A/N: I think you know why it's been taking me so long, so I don't have to keep repeating myself...well, here's the new chapter, and I hope you guys enjoy! Remember...reviews are welcomed!
Chapter Thirty-Nine
November,4,1912
Months had quickly passed by, for it was already November, and Rose was almost seven months along in her pregnancy. Jack was at work, as Rose had asked for the day off. The only reason she had asked for the day off, was because it was Jack's twenty-first birthday, and she wanted to surprise him. She hadn't wished him 'happy birthday' when he left, for she was planning a surprise party, and she had acted as if she hadn't known that today was his birthday. Jack just gave her a quick peck on the lips, before disappearing down the hallway, where he descended the stairs and was off to work. Rose had felt guilty to make him feel hurt in a way, where he thought that she had forgotten his birthday, but that was the only way she would be able to succeed in her plans. She had already told Annie to stop by, that way she would be able to help her prepare Jack's favorite meal, along with a birthday cake. She had recently learned how to make a cake, and Rose had wanted to test out her skill by preparing one for Jack's birthday. Patricia, Ruth's friend, had even volunteered to help Rose with the cake, and Rose was thrilled to have her help with the occasion. Ruth had gone out to the grocery store, to purchase a few ingredients that Rose would need for the meal she was to prepare, along with the cake that she was so willing to prepare.
Patricia was helping Rose slice some tomatoes, while Rose was over the stove, mixing up the spaghetti that was cooking into the pot filled with hot water, while another pot contained a thick mixture of the homemade sauce Jack shown her how to prepare. That was Jack's favorite meal, as he had always told her. Rose looked over at Patricia and smiled. Patricia was like her aunt, for she had always came to her, when her mother wasn't available, and she had always given her advice, when she needed it the most. She watched as Patricia sliced the last bit of the tomato, before placing it into the pot of the homemade sauce. Jack loved the homemade sauce with lots of tomatoes, and Rose was willing to please him by putting as much tomatoes as she saw fit into the sauce. Rose set the wooden spoon down and waddled over to the counter, standing beside Patricia. She stroked her swollen middle and smiled.
"Guess that little one inside you is growing pretty fast," Patricia commented, as she looked down at her bulging stomach.
Rose smiled and nodded. "It sure is," Rose said. "Now, it's getting hard to walk, and I don't even know if I'm wearing the same pair of shoes anymore. I haven't seen my feet for months!"
Patricia laughed as she looked down at Rose's feet, finding that she wore one white flat heeled shoe, and one pale blue shoe, matching the maternity dress that she had worn.
"Well, you're wearing one white shoe, and one blue, but they both match the dress you're wearing," Patricia said.
Rose tried to look down on her feet and caught a glimpse of the shoes she wore, and she giggled as she found that she wore two different colored shoes.
"This is what happens when my middle is the size of a watermelon," Rose said, as she picked up a few of trash that was on the counter, and waddled over to the trash can and dumped the disposables into the can. She stood up straight and sighed. She looked out of the window, finding that the sun was out, and that leaves were falling from trees. "I feel guilty, Patricia. Jack wasn't very happy when he left."
"And why is that, dear?" Patricia asked.
"Well, I didn't wish him a happy birthday, and looked down at me, as if he knew I knew, and I do…but I truly want this to be a surprise," Rose said, as she looked over at Patricia.
"Darling, don't worry about it," Patricia said. "I'm sure he'll forget about it, once he comes home from work."
"I just hope he's not upset with me," Rose said. "I love him to death, and I don't want him to hate me. Not while our child is due in two months…"
"Rose, he does not hate you!" Patricia said, putting down the kitchen knife, as she walked towards Rose, putting an arm around her. "He loves you too much, to hate you, sweetie. I mean, you're all he ever talks about when I'm in the room with him. There is never a day that passes by, that Jack never mentions you. Rose, don't you ever think that Jack hates you. You know he loves you with all his heart. Don't you doubt your love. Not with a child on its way."
Rose looked into Patricia's eyes and smiled. "You're right," Rose said. "I shouldn't doubt my love for Jack, nor his for me. I'm just so foolish to think that Jack would hate me…"
"You're not foolish, Rose," Patricia said. "You're just worried, and it's okay for you to be worried when you need to be. There's nothing wrong with that."
"I just hope that he's holding up okay," Rose said, looking out of the window, while she stroked her stomach.
