A/N – Thanks everyone who has reviewed. Yes, I hate ex's as well! I wanted Rose to see this happening because I wanted something to test Rose's trust in Jack - The same way that she almost doubted him in the movie when he was framed for stealing the necklace. It'll make them stronger in the long run!

Chapter 11

Rose ran all the way home, tears pouring down her face. She had heard Jack take that call earlier in the week but he'd sounded so sure he didn't want to see this woman. Now she walks down the street, glancing into a restaurant as she walked by only to see her boyfriend sitting having dinner with another woman. Not only that but she had seen him kiss this girl. Rose had run as soon as that happened. She couldn't face anymore. Why were all guys like this? Couldn't she just find a normal guy who would treat her right?

Rose arrived at the apartment. She composed herself before slipping the key into the lock. She didn't want Melissa to know anything. Rose knew that Melissa would kill him. Smiling she walked into the living room.

"Hey!" She said cheerfully. "I'm just going to have a bath then I'm going to bed."

"Ok, no problem Rose. Everything alright?" Melissa queried.

"Of course, everything's fine." Rose disappeared down the hall into her room. As soon as the door was closed she felt the tears starting again. She started to undress when she heard her phone beeping in her bag, indicating she had a message.

Hey babe hope you're alright. That's me finally home from Fabri's. It's been a long day. Do you want to do something tomorrow? Xx

Rose resisted the urge to throw the phone against the wall. Lies. Every bit of it. She knew where he had been. She put the phone on silent and placed it on the table and disappeared into the bathroom to run her bath.

By the time she had come out, her phone had another 3 messages on it. Jack wanting to know she was ok. Guilty conscience? Rose wondered. She couldn't deal with it right now. Rose climbed into bed, hoping that by tomorrow, things would seem better.

It was Friday afternoon. School had just ended and Rose was tidying up her classroom. It had been two days since she had caught Jack with his ex. He had called and text her constantly but she didn't reply to any of them. Rose knew eventually she would need to speak to him. Melissa was starting to get suspicious but Rose refused to tell her anything, knowing it would just cause more grief if Melissa knew what she had seen.

"I don't get it Fabri!" Jack complained. "We were doing great, now she doesn't even return my calls?"

Fabrizio could only shrug. He hadn't seen or spoken to Rose so had no idea why she was suddenly blanking Jack.

"I haven't seen her since you told me Stacey was back. She hasn't answered any of my messages since the night I had din..." Jack suddenly looked up. "Do you think that's it? Do you think Rose or Melissa found out I had dinner with Stacey? Do you think that's why I've not heard from her?"

Fabrizio agreed it could be a possibility.

"That's it! I have to find her and just explain what happened!" Jack jumped up, grabbing his Italian friend and kissing him on the cheek before running out the door.

Jack looked at his watch. It was only 3.45pm. Rose would probably still be at the school. He ran as fast as his legs would take him. He turned the corner onto the block that the school entrance was on, only to see Rose walking towards him. He started to make his way to her when she raised her head and seen him coming. He couldn't believe it when she turned around and started walking the other direction.

"Rose!" She refused to turn around, continuing to walk back to the school. He ran after her until he was behind her and lightly grabbed her arm.

Rose pulled her arm free from him, "No Jack, please leave me alone." Rose could feel the tears building up inside her. She knew this moment was going to come where she would see him again. She had rehearsed what she would say over and over in her head.

"Rose! What is wrong?" Jack knew she must have seen him with Stacey; there was no other explanation for it.

"How could you?" Rose suddenly burled round to face him. Her logical planned confrontation going completely out of the window. "I saw you Jack. I saw you with her."

"Rose, please let me explain. Yes, I had dinner with my ex. But only to tell her I wasn't interested. Having someone else tell her wouldn't have worked; I had to see her face to face. I told her I was with you."

"I saw you kiss her! That isn't something you do if you're not interesting in someone!" Rose was almost yelling now. People walking past stared at them, looking Jack up and down and shaking their heads.

Jack was completely taken aback. He realised that Rose must have seen Stacey kissing him but hadn't stuck around to see Jack reject her and walk out. He could kick himself for agreeing to meet with Stacey in the first place.

"Rose, please. You have to believe me. I didn't kiss her, she kissed me. I pulled away from her as soon as she did." Jack pleaded with her but Rose just shook her head trying to walk away from him. He wouldn't let her pass. "Rose, listen to me. You're no picnic alright. You're a spoiled little brat even, but under all that, you're the most amazing, astounding, wonderful girl – woman, that I've ever known." He touched her face, rubbing his thumb on her cheek. "I'm not an idiot. I know how the world works. I know I don't have the same things to offer you as some guys would. But I'm too involved now. I love you."

Rose froze. Not quite believing what Jack just told her. She looked up at him, into his eyes. Eyes that she knew she could trust.

Jack stood silently. OK now you've blurted that out what do you do? This wasn't exactly the way I thought I would tell her that for the first time! Jack searched her face for some type of give away as to how she was feeling. But for the first time since they met, he couldn't read her face. He couldn't work out what she was thinking.

"Rose? Please say something." Tears were starting to form in Jack's eyes. He couldn't lose her. He refused to. But something was telling him he might not have a choice.