A/N: Here's the new chapter...hope you like it!!

Chapter Thirty-Four

The front door swung open as Kristen angrily left the apartment building. Tears slid down her cheeks and her eyes shone with hurt and anger. Never before had she felt so hurt and so angry in her life. She had expected for Jack to take her back in his arms and to court her and love her, as she did him. But once she found that he was married, everything has changed. Kristen descended the stairs as she wiped her tears from her eyes before walking up the block. She made sure her hair was in place, and that her face was dry, prior to turning the corner of the block. She looked down at her purple velvet dress finding that her cleavage bulged out and that her legs were smooth and long in the knee-length skirt. She ran a finger through her dark hair, making sure that it was in its place. Once she had made sure her face was presentable, and that her composure was stable, she walked into a building. She walked up the staircase that was to the right of the hallway, and stopped by a door. She swallowed and knocked on the door, as she leaned her head closer to see if there was anybody inside.

"Jimmy?" Kristen called. "Are you in here?"

She heard some rustling in the room and heard him complain.

"Who is it?" Jimmy asked, his voice sounding annoyed.

"It's me," Kristen said. "Kristen."

Seconds later, the door burst open. "What is it this time, Kristen?" Jimmy asked, his eyes drowsy.

"I have to talk to you," Kristen said, looking up at him.

"Now?" Jimmy asked.

"Yes, now," Kristen said. "Can I come in or what?"

Jimmy sighed and moved aside. "This better be good, Kristen. You fucking woke me up from my beauty sleep," Jimmy said, slamming the door shut.

"Beauty sleep?" Kristen asked, turning around as a smile came upon her face. "At this hour?"

"Quit teasing me, Kristen. I had a long night," Jimmy said

"Hmmm, I see," Kristen said, making her way towards a chair from all the mess that was on the floor. She sat down and crossed her legs, as she watched Jimmy glance over at her. He picked up a few things and set them aside. He then stood up straight and just looked at her.

"Well, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Jimmy asked, getting impatient.

"I want you to do a huge favor for me," Kristen said. "If you don't mind."

"Well, what exactly do you want me to do?" Jimmy asked.

"Well, there's this guy that I like," Kristen said, shifting into a comfortable position. "His name is Jack Dawson, and he lives around the corner from here. We met two years ago, but before I could do anything with him, he left. Haven't seen him for two years, and finally, I see him at a bar with some Italian guy, drinking beer. But, he wasn't single when he came back. He came back with some redheaded girl, who turns out to be his wife," Kristen said, looking up at him. "I hate her guts, Jimmy."

"And?" Jimmy said, wanting for her to get to the point.

"And we have to get rid of her, Jimmy," Kristen said. "Tonight, meet me by the bar by seven fifty sharp. We're then gonna go over to their apartment and I'm gonna try to distract Jack, while you take his wife, Rose. Once you got her, just pull her away. Anything. I want Jack to myself tonight." Kristen said, a smile upon her face. "Do you think you could do that for me?"

Jimmy just stood there, trying to contemplate whether he should agree to her plans or not. After a few minutes of thinking it over, he finally came up with a decision.

'Yeah," Jimmy said. "Sure. I'll do it."

Kristen got up and walked towards him. "Thank you so much, Jimmy," Kristen said, as she smiled up at him. "You don't know how much this means to me."

Jimmy just nodded his head and smiled.

"You're the best," Kristen said, as she tip-toed up to plant a tender kiss on his cheek. Kristen then slipped her hand in her purse that she held, taking out a bundle of money. "This is just something that shows my appreciation," Kristen said, slipping the bundle into his hands. She looked up, smiling. "Remember…seven forty at the bar…tonight!"

"I'll remember," Jimmy said, looking down at the money he held in his hands. "I'll see you later then, Kristen."

Kristen smiled and left the small apartment. A satisfied smile was pasted across her face as she left the apartment building and walked down the block, heading towards her own apartment. All she knew was that she could hardly wait for the day to pass, so she could finally have Jack all to herself and do what she wants with him. Maybe then, Jack might consider leaving Rose. Or so she hoped.

