A/N: Again, I'm sorry for the long delay, and I know this one's long, but I sure do hope you like it! I worked really hard on this one...:D Enjoy!
Chapter Forty
Jack and Rose were now lying on their bed, after having celebrated Jack's twenty-first birthday. It was now ten thirty at night, and the two were rather exhausted. They had their share of the cake that Rose had made—which Jack had named as the best cake he had ever eaten—and they sat around, telling childhood stories and such of that matter. The guests had given Jack their gifts, and Jack had loved everyone of them that was given to him. Ruth and Patricia had bought him a new pair of trousers and a shirt, along with suspenders. He also was given a new coat by Ruth, and Jack thanked them both. Jimmy had gotten him a new pair of shoes for Jack to wear for work, instead of the boots that Jack always wore. Jack could've gotten himself a pair of shoes if he had wanted to, but he never was the kind of guy who shops for clothing, so he never bothered to purchase one. Jack was glad to have a new pair of shoes, instead of having to wear those heavy boots that he had worn ever since they moved to New York, and Jack was kind of getting tired of wearing them, and having to drag his feet, as he walked. Fabrizio and Angelina had gotten him an Italian hat, which inside, was written Jack e Fabrizio—fratelli per vita, which was translated as Jack and Fabrizio—brothers for life. Jack loved their gift, and had given them hugs, and thanked them lovingly. Michael had given him one hundred dollars, having told Jack that he hadn't known what to get him, and had told him that he wouldn't take the money back. After much thought, and much convincing for Michael, Jack reluctantly thanked Michael, and had given him a handshake. Lastly, Annie had given Jack her gift, and he had opened it and smiled, finding that it was a black and white photo of him, Rose, Annie, and Michael, who were out in the park. Jack had thanked Annie, and said that he loved the photo, and was glad to have her as a friend. Jack had then given her a hug, and a soft kiss on her cheek.
Now, Jack and Rose cuddled up against each other, as they enjoyed each other's presence. Rose stroked her large middle, and felt her baby kick. She gasped, and turned over to Jack, smiling. Jack looked down at her, a worried look up his face. Rose smiled, and took his hand and placed it on her middle, at the same spot that the baby had kicked. Her eyes twinkled as she looked into Jack's eyes.
"It kicked," Rose said, her voice soft and thoughtful, as her eyes glistened with tears.
Jack smiled, as he felt the baby kick from within her abdomen. His fingers were spread over her stomach, as they brushed against her own fingers, while he glanced down at her eyes, his eyes shining, and his smile brightening his face. The mere kick from his unborn child had given him proof that the baby existed, and that he would become a father within two months. The baby seemed to have a strong kick, as his hand was gently pressed over the spot that the baby loved to kick on. His eyes also filled with tears, as he looked down at his wife.
"It kicked…" Jack said, his voice soft. "Oh Rose…that's our baby in there…our baby."
"Yes, Jack," Rose said, smiling up at him, as she held his hand in hers. "It's our baby." Jack took his other hand, and placed it upon his cheek, as his thumb caressed her smooth skin. He then leaned in and pressed his lips firmly on hers, as he brought her into a passionate kiss, that had grown with intensity and pure love, as Jack brought Rose closer to him. He held her body close to him, as he felt her middle press against his, feeling the baby kick again.
Rose suddenly remembered that she had to give Jack her gift, so she pulled away. She watched his eyes were pleading for her to let him romance her. Rose smiled and got up from the bed, with the difficulty of her enlarged middle.
"You have opened everyone else's gift," Rose said, as she lifted the wrapped box from the dresser. "But you seem to have forgotten to open mine." Rose waddled back towards the bed, as she slid under the covers, and held out her hand, which held the small box.
Jack smiled, as he took the gift in his own hands, sitting up more comfortably. "What is it?" Jack asked, looking over at Rose, with his eyes shining.
"Open it, and find out," Rose said, as she watched him smile at her, then rip the paper from the box.
Jack had removed the wrapping paper from the white box that held his gift. He looked up at Rose one more time, before he removed the lid from the box. His smile grew, as he saw his name engraved on the lid of the gold pocket watch. He looked up at Rose and smiled. This just had to be the most valuable thing he had ever been given in his lifetime.
"Rose…" Jack said, his voice soft, as he looked down at the watch. "I-it's beautiful…"
"Open the cover," Rose said, smiling.
"There's more?" Jack asked, as he had done what he was told, and felt tears well up in his eyes as he read the inscriptions. He looked up at Rose, then scooted closer to her, as his lips firmly pressed onto hers, as he kissed her with much intensity and love that was inside him, and ran his fingers through her red curls, while he had took Rose's breath away from their kiss. When they pulled away, both tried to catch their breaths. "Rose…I love it…it's probably the best birthday present that I have ever received in my lifetime…and it's special to me—especially since it had come from you, and I'll cherish this gift with all my heart and soul…Rose, this has been by far, the best birthday that I ever had in my life, and I want to thank you for remembering this day."
Rose smiled, and caressed her fingers against his cheek. "I'll never forget this day, Jack," Rose reassured him. "You're my husband, and I love you with all my heart. Nothing and no one would ever come between us…I promise you. You're special to me Jack, and you have done everything for me…it's my turn to do something for you." Rose's eyes shone brightly, as she smiled. "I love you, Jack. Remember that. My love for you will never die. I assure you. It will last forever."
Jack smiled and placed the watch on the nightstand beside him, as he moved the box aside. He glanced over at her and smiled.
"I certainly hope so…" Jack said, as he closed the space between them, with an intense kiss. As they kissed, Jack shut the lamp beside Rose, and from that moment, Jack brought Rose to a world that only they could visit. He had took her to the stars, with much love and passion that he could gather, while Jack expressed his love for her, physically, and intimately.
