Another chapters up. Thank you for all the wicked review. Keep them coming, I love to hear what you think about my story.
Jack walked back to Mark's home in the warm May air from work. In the past month he had found a job working as an artist for a little shop near Written House Square. Every day he created portraits of tourists, or wealthy people. Every so often a well class lady would come into the shop requesting a portrait of her cat, or dog. These types of drawings resulted in bigger tips. The pay was small, but it was enough for Jack to pay rent to Mark, and to save up for his other plans.
On this particular night Jack whistled with joy as he walked. Today was Friday, and he had received his paycheck, and two very large tips for drawing a set of kittens, and a dog. Jack added the sum up in his head for the third time, checking that the total was right. Once again, in his mind he came out with enough money to begin winning Rose back.
All through the work and settling into the city, Jack had his mind set on one thing. He watched Rose when she passed his shop on her way to the market. He passed her house as often as he could, to make sure she was still there. Although Jack saw Rose often, he doubted that she ever saw him. If indeed she had seen him, she gave no notice and continued her life as a first class citizen.
"Jack! Jack!" Anna's voice pulled Jack from his daydreams.
"Hello, Anna." He said as he picked her up and gave her a large bear hug.
"Your squishing me, Jack." The young girl giggled with glee as Jack put her down. "Guess what? Mommy is making ham for dinner."
"Ham?" Jack asked making a face.
"Yep, our favorite." The girl squealed as she took Jacks hand.
"Then we better be extra quick in getting home." Jack said as he picked the little girl up and put her on his shoulders.
The two made their way home, laughing and bumping along. The people that they passed smiled, thinking of how wonderful of a father daughter couple they made. Only one person did not smile as she watched the two make their way down the street from a window. Instead a silent tear ran down a young womans eye.
"Rose, what are you staring at?" Ruth asked from her chair.
"Nothing mother. I was just... staring off." Rose quickly wiped away her tear.
"Young lass, cooped up at a dinner like this. Of course she is going to day dream. Why if I was her age and engaged to Mr. Hockley, I would day dream as well."
One of the ladies commented, as Rose took a seat on the couch. True she had been daydreaming, but not of Cal. Instead her mind had been lost in thoughts of Jack. She had seen him with the same little girl before, so this time it did not come as a shock to her. She still wondered who the little girl was, and how she knew Jack. Rose remembered Jack telling her that he had no living family members, so the little girl was of no relation. The only explanation that Rose found was that Jack had moved on, and his new woman had a daughter.
Rose chided herself for being jealous of the woman whom Jack was seeing. Sadly she was even jealous of the little girl who was able to be with Jack and she was not. Still she had to accept that he was not going to wait for her. She had been the one to leave, not Jack. Rose knew that Jack could not stay heart broken over her forever, but a month seemed an awfully short time. The fact that Jack had moved on so fast gave Rose some comfort. She convinced herself that he did not truly love her, and that she had made the right choice in staying with Cal.
"Dinner is served." The waiter called from the entrance to the dinning room.
"Shall we, my love." Cal walked up and took Rose's arm in his.
Together they proceeded into the dinning room with all of the other couples. Rose sighed inside as she prepared herself for another dull dinner.
Rose, Ruth, and Cal arrived at their home as the midnight bells where ringing. Stifling a yawn, Ruth said goodnight and retreated to her room. Rose sat down on a chair and began her needle point as Cal stood around nervously. Rose glanced up, noticing his unease.
"Cal if you have something to say just say it. You have never been a man who was afraid to speak his mind."
Cal laughed at this remark, realizing it was true. He then sat down and looked at Rose.
"I know that you do not like being painted as a porcelain doll. I know that you do not like to dress up when the occasion does not call for it. But..."
Rose nodded. "But?"
"We need to have our portrait done for our wedding, Rose." Cal said gently, because he knew he was walking on dangerous ground.
"Cal, darling, the wedding is not for another year." Rose said simply, not looking up from her sewing.
"I know, but sweet pea, there is this delightful place down by the Square, and they do wonderful work. I know how much you respect a good artist."
Rose smiled. Cal was finally beginning to admit that she had fine taste in art. That "something" Picasso had wound up becoming quite a big name in the recent month. Rose even bought two more of his paintings.
"Rose, these places do not stay open for very long. We need to do it now." Cal was almost pleading with her.
Rose felt a bit sorry for him. In the past month he had tried to give her as much freedom as he could. He did not want to screw up what they had built by forcing her to have her painting done. Yet, Cal still had the dire need to have things his way, as did Rose. This was one combination that made them a fatal couple. Still Rose knew she had to bend a bit in order for this marriage to work.
"Okay. Give me one more month. Then if you still want to have our portraits done this early I will go." Rose smiled as Cal gave a satisfied nod and a sigh. "Well it is late, and after our dinner I am quite tired. Good night darling."
"Good night love." Cal said as Rose gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Cal reached up and took hold of her chin, drawing her in for a deep kiss. He pulled away when he was satisfied. Rose nearly ran all the way to her room, as to put as much distance between them as she could.
In her room Rose changed into her bed cloths, with the help of her maid Marie. After putting away her dress Marie left Rose, who sat down at her vanity. Looking into the mirror, Rose noticed a sealed envelope leaning against the mirror. Taking it in her hand she noticed only her name was on the back. This meant that the sender was either some one in the house or had recently stopped by.
As fast as she could without ripping the letter, Rose tore open the envelope. Inside was a folded up piece of paper. Rose unfolded it carefully, suddenly nervous. She then read,
Rose,
Meet me in Written House Square tomorrow at 10 am. I'll be waiting.
You will know who I am when you see me.
Rose turned the note over looking for a name. There was none to be found. She noticed that the handwriting was familiar, but she could not figure out who's it was. She read the note over again and then placed it in her drawer. She did not know if she wanted to go or not. She was afraid to go and meet someone she did not know who she was meeting. Then again the person said that she would know who they are when she saw them. Rose laid down and turned off the light still contemplating whether or not she should go. Right before she fell asleep Rose decided that she could not take the chance. No she would not go... it was to risky.
At the same time Jack lay in bed smiling. He had climbed up the tree near Rose's window and climbed in. Ever so quietly he had placed the letter on her vanity, where he was sure she would see it. Now all he had to do was hope that Rose's curiosity would get the better of her, and she would come. If she did not then Jack would have to find a different way to get her to come with him. But he did not worry about that right then and there. Jack knew Rose, and he knew that she was very curious. She would want to know who sent the letter, and so she would come. She had to. Yes Rose would come. Jack fell asleep dreaming of what the next day would bring.
Ok so they didn't meet in this chapter. I'm sorry for you hopeful Jack/Rose fans. For the Rose/Cal fans I think I made Cal seem a little more sentimental. The next chapter will be coming soon. Meanwhile review and review. Happy Holidays!
