A:N/ Hi Everyone! I wanted to extend my thanks to all of those who read and reviewed! You reviews mean so much to me. I want to also thank FAZYIAN15 for the continued support. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Afterwards, please leave me a review. Well, enough about me, let's get on with the story!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but Anne
This chapter is dedicated to my amazing fan SPEEDI22. I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 7
"Jack, what in the world did you think you were doing?" I whispered to him. How could he? Jack was supposed to be my friend. For once, I thought Jack was unique and special. But I was wrong; he was just like any other man I had met, except for Tommy. I silently prayed Tommy wasn't the same.
"I didn't do anything wrong." Jack replied. "Anne, you've got to believe me. Please!" I wanted to believe him. Truly, I did. But there was so much evidence against him. After hearing one of the officer's describe the circumstances he found Rose in, it made it seem like Jack might truly be guilty.
I glanced at Rose. Her face cowered towards the ground. She couldn't bear to make eye contact with me. I turned back to Jack as Cal was speaking with the Master of Arms.
"I want to believe you. But there's a lot of evidence to convict you with."
"Anne, I…"
"Silence boy." The Master of Arms shouted. "Anything you say may be used against you later at your trial."
"Trial?!" Jack and I shouted.
"Yes, when the Titanic docks, you'll be heading straight to the courthouse. For harassing a young lady against her will is against the law." Although I didn't know whether to believe Jack or not, I knew I had to stick up for him. After all, he was my friend. I then tried to reason with Cal.
"Cal, please. I understand this is unacceptable, but…"
"You're wrong Anne. This is completely unacceptable!" He turned towards Jack, who was fully handcuffed by this time. "What made you think you could put your hands on my fiancé?"
Cal had fumes coming out of his ears. Raging sweat splattered his face. If no one was around, he would have given Jack the beating of his life. Cal panted to calm himself, as Jack gave no reply.
Jack stared at Rose, who was being given a hot drink and wrapped in a blanket. Perhaps he hoped Rose would come to his aid, as if she were to confess something she had been hiding. But from the past couple of days, I realized one thing was for sure. You couldn't count on Rose. Not in the emotional, or should I say in this emotionless stage of her life.
"Look at me you filth!" Cal shouted as he grabbed Jack by his vest he wore. Suddenly, I heard a voice I didn't think would speak.
"Cal," But Cal, in his rage, didn't hear Rose.
"What do you think you were doing?" He shouted, ready to give Jack a knockout punch.
"Cal, it was an accident." My mouth gaped open, as we all stared at Rose. That was the last thing we expected to hear from her. Cal was the first to speak.
"An accident?" Rose hoisted herself up from the bench and sauntered over to Cal.
"It was stupid, really. I was leaning over to see the uh…the uh…" Her finger rolled in circles as she was trying to find the word to spit out.
"The propellers?" Cal questioned.
"Yes, the propellers and…I slipped." Cal's eyebrow shot straight up. Everyone looked disconcerted. Even Jack looked utterly confused. Did we really just hear she slipped to see the propellers? To me, it seemed highly unlikely that Rose would be interested in some propellers since she was not even impressed with Titanic's size a few days before.
During this time, Rose couldn't seem to take her eyes off of Jack. Although Cal was angry, he was completely embarrassed. It was evident, since he didn't seem to doubt the story as so many of us did.
"She wanted to see the propellers!" Cal announced.
"Like I always say, women and machinery do not mix." Colonel Gracie added. While everyone smiled, the Master of Arms didn't seem to be convinced.
"Was that the way of it?" He asked Jack.
"Yeah, that was pretty much it." Jack retorted. Jack deceitfulness blew straight through his teeth. I knew he was lying, but Rose seemed to be too. Something was clearly amiss. Perhaps I could talk to Rose about it. But she had been so enclosed in her own little world, I wondered if I could even try.
"Well the boy's a hero then!" Colonel Gracie proclaimed. "Well done lad." Cal turned away and focused his attention towards Rose.
