it just yet. It was too soon, for it happened only a week ago. A mere week. Just eight days when they had disembarked the Carpathia. But, ten days ago when the ship had sunk. Ten days ago, when more than fifteen hundred people perished. Lost their lives, before they had the chance to witness how America really was. He looked over at Jon, finding him uncomfortable, and his eyes shining with fright, as if he knew that Jack heard something he wasn't supposed to hear. Jack sighed as he closed his eyes for a brief moment, to calm his nerves down. When he opened them, he just stared at Jon, trying to debate whether to tell him the truth or not.
“Jack…” Jon began. Jack's eyes stared into Jon's, listening to every word he was going to say. “How much did you hear?” Jack looked down at his hands, playing with his wedding ring.
“Practically all of it.” Jack said. Jon sighed, as he covered his face with his hands.
“Jack, I'm sorry, I…” Jonathan began.
“Jon,” Jack began, as he looked up at his friend. “you're my friend. My good friend. I met you two years ago, at the Santa Monica pier. You were a good friend to me, and you took good care of me when I needed it. But then, five months passed, and I told ya I was leavin'. I headed over to New York, and stayed there for a couple of weeks, before I hopped on a ship to head over to Europe.” Jack said, moving his hair away from his face. “Jon, my life hadn't been easy. I never told you what happened in my life. I never told anyone but Fabri and Rose.”
“Who's Fabri?” Jon asked, his voice low.
“He was my best friend. A friend in which I've known for a whole year.” Jack said, his eyes shining with sorrow, at the mention of Fabrizio. “I met him in Italy. After I went to Paris.” Jack looked at his friend, his face sorrowful. His mind then drifted to the time when he first met Fabrizio.
***
Jack Dawson stepped out of the sailboat, as he threw his duffel bag over his shoulder. He was now in Rome, when he came from Paris, France. Jack Dawson had been on his own for the past four years, since his parents passed on. He was nineteen years old, and is a very talented artist. He has been traveling from the United States, to Europe, wanting to find where his life would take him. It was December, 21, 1911, at probably five in the evening. It was very chilly out, so he hugged his light jacket close to him. He didn't have a heavy coat, since he couldn't afford one, so he was stuck with his light jacket. Shivering, Jack swung his hair away from his face, as he began to walk away from the pier, in hopes of finding a decent place to stay.
Not watching where he was going, he bumped into a boy, who looked to be about his age. Jack's duffel bag fell out of his shoulder, and his portfolio fell out of his hands, opening as it fell, causing for the drawings to fly out of the portfolio, since there was wind blowing. Jack stared at the boy he bumped into, finding that he had dark hair, with matching eyes. He wore a worn shirt, with black trousers, and a worn hat was placed on his head, slanted. Jack ran his fingers through his hair before he placed his hands in his pockets.
“I-I'm sorry.” Jack apologized. “I didn't see ya there.”
“Va bene.” The Italian boy said, smiling warmly. Jack smiled back. Jack saw one of his drawings fly in the wind.
“Oh, shit!” Jack said, as he chased his ‘flying' drawing. After a few moments of chasing it, he finally retrieved it. Running back towards his portfolio, he placed the drawing in the pile of his other drawings, and closed his portfolio, as he picked it up, along with his duffel bag. Jack was about to walk away, when the Italian boy stopped him.
“Aspetta!” The boy called out. Jack stopped, and turned, holding onto his duffel bag, as his other arm held onto his portfolio. “Ah, mi chiamo Fabrizio. Come ti chiami?” Jack, not knowing much Italian, tried to comprehend on what Fabrizio was asking him. It took a moment or two, for Jack to realize that he was asking for his name.
“Uh, Jack Dawson.” Jack said, smiling, as he held out his hand. Fabrizio took it and shook it, firmly.
“Sono tu Americano?” Fabrizio asked.
“Uh, yeah, I am.” Jack said, smiling.
“I ‘a always wanted to go there.” Fabrizio said. “It's ‘a my dream to be a millionaire in l'America.” Jack smiled.
“Well, then, maybe I'll take ya there sometime.” Jack said. “You know, as a trip or somethin', just the two of us.”
“Of course.” Fabrizio said. “I'd ‘a love that.”
“Great.” Jack said, smiling.
“Ah, do you ‘a have any place to stay?” Fabrizio asked, noticing that Jack was carrying a duffel bag, and was shivering.
“Nah.” Jack said. “But don't ya worry about me. I'll find someplace.”