Rose had gone over to Annie's apartment, to pick up her things. She found Annie standing in the middle of the parlor room, glancing over at her.

"Is everything all right?" Annie asked, her voice showing a hint of concern.

"Everything is more than all right, Annie," Rose said, a bright smile upon her face. "Everything is just perfect."

Annie's eyes widened, as a smile came upon her face.

"You mean…" Annie said, her smile broadened.

"Yes, Annie," Rose said. "Jack and I are together again."

"Oh my God, Rose," Annie said, her voice cheerful. "That's wonderful!"

Rose smiled. "I know," Rose said. "I was beginning to think that our marriage was falling apart, you know. And the only think that kept getting worse for me the past four days, was that I knew I loved him. I knew that my heart still belonged to him," Rose said, as she began throwing things into the valise, not caring if they're wrinkled or not. "I just knew that I couldn't live without him. Not after what we've been through."

Annie nodded, understanding. "You two are made for each other," Annie said. "It broke my heart seeing you two apart."

Rose smiled as she looked over at Annie. "I broke my heart from being apart from him," Rose said, placing her diary into the case. She let out a sigh. "I don't even know what I was thinking. I should've just given him a chance to explain, then maybe we wouldn't have to forgive each other and maybe I wouldn't have been miserable for the past four days." Rose slammed the case shut as everything was placed into it. "I can be so stubborn at times!" Rose said, as she clenched her fists. "I hate myself for that!"

Annie let out a short laugh. "Oh Rose, please," Annie said. "Everyone has their flaws. No one's perfect," Annie smiled. "Haven't you read The Scarlet Letter? Hester had to wear an embroidered 'A' on her breast for adultery. Would you like to wear a 'S' on your chest for stubbornness?"

Rose looked up and smiled as she shook her head. "Of course not," Rose said. "But she was different, Annie. She had committed a sin, while I have not."

Annie just looked at her and laughed. "Rose, you sure are something," Annie said, as she helped Rose lift the valise off the bed. "It's not about what sin she committed. It's about how she had to wear that upon her chest for ten years time. She showed everyone her flaw, while that Dimmesdale fellow engraved it onto his chest." Annie set the valise down on the floor. "See Rose, you show how you feel. If you're jealous, you show it. If you're hurt, you show it. You don't lock it up within yourself. And for that, you shouldn't. You may be stubborn, Rose, but you are free-spirited and smart. You're everything a man could ever ask for."

Rose's smile broadened as she looked down, a blush creeping upon her face.

"Uh…thank you," Rose said, the smile still upon her face. Rose looked over at the clock that hung on the wall. She found that it was already one o'clock in the afternoon. "Well, I better go prepare lunch. Jack must be hungry. I know I am!" Rose said, as she lifted the valise from the floor.

"Let me help you," Annie said, taking the case from her. "Besides, in your condition you shouldn't be lifting anything. You wouldn't want to put your baby in danger, now would you?"

"You're right," Rose said, as she followed Annie into the parlor room. Rose looked down and placed a hand over her lower abdomen, a smile coming about her face. She looked down at her left hand, finding that she wasn't wearing her rings. She looked up, suddenly realizing that four days ago, she had told Annie to return the rings to Jack. Rose closed her eyes, hoping that the marriage would still continue and that their love would grow within the rest of their lives.

Jack went into their bedroom, where everything was the same way they had left it four days ago. Jack hadn't bothered sleeping in the bedroom, for he knew he'd be reminded by Rose and his heart would break again. Thus by the four days of loneliness, he had slept on the couch, feeling miserable and hurt. However, tonight, he was looking forward into sleeping on the bed, beside his love—making love. He went towards the dresser, where eh opened the jewelry box, taking out Rose's engagement and wedding ring from the slots and made his way towards the parlor room, just as the door flew open, revealing the love of his life standing beside Annie, who carried the valise. A smile came about Jack's face as he found how Rose's eyes twinkled happily.

