(I realized that my grandmother would have been six when Titanic sank...so as a small tribute to her, I named a character after her.)
Thanksgiving was over at last. Jack, Rose, and Ruth and Jack had spent the night over at the Hockley's and spent the day there as well, just getting away from the tension that filled the Dawson farm. When they returned, the cousins had left, but Carl was still there. Getting word that Molly was home again, having taken care of her emergency, Ruth decided to return to Denver, but before she left, she had begged Rose and Jack to come with her.
"Really, all this stress caused by that horrid man is not good for the little boy and who knows how it's affecting Rose physically," Ruth had cautioned, actually sounding worried. She had Jack nearly convinced, but Rose's pride would not allow it.
"Running away like a coward is what that man wants and I'm not having it. I can't go hiding in Denver, mother. What kind of example would that be for Jake for dealing with adversity?"
So Ruth left Chippewa Falls alone, demanding that Rose keep in touch and if things get too awfully bad, she will come and stay with Molly.
Things between Jack and Carl didn't worsen, but they didn't get better either. Rose for her part just avoided the man whenever possible and didn't even try to engage him in conversation anymore. It was quite clear that they didn't like each other.
Now it was the first of December and Rose and Jolene had gone to the market for groceries. On the way to the market, Jolene stopped at a dress shop, spotting a dress that she had been longing to buy for some time now. Rose was about to follow her when something across the street caught her eye. It was a two storied building. Above the door read Chippewa Falls Community Theater and on the right side of the building, next to a window was a poster asking for actors, actresses, artists, and set and costume designers and for all applicants to inquire inside the building.
"Oh my word, this sounds just up my ally," a voice spoke behind her. Rose turned around to find a black woman about Jack's age. Her hair was braided down her back and she wore a white blouse and a gray skirt.
"Pardon me?" Rose asked, a bit taken back. She hadn't even heard the woman approach.
"Oh, hello. I didn't mean to startle you dear. I was just looking at this poster here. I love making costumes and it says here that they're looking for someone," the woman explained.
"Oh, I see. I know what you mean. I've always wanted to be an actress. To stand on the stage and become someone else," Rose sighed dreamily. "I even had a notion of becoming a moving pictures actress."
"Well then why don't you go in and apply?" The woman asked. "It surely couldn't hurt? What can they say? No?"
"Yes," Rose chuckled. "And they can say yes as well...both options make me terribly nervous."
The woman nodded in understanding. "Tell me about it. I'd love to design costumes for whatever play they're putting on. To have the world see my creations, costumes by Alice Wilson..."
"It sounds like both of us have dreams of the theater and creativity...," Rose sighed dreamily.
"Who says that we can't make them, come true? I may have a bit of a problem thanks to the complexion, but you shouldn't. I bet you're a right fine actress," The woman encouraged, the comment about her complexion kind of going over Rose's head at the moment. "Why don't we both go in and apply together? What can it hurt? Besides our pride, but that'll fade."
Rose nodded. This woman was right. Besides, when has she ever let a bit of nerves get in her way? She was nervous when meeting Jack at the clock, but she had gone anyway and look how that had turned out. Sure, she had almost died in the sinking, but she didn't and she was now married to a man that she actually loved and had a chance of making one of her biggest dreams come true! "You're right. Let's do it."
Rose grabbed her new friend's hand and pulled her into the building. They stepped into a room with chairs lining the wall and a desk to the right, with a young man their age with wavy brown hair and friendly brown eyes attending to it.
"Hello, ladies. What can I do for you?" The young man smiled, beckoning them over.
"Yes, we would like to apply for a position," Rose nervously explained. "The poster outside you needed actresses and costume designers..."
"Yes. We do. Both of you, take an application, fill it out at home, then come back. We'll audition you if you want to be an actress and if you want the costume design job, bring your portfolio in with you so we can see samples of your work. And if you know of any artists, that would be a help as well."
"Oh do I know any artists? I am married to one, one of the finest artists in Chippewa Falls!" Rose bragged, unable to help herself.
"Well here. Another application. Have him or her fill it out and bring in his portfolio."
"I certainly will," Rose nearly squealed from giddiness.
"May I take your names?" The man asked.
"My name is Alice Marjorie Wilson, Sugar," The girl winked.
"And I am Rose Dawson...my husband's name...the artist...his name is Jack. Jack Dawson."
"Alright...I have that down. My name is Micheal Calvert and I look forward to hearing from you," The man smiled, watching Rose and Alice walk away talking to each other in excitement.
"Oh my, did that really happen?" Alice laughed. "I thought for sure that they would kick me out."
"Why would they do that? I bet you're a wonderful designer," Rose asked, confused.
Alice just waved away the question. Rose was sweet in her unawareness and she didn't want to ruin that unawareness for anything. "Well, it doesn't seem to matter, so let's not dwell on that. Hey, you said your last name was Dawson?"
"Yes, Rose Dawson. It was Rose Dewitt Bukater, but thankfully I got married. So no need to write that one down..."
"Huh?"
Rose chuckled. "My husband said that he needed to write my name down when I told him my name when we met. It's kind of a little joke."
