Chapter 11

Sorry for the long wait everyone, but I was tormented with such a writer's block that it took me quite a while to finish this chapter... I am constantly trying to find the right balance for their connection. But anyway, here it is and I hope you'll enjoy it! xoxo

Despite her pride of having accomplished the affair, Rose could still feel the exhaustion roaming around her body like a windstorm. She was now an official member of American high class society, continuing her family's legacy that had been going on for centuries. Men now viewed her as prize that could easily be won, a possession for their own good. Like bees clinging to honey they had stuck around her, desperately pursuing their moment for a dance. Yet, one by one, Rose managed to shake them off and perhaps it was because of some help.

Slowly and insecurely, Rose descended down the staircase where her whole family was waiting. All eyes were glued onto her, inspecting her attire and movements. To her luck, they could only smile and applauded her presence. Even Violet was kind enough to express her positivity. Rose clenched the small bouquet of flowers against her chest and took a deep breath. This was it, the moment she had been dreading for forever. Every second that passed was a second closer to her imprisonment. Securing the arrangement of flowers stacked onto her head, her father took her by the arm and placed a soft and gentle kiss on her cheek. "Finally," he spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, "both my daughters will access a future so grand and blissful, that this poor man's heart can't feel any happier."

"Well father," Rose mumbled, "We aren't there yet and Violet still isn't married."

A large arrange of motor cars and carriages stopped in front of Philadelphia's City Hall. At least a hundred young women from all over Pennsylvania had gathered for one of their most important events in life. Rose recognised some from over the years, but most of them were complete strangers. Every girl was beyond nervous and despite the endless waiting time, the moment itself was over in a heartbeat. Clinging to the arm of her mother they headed down the grand staircase and took a bow in front of the large crowd. Rose then rushed over to the tower of champagne and grabbed two glasses, consuming them in one go. To her luck, it calmed her nerves and she felt able to observe the whole circus a lot better. From the far back of the room her mother came rushing up to her, followed by a tall man. The colour of a raven, his hair was neatly combed back and his pride overwhelmed the majority of tonight's guests. Rose thought the man to be handsome and his smile beyond charming when he stopped in front of her.

"Darling, may I introduce you to Mr. Caledon Hockley. Mr. Hockley this is my daughter Rose DeWitt Bukater."

He took her hand in his and kissed the top gently. "It's a pleasure to meet you, miss DeWitt Bukater. I must admit when you were presented by your charming mother here I couldn't help but be memorised by your presence."

Rose was at a loss for words and looked back at her mother who kept her eyes burning on her skin. She could only thank him.

"I hope you are not engaged for the upcoming dance?"

"In fact, my daughter isn't engaged for any dance yet." Ruth interfered and pushed her daughter slightly forward. Mr. Hockley escorted her to the dance floor and twirled her around the room like it was nothing. Rose held her breath for most of the time, her head too focussed on counting the steps and keeping up with their conversation. The man was from Pittsburgh, twice her age and filthy rich. Keeping his head up at all times, he basically believed he owned the whole East Coast himself.

"I am so sorry to interfere," A sudden voice spoke behind them. Confused, Rose turned around and saw Jack standing only a few feet away, "Your father has asked me to dance with you."

Mr. Hockley stepped back, looked the young man up and down and raised his eyebrow. "Mr. Dawson am I right?"

"Your remembrance of names is uncanny, Mr. Hockley. I was afraid you wouldn't recognise me."

"Mr. Dawson is engaged to my sister." Rose quickly interfered.

"I see. Well I hope to see you again this evening, miss." He nodded his head to hear and before Rose could answer, Jack had already dragged her to the other side. Looking over his shoulders, Rose was still able to notice the silhouette of her admirer.

"Why does father want you to dance with me? Isn't this the evening to dance with as many man I still don't know?"

Jack's gaze was serious and he bit the inside of his cheek. "The fact is, miss Rose, that I don't want you to dance with this man. He's been having his eyes glued onto you like a hawk from the moment you walked inside, but he is bad news."

She pulled back from his touch. "What on earth do you mean?"