On daybreak the next day, the two lovers cuddled in each other's arms, sound asleep. The comforter covered their bare bodies, as the chirping of birds were heard from outside the window, whilst Jack and Rose were sleeping. Rose's head rested on Jack's bare chest, as his arm was wrapped around her shoulders. His chin was atop of her head, his eyes closed, and his hair tousled. The sunshine crept into their room, brightening everything up, as well as causing for Rose to stir within Jack's embrace. A hand went over her eyes, as she shielded her eyes from the bright sunshine. Rose's eyes slowly began to open, as she tried to get her eyes focused from the bright room. She then yawned, and brought a hand to cover her mouth, in the polite way that she had learned in finishing school. Whilst she had done that, she felt a firm kick from inside her middle, and her hand pressed against it, as she smiled.
"Okay little one," Rose whispered. "Mummy's going to go eat now…"
Rose carefully pulled away from jack's embrace, as she pulled out her nightgown, covering up her nude body. She tied the sash over her middle, as she waddled out of the room and into the kitchen, where she began preparing breakfast for herself and for Jack, who was still asleep. It was Friday, the fifth of November, and every Friday, and they would leave for work within another two hours, for it was six o'clock in the morning, and they had to be at the gallery by nine o'clock. Rose prepared a simple breakfast, which consisted of scrambled eggs and cooked sausages. After Rose had cooked the ingredients, she set them on a plate, and brought them towards the table, as she went to the ice box, and took out a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice, along with two empty glasses. After she had made sure everything was on the table, she brought out two forks, and set them besides their plates, taking a seat, as she waited for Jack to wake up. Usually, he would wake up right after she prepared breakfast, but this time, he hadn't come. Rose decided to wait for a few more minutes, and if he doesn't come, she would go and wake him up.
Minutes passed, and Jack hadn't emerged from the bedroom. Sighing, Rose got up from her seat, and walked to the bedroom door, where she opened it, finding Jack sprawled on the bed, sound asleep. Rose smiled and shook her head, as she slowly made her way towards the bed, where she took a seat at the edge of the bed and shook Jack. He still hadn't woken up, but he mumbled something in his sleep, and turned to his side, as his hand went on her leg.
"Jack…" Rose said, shaking him again, as he still hadn't woken up. Suddenly, a thought came to her mind, and she smiled. "Oh my God Jack! The baby's coming!" Rose said, trying to make her voice sound as nervous as she could make it, and within seconds, Jack sat up abruptly and looked over at her.
"W-what?" Jack asked, his eyes wide.
Rose smiled and stroked her stomach. "I thought that would wake you up," Rose said, her eyes twinkling.
Jack sighed and gave her a small smile. "What time is it?" Jack asked, as he rubbed his eyes.
"It's six thirty," Rose said.
"In the morning?" Jack asked, his voice hoarse.
"No, in the evening, Jack," Rose said, her voice having a hint of sarcasm.
Jack chuckled, and leaned over to her, giving her a morning kiss. "Hope you slept well," Jack said, smiling.
Rose smiled. "I slept well enough," Rose said. "Only this little one inside me kept on kicking, and wouldn't let me get a good night's sleep…" Rose said, her hand caressing her swollen middle.
Jack laughed, as he scooted over to her, dragging the sheets with him, that covered up his section down the waist and placed both his hands over her stomach. He pressed his forehead to her middle, as he whispered to his unborn child.
"Listen," Jack whispered. "You have to let your mom sleep…or else she wouldn't have any energy to bring you to the world. Now, daddy loves you, and so does mommy, but you gotta cut her some slack…"
Rose smiled as she watched Jack speak to their unborn child. She felt his fingers caress her middle, as he looked up at her. Rose felt him wrap his arms around her, as he kisses her with much passion and love that was held within him. No matter how many times they has shared their kisses, the next one was always powerful than the first, and always was more intense and more loving than the others. Rose then remembered that their breakfast was sitting on the table, so she pulled away and gazed into his eyes.
"Oh, no you don't, Mr. Dawson," Rose said, placing a hand over his bare chest. "You are not about to distract me with your loving kisses. There's breakfast sitting on the table, waiting to be eaten, and if we don't eat it now, it's going to get cold, and let me warn you, I'm not going to reheat them…"
Jack's eyes pleaded, as he pouted. "Please…?" Jack begged.
Rose laughed and got up, holding her robe tighter around her body. "Not this time, Jack," Rose said. "We had our fun last night, and if you want, we could have more fun later tonight, but we have to eat our breakfast and get ready for work. We wouldn't want to be late, now would we?"
"Awww, but Rose!" Jack whined. "There's still two hours left until we have to get ready, and…"
Rose laughed, and held Jack back. "Now, Jack…be a good boy, and listen to mummy's orders…" Rose said, holding back a giggle that was threatening to escape her lips.
Jack laughed as he sat back. "Okay, mom!" Jack said, laughing.
Rose got up and walked towards the door. She stopped then turned around, facing Jack.
"Now, go put something on, and let's eat," Rose said. "I'm sure you're not planning on eating breakfast in the nude…"
Jack's eyes shone as he looked over at Rose. "Well, what if I am?" Jack asked, his lopsided smile, causing for Rose's knees to grow weak.
Rose clutched onto the doorway, as she took deep breaths. "Well, then. Suit yourself…" Rose said, as she turned, and walked towards the kitchen, leaving Jack alone on the bed.
"Rose!" Jack said, climbing out of bed and walking towards his pants, in the nude, as he slipped them on, while he hopped towards the door, until he finally had gotten his pants buttoned and zipped. "Wait for me!" Jack called out, as he then stubbed his toe at the end of the doorway. "Ahh, shit!" Jack lifted his foot, and held onto his big toe, as his face twisted in pain.
Rose heard Jack cry out in pain, so she hurried towards the parlor room, where she saw Jack hopping around, holding his big toe. She saw his face scrunched up in pain, and she couldn't help but smile as he looked like a little five year old, when he hopped around.
"Are you okay?" Rose asked, leaning against the wall, as she looked over at Jack, with a smile on her face.
Jack looked up at her, and put his foot down, feeling the pain subside. He smiled and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Jack said, walking towards her. "Just stubbed my toe by the doorway…"
Rose smiled, and shook her head. "Well, be careful next time," Rose said, stepping inside the kitchen, as she sat down on a chair, where she began eating.
