A/N: Hey guys!! I finally found time to update my story...well, here it is...oh, and I realized that I said Amanda Michaels was three years old, when she was supposed to be two...please excuse that, I make mistakes now a then, and I usually write when I have time (which is by evening) and I get tired, so I don't really know if I'm writing the right details, then the next day, I try to look over it, etc. But I forgot to fix her age. So, from now on, think of Amanda to be a two year old little girl...thanks...well, here's the new chapter...enjoy!!
Chapter Twenty-Three
Jack and Jon were still talking in the parlor room, while Rose was upstairs, playing with Amanda. Katherine had gone out of the house, mentioning something about going to the delicatessen, to purchase a few items. Jonathan told Jack everything he had did from his two years of absence. Jack, too, told Jonathan everything from his adventure. From his parents dying in the fire up until the day he married Rose. He explained some experiences on the Titanic, but only left the sinking part out, because it was to hard for him to share with Jonathan, for it was still fresh in his memory. Now, Jack and Jonathan were having a small discussion on their marriage life.
"I met Kat three years ago, as I was walking on the beach. It was a beautiful summer day. It was June, I suppose, and as I was walking, I bumped into her, nearly knocking her over. Luckily, I caught her before she fell, and from that moment, I fell in love with her. We started seeing each other more, became intimate with each other, and one thing led to another, she got pregnant, we got married, now, we're just a happy family. And let me tell you, every time I look into her eyes, I fall in love again. It's like I was eighteen again, falling in love with the most beautiful girl that I have ever met. She was only fifteen or so, when we met." Jonathan said. "She's eighteen now, but I'm deeply in love with her. Something that I never felt in my entire life, up until I met her. She's my world. She's my everything. If something happens to her, I don't know what I'd do." Jonathan looked over at Jack, smiling. "We married on July,15,1909, and had Amanda on February,17,1910. Kat and I have been happily married for two years. Our third year anniversary will be this July." Jonathan said, smiling over at Jack, who was smiling back. "How old is Rose by the way?"
"Seventeen." Jack answered.
"Seventeen?" Jonathan asked. Jack nodded. "And you're what, twenty?" Jack nodded again. Just as Jack was about to say something, Rose appeared at the top of the stairs. Jack looked up at her, and smiled. Jonathan looked over his shoulder, as he found Rose descending the stairs, with graceful, elegant steps, as her hand held onto the banister. Once she reached the bottom step, Rose walked over to the sofa, and sat beside Jack.
"Amanda is fast asleep in her room." Rose said, to Jonathan. Jonathan nodded.
"Yeah, at this time, she always takes her naps." Jonathan replied. Rose smiled. "So, have you two thought of having children of your own someday?" Jonathan asked, looking at both Jack and Rose.
Jack was taken aback at the question. He had never thought of having children of his own, not even having the courage to discuss it with Rose herself. Someday, he would love to become a father, but he feels that they should wait for a few months. Just so they could enjoy being husband and wife, before they became parents. He didn't want to rush things at the moment, for they had just gotten married, and if they have kids now, they wouldn't be able to have time to themselves, and Jack wishes to have some time to themselves before they become parents to their own child. Rose stared at him, with an expressionless face, she just stared at him, as if she was expecting him to say something, to answer Jonathan's question. Jack looked into Rose's eyes, and saw a longing in them. As if she wanted to have children of her own...as if she would like to have one now. Jack ran his rough fingers, through his tousled hair as he let out an uneasy sigh.
"Well, I would like to wait for awhile, before we have kids of our own. If we have a child now, we wouldn't be able to experience being a husband and a wife...having the ability to enjoy our marriage for a few months, before we head on to another chapter of our lives." Jack said, looking over at Rose, hoping that she wasn't too upset with his answer. He then looked over at Jonathan, finding him nodding his head. "But I would love to become a father...it's just that, it's a little too early now. I'm only twenty years old, and I want to be able to experience being a husband first, then when it's the right time, I'll be able to experience fatherhood. Just as I believe that Rose should first learn to experience being a wife, then later on, motherhood. A child can change a person's life, and I'm just not ready yet...I'm not ready to be a father...although, I want to be." Jack looked over at Rose, who gave him a small smile. "You're not upset with me, are you?"