Jack entered the art gallery, with a bleak expression on his face. He took of his jacket, and hung it up on the coat rack, as he made his way towards the drawing room, where he set up his artist tools, as he waited for customers to stop by. He ran his fingers through his hair, as he let out a sigh. He looked around the room, as his let started twitching. Was he upset that Rose had forgotten that today was his twenty-first birthday, or was he just disappointed? He had never cared if anyone had forgotten his birthday before, for he had always traveled, and almost had never celebrated his birthday. From the moment his parents died, he hadn't cared for any special occasions, for they weren't worth celebrating, with his parents gone, and not there to celebrate it with him, but now that he had Rose, he had thought that he could start celebrating and make his life more joyous than it had been before he met and fell in love with Rose.
Jack got up and left the room, waiting for the customers behind the counter. Normally, Rose would be helping out with the customers, but since she had asked for the day off, it was up to him to care for the customers, until Rose returned the next day. He had hoped that Rose would've remembered his birthday, since she had remembered everything that they have done together on board the Titanic. He had started to think that Rose was beginning to lose her love for him, and he hoped that that wasn't the case, for there was an unborn child involved, for one, and he loved her too much to separate from her again. Nevertheless, he still had felt hurt that Rose had forgotten. He thought that she would remember, for he was looking forward to her sweet, loving kisses, and her warm embrace. He hadn't wanted to feel upset with Rose, for he loved her, but he still couldn't help but feel the disappointment that lingered in his heart. As Jack waited, he heard the door behind him pull open, as he heard Benjamin's deep voice call for him.
"Jack?" Benjamin called, as he stood beside him.
Jack turned, facing his boss, who was three inches shorter than him. He put a forced smile on his face, and nodded his head towards him.
"Are you all right?" Benjamin asked, as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't look too happy."
"I'm fine," Jack said, reassuring him.
"How's Rose?" Benjamin asked, looking up at him.
"She's fine," Jack said.
"She should be expecting it soon, shouldn't she?" Benjamin asked.
"Almost two months," Jack said, his voice soft.
"Is that why you're gloomy?" Benjamin asked. "You're worried about Rose?"
"No…I mean, yes…I mean, I…" Jack paused as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I know this might sound stupid, but today's my twenty-first birthday, and I think Rose forgot…"
"Oh," Benjamin said. "Well, happy birthday, Jack." Benjamin said, giving him a warm smile. He still saw the bleak expression on his face. "Look, I'm sure Rose didn't forget. It probably just slipped her mind. She's on the family way, so maybe she's worried about the baby…don't worry Jack, she'll probably remember once you come home…"
Jack looked down at his boss, and gave him a small smile. "Probably," Jack said, his eyes looking around the gallery.
"Why don't you take today off, Jack?" Benjamin asked. "Since it's your birthday, you should at least relax."
"Nah, I'm fine," Jack said. "I rather stay here…thanks anyway, Ben."
Benjamin sighed and nodded. "All right then," Benjamin said. "I'll be in my office if you need me."
Jack nodded his head, and watched as Benjamin disappeared into the room, closing the door behind him. Jack sighed, and leaned against the counter, as he waited for customers to stop by. He hadn't known why he had felt disappointed. Rose hadn't done anything wrong, Jack was sure of that, but then again, he still couldn't erase the feeling from inside his heart. He had expected for Rose to remember, for she had remembered everything that they had talked about, but unfortunately, she had forgotten his birthday, or it probably slipped her mind. Jack let out a frustrated sigh, for he hadn't wanted to feel disappointment towards Rose. He loved her more than anything in the world to feel disappointed towards her. As these thoughts had lingered in his mind, he had heard the soft jingle of the bell that hung on the door and looked up, as he found that a customer had already arrived. Standing up straight, he was getting prepared for the day's work, as he assisted with the customer, who had wanted to have their portrait done. Meanwhile, he had tried to forget about the disappointment he had felt, and went on with what he liked to do best—draw.
It was already three o'clock in the afternoon, as Rose, with the help of Patricia, her mother, and Annie, had finished preparing Jack's favorite meal, along with a birthday cake, which she had made on her own, with the help of Patricia, who had given her basic instructions. Rose had invited Fabrizio, and his girlfriend, Angelina and Michael. Her mother, Patricia, and Annie would be there as well, and she had also invited Jimmy over. Jimmy had visited once, after the situation with Kristen and apologized for what Kristen has done, and had hoped that they would become friends, and sure enough, Jack and Rose had befriended Jimmy, and kept in touch when needed. A couple of days ago, Rose had gone over to his apartment, and had invited him to the party, only to make him promise that Jack had known nothing about the party. Rose walked over to the bedroom, where she pulled out Jack's gift from the closet and set it on the bed.
