The next morning found Rose sound asleep on the couch in the exact same position she had been sitting in the night before. She let out a yawn as she stretched the kinks out of her muscles. She couldn't believe that she had fallen asleep like that the night before. She couldn't even explain to herself why, except she had been so disturbed by her mother and Cal's plans that she had set up thinking of ways for self preservation for herself.
She didn't know what she was going to do. She really didn't want to leave this place. The people were nice, they were behind a huge gate and they were safe and secure. Cal and mother will get them kicked out for sure. As of now, she knew that this was all temporary. If she didn't think of a way to separate herself from her mother and Cal, she could forget about ever being permanently safe again.
A knock at the door disrupted her thoughts. Running her fingers through her messy curls, she got up and opened the door to Jack, who held two bags of groceries in his arms.
"Jack?" She stared, surprised to see him this early.
"Good morning, Rose. I thought I'd drop these supplies off for you and yours this morning before breakfast," Jack's smile was bright and friendly, unaware of Rose's worries. "Can I come in?"
"Oh sure, come in," She stepped aside to let him enter. "You didn't have to do this."
"Oh it's no problem. I thought it'd be a help with you guys being new here and all,"Jack chuckled, sitting the bags on the counter. "Um, most of this is all canned goods, of course. All the fresh stuff is kept in the communal kitchen right off the cafeteria. This is just like if you get hungry between meals or don't feel like being in a noisy environment, which the cafeteria is when it's mealtime."
"This is great, thank you," Rose walked up and began helping him unload. "I really appreciate it."
"I also wanted to see if you'd like me to escort you to breakfast at the cafeteria. It's starting right about now. It usually lasts for a few hours. Then there's lunch, then dinner tonight..."
She was hungry, but she wasn't ready to see her mother and Cal just yet. She was still too angry with them. "Sure. I'll tell mother and Cal when I return...we kind of had an argument last night and I'm still out of sorts with them."
"Oh," Jack frowned, curious about what the argument had been about, but deciding not to ask. He didn't want to pry or seem rude once again. "Well then, it's just you and me. Oh and I found some books that I thought you might like. Two are Stephen King books, here's one called The Bronze Horseman, I think that one is a romance...and here's one about Monet. It has all his paintings and tells of his life drawing landscapes...pretty awesome."
"Are you a fan of Monet? I love his work. It's extraordinary."
"Yes, I love his use of color. I may not draw landscapes, but I admire his style. If only I was alive back then, I would love to have a conversation with him."
"Hmm, go back in time just to chat with Monet. I'd love to talk to Picasso. His work is all truth, but no logic. Very fascinating. I wonder how his mind worked, you know?"
Jack was ecstatic. Here he was, actually having a conversation about art and artists with someone! He never thought that would happen again once the world came to an end. The more he got to know this beautiful girl, the more he liked her.
"I'm not much of a Picasso fan. I always felt that the cubism and dottism in that era had no heart to it, but when you say it like that, it sounds interesting."
"Oh he's my favorite. If you come across a Picasso painting, think of me."
Jack smiled, admitting to himself that ever since he came across Rose and her group, she had really been the only thing on his mind. "That's a promise I can keep."
"Well, I guess we better get to the cafeteria if we want to get the good stuff. They don't reheat the food for late comers."
"Lead the way," Rose smiled almost feeling guilty for not checking on her mother and Cal, but remembering what they had said last night, she figured that they deserved it. She followed Jack to the student union, down a flight of stairs, and through some double doors that lead into a large room with some tables and chairs. There was a huge banquet table on the right wall laden with smoking hot food and people lined up filling up their plates with what looked to be eggs and sausage.
"Follow me. I'll make sure you get something good," Jack winked, leading her over to the banquet table.
"There you are, darlin'. I was wondering if you were going to be joining us on time," a heavy set dark haired woman grinned as Jack and Rose walked up.
"Good morning, Molly. I was just showing Rose the way here," Jack greeted the woman, handing Rose a plate. "Rose, this is Molly Brown. She's like everyone's mother, here. If you ever need anything, and I can't help, just ask her. Molly, this is Rose."
"Ah, you're the little girl our Jack is sweet on, huh," Molly winked, causing Jack to blush. He wished that people would stop teasing him.
"Cut it out," He simply replied.
"Welcome, Rose. He's a good one if you're interested," Molly chuckled.
"I'm sorry. Everyone keeps trying to fix me up with someone, I don't know what it is," Jack rolled his eyes and showed Rose to where the food was.