"No," Rose said. "why would I be? I understand you're not ready, and I know I'm not either, and I could wait, if you want me to. There's plenty of time for children, and I have to agree that we should first experience being a married couple, before we become parents. We should just give it time, I guess. There's no harm in that." Rose said, as she looked over at her husband. Jack smiled as he pressed his lips onto hers, bringing her into a gentle, loving kiss. Rose closed her eyes at the gentle brush of his lips against hers. Rose felt Jack's tongue tease her lips, urging her to open them. Rose made a small gap between her lips, as she allowed for Jack's tongue to slip into her mouth, interlocking with her own. She felt Jack's hand go up her arm, as it landed on top of her shoulder. Rose's hand traveled up to his neck, where her fingers ran through Jack's golden-blonde hair. Their passionate kiss lasted for a mere minute, when Jonathan's alleged cough broke them apart. Jack looked over his shoulder and smiled, as his cheeks turned a pinkish color. Rose, too, blushed, as Jonathan stared at them, a smile spread across his masculine features. Just then, the front door opened, revealing Katherine, holding two bagful of groceries. Both, Jack and Jonathan got up, to assist her, taking both bags away from her, as Jack carried one, and Jonathan carried the other.
"Why, thank you, gentlemen." Katherine smiled. "I really appreciate your kindness."
"Anything for my wife." Jonathan said, planting a kiss on her lips. Rose smiled from where she was sitting, and watched as Jack went into the kitchen, to put the bag on the table. Rose just sat there, as she played with her fingers. Jonathan and Katherine went into the kitchen, as they were beginning to put the groceries away. Rose sat on the sofa, completely oblivious that Jack had entered the parlor, nor that he was making his way towards her. She jumped when she felt a pair of arms go around her.
"Oh...it's only you." Rose said, smiling up at him.
"Of course it's me." Jack said. "Who did you think it would be?"
"Nobody..." Rose said. She looked over at him, finding his blue eyes shine with love and concern. "I'm just tired."
"Well, then, why don't you go on to our room, and take a nice long nap." Jack said. "I'll be outside, if you need me, okay?" Rose nodded, and felt Jack's lips brush against her cheek. "I love you...have a nice rest."
"I will." Rose said, as she got up. She found Jack smiling at her. Rose smiled back, as she headed towards their room, which was up on the second floor. Rose opened the door to the guest room, and stepped inside. She closed the door behind her, and leaned against it, as she closed her eyes. Sighing, Rose walked towards the bed, and fell upon it, as she closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep, as her exhaustion took over her.
Jack had watched Rose walk up the stairs, and heard her close the door of their guest room. Jack pursued her, just to make sure she was okay, because she was acting strange. He gently knocked on the door, hearing no response. He turned the doorknob, and peeked his head in, where he found Rose lying on the bed. Opening the door a little further, he stepped into the room, and headed towards her, where he found her eyes closed. She lay upon her stomach, as her head rested on the pillow. Smiling, Jack took a blanket from the chair beside the bed, and placed it over her, as he placed a gentle kiss upon her delicate cheek. He saw her smile, with her eyes still shut.
"I love you..." Rose said, her voice soft.
"I love you too, Rose. Have a nice rest." Jack said, before leaving the room, closing the door behind him, leaving Rose to her peace. Jack passed by Amanda's room, finding it open. He peeked inside, finding Amanda sleeping peacefully on her bed. Jack walked inside, quietly and went towards her, where he covered her with a comforter. He gently pressed his lips upon her cheek, as he moved her hair away from her face, smiling. Jack then left her room, leaving the door open, a crack. He then went down the stairs, where he placed his hand into his pocket, taking out his pack of cigarettes, where he hit the end of the pack with the palm of his hand. Taking one cigarette off the pack, he placed the filter into his mouth, as he slipped his hand into his pocket, placing the pack back, and taking out his matches. Heading out the front door, he lit the cigarette and let out a long drag. Blowing out the fire from the match, he flicked it onto the ground, as he blew out the smoke from his nose.
Jack's eyes skimmed through the number of houses, that were across the street. He found the mailman opening the gate as he climbed up the steps, heading towards him. The mailman slipped his hand into his bag, and took out a pile of mail, handing it to Jack. Jack took the mail and nodded to the mailman, who smiled at him, and climbed down the stone steps, where he closed the gate, and headed towards the next house, to give the people their mail. Jack looked down at the pile of mail he had in his hands and looked through them. Most of them were bills, while others were letters or advertisements. Jack heard the front door open. He looked over his shoulder finding Jonathan standing before him.
"The mail usually comes at this time--" Jonathan said, when he found Jack hold up the mail that was in his hands. "Oh, thanks." Jonathan said, retrieving the mail from his hands.
"No problem." Jack said, swinging his hair away from his face, as he took another drag from his cigarette.
"Got another cigarette?" Jonathan asked. Jack nodded, as he took the pack from his packet, taking out a cigarette, as he handed it to Jon. He put the pack back in his pocket, and took out his matches, as he lit the cigarette for Jon. "Thank you..." Jonathan said, taking a long drag from the cigarette, and blowing the smoke out, through his nose. Jack blew the fire off the match, and flicked it onto the pavement. "I hadn't smoked in awhile, you know. I think my last cigarette was before Amanda was born."