She had purchased a gold pocket watch, that had a message engraved on the inside cover. Rose opened the box and pulled out the watch, as she opened the cover of the watch. A smile came upon her face as she reread the message that was engraved. The message read: I'll never let go, Jack…make each day count. I love you…Rose. On the outside cover, was Jack's name engraved. She ran her finger over the smooth surface, and placed it back in the box neatly, before placing the lid over it. Having done that, she got up with some difficulty and waddled over to the dresser, where she pulled open one of the drawers, and took out a shiny piece of wrapping paper that she had purchased along with the watch, and grabbed some tape along with it. She sat herself down on the edge of the bed, where she laid out the piece of wrapping paper and set the box in the middle. She then began wrapping it carefully, using tape to hold the piece of paper onto the box. Within a few minutes, Rose had accomplished the task of wrapping Jack's gift. Setting the excess pieces of the wrapping paper aside, she got up, took the scissor and the tape with her and set it on top of the dressing table, as she set the wrapped gift in front of their wedding picture.
Rose smiled as she looked into the picture of their wedding day. She saw pure happiness and love shining into both of their eyes, as Jack held her close to him, and as she leaned her head against his shoulder. She remembered when the picture had been taken. It was just before they were to cut the wedding cake, and after they had shared their first dance together, as husband and wife. Rose would never forget that day. She had remembered it, as if it happened yesterday. A smile came across her face, as she was drifted into memory lane.
Jack and Rose shared a kiss together, after they had danced together. It was their first dance as husband and wife, for they have been married for merely a half an hour. People were gathered around, as they watched the young lovers dance. Jack, nor Rose, had known who these people are. They only known Michael, Annie, and of course, Ruth, Rose's mother. The other's were either some of Annie's family members and friends, while others were Michael's family and friends. To Jack and Rose, it didn't matter who those people are. They were madly in love with each other to care. Jack took Rose's hand in his and led her towards their table, just as Michael had stopped them.
"I hired a photographer to take your picture," Michael said. "What would a wedding be, without a picture to remind you of how wonderful this day was?"
Jack chuckled, and held Rose close to him. "Well, if you insist," Jack said, positioning himself, as he put his arm around Rose, while she felt her head lean against his shoulder. He placed a kiss on top of her curls, before facing the camera and putting on a bright smile, as his eyes shimmered with love and happiness. He had never felt this happy and loved before in his entire life. Of course his parents loved him, but that was much different than having someone who isn't related to him by blood, love him with all their heart and soul. Now, Rose was a part of the Dawson family, and he had someone to love him, and to care for him, while for the past five years, he had been on his own—heading out for the horizon. But once he had laid eyes on Rose, on the grandest ship in the world, he had known that his life wouldn't' stay the same, and it hadn't. Rose had changed him, which wasn't a bad thing. Rose had made him a more better man. He never expected to settle down and marry someone. He had never expected to fall in love with the most beautiful girl that he ever laid eyes on. He had never expected to fall in love with a first class girl, after having saved her from her misery with a forced engagement to her then fiancée, Caledon Hockley. Jack was glad that he had set sail on Titanic. Jack was glad that he had won that ticket. For if he hadn't, he wouldn't be Rose's husband right now. He would've probably been in England, sleeping under bridges, alongside his best friend Fabrizio. But things had indeed changed once he set foot onto the Titanic. He had met the love of his life, and he knew that nothing would ever make his life worthwhile, but Rose, who had made him realize what love was, and that it actually existed. He had believed that fate had brought them together. He believed that fate had given him a signal that day that they had shared their first glance. Jack held Rose close to him, as he smiled at the camera. He had known that his life would be perfect from that day on, for he had married his love, and knew that their love would last forever, and even beyond that.
Rose leaned her head against Jack's shoulder, as she wrapped her arm around his waist. She felt warmth envelope her body, as she felt Jack press her against him, while they smiled at the cameraman. Her smile was bright, as her emerald-blue eyes shimmered with love and happiness. Rose looked back on the years before she had met Jack, and realized just how miserable she was. She remembered how she would get yelled at, by her mother, if she wore something that wasn't of 'appropriate attire' for a lady like Rose. Her mother would usually buy her clothes for Rose, never giving her a chance to choose for herself. Her mother used to hate simplicity, and usually went to the most expensive and fancy dresses. And right after her father died, Rose had been forced to accept the proposal of Caledon Hockley—the son of the Pittsburgh Steel Tycoon—for her mother had informed her that her father had left large amount of debts to be paid from the medical bills, but Rose could have cared less if she ended up poor. She was never happy as a first class debutante—even when her father was alive. She would rather have been poor and happy, than rich and miserable, which was how she had felt when she was in the first class world. Rose was brought back to reality, when Jack and brushed his hand against her waist, and hold her close. Rose widened her smile and glanced over at the camera, just as the photographer had took the picture.