"Let me get that," Jack said, heading towards Annie, where he took the valise and set it aside. "Would you like to come in?" Jack asked Annie, as he watched Rose step inside.

"Um…no," Annie said. "You two deserve to be alone. Besides, I…uh, I have to run some errands. You two have fun," Annie said, smiling.

Jack returned the smile. "We will," Jack said, closing the door, after Annie walked down the hall. Jack turned to find Rose smiling brightly at him. He tightened his grip on the rings and felt a smile come upon his face. He walked towards Rose and placed a hand on her cheek. "I thought I'd never get to feel your skin again…" Jack whispered as his fingers brushed against her porcelain cheek.

Rose smiled and closed her eyes as she felt his rough fingers upon her skin. A tingling feeling ran through her face, as his fingers brushed against her skin. As his fingers made their way towards her curls, his thumb caressing her cheekbone. She suddenly felt his lips gently press against her closed eyelids, making a trail down to her cheek, and over her ruby lips. As she felt his lips upon hers, she brought her arms behind his neck, hugging him close, feeling his hands go down her back, pulling her close to him. Rose partly opened her mouth, as she welcomed his warm, soothing tongue, making their kiss more intense and passionate, causing for her heart to flutter within her ribcage. She felt his hands go up and down her back, sending her sweet, loving shivers up her spine. With their lips still connected Jack moved his hands towards her arms, and slid them down until he held Rose's hands in his own. Within minutes, he pulled away.

Jack looked down at her, his eyes twinkling and his smile brightening up his face. He brought a hand towards her cheek, allowing for his thumb to gently caress her delicate, porcelain cheek. He watched as her eyes shimmered in happiness and how her smiled sweetened up her face. Her kiss-bruised lips were smooth and had a ruby red color to it. Her curls had fallen from their hold on the ribbon Rose had applied earlier. Jack couldn't help but fall in love with Rose, all over again. He looked down at his clenched fist, and swallowed.

"Rose," Jack whispered, his voice barely audible, as he felt his heart beating briskly. He took a deep breath, and cleared his throat. "I think these belong to you…" Jack unclenched his hand, revealing the two rings that Rose had told Annie to return to Jack. The two rings that symbolized Jack's love for her. Her engagement ring glittered in the light, as her wedding band shone brightly.

Rose looked up at him and smiled. "I think they do," Rose said, a teasing smile on her face. "Now, I'm going to have to find the right person to put it on me," Rose said, teasing Jack, as she brought a hand to her face, as if she were thinking about something. "Hmmm…who could that person possibly be?" Rose looked over at Jack, finding that his smile broadened and that his eyes shone with laughter.

"Oh, so you're gonna tease me now, huh?" Jack asked, as he went closer to her, and lifted her off from the floor.

Rose grabbed onto him as he began spinning. Rose let out a sharp shriek, as she squeezed her eyes shut, a broadened smile upon her face. She clutched onto his shirt as she laughed. She swung her legs in his arms as she heard his laughter ring in her ears.

Within minutes, he set her down and pressed his lips onto her forehead.

"Well, I guess you're the one to put the rings back on," Rose said, smiling.

Jack let out a short chuckle. "Guess I am, huh?" Jack said, smiling. He lifted her left hand from her side, and held onto her ring finger, as his other hand had slid her engagement ring onto her ring finger, along with her wedding band. Once he placed the rings on their rightful spot, he clutched onto her hand tightly, and brought it towards his lips, where he placed a gentle, but loving kiss onto her knuckles. "I don't want you to ever take these off again…these rings symbolize my love for you, and I want you to wear them until the day you leave this earth." Jack said, his thumb stroked the back of her hand sweetly.