"Wow, that's a long time..." Jack said, holding the cigarette between his forefinger and middle finger, blowing out the smoke from his mouth.
"I know, and I've been missing it, but I wouldn't wanna smoke in front of Amanda, you know. She's only two, and I wouldn't want to see her get anything serious from my smoking. That's why I stopped when she was born." Jonathan said, taking another drag from the cigarette.
"I hadn't smoked since before it happened, you know. I couldn't find the time to buy some, and besides, I was enjoying my time with Rose too much, that a cigarette didn't even cross mind." Jack said. "I just had time to buy some yesterday, and this sorta helps me relieve my stress, from all the shit I've been through for the past week...besides Rose. From the time the ship hit the iceberg, everything's changed...from the time when I had the chance to love Rose...to actually fall in love with her, the iceberg had to hit."
"It's nature, Jack." Jonathan said. "You can't go against nature."
"I know, but it wasn't nature's fault." Jack stated.
"Then who's was it?" Jonathan asked.
"Who knows." Jack said. "All I know, is that they received six iceberg warnings, but they ignored each and every one of them...only asking for help when it's too late. Before we knew it, the ship went down...taking more than fifteen hundred people with her...mostly third class passengers." Jonathan just shook his head.
"How could these people judge others for what they are?" Jonathan asked. "Can't they see that they have feelings as well? They don't have to have all the money in the world to show other's that they're actually worth something? That they're actually real human beings, just as the first class passengers?"
"I have to agree with you, but they can't see it. The only person I know, who really understood, is Rose." Jack said, looking over at Jonathan. "She was a first class passengers, with elegant clothing and fancy hairstyles...but within all that, I saw a woman who wanted to be set free...and she was looking up to me, to set her free. To let her be the woman that she wants to be, instead of being miserable and trapped, as she was in first class."
"I still don't understand how she could be miserable, with that kind of life." Jonathan said, taking a drag from the cigarette.
"She was miserable, Jon!" Jack said. "Her mother controlled her life. Her mother chose her fiancée, her mother chose the clothes she should wear, her mother never gave her a chance to have the ability to live life to the fullest. All her mother did, was make her life miserable, and not worth living. She attempted to end her life on the Titanic, by jumping off the back of the ship, and I couldn't let her do that. She's worth more than that. She deserves more than what her first class life has to offer. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew that she was miserable--that she needed someone to set her free from the locked cage that she was forced to live in and I did everything I could to set her free, and I did. I did. I made her the woman that she is now; allowing her to do whatever she wants with her life. I'm not going to stop her. I love her too much, to destroy her life--to control her life. I never control anybody's life, no matter who they are. They are capable to live their life on their own, and as I always say, to make each day count." Jack placed the filter of the cigarette back in his mouth, as he took his last drag from the cigarette, before flicking it onto the pavement. He blew out the smoke as he continued. "I would do absolutely anything to make her life worthwhile. It would kill me, if I see that she's living a miserable life." Jack placed his hands in his pockets, as he looked over at Jonathan, who just finished his cigarette. "Now, you know why Rose didn't want to live her life in first class." Jonathan nodded.
"I guess she's one of a kind." Jonathan said.
"She is, Jon. She's a unique woman, and I love her for that. I love that fire that she has inside her. The one ounce of hope, that she would be free. That's what made me fall in love with her. Her will, to be set free from her trap...to be a free butterfly, who's flying in the wind, able to do whatever she pleases, without anybody objecting to her wishes. I know she still has that spirit inside her. That spirit allowed me to set her free, more or less, allowed me to fall in love with her. To see the true Rose that was being held by the beauty of the woman that walked as elegant as a princess, and wore garments that had the silky touch to it." Jack said. "She's the world to me. She's my life...without her, I'm not worth living." Jonathan nodded.
"That's exactly how I feel with Katherine." Jonathan said, as he flicked his cigarette onto the pavement, after blowing off the smoke from his nose. Jack smiled. Jonathan looked at his watch, as he whistled. "It's already three o'clock. I should be heading for work. I have to work double shift today." Jonathan said. "I'll see ya later, Jack, okay?" Jack nodded, as he watched Jonathan go through the gate. After closing the gate, he walked up the block, before waving to Jack, who waved back. Jack then went inside, as he closed the front door. He went into the kitchen, where he found Katherine preparing a hot cup of coffee. She looked up as the sound of his footsteps.
"Hi, Jack." Katherine smiled.
"Uh, Jon left for work." Jack said.
"He did?" Katherine asked, looking up at him.