Jack smiled and followed her, as he pulled out a chair, and sat next to her.
"Well, it's your fault!" Jack said, smiling towards her, as he began forking up the scrambled eggs.
Rose looked up at him, and set her fork down, smiling. "My fault?" Rose asked, pointing to herself.
"Yeah," Jack said, the smile still pasted on his face. "If you had just stayed, I wouldn't have stubbed my toe…"
"Well, if you had woken up earlier, maybe you wouldn't have stubbed your precious toe!" Rose pointed out, her face brightening up with her smile.
Jack laughed, and looked down at his food, as he placed the eggs into his mouth.
"You just keep on smiling, Mrs. Dawson," Jack said, with his mouth full. "You're gonna get it tonight!"
Rose laughed. "Oh, I can't wait!" Rose said. "And don't talk with your mouth full! That's disgusting!"
"What's so disgusting about it?" Jack asked, innocently, as he looked over at her.
"I don't want to see what you're eating!" Rose added, looking down at her food.
"Okay, mom!" Jack said, smiling, as he continued to eat, this time obeying Rose's orders.
Rose laughed and just continued eating her breakfast, while she satisfied her appetite, and took a sip from the orange juice that was filled in her glass. Minutes later, Jack had finished as well, and pushed his plate aside, as he leaned back on the chair.
"That was delicious!" Jack admitted, as he rubbed his stomach.
Rose smiled. "Thank you," Rose said, as she got up, gathering up the dishes, but was stopped by Jack.
"No," Jack said, placing a hand over hers. "I got it…you did enough today, and besides, I don't want you to do all the work…" Jack took the dishes from her hands, and placed them into the sink, as he turned on the faucet.
Rose smiled, as she walked towards him. "You know, every wife would kill to have a husband like you," Rose said, as she wrapped her arm around his waist.
Jack smiled, as he looked down at her. "Well, I was always taught to help around, and not sit and be lazy…my mom made sure that I knew how to be responsible," Jack said, as he placed a plate on the drying rack. "Besides, I couldn't just watch you do all the work…I'm not that kinda guy. I like to help around, and besides, you've done everything for me…and you're carrying our child, so I think I could help you do some chores…" Jack said, as he scrubbed another plate, until it was clean enough.
Rose smiled and tip-toed, placing a kiss on his cheek. "That's one of the things I love most about you," Rose said, leaning her head against her shoulder. "Well, I'll go take a bath, and get dressed for work…I'll see you in a short while."
"I'll be waiting!" Jack said, as he watched Rose walk out of the kitchen, and towards the bathroom, where she was to take a soothing bath. Jack smiled, and continued washing the dishes.
Rose walked towards the bathroom, as she filled the tub up with warm water, and spread out the bubble powder, until she saw bubbles form in the tub. Once she had that done, she set the bottle down, and removed her robe, as she carefully got into the warm water, and leaned back. She shut the running water, and felt relaxed against the warmth of the water, as the bubbles cleansed her off. As she laid there, she felt her baby kick. She smiled and stroked her middle gently, as she began scrubbing her body with body soap. As she was taking her bath, she had heard a gentle knock on the door. Rose looked up, and smiled.
"Yes?" Rose called out, as she set the body soap aside.
"Mind if I join you?" Jack said through the other side of the door.
Rose smiled. "Not at all," Rose said, as she moved forward.
Jack opened the door, and smiled, as he saw Rose sit on the tub, smiling up at him. Jack shut the door behind him, and removed his pants, as he got into the tub, behind Rose, as he wrapped his hands over her middle.
"Mmmm," Jack said, as he pressed his cheek against hers. "This feels good…bathing with you…"
Rose smiled, and leaned her head back, allowing for Jack to caress her middle.
"Why of course…" Rose said. "As it has always been."
Jack chuckled and pressed his lips onto her cheek. "Well, what do you expect, when I'm helping the woman I love, clean herself up."
Rose's smile grew. "Well, I'd be honored to be bathed by the man I love," Rose said, as she craned her neck up at him, and smiled.
Jack leaned in, and pressed his lips firmly onto hers, as they shared a tender kiss. Once they pulled away, Jack took hold of the body soap, and scrubbed it onto her back, as his hands brushed against her smooth, gentle skin. He gave her back a firm, but gentle massage, as he heard Rose moan lightly, leaning her head back. Jack smiled, and continued to rub Rose's back, soothing her tense muscles.
"Your touch always seems to relax my body," Rose whispered as she felt Jack's hands firmly press against her back, as she felt her body relax within his touch. "It's as if your hands are magical…"
Jack smiled, as he continued to massage her back. "Well, I'll do anything for the woman I love…just to see her happy," Jack said, rinsing the bubbles from her body.
"I'm glad to have been able to fall in love with you," Rose said, twisting her head, to look over at him, finding his smile grow, as his blue eyes gazed down at her.
"Me too," Jack said, as he gave her a tender kiss upon her lips.
The two had washed each other off, and within minutes, they had finished bathing. After they had finished, they had dried themselves off, and had gotten dressed in their day clothes. It had been eight thirty when they had completely finished getting ready, and until Rose, along with Jack's help, had made the bed. Jack and Rose had taken their jackets from the coat hanger, and had slipped them on, as Jack took his portfolio that was at the side table, finally realizing that he hadn't finished the drawing that he had promised himself to finish. Sighing, he tucked the portfolio under his arm, as he opened the door, waiting for Rose to go ahead of him. Once they were out of the apartment, Jack shut the door closed, and locked it, as he slipped his key into his pocket, while he followed Rose downstairs, and out of the apartment building. As they reached the sidewalk, Jack felt Rose's hand slip into his, and he smiled down at her. At that point, the two took their time walking, as they savored each other's touch, while they headed towards the art gallery.