Rose smiled and tightened her grip on his hand. "I promise Jack, I will never take them off again," Rose said. "I'll never let go…"

Jack smiled and pulled her into yet, another fervent kiss as their bodies collided into each other lovingly. Rose's fingers ran through his tousled blonde hair as his hand went down her back and onto the small of her back. Their kiss had grown more and more passionate within the minute and Rose slid Jack's jacket off of him, hearing it fall to the floor. Jack held her close to him, as he led her towards the couch, laying Rose down while he hovered over her. Their mouths were still connected in their loving kiss, while both had tried removing each other's garments. Jack had managed to unbutton the first three buttons of her dress, when there was a unexpected knock on the door. Jack groaned in-between the kiss, as he pulled her closer to him. Rose hesitantly pulled away, catching her breath. She looked over at the door, as her eyes were moving from the door towards Jack.

"I think we should answer that," Rose said, breathing irregularly.

Jack ran his fingers through his head as he nodded. Rose buttoned up the three buttons that Jack had unbuttoned and got up, as she smoothed out her dress. Her hands went to her hair, making sure that it was in its place, as she watched Jack button up his shirt. Rose cleared her throat and walked forward.

"Who is it?" Rose asked, as she waited for the person to answer, still trying to keep her breathing at a normal level.

"It's your mother, dear," Rose heard Ruth say on the other side of the door. Rose opened the door, revealing her mother, dressed in a simple blue dress.

"Why, hello, mother," Rose said, moving aside, allowing for her mother t o enter her apartment. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, dear," Ruth said. "And you?"

"Perfectly fin, mother," Rose said.

Ruth looked over at Rose, then at Jack, finding that his hair was mussed and that his shirt was out of place.

"Um…was I interrupting something?" Ruth asked, looking over at her daughter.

"N-no…uh…we were just, um…talking…" Rose said, smiling, as a blush came upon her face.

"Hmmm, talking were you?" Ruth said, a teasing smile upon her face. Rose smiled back, as she placed her hands behind her back, while she played with her fingers nervously. Rose cleared her throat and smiled.

"So, what brings you here, mother?" Rose asked.

"I'm not sure if this is true, but I hear rumors that you and Jack have separated," Ruth said. She looked over at Jack, finding that he was looking down, as did Rose. "Would you care explaining that to me?"

"W-well, it's a long story," Rose said.

"So, it's true," Ruth said. "But why, dear? You two are so madly in love…"

"We're together now, mother," Rose said. "W-we were separated for four days."

"Four days?" Ruth asked. "And how come I haven't heard anything of it?"

Rose sighed and looked over at Jack. Rose walked over to her mother and led her towards the couch, taking a seat beside her.

"Well, you see mother," Rose said, trying to find the best way to tell her what happened. "It all started when I was went for a stroll in Central Park…"

Rose, with Jack's help, had told Ruth the real story towards their separation of four days. Rose had explained how hurt she was, and how she couldn't bear up with him, staying over at Annie's for the four days and how she had returned her rings to Jack, while Jack explained to her how he hadn't meant to kiss Kristen, and how lonely and hurt he had felt, not having to be by Rose's side. Also, they had mentioned that they had reunited earlier, ending their four days worth of hurt, agony, and regret.

Ruth just sat there, in shock of what she had just heard. She looked over at the two lovers that sat on either side of her, and found that their eyes shone with more love and passion towards each other. Ruth looked over at her daughter and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Are you sure you two are fine?" Ruth asked, her eyes shining with concern.

"Yes, mother, we're perfectly all right now," Rose said, giving her mother a reassuring smile.

Ruth just looked at her, not quite sure if she's telling the truth. Ruth was worried about her daughter, and she hadn't wanted to see her heartbroken. Ruth looked into Rose's eyes with worry and confidence.

"Rose, are you really sure?" Ruth asked. "I-I'm just worried about you… I never would've expected for you and Jack to separate. With you two, it seems impossible to even know that anything else existed." Ruth sighed as she twisted her head to face Jack. "Are you sure everything will be all right?"