Rose had to admit, she really didn't mind. Jack was kind and handsome and he made her feel safe. She definitely couldn't deny that she liked him way more than she should, being an engaged woman.
After their plates were loaded down with food and they each had a glass of water in their hands, Jack lead the way over to the table where his friends were sitting.
"Hey, Rose! We're glad to see you join us," Helga smiled, scooting over so Rose could slide in next to her. Jack took the seat next to Fabrizio, right across from Rose.
"Jack came and showed me where to go," Rose smiled, feeling relaxed with these people. It felt like she had found a place where she belonged. Her mother and Cal was so wrong on wanting to keep distance from the people that were giving them a safe place to stay. She prayed that they didn't end up getting her kicked out. She was soon realizing that was her greatest fear.
"So Rose, have you decided what you wanted to do around here? Each one of us has a job. Jack, Fabrizio, an Tommy goes on food runs. Helga and I garden. Molly cooks…," Juliet began.
"Hey, slow down. Give her time, she had just gotten here," Jack frowned, not wanting Rose to feel pressured. Sure, if she was going to remain with them, she was going to have to do a job. It was one of the things that Frank was really strict on, everyone had to chip in, but she still had a few days to decide exactly what she wanted to do.
"It's okay, Jack. I want to do all I can to make sure that I don't end up...back out there," Rose shuddered at just the thought of being expelled. "I just have no idea what to do. If you haven't noticed, my life before the apocalypse hasn't been very...productive. I want things to be different here."
Jack nodded, once again seeing a butterfly batting against glass jar, wanting to be set free. "We'll think of something."
"We have some kids here...and we've been wondering who could teach them things like math and reading…," Tommy piped in, thinking that maybe that would be something Rose would like.
"Classes could be held in one of the class rooms...or in the library if you will," Helga nodded, liking the idea.
"There are also medical books here...read up on that and you can be the community nurse or something!" Juliet also smiled. "Or you can just join us in the garden."
"I kind of like the idea of teaching," Rose nodded. "And doing some extra reading won't hurt either..."
"Cool. We'll talk to Uncle Frank about it. How about your mother and that fella you're with? Any idea on what they may want to do?" Jack asked, having a feeling that the pair lacked the willingness to work that Rose seemed to have.
"No. It'd probably be best if your uncle just assigns them something. Mother is great with sewing...I don't know what Cal and Lovejoy can do...I just...don't want them to get us thrown out of here, you know?" She frowned. She hadn't meant to open up about her fears like that, but they were at the forefront of her mind right now. They had been so smug yesterday. Like they still had the same power that they once had in the old world. It scared her.
"Hey, Uncle Frank is pretty fair. He won't punish you for what they do, okay?" Jack reached over and placed a hand over hers, wanting to sooth her uneasiness. "Right now, you seem willing to pull your weight. He'll see that. If he doesn't, I'll just have to have a talk with him. You don't have to worry, Rose."
"Yeah, he'll see how much boy-o here likes you and won't be so willing to let you leave," Tommy chuckled, receiving a glare from Jack.
"Cut it out. Rose and I are friends. Besides, she's engaged."
Everyone but Rose and Jack just looked each other with tiny smiles. Rose may be engaged, but going by the small glances she gave Jack, most likely she wouldn't be for long and it was obvious that Jack was more than fond of her. They couldn't help but hope that something would come out of what looked to be a mutual attraction. Jack was a nice guy and deserved a spot of happiness and love in a world where it was now hard to come by.
…..
"So you are sure you want to be a teacher?" Jack questioned, as he lead the way to his Uncle's quarters. He and Rose had decided it was best to go to Frank now and let him know that at least Rose had decided on what task to take up.
"I'm pretty sure. I mean, it is needed."
"Okay."
"Jack, wait," She stopped walking and grabbed his arm. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Rose. You can ask me anything," Jack came to stand in front of her. "What's on your mind?"
"Well...Helga and Juliet said that it'd be a good idea to learn how to defend myself against the Walkers, especially if we're over run or I find myself outside the gates and...well...I agree with them. I was just wondering if maybe...you can help me? I mean, you don't have to…."
"Of course I'll help. When do you want to start?"
"Really?"
Jack chuckled. He had to wonder why Rose seemed so surprised that he and everyone else here would be so willing to help her? He wondered what kind of people was she used to being around? Then he remembered her mother and fiancee and stopped being so surprised. "Really. I'll help and so will the gang. By time the month is out, you are going to know everything there is to know about killing Walkers and how to defend yourself against them and anyone else who may be a threat."
"Thank you, Jack. That really means a lot. I am so tired of being afraid. I can't even remember a time when I wasn't."