"You must be freezing. Let's get you inside." He wrapped his shoulder around Rose's fragile and freezing body. "Come along, Anne." I glanced at Jack, as he gave me a wink. I couldn't help but smile. I wasn't sure what Jack had done. But one thing was clear, he didn't rape Rose. For that, I was grateful. Despite the circumstances, Jack was still my true friend, and true friends forgive each other's shortcomings. I obeyed Cal and began to saunter away with him and Rose.
"Perhaps, a little something for the boy?" Colonel Gracie suggested. Cal turned around and stared at Jack.
"Yes of course. Mr. Lovejoy, I think a twenty should do it." Rose tapped him on the shoulder.
"Is that the going rate for saving the woman you love?" I was slightly deterred, as was Cal. I hadn't expected Rose to care about the amount of money Cal gave out.
"Rose is displeased. What am I to do?" Cal stood silent for a brief moment to gather his thoughts. "I know." He turned and plodded towards Jack. "Perhaps, you could join us for supper tomorrow evening to relegate our group with your heroic tale." Rose nodded towards Cal to give him her approval of his decision. While any other person of steerage might have been excited, Jack didn't seem to care. But as he glared at Rose, he replied.
"Sure, count me in." Cal nodded.
"Good! It's settled then!" He turned and took Rose back inside as I followed.
After settling into my room for the night, I heard a knock on my door.
"Come in." I shouted. The door opened to reveal Cal.
"Hello, Anne."
"Hello, Cal. Is there something you need?" He sauntered over to the sofa and sat down.
"You know, you look so much like your mother. You're growing up too fast Anne. Where was the toddler I visited when I was a teenager? The one who used to call me "Cally"?" I gave him a small smile.
"She's all grown up, "Cally". She's becoming the woman God destined for her to be." Cal sadly smiled.
"Indeed she is. Even in her nightgown, she's the facsimile of an angel." I smiled. "Anne, perhaps you are aware of how melancholy Rose has become since we boarded the ship." It was completely obvious. But I kept those thoughts to myself and remained silent. I nodded. "I came here to seek your advice. I wanted to know what you thought about me giving Rose the "Heart of The Ocean" tonight."
"Tonight? But I thought you were going to present it to her at the gala next week."
"I was, but after what happened tonight, I just feel the urge to give it to her." Behind his chocolate brown eyes, I could see his sadness. I could see his pain. All he wanted was for Rose to love him.
A pang filled my heart, as I knew Rose would never truly love him. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He was my cousin. We never had the greatest relationship, but I loved him like the brother I never had.
"Well, I don't see how it would hurt to give it to her. Perhaps tonight is the best time to present it to her."
"I had hoped you would say that. How about you do me a favor? How about you talked to Rose after I give it to her? You could tell her what my true feelings are towards her."
"Alright, I'll be over in a few minutes." I replied. Cal raised his eyebrows. "I promise." Cal nodded.
"Thank you, Anne." He retorted.
"You're welcome, "Cally"." He smiled and rose from his seat to leave the room. I combed my hair and removed my jewelry that I been wearing the entire evening. In my heart, conflict stirred. I was so torn. The way Jack looked at Rose was the same way I remembered looking at Tommy. To me it was obvious, Jack was attracted to Rose.
I wanted more than anything to see Jack happy, but there was still Cal. Yes, Cal was very controlling. Yes, Cal was at times, very rude. But that was how he was raised. His father taught him to keep his shoulders straight and head held high. It was the same way my father had tried to teach me. He tried to teach me that a Hockley is higher than everyone else. That a Hockley should be proud of his or her name, and they should proudly show it.
After my father died and Uncle Nathan became like my second father, I understood how controlling Uncle Nathan really was. Cal had spent his entire life living with this man. How could he not have been influenced? Sometimes, I wonder why I never turned out so prideful or controlling like my father, or even having the fiery spirit of my mother. I'm sure at times; they were probably disappointed in my inability to show our family pride or to exhibit the Hockley nature. But I was a beautiful, and as long as I married a rich husband, that would be enough to satisfy them.
