"It will be good for you, Jack." Molly had told him, "You can draw portraits to raise money."

The moment she had put a paper and pencil in front of him was the moment she wasn't able to stop drawing anymore. He had loved art for as long as he could remember and always wanted to study it whenever he grew up. It was a way for him to deal with the reality of the world. Whenever he would put something, whether it be a person or scenery of some sort, onto paper it was like he could almost be a part of the story. He wasn't doing well, he could feel it. The accident had taken a much bigger impact on him than he could have expected. His body felt lethargic, with his head hurting most of the time it was a hard task to even get out of bed in the morning. At night he would often hear voices and screaming but his vision remained black. The doctors had never seen such a case and were unfortunately unable to help him.

He looked up at Molly, who was impatiently tapping her feet onto the floor, waiting for the boy to give any form of response. She wanted nothing more than to see him joyful and healthy. Already on the Titanic she had grown incredibly fond of the free spirited artist. But the way he roamed around the world so carefree was something she wondered if it would ever come back.

Jack finally gave in, not being able to handle her burning gaze a second longer. In fact, it would be healthy for him to get out of the house other than the backyard. He had to come face to face with people again and put some routine back into his days.

"But if my drawings don't sell, you are the one to blame."

"I can handle that pressure, darlin'." She laughed and planted a kiss on his cheek. They immediately had to get their suitcases ready. Jack still was a light traveler. He put some old clothes of Molly's son, which they were so kind enough to lend him, into a bag together with his art supplies and headed back down the stairs. As they stepped outside, the sun welcomed him into the world of spring. For the first time in a while he could actually feel the warmth of it and the sound of birds singing in the sky. He allowed himself to live a little.

After a long train journey towards The City That Never sleeps they arrived safely at the Plaza Hotel. It was still early so they had the whole morning to put things together. Molly had been talking about this fundraising event as soon as they stepped off the Carpathia. Having seen the devastation off the poor souls onboard, she could not forgive herself if she were not to do something about it. It wasn't fair to her that she could go towards a home and step into a freshly made bed whilst others had to grief the loss of their loved ones as well as figure out what they were going to do with their lives. They had no one to hold on to, not even a shoulder to cry on.

Molly handed Jack a fresh cup of coffee, before continuing like the whirlwind she was. Jack looked around the hall, whilst holding his beverage firmly in his hands. He took a sip and lit up a cigarette. He suddenly caught his reflection in the mirror in front of him and stared at the fine image of wealth he was representing. He fitted in with every rich person around him and he almost forgot that he was a just the son of a farmer, from a place barely anyone knew it existed.

As time went on, it became more and more busy. Jack had set up his a few chairs where people could sit down and to his surprise, it went rather well. Woman after woman sat down in front of him to have their image being put onto paper. They would compliment him and handed him more money than he even asked for. There was even a lady who almost hang over his shoulder as she looked at the final result.

"You are very talented, sir." She told him, her hand pressing up the back of his neck, "Now if I only knew what to do with this drawing." The pressure became more intense and Jack shot up from his chair. He pointed at the ring on her finger, "Maybe your man likes to put it on his nightstand. If you will excuse me." He had drawn hours on end and his hand were starting to get sore. Not to forget he hadn't eaten nor drank anything apart from that cup of coffee. As he strolled around the hall in search of a refreshment his eyes landed on a food stall that was being surrounded by a group of people. Getting closer he could hear a familiar voice coming from behind the table.

"I am actually still looking for a prince." She told a young boy and wiped something off his face.

Then one of the girls looked at Jack and pointed her finger at him. "Or he can be your prince."

"Hello, Rose." He greeted her as she turned around to face him. Her eyes widened, being completely at a loss of words. "I was wondering if I might have some of that punch."

"Yes, of course." She quickly said. She grabbed hold of a cup and filled it. Her hands were trembling uncontrollably and before she knew it she dropped the beverage onto the ground, spilling the liquid all over the table cloth. Rose cursed underneath her breath and kneeled down to pick up the pieces of glass. Jack sat down next to her and helped her.

"Are you alright?" He asked worriedly. Rose nodded her head and stood back up. Throwing the trash into the bin beside her, she noticed she had also cut her hand open. Blood was slowly dripping down her arm onto her dress and the children looked at her in fright.