"His businesses are far from ethical, he has scammed many people in his life time, which besides is at least twice the length of yours and he has already been engaged three times." He spoke his words at her like she was his little sister, too foolish to understand the real world. It annoyed her beyond the core.

"You know, Mr. Dawson, it's quite bloody confusing to have everyone tell me whom to interfere with and not all the damn time."

"I am just trying to give you some friendly advice." He snapped back.

"Well I don't want your advice, Mr. Dawson."

What happened after that all felt like a blur. Apparently their forceful discussion had continued for a short while before she kept herself at a safe distance. Back at home, Rose fled towards her room and only came out to wish her mother and sister a safe trip towards New York City where they were going to meet with Violet's wedding dress designer. And of course, her father had decided to leave the household once again for a business trip.

On a hot afternoon, Edward and Rose had stationed themselves inside their garden to enjoy a hearty lunch. The heat had already started to take a toll on their pale skin and Rose tried to cool herself with her flower embroidered fan. In the midst of their conversation, the sound of footsteps caught them by surprise and Jack appeared from around the corner.

"Mr. Dawson?" He was the last person she believed to see after their quarrel.

"Good afternoon to you both." He nodded and took off his hat, "I just wanted to check up on you and see how you two were doing now everyone is away."

"Surprisingly good," Rose admitted. She liked her private time more than anything, "We were just having lunch. I can ask to lay out a plate for you too?"

Jack shook his head. "Only a glass of water will do." Rose stood up from her chair, took a an empty glass off the tray and filled it with iced water, followed by a few slices of lemon. He thanked her, leaned back and glanced at the garden who was working hard on the other side of the garden. Then he stretched his back and cleaned the sweat off his face.

"The weather is nice isn't it?" He asked to fill the silence. Brother and sister both nodded at the same time without saying a word. Within a second, Rose's appetite had faded completely and she put down her cutlery before lighting a cigarette. She noticed that Jack had spent a lot of time in the outdoors for his skin looked radiant and beheld a healthy glow. Unlike her own complexion, which still held onto her tiredness. As if he could read her mind he said: "You don't look that well. Are you feeling all right?"

"Thank you for stating that out loud and yes, I am feeling all right. Things have just been busy."

"Right." He then turned his attention towards Edward, "And how are you enjoying your time as the master of this household?"

"I am actually quite glad Violet has gone away," Edward confessed to the man in front of him, "She can't stop talking about you."

Rose's eyes widened, but Jack could only laugh, "I hope it's all good things."

"Well yes, but it can be annoying at times. Everyone believes you to be some sort of saint, but I know you are not for you treat Rose a lot different than Violet."

"Edward that is enough," Rose warned him. She could feel her heart starting to beat faster, "one more word and I'll have to send you upstairs."

Jack shook his head, "No. I want to hear what he has to say." He now lit up a cigarette himself.

"We all know you two don't really see eye to eye, but we are technically family now so it's time to lay down your weapons and start acting like adults." Both Jack and Rose had gone completely silent. Despite their hatred for one another having subsided to a level of acquaintanceship, no one had noticed. Their encounters and conversations had mostly been private and it was only Agatha who was aware of them. To the others, it was mostly gazes of dislike and their passage of words at Rose's ball hand't quite helped to change their minds. They locked eyes for a moment before quickly looking away again. Jack cleared his throat and tapped some ash onto the ground. "You are very wise for your age, Edward." Jack mumbled.

"I know," He smiled, "That's why I want to be a lawyer when I grow up." He took a last bite of his beef and placed his napkin back on the table. "Where are you and Violet going to live when you are married?" Rose was glad her brother changed the subject.

"Boston. I have my eyes on a house close to my office."

"I actually thought you were going to live in that big house of yours that we visited." Edward said, "I really liked it there, Mr. Dawson. Can I go there again?"

"I believe you can visit once again when Mr. Dawson and Violet are married, Edward. And it is rude to ask something like that."

"It's not rude." Jack chucked down the last bit of water. "And why wait until then when we can go right now?"

"Pardon me?" Rose shot at him. She was taken aback by the impulsiveness of his statement.

"No one will be back until the end of the week, right? The house is empty for most of the year so why don't we go now?"