“You don't ‘a have to.” Fabrizio said. “You can ‘a stay over my place.”
“Nah, I wouldn't wanna be in your way.” Jack said.
“No, you wouldn't ‘a be in my way.” Fabrizio said. “Besides, I ‘a need the company. My mamma, she is very sick, and might pass on soon.”
“Sorry to hear that, Fabri.” Jack said, giving him a sympathetic smile. “My parents passed on four years ago.”
“I'm ‘a sorry.” Fabrizio said. “It must hurt, to not have both ‘a your parents with you.”
“It does, but I moved on.” Jack said. “I still miss ‘em though.”
“Don't ‘a worry.” Fabrizio said. “I'll be here for ‘a you.” Jack smiled.
“Thanks.” Jack said. “I'm glad to hear that, Fabri.”
“Hmm,” Fabrizio said. “Fabri…I like it.”
“So do I.” Jack said, patting him on his shoulder.
“Uh, I'll ‘a take you to my house now.” Fabrizio said. “Oggi è freddo.” Fabrizio said, rubbing his arms together.
“Yeah, it is.” Jack said, smiling, as he followed Fabrizio to his house, which was only a few houses away from where they were standing.
From then, Jack and Fabrizio had become close friends. They had no secrets together, for they told each other absolutely everything. They spent Christmas together, with Fabrizio's mother, Annabella De Rossi, who was a nice woman, but was sick, although they hadn't known with what. Fabrizio couldn't afford to hire a doctor, although he had worked hard to get the money. It would be only one year, until they win the tickets to the grandest ship of the time. The ship that would change Jack's life, but take away the life of his good friend, Fabrizio. The ship that they would board on April tenth of 1912, would be none other the ‘unsinkable' Titanic.
***
“Jack?” Jon said, noticing that Jack was staring off into space.
“What?” Jack asked, as he got out of his trance.
“What happened to him?” Jon asked. Jack looked up at Jon, his face showing sorrow and pain, as his eyes began to water. Jack covered his face with one of his hands, as the other ran through his hair. Jack squeezed his eyes shut, to stop the tears from flowing.
“I-I don't know if I should tell you.” Jack said.
“Why?” Jon asked. “Did he die or somethin'?” Jack looked up at him, anger shining in his blue eyes.
“As a matter of fact, he did!” Jack shouted, as he got up. “You know Jon, you just had the nerve to say that, didn't you? You don't know what I've been through, Jon, you just wouldn't understand.”
“How was I supposed to know?” Jon asked. “You hardly tell me anything anymore.” Jack just looked at him, his face emotionless.
“You know what, Jon,” Jack said. “you like it when you're right, huh?”
“What are you talking about?” Jon asked, confused.
“You just enjoy being right all the time, don't ya?” Jack asked.
“Jack…?” Jon asked, perplexed.
“You're Jon, I have been on the Titanic, with Rose. That's where I met her. I have fallen in love with her onboard that ship, and I have been through everything. I saw the iceberg, after it struck her, I've been locked up at E-deck, because of some fool, while the ship was sinking, I've been through the actual sinking, after Rose freed me, and moreover, I've been there when she went under. So, yes, Jon, I've been on the Titanic. The ‘unsinkable' ship, as those fucking assholes called her.” Jack said, his voice shaking from the tears that managed to escape his eyes. “I've been on the freezing waters, nearly risking my life, so I could save Rose's life. You don't know anything, Jon. You haven't been through anything as tragic as the Titanic. You haven't witnessed more than fifteen hundred people lose their lives over nothing, and…” Jack stopped, as tears of despair fell from his hurt eyes. His body shook from his wretched sobs, as memories from the ship came back to him. As all the pain and the hurt he has been through on the night of April,14,1912--the night where everybody's lives changed forever. No matter how hard he tried to keep his tears from flowing, they kept on coming. The hurt and the pain that he had felt for the past week or more, drained out of him. He glanced over at Jon, his face showing remorse. “Don't you feel sorry for me. I don't want your sympathy. I don't want nobody's sympathy!” Jack yelled. He heard footsteps come from the kitchen, and he looked up, finding Rose and Katherine stand by the doorway. Katherine looked worried, as did Rose. Rose slowly went up to him, as she held his hand.
“Jack?” Rose whispered. “Is everything all right?”