Once the picture was taken, Jack turned and pulled Rose into an intense kiss, that had sent shivers up Rose's spine. After they broke away from their kiss, Jack then embraced Rose with much love and affection going through his arms, as he held her close. He pressed his cheek against hers and whispered 'I love you' in her ear, causing for Rose to smile and whisper the same words into his ear. Jack had then gave Rose a tender kiss on her cheek, before taking her hand in his, and leading her towards their wedding cake that had stood on the table, waiting to be eaten. Jack picked up the knife that was been placed beside the cake, and placed Rose's hand on top of his, as they both closed their eyes and made a wish, as they cut through the delicious cake. After they had made their first cut, Jack took the knife, and made another cut through the cake, until he had made a decent slice of the cake, and placed it onto a small plate, where he was handed a fork by Michael. Smiling, he turned to Rose, and dug out a piece of the cake, and held the fork out to Rose, with a smile on his face. He watched as Rose smiled back and opened her mouth wide enough for Jack to place the piece of cake into her mouth, and slide the fork out , as he handed it to Rose.
Rose chewed the wedding cake that had been placed in her mouth, and smiled at Jack, as he handed her the fork and the plate, that held the slice of cake. Rose took the items that had been handed to her, and dug into the cake, taking out the cake, filling the fork with the delicious cake. She brought the fork towards Jack, who opened wide, waiting to taste the cake, just as Rose took the slice of cake from the plate in her hands, and set the fork, which still had the piece of cake onto it on the plate, and smiled up at Jack, just as she shoved the cake into his mouth, smothering him with the frosting of the cake. She let out a giggle as she watched Jack's reaction. She watched as Jack chewed the cake that had managed to get into his mouth, and wiped the frosting from his face with his hands, and brought it towards Rose, and smothered her lips with the frosting, and slide his fingers into her mouth, as she licked the frosting from her mouth. Rose laughed, as she was about to lick the frosting from her lips, but felt Jack's lips onto hers, as he licked the frosting from her lips, and brought her into another one of their kisses. When they pulled apart, they gazed into each other's eyes and smiled.
Jack took a napkin and wiped his face, from the frosting that was still on his face, and went towards Rose, as he did the same to her. The two lovers then embraced each other and went towards their table, where they sat down beside each other, their hands intertwining each other lovingly, as the watched Michael cut out the rest of the cake, handing it to the guests that had arrived. They looked into each other's eyes and smiled. Their love reflected into each other's eyes, as they leaned in and shared yet another kiss. From that moment, they knew nothing would ever come between them.
Rose walked into the parlor room, her hand over her swollen middle, as she found everyone seated either on the couch or the loveseat. Rose smiled at them, and was about to take a seat herself, when there was a knock on the door. Rose glanced over at the clock, finding that it was already a quarter to four, meaning that Jack wouldn't be home until another twenty minutes or so. Making her way towards the door, she pulled it open, and smiled as she found Jimmy standing on the other side of the door.
"Hello, Jimmy," Rose said. "I'm glad you came." Rose stepped aside, allowing for him to enter the apartment.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Jimmy said, smiling down at her, as he held a wrapped gift in his hands.
"Set that over by the coffee table," Rose said, pointing to the table that was filled with small gifts from their friends.
"Okay," Jimmy said, setting the gift on top of another, as he sat himself down.
Rose smiled and closed the door behind her. "Jack should be here in another twenty minutes, so make yourself comfortable," Rose told everyone, as she waddled over to the kitchen, to get a glass of milk for herself, and other drinks for her guests. Once she returned to the parlor room, with a tray of drinks in her hand, she had handed everyone a glass and sat herself down on the armchair, while she placed the tray onto the coffee table, beside the wrapped gifts. She took a sip of the milk before leaning herself back, as she awaited for Jack's return from work.