When they were halfway there, Jack stopped, and held onto Rose's wrist, causing for her to turn around, and face him. Rose walked towards him, and craned her neck, as she felt Jack's hands brush against her waist. She smiled, and had felt the world around her vanish, as she gazed into the depth of his piercing blue eyes. She felt her heart flutter, as warmth enveloped her body. Jack's lips them pressed against her forehead, just as he pulled her into a hug. Rose smiled, and returned the embrace, and held him as close as her bulging stomach would allow her to. When they pulled away, they gazed into each other's eyes, and smiled.
"Hmmm," Rose said, closing her eyes. "What was that for?"
"No reason…" Jack said. "Just to let you know that I will always love you."
Rose smiled. "Jack, I'll always know that you love me. There's nothing more for you to do to prove it to me," Rose said, as she slid her hand into his. "Now, let's get going, before we're late!"
Jack chuckled, and let Rose lead him towards the art gallery, where they found Benjamin placing some new drawings on the shelves. Jack pulled open the door, as he let Rose go ahead of him, while he followed behind him, hearing the bell jingle as they entered the gallery. They saw Benjamin turn over to them, smiling.
"Well, I see everything's better than it had been yesterday," Benjamin said, setting a drawing on the shelf.
"Yeah," Jack said, looking down at Rose. "Seems that Rose had known all along. She just wanted to surprise me."
Benjamin smiled. "See? You were worried about nothing…seriously, Jack, you should know that Rose wouldn't forget your birthday," Benjamin said, patting him on the shoulder.
Jack smiled and nodded. "I should've known that Rose wouldn't have forgotten," Jack said. "I guess I thought of my self more than I should've."
"Ah, don't worry about it too much," Benjamin said. "Seems to me that Rose loves ya just the same."
"I do," Rose said, leaning against his arm, as she held his hand inside hers. "Probably more than I ever did. My love grows for him everyday that I'm with him."
"There ya go, Jack," Benjamin said, setting the box down on the floor. "You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Rose loves you, and that's all that matters. Now, why don't you go on, and work on your drawings, as you usually do. I'm sure Rose would be glad to put these drawings in their places."
Rose smiled and nodded. "Sure would," Rose said, as she let go of Jack. She tip-toed and pressed her lips on her forehead. "See you on our break, Jack."
"Okay…" Jack said, heading towards the drawing room. He turned and looked back at Rose, as he winked at her.
Rose smiled, her eyes twinkling. She then waved to him, and watched as he disappeared into the room. Rose shook her head, and picked up one of the drawings that was in the box, and placed it on a shelf, as she felt Benjamin's eyes burn onto her skin. She turned to him, and smiled.
"I have to say, that you remind me of Ellen, and Jack reminds me of myself," Benjamin said, having a far away look in his eyes. "I loved Ellen with all my heart—probably loved her more than I should have…"
"What happened to her?" Rose asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"She died…" Benjamin said, his voice sounding as if he were about to shed tears. "She died from giving birth to my daughter, Lucy, who had returned from Cedar Rapids, with her new fiancée. She's the only daughter I had, and after Ellen, I hadn't bothered to remarry."
"Oh…" Rose said, feeling guilty to have reminded him of his loss. "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked…I do apologize." Rose said, turning, as she lifted a drawing from the box, and glanced at it, as her eyes filled with tears.
"No, no," Benjamin said, his voice composed and calm. "It's all right, really. There's no need for you to feel guilty over anything. She passed away twenty five years ago, so I'm kinda used to it…but I still miss her as if she had passed on yesterday…" Benjamin's eyes held a longing that Rose had never seen before. "Well, I'll leave you alone to do your job…I'll be in my office if you need me." With that, Benjamin opened the door to his office, and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
Rose looked over at the door, with guilty eyes. She then sighed and turned around, as she continued to shelf the drawings.
How could you remind the man of what he lost? How could you be so cruel and just rub it in his face? Rose, you could be so selfish sometimes, letting your curiosity getting the better of you. How could you ask of something that isn't of your business, and just let the man get hurt emotionally? Don't you have a care in your heart for other people, or do you only care for yourself? How would you have liked it, if someone has reminded you of something you lost? What if your precious Jack hadn't lived? Would you have been able to live through the painful memories? How could you have been so dim-witted! Rose's mind had yelled at her, which had caused for her tears to overflow. Rose placed a hand over her chest, as she let out a short cry, while she closed her eyes. She felt her tears slide down her cheek, as they landed on the fabric of her dress. Looking up, she had noticed that some customers were heading towards the gallery, so she quickly wiped away her tears, and kept herself composed, and decided to use her first class ability, to hide her feelings from those around her. Once she had heard the door open, Rose picked up one last drawing from the box, and set it on the shelf, just as she turned around, to face a girl, about her age, with brunette curls, and deep green eyes. She stood to be about an inch taller than Rose, and had a bright smile pasted upon her face. Rose pressed her lips together, as she swallowed back the lump that was formed in her throat. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, as she kept her composure at level. She then put on a forced smile, as she walked towards the customer, her hands resting on her bulging middle.
"M-may I help you?" Rose asked, her voice a bit hoarse. Rose then cleared her throat, and sighed. "Is there anything you need?" Rose's voice was more clear than before.
"Why, yes," The brunette said. "I would like to purchase a painting or two…it's a gift for my boyfriend…"
"Oh, well," Rose said, turning her head towards the paintings that hung on the shelves. "We have plenty of paintings over there, that you might like…" Rose pointed towards the paintings. "You may go over there and look them over, then when you're finished choosing, let me know."
"Okay," She said, smiling as she headed towards the direction Rose had pointed, examining the many paintings that were displayed.
Rose let out a sigh, as she continued to clear up the drawings from the box, as she neatly placed them on the shelves, where they had belonged. Once she had completed her task, she uneasily bent down, and lifted the empty box, as she waddled over towards the counter, where she set the box beside the office door. She pulled out a chair, and took a seat, as she gently stroked her middle, while she watched the brunette look over some of the painting that were displayed. She watched as she picked one out of the shelf, and examine closely, before shaking her head, and placing it back to the spot she had picked it up from. She has been doing that for the past five minutes, and Rose decided to help her. Rose got up, with a bit of a difficulty, and waddled over towards the girl.