"Oh...I see. You husband, what's his name again?"
"Jack. Jack Dawson. He grew up here, but had left five years ago, but we came back last April and we've been here ever since."
"Oh my word, Jack Dawson? Blond hair, blue eyes, has a twin sister and can draw just about anything, but especially people?"
"You know him?"
"Know him? He used to pull my hair when he came to play with my brother James!" Alice laughed. "Oh my god! The Dawsons have always been good to my family. We lost track of them when we moved, but I heard Jack had left, but I didn't know he had come back!"
"Oh! This is amazing!" Rose's eyes lit up, excited to be meeting some old friends of Jack's.
"You two must come visit us. We live not too far from the lake, just at the edge of town...let me write down the address," Alice opened her purse and fished out a pen and pencil. Quickly she scribbled down the address and handed it to Rose. "You come see us on Sunday. Mama makes a nice meal every Sunday and we always have plenty to share!"
"Rose there you are!" Jolene came out of the dress shop. She smiled shyly at Alice. "Who is your friend?"
"Jolene, this is Alice Wilson. She's an old friend of Jack's. Alice, this is Jolene. You may know her husband Richie."
"Oh Richie is married too? Wow, I am getting all kinds of information today. You bring them as well. Mama would love to see those boys again and catch up."
"We certainly will. It was nice meeting you, Alice and thank you for everything," Rose smiled happily.
"No, thank you. I would never have thought of going in there by myself," Alice chuckled. "Well I must be going. Mama is probably wondering where I had gotten off to. See you Sunday I hope."
"Oh you will," Rose smiled, thinking to herself she'd go anywhere to get away from Carl Dawson.
"She seems sweet," Jolene chuckled. "What was she talking about? Where did you go?"
"That building there is a theater," Rose nodded to the building that she and Alice had just exited. "They were looking for actresses, costume designers, and artists. She got an application for a costume designer and I got an application for Jack and I. Me an actress and Jack an artist."
"That sounds nice Rose...but I doubt Carl would like Jack getting involved in the theater."
"Jolene, that man does not tell Jack, nor me what he can or can't do. Isn't that obvious by now?" Rose frowned. She had noticed more an more how Jolene and Richie have begun doing what Carl says just to keep the peace. It saddened her, because she had thought them better than that. She did not like seeing people that she cared about and respected to change because of one small minded man.
"I know, I know...but it's good not to rock the boat too much, you know?"
No she didn't know. If she hadn't rocked the boat, she'd be married to Cal right now. Stuck in a loveless marriage and miserable. If Jack hadn't rocked the boat, they would never have gotten to know one another, he would never have shown her how freeing life in his world could be. They both would have been trapped by society and their stupid rules.
…..
Once the groceries were carried inside and put away, Rose went in search of Jack, who was in the back yard sketching Jake playing in a tree. Rose ran up to him in excitement, waving both applications in the air.
"Jack! Jack!"
Jack turned around and smiled to see his wife running towards him at full speed. He put down his portfolio and stood up in just enough time to catch her in a tight hug. He lifted her off the ground and twirled her around. Her laughter was like music to his ears, he hadn't heard it for so long.
He gently set her back on her feet, but kept his arms tight around her. "Rose..."
"You won't believe what happened today!" She nearly squealed with excitement.
"You went shopping with Jolene," Jack grinned, his voice teasing, knowing that couldn't possibly be what had gotten her so excited. He sat back down on the log he was sitting on and pulled her down onto his lap.
"No, silly. Would I be this excited about shopping?"
Jack laughed. "Of course not. So tell me, what has my Rose so happy right now?"
"There's a theater in Chippewa Falls. Did you know that? Anyway, they were looking for actors, actresses, artists, anything creative it seems, and I went and picked us both up an application. They're looking for an artist and of course I'm applying to become an actress. This is it Jack! This can lead to the moving pictures! And people will finally have a chance to see your art! How brilliant you are! Micheal, Micheal Calvert, he works at the theater...he said to fill these out and for you to bring in your portfolio so they can check out your work...oh my I have to find a passage to perform! I mean, I'll have to audition, which means act.."
Jack laughed, glancing over the application Rose had given him. This sounded interesting. Why not go for it? It would give them both something to do out of the house. Warm sweet lips pressing against his disrupting his thoughts. He smiled into the kiss and stroked her cheek until she pulled away. "You're excited about this."
"It's one of my dreams Jack..."
"I know..."
"Just think...today it's theater and tomorrow it's the moving pictures!"
Jack laughed, enjoying how happy was Rose at the moment. It's been too long since she's been this happy and looking forward to something. "God, it's cold out here. Let's take Jake inside, yeah? And then we can fill out these applications and look for something to use for your audition."
Again a warm kiss claimed his lips and he held her tenderly.
She smiled as she pulled away. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Rose. I always will. Now let's get Jake and go inside," Jack smiled, releasing her so he could retrieve their son.
…..
That evening, Jack and Rose were in bed, each looking over their applications at last, now that most of the house was asleep and there was no distractions. Rose frowned at the part where it said experience. Catching her frown, Jack sat his own application aside and looked at her.
"What is it, Rose?"
