A/N: Here's what you all have been waiting for...:D Hope you enjoy the chapter, and please, please review!
Chapter Forty-Five
January,14,1913
The New Year's went by quickly, and before anyone knew it, Rose was on her ninth month. The doctor said that she was due within any day now, and her belly had grown bigger since Christmas. Jack was out at work, as Rose was lying down on the couch, fanning herself. Her feet were swollen, and her back felt like someone was ripping her bones apart. This had been going on ever since the day before, and Rose wondered when the feeling would go away.
Getting up, she waddled over to the kitchen, when suddenly the pain hit her. She pressed her hand on her stomach, as she hunched over, gripping on the side of the doorway. She closed her eyes and breathed out. A few seconds later, the pain struck her again.
"Ahhhh!" Rose screamed, as she had a painful contraction. Her eyes suddenly widened, as she realized that today was the day she would give birth to her first child. "Oh God…Jack…"
Rose looked over at the front door, where she began walking, but kept her hand over her middle. She struggled as she opened the door, and banged on Annie's door.
"Annie!" Rose cried, gritting her teeth against the pain. "Annie, please open the door!"
Seconds later, the door opened, revealing Annie, who was dressed in a simple blue dress.
"My God, Rose, what's wrong?" Annie asked.
"The baby…it's coming!" Rose cried, as she breathed in and out, in attempt to wash away the pain.
"Oh my God!" Annie said, suddenly growing nervous. "What should I do?"
"Get my mother…tell her, to get Jack, please!" Rose cried.
"Okay," Annie said, about to leave, but stopped. "But first, I'll get you in bed."
Rose nodded her head and allowed for Annie to take her to her bedroom, where she changed Rose into her nightgown, and laid her down on the bed, as she propped pillows behind her.
"Are you comfortable?" Annie asked, looking down at Rose.
Rose nodded her head, as she gripped onto the sheet.
"I'm fine," Rose said. "Just get Jack here, quick!"
"Okay…" Annie said, as she rushed out of the room, and went get Rose's mother, who was happy to hear the news that she would be a grandmother soon, and rushed to get Jack. Annie then came down to get Michael, who was shaving. "Mike, get the doctor. Rose is in labor."
"Oh, shit!" Michael said, as he rushed inside, and cleaned his face off, where he went out of his apartment and slammed his door shut. "I'll be right back with the doctor!"
Michael ran out of the building and went to get the doctor, who was three big blocks away from their building.
Annie had then ran up the stairs to tend to Rose, who suddenly screamed from having a contraction.
"How far apart are the contractions?" Annie asked, as she went towards Rose.
"So far, five minutes," Rose answered, as she breathed irregularly.
"Don't worry, Jack is going to be here pretty soon," Annie said. "And so will the doctor. I sent Mike to get him."
"Oh, Annie, what would I do without you?" Rose asked, looking over at her with a soft smile upon her face.
Minutes later, she heard the door slam open.
"Rose!" She heard Jack's voice call. "Rose, where are you?"
"I'm in here, Jack!" Rose called from the bedroom, where soon, she saw Jack stand by the doorway, his hair disheveled.
Jack rushed to her side, not realizing that Annie was there, and took hold of Rose's hand.
"How are you feeling?" Jack asked, looking into Rose's eyes.
"Fine," Rose said. "But the contractions—" Another rush of pain ran through her, and she gripped onto Jack's hand tightly. She let out an agonized scream as she leaned her head back. "Oh, God, get this baby out of me!"
Jack gritted his teeth against the pain that was in his hand, but he ignored it, for Rose needed him. He looked at her enlarged stomach, and realized that soon enough, he would become a father.
Suddenly they heard Mike's voice in the parlor room.
"Rose?" Michael called. "The doctor's here!"
"In the bedroom, Michael," Rose called, as she breathed in and out.
Soon enough, Dr. Thompson had entered the bedroom, with a medical bag in his hands. Her mother also stepped in.
"Oh, Rose, I can't believe I'm going to be a grandmother," Ruth said, smiling, as tears shone in her eyes.
Rose gave her mother a soft smile as she held Jack's hand.
"Okay, I'm going to ask of everyone to leave the room please," The doctor said. "Including you…" He told Jack.