"Yeah," Jack said. "He said somethin' about working double shift today." Katherine smiled, as she shook her head.
"He never tells me these things, you know." Katherine said.
"Ah, maybe he forgot to tell you." Jack said.
"Maybe..." Katherine said. "would you like a cup of coffee?"
"Sure," Jack said. "why not?" Jack took a seat at one of the chairs, as he watched Katherine prepare him his coffee.
"How many sugars?" Katherine asked, looking at him, over her shoulder.
"Three..." Jack said, as he tapped his fingers onto the table. Katherine set his cup in front of him, as she sat beside him, taking a sip from her cup.
"Where's Rose?" Katherine asked.
"She's resting," Jack said, taking a sip from his cup. "she said that she was tired."
"She must've been exhausted from all the stress she's been through. I don't blame her." Katherine said. "Besides, it's best that she gets her rest now, instead of being exhausted all day long." Jack nodded, as he took another sip from his cup of coffee. Jack glanced over at the clock, that hung on the wall in the kitchen, finding that it was fifteen minutes past three. Cal had invited them to dinner for tonight, and it was only five hours away. Jack ran his fingers through his hair, as he let out a sigh.
Silence hung in the kitchen for mere minutes. Jack just stared down at his cup of coffee, which was half full, as his mouth formed a thin line. Strands of his blonde hair fell onto his face, as his eyes held a mysterious glow in them. Jack lifted the cup, and brought it towards his mouth, as he took a sip of the hot liquid that was held in the cup. Setting the cup down, Jack ran his fingers through his hair, removing the strands away from his face, as he closed his eyes for a brief moment. When he opened them, he looked over at Katherine, who was drinking her coffee. Jack finished up his coffee, as he got up. He mumbled that he was tired, and left the kitchen, where he climbed the footsteps, heading towards the guest room, where he opened the door, entering the room quietly. After closing the door behind him, Jack turned, finding Rose still fast asleep on the bed. Smiling, Jack took off his boots, and set them aside. He walked over to the bed, and lay upon it, as he put his hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling.
As Jack stared up at the ceiling, thoughts began to linger in his mind. He wondered if going to dinner with Cal tonight, would be a good idea. He still had that one ounce of hatred towards the man, but his heart also told him that he was a friend. It was awkward for him to be friends with Cal, when they were enemies aboard the Titanic. Caledon Hockley despised him because he had stole Rose away from him. But now, Cal learned to accept the fact that he was married to Rose, that he no longer was capable in winning her. As these thoughts played in his head, Jack's eyes grew heavier, and as they did, they began to close, bringing Jack into a dreamless slumber. Turning to his side, Jack fell asleep, letting his exhaustion take over his body. There, in the room, Jack and Rose were sound asleep, as their souls drifted into another world.
It was close to five o'clock in the Michael's house, as Jack and Rose were still sound asleep in the guest room. The sun was still up in the sky, but was beginning to lower. The sky became a tad bit darker, but light still shone in the sky. The first to awake was Rose, who was on her back. Her eyes fluttered open, as she stared up at the ceiling. Rose rubbed her eyes, to awaken them from their slumber. After moments of awakening herself, she finally sat up, yawning quietly. She looked over her shoulder, finding that Jack, too, had taken an afternoon's rest, as she did. Smiling, she got up, and left the room, to grab something to drink, for her mouth was dry. When she reached the bottom steps, she found Amanda playing in the parlor room. Rose smiled down at her, as she made her way towards the kitchen. There, she found Katherine preparing a meal. Rose walked over to the icebox.
"You wouldn't mind if I grab something to drink, will you?" Rose asked, taking out a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice.
"No, not at all, go right ahead." Katherine said, smiling at her. Rose smiled as she went over to the cabinet, retrieving a glass. Closing the cabinet door, Rose set the glass on the counter, as she poured the liquid into the glass, until it was full. Heading back towards the icebox, Rose put the pitcher back in its place, and took the glass from the counter, where she began quenching her thirst. The glass was empty, when she finished drinking the last drop of the juice. Rose walked over to the sink, where she washed the glass, and placing it in the dish racket. Rose found Jack's portfolio by the counter. Rose picked up the portfolio and opened it, finding a portrait of herself and Katherine, as they were talking this morning. Smiling, Rose looked down at the initials that Jack had written, along with the date. Rose closed her eyes, as she reminisced back to the time when Jack had drawn her in the nude.
"It's quite proper, I assure you." Rose said, letting out a laugh, as she opened the door to the sitting room. Both entered the room, as Rose closed the door. "This is the sitting room," Rose said looking up at Jack. "will this light do?" Rose asked. Jack turned, confusion written all over his face. "Don't artists need good light?" Rose asked. Jack smiled.