"It asked for experience. I have none. Not even a school play. All I have is a desire that I'm only now free to follow," Rose sighed in frustration.
"Aw, Rose...look, don't pay attention to all of that. Fill it out anyway. You don't know what may happen."
"How are you doing with yours?"
Jack shrugged. "Ok, I guess. Told them about sketching for ten cents a piece in Santa Monica..."
"Wait until they see your portfolio. They'll give you the job right there and then," Rose said, confidence in her voice.
Jack just laughed. "If they don't, that's okay too. I'll just be happy to cheer you on as you debut on stage."
"You always have such faith in me."
"Of course I do. I've seen first hand that fire and determination you possess. You can do anything you put your mind to. You're already making great little sculptures," Jack picked up the little figurine of a soldier that Rose had done for Jake a few days ago. "You can do it, Rose."
"With you believing in me, I know I can," Rose smiled, feeling more confident. Placing down her application, she remembered her meeting in town. "Oh Jack! I forgot in all my excitement to tell you and Richie about Alice!"
"Alice?" Jack asked, not recognizing the name just yet.
"Yes, she went inside the theater with me and signed for the costume designing position. Anyway, she said she knew you. That you used to pull her hair when you were children. Her full name is Alice Marjorie Wilson. She had invited you, me, Richie, and Jolene for dinner on Sunday."
"Oh my goodness! Alice Wilson? I haven't seen her since I was eleven years old! Oh my goodness! And she remembers me and Richie?"
Rose just nodded, a small smile on her lips. "She was very nice."
"Of course, her family were wonderful people from what I remembered. Her pa and mine were like best friends. Of course we'll go for dinner Sunday. Where does she live?"
"On the outskirts of town. I have their address in my purse..."
"This is going to be fun. I can't wait to see her again and catch up on what they're all up to!"
"Jack...," Rose sighed, thinking of what Jolene had said about Jack taking the job as an artist. "Do you think Richie and Jolene have changed since the whole Thanksgiving thing?"
Jack frowned, afraid to answer that. "Why do you ask?"
"Because...well when I told Jolene that I had gotten you an application for the artist position, she was very clear that your Uncle wouldn't like that."
"Like I even care what that man thinks anymore," Jack sighed.
"I know, but she said that she just didn't want to rock the boat. Since when did they ever care about that?"
Jack shrugged. "Maybe with all the tension in the house, it feels like they've changed or maybe they're just fucking sick of the tension and don't want it to build anymore. Who knows how it's affecting Jason. I know it's affecting Jake, he's starting to have nightmares. He hasn't had nightmares since the first week we got him back from the Baker's..."
"That man is tearing this family apart..."
Jack frowned and touched her face. "No, no he's not. Rose, you and I are fine and if it gets too bad for Jake, I promise you, we're out of here. We'll leave. I am not going to let him harm our family."
"Jack, he already is..."
"No he's not. Look, where it matters...as much as I love mom and Richie and Jolene and Jason...when it comes to the ones I can't live without, that's you and Jake. I vowed to protect you both and that's what I'm going to do."
"I don't mean to split us up...it's just...sometimes I'm scared what he's doing to us."
"Rose..."
"That somehow he'll turn you against me."
"Hey," He pulled her into his arms. "That is never going to happen. No fucking way can he ever turn me against you. I'll always be on your side. You know, I think all this nerves for the audition is getting to you. Let's get you to sleep, yeah?"
He laid down and kept her close, letting her head lay against his chest as he stroked her hair. "Just relax, Rose."
"Will you sing to me? Come Josephine?"
Jack laughed. "Okay, but fair warning, I can't sing."
"I think your voice is beautiful."
"You're biased," Jack laughed, hugging her close and clearing his throat.
"Oh! Say! Let us fly, dear Where, kid? To the sky, dear Oh you flying machine Jump in, Miss Josephine Ship ahoy! Oh joy, what a feeling Where, boy? In the ceiling Ho, High, Hoopla we fly To the sky so high Come Josephine in my flying machine Going up she goes! Up she goes! Balance yourself like a bird on a beam In the air she goes! There she goes! Up, up, a little bit higher Oh! My! The moon is on fire Come Josephine in my flying machine Going up, all on, Goodbye! One, two, now we're off, dear Say you pretty soft, dear Whoa! dear don't hit the moon No, dear, not yet, but soon You for me, Oh Gee! you're a fly kid Not me! I'm a sky kid See I'm up in the air About you for fair Come Josephine in my flying machine, Going up she goes! Up she goes! Balance yourself like a bird on a beam In the air she goes! There she goes! Up, up, a little bit higher Oh! My! The moon is on fire Come Josephine in my flying machine Going up, all on, Goodbye! Come Josephine in my flying machine, Going up she goes! Up she goes! Balance yourself like a bird on a beam In the air she goes! There she goes! Up, up, a little bit higher Oh! My! The moon is on fire Come Josephine in my flying machine Going up, all on, Goodbye!"Jack stops singing, noticing her breathing even out as she fell into a deep slumber. Sighing, he kissed the top of her head before falling asleep himself, unaware of the hard times ahead, that will rock the very foundation of their love.