"Ruth, everything's fine," Jack said, smiling. "I promise…"

Ruth still looked at him, as if he weren't telling the truth. Jack sighed, got up and walked towards Rose, pulling her to her feet.

"Would you like for me to prove it to you?" Jack asked, eyeing Ruth, as he held Rose in his arms.

"Jack, I just—" Ruth began, but stopped when she found that Jack was kissing Rose with much passion and intensity than she had ever seen a couple kiss before.

As Rose felt Jack place a passionate kiss upon her lips, she quickly responded, as she placed her arms around his neck, pulling him close and tip-toeing to make the kiss more deeper and more fervent. She felt her body warm up, as he pulled her closer towards his body, while his hands caressed her arms, and her back, feeling shivers go up her spine, from his gentle, loving touch. She could feel his rushed breath coming from his nostrils, blowing against her skin, as their mouths were in their state of intensity and love. Within minutes, neither cared where they were, for they were oblivious to the world around them, only aware of each other, and their strengthened love. They could hear a laugh coming from Ruth.

"Okay, okay," Ruth said, smiling. "You proved your point…I should have never asked…" Ruth said, getting up, just as they had broken from their kiss. "Honestly, you two seem more in love with each other, than the last time I've seen you."

Jack and Rose both had smiles on their faces, as their eyes twinkled with happiness and love. They both held each other's hands tenderly, as they watched Ruth come towards them.

"I want you guys to know something," Ruth said. "You two have something very rare, yet very special. You two both have love for each other, and I want you two to promise me that you won't ever let your love die down. I wouldn't want for you to go through the pain again, as you did four days ago."

Rose smiled and stepped a bit closer to her mother, placing both of her hands on her shoulders.

"I promise, mother," Rose said. "I won't let anything like that happen again…"

"That's good," Ruth said, smiling. She looked over at Jack, finding that he had a bright smile on his face.

"I will keep that promise, Ruth," Jack said, he stepped closer as well, and placed a gentle hand on her back. "And you know the Dawson's never break their promises…"

Ruth smiled. "I'm glad to know that," Ruth said, looking up at him. "I'm just glad that you were the one who married my daughter, and not that Hockley fellow. You are much more of a gentleman than he would ever be," Ruth said. She swallowed as she looked down. "I still feel guilt flow throughout my body, when I think of how I treated you on the Titanic, and I know you did not deserve that treatment. I was acting unladylike, and I only cared for material things, never once letting it go through my head that Rose was the one who meant more than money, and I had to force her into a loveless relationship, then when she met you, I thought everything would be ruined, and—" Ruth said, all in one breath, before Jack stopped her.

"Ruth," Jack said, chuckling. "Calm down…relax!" Jack ran his arms up and down his mother-in-law's arms, to relax her nerves. "Everything is fine… that was the past and we should leave it behind us…where it belongs. True, you were…how should I say it?…um…"

"Rude?" Ruth finished for him. Jack looked down and gave an uneasy smile.

"Um…y-yeah, but you changed," Jack said. "You've changed pretty quick, may I add."

"Why, thank you," Ruth said, smiling sweetly at him.

"No problem," Jack said. Jack had a far away look in his eyes. "You're the only mother-figure I have, and to know that you accept me as your own son-" Jack paused, as he felt tears well up in his eyes. He had loved his mother dearly, and felt his heartache, every time he thought of how his parents had died. On how he had lost both parents in one day. Surprising how you could lose someone you love within a day. Jack cleared his throat, as his mind drifted back to when he was fifteen. Back to the day where his life has changed forever.

It was early summer, on July tenth of 1907, and fifteen year old Jack Dawson had gone down the staircase, with his portfolio in his arm. His mother, Jaclyn Dawson, was in the kitchen, cooking their evening's supper. His father, John Dawson, was upstairs in the attic, sorting out the storage that was in the room. When Jack reached the last step, he went towards his mother, and took a spoon, and dipped it into the pot as he took a sip of the stew that his mother was preparing.