"Zat is true, but I'm not used to working in such...'Orreeble conditions..." Jack said, in a bad French accent. His eyes fell upon a painting that he recognized. He gasped. "Monet!" Jack said, as he headed towards the painting, crouching down, as his artistic fingers glided through the rough texture of the painting.
"Do you know his work?" Rose asked, standing behind him.
"Of course...look at his use of colors, isn't he great?" Jack asked.
"I know...it's extraordinary." Rose said, as she headed towards the wardrobe closet. "Cal insists on carrying this thing everywhere." Rose said, with a small chuckle.
"Should we be expecting him anytime soon?" Jack asked, looking over at the other rooms.
"Not as long as the cigars and brandy hold out." Rose said, as she took the necklace out of the velvet box, and walks toward him. She hands him the necklace, as Jack takes it in his own hands, examining it.
"What is it? A sapphire?" Jack asked, staring down at the jewel, which shined in the light that was given in the room.
"A diamond. A very rare diamond." Rose said, looking over at Jack. She took a deep breath. "Jack, I want you to draw me like one of your French girls...wearing this." Rose said, looking up at him. Jack nods.
"All right..." Jack whispers, as he is still examining the diamond.
"Wearing only this." Rose finished, a smile spreading across her face, as Jack's shocked face looks down at her.
"A-all right." Jack said, taking a shaky breath. Rose smiled.
"Good...I'll go get ready." Rose said, as she took the necklace from Jack. "I'll be back in a few minutes." Jack nodded, as he watched Rose disappear into her stateroom.
Rose walked over to her closet, as she removed a silk kimono. She threw the kimono atop her bed, as she began taking the velvet dress that she had worn. After a few minutes of struggling with the buttons, she managed to strip out of her dress. Placing her dress on a chair, she took off her shoes and stockings, and placed them aside, before she began unlacing her corset. She had trouble at first, but she managed. Taking the corset off, she slipped on the kimono, tying the sash around her. Rose walked over to the bureau, and took off the earrings that hung on her ears. She took off the necklace that was wrapped around her neck, and placed them in a jewelry box. She looked down at her left hand, and saw the engagement ring that lay upon her finger. The ring, in which symbolized the ownership of Caledon Hockley. The ring, that proved to the rest of the world, that she belonged to him, and nobody else. Without hesitation, she removed the ring, as if she was ending the alleged commitment Cal offered a short year ago. As if she was breaking free from the possessed life she had lived for the past year. Dropping the ring onto the bureau, not giving a care to the world if she loses it, for she never wanted it placed on her finger in the first place. Her fingers landed on the butterfly comb, which held her curls away from her face. Removing the comb, she shook her curls free, as her hair fell past her shoulders, and around her face. She placed the comb on the bureau and took a deep breath. Her hand rested on the doorknob, before opening up the door, that separated her stateroom, from the sitting room, in which Jack was waiting for her. Finally, she opened the door, and stepped through the sitting room, where she found Jack sharpening a piece of lead.
Jack looked up as he heard the door open. There, he found Rose standing by the doorway, a sly smile on her face, as she began swinging the sash of the silk kimono she was wearing. A smile appeared on Jack's face, as he straightened from his sitting position. Rose took a few steps until she stood in front of him. She smiled down at him, as his shining eyes stared up at her.
"All I need, is another picture, looking like a porcelain doll..." Rose said. She held out her hand, a dime, which was held between her fingers was exposed to Jack. "As a paying customer..." Rose said, tossing the dime on his chest, as Jack caught it. He smiled at her. "I expect to get what I want." Rose said, stepping backwards, as her hands went at the opening of her kimono. She slowly removed the kimono, exposing her bare skin to the one man who had first witnessed her in the nude. She placed her hands in front of her, as she took a deep breath. She just stood there, waiting for him to say something, for he only stood there, his eyes wide, his face showing off a pinkish color, and she saw him shift nervously in his seat.
"Over by the bed--I mean, couch." Jack said, mentally kicking himself for that one mistake that he made. He could feel the blood rush to his cheeks as he watched Rose make her way towards the couch. He watched as she lay gracefully on the couch, resting her head on one of the pillows, as she placed her left arm over her head, then moving it to another position.
"Tell me when it looks right--" Rose began, as she tried to find the right pose.
"P-put your arm back the way it was." Jack said. Rose placed her arm over her head, as her hand held the edge of the fancy pillow. "Right...now, put your other hand right by your face there," Jack said, demonstrating the way he wanted her posed. "all right, head down, eyes to me--keep them on me, and try to...stay still." Jack said, as he brought his right foot over his knee, as he positioned his portfolio. He took a deep breath, as he began drawing the beauty that lay before him. His mouth was a thin line, and his hair fell in his face, as his eyes concentrated on his work--drawing every line, every curve, and every shadow perfectly, as his eyes stared down on the paper, and up at Rose, capturing her soul--capturing her beauty, and drawing it all onto the piece of paper.