But that wouldn't be enough to satisfy me. I felt as though, something was missing in my life. After being raised for so long in a very controlling, prideful family, and living in a society with strict and high standards, I craved something that was different. I wanted to know if there was another life out there. I desired to have a life where I could have the pleasure of doing anything I wanted when I wanted. I dreamed of living a life with rules that were not overly strict.
Maybe that's why I was so attracted to Jack and Fabrizio when I saw them in Southampton. Maybe that's why I would have given anything to be at the tip of the bow with them. Maybe that's why I snuck out to go to the dancing party in Third Class with Tommy and Jack. I was jealous of them. Even though they were poorer than I was, and I had everything I wanted, they had something I never had, even living in the high society. They had freedom, true freedom. And that was something I desperately wanted.
After hanging my evening gown back in the closet, I proceeded down the hall towards Rose's stateroom. But before I even neared the door, Cal came storming out.
"It's useless! Not a word! Not a single word does she say when I tell her I wish she would open her heart to me. What am I supposed to do? Beg?" Cal put his hands in his face.
I could see his agony. I knew Rose would never truly love him. But how could I tell him that? I silently wished that things would turn around, that Rose would fall for him the same way she did the first few weeks of their courtship. But that seemed nearly impossible now.
"I'm so sorry, Cal. I'm sure Rose is just tired. It's been a long day for all of us. Go and get some rest. I'll talk to her." Cal nodded.
"Thank you Anne. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." I replied. I watched Cal paced down the hall in a ghostly and dazed manner. When the door to his room was shut, I knocked on her door.
"Come in." I heard her bellow. I opened the door. By this time, Trudy had left and retreated to her quarters as did Lovejoy. This left Rose and I alone.
"What a beautiful necklace you are wearing." I complimented. "It's sapphire hue looks lovely upon your pale skin."
"It was a present from Cal." She replied. I already knew that, but I didn't say anything. "Have a seat." Gladly, I pulled up a chair close to her vanity, which was a facsimile of mine. I was pretty sure almost all of the First Class women had a vanity of the same style.
"That was quite a clever story you concocted about leaning over to see the propellers." Rose, who was brushing her hair, turned towards me.
"It wasn't a story, it was…"
"Come on, Rose. Ever since I've known you, you have never been fascinated by machinery. We promised to not keep secrets from each other, remember?" Rose sighed.
"Well, we haven't been doing a very good job of it the past few days, have we?" I sadly chuckled.
"No, we haven't. So let's start over. I promise to tell you, and only you, any of my secrets, but only if you promise to do the same. Do we have a deal?" I extended my hand out to her. For the first time in a few days, Rose truly smiled. Taking my hand, she replied,
"Deal."
"Alright then, so…why were you at the stern?" Rose sighed.
"Do I have to tell?"
"You promised."
"Well, to tell you the truth, I was going to jump off the stern."
"What?!" I shouted. Rose leaped over her seat and put her hands over my mouth to muffle my words.
"Shhhhh! I don't want anyone else to know. Promise me you won't tell anyone else, ever, promise!" I forcefully moved her hands away from my mouth.
"Alright, I promise." Rose sighed a breath of relief.
"Thank you."
"But I must ask you, what for the love of green grass, made you think to do a thing like that?"
"It…was everything, my whole life, Anne. I felt like I was in a room, screaming at the top of my lungs, and no one cared or even looked up." I was shocked by what she said. But it was all true. She exhibited the emotions she described perfectly.
"I looked up Rose. I wanted to help, but you wouldn't let me." Rose nodded.
"And for that, I am truly sorry. It is wonderful to know that I have you for a friend, a best friend." We both giggled like the old times, the blissful weeks in Paris that we spent together.
With the cold breeze coming in from the private promenade, we decided to cuddle up together in Rose's bed. While on our trip, we sometimes would secretly sneak into each other's room to talk. We would talk for hours and sometimes, we even fell asleep. It felt like the old times, which I so desperately craved. After we situated ourselves under the covers, I asked,
"So, what made you decide not to do it?" Rose remained silent for a few moments, before she sighed.