"Like right now?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Dawson, wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Rose hesitated and tucked at the edge of her sleeve. Her heart was racing. "You're our sister's fiancé for that matter." She felt Edward kicking her foot and she jerked back.

Jack shook his head, "Both of you are basically my family in practise if not yet by law. Perhaps we can show this young sir here that we can be amicable with one another."

Still with a strange feeling in both her head and heart, Rose had eventually agreed to the proposal. The Dawson's holiday getaway was a place where Rose felt at ease. The atmosphere of the home and the nature it was surrounded by came from out of a fairytale. On the other hand, it was a large building and she would have plenty enough space to get along by herself.

The ride was long and boring, but Rose enjoyed the peace and quiet in the back of the car. Jack had opened the roof for her and she inhaled the fresh scent of the upcoming summer. With her eyes closed she listened carefully to the conversations between the two men who were quite enjoying each other's company. Growing up with two sisters and a father who is barely at home, Edward felt relieved to finally be in the presence of a man. A big brother he had never had. Jack stopped the car in front of the house and helped his guests to get out. With only a small suitcase underneath her arm, Rose walked inside and headed towards the room she had previously stayed it. With only the different coloured sheets and a fresh bouquet of flowers next to the bed, every still looked as before. It even smelled the same. Taking a soft cotton tea dress out of her bag, she quickly changed into her new outfit. It was warm for the time of the year and lightness of the fabric made her finally able to breathe. Rose looked at her reflection in the mirror as she took out the pins in her hair. Her locks fell down over her shoulder and she was finally able to smile. This was who she was and who she was meant to be. A free spirit.

In the distance she could hear laughter beaming through the air and when she looked out of the window the silhouettes of her brother and Jack danced around in the water she had been in the last time. He was unrecognisable. The lightness of his voice and movements looked as if he had stranded out of a dream. Jack beamed radiance and happiness. Could this also be the real version of him?

Moving closer towards the scene, Rose felt she still had her smirk plastered on her face. She simply watched.

"Rose, will you come into the water with us?" Edward finally noticed his sister's presence and signed at her from afar. She quickly shook her head.

"I'm just going to read in the library."

"Don't be such a ninny, Rose. Get in!"

"No," She shook her head again, "You boys enjoy your time." She turned around and slowly walked back until she could feel a shadow behind her and two hand wrapped itself around her body. Being lifted up in the air, she screamed out loud. "Mr. Dawson, put me down at once!" Jack didn't listen and grinned in his usual devilish manner. He started to move forward, running, until they were at the edge of the pond and he jumped in with Rose still in his arms. Water splashed everywhere and Edward burst out in an uncontrollable laughter when his sister moved back up. She was soaked from head to toe and her dress clung to her body, hugging every curve. Rose gasped, wiped her hair out of her face. Looking over at him, his chest was going up and down. His shirt was completely see through, revealing his bare upper body.

"You're so going to regret this," She breathed and looked at Edward, "If you have any love for you sister inside of you, you will help me get this man down." Edward nodded his had and within seconds the siblings jumped at him until he fell down.

Their moment of carelessness and freedom lasted until the wind started to twirl and turned their bodies cold. Hours passed and the sun was starting to set behind the woodland. Stars sparkled in the sky like diamonds and Jack let out a deep breath as he enjoyed the solace of the night. His hands were wrapped around a warm cup of tea and he blew out the smoke of his cigarette. Then the door opened behind him and a shadow appeared out of the darkness.

"Do you mind if I join you, Mr. Dawson?" She spoke softly.

Jack shook his head and tapped the seat next to him. "No, of course not."

Rose then did. She had changed her light dress for warmer blend and a dark green cardigan. Her hair was braided and swayed gently as she moved around.

"Is Edward settled?" He asked her.

"Oh yes. He couldn't stop talking about how much he enjoyed this day. He even said he wants to live here for the rest of his life."

"Then help me remind that I shall give him the spare key." He grinned.

Rose turned her body slightly towards him."Mr. Dawson, I still haven't gotten the chance to apologise for my behaviour at the ball."

"You don't have to. I shouldn't have interfered."

"But you were only trying to help, weren't you?" Jack didn't respond. "I don't like to admit it, Mr. Dawson, but you were actually right. Mr