The clock struck four in the gallery, and Jack was packing things up, as he was ready to close up the gallery. Benjamin had left early, having heard that his daughter had arrived from Cedar Rapids, and had informed Benjamin that she had returned with someone special. Jack had told Benjamin that he would close the gallery, and that he should head off and see his daughter. Benjamin thanked him and wished him a happy birthday before leaving Jack to care for the gallery. Now, having finished his working hours, Jack began packing things together. He took a drawing that lay on the table, and slid it into his portfolio, making a mental note that he should finish it later. After having cleaned up the table from artist tools and other things, he closed the drawing room, and went into Benjamin's office, where he took the key from the side wall, and left the art gallery, after putting on his jacket. Once he was outside, he pulled the door closed and slid the key into the keyhole, and locked it door. After having done so, he slipped the brass key into his pocket, and began walking towards his apartment building, as he put his hands in his pant pockets. His golden hair fluttered in the chilled wind, as he made his way up the sidewalk. His lips were pressed together, as his blue eyes held a grim glow, for he still seemed to be a tad bit disappointed that Rose had forgotten his birthday.
As Jack was walking, he passed by a little girl, who had light brown hair and soft brown eyes. She seemed to be about three years old, and held a balloon in her hand. Jack smiled as he envisioned his son or daughter running around the park, holding a balloon in its hand, while he stood by Rose, and kissed her. Rose was due in another two months, and Jack was growing nervous every day that had passed by. Probably more nervous than he should be. He would often jump when Rose would gasp and clutch her stomach, when he only realized that the baby kicked. Being a first time father, was beginning to get him more nervous on what kind of father he would turn out to be. However, he still wanted to experience fatherhood, just as Rose wanted to experience motherhood. He was growing to be more and more anxious into becoming a father, as he watched Rose's stomach grown, as the baby developed inside of her. He was now one block away from the apartment building, as he quickly made his way across the street, before he began walking at a normal pace, until he had stood in front of the building. Looking up, he walked over to the front steps, and took a seat, as he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it up. Smoking was the only way he could erase his negative feelings that he had towards Rose at the moment. He couldn't help but feel disappointed that Rose had forgotten, but yet couldn't help but feel pure love towards her. He hadn't wanted to care that she had forgotten, for he hadn't cared before, and sure enough it really hadn't mattered to him then.
But now he has Rose, who was his love, and his wife, and he had really expected for her to remember, but seemingly, she hadn't, and that had hurt him. Jack had never forgotten a word that had been uttered from Rose's mouth, from that time where they had sat down and grown to know each other. He had learned many things from her that he hadn't known before. He knew she was born on the twenty fourth of December of the year 1895, and he had known that she loved her father more than her mother, only because her father treated her like a father should treat a daughter, and he had known that he had died of leukemia, so he had known that Rose knew what it felt like to at least lose one parent, as he had lost both. Meanwhile, his heart still head that mere disappointment, and he had wanted to mentally kick himself for feeling that way towards Rose. Rose had done absolutely nothing wrong to him, and he had felt discontented towards her. He took a long drag from the cigarette as he let out the smoke through his nose, as he looked around the now quiet neighborhood. He would often hear either cars zooming by, or children playing by the front of the house. But at the moment, no one was out, and only a few cars passed by. Finishing off his cigarette, he got up and flicked it onto the pavement, where he went inside the front entrance and began climbing the stairs, as he was ready to face his wife, and to see if she had actually forgotten his birthday.
It was already four o'clock, and it would take only fifteen minutes for Jack to arrive home work. Fabrizio and Angelina had arrived five minutes earlier, leaving only Jack, the guest of honor, to arrive. The cake was on the kitchen table, fully decorated and ready to eat, as Jack's favorite meal was set on the stove, waiting to be served and eaten as well. Rose had changed into a green maternity dress, with the help of Annie, who had helped Rose put on a pair of matching shoes. After she had helped Rose tie the sash behind her, Rose and let her curls out, just as Jack loved it, and soon returned to the parlor room, where everyone had complimented her on how beautiful she looked. Rose set herself carefully on the armchair, as she glanced over at the grandfather clock, which had read that it was exactly ten minutes past four, leaving five minutes left until Jack would actually arrive. She looked over at Fabrizio and Angelina and smiled.
"So, how are you two holding up?" Rose asked, as she stroked her stomach absentmindedly.
"Bene," Fabrizio said, smiling brightly, as he looked down at Angelina. "We talk about everything together—like you and Jack, and we hope to have what you two have…"
Rose smiled and blushed, as she looked down at her bulging middle.
"I know you'll have something Jack and I have," Rose said, smiling. "If you know you two love each other, then you'll know that you're made for each other."
Fabrizio smiled at her and looked down at Angelina. "I believe that too," Fabrizio said, his accent thick. He watched as Angelina smiled back at him, with a bright smile.
Rose's smile grew as she watched the two gaze into each other's eyes. Sighing happily, she looked up at the clock, realizing that Jack would be home in less than a minute. Rose got up from the chair, with a bit of a difficulty, and stood up, glancing at her guests.