Rose watched as Jack concentrated on his drawing. Rose hadn't moved a muscle, as she watched Jack's eyes glance on her and on the paper, as she heard the scratching of the lead, and the strokes of his fingers on the paper, as he drew the real Rose he saw. Rose looked into Jack's eyes, finding him really concentrated into his work, as if nothing in the world would ever disturb him. A small smile came across Rose's face as she scrunched up her face.
"So serious..." Rose said, as she saw Jack smile. Rose continued to stay still, laying as motionless as possible, so she would make it easier for Jack to draw her. As she watched Jack draw, she noticed a pinkish color appear on his cheeks. Rose smiled, as her heart fluttered inside her chest. "I believe you are blushing, Mr. Big Artiste..." Rose said, smiling at him. "I can't imagine monsieur Monet blushing." Jack looked up at her, with a smile.
"He does landscapes..." Jack commented. "Now relax your face."
"Sorry." Rose said, taking a deep breath.
"No laughing." Jack said, as he continued drawing. His eyes narrowed as he made every stroke and every shadow onto the portrait, perfectly. His attention went on her eyes, as he grabbed her soul--the way her eyes twinkled at him, and drew it onto the piece of paper. After two hours passed, Jack had finally completed the drawing. Smiling, he looked down at his work, as he was satisfied. He could hear Rose get up from the couch, and pick up the kimono that was on the floor, and slipping it on.
"Date it, Jack," Rose said, looking up at him. "I want to remember this day for the rest of my life." Rose smiled at him, as she watched him scribble something at the bottom right hand corner. She went over to him, and stood behind him, as she looked over her shoulder. Her hand was placed on his shoulder, as her chin lay upon it. Jack blew the dust off of the portrait, and close the portfolio, as he handed it to her. "Thank you..." Rose whispered, as she pressed her lips onto his, with her hand holding the side of the portfolio, trying to take it, but Jack was preventing her from doing so. They both laughed as they shared their kiss.
Rose was still caught in her trance, as she gazed down at the drawing Jack had drew of her and Katherine that morning. She was so transfixed to the portrait, that she hadn't heard Katherine's question, nor had she heard Jack appear in the kitchen, yawning.
"Rose?" Katherine said, as she watched Rose stare down at the drawing. She saw Rose blink a few times, before looking up.
"I'm sorry, what is it?" Rose asked, as she looked up at Katherine.
"I asked you if you were hungry, and if you wanted me to serve you some mashed potatoes and fried chicken." Katherine said, worry shining in her eyes. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Rose said. "I was just reminiscing a memory." Rose looked down at the portrait, and closed the portfolio, as she set it aside.
"It wasn't a bad one this time, was it?" Jack interrupted, as he walked towards her. Rose looked up at the sound of his voice, and turned. A smile spread across her face as she looked up at him.
"No," Rose said. "it wasn't." Rose looked up at him, as smile tiptoed to plant a loving kiss onto his lips, which automatically brushed against hers. She felt Jack's arms go around her back, as she placed her hand at the back of his neck. A few moments later, their lips broke apart, as they were only mere inches apart. "It was much more appealing than the others." Rose said, looking up at him, with a sly smile.
"Well, what could possibly be appealing at this time of day?" Jack asked, taking a plate from the cabinet, as he served himself a big spoonful of mashed potatoes, and took one piece of fried chicken breast, and poured hot gravy onto his mashed potatoes, as he went into another pot, and served himself a spoonful of white rice. He grabbed a fork and a knife, and walked towards the kitchen table.
"I don't know." Rose said. "Besides, I'm sure you'll know. You were blushing most of the time." Rose smiled, as she accepted the plateful of food that Katherine had prepared for her, after Jack had served himself. "Thank you." Rose said, as she went to sit across from her husband.
"I wonder what this 'appealing' moment is." Katherine said, taking her own seat on one of the available chairs. Rose smiled as she put a forkful of mashed potatoes into her mouth, gracefully chewing onto the delicious food.
"Well, this was a moment way before the Titanic had struck the iceberg. Probably four, five hours before." Rose said. "These are one of the moments where I enjoyed being on the ship--other than the sinking." Katherine nodded, as her eyes were fixed on Rose. "Well, it was the fourteenth of this month. Jack and I had shared our first kiss moments before. I took him to the sitting room, which was on B Deck--the richest part of the ship. As we entered the sitting room, Jack was amazed at the beauty given off by the magnificent first class sitting room. Of course, I had paintings, for arts was one of my major interests. And one of those paintings, in particular, caught Jack's interests. It was a painting made by Monet. As he was preoccupied with the painting, I went to a safe, and took out an expensive necklace. It was heart-shaped, with a very rare blue diamond, surrounded by tiny diamonds. In French, they call it La Cær de la Mare--in English, it's known as The Heart of the Ocean."
