Survivors

Chapter 4

Come the end of June, Rose had tired of spending so much time in her hotel room. Cora was outright bored, and craved the company of other children. They began to make a daily trip to the park near the center of town. Cora was delighted to find there were almost always other children there. Unlike the adults in town, the children didn't care that Cora was a newcomer.

Rose spent her time on these days silently watching Cora play. Hearing the children's laughter often helped Rose's mood, though Jack was often on her mind. On this day as Rose sat waiting for Cora to be ready to go home, another woman approached the bench Rose was sitting on.

"Excuse me, may I sit down?" Though she was instantly nervous, Rose nodded in reply. The other woman took her seat before speaking again. "I've seen you here a lot lately. I thought it was time I came to say hello. My name is Jennie Sullivan. My two little ones over there are William and Annie."

Rose hesitated before offering her own name in introduction. "My name is Rose. Little Cora isn't my child, but I'm taking care of her until her grandmother gets to town. Cora seems to have a great time playing with your children."

"They're having so much fun. It's good for the little ones to keep busy until they go back to school. We're having a party at my house on July 3rd for the holiday. The children would love for Cora to come. Please think about it, we'd be happy to have you. There will be a nice supper, even if you aren't up to socializing."

Rose smiled, but was clearly uncomfortable. "Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Sullivan. I'll consider it, but please don't count on us."

"Understood. Of course I hope you'll change your mind. If you'll excuse me, I should get the children home for dinner. Take care of yourself, Rose. It was nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Rose said faintly before Mrs. Sullivan walked away to collect Annie and William. Once they had gone, Rose called out to Cora, who came quickly over to the park bench. Her smile faded when she saw Rose's face. "Will and Annie's mama said she was going to invite us to a party. You said no, didn't you?"

Cora looked so disappointed Rose lowered her gaze before she answered. "I said maybe. I'm not sure I'm ready to go to a party. If it means that much to you, we can go. Just for a little while, okay?"

"Oh thank you, Rosie! Annie has some pretty dolls in her room, she promised to show me. Do you think Nana will be here before the party so she came come with us?"

"She should be here tomorrow, sweetheart. I'll tell her about the party when she gets here. I think it will be all right if she comes with us."

This was all Cora needed to hear to start smiling again. Rose herself was anxious about Elaine Cartmell's arrival. She wondered if the older woman may be upset about Cora being taken so far without her knowledge and permission. Rose resolved to try her best to stay calm about the situation, After all, both women loved Cora and wanted what was best for her, surely.

Cora's grandmother arrived the next day, June 29th, as Rose expected. The reunion of grandmother and grandchild caused happy tears on both sides. At first, Rose and Elaine were quite reserved with each other, but after a day or two they each warmed up and began to relax. They all talked about the upcoming party and agreed it would be nice to go.

Jack decided only the day before the party that he would attend after all. He told Mr. Sullivan this news while they were at work the morning of the third. "I'm so glad you changed your mind, Jack! You can come by my house right after work if you like, or a little later. It's the large white house with the green shutters that's just up the road."

"I'll be there, thank you sir. Can I bring anything, or do something to help out?"

"Oh no, just show up, it's fine." Mr. Sullivan smiled to put Jack at ease, and the younger man smiled back. "My wife loves throwing parties. She's a natural, and always plans for last minute guests. I hope you'll have a good time, Jack."

"I hope so. I decided it might be good for me to try and have a little fun. Better than just sitting by myself at the boarding house."

"That's the spirit! I'll see you later, then. We'll be closing up here at five as usual. Anytime after that, come on by my place."

When Elaine, Rose and Cora arrived at the Sullivan house, the party was in full swing. Children played in the yard, watched over by some of the adults. There were even more people inside the house, talking and having the evening meal or drinks.

Cora was about to ask for permission to go in search of Annie when Mrs. Sullivan saw them all at the door, and approached. "I'm so glad you came, Rose! Cora, you can go upstairs, Annie is waiting for you. Her room is the first on the left." Cora called thanks over her shoulder as she rushed off.

Mrs. Sullivan introduced herself to Mrs. Cartmell, then told her and Rose they were welcome to join the others at the dinner table. They each took a chair, saying hello to those nearest them.

Rose had just finished filling her plate from dishes that were passed around the table when Jack took the seat across from her. They saw each other in the same instant, but were too surprised to say anything. Rose quickly stood from the table, no longer caring about dinner. She headed straight for the front door and went outside. She needed a peaceful place so sit and think but there was none. The party went on around her, suddenly seeming like a dream. She collapsed on the steps. In moments, Rose heard quick footsteps behind her. Jack didn't await an invitation to sit down beside her. Hesitating just an instant, Jack reached out and took her hand. At the touch, Rose jumped in surprise.

"You can't really be here. I have to be dreaming this," Rose said faintly, tears threatening. "in my dreams we've never been able to touch each other."

"You're not dreaming, Rose. I promise. I've thought about you so many times… I hoped you were happy, and wondered where you were. I'm so happy to see you!"

Finally, Rose brought herself to turn and look at Jack's face, and into his eyes. She started to cry as she first held both of his hands in hers, then moved to hug him. "I don't know how you're here now. The last time I saw you, I thought you were…"

"I know. I'm all right now, Rose. You've been okay, haven't you?" Rose gazed into Jack's eyes again, beginning to believe what was happening was real.

"I've been doing the best I can. Sometimes I feel guilty because I'm here and so many others died. Having Cora to take care of has helped."

Now it was Jack's turn to be surprised. "Little Cora? Is she here with you?"

"Yes, she's upstairs playing with the Sullivans' daughter. She'll be so happy to see you."

"I can't wait to see her too." Jack stood up, taking Rose's hand and helping her rise as well. "Do you want to come in and have dinner now? It's getting late, you must be hungry."

"I am." Rose paused a moment, again looking into Jack's eyes. In the same instant, they each moved closer to the other. Their kiss was brief, but tender and gentle. Though unspoken for now, they both held hope that they could build a life together from this point forward.