"Well, Jack should be home within a minute," Rose said. "Why don't you guys hide somewhere, then when you hear the door open, we'll surprise him, okay?"
Everyone nodded, and within seconds, they all hid in their own spots, while Rose shut off the lights, and stood beside the door, awaiting for Jack's return. She stroked her middle gently, as she bit her lip from the anticipation that was building up on her. She closed her eyes for the brief moment, and couldn't fight off the smile that was spreading across her face. Her heart raced as she waited for her husband's return, and within thirty seconds, she heard the doorknob jiggle.
Jack walked towards the door, with slumped shoulders. His hair was tousled, from the wind, and he held the portfolio against his arm, as his hand was in his pocket. He placed his free hand on the doorknob, as he began to twist the knob. He pushed open the door, and stepped in, not aware that the room had been dark. He closed the door, and set the portfolio on the side table, as he switched on the light, and as he had done so, he had felt someone's arms wrap around him, and press their lips onto his, as everyone else screamed out 'surprise'. After Rose had kissed him, he looked around the room, finding everyone from Ruth to Jimmy there, smiling up at him.
"What…?" Jack said, as he looked down at Rose, who looked up at him with a bright smile on her face.
"Happy birthday, Jack," Rose said, smiling at his reaction.
Jack smiled, as he felt the corner of his eyes fill with tears. "You didn't forget…" Jack whispered, as he looked down at her.
"Of course I didn't forget," Rose said, smiling. "I would never forget your birthday." Rose said, as she pressed her lips onto his. When she pulled away, she looked into his eyes and smiled. "I fooled you, didn't I?"
Jack chuckled and nodded. "Sure did," Jack said. "I was all depressed at work today, thinking that you forgot…how foolish of me."
"My Jack Dawson? Depressed? Over someone forgetting his birthday?" Rose asked, a teasing smile on her face. "I would never have guessed…"
Jack laughed and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I love you Rose," Jack said, their faces only a mere inch apart. "With all my heart…" With that, Jack pulled Rose into a passionate, intense kiss as they were both oblivious to the world around them—not fully realizing that they were being watched by their guests.
"Ahem…" Ruth coughed, as her face reddened.
The two broke apart, and looked towards Ruth, both having arms wrapped around each other. They both smiled and blushed as the other guests applauded for them. Jack let Rose go, as he made his way towards his other guests, who gave him birthday hugs, and friendly kisses on his cheek. Fabrizio, who held Angelina's hand gracefully, looking into Jack's eyes and smiled.
"Buon compleanno, il mio amico," Fabrizio said. "Hope you have all your wishes granted…you are a good friend, Jack. And I am glad to have met you."
Jack smiled, and pulled his best friend into a manly hug. "Thank you for being there for me when I needed you the most. If it weren't for you, Rose and I wouldn't be here right now…thanks, Fabri. Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for your well spoken advice. I could never have done it without you," Jack said, looking down at his friend, whom he looked at as his brother.
"I have done nothing, Jack," Fabrizio said. "You did it per tu stesso…I just help you get in that direzione…otherwise, you have 'a followed il tuo cuore…you are in l'amore con la bella Rosa, and I know you are. I see it in your eyes that you love her. I have done nothing but be there for you…otherwise, you have done everything yourself…capisce?"
Jack smiled and nodded. "Capisce," Jack said. "But I still think that I couldn't have done it without you. You are like a brother to me, Fabri, and I take your advice when needed, and that night, I did…that night I used your advice, when I was about to chicken out and just let Rose slip out of my hands. Again, I want to thank you for all you've done for me. For sticking with me, and believing in me…and…" Jack paused as he tried to gather his thoughts. Fabrizio has been there for most of his traveling days, from when he has been in Italy, and has traveled with him from Germany to England, where they have set sail on the grandest ship, and where their lives had changed forever—in good ways, and bad. "I just want to tell you that you're the only brotherly figure I have ever had in my life. I have never had anyone to look up to while I was traveling, and having you there with me, made me stronger in a way. Made me know that someday I would take you to your destiny, and I have…I have…I kept my promise to you, and…I just want you to know how I cherish every moment that we have spent together in Europe with all my heart, and that I will never forget those days, for as long as I shall live."