"No!" Rose called, not letting go of Jack's hand. "He's staying here."
"I'm not allowed, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said.
Rose then clenched her teeth angrily, as she glared at the doctor.
"I don't care about your fucking rules, all right, Dr. Thompson?" Rose said, her hormones getting to her. "Jack is staying with me and that is final! He's not going anywhere!"
Jack was surprised to hear such language coming from his wife's mouth, but just looked up at the doctor, pleading for him to stay.
"All right," Dr. Thompson said, sighing. "But the rest of you…out!"
The others left the room, after giving Rose a final glance. They closed the door behind them and waited in the parlor room.
"Okay, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said, examining her. "You're dilated by three centimeters."
"Is that good?" Rose asked, looking over at him.
"It's normal," Dr. Thompson said. "But it would take hours to actually give birth to your child."
"Hours?" Rose asked, a worried expression shining on her face. "Oh, God, Jack…" Rose whispered as she gripped his hand, feeling a contraction hit her again.
"Shhh," Jack said, smoothing out her curls. "I'm here…everything will be all right."
Rose nodded her head as she breathed out.
Hours quickly passed. It was already four o'clock in the afternoon, and Rose's contractions were coming closer. Jack sat by her side, holding Rose's hand, and allowing her to tighten her grip around his, whenever she had a contraction hit her. Dr. Thompson examined her again, and had said that she was almost there. So far, her contractions were a minute apart, and soon enough, she would finally bring her child in the world. However, her hormones were really getting to her.
"Everything's fine now, Rose," Jack said. "Almost there."
"That's easy for you to say," Rose said, glaring angrily at Jack. "You don't have to go through the pain. You just had to have your pleasures and lovemaking, and…"
Rose screamed out as another contraction hit her. She gripped Jack's hand tightly, as she looked over at him.
"I'm sorry, Jack," Rose said, looking at Jack apologetically. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean what I said…"
"I know," Jack said, his voice calm. "It's okay."
"Okay, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said. "You're ready to bring your child into the world."
Rose nodded her head, as she was getting ready. She looked over at Jack, her face drenched in sweat, and her curls stuck to her face.
"I love you, Jack," Rose said, smiling softly. "I always will."
"Okay, Mrs. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said, positioning himself. "When I count to three, push, okay?"
Rose nodded her head, as she closed her eyes. Her hand gripped Jack's as she saw the vision of her father in her mind.
"One…"
Rose breathed heavily as she looked over at Jack, a nervous expression on her face. Within minutes, her baby would be born.
"Two…"
Oh God…one more second, and it's closer…the baby is going to be born, Rose thought as she clenched her teeth.
"Three…push!" Dr. Thompson said.
Rose gathered all the strength that was left in her body, and let out a push, along with a scream. She felt the baby push it's way through her.
"Good," Dr. Thompson said. "I see the head."
Jack looked at Rose, a gentle smile grazing his face. Tears shone in his eyes as he gripped onto Rose's hand lovingly.
"Okay, give me one last final push," Dr. Thompson said, holding out his hands from under her.
Rose cried, not wanting the bear the pain again.
"I can't…it hurts," Rose cried, tears sliding down her cheek.
"Rose, you could do this," Jack said, stroking the back of her hand lovingly. "C'mon, you could do this. You're strong, I know you are."
"I can't," Rose said, shaking her had, as she cried.
"Look," Jack said, pushing himself closer to her. "All my life, I never dreamed that I would fall in love with a girl like you. Nor did I ever dream of becoming a father. Now, I know that that fiery spirit is still alive inside you. I know you're strong enough to bring this baby into this world. Now, trust me on this, you're going to be a mother, and I'm going to be a father. Just believe in yourself."
Rose nodded her head. "I…trust…you…" Rose said, in-between breaths.
"Good, now c'mon," Jack said. "Bring this baby into the world."
Rose nodded her head and gathered her strength together, and pushed. She screamed, and gripped onto Jack's hand tightly, as she felt the baby slide from her body. Seconds later, she heard a baby's cry. Rose felt tears slide down her cheeks, as she looked over at Jack. A small smile came upon her lips, as she found that Jack was crying too.
