Chapter 8
September 13, 1912
Rose's birthday. She was now eighteen.
Of course, people came over to see her, to tell her best wishes. They came to tell her happy birthday, and to tell her good luck on her upcoming baby.
The Kingswoods were the last people to see Rose for that day. Once again it was the usual good sweet talk coming from everyone: except Leila. Leila once again kept her distance, and spent a good deal of time eyeing Rose's growing belly. This was nothing new to Rose though; she knew Leila for about five years. She never felt comfortable with her. Leila was quite an intimidating girl to everyone.
But Rose refused to be bothered by Leila that night; she was too tired, to really think about Leila's behavior. She just spent her evening with Ms. Kingwood, listening to the advice the older woman gave her about child rearing.
Leila stayed on the edge of things until she was able to disappear without anyone knowing she even left. She was good at sneaking away. She knew it was rude and rather childish to do so, but she wasn't interested in seeing, or hearing about Rose's baby. She hated the fact that she wanted Cal Hockley as a husband, but he was completely out of her reach. How could she get the attention of a man who was already married and starting a family? And if she did get his attention, how could they be together with starting scandal? She was a woman who was serious about her reputation; she loved him desperately, but she didn't know if she was brave enough to take up an affair with Cal Hockley.
She walked around the house, looking at the details of the large elegant house, taking every beautiful feature in. She didn't even notice Cal when he met her in the hallway.
"Miss Kingswood!" he said, surprised.
She stopped walking and her eyes widened. "Mr. Hockley! I was just . . . looking around your lovely house. I hope I didn't upset you . . . "
"Not at all," he said calmly. "I was just surprised to see you. I didn't expect to see you around here."
"I'm sorry. I was . . . feeling lightheaded and I needed a walk. Your wife said it was fine to do so."
"Then, there's nothing wrong with what you're doing then."
"Good. Can I sit here?" Leila pointed to the hallway chair.
"If you feel you need to," he said in his calm suave voice.
"Thank you. I didn't see you so much tonight."
"Did Rose tell you I wasn't feeling well today?"
"No, she didn't. But are you going to be okay?"
"Yes, I'll be fine," he said in almost a whisper.
Leila looked at him closely. "I see you're still having some trouble," she concluded. "You're still going through a lot?"
He nodded. "Yes, it is a little hard. Leila, why don't we go with everyone else, hm? It isn't proper for us to be alone like this."
Leila pretended not to hear him. She wanted him alone. And this was her only chance. "Remember what I told you? You could tell me anything. Now, what's bothering you? You shouldn't have to keep things inside of you. It's not healthy."
He smiled. "You sound like my Aunt Theresa. She was always telling everyone that."
Leila smiled and stood up from her chair. "Tell me."
Giving up, because he was too weak and tired to protest, Cal sighed over the bold woman. She was as bold and as demanding as Rose.
"You're going through a lot," said Leila. "And I can understand. First the Titanic, and then you have to prepare for a baby. It's all going too fast. Your wife must also be going through a lot too, I assume . . . is she taking all of this well?"
"Yes, she's just fine," he replied.
"And you? Is it hard for you?"
He nodded. He felt himself falling into a series of flashbacks again. He had to stop them.
"I would understand–"
Cal shook his head. "No . . . I mean, no more. I'd rather not talk about this."
"Are you sure you don't–"
"You heard what I said." His voice was icy.
"I'm sorry, I was only trying to help," said Leila stepping back.
Cal noticed the hurt in her voice. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm trying to get over everything. I don't need someone trying to remind me of it."
"I was only–"
"I understand you were trying to help, but if I need to talk to you, I'll tell you when I want to."
"I see. I'll wait for you, if that's what you want."
"Thank you," he said, as he faintly felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked over at the woman and stared down at her. She was beautiful, and her hair was probably her best feature. Her black eyes were intoxicating. Her body was rich, and it seemed warm. She seemed tempting and just wonderful. He wished he could tell her everything. He never talked to Rose about anything he was going through, mostly because she was half the problem. This woman seemed like someone he could trust. And she really wanted to help him. He could tell she honestly wanted to. He was falling for this woman, even if he didn't want to, let alone be able to. He was married to Rose. He may not love Rose, but he did care a lot about her. He was supposed to be faithful to his wife.
But the next minute, the idea of faithfulness slowly melted away. He bent over Leila and kissed her full on her lips. He didn't mean to kiss her. It was as if some force within him, beyond his control, pulled him toward her. And since Leila didn't seem the least bit upset about his impulsive way, he continued, and didn't care to stop. He was enjoying it, and it was never like this with Rose.
Eventually he stopped the kiss and then looked down at the woman. Her entire face was smiling, and she seemed to be glowing. He softly touched her cheek, and placed a hand in her hair. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"I need to go . . . Leila," he said, quietly, smiling.
"Yes, you do," said Leila, lightly as Cal walked away. "Good night, Caledon."
"Good night, Leila," he said walking away, watching her.
XXXXXX
Leila couldn't sleep that night. She felt as if she was in heaven or buried in some dream. Did she really kiss Caledon Hockley? Yes it was true. She kissed him, right on the lips. And it was the best feeling ever! She couldn't believe it. The way he looked at her that night–she'll never forget it. She was convinced–he was falling for her. It wouldn't be long before he fell in love with her . . . if he wasn't already.
And in the end, Leila Kingswood found herself not worrying.
XXXXXXX
Cal also couldn't sleep last night. He was feeling a little guilty for kissing Leila . . . but only at first. He thought about Rose, and about how she was unfaithful to him. Should he feel ashamed for kissing a woman, while his wife was carrying a child that belonged to another man?
Before he went to sleep that night, he was guilt-free.