Fabrizio smiled, his face brightening, as he looking into Jack's ocean-blue eyes. To Fabrizio, Jack was his brother—not by blood, but by spirit—and he was always there when he needed him. Fabrizio also hadn't had a brotherly figure, nor had he had anyone to talk to, or to express his feelings, and share his dreams. But once he had met Jack, everything has changed for the better and for the worse, but Fabrizio had not regretted anything—not even the sinking—for it had made him stronger and braver. Of course he still mourned over those who died on that night, and he often looked up at the sky, praying for those who had lost their lives, but for the better, Fabrizio had come to realize that life wasn't to be wasted, but be lived to the fullest. Jack often mentioned to him to make each day count, and live life to the fullest, but Fabrizio hadn't taken it as seriously as he should've, for he had thought that the Titanic was 'unsinkable', like others did, and thought that nothing would go wrong, but he was proved wrong once the ship had struck the iceberg. Unfortunately, he had lost his first love—Helga—to the Titanic, and even though she was Norwegian, and he was Italian, and that neither had understood any word that they were saying, he had fallen in love with her. He had remembered when he had tried to get her and her family to a boat, but them not understanding a word he had spoken—either in Italian or in English—had caused for Helga and her family to stay aboard the sinking ship, and to die there, together. Sometimes Fabrizio had wished he had gone down with her as well, but when he looks at how his life turned out, he had known that he was meant to be on this earth a bit longer, and that he would reunite with Helga again, in the afterworld. He looked up into Jack's soft blue eyes and couldn't help but put a smile on his face.
"I cherish the moments, too," Fabrizio said, as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Especially those times that we have 'a been in tragedy…I want you to know, I will always be here if you 'a need anyone to talk to…we will 'a be friends forever, and brothers for life…tu sono il mio famiglia, and I care for you as if you are 'a my real brother. Happy birthday Jack…I hope today is as good as all of your birthdays—if not, then better."
Jack smiled. "It certainly has gotten better, Fabri," Jack said, smiling, as he pulled Fabrizio into another brotherly hug. "Thanks…"
Jack then moved towards Ruth, who smiled up at him, and placed a hand on his cheek. Jack looked down at her, with a smile. She was the only mother he had, and he cherished their relationship now, and hoped that it would stay the way it was for as long as they lived on earth. Those days on the Titanic was history, and should be kept in the past—where it belongs. Jack hadn't wanted to look back on how their relationship had been aboard the ship. Ruth had treated Jack with disrespect and hatred, as he had fallen in love with her daughter, and caused for her daughter to flee from Cal, who was her fiancée, and cause for him to take away her chance of saving the family name. But Jack now realized how the tragedy had changed her feelings towards him. Jack had never felt hatred to Rose's mother—even when she had tried to keep him away from Rose. He could never learn to hate anyone who has done no harm. Although, he still felt hatred towards Cal, and for what he has done to him and Rose on the ship, while it was sinking. He still found it hard to be friends with him, from what he has done. He still didn't trust him—even if he has a new fiancée, and even if he had begged for their forgiveness—he has still felt that Cal has something planned up his sleeve, and Jack had to keep his eyes open when around him, just to make sure that he would do nothing to his marriage to Rose. It was his duty to protect her, when needed, and when he was around Cal, he had felt the need to be Rose's protector, and keep her out of harms way. But as he looked down at his mother-in-law now, he found her eyes soften and her smile brighten as she glanced up at him. She didn't hold the hatred that she had aboard the Titanic, in her eyes anymore, and she didn't push Jack away from Rose anymore, now that he was her husband. He felt as if their relationship had blossomed quickly after the ship had sunk. Before, Ruth hadn't cared for what happened to him, for when he had been framed for stealing the Heart of the Ocean, she held Rose back, and just watched Jack being dragged away, while he yelled out to Rose, that she knew him, and that he hadn't done it. Jack remembered the days that they were on the Carpathia, and when he had awoke from his coma, Ruth had embraced him, and had said that she was glad he lived—which to Jack, had been surprised to hear that from Ruth DeWitt-Bukater, who had wanted her daughter to marry the rich man, Caledon Hockley.