Jack covered his face with his left hand, not wanting Rose to see him cry. Not wanting her to see his hurt, his pain. He hadn't wanted her to see him cry. He hadn't wanted her to see him weak, as if he was a small child. He wanted to stay strong for Rose. He should be the one that should protect her from the cruelty of the world. He should be the one that should comfort her when she's in tears. He hadn't wanted her to comfort him, as if he was a child. He didn't want her to see him like this. All broken up. He cursed himself for doing this. For doing this to Rose. Seeing him in such pain and sorrow, as if he lost someone he truly loved, in which someway, he had. He felt Rose's arms caress his chest, lovingly. He felt her remove his hand from his face, placing it at his side. Jack's eyes looked away from her, him not wanting her to see his tears, but he felt Rose's hands on his cheek, as she forced him to look into her eyes.
“Jack,” Rose said, looking up at him with love and care. Her thumbs gently caressed his cheek, as tears cascaded down his face. Her own eyes shone with tears, for she had never seen Jack cry like this. “you don't need to hide your feelings from me. I'm your wife. I'm your lover. I understand what you're feeling. You know I do.” Rose said. She looked over his shoulder as she found Katherine staring at her, wondering what was wrong. She then looked over at Jon, who just sat there, his face showing off remorse and regret. She looked back over at Jack. She swallowed uneasily. “Jack, I love you, and not matter what happens, nothing will come between us. I'll love you until the day I leave this earth. Jack, you could cry all you want. It doesn't matter if you're a man. Anyone can cry, I'm sure of it.” Jack looked down at her, as he found that no matter what, she will always be there for him. Smiling, Jack leaned down, pressing his lips on top of hers, as they kissed with all the passion and love that was inside them. Jack's hands moved down to the small of her back, as Rose's hands traveled up to his neck, where she held him as close to her as she possibly could. They were oblivious the world around them. They had forgotten that they were in the dining room of the Michaels, that Jon and Katherine were staring at them.
Once they pulled away, they stared at each other with pure love, that they didn't realize that Jon had said something. The only thing that mattered to them was each other, and nothing more. Jack placed his hand on her cheek, as his rough fingers began caressing her delicate, soft cheek with pure love and with extreme gentleness. Rose smiled gracefully as she placed a hand at the top of Jack's masculine chest. She could feel the curves of his strong muscles, beneath the shirt he was wearing. She clutched onto his shirt, as she pressed her face onto his chest, as she felt Jack's arms wrap around her. Her own tears escaped from her eyes, as she held onto Jack for dear life. They were interrupted when Amanda called.
“Mommy!” Amanda called out from her bedroom.
“C-coming sweetie!” Katherine said, as she made her way out of the dining room and up the stairs, leaving Jack, Rose, and Jon to their privacy.
Jack and Rose pulled away from each other, as they turned, to face Jon. Jack looked down at his feet, as Rose, just played with her wedding and her engagement ring, as she twirled them around her finger over and over. She looked up at Jon, as his face kept on showing regret and remorse, as if he wanted to turn back the time, and change the mistakes he had done. Rose tucked a strand of curls behind her ear, as she sighed. She started to feel uncomfortable with the silence that was building up between them. She looked over at Jack, then at Jon, and then back to Jack.
“I'll be outside if you guys need me.” Rose said. “I need some fresh air, to clear my thoughts.” Rose kissed Jack's cheek before leaving the dining room, to head out on the porch. Jack watched Rose leave, and once she was out of sight, Jack looked down at his hands, not wanting to talk. Jon sighed as he walked over to Jack.
“Jack,” Jon began. “I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't mean to upset you this way. I honestly didn't know.” Jack looked up at him.
“Well, it's too late for that, isn't it?” Jack asked. Jon sighed.
“I was just curious, that's all.” Jon said. “I-I haven't seen for two whole years, for Christ's sake, and I wanna know what happened to ya for the past two years, you know.”
“I know, Jon, but--” Jack began.
“I am your friend, you know,” Jon said, looking up at Jack. “I helped you through everything, and you just keep everything from me.”
“Jon, it's not easy talking about this type of situation.” Jack said. “What would you do if you been through what I've been through, huh?”
“I would tell anybody I possibly could.” Jon said.
“Yeah, sure.” Jack said, getting up. “You say that now, but if you have been through the same situation I have, you would think otherwise.”
“Jack--” Jon began.