"Do you need help?" Rose asked.
The brunette looked into Rose's eyes and smiled sheepishly. "I guess I do," She said. "It's hard for me to choose the perfect one for him, and none of these seem to satisfy me…"
"Well, what does he like?" Rose asked.
"The outdoors," She said. "He loves the ocean, and the sky…I was looking for something that would look realistic, as if it were taken by a camera, instead of painted, but none of these seem to be that way…"
"I might be able to help you," Rose said, remember a painting Jack has painted a few weeks ago. "Come this way…" Rose led her towards the back of the art gallery, where most of Jack's paintings were shown. Jack's use of color on his paintings were as good as Monet's, and Rose could see the realism that laid within the picture. Rose lifted a painting from the shelf, which consisted of waves crashing on the ocean shore, as the sun was rising, making the sky glow with shades of red, orange, and pink. Rose's eyes roamed down to the bottom right hand corner, where she saw the familiar initials signed on the canvas. She then turned to the brunette and showed her the painting. "How does this look?" Rose looked over at her, wanting to see her reaction.
"Wow…" She said, as she gazed down at the painting. "This is amazing! Who's the artist?" She looked down at the bottom right hand corner. "Hmmm…JD…wonder who that is…"
"Well, his name is Jack Dawson," Rose said, not able to hide the smile that had suddenly spread across her face. "He's a very fine artist, I should tell you."
"You know him?" The brunette asked, as she looked over at Rose.
"I should say I do," Rose said. "We're very close friends."
"Wow, that's amazing!" She said. "I wish I knew a real life artist!"
Rose smiled, as she gazed over at the drawing room, where she found Jack emerge from, looking towards the counter, as if he were expecting her to be there. Rose smiled, and just stayed quiet, as she watched the teenage girl examine the drawing.
"What's your name?" Rose asked. "If you don't mind my asking."
"Oh, not at all," The brunette said. "My name is Grace Richards…what's yours?" Grace looked over at Rose, and smiled sweetly.
"Rose…" Rose said, smiling.
"That's a nice name," Grace said, smiling over at her.
"So is yours," Rose said, as she looked over her shoulder, finding Jack look over her way, smiling. Rose smiled back, and motioned for him to come. He nodded, then made his way towards her. "Well, Grace…you're about to meet an artist…" Rose said, as she smiled at Jack.
"I am?" Grace asked, looking over at Rose, perplexed. She then turned, following Rose's gaze, where she saw a very handsome man walking towards them. She smiled and saw him gaze towards her.
"Why, hello," Jack said, standing beside Rose, smiling. "I see you have met my beautiful wife…" Jack looked down at Rose and smiled.
Rose looked up at him, and smiled brightly, as her eyes twinkled. She then looked over at Grace.
"Well, Grace," Rose said, placing her hands over his arms. "This is my husband, Jack Dawson—the artist of that painting you're holding."
"O-oh," Grace said, feeling her cheeks grow pink. "I-it's nice to meet you, Mr. Dawson. I've always wanted to meet an artist…"
Jack smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you too…what's your name again?" Jack asked, as he hadn't quite heard what her name was.
"Grace," Grace said, rather quickly. "My name is Grace Richards…" Grace smiled sheepishly as she blushed.
Jack smiled and put an arm around Rose's shoulder. Many teenagers that had stopped by, would usually stare at him, and smile, for to them, he was the artist who was tall and good-looking, with blonde hair and deep blue eyes, that any girl would kill to gaze into. But no matter how many girls would admire him for his looks, he knew that he would belong to no one but Rose. He looked over at Grace, who was now glancing down at the painting she held in her hands.
"Well, I was just gonna see if my wife needed me, but it seems like she's doing fine," Jack said, looking down at Rose, who smiled up at him. "So, I'll leave her to do her job…I'm gonna go back to the drawing room, and finish up that drawing that I was supposed to finish last night…" Jack pressed his lips onto Rose's head, and looked over at Grace. "It was nice meeting you…" With that, Jack waved and smiled, as he headed back towards the drawing room, closing the door behind him.
"You're lucky," Grace said, smiling. "You're married to a very handsome artist. You have some good taste…"
Rose looked over at Grace, and shook her head. "I'm not married to him because of his looks…it's much more than that. Grace, you should know that looks aren't everything. It's what's inside that counts, and I'm sure that you love your boyfriend, for you wouldn't be here, buying him a painting. Grace, let me just tell you something. Don't go by looks…look deep inside that person, and then you'll know that that person is made for you. Never go by looks… if you do, your relationship won't last long," Rose said, looking over at Grace. "You're a very beautiful girl…I'm sure you know better than to like a person for their looks."
Grace smiled, and looked down at the painting. "You're right," Grace said. "I never told this to anyone, but for the past two years that I've been dating James, we have been discriminated. You see, he's not as handsome as everyone wants him to be, but deep down, I know I love him, and that he loves me. He's been there for me when my mother passed, and he's been there for me through the tough times…I just couldn't imagine life without him."
Rose smiled, and placed her hand over Grace's forearm. "I'm sure you two are madly in love with each other…just as Jack and I are. Don't let anyone get between your love, no matter what. Jack and I have been through some ups and downs, and we were in a tragic moment, where our love would've vanished, but I'm sure glad that he's here with me. I'm sure James is the perfect one for you," Rose said, her smile growing.
Grace smiled. "Thank you," Grace said. "Thank you for the advice, and thank you for letting me know that there's something more than just looks…no I could go up to James, and not have to worry about what other people think…"
"You should never have to worry what other people think," Rose added. "They're probably just jealous that you have someone to love and cherish, while they don't have someone of that value. I knew someone who has been forced into an engagement, where she hadn't felt any affection towards her alleged fiancée, and trust me, she was miserable."
"What happened to her then?" Grace asked.
"Well, she had met the love of her life, who has saved her from her misery…and we should say that she's very happy and thrilled to be by his side," Rose said, a small smile placed upon her lips.
