Guys, again, thank you so much for all the wonderful feedback! And don't worry, perhaps there will be a little twist in this chapter ;) Enjoy! xoxo
It was a stroke on the head and a gentle kiss on the cheek that woke her up. There he was standing on the end of the bed, smiling at her. The sun was beaming through the curtains, leaving a soft glow of light on his face. The sound of the sea could be heard through every creak of their little house. Then Rose sat up straight and smiled back at him. Looking over his shoulder, the little crib was standing in the corner of their room and she could hear soft sounds coming from it. He turned around, smiled once more and picked up the baby.
"I am so lucky to have you two."
They were happy, more than happy, She could feel the sensation in every part of her body. As she kept looking at them, she fell in love more every second that past. The sun was starting to get warmer and they had put on their clothes to go outside. Opening their front door they were welcomed by the view of the ocean, surrounded by the beach. He looked at her for a second, kissed her once more.
"You know I will always love you, right?"
She nodded her head and then watched as father and daughter slowly marched over to the sea. She wanted to follow, but her feet were stuck, making it impossible to move. He just kept walking, not looking back once and holding the baby close to his chest. He took his first step into the water, waited a second and then continued to move. She called after him, but he didn't hear her. Now screaming at him, she looked as he disappeared between the waves.
"Jack!" She called out into the distance. The wind was blowing drastically through her hair. There was no one around her. She was now the only person left. No, this was not allowed to happen.
"Please, Jack. Don't leave me!"
Her own screaming woke her up in total panic. Soaked by sweat, she threw the covers off of her and got out of bed. Opening her window even more, Rose leaned forward and inhaled the soft air of the night. Her heart was pounding in her chest, the sensation feeling too real. Then she could feel a soft punch in her stomach as if indeed the baby was still inside of her.
"Stop it." She told herself. Looking over at her clock it was already five in the morning, the sun already starting to rise. It was no use to go back to sleep so she silently left her room and got down. The past few days weren't as bad as she had expected. To her luck, Cal had to work more than usual and her mother had returned back to Philadelphia, leaving her alone with future mother-in-law. Mrs. Hockley, wasn't anything like her son, she was kind woman. She wanted to know everything about Rose, wanting to spend every second with her. The servants had taken notice of the situation and could only laugh about it, but when they'd see the look of desperation in her eyes they took her down with them and hid her in the servants quarters.
Figuring the cook would already be up, Rose headed over to the kitchen to get herself a cup of coffee. Yet no one was there. Her desire for a warm beverage was too strong so she decided to take matters into her own hands. Staring at all the devices she felt ashamed of how she had never prepared anything herself. She didn't even know how to put on a kettle.
"Great." She sighed and pulled herself up on the counter. She wiggled her feet, just like she did when she was a little kid. She would often hide in the kitchen of her childhood home. Licking the leftovers out of the bowls, having hot chocolate and a cold winter day. It was a time of innocence she'd often long for. Suddenly Rose heard footsteps coming form the corridor and a shadow entered the room. It was Tom, the footman.
"Miss Rose" He asked surprised, "What are you doing here so early?"
"I had a nightmare and couldn't get myself back to sleep, so I was hoping the cook was here to wake me up with a cup of coffee." She chuckled and got back onto her feet.
"You know I make a good cuppa myself, miss. And I can use one either." Following his every move she watched how he prepared it. She could feel herself smile when the smell of it filled the kitchen. She thanked him greatly when he handed the cup to her. Taking a first sip she felt her body waking up immediately. They talked for a little while before all the servants slowly started to come down. Looking around her, Rose never noticed how much time and energy went into every task the servants had to do just to keep families like hers satisfied. They worked day and night so that she could enjoy her luxurious lifestyle.
"Rose?" She turned around to see Meredith walked over to her. She was extremely confused to see her mistress downstairs at this time of the day, "Is there anything I can do for you? You want me to bring you your breakfast?"
"No." She shook her head, "I want to have breakfast with you."
Everyone was loud and laughing whilst quickly filling their stomach to get some energy for the day lying ahead. Being surrounded by them felt relaxing to Rose. The sound of the servants' chatter overcast the noise in her mind. It distracted her from her dream. She then looked over at her maid, who was in a deep conversation with the footman. There was shimmer in her eyes, one Rose had not yet seen in her. She smiled at the idea of Meredith's joy. After everything the young woman had gone through she deserved nothing but happiness. Meredith's caught her eyes and stood up, walking over to her.
"Let's go upstairs, Rose and get you dressed before Mrs. Hockley catches you."
Rose nodded her head and the two walked back towards her room. Catching a glimpse of Rose's face whilst brushing her hair, there was confusion.
"What's the matter?" Meredith asked.