"Him." So Jack had saved the life of my dearest friend. I knew that I would be forever indebted to his valiant efforts. I was grateful to have the opportunity to know him. Tomorrow, as soon as I could, I would go and apologize for my rash conjecture.
"How?"
"You know…I'm not really sure. Maybe it was his words. It all happened so fast, I just want to forget it ever happened. Tomorrow, I am going to thank him, then after dinner, he'll go down to Third Class, and life will go back to the way it was for both of us." After a few moments of silence, I blurted out,
"I know him." Rose turned to me with her mouth gaped open.
"What?"
"Well, since we've promised not to keep secrets, I guess it's time to reveal mine. Since yesterday, I've been secretly sneaking down to Third Class."
"What?!"
"Rose, it's true. I met a man by the name of Tommy Ryan a couple of nights ago. Ever since then I've gone down there. Oh Rose, I've met so many wonderful people who are so genuine and kind. You'll love them. You have to come down there with me sometime."
"Anne, do you realize what would happen if Cal or Lovejoy saw you down there? The life you know right now, would end. Cal would guard you like a prisoner and Lovejoy would watch you like a hawk."
"I realize the risks Rose." I replied. "And I am willing to take them. I'll be careful, I promise. Besides, I don't really care. I love those folks and they've given me more happiness than I've had in years."
"Well, since you have seemed to have navigated your way down there, all the while, evading Cal and Lovejoy, perhaps, you could accompany me tomorrow afternoon when I go to see Jack."
"Very well. Besides, what are friends for?" I remarked.
"Don't you mean, what are sisters for?" I smiled and nodded before we both giggled. Soon, we began talking like before we boarded the ship. We talked about how much we were enjoying the journey, and gossiped about all of the supposed scandals occurring on the ship. After bouts of laughter and several serious moments, Rose asked.
"Anne, have you ever loved someone?"
"Why of course!" I retorted. "I love my mother, my father, my…" Rose hit me with a pillow.
"No, silly! I mean, have you ever loved someone, romantically?" I wondered whether I should tell her about Tommy. Perhaps, she should meet him first.
"Yes, I have."
"I wish I could truly love someone. But now with my upcoming marriage, I'll never have the chance." Pain filled my heart, as I sighed.
"Cal loves you."
"But I don't love him. Cal is a wonderful man, but he's not someone I would want to spend the rest of my life with."
"But Cal would give you anything you wanted."
"Yes, everything except what I want, true love and my freedom." I commiserated with Rose. Perhaps, it was something all of the girls in the high society secretly wanted. But strict rules and regulations imprisoned any of those chances to have our true desires.
I peered at the clock that hung in Rose's stateroom. Its hand pointed to a time that passed midnight.
"Well, I best be going back to my own stateroom. Otherwise, I'll be like statue in the morning, not able to move!" We both laughed as we embraced. I was glad that I found my best friend again. And it was all thanks to Jack. I looked forward to seeing Jack and Tommy tomorrow. There was no doubt in my mind that Jack would have told Tommy everything.
Perhaps, in a few days, this event would all be behind us. I hoped that by then, we could just have a round of beers and some good laughs. As I sauntered out of the room, Rose mumbled,
"Anne?"
"Yes," I replied.
"I hope in your life, you'll find true love, and the man you're looking for." I nodded.
"Thank you. Goodnight Rose."
"Goodnight," She replied. That was all I heard as I shut the door. But as I sauntered down the hall, I smiled and softly whispered.
"I already have."
A:N/ Wholla! Chapter 7 is complete! I hoped you enjoyed the chapter. I know some of you don't like Cal, but I needed to establish the relationship Anne has with him and Rose. I know their relationship has been fuzzy, so I wanted to make things clear. As always, please review. Don't forget to favorite and follow my story if you haven't already! The next chapter should be up soon. So, until next time!