"Here come with me." Jack pulled her away from the situation and led her towards the bathroom. Her grabbed a towel soaked it in water and took hold of her injured hand. The feeling of his touch on her skin made Rose almost feel faint. He had touched almost every inch of her body, kissed the most vulnerable parts. It felt estranged yet recognisable at the same time. He looked up at her and gave her a quick smile.

"These cuts can look nasty, but it will fade in time. Does it hurt?"

She shrug her shoulders. "It stings a bit." As soon as he was done, she pulled her hand back and looked at her reflection in the mirror. He cheeks were glowing, like they always did whenever she would feel nervous. "I didn't know you'd be here." She suddenly said as they headed back into the main area. Jack pointed at his little spot where he was drawing.

"I am doing portraits. Molly did have to convince me, but drawing is my passion so it didn't take that much of convincing."

"Well I know that." It escaped Rose's lips before she could realise it. Jack smiled at her, but it was a form of smile that radiated more sadness than happiness. She quickly apologised for her remark, but Jack shook his head heavily.

"I know it must feel strange for you, Rose." He admitted, "Molly has told me we had become good friends onboard the ship."

Friends. The word hit her like a sledgehammer bursting through her brain. Friends who made love on the backseat of a car and kissed passionately as the heat of the engines burned behind them. Rose didn't have enough time to respond as the noise of a loud voice interrupted their conversation. Someone was calling her name dramatically and when she looked over Jack's shoulders she could see Edith Hampshire making her way towards her. The two girls went to finishing school together and despite them having the same age and their parents being very well acquainted, Rose never wanted to have to do anything with her.

Edith hugged her tight and planted a kiss on each of her cheek. Then she turned towards the man next to Rose and looked him up and down, smiling mischievously. They introduced themselves to one another and Edith quickly put her attention back on her friend.

"Everyone was so shocked when we heard what happened," She told Rose, "I am glad to see you are doing alright. How is Cal, how is your wedding coming along?"

A pit dropped in her stomach as she could feel Jack's eyes on her as Edith mentioned her fiance. "It's a little delayed, but it's going alright."

"That's nice to hear, Rose darling."

"Why are you here, Edith? If I may be so bold to ask."

"I couldn't just sit around after hearing about the disaster. I wanted to do something and help the poor people. So I am selling some of my stuff." She turned towards her table and saw it being surrounded by people. Edith quickly bet the two goodbye and headed off. "I'll see you at the dinner." She said lastly. A laugh escaped Jack's lips and he shook his head in disbelief. What a world he had found himself into. One person was faker than the other and so forth. He looked back at Rose who was staring at the ground in front of her.

"You're engaged?" He asked curiously.

Rose only nodded. "Does it surprise you, Mr. Dawson?"

"No," he said, "he must be a very lucky guy."

April 13th 1912.

Classical music welcomed Rose for the millionth time as she walked towards the beginning of the Grand Staircase. Both Cal and Ruth were already walking ahead of her, getting impatient as it took her ages to get ready. Then there he stood with his back towards her. She had to keep in her laugh as he was practising his manners, impersonating the other men around him. She slowly headed down the stairs, the heaviness of her dress , making it hard to keep her balance. His blue eyes watched her until she was finally standing in front of him. He took her hand and kissed it gently, still staring at her beauty.

"I saw that on a nickelodeon once and I always wanted to do it."

A giggle escaped her lips and he took her by the arm, leading her further down. Everyone was mesmerised by the presence of this new stranger. Her mother's eyes widened as she looked at him. It almost looked if she was jealous of some sort, but she quickly clung on to Cal as the promenaded further down. He must have been nervous, Rose thought as she could see him observing every single detail, but he never faltered. As they arrived at the table, Rose wanted to take seat next to Jack, but Cal quickly took hold of her hand and put her down next to him. Jack winked at her, telling her silently that he didn't mind. From that point on as everyone sat down the endless questions started. With everything Jack answered, Cal had to pinpoint that he held a third class ticket and was of course beneath everyone else.

Jack didn't seem to be bothered by Hockley's vicious remarks. He kept his head cool, his gaze focused on the only thing that kept his interest. Her.

"And you find that ruthless existence appealing do you?" Her mother then asked. He looked around the table, everyone staring directly at him. He swallowed away the lump in his throat. Everyone waited for a simple yes for an answer, but he didn't give in that easily.

"Well, yes, ma'am, I do... I mean, I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet," He looked at her, "where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count.

New York 1912.