"Nothing," Rose smiled, "I just saw you and Tom together and you looked just happy."
"He is just kind to me."
"Of course he is." Rose gave her a wink.
"But what were you doing down anyways?"
A sigh slipped from her lips and she started to pick her fingernails. "I had a dream about him. More of a nightmare, really. I thought I was starting to let go of him and then he is just there again."
"I am sorry." Meredith kneeled down next to her, "It's been a very busy and hectic time, Rose. Sometimes things from the past pop up again. You have to let it go."
It was easier said than done. As hours passed by, she could still see the picture of him falling into the waves, holding the baby. She was even able to feel how it was for her not to be able to move. It was a haunting image. As usual, Mrs. Hockley wanted to spend the whole day with her and with the servants being too busy, there was nothing to do but to give in to her request. They took the car and drove through the whole of Pittsburgh. They had lunch at Mrs. Hockley favourite restaurant, visited her favourite shops. The woman liked to make the decisions for the young woman. What meal to choose, or what colour suited her best. Rose just kept smiling, pulling herself through the day.
"It's so nice to finally have a girl in the family," She told Rose, "I've grown up with only brothers, had three sons. Now I just have this feeling that your first baby will be a girl."
"Well that's something for the future, ma'am."
"With your wedding only being a few weeks from now, the next step is babies, dear." Rose couldn't bare the thoughts of children nog longer. For now, she detested the little creatures. Ignoring her last words, Rose already stepped into the car to prepare herself for their final destination.
Cal was nothing but delighted when he saw the view of his fiancee entering his office. He smiled brightly, put the pile of papers he was holding back onto the desk and gave her a deep and passionate kiss. It was the perfect timing for he had just finished the final arrangements for his surprise.
"I hope we are not disturbing you, darling." Rose told him. Cal shook his head heavily.
"No, not at all. In fact I was hoping to see you today. I have to show you something."
"Oh," Rose said surprise, "what is it?"
"It's not here. You have to come with me." Cal grabbed his belongings and took Rose by her arm, leading her back outside. They all had to get back in the car again, another short journey lying ahead. Just before they arrived Cal turned towards Rose and took a handkerchief out of his pocket. Raising an eyebrow, she was utterly confused about the whole situation.
"What's that?" She asked him.
"I want you to put it on, before you see it."
Hesitating at first, she then gave in. After about five minutes she could feel the vehicle come to a halt. Opening the door, Cal took her by the hand and led her forward.
"You know I haven't seen you this much the past couple of days, but I know you'll forgive me when you see this." He then took the blindfold off. Blinking a few times to let her eyes get used to the light again, she gasped. In front of her was a Georgian inspired mansion surrounded by an enormous garden. She placed her hands onto the fence to peak through and observe the place some more. This would become their home. It was something every girl dreamed of, to live in a house that was basically a palace.
"A place for royalty, Rose. Like we are," He now stood close behind her and place his hands on her waist, "I don't have the keys just yet, but I am certain you will love the place."
"I don't know what to say, Cal." She whispered. Mrs. Hockley was almost crying out of pure joy. Looking over at her son she only felt pride. How lucky she was to have a son like him and how lucky Rose must be to marry such a man. Her mind wandered off to the time when she married her husband. She was about the same age as Rose was now, perhaps a bit older. It was the wedding of her dreams, she was the bride of the season and to see her youngest son have a love like she had made her nothing but joyful.
Still having his hands on her, Rose's body stiffened and she swallowed the lump in her throat. Observing the building, taking in as much she could, she tried to imagine her future here together with him. But for now, that future was non-existent in her mind and she could only stare at the lifeless building.
Chippewas Falls, 1912
It was a week of pure joy and celebration after they made their engagement public. The whole town was n total awe. Tonight some of Florence had organised a big summer dinner down by the lake. Getting home from his new job as a teacher down by the local school, Florence was already getting herself ready. Her hair was beautifully put up with a few loose strands hanging down her face. She was wearing mint green dress covered with lace details, one she made herself over a year ago. She wanted to wait for a special occasion to wear her gown. Greeting her fiance as he stepped into the house she urged him to get ready. Stepping back outside to head over to his room, he looked up at the sky. A typical summer day: hot and damp weather with a chance rain pouring down at any second. Before getting dressed himself, he quickly lit a cigarette to let the exhaustion of today leave his body. Jack did in fact love his new job. He had always been fond of children thus being able to work with them all day was nothing but a joy. They did ask a lot of attention from him, something he was not useful. So whenever he would come back home, he would finish his dinner and head straight to bed.
