The three friends were now in California. This was to be their home for a while at least. The opportunities in the community were multiple and Jack and Rose were going to make the most of it.
Jack got a job working with Fabrizio and Rose stayed home. She was trying to sell her novel to a movie producer. But, it seemed that the disaster had been too recent. This was getting to be the gay period in the American life and the movies wanted happy themes.
Annette and Rose were becoming good friends and Rose was getting used to life there in LA. She was at one of the many theaters in town when a producer asked if she would be interested in doing a screen test. Rose tried her best to not show her excitement and agreed to the screen test.
The test went well and Rose got her first part in a short film. There would be no talking, so she had to learn to use her hands and expressions to convey what her thoughts were.
As Rose got to the studio she was amazed at the lights and the make up that she had to wear. If someone saw her on the street they would have thought her a clown. But, when the movie was being filmed under such bright lights this type of make up was necessary.
That afternoon when Rose finally got home, she could not wait to tell Jack all about her day. Jack listened intently to Rose and the story of the filming. The filming was going to take about three weeks and she was going to be paid twenty-five dollars. With this money Jack and Rose could get their own place.
Fabrizio and Annette were fun loving and laughed and listened to Rose intently. With the check from Jack's work and the check from the movie company, they told Fabrizio's neighbor that they were interested in renting the neighbors available apartment.
John Simmons was a sensible man, and he knew where Jack worked. Rose did have enough money to put down the rent on the apartment that they had and he accepted them as tenants. Rose opened the door to the sparsely furnished apartment and smiled.
The apartment had two large rooms with a fully usable kitchen. The kitchen was brand new and had hot and cold water and an ice box. The apartment was expensive, but they could afford it. The rent was 1.00 a week and it would have plenty of room for a baby that Rose wanted so badly.
But, Fabrizio and Annette were ready to take the big step. They had been on one of their many walks on the beach when he had gotten down on his hands and knees and asked her for his hand. Annette had been thrilled and as they ran to the house to tell their friends their life began together.
Jack was asked to be Fabrizio's best man and Rose was asked to be the maid of honor. They had the wedding in the church just down the street, and although, the wedding was not large it was beautiful and Annette and Fabrizio went off to a honeymoon in southern California.
Authors note:
This was just the beginning of a new life for the four friends. Rose would still have the heart of the ocean, and would keep it for many years. The four friends will continue to have many adventures and Rose will become a well known author and actress. Jack will continue with his drawings. Life will be good and continued.