"You did it…" Jack said, smiling as he leaned over, pressing his lips onto hers, numerous of times. "You did it…" Jack then pulled Rose into a hug, as he felt his tears slide down his cheeks.
Dr. Thompson smiled as he looked over at the two new parents.
"You have a healthy baby boy," Dr. Thompson said. "With a strong set of lungs, may I add."
Rose looked over at him, and smiled. Her body was drenched in sweat, and she sighed in exhaustion.
"Would you like to cut the umbilical cord?" Dr. Thompson asked, handing him the scissors.
Jack took the scissors and cut the cord, as the doctor cleaned his son up, and wrapped him with a light blue blanket. Dr. Thompson handed him his son, as he took care of Rose.
Jack looked down at his son, tears shining in his eyes. He had light blonde hair, and round cheeks. Seconds later, he opened his eyes, revealing a deep shade of blue. Jack's hand held his son carefully as he smiled down at him.
"You're my son," Jack whispered. He looked over at Rose and smiled brightly, as he walked over to her, handing her the baby. He sat at the edge of the bed, as he gazed down at his son. "He's beautiful Rose."
"Yes, he is," Rose said, smiling down at her child. "Got his looks from you."
"Yeah, but I'm sure he has your personality, and your smile," Jack said, looking down at Rose. He gave her a gentle, passionate kiss as he wrapped his arm around her.
"What are you going to name him?" Dr. Thompson asked, pulling out a birth certificate.
Rose smiled and looked down at her son. "William John Dawson," Rose answered.
Dr. Thompson nodded his head and scribbled down the baby's name and signed the certificate.
Jack looked down at Rose with loving eyes. John was his father's name, and having Rose give his son John as a middle name meant more to him than anything. He pressed his forehead against hers as he smiled down at her.
"We're parents," Jack whispered, as he gazed down at his son. He smiled. "Hey buddy…I'm your dad. We're going to be the best of buds, I could tell. I'll teach you everything there is to know. And maybe you will learn how to draw, just like me. What do you say, huh?"
Jack extended his forefinger, as he felt his son grasp it tightly. Jack smiled, and let his thumb graze William's small fingers gently.
"That's my boy," Jack said, smiling, tears filling his eyes.
His son, William, looked like an angel. It was as if he was pulled down from heaven and given to them. They were blessed with a wonderful child, a child that would surely be loved and cared for. Jack gave Rose a single glance, and found that she was sound asleep—from exhaustion. Jack leaned down and gave Rose's forehead a gentle kiss, and pulled the cover over her, with the free hand. William stretched out his arm and let out a soft cry, then whimpered. Jack rocked him back and forth and hummed to him. He looked over at the doctor, who was packing things up, ready to leave.
"How is she?" Jack asked, looking over his shoulder, seeing his angel fast asleep.
"She's doing fine," Dr. Thompson replied. "Just don't have her doing much work for this week. She deserves the rest."
"I'll keep that in mind, doctor," Jack said. "Thank you so much."
Dr. Thompson smiled. "No problem," He said. "And congratulations. I'm sure William, here, will be a fine, handsome man when he grows up."
Jack smiled. "I hope so," He glanced down at his son, who looked up at him, with curious eyes. "Thanks again, doctor. I really appreciate it."
"Like I said before, no problem," Dr. Thompson said. "It's my job to bring babies into the world. Well, I guess I'll see you in a week. I'm going to come over to see how she's doing and how the baby's doing, okay?"
"Not a problem at all, Dr. Thompson," Jack said.
"Goodbye, Mr. Dawson," Dr. Thompson said.
"It's Jack," Jack corrected. "Just call me Jack."
"Okay…Jack," Dr. Thompson said. "Well, I have to go. I got another patient who needs me in another hour. Have a nice day, Jack."
"I will, bye," Jack said, leading him towards the door, as he opened it, and let the doctor go through the parlor room, where everyone had stood up.
Dr. Thompson just smiled at them, then left the apartment. Jack, however, was still behind the door in the bedroom, taking a small peek in the parlor room. He had noticed that Fabrizio and Angelina had arrived as well. Jack looked down at his son, smiled sweetly at him, then decided to go into the parlor room, to show him off to the guests.
As Jack appeared into the parlor room, the guests looked up at him, then looked at the bundle in his arms and gasped quietly. Ruth was the first to come towards him.