"Are you ready to leave?" Florence came walking in. Jack nodded his head, fixed his hair one last time and got the carriage ready. The heat of the summer made even the trip to the lake a hard task, but once they arrived they were welcomed by everyone underneath the trees. They were sitting around a large table, big enough for over thirty men and everyone had brought something to eat and drink. Candles were lit, to contrast the darkening shadows the branches created. It was a strange feeling for Jack, not being used this much company and they were all here because of him. Florence looked up at him, squeezed his hand for a moment before walking over to her friends. A sudden hasty sound of footsteps was heard behind him and Jack turned around. It was Wendy together with her little brother whom she had to bring along. Her head was as red as a tomato, drops of sweat rolling down her face. Jack laughed at her.
"Are you alright, Wendy?"
She shook her head for a moment. "My parents forced me to bring Michael along, he's been a pain in the ass ever since."
Michael pulled on his big sister's sleeve. "Can I go into the boat?" He asked her.
"Fine. But you stay in it and don't loosen it from the wharf. You understand me?" The little kid nodded his head and ran off to the lake. Observing him for a minute longer until Wendy saw he was indeed safe in the little boat, she put her hand on Jack's shoulder and commanded him to bring her a drink.
"It would be my pleasure."
Jack had known Wendy for all his life. Everyone found her a bit peculiar in a way, for she always liked to participate in the boy's activities. She would climb trees with Jack as well as build wildfires and always returned home with some sort of stain or tear in one of her dresses. Her hair would hang loose around her face, despite the effort her mother put into it every morning. "You will never in your life find yourself a husband if you keep acting like a caveman." Her mother would yell at her.
"I don't want a husband. Ever!" Was her response. And in fact Jack believed her for she was never paying any attention to the men around her in a romantic way. All the girls their age were racing against one another for their perfect beau. When they were forteen there had been a rumour that someone saw Wendy kissing another girl behind the church. Fortunately for her, no one believed the one starting to gossip.
As time went on and everyone was still enjoying each other's company, a sudden burst of thunder sang from out of the sky. Lightning followed and soon a downpour that seemed never ending. Wendy shot up from her chair to get her brother out of the boat, yet when she arrived she couldn't do anything but scream at the top of her lungs. Everyone looked up and rushed over to the wharf. Looking at the lake, the boat was floating in the middle of it, capsized and with no sign of Michael whatsoever.
"He can't swim!" Wendy cried. As everyone started to panic and called out his name, there came no response. Jack looked around him and didn't see any form of action being taken. He quickly removed his shoes and overcoat and jumped into the water himself. Despite the heat, the water felt cold and it shook him to the core. Taking longer than he thought it would, he arrived at the boat and looked around it, but there was no Michael. Jack took a deep breath and shot underwater. Within seconds he could see the lifeless body of the young boy floating underwater. He took hold of him, pulled him to the surface and with the last power he had in his body, he turned over the boat.
"Let me help, Jack." said a voice behind him. It was George. They both lifted the kid into the boat before George crawled in himself. "I can feel a heartbeat, but he is not breathing."
"Alright." Jack nodded. Not really knowing how they managed to do it, they finally reached the quay. As everyone was being pulled out of the freezy waters, Jack kneeled beside Michael, pushing a much air into his lungs as he could.
"Come on, fella." He said whilst pushing onto his chest once more, "Show me what a fighter you are." After what seemed like ages, Michael finally coughed out the remaining water inside of him and gasped for air. He started crying and Wendy took him into her arms. As everyone gathered around the young boy, Jack distanced himself from the situation. He suddenly felt a strange feeling inside of him, an unexpected one. It felt as if the cold of the water had made him wide awake.
"Jack are you alright?" Meredith rushed over to him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Jack simply nodded, but quickly moved away from her.
"I am fine, Meredith."
"You don't seem fine."
"Listen when I say I am fine, I am fine. Now if you will excuse me." He marched passed the group and headed straight to nowhere, rain still pouring onto him. Something within told him that he had the remove himself from everyone, from the situation. In sight, an oak tree caught his eye and he leaned his back against the stem when he reached it. He could see it again, the image. Losing his balance falling into the deep waters. He slowly started the believe he was really there. He could hear faint voices, screams, coming out of the darkness of his mind, yet it was impossible to reach out for them. Meredith had followed him and grabbed his arm so he would turn around to face her.
"I don't what's going on with you right now, but I am taking you home before you get sick."
There were the voices again. Hundreds at once, screaming out of dear life. People falling into the water. Some of them jumped but their deaths for waiting for them in the depths of the freezing ocean. He was standing on a deck, a group of people in front of him, slowly stepping into a boat. Red hair, green shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She turned around, her eyes burning into his soul. She looked frightened, yet angry at the same time.
"I am not going without you, Jack."
He then woke up in total panic. Sweat dripping down every part of his body, his heart beating in his chest.
"Rose"