"How much did this necklace cost?" Katherine asked. "If you don't mind my asking."
"No, of course not." Rose said. "Well, according to Caledon Hockley, it had cost about more than two million dollars." Katherine's eyes went wide as she heard the price.
"T-two million dollars?" Katherine asked, her eyes still wide. Rose nodded.
"I know. Cal used to smother me with these expensive jewelry." Rose said. "It's something he did, to try to get me to love him. But sure enough, it hadn't worked." Katherine smiled.
"Do you still have the necklace?" Katherine asked.
"Yes, it's in safe-keeping." Rose said.
"That's one expensive jewelry to have." Katherine said, giving off a short chuckle.
"I have to agree. Only, Cal didn't understand." Rose said. "To him, money was everything. Material things meant more to him, than me. Well, at least at that time. I'm not sure if he's the same now."
"Well, people have their moments." Katherine said.
"True," Rose said. "I have to agree with you on that one."
"Well, you were saying." Katherine said, urging for Rose to continue on with her story. Rose smiled.
"Well, when I gave him the necklace, I asked him something." Rose said. "I asked him, if he would draw me like one of his 'French' girls, wearing the necklace." Rose noticed that Jack's face grew pink, as he continued to eat his meal. "When I meant the necklace...I meant only the necklace." Katherine's mouth went wide.
"You mean...you...?" Katherine couldn't get the words out.
"Posed in the nude for him?" Rose finished for her. "Yes, I did." Rose said, smiling.
"I would never imagine someone like you doing such a thing!" Katherine said, a smile pasted upon her face.
"Well, don't judge people before you know them." Rose said, smiling. Rose then glanced over at Jack, finding his face beet red. "Why are you blushing? You had it easy. All you had to do was draw me. Do you think it was easy for me to pose in the nude in front of a grown man?" Jack chuckled.
"Do you think it was easy to stare at a naked woman for two whole hours?" Jack asked, chuckling. Rose joined in on the laughter.
"Mommy?" The sound of Amanda's voice was heard from the parlor room.
"Yes, sweetie?" Katherine called out, her head in the direction of the door.
"I have to go to the bathroom!" Amanda said.
"Coming, sweetheart!" Katherine said, getting up and heading to the direction of the parlor room door, where she left Jack and Rose to their privacy.
"She's one lucky woman." Rose commented, as she continued to eat her food.
"Why is that?" Jack asked, after he swallowed his bite of chicken, mashed potatoes and rice.
"She has a husband, who loves her." Rose said. "And, she has a beautiful little girl."
"Don't you think you're lucky enough to be married to me?" Jack asked, a smile threatening to cross his face.
"Well, doesn't someone believe he's special!" Rose said, a smile across her face. "And to think that you were lucky enough to end up with me!" Jack laughed.
"Things happen. And we ended up being married." Jack said. "What? Do you want to change that?"
"Absolutely not!" Rose said. "I love the way my life is going, and I wouldn't change anything. You being my husband, is perfectly fine with me."
"Just as you, being my wife, makes my life worth living." Jack said, taking a sip of the white wine that was placed before him. Rose blushed, as she continued to eat her meal.
"What time do you suppose we should prepare for the dinner we're going to attend to tonight?" Rose asked, placing a forkful of her meal into her mouth.
"I believe around an hour or so." Jack said. "It's only five forty, so I suppose we could be ready by seven, and leave the house at seven thirty, at the most."
"That doesn't sound too bad." Rose said, agreeing to his plan. Rose finished up her meal, until all that was left was the gravy. Taking a slice of bread from the basket on the table, Rose ripped a piece off, and cleaned off the gravy from the plate, then placing it into her mouth, where she chewed the bread gracefully. A few minutes after, Jack had finished his meal, and did the same as Rose, until their plates were cleared from the food. Rose got up, and gathered the dirty dishes, including Jack's plate, and placed it into the sink, where she began washing them. She was accustomed to doing her own chores, instead of other people doing them for her. Her whole life was about money and fancy dresses. Her mother always believed that Rose should marry the richest bachelor in town, and live her life that way. But Rose thought otherwise. She hadn't wanted her mother to chose her husband, nor had she ever wanted her to choose her life. Rose wanted to be independent, but her mother never allowed it. But now, she has all the freedom she has ever wanted; without anyone objecting to her wishes, and without anyone to stop her.
