September 15, 1912
It was a perfect day with all seeming right with the world as Jack walked arm in arm with Rose. They were each dressed in their finest clothes and heading towards the City Hall.
Jack took a moment to look at his new watch. "Come on, It's almost time! Hurry!" he exclaimed, and led Rose briskly up the steps.
They entered and made their way through a massive crowd to the center of the room And there stood Fabrizio De Rossi. He was dressed in the fine blue suit he had worn at their wedding. His right arm was upraised and his hand was held up straight, and a big smile was placed upon his face. Helga stood beside him in the same position. They were receiving their citizenship, along with a number of other immigrants.
As Fabrizio stood listening to the judge and repeating after him, he began to think back on the way his life had been thus far. From his childhood, which had been happy and pleasant for the most part, and of trying on his papa's hat which didn't fit him then, and now it did as he held it tightly in his left hand against his chest.
His papa had seemed so big and so strong to him, both in presence and in love. He had protected him against all of his fears, and soothed away his tears so often, had always been there to believe in, and had given him the courage to believe in himself and his dreams. When his papa had died, his heart had been broken, but it had healed. Now, he could almost feel him in the room with him, and he knew that no matter where he went he could always depend on his love.
His mama had brought him into the world and had taught him that love, hope, joy, and the respect for others were the only things which really mattered. She had taught him how to let himself heal, and to smile through his tears, and so he could care for others.
Then there came Jack Dawson, his best friend, whom he had met purely by chance, and who seemed like all of things he loved about America personified. He accepted Jack as an adoptive brother, for he had never had a brother and always wanted one, and it was the same with Jack. And Jack had taught him that anything was possible, which he now truly believed as he stood here.
"I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law, and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. In acknowledgement where of I have here unto affixed my signature."
It was now official. He was an American citizen.
He slowly put his hand down as he turned around with a grin pasted to his face, and the next thing he knew he was in the arms of his best friend, who was right there to catch him instantly in the closest and most delighted embrace ever.
"Fabri! I'm so proud of you!" Jack said rather loudly, and pressing their bodies as close together as possible. Rose then came and embraced both Jack and Fabrizio at once. Helga joined in and kissed Fabrizio passionately on his lips.
None of them could speak. Fabrizio knew why. Words just seemed so unnecessary, and so futile, for this moment. This was a moment that was reserved only for feeling.
What was this which he was feeling? Was it pride? It seemed to be making his chest swell. Was it gladness? It seemed to be making him smile. Was it happiness? It did seem to be making him feel warm all over, and tears wet his eyes. Was it joy? It did seem to be making him feel like dancing.
It was like the ecstasy he had felt when he had won his ticket along with Jack, only it was much more in depth. He just felt so alive, and so thankful for it. He felt so at home in the arms of those he loved and whom loved him.
He also felt a touch of sorrow, for all those on the Titanic that had never got to see America, and feel as he felt right now. He knew he had nearly lost his chance for this, and his life in the Atlantic. But now that past was dead and he was alive, as were his friends and his true love.
He would always know where his father was. He would see him whenever he looked at himself, or at sun.
"I made it, papa!" he whispered secretly. "I made it!"
It was as his mama had said: If your heart is in the right place, your hopes and dreams will come true.
There, after three years I have completed the first story I ever wanted to write on I would like to take a moment to thank a few who have encouraged me to keep writing from the start, as well as inspired me to do my best; Jessierose, I'm Ms. Brightside, Tipperose, and especially DawsonGurl, (Some ideas I got from her stories which I highly recommend as well) and TrappedInPast, and Titanicgirl1625. This is probably the longest story I'll ever write by myself and I consider it to be my masterpiece. I love Fabrizio, and Titanic, and many things Italian. I just had to end it here and begin a sequel. I'd appreciate reviews for this chapter and whole story, and also if you would read the story I have now started writing called Love Knows No Bounds which is by an unknown author that left it unfinished and it inspired me to write this story as well as my present-times one.
For those of you who remember when it was first posted, and also not as well-written, I had to repost and rewrite a good deal of it due largely to Sarah di Rossi, she believed that Fabrizio was her soul mate, whether here or in another unknown universe, was given to her by a god and they were wed. I know what you must be thinking, and you are absolutely right. She belongs in the insane asylum. I couldn't agree more. I spoke to her for three months and finally I couldn't take anymore of her tales of nonsense and stupid delusions, and then it took me a while to fully recover from such a bad experience, but now I have. It is also a good thing that you will never read anything by her. She is the Queen of Mary Sues!