"Jack!" His mother said, slapping his hand. "That's for tonight."

Jack put a smile on his face. "I know…I just wanted to taste," Jack said, taking another taste.

"Jack!" Jaclyn said, taking the spoon from him. "You're going to eat it before dinner's ready!"

Jack laughed. "And that's a problem?" Jack asked, as he licked his fingers from the sauce that had gotten on his fingers.

Jaclyn smiled. "Well, where are you off too?" Jaclyn asked.

"I'm gonna head off to the lake," Jack said. "Need something to make me relax you know. I'm kinda tired of staying inside."

"Okay, just be back before dinner," Jaclyn said.

"I will, mom," Jack said, disappearing into the parlor room.

"Take the dog out! He's been here all day!" Jaclyn called out from the kitchen.

"Okay!" Jack called back. Jack turned around, to call for his dog. "Shadow…come on boy! Time for your walk!" Jack heard Shadow's collar bell, and his paws hitting the floor, as he ran into the parlor room. Jack smiled and bent down to pet his dog. "There's a good dog…come on," Jack got up and opened the door, as he watched Shadow run ahead of him. Jack squinted in the bright sunlight, as he pulled the door closed behind him. Shadow ran in circles as he panted, his eyes looking up at his owner. Shadow was a Golden Retriever, and has been the Dawson's pet for the past nine years. Jack descended the wooden steps, as Shadow followed him.

Jack had finally reached the lake, with Shadow alongside him. Taking a seat on a boulder, Jack opened his portfolio, as he watched Shadow run towards the lake. Jack smiled as he began sketching the scene before him. The sun shone brightly before him, as the wind gently ruffled his blonde hair. His artist hands felt as if they were moving on its own—as if they had a mind of their own, drawing, rubbing, and scratching onto the piece of paper before him. Jack hadn't realized the time go by, nor had he noticed the thick black smoke that was coming out of a house a few thousands of feet away. The sun was about to set, which had given Jack the signal that he should head off home. He closed his portfolio and got up.

"Come on Shadow!" Jack called, as he began walking. Shadow hadn't answered his call. "Shadow! Come on boy!" Jack looked around. He then brought the tip of his thumb and forefinger into his mouth and blew out a sharp whistle. He then heard barking, and Jack turned, finding that Shadow was covered in soot. "Shadow…what happened?" Shadow barked frantically, as he looked behind him, jumping on his hind legs, urging for Jack to follow. "What is it boy?" Shadow barked, and moved ahead of him. Jack looked up, and squinted his eyes, as he found think, black smoke coming out of his house. "Shit…MOM!! DAD!!" Jack then clutched onto his portfolio as he ran, Shadow close behind him. Jack had ran as fast as he could, his portfolio under his arm, as his legs quickened in its steps, until he was a few feet away from his house. He dropped his portfolio, as he found that fire was coming out from the attic window. "MOM! DAD!" Jack tried to run into the house, but was stopped by Shadow, who was tugging at his pant let. Jack looked down at his dog, angrily. "Let me go, Shadow!" Jack gently kicked him off his leg, as he ran inside the house. He covered his mouth, as he began coughing, squinting his eyes as he tried to focus on to where he was going, from all the smoke that was surrounding him. "MOM! DAD! CAN YOU HEAR ME!!" Jack called out. Jack kept on coughing, as he made his way closer towards the staircase. "MOM!" Jack coughed. "DAD!" Jack covered his mouth, as he the smoke was suffocating him. He heard a cracking noise, and looked up, as he found that the ceiling above him was beginning to crack. "MOM! DAD! CAN YOU HEAR ME!" Jack screamed, as he tried to move up. Shadow, however, had pulled him out of the way, causing for him to fall to the floor, and just as he had the ceiling had collapsed, falling on Shadow. Jack got up and screamed. "SHADOW! NO! SHADOW!" Jack moved closer, as he tried removing the pieced of wood that had gotten on top of his dog, but when he did, Shadow wad dead. "NO!" Jack fell to the floor, and covered his face. "Shadow…" Jack coughed and looked up, finding that the ceiling above him was about to give away. Jack quickly got up and ran out of the house, falling down the stairs, and onto the grass. Coughing, Jack had picked up his portfolio, and ran as fast as he could, away from the house, and just as he had, there was a big explosion. Jack turned, tears streaming down his cheeks, as he saw his home collapse, with fire burning the wood.