This dinner was nothing like the on aboard. The table was too big and you almost had to shout at one another. Molly rose from her chair and lifted her glass. She thanked everyone for their hard work and participation and she couldn't be more proud. The guests applauded her and raised a toast to health and prosperity. Jack was sitting on the other side of the table, having multiple conversations with various people. Everyone seemed to adore him with his hair slid back and his suit fitting perfectly around his body. A form of rage slowly entered Rose's body and she couldn't help but look in venom at the situation. Towards the end, as alcohol had loosened up most of the guests, Edith had smoothly scooted over towards the other side of the table next to Jack. She was slowly starting to lean closer to him, nodding her head at everything he had to say. Her atrocious laugh could be heard from even outside the room and when she saw her taking hold of his tie, Rose felt like she could do nothing no more but leave the table.

"If you will excuse me." She told Molly and headed towards the back of the hotel. Entering a small alleyway, she sat down on a pile of bricks and quickly grabbed a smoke out of her purse. A cat suddenly jumped up from behind her squeak in fright and it quickly ran passed her. The sound of door could be heard in the distance, followed by footsteps that seemed to be getting closer. Out of the dark the silhouette of a man appeared right in front of her.

"Is something the matter, Rose? You suddenly ran off." The sound of his voice made her cry and she took a drag of her cigarette.

"Jack, I can't do this anymore." She suddenly said, "you must remember something. About us." She sounded desperate, angry even.

"Then why don't you tell me? How can anyone expect me to remember something when they don't tell me anything." He stepped closer to her.

"You want to know the truth, Jack? You swept me off my feet that is what happened."

"What do you mean?"

"I fell in love with you and for the record you fell in love with me too."

"Rose, you are engaged." He couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was something more to the both of them, he knew that, but this was the last thing he expected to hear.

"That doesn't change the way I feel about you. Jack, please. Something. Tell me you at least remember seeing the ship."

"Stop!" The anger in his voice took her completely by surprise. "You don't think it's hard for me to come to terms with it? I try every damn day to remember something. I have visited almost every god damn doctor in this country to find out what is happening to me, but they. can't. find. anything." There were tears in his eyes too, slowly dripping down his cheeks, "And then for you to tell me we had something together whilst you have another man waiting for you at home. I don't know you, Rose! I don't even know myself anymore."

Silence, but only the heaviness of their breathing could be heard in the darkness. This was it. She felt it in every inch of her body. She had hoped, dreamed and longed for it to one day turn to normal, but the way he looked at her was the glance of a total stranger. She had trusted in faith, in Molly and even in God that it would slowly be back to the way it was before. That they would conquer the world together. A person can dream at night and has to face the reality the next morning.

"So this is it then?" She asked.

"Rose, I never-"

"No I get it. I will never bother you again Jack Dawson. I have to accept that this is the way it just is," She hurriedly grabbed all her belongings and moved passed him, "Give Molly my best wishes." She said lastly without looking at him. He watched her leave, waiting for a few minutes to recollect his thoughts and joined the others back into the dining room.

It was the middle of the night when Rose arrived back home. She felt like all the tears had dropped down her eyes so much that she could barely keep them open. Her head felt heavy and the total darkness of the house was a good representation of how she felt. In the distance there was only one light that was burning, coming from the dining room. She slowly walked towards it and peaked her head around the corner. It was Cal, smoking a cigarette and staring at her without any form of emotion. He tapped off the excess ash onto the ground and cleared his throat.

"How was you shopping spree, Sweat Pea?"

"It was fine, thank you."

"You know a skill which you develop as you become a profound businessman?" He was suddenly in front of her, looking his fiancee up and down, "You slowly but surely start to notice when people are lying to you, deceiving you." Rose quickly took a step back and wanted to go her room as fast as she could, but her had already taken hold of her arm. He was now yelling at her, amercing her for her behaviour. She cried out in pain, trying to free herself from his grip, but she didn't have the strength anymore.

"You went to that fundraising, didn't you? Admit it Rose!"

"Let go off me, you're hurting me." Eventually he did and she ran up the stairs. He followed closely behind her.

"When will my love for you ever be enough? When will my devotion for my future wife ever be acknowledged?"

Meredith, who had heard the whole fiasco from upstairs now stood there, waiting to welcome Rose in her arms. Rose cried loudly in the crook of her neck and Meredith brought her towards safety. She placed Rose onto her bed and laid down beside her, stroking her soft curls. The maid spoke soft words of comfort and finally, her sobs faded slowly into the sound of sleep.