“No, Jonathan.” Jack said. “Listen, lots of innocent people perished on that night, including my best friend.” Jack said, looking back at Jon. “You wanna know what my life has been like for the past two years? Well, I'll tell you then.” Jack said, his face showing off anger, hurt, despair, betrayal, regret, and sorrow. “I went to Italy when I was nineteen, back in 1911. I was in Rome, coming from Paris, France. As I was walking in the chill, I bumped into a boy, who looked to be my age, and we introduced each other. His name was Fabrizio De Rossi. I've moved in with him, in his small house, with his mother, for the past year. It's a rundown house. It only had one bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a small living room.
Me and Fabri slept in the living room, on the floor.” Jack said, his eyes showing off a distant look, as if he was reminiscing the moment. He sighed, as he continued his story. “A year passed by, and it was April tenth of 1912 and both of us went over to a pub. We brought our belongings with us, for some reason. We found two Swedes, looking for two extra poker players, so Fabri and I volunteered and we played poker. I bet all the little money I had left, and Fabrizio placed his father's pocketknife on the table as well. The two Swedes bet a pocket watch, some money, but the big thing is that one of the Swedes bet their tickets on the Titanic. Sure enough, I won the poker game, and we were headed to board the ship, five minutes prior to its departure.” Jack said, taking a seat beside Jonathan.
“So, you're telling me, that you won the tickets on the Titanic at poker?” Jonathan asked.
“Yeah.” Jack said. “You know how good I am at poker.”
“Of course I do.” Jon said, giving him a small smile.
“Anyway,” Jack sighed. “we went down to third class and went in our cabin. The next day, however, was the day I first laid eyes on Rose. As you may have noticed, she has an upper class appeal to her.” Jonathan nodded. “Well, that's because she was a first class passenger aboard the ship.”
“What?” Jonathan said, shocked. “Then, how'd she get with you?”
“Wait, I'll get to that part.” Jack said. “Fabri, a new friend, Thomas Ryan, who prefers to be called Tommy, and myself went back down to the third class section of the ship. When night came, I decided to go out on deck to watch the stars, and to smoke. As I was gazing out at the stars, I heard running footsteps, and I caught a glimpse of a red-headed woman running towards the stern, in a beautiful red dress. Being the man that I am, I got up and slowly followed her. To my surprise, I found her climbing the railing of the stern.”
“Oh, my Lord!” Jon said, surprised at what he had just heard. “She wasn't…?”
“Well, I prevented her from jumping, of course.” Jack said, looking up at him. “You see, I kinda convinced her not to jump, giving her small clues on how life is really worth living and such. But as I was about to help her get back onto the ship, she slipped on the train of her dress, nearly falling overboard, but luckily I held onto her hand tightly. She screamed, terrified, as she thought that I'd let her go. I convinced her that I wouldn't, and soon enough, I had her back on the ship. We both fell down, me partially on top of her, and her frightened and shaking. Just then, these officer looking people came, thinking that I was sexually assaulting her, which I wasn't.”
“They thought you were gonna rape her?” Jon asked. He let out a chuckle. “Wow, Jack Dawson, the non-womanizer, rape a first class woman. That sure is news to me.”
“Well, to them, seeing a third class male passenger, partially atop of first class female passenger, certainly gave them enough evidence that I would ‘rape' her.” Jack said, quoting the word rape. “They called for the Master-at-Arms, who put me in handcuffs, as they fetched her fiancée at the time. Once her fiancée came, he began to berate me, on how I shouldn't have touched Rose or something like that. Rose was the one to get up and tell Cal that she had ‘slipped' while she was trying to look at the propellers.” Jack said, a smile playing upon his lips at the memory. “I, knowing the truth, looked at her, confused. The Master-at-Arms asked me if it was true, and I looked at Rose, who gave me a pleading look, as I nodded and agreed to Rose's little story.”
“Wow, she really did wanna see you again, I see?” Jon said, looking up at him, with a sly smile.
“Supposedly, yes.” Jack said, smiling. “Well, eventually, the Master-at-Arms took the handcuffs off my wrists, as he left. One of the rich people told Cal to give me a reward of some kind, and Cal told his valet, Lovejoy, to give me twenty dollars. Seems to me, that Rose objected to his offer, and suggested to do something else. Cal, then invited me to dinner in first class, to tell my tale to his alleged pals.”
“First class, huh?” Jon said, nodding his head. “Wow, guess you did travel around, huh?”