"Is…is this him?" Ruth asked, looking up at Jack, tears filling her eyes. "This is my grandson?"
Jack smiled and nodded. "Yes, it is, Ruth," Jack said. "His name is William John Dawson—named after his respected grandfathers."
Ruth placed a hand over her mouth, as she looked up at Jack, then back down at her grandson.
"W-William?" Ruth muttered. "Oh…how I miss him…that's sweet of you, to name him after my deceased husband…"
"It wasn't my doing," Jack corrected. "It was all Rose's idea, and she honored my father too. My father's name was John Dawson, and it made me remember all the good times I had with him. Now, I'll have a part of him with my son, always."
"Mind if I hold him?" Ruth asked, looking over at Jack. "It's been a while since I held a baby."
Jack nodded and carefully placed William in Ruth's arms, and smiled as he placed one hand in his pocket, and the other over his son's thin blonde hair.
"Hi…I'm your grandmother, Ruth," Ruth said. "I promise to love you the best I can, my darling William, just as I had with your grandfather. Oh, how he would've loved you. I just wish he was here to hold you in his arms and just spoil you rotten."
A single tear slid down Ruth's cheek as she gazed down at her grandson, who outstretched his arm and pressed it on her chest. Ruth let out a soft giggle as she found her grandson's blue eyes gaze up at her.
"He has your eyes, Jack," Ruth commented. "So intense and beautiful. I could look into them all day."
"Thanks," Jack said, looking down at his son.
"He's beautiful, Jack," Ruth complimented. "You and Rose had done a great job."
Jack felt a blush appear on his cheeks and he smiled sheepishly. Jack slid his other hand in his pocket and just looked down at his son, who was slowly beginning to fall asleep.
"Here," Ruth said, handing him back to Jack. "He's such an angel."
"Of course," Jack said. "Just like his mother."
"Where is Rose by the way?" Ruth asked.
"Asleep in the bedroom," Jack said. "You could see her if you like."
"I'll be right back," Ruth said, as she pressed a gentle hand on his biceps, before heading over to her daughter's bedroom.
"Lui è bello bambino, Jack," Fabrizio commented as he looked down at the new member of the Dawson family. "Looks just like 'a you…"
Jack smiled and pressed a gentle hand on Fabrizio's shoulder. "Thanks Fabri," Jack said. "If it weren't for you, I would not be here, with Rose right now."
"S�, you would have," Fabrizio said, his heavy accent noticeable.
"No, I would not," Jack said. "I would've left Rose alone, just as she had asked, and I would never had the chance to tell her I loved her—and I love her still."
"She look for you down below decks before," Fabrizio said. "When 'a she wore the beautiful dress…with shawl I think…but she look for you, and went to you. Remember that."
"She looked for me?" Jack asked. "I didn't know that."
"She went down to me and ask me where you were," Fabrizio told him. "She look like she really want to parlare con tu."
"Fate brought us together, and kept us together," Jack said.
"Like we Italians say, amore is not logical…it is just there to bring due persone together. Helga—she died—but I still love her—and I love Angelina. I will always miss Helga, even if we no understand our language. So, you and la bella Rosa, has a wonderful, unique love…e tu e bella Rosa will last forever."
Jack smiled. "I just want to say that thanks for being there for me when I needed you the most—and thanks for being here with me, as you are now. I really appreciate everything you have done for me."
"Prego, but, I must thank you too," Fabrizio added. "Grazie, Jack. Grazie. Thank you for bringing me to l'America. Like you promised."
"Remember, Fabri, the Dawson's never break their promises, and if I make a promise, I'm gonna keep my word and make it happen," Jack said. He then remembered the promise he made to himself when he had bought the house back in Santa Monica. "Speaking of promises, I promised Rose that we would be moving to Santa Monica, and just so happens that I had bought a house through telegram in Santa Monica, and I had also promised myself that once the baby's born, we're gonna be moving there, so…"
"You're not going to be living here anymore?" Annie asked, already having tears fill her eyes.
Jack just shook her head sadly. "Rose loves Santa Monica, and I have promised her that we'd move there, when we were on our honeymoon, and so, now that I have bought the house, we're going to move there next week."