Jack fell on his knees, and cried, as he found that his only childhood home was burned down—with his parents in it. He let out a long, heart-wrenching scream, as tears spilled furiously down his cheeks. He banged his fist on the dirt floor, as he let out an agonized cry. His throat hurt from screaming, and his chest hurt from coughing. He curled into a fetal position as tears continued to pour down his cheeks, until his body shook into heartbroken sobs, and until exhaustion had finally overtook his body.

The next morning, he found people surrounding him, and found the bright sunshine blaze over him. He lifted a hand over his eyes, shielding them from the brightness of the sun. He found that his hand was covered in soot and dirt, and finally realized what had happened. He sat up, looking down at his clothes, finding them dirty and worn out. He got up from his spot, and found that it was hard for him to stand, and he immediately fell to the floor. A middle-aged man went to his aid, placing his arm over his neck, as the man's arm went around his back, supporting him.

"I'm sorry about your parents, son," The middle-aged man, known as Henry, said. Henry was an old family friend of the Dawson's, and always visited in the morning, and when he had arrived this morning, he had found Jack on the floor, and the house burnt down. "I can't imagine what you are going through—"

"That's because you don't!" Jack said, pushing him away. His voice was hoarse and drowsy, as he took a few steps sideways, from his force. He looked around, finding that everyone around him had sympathetic looks upon their faces. The whole neighborhood was there, looking at him with pity and sympathy. Looking down, he found that he stepped on his portfolio. Bending down, he lifted it off the ground and felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, to find his mother's friend, Emma, standing before him.

"You can stay over at my place," Emma said. "I'm sure you need rest and from what you've been through, you—"

"NO!" Jack shouted. "NO! I don't need your sympathy…your pity! I don't need any of that shit! I could take care of myself…I could…oh, mom and dad…why?" Jack fell to the ground, tears once again spilling down his cheeks. "Why'd you have to die!"

"C'mon, Jack, we'll take you in," Emma's husband, Jeffery, said. "We'll give you everything you need. Money, clothes, food…anything. Just stay here with us—"

"NO!" Jack shouted, getting up, as he took a few uneasy steps backwards. "I don't want any of your…charity…I don't need any of it! Leave me alone! PLEASE!"

"Jack—" Emma began.

Jack breathed heavily, as he gripped onto his portfolio. He looked from one person to the other, still finding the same look upon their faces. Still finding the same haunting look that Jack dreaded to see—sympathy. He hated when people felt sorry for him, when people gave pity to him. Turning his head, he found a dirt road ahead of him. An empty dirt road, that was welcoming him to its trail. Without thinking twice, Jack began running. Running as fast as his legs could take him, while he clutched onto his portfolio, and taking deep breaths into his lungs. He never bothered looking back. Never bothered giving the people he had known to be his neighbors or friends a second glance. His legs just kept on running as his breathing became heavy and irregular. His heart was beating briskly, but let out hurt and agony as he ran away from Chippewa Falls—away from his childhood, and away from all the pain and hurt that had been caused from the past nine hours. When he was in a far distance from the people, he slowed his steps, and stopped to catch his breath. He felt his heart beat quickly, as his breathing was irregular, while his lungs burned to get air into them. Minutes later, he had caught his breath, and when he had, he walked to the train station, and hopped on a train, as he left Chippewa Falls—his childhood known home. He never looked back, nor would he return to this place, or so he thought he wouldn't.

Jack was pulled away from his trance, when Ruth as called his name more than three times.