Grace smiled and nodded. She looked down at the painting. "This is the one I want to buy," Grace said, looking down at Rose. "James will love this painting."
"Very well, then," Rose said, waddling towards the counter, with Grace right behind her. Rose went behind the counter. She took the painting from her hand, and turned it over, finding that it was worth six dollars. "It's six dollars, total."
"Okay," Grace said, pulling out a few wrinkled bills from her pocket, only finding that she had four dollars. "Oh, darn!" Grace muttered, as she searched her other pocket, finding only seventy five cents. She sighed, as she felt her heart break. She looked up at Rose, with her eyes filling with tears. "Seems that I don't have enough money…I only have four dollars and seventy five cents…guess I should've known it was too good to be true…well, thanks anyway." Grace gave Rose a small smile, before turning around, heading towards the front entrance.
Rose watched as Grace walked away. She saw the sadness in her eyes, and knew just how much this has meant to her. Rose looked down at the painting, then over at Grace, who had just opened the door.
"Grace, wait!" Rose called.
Grace stopped, and bowed her head. She closed the door, then looked over at Rose.
"If you bring in the rest of the money tomorrow," Rose said, her eyes on Grace. "I could let you take this with you."
Grace's eyes shone with happiness, as she smiled. "You'd let me do that?" Grace asked, a smile immediately appearing on her face.
Rose smiled and nodded. "I trust that you would bring the rest of the money, and besides," Rose added. "I know what it feels like to be in love with a person, where it reaches a point that you want to let that special someone know that you care."
Grace smiled and headed towards the counter, where she placed the bills and the change onto the counter.
"Oh, you don't know how much this means to me!" Grace said. "Thank you so much! And I promise to bring you the rest tomorrow!"
Rose smiled and picked up the change from the counter. "No problem, now go!" Rose said, as she placed the change into the cashier drawer, and placed the dollar bills along with the others. She looked up and watched as Grace smiled and left the art gallery, clutching onto the painting with happiness shining in her eyes. Rose looked around the art gallery, as she took a deep, relaxing breath. Rose closed her eyes for a brief moment, as she envisioned her life without the man she loved.
Would she have been able to live without him? Would she have been able to support herself, and her unborn child? No matter how many times she had told herself that she should look to the past and to what has happened, Rose still had felt the hurt and agony that had lingered in her heart from the painful reality that she could've lost Jack to the freezing waters, if the boat hadn't arrived when it had. Even if the tragedy had occurred almost eight months ago, it was still fresh to her, and she still had nightmares of that fateful night. The nightmares she had, would often result in Jack's death, while she had to move on with life, supporting herself and her unborn child, while others consisted of her having never met Jack, and had married Cal, who at that point, was abusive and possessive, something she hadn't been looking for in a husband. When she opened her eyes, they glistened in her tears, as she pressed her lips firmly together. She sat down on the chair, while she absentmindedly stroked her middle, as she waited for more customers to arrive.
Ruth slipped on her jacket and placed on a hat atop her head. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, as she had a touch of make-up on. She had been inside the apartment all morning, and had decided to go for a walk. She took her small purse, and headed for the door.
"Patricia, I'm going out for awhile," Ruth called out, as she opened the door.
"Okay," Patricia said.
With that, Ruth stepped out of the apartment, and closed the door behind her. She went towards the staircase, and began descending the steps, as gracefully as she had learned when she had attended finishing school twenty six years earlier. As Ruth had reached the last step, she walked towards the front entrance of the building, where she pulled the door open and stepped outside, as she descended the stoned steps. She clutched onto her purse, as she walked up the block, towards Central Park. Minutes later, she had finally reached the park, and entered the gates, as she found a bench, and sat on it, placing her purse on her lap. She felt the chilled wind blow the strands of hair that had fallen from it's hold, as the had was holding in the rest of her curls. Her emerald eyes gazed around the park, as she found children tossing coins into the fountain, as they had made their wishes. She sighed, as she had compared her old life, to her new life, and had easily found that her new life was much more happier and much more worth living, than her old, first class life.
Seven and a half months ago—when the Titanic had sank—Ruth had come to realize how Rose had meant more to her, than money ever did. As she witnessed the ship plummet into the depths of the North Atlantic, and hearing the many screams of the fifteen hundred people that had been brought into the water—Rose and Jack among them—Ruth had finally realized that money wasn't everything. Material things were of no value, than of her own daughter's life. Ruth hadn't worried about her daughter's life before, for she knew that she was in safe hands—or so she thought. When she, along with other survivors, had boarded the rescue ship, Carpathia, she had gone down to first class, with Cal, grieving over the loss of her daughter. Cal had a grim expression on his face, as he had gulped down the glass of brandy that he had ordered. Ruth had asked Cal to go search for her, just in case she has survived, and was rescued. Cal, having agreed to her suggestion, had gone out to search for her daughter. He hadn't returned until an hour later, when he had told her that she lived, but was with the 'gutter rat', and that she had wanted nothing to do with him. Then, he had informed Ruth that he wasn't the man she suspected him to be, and that's when Ruth had known that Rose has been right all along. Ruth had then gone down to third class—something that the old Ruth would never have done—and had gone to seek for her daughter's forgiveness.
The moment Ruth had seen Rose, alive and well, Ruth had felt as if her whole world had come back to life. But when she had seen Rose's eyes lock into hers, she had sensed fear shining within them. Ruth had then gone over to her daughter, and embraced her, for the first time in years, for she had never shown any affection towards her daughter in that impression. Ruth had explained that she had been sorry for what she has done, and that she shouldn't have forced her into a loveless engagement. But when she had heard Rose verbally say that she loved Jack, she knew she did. However, he was unconscious and was suffering a small case of hypothermia, which he had developed from the freezing waters. Ruth couldn't help but sympathize towards him, for at this point, she had felt that it had been her fault that Jack was in this situation. That Jack was fighting for his life, when if it hadn't been for her carelessness, Jack would've been fully awake and alive. But the moment Jack had opened his eyes, Ruth had felt relief flow throughout her body—she was glad that Jack had lived—which had surprised her in the most part, for she had remembered how much she had despised him. Rose had then asked for his forgiveness, and when he had forgiven her, she had felt the burden lifted from her shoulders, as she then embraced her future son-in-law.