"Oh, Jack," Annie said. "I'm going to miss you. And Rose."
"We'll write," Jack said. He looked down at his son. "And I'm sure you want to hold my son."
"If you would not mind," Annie said, hope shining in her eyes.
"Sure," Jack said, handing William carefully to Annie. "Watch the head…"
"Oh, he's beautiful, Jack," Annie said. "Makes me wish that I could be a mother."
"Maybe someday you will," Jack said, looking over at her, then at Michael, who just stood in front of the coffee table, hands in his pockets.
Annie followed his gaze, and blushed. She looked down at William and smiled.
"Hi, Willy," Annie said, admiring the new nickname she had given him. "I'm your Aunt Annabelle, but you could call me Aunt Annie, of course."
Jack chuckled softly as he watched Annie treat his son as if he could talk.
"He is bello, Jack," Angelina said, her voice soft and sweet. "You are a great father …and great person. Good luck on trip to Santa Monica…"
Jack smiled. "Thanks, Angelina," He said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure you and Fabri will have the same thing Rose and I have…"
Angelina smiled and gazed into Jack's eyes. "Grazie…"
Jack looked over at Fabrizio who smiled at him.
"Tu sono un bene amico," Fabrizio said.
"So are you," Jack said.
Fabrizio smiled, then reached in his pocket, where he pulled out a handkerchief and skillfully wiped the bead of sweat that was forming at the top of his forehead, and clutched onto the fabric.
"Hearing la bella Rosa scream like 'a that made me feel nervous," Fabrizio commented, letting out a relaxed sigh, as he placed the handkerchief back into his pocket.
"Well, me and Angelina have to go," Fabrizio said. "I'll see you later, Jack."
"Okay, Fabri," Jack said, giving him a brief, brotherly hug. "See you around."
"S�," Fabrizio said, smiling. "Ciao, Jack. Congratulazioni, Jack."
Jack nodded and waved to his best friend, as he watched him take Angelina by the hand sweetly, before he headed over to the apartment door, opening it, then disappearing into the hallway.
Jack turned to Annie, who was rocking back and forth slowly, as William whimpered in her arms. Jack smiled, then walked towards her, ready to take his son.
"Thanks for letting me hold him, Jack," Annie said. "He's wonderful."
"Thanks," Jack said, carefully holding his son, who looked as if he were about to cry. He looked up at Annie, his blue eyes shining with happiness. "Thanks for being here for Rose. I don't know what I would've done if she was left alone during the birth…"
"It's not a problem, Jack," Annie said. "Really."
Jack smiled and looked down at his son, as he covered his body with the blue blanket.
"I have to go," Annie said. "See you later, Jack."
"Okay," Jack said. "Thanks for coming."
"No problem," Annie said.
Jack nodded and watched as Annie left the apartment, leaving Michael to be the last person in the parlor room.
"So, you're a father now, huh?" Michael said, walking towards him. "How does it feel like?"
"Wonderful, scary, responsible…" Jack said. "But I'm glad to be a father, though. I have this feeling within my heart that makes me just want to shout out to the world that this little creature is my son. And to think that I would never become a father…"
"Why would you think that?" Michael asked, looking over at Jack, brow raised.
"Well, before I met Rose, I was out on my own," Jack said. "And during my journey, I never thought to meet a girl like Rose, nor have I ever thought of marrying her or anything like that. She means so much to me, that if God forbid, something happened to her, I'd be crushed. I love her, Mike. Probably more than I should, but I can't help myself. She's my wife—and the mother to my new son. I would not know what I'd do without Rose."
"Well, Jack, you have her with you, and you have a healthy son," Michael said, patting his shoulder. "I'll leave you three alone. I gotta head off anyway. My mother's visiting later, and I don't want her to show up when I'm not there."
Jack laughed and nodded his head, understanding. "Thanks for everything, Mike,"
"Not a problem," Michael said, smiling at him, before he left the apartment, leaving Jack and his son alone in the parlor room.
Jack looked down at his son, who's face scrunched up and let out a sharp wail. His tiny, clenched fists moved around, as he kicked his feet. His eyes were squeezed shut, as his mouth formed a wide 'O' while he cried.