“Ah, I dunno about that. They just invited me, in reward to saving Rose's life.” Jack said. “The next day, Rose came down to third class, wanting to talk with me, so I followed her up to the first class section of the ship, as we began talking about everything. From the weather, to our childhoods.” Jack said, tapping is fingers on the top of the dining table. “This is where I haven't told you why I was in Santa Monica, alone, at a young age.” Jack said, looking up at him. Jon smiled, and nodded. “Well, you see, I grew up in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. I was by Lake Wissota, drawing. When I was through, I got up and went home. Only, I smelled smoke, coming from my house. I rushed in, and went to my parents room, only to find them dead.” Jack said, his voice choked up from the upcoming tears. “I haven't been back to Wisconsin, since.”
“I'm sorry, pal.” Jon said. “I didn't know.”
“I know.” Jack said, looking down at his hands. “We talked, laughed, and such. Then, she discovered my talent in drawing, when she took my portfolio. I told her about my drawings and such, and we talked some more, until it was time to get ready for the first class dinner. There was a lady, Molly Brown, who allowed for me to borrow her son's tuxedo. When I changed into the tuxedo, Molly led me to the first class dining saloon, which was beautiful, and humongous. It was very elegant. The dome made it look even more beautiful. I glanced at the clock, before I descended the grand staircase. Not being a first class gentleman, I leaned on the post, waiting for Rose to arrive, but seeing how these people walked and stood, I decided to imitate them.
The funny thing is that, Rose's fiancée, Caledon Hockley, hadn't recognized me. He probably thought that I was one of him, a rich class person. A few moments later, Rose arrived. She shocked me. I have honestly never seen anyone as beautiful as Rose was. She wore this red dress, with a long train. She had her hair up and had white gloves, that came up to her elbow. To me, she looked like a princess, a very beautiful princess. I went up to her, and kissed her hand, as every gentleman would. Then, I pointed out my elbow, as she interlocked arms with me. I imitated the rich people, and we had a laugh. Then she re-introduced me to her mother and to her fiancée, which was shocked to find me, look as if I was a rich gentleman. Personally, I always thought I was a gentleman, when it would come to woman. I wouldn't go up to them and have sex with them. You know I'm not that type of guy.”
“I know.” Jon said. “That's why you weren't much of a womanizer when you met me.” Jack smiled.
“Well, I couldn't go with every girl I see.” Jack said. “I just had to wait for the right one. The right one I should marry.”
“Well, I suppose you have found her.” Jon said.
“I sure have.” Jack said, smiling. “And I love her with all my heart and soul.” Jonathan smiled.
“I could see that you do.” Jon said. “I could tell that you two are deeply in love with each other…just as Kat and I are.”
“We are.” Jack said, nodding his head. “From what we've been through, we deserve to be with each other.”
“You don't have to continue.” Jon said. “I understand now. I understand the pain you've been through, witnessing many people lose their lives. And besides, I don't want you to be hurt by the memories of that night. You've told me enough.”
“I appreciate this, Jon.” Jack said. “I really appreciate this.”
“No problem.” Jon said. “I'm here for you.” Jack smiled, and got up, as did Jon, and they both shared a friendly hug.
***
Rose sat out on the front steps, as she left the dining room to allow for Jack and Jon to have their own privacy. There was a cool breeze, that hit Rose, causing for her hair to fly behind her, and her dress to flutter by her feet as she sat down. She placed her hand at the top of her knees, to prevent from her dress to fly up. She gazed around the neighborhood, finding small children running around in their front yards, and finding Amanda play with her friend, Sarah, across the street, from when Katherine dropped her off earlier. Katherine sat beside her, watching her daughter play with her friend. Rose smiled.
“She's adorable.” Rose said, looking over at Katherine.
“I know.” Katherine said. “I wouldn't know what I'd do without her in my life.” Rose just smiled, as she looked down at her left hand. She sighed. Katherine looked over at Rose, finding that she was quiet. “So…are you planning on having any kids of your own?”
Rose looked up at her, surprised that she had asked her that question. She hadn't discussed it with Jack, but she did want to have children of her own someday. Although, she wasn't sure if Jack wanted to have children. He always traveled around, before he met her, and knowing him, she'd probably believe that he'd continue to travel, and during that traveling, she wouldn't suppose that there'd be time for children. Rose would enjoy to become a mother someday, to have the ability to care for her child, and play with them. When she was young, she had always wanted to marry the man she loved, and to share a child with him. Well, she had one wish come true. She had Jack, the man she loved, and she was married to him. But, she'd have to see if Jack was willing to care for a child. To be able to raise their child with much love and care, as he had for her. Rose looked up at Katherine, and gave her a small smile.
