Chapter 5- The After-Party, and Playing In the Park

After the play was finished, everyone attended the afterparty which was held in the grandhall adjoining the theatre. It was a very beautiful room, spacious and elegant. James walked about from guest to guest, greeting and meeting with Rose right behind him.

"Hello, Mrs. Snow." James said to the stalky old woman whose hair was as white as freshly fallen snow. He kissed her on both cheeks.

"How are you James?"

"Splendid Mrs. Snow and yourself?"

"Oh don't worry about me James. Who is your lady friend?"

"This would be my escort, Rose O'Malley."

Rose smiled sweetly to Mrs. Snow and shook her hand.

"It's a pleasure Mrs. Snow."

Later that night, rumors began to circulate throughout the hall about James and Rose. People began to wonder if she was just there for company, or if he was really drawn to her. By 3 o'clock that morning, James and Rose decided it was time to leave. They dismissed themsleves and left the hall.

When the two arrived at Rose's house, she turned to him.

"James, I enjoyed the play immsensly. And overall, the evening was quite enjoyable."

"What about the people? Did they like the show?"

"I would say there were mixed emotions." Rose said nervously, and she looked down then up again.

"Like always."

Rose gave an exasperated sigh.

"James don't say that. People loved Peter Pan! I loved it and I didn't even see the play."

James looked up at her and relaxed. He was glad that Rose had come with him tonight. If she hadn't he would have thought his play was awful.

"Thank you Rose."

"Your welcome."

There wasn't a word spoken between the two of them, until Rose decided to retire.

"Well, I best be going in now, James. I had a wonderful time this evening. Good night James."

James thought about Rose for a minute before she entered her house. He certainly liked her alot. She was a very beautiful woman, inside and out. Her red hair, still pulled back in a bun with curls rimming her face, was eluminated by the fired street lamps. The cerulean blue color she wore seemed to make her pale skin look radiant. Rosey cheeks and all. She definitly had a wonderful personality and she reminded him of Sylvia. But that was a good thing.

"Goodnight Rose."

She smiled and walked into her house, closing the door behind her.

For the next few days, James didn't approach Rose in the park. He would only glance at her a couple times and continue playing with the boys and Porthos. Rose would just watch from a distance. The way he looked at her, the feeling she felt when she was around him. Could she possibly be in love with him? Rose sighed and looked out at the 5 of them. She watched on as the boys ran around like crazy. She scoffed a laugh and shook her head. Rose stood up, crossed her arms, and walked over to the boys.

"Ahh Miss Rose, how nice to see you this fine afternoon." James said imitating a pirate. Although, for a pirate, he was very polite and kissed her hand.

"Captain, are you and your crew searching for buried treasure?

"That's what we be doin' wench. Pilaging,and plundering as most pirates do." James said smuggly.

"Well, I guess you boys wouldn't mind if I joined your adventure as.." and she picked up a stick from the ground to use as a sword.

"Catherine Gallagher! Most fearsome FEMALE pirate in the Spanish Main!"

"Ahh, a pleasure Miss Gallagher."

The six played happily in the field for hours until they were dead tired. Everyone looked a mess. Rose's hair was frizzy and tosseled every which way, James' pants had grass stains on them, and the boys had grass stains and dirt on every inch of there clothing. As they came laughing and walking back to the bench , they spotted Emma sitting on it. James, who had his arm around Rose's shoulder, dropped it immediately. When the six arrived at the bench, Rose and Emma were introduced.

"Rose, this is Ms. Emma de Maurier, the boys' grandmother."

Rose looked to James, then to Emma. Hesitating to shake her hand.

"It's a pleasure, Rose." Emma said obnoxiously.

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. de Maurier."

"Please, call me Emma."

Rose nodded her head nervously, and smiled weakly.

"How nice of you to show up Emma," James said. He was obviously annoyed that she had come to the park.

"Well, I just wanted to come meet Rose and visit with you and the boys."

James knew this was a lie. Especially the part about "visiting with him and and the boys." They all lived together! Why would she want to visit with them if they saw each other everyday? He shook it off. There was no point in holding a grudge.

Rose looked at everyone nervously then excused herself.

"Well, I think we've all had a long day. You boys must be very tired. I best be on my way. I had a lovely time everyone."

"Bye Captain Gallagher." Michael said.

"Arg.. goodbye little Michael." She ruffled his hair, winked at James, and walked off.

The boys picked up their coats and began to walk out of the park.

"I liked her James. She was very charming."

"I'm sure you did Emma."

"Oh don't doubt me James. I thought she was very nice."

"Really now? A couple of nights ago, you practically refused to have her around me."

"All I can say is that things change James. Things change."

A/N: There! A longer chapter than the last one! Thanks to those of who who have reviewed which is like, 2 people. O well, U GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! R&R!!!!!