From that point on, the old Ruth had perished with the Titanic, and a new Ruth was reborn. She was no longer Ruth DeWitt-Bukater, the first class society woman, that had wanted to marry her daughter off to a rich man, but she was Ruth DeWitt-Bukater, a woman who loves her daughter, and shares her love with Jack as well, who—at this time—was her son-in-law. As Ruth looked back to the moment that she had thought she had lost her daughter, she had come to show her love to her daughter, more than she ever had before. Ruth had then known that her life, in working class, was more better than her life in the society world. She knew that Jack and Rose had a large amount of money deposited in their newly made bank account, however, she hadn't known that Cal had given them a large amount of cash to add to it. After learning that Ruth was going to be a grandmother, she had been overjoyed, that she would soon have a granddaughter or a grandson. She looked over an elderly couple, who held the hands of a little boy, with light brown hair with matching eyes. Ruth smiled, as she envisioned herself with her own grandson or granddaughter playing around in the park. However, the child wouldn't have a grandfather to look up to as well, for she was widowed, and hadn't been married since. Ruth sighed, as she missed William with all her heart, and wished that he was by her side, to comfort her. She longed to have a man in her life, but she highly doubted that anyone would be interested in a woman like her. A forty-six year old woman, who had once been selfish and self-centered, and had almost sold her daughter off to a man who had been possessive and anger-tempered.
Ruth let out a saddened sigh, as she felt tears well up in her emerald eyes. Closing her eyes to hold back the tears, Ruth clutched her purse and just controlled her emotions, as she relaxed and became composed. As she opened her eyes, she found that a girl was clutching onto a painting, with love shining in her eyes. Ruth then remembered that Jack and Rose worked at the art gallery that was only two blocks away, so she got up, deciding to pay them a visit, and probably purchase a drawing or two. Ruth had recently gotten a job at the restaurant that Fabrizio has worked for, and was now a waitress there. Ruth had actually enjoyed the job, for she had gotten good tips, and had been complimented by many men her age. However, she took no particular interest in them, for seem to have gone for her looks, and not for who she was. At forty-six, she still held the beauty that she had gotten when she was a teenager—just as Rose held a beauty that had been inherited from herself. Many times, passerby's would say just how much Ruth and Rose had appeared to be alike, as they had the same fiery red hair, and the same emerald eyes. Rose was a unique girl, and Ruth knew that. She had a free-spirited personality, that had seemed never to die, for it had stayed with her, ever since she had been a little girl, and Ruth was afraid that she would eventually learn to explore the world, leaving Ruth forever, and often Ruth would lay down and cry, for Rose was no longer a young child. She was seventeen, married, and a mother-to-be. Ruth even signed the papers that would allow Rose to marry Jack, for she was underage.
Rose's wedding was something that had brought tears to Ruth's eyes. She had seen Rose's eyes twinkle with happiness, as her smile brightened up her face, while she walked down the aisle, towards her husband-to-be. Ruth realized then, just how much Jack and Rose had been in love, and has shared a strong bond—something that she had never seen in her life. Their love had been stronger than the iceberg that had struck the Titanic, and was strong enough to last and survive between the freezing depths of the North Atlantic. The minute Jack held out his hand, and when Rose had slipped her hand into his, she knew that their love would last forever. Jack had made a commitment, after only knowing Rose for less than a week, and had wanted to live the rest of his life with her. Ruth knew at that moment, that nothing would separate them. Not the iceberg. Not Cal. Not even her. Their love was too strong to be separated and to be broken. As they have made their vows and had finally shared their first kiss as husband and wife, Ruth knew that now, Rose was a married woman, and that she was grown up and in love. Tears had then fallen from her eyes as she applauded, among the other guests, and watched as they held hands and walked through the aisle, and out of the church, as a married couple, deeply in love with each other.
Ruth had remembered her wedding as well. Her marriage had been arranged, but from the moment she had become a Bukater, Ruth had thought that she would be miserable for the rest of her life. However, as two years had gone by during their marriage, Ruth had grown to love William, and William returned the affection, and within time, Ruth had became pregnant with her first, and only child—Rose. As Rose had grown, she had become attached to her father, and Ruth had often became jealous, for Rose had never spent time with her, as her father had the same free-spirit as she had, and would often take her horseback riding along the lake, and would spoil her rotten. When Rose had became sixteen, William had passed from leukemia, and that's when Ruth had decided to marry her off to the richest bachelor in Philadelphia, but within time, her plans hadn't worked out, and she had become Mrs. Jack Dawson instead of Mrs. Caledon Hockley. However, Ruth was glad that she hadn't married Cal, and had married the man she loved—Jack Dawson.
Ruth had walked up the block, reaching the Wilson's Art Gallery. She pulled open the front entrance, as she heard the bell ring, making her presence aware by others. Ruth glanced around, finding all kinds of art everywhere. There were sculptures in one area, drawings in another, and paintings at the back. Ruth gazed over at the counter, where she found Rose looking over at her, with a smile. Ruth returned the smile and walked towards the counter, as she looked up over her, finding a few personal drawings hanging on the wall. Ruth then returned her attention into her daughter's eyes and smiled.
Rose found her mother enter the gallery, smiling towards her. Ruth had walked towards the counter, gently setting her hand on top of the counter, as she looked up at the wall behind her, after gazing into her eyes. Ruth was never the type to go into art galleries, and this had certainly surprised Rose, to see her mother into one. Then again, Ruth had changed a lot since the tragic event that they had both experienced.
"Hello, mother," Rose said, smiling. "What brings you here?"
"Oh, nothing, really," Ruth replied casually. "I just wanted to stop by. I have absolutely nothing to do, and I'm bored out of my mind. I'm off of work today, so that adds to my boredom."