"Shhh," Jack said, rocking back and forth. "Everything's okay, buddy. I know you're hungry, but mommy's asleep now…shhh…"
Despite his comforting words, William wailed loudly. Jack chuckled then headed towards the bedroom door, where he opened it, then stepped inside, surprised to find that Rose was sitting upright, with pillows propped behind her.
Jack looked down at William and smiled.
"See what you did?" Jack said, as if he accused his son for waking Rose up. "You woke mommy up."
Rose laughed, her flushed face brightening. "Don't blame him for waking me, Jack. He's hungry,"
Jack looked over at Rose and smiled.
"Okay, buddy, you have your wish," Jack said, walking towards Rose, as he gently placed William in her arms. Jack ran his hands gently over his son's thin blonde hair and smiled.
He watched as Rose exposed one enlarged breast, as his son nibbled on it, drinking the milk provided by the mother. He smiled, as he turned over to his mother-in-law, who just looked up at him with loving eyes.
"Congratulations, Jack," Ruth said. "You have a wonderful son."
"Thank you," Jack said. He looked over at Rose, finding that she smiled sweetly down at William.
"Well, I better get going," Ruth said. "I'm sure Rose deserves a well needed rest, and I would only be in the way."
"No, you would not be—" Jack began.
"Hush now," Ruth said, holding out her hand. "I know these things—I gave birth to Rose, and I remembered feeling exhausted, so don't you dare think that I won't be in the way. If I stay, I'll just keep Rose up. She deserves a rest, and besides, I have to head to work. Good thing I took the morning off."
Jack smiled. "Okay, mom, thanks," Jack said, knowing that Ruth allowed him to call her 'mom'.
"Okay, Jack. I'll visit later," Ruth said, running a hand over Jack's cheek before she looked over at Rose, waved, then left the apartment herself.
Jack just stood there, both hands in his pockets, as he let out a sigh. He looked over his shoulder and smiled. Rose looked like a professional. It was as if she had been a mother many times before. He walked towards her and pulled out a chair, and sat beside her, smiling down at his newborn son.
In the next room, there was a baby room. Jack had bought a crib, a rocking chair, and other things needed for the baby, and had placed them in the guest room, with Fabrizio's and Michael's help. Jack could not help but smile as he thought that within a week, they'll be going to Santa Monica—again. He looked over at Rose, and ran his hand gently over her curls, which were a bit damp with sweat, but he didn't mind.
Rose looked over at Jack and smiled sweetly at him, as she nursed her son. Having given birth for the first time had made Rose feel as if she had accomplished a hard task. Of course, it was painful giving birth, but it was also worth it. She would give birth to Jack's child many times more, as long as he was the father. She also know that William would not be the last child she would give birth to. She knew that there would be many more children after him, and Rose had no mind bearing them, then giving birth to them. She had done it before, sure enough, she could do it again.
"Rose," Jack murmured, as he sat quietly beside her.
"Hmmm?" Rose said, looking up.
"Uh, remember on Christmas, when I told you that I bought the house in Santa Monica?" Jack asked.
"Yes," Rose said, turning her attention back to her son, who was still nibbling on her breast.
"Well," Jack said, running his fingers through his hair. "I promised myself that once the baby's born, we'll move, and I was thinking that in the next week, we'll be able to finally move to Santa Monica."
"That soon?" Rose asked, her eyebrows raised.
"Well, yeah," Jack said. "I don't wanna wait, Rose. I think it's best that we move as soon as possible, and I'll give it until next Saturday, so we could start packing until then."
Rose nodded her head and put on a bright smile upon her face.
"Okay," Rose said. She looked down at her son and pressed her lips gently on his forehead. "You're already a half hour old, my little one. You're already growing right before my eyes."
Jack smiled at the sight and got up. "I'm gonna go out for awhile, okay?"
Rose looked over at him, holding William close.
"How long will you be gone?" Rose asked, glimpsing down at her son.
"Just for a bit," Jack said. "I'm gonna go to the gallery and quit my job there, that way I'll be with you for the next week until we move."
"I love you," Rose murmured, looking up at him.
Jack smiled. "I love you too,"
With that, Jack left the bedroom, and closed the door behind him, before he left the apartment building, heading over to the gallery.
A/N: Review!