AN: I've no idea if the game "Hit the pot" (Topfschlagen) is known in America. In Germany and Austria it's however a typical game for young children.

One child gets a blindfold and has to find the pot, which is hidden somewhere in the room and then has to hit it with a (wooden) spoon. Under the pot there is always some presents like sweets etc.

While one child is searching for the pot the others are standing around shouting "Hot" (Heiß), when the child gets closer and "Cold" (Kalt), when its moves further away from the pot.

….

The birthday of little Zita had arrived. Gisela wasn't happy at all, when she heard that Rose would come as well. But of course she wouldn't reject her daughter that wish. The party was celebrated at Fabrizio's restaurant as there was more space than in Jack's and Gisela's flat. When Rose arrived there the party was already in full swing.

Zita had invited ten friends from her kindergarten group and they were playing "Hit the pot" and were laughing all around.

Rose felt out of space and thought about turning around away on the spot, when Helga noticed her and led her in.

"Oh Rose, I'm glad that you could come," she told her.

"I bet that you're the only one."

Helga looked at her.

"Alright yes Gisela wasn't very happy, when Jack said to her that you would be coming as well, but she understands that it's her daughter's wish."

Rose followed Helga inside and sat down on some chair.

"I'm sorry Rose to leave you alone, but I've to help Fabrizio," the apologized.

Rose just nodded.

She looked around the room; Jack was standing at the other side watching the children. Rose didn't dare to say hello to him.

"Colder…" she heard the children loving.

She shouldn't have come. It wasn't right of her to interfere in Jack's marriage. Rose was lost in thoughts. Luckily Cal hadn't tried anything else so far, but Rose was sure that he would.

She was watching the children play their game.

The girl with the blindfold had finally found the pot and was now happily collecting the sweets together.

No one seemed to be interested in her.

"Rose you're here," she suddenly heard the voice of Zita.

At least the girl seemed to be happy that she was here.

"Well I promised you that I would come," she only stated.

Zita began smiling at her.

If only she knew.

But she was seemingly too young to understand anything.

Gisela was unexpectedly standing behind her daughter.

"Hello Mrs. Calvert," she just told her not bothering to shake her hand.

Her eyes were still furious.

It was clear to Rose that she didn't want to have her here.

Zita however didn't even notice.

"Come on my dear, don't you want to open your birthday presents?" Gisela asked her daughter bending down.

"Sure Mama," the girl exclaimed and followed her mother back to the other children.

After having watched the children from the back for some time, Rose decided that since no one seemed to care for her, she would get up and go out, getting at least some fresh air.

Rose was lost in thoughts; she didn't notice that someone was following her, until she heard his voice.

"Hello Rose," she heard Jack's voice and turned around.

"I'm sorry that I didn't greet you properly before," he added.

"No problem. I've noted that you're watching your children."

Jack didn't know what else to say. He simply moved over to her and stood at her side. Both of them were looking in space, neither one knowing what to say.

The silence between them was almost unbearable.

How can I tell him that I want to be together with him without sounding like some stupid maniac?

Jack noted her distressed stated.

"Has Hockley tried anything?" he suddenly asked her.

"No," Rose answered looking for him for a quick second and then immediately drew her head away again.

Afterwards the awkward silence went on.

"But I know that he'll sure do," she stated after a while. "Cal never makes his threats lightly."

"Hey, if he does you just tell me. I know what I need to do."

Rose had to smile slightly.

If only…

"You must think me some…I don't want to interfere in your marriage Jack. I know that it isn't right."

Jack didn't answer anything.

"I was just so scared after Cal did…"

Thinking that they were being alone Jack moved closer to her and embraced her, stroking her hair and kissing her on her head.

"Hey, you don't have to be afraid of him," he whispered to her.

Unbeknownst to them however they weren't alone.

The party went on for another three hours.

When every one of Zita's friends had been picked up by their parents again, it was only Rose who remained.

"Will you come for my next birthday as well Rose?" she asked her.

Rose looked at her forcing a smile. If only her relationship with the child's mother would be so uncomplicated as well.

"We'll see," she simply stated kneeling down before her.

She noted Gisela's cold stare on her.

Cora was standing beside her mother and Rose went over to her to say goodbye to her too.

"Goodbye Cora. I hope you see you too again soon," she told the child smiling at her.

Cora's face however remained unexpectedly dark.

"Ich mag dich nicht," (I don't like you) she told her.

Rose was shocked. Even though she hadn't understood the language, it was pretty much clear to her what it had been. Before she could react Cora had turned around and had run back into the kitchen.