Rose laughed calmly. "Well, you're always free to stop by here, mother," Rose said, as she wiped off the counter with a paper towel.
Ruth smiled. "How's the baby?" Ruth asked, as her eyes gazed down at her enlarged middle.
"Fine," Rose said, as she stroked her middle thoughtfully. "It's been kicking a lot though. Sometimes I can't wait to get this baby out of me."
Ruth laughed. "I'm sure you could wait, Rose," Ruth said. "Because once they come out, they grow so fast, that you'll have no clue to where the time has gone."
Rose smiled softly, as she gazed downward. She felt the baby give her another swift kick and she gasped, as she smiled brightly, and pressed her hands gently onto her middle.
"It sure kicks hard," Rose said, laughing, as her fingers spread across her middle.
Ruth laughed, and slid the strap of the purse over her wrist. "Would you mind if I look around?" Ruth asked, pointing to the drawings. "I want to see if there's anything I'd be interested to purchase."
"Not at all, mother," Rose said, smiling. "Go right ahead."
Ruth smiled, and headed towards the drawing section, where she glanced over some of Jack's drawings, and some drawn by other artists.
Rose smiled softly, as she headed towards the drawing room. She placed her hand a top of the door, as she gave it a gentle knock.
"Jack?" Rose called, her voice soft and clear.
"Yeah?" Jack asked, as he was shuffling through some of the papers.
"May I come in?" Rose asked.
"Sure…" Jack said, sounding as if he had placed some papers on a desk, as he got up and opened the door, smiling. "Hey…"
Rose smiled, as she looked up at him. "Hi," Rose said, caressing his chest seductively, as her eyes twinkled.
Jack looked down at her, placing his hand over her waist, as he pressed her body over his, as close as her pregnant state would allow her.
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Jack asked, stroking her cheek with his thumb, as his eyes glanced down at her with love shining in them.
"Maybe…maybe not," Rose said, a teasing smile upon her face.
"Oh my, you're gonna get it tonight," Jack said, as he firmly pressed his lips on her forehead. "You're gonna get it so bad tonight."
Rose smiled, and clutched onto his shirt. "I can't wait," Rose said, as she looked into his eyes.
Jack returned the smile, and couldn't help himself but to press his lips onto hers, as he held her close to him, while he gave her an intense, loving kiss. Their kiss had ended a few short moments later, and as they pulled away, they gazed into each other's eyes, as their gaze had locked into each other for a few minutes, neither realizing that they had been staring at each other for a full five minutes.
Reality struck them once they heard the door open, a couple of customers stepping into the gallery. Jack and Rose pulled away from each other, looking over to the customers. Rose waddled over to the counter, alongside Jack, as the customers had reached them.
"Hi, I would like to have my daughter's portrait done," The middle-aged woman said, looking down at her teenage daughter.
"Uh, sure," Jack said, extending his arm. "Come this way…" Jack lead the teenager towards the drawing room, as he turned and faced Rose, winking at her, with his famous smile as he saw her smile back. With that, Jack entered the room, and closed the door behind him, getting ready to do his job.
Rose had given her mother her change, after she had purchased a drawing. She had taken a few dollars off of the regular price, since she had been her mother, and hadn't wanted her to waste all of her money, and that was the only reasonable thing she could do at the moment, for she knew that she couldn't give her the drawing for free. As she handed her mother the drawing, she stepped back, and sat herself down on a chair, while she stroked her stomach. That has been her routine every time she had completed something. She would stop and stroke her middle. She started that routine ever since she had begun to show, and that was the only way Rose would relax. The door to Benjamin's office opened, and Ben had stepped out of the room, gazing over at her, and smiling.
"Why, how's everything going, Rose?" Benjamin asked, shutting the door quietly.
"Good," Rose said, smiling, while her hands caressed her bulging middle.
Benjamin smiled and nodded his head. He then turned, and faced her mother. He stood in place and gazed into her mother's eyes.
"W-why, hello," Benjamin said, a smile spreading across his face. "How may I help you?"
Ruth smiled and looked down. "Oh, I'm fine," Ruth said. "My daughter, there, had already taken care of me."
"Daughter?" Benjamin said, as he turned around, meeting Rose's eyes. "She's your mother?"
Rose nodded. "Yes," Rose said. "Has been for seventeen years now."
Benjamin chuckled and turned to face Ruth. "Why, it seems as if you're her older sister," Benjamin said.
Ruth blushed, as she held onto the drawing. She then looked up and smiled.
"I'm Ruth DeWitt-Bukater," Ruth said, extending her hand.
"I'm Benjamin Wilson," Benjamin said, taking her hand in his, and pressing his lips onto the back of her hand. "But you may call me Ben."
Ruth smiled. "Well, Ben…" Ruth said, suddenly feeling butterflies in her stomach. "It's nice to meet you."
"It's nice meeting you too, Mrs. DeWitt-Bukater," Benjamin said, smiling.
"Oh, please call me Ruth," Ruth insisted.
"Very well, then…Ruth," Benjamin said. "Uh, I'm on my break now. Would you mind joining me in a little café, for some coffee?"
"I wouldn't mind at all," Ruth said. She turned to her daughter. "I'll see you later, Rose."
"All right, mother," Rose said. "Have a nice time."
Ruth smiled and walked towards the door, as Benjamin held it open for her. She took a second glance at Rose and smiled. Then, she left the gallery, where Benjamin led her towards a café that was a block away from the gallery.
Rose couldn't help but bring a smile to her face, as she watched her mother walk beside Benjamin. Her mother had never laid eyes on any man, besides her father. After her father died, her mother hadn't even bothered to remarry, nor had she wanted to. She believed that William was the only one for her, and now that he was gone, Ruth felt that she should live the rest of her life widowed, with a daughter to care for. Rose sighed, as she looked over at the clock that hung on the wall, across the room. Finding that it had already been half past one, she made a mental note in her mind, that there was only an hour left until they would have a forty minute break.
A/N: I really hope you liked it! Please review:D :D :D