As she was washing the dishes, she felt a pair of strong arms go around her waist. Rose stopped what she was doing, and smiled, as she leaned her head against Jack's chest, as she felt his chin atop of her head. She placed her hand over his as she closed her eyes for a brief moment, to enjoy being in her husband's arms; to enjoy being loved as she was with Jack. She felt Jack turn her around, as he pressed his lips upon hers, giving her a loving, yet passionate, kiss. Rose was immediately lost in his kiss, as she brought her hands towards his face, as their lips brushed against each other, giving the kiss more tender, loving intimacy to it. Rose heard the running water play in her ears as they kissed, and she pulled away, looking up at him with a bright smile.
"You always do that to me." Rose said. "Kiss me, then make me forget whatever I was doing before." Rose turned around, and continued washing the dishes, as a smile still lingered on her face.
"Well, you're my wife." Jack said, wrapping his arms around her once more. "What do you expect me to do?"
"Love me." Rose answered, as she placed the last of the dishes on the dish rack. She turned off the water, and dried her hands with the kitchen towel.
"But I do." Jack said, slowly turning her around, to look at her. "I always will." Rose smiled as she looked up at him. Just as they were about to kiss, they were interrupted by Katherine, who had entered the kitchen. Both looked at her.
"I-I'm sorry...am I interrupting something?" Katherine asked, her cheeks developing a pinkish color.
"No." Jack said, letting Rose go. "We were just...uh...talking." Rose laughed.
"You don't have to hide it from me." Katherine said. "I was once a newlywed." Jack and Rose smiled. "Well, Mandy is over at Sarah's so she wouldn't be bothering any of you. Why don't you two go on up to your room and spend some quality time together."
"Don't we do that enough?" Rose asked, chuckling.
"Well, a little more wouldn't hurt, would it?" Jack asked, looking down at her.
"I suppose it wouldn't." Rose said, slipping her hand into his, as both left the kitchen and up to their room. They closed the door, and went over to the bed. Jack kissed Rose, as he gently hovered over her, her head resting upon the pillow. Jack's hand rested upon her shoulder, as Rose's hand was on his chest. Rose shook her head and pulled away.
"What?" Jack asked, looking down at her.
"Jack, as much as I would love to do this, but not right now." Rose said, looking up at him.
"But--" Jack began.
"No buts." Rose said. "We have made love for the past three days in a row and every time we do make love, we end up exhausted and sleep for more than three hours. Also, we have a dinner to attend to, and we have no time whatsoever to make love." Jack pouted. "Don't give me that look. It's hard enough to say no to you, I don't need a little puppy pout with it. Now let's just talk."
"Please?" Jack begged.
"Now, Jack, be a good little boy and listen to your little wife." Rose teased him. "We have plenty of time to make love, but right now is not the time." Jack sighed as he slowly got off of her. Rose sat up straighter, and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Don't worry...I still love you. Besides, you're the only man I'll ever make love with. No man will ever take your place. I promise." Rose said. "I love you Jack. You're the only man I'll ever love." Jack turned, and smiled down at her, as he gently pressed his lips on hers, bringing her into a gentle, loving kiss. As they were kissing, Jack tickled her, causing for her to laugh. "Ahhhh!!" Rose laughed, as she tried to stop Jack from tickling her, but he was too strong. She managed to escape from him, as she ran towards the balcony door. Quickly opening the door, Rose went outside, as she heard Jack walking towards her. Rose laughed, when Jack lifted her up. Rose swung her legs as her arms were around his neck, with her laughing. Jack's strong arms held onto her, as he began swinging around, causing Rose to shriek in happiness. Jack laughed as he pressed his lips onto hers, kissing her with all the love and passion that was held inside his heart.
Jack slowed his spinning, until they weren't spinning at all, and slowly brought her down, their lips still connected. The gentle breeze of the spring wind crashed against them, causing for Rose's hair to flutter in the wind, and for her dress to flicker in the spring's gentle breeze. The sun was still up on the sky, as the two lovers kissed. Birds flew across the horizon, as the crashing of the shore was heard twenty yards away. Moments later, their kiss broke apart, and Jack wrapped his arms around her, bringing into a warm, tight hug, as he buried his face into her crimson curls. Rose's arms went around his neck, as her chin rested on his shoulder, with her eyes closed, and a small smile upon her face, as the two hugged with the gentle breeze playing with their hair and with their love growing within every minute of their lives spent together, their love would grow as strong as the iceberg that had sunk the Titanic on the morning of April fifteenth 1912. Both knew that nothing would come between their love for each other--or so they hoped.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter...please review!! It keeps me writing!! Thanks!!