“Well,” Rose began. “I'm not sure if Jack wants to have children yet, but I could tell you, that I do. I would love to have children of my own someday, but I guess I have to wait for when the time is right. For when Jack and I are ready to conceive a child, and to have the ability to raise that child when its born.”
“I suppose Jack would be ready.” Katherine said. “Besides, he looks like the father type. By the way he treated Mandy, I'm sure that he'd be a great father.” Rose smiled.
“I'm sure he will.” Rose said.
“So…how'd you two meet?” Katherine asked. Rose looked up, almost immediately, when she heard that question. Her breathing quickened, as her heart began beating rapidly. “If you don't mind my asking.”
“O-of course not.” Rose said, giving her an uneasy smile. “W-well, we met onboard a ship.”
“Oh, how romantic.” Katherine said, smiling. Rose just looked down at her hands.
“But not just any ship.” Rose said, looking up at her. “We met on the Titanic.”
“Oh, my dear Lord.” Katherine said. “So it is true.” Rose nodded. “I'm so sorry.”
“Don't be.” Rose said. “Jack's not dead.” Rose looked into Katherine's eyes as she gave her a small smile. “Besides, if we weren't on the Titanic, we wouldn't have met.”
“Of course.” Katherine said.
“But I'll tell you, it was love at first sight.” Rose said. “Something that I have never felt before, in my entire life.” Katherine smiled at her.
“It was the same way with Jon and me.” Katherine said. Rose smiled.
“So, how'd you two meet?” Rose asked.
“Well, I was walking down the beach, here in Santa Monica. I believe it was April twentieth of the year 1909,” Katherine said. “and as I was walking, I bumped into Jon, nearly falling over, but luckily Jonathan held onto me, preventing me from falling down. From that moment on, we've been in love. I became pregnant with Amanda by June, married Jonathan in July, and gave birth to dear Amanda on February, by the following year.” Katherine watched as her daughter hugged Sarah. “Amanda and Sarah had known each other ever since they were born. It's truly a wonder, watching as your child grows. Before you know it, she'll marry, and have her own kids.” Rose chuckled.
“Don't rush it, now, Kat.” Rose said. “She's only three, you know.”
“I know.” Katherine said, smiling.
“But it's amazing on how we both met our loved ones.” Rose said. “I first laid eyes on Jack when I was out on deck.” Rose glanced over at Katherine. “I was a first class passenger, and he was third. Once our eyes locked, I have fallen in love with him.”
“So, you're rich?” Katherine asked.
“Not technically.” Rose said. “I was, before the Titanic.”
“Then, how…?” Katherine asked.
“Well, you see, a year ago, my father passed on.” Rose said.
“I'm terribly sorry.” Katherine said. Rose smiled.
“It's okay. Thank you.” Rose said. “Anyway, after he passed on, we didn't have enough money to pay for the doctor bills, leaving us in great debt. My mother, she forcefully got me engaged to the first richest man she laid her eyes on, and sure enough, it was Caledon Hockley.”
“Caledon Hockley?” Katherine said, in shock. “The Caledon Hockley?” Rose nodded. “Why, isn't he a handsome fellow?”
“Well, I wouldn't say he wasn't, but at the time, he was rude, obnoxious, possessive, and a jerk.” Rose said. “He wouldn't allow for me to speak with any man, without him getting jealous, and if I did, he would beat me, berate me, and later on, he would have me by his side, never allowing for me to speak with any man, unless he was a relative.”
“Wow,” Katherine said. “I wouldn't have thought that Caledon Hockley would act that way.”
“Nobody would've thought that Cal would act that way. To everyone, he was a perfect gentleman, the perfect fiancée, in my mother's eyes. He was perfect to everyone else, besides me.” Rose said.
“Where is he now?” Katherine asked.
“Here.” Rose said.
“Oh, my…” Katherine said.
“No, he isn't as violent as he was then.” Rose said. “We became friends. And for the first time, he became friends with Jack. Something that shocked me, from when I first met Cal.”
“Well, everybody changes.” Katherine said.
“Suppose so.” Rose said, smiling. Katherine and Rose continued to talk, as they grew to become friends--good friends. Both talked about their childhoods and of their family. By the time it was evening, Katherine went across the street, to pick up her daughter, leading her back towards the house, as the three went inside.