"Jack, my goodness, are you all right?" Ruth asked, looking into his eyes, concerned.

Jack looked down at her, finding that his vision was blurred with his tears. He squeezed his eyes shut, as he placed his hand over them, trying to hold back his tears. He swallowed the lump that was formed in his throat and let out a shaky breath.

"I-I'm sorry," Jack said, his voice suddenly choked. "I-I'm fine…I'll be okay."

"Are you sure?" Ruth asked. "You don't seem to be."

Jack nodded his head. "I'm fine…I'll be fine…I promise," Jack said, giving her his best smile.

Ruth didn't believe him, but let it pass. "Well, if you say so," Ruth said, about to go past him, but stopped when Jack held onto her. She was surprised when he pulled her into a tight, loving embrace. Ruth smiled, as she wrapped her arms around his body, feeling as if Jack were her own son-feeling loved and cared for by the one man she had loathed while they were on the Titanic, but learned to love within days after. She felt tears drop on her shoulder, and finally realized that Jack was crying. Ruth gently caressed his back, saying comforting words to him. "Shhh, everything will be fine…I'm here…my son…"

Jack pulled away, his eyes red, and confused. "What?"

"I said, everything will be fine…I'm here," Ruth said. A smile came upon her face. "…my son."

"Y-you really mean that?" Jack asked, looking deep within her soul, trying to see if she had meant it.

Ruth smiled and nodded. "I mean it, Jack. You're more than my son-in-law…you're like my own son. It's as if I've known you for longer than two months. I couldn't see you only as my son-in-law, Jack. I see you as my own son…I'm accepting you into the family." Ruth said, as she looked up at him.

His smile broadened, as tears shone in his eyes. He had known that Ruth had accepted him in the family, but when she uttered the words, it made him feel even more thrilled to have gotten to know Ruth DeWitt-Bukater. That he had gotten on her good side, and had finally ended the short feud that had been caused between them, before he had fallen in love with Rose. Jack couldn't help but pull Ruth into a firm, yet loving embrace, as a bright smile spread across his face.

"You don't know how much that means to me," Jack said, his voice hoarse, but cheerful.

"I'm glad you feel appreciated," Ruth said, smiling.

"I feel more than appreciated, Ruth," Jack said. "I feel honored—thrilled—grateful…I don't even know what I feel anymore. I-I'm just glad to know that you accept me as your own son—" Jack paused as he tried to collect his thoughts. Just mention the word 'son' had caused for his heart to flutter. "Has made me feel as if I am somebody. As if I actually mean more to you, than just a guy who's in love with your daughter—more than just your son-in-law. Ruth, I just don't know what to say…I have no words to describe how I feel…how I am. You just took my breath away…" Jack said, smiling brightly.

Ruth smiled. "I'm glad that you feel that way," Ruth said. "For I do see you as my son. Jack, I love you, as a mother loves her child. Even if you're not my son by blood, but you are by marriage, and I would give anything in the world, just to keep it that way."

Jack smiled and pulled her into yet another tight embrace, feeling the pain and hurt that had been lingering in his heart for the past five years fade away, and replaced with love and acceptance. Jack breathed in a sigh of relief, as he felt his heart warm up, and loosen its burden that it had carried ever since his parents died—ever since he left his childhood home. Jack Dawson, for once, had felt happy that he had gotten to know the woman that he embraced, and had finally gotten on her good side, despite the fact that he had practically stole Rose from Cal—the man Ruth had hoped Rose to marry. At least the old Ruth had hoped for Rose to marry. Sometimes it's amazing how things could change in a matter of days. From a person being cruel and snobby, into a kind and lovable person. And for that, Jack had grown to accept Ruth as his own mother. As a person who he would look up to when he needs help, and a person he would soon grow to love, as a son should love a mother, and maybe develop a healthy relationship with his lovable mother-in-law, or in this case, his mother.

A/N: Hope you liked it...please review!!