"I think we've all been there. Sometimes I think back to the time before all of this and it seems like a dream now."
"Mother and Cal think that it'll go back to normal someday. That this is all just temporary and the government will come up with some magical fix."
"What do you think?"
"I think that the world has changed for good. There is no going back. This is it. You either change with it or die."
Jack nodded, agreeing with her. "I feel the same way. If things ever do go back to the way it was, it'll be long after we're gone. It won't be going back anytime soon."
They began walking again, feeling rather relaxed with one another. There seemed to be none of the tension and stress that was there when Rose was around her mother, Cal, or Lovejoy. She wished that she could find a way to be away from her mother and Cal for good.
"Here we are. My Uncle's personal quarters. As you already know, he's a gruff man, so don't take him seriously. He doesn't mean any harm, he just doesn't beat around the bush," Jack turned to her.
"Okay."
"Okay," Jack smiled, giving her hand a supportive squeeze before knocking on the door.
Frank opened the door and frowned at Rose, who stepped a little closer to Jack.
"What do you want?" Frank asked, looking Rose up and down with a small frown.
Jack stepped forward, thinking it better if he did the talking. "Uncle Frank Rose just wanted to tell you that she had given it some thought and knows how she can contribute around here."
"She does?" The man's eyes never left Rose's as he folded his arms. "Well out with it girl. Or is my nephew going to be speaking for you. I assume that you do have a voice of your own."
"Of course I do," Rose frowned. She looked at Jack, who just gave her an encouraging nod, then turned back to Frank. "It's been brought to my attention that there's a need for a teacher. I can do that. I can teach reading and math. Maybe even some science and history...I can also read some of the medical journals here and do some nursing work..."
"Hmm...that's an interesting proposition. The kids here do need lessons. Okay. What about the other three you are with. What are they willing to do?"
Rose frowned again. She hadn't been aware that she would have to make decisions for her mother and Cal as well. "I...I really don't know. My mother is good at sewing...Lovejoy used to be a cop I think. I don't know about Cal..."
"Uncle Frank, Rose is only here about herself. I don't think she can predict what the others want to do."
"Jack, I am talking to the girl," Frank simply stated. "I'll talk to the other three later, I suppose. But I like the idea of teaching. I'll leave it up to you to let the parents know."
"Yes sir..."
"And Miss. Dewitt Bukater, I suggest that you have the other three come see me."
Rose simply nodded before following Jack back outside. She sighed in relief. She didn't think she liked Frank Dawson much.
"Well, that wasn't so bad."
"It was terrifying," Rose shook her head. "Is he always like that?"
"Only with people he doesn't know. Give him time to get to know you, Rose. I promise, he'll lighten up."
"I believe you," She smiled as they continued on towards the student union.
"So, have you given any thought to when you'll want to start your training?"
"In self defense? Um...how about Next Monday? Give me a week to get used to teaching and grading papers. Oh crap, I'm going to have to decide where I'm going to hold classes...and then how to let everyone know that there's going to be lessons..."
"Well, simple. You have hold it in the lecture room in the library."
"There are all kinds of books available," Rose smiled, liking the idea.
"Miss. Rose," Lovejoy approached them, much to her displeasure.
"Mr. Lovejoy, don't tell me. Mother and Cal sent you," Rose unhappily sighed. Why couldn't they just leave her alone?
"I am sorry, Miss, but your presence is requested."
"Very well," She turned to Jack with a sad smile. "I am being summoned. I guess I should inform mother that she and Cal are to choose some way to contribute."
"You can always let my Uncle do it," Jack chuckled.
"It'd probably go over better from me. I will talk to you later, I suppose. Set up a time and place for those lessons."
"Of course. You know where to find me and I know where to find you," Jack nodded, hating to say goodbye. He didn't have a run to make today and had hoped to have spent it with the pretty redhead, but it seemed like that wasn't going to happen after all.
"I'll search you out later," Rose nodded, hating to say goodbye herself.
"Good idea. I'll see you later then," Jack grinned.
"I'll see you later. Bye Jack," Rose sighed, following Lovejoy back towards the dorms where Cal and Ruth awaited.
Jack watched her go,a heavy feeling in his heart. there was something about Rose Dewitt Bukater that just drew him in. Normally, he would never even dream of pursuing a girl like her. She was definitely out of his league in the terms of the old world. But things were different now. As far as he was concerned, there was no difference between himself and that fella she was engaged to...except for chances of survival. In this world, he was the rich gentleman and Caledon Hockley was the gutter rat.