Jack believed that Ruth could've changed during the tragic night, for that dreadful night had changed everyone. She had heard many people scream in agony, as they were floating on the freezing depths of the North Atlantic, and she had witnessed the ship sink, knowing that her daughter had been on the ship, possibly dead. But luckily, Rose had been with Jack, and he saw to it, that she lived and survived, and he hadn't expected for himself to live, for he had been in the water longer than Rose had, and had nearly caught a bad case of hypothermia, hadn't Rose had woken him up when she did. Jack had saved Rose's life, and she saved his life in return. If the boat hadn't returned when it had, Jack wouldn't be alive, then where would Rose be? She would've been single, pregnant, and alone—to live her life for Jack, and for their unborn child. Jack was glad that he had lived and was glad to have been able to marry the love of his life, and watch their developing child grow inside her middle. He was glad to have been given a second chance at living—a second chance at being able to live life to the fullest, and be with the one he loved the most. Of course, if he hadn't lived, Rose would've made it on her own—making each day count, as he had once said—and surviving, both for her and for their unborn child, which was now developing inside of her. But Jack was glad to have lived and glad to have been able to live with Rose, and watch their love grow by the minute. Jack looked down at his mother-in-law, with his blue eyes shining with pride and love—a love towards a mother—as she had her hands on his cheeks. Her eyes shone brightly as she glanced up at him.
"Jack," Ruth said, her voice soft and calm. "You are my son—a son that I never had—and I'm glad that you have forgiven me for what I've done to you. If I could change time, I would change the way that I have treated you. When I see you with my daughter, I see the love shining in your eyes—something that had never reflected in Cal's eyes, when he looked down at her. I have always thought that if Rose fell in love, that she would end up heartbroken—like I have. I was afraid that she would end up hurt, and that was one of the reason's why I had chosen her fiancée. Also, at that time, we were in a precarious situation, and all our money had gone down the drain, due to the medical bills that had to be paid, after my husband's death, and I felt that in order to save our name, and to still stand in high society, I had to let Rose get engaged to the richest bachelor in town, and that had come to Caledon Hockley." Ruth stopped, as she let out a sigh. "I know I have sold away my daughter, for my stubborn, selfish abilities, but I was scared. I was scared to live out in the streets, and to be poor, as you were…I was just scared." Ruth looked up and gazed into Jack's eyes. "I hope you could forgive me for what I have done—and I know I have asked for your forgiveness before, but I have never gotten the chance to forgive myself, to what I have done. Jack, I want you to know, that I'm glad you saved my daughter to marry a loveless man. I'm glad that you have married my daughter, and loved her the way a husband should love a wife. I want you to know that you'll never see the old Ruth again. You'll never see the woman that had caused nothing but hatred towards you, and I promise you, she will never emerge again. I'm a changed woman, Jack. I have been, and always will be."
"Ruth, I have forgiven you, even before you asked for forgiveness," Jack said. "I couldn't find it in my heart to return the same hatred that you had towards me…I was not raised that way. You have caused no harm to me—although, you did force Rose into a loveless engagement—but I know you meant well, and just wanted what was best for your daughter. I know you changed, and I'm glad you did. You're the only mother I have, and I couldn't destroy our relationship, just because of what had happened in the past. I'm glad that we have gotten to get along, and I'm glad that you took me as your own son—you just don't know how much that means to me, knowing that you have accepted me in your life, and I…" Jack paused as he felt tears beginning to well up in the corner of his eyes. He rubbed his eyes with his fingers, as he fought the tears back. "I want you to know that I love you as a son loves his mother—I loved my mother with all my heart, and I'm sure I could love you the same."
Ruth smiled. "I'm glad to have you as a son-in-law, and I'm glad that you married my daughter," Ruth said, as she gazed into his eyes. "Happy birthday Jack. May all your wishes come true," Ruth then placed a motherly kiss upon his cheek as she watched him look down at her with his eyes glistening in tears.
"I think they already have, Ruth," Jack said, a smile upon his face. "I think they already have." Jack felt Ruth give him a motherly hug, and place another kiss on his cheek.
Rose smiled, as she watched her mother and Jack share a hug with each other. She had realized just how much her mother has changed, and that she had treated Jack as her own son. Rose stroked her middle tenderly, as a smile was on her face, while she watched Jack smile happily. She had never seen his face light up the way it had, when he was surrounded by their guests, as they all wished him a happy birthday. Rose felt warmth envelope her body while she watched Jack hug Annie. As he did, he looked over at Rose and smiled. Rose smiled back, felt her eyes sparkle, as she looked over at him. Her fingers were spread over her middle, as she felt her unborn child kick from within her flesh. Her smile grew and brightened, as she looked down at her middle. Sighing happily, she looked up and gazed into Jack's eyes lovingly. She was glad that she had made Jack as happy as he was now, and was glad to have given him a surprise. He has done so much to her, that Rose felt that she should owe him something back, and now she had—she had made Jack's day more jubilant and made him realize that he was loved. Rose looked over at her husband and smiled, feeling her heart flutter against her ribcage, as she felt the same way that she had the first time she had laid eyes on him. Her love for Jack grew stronger than it had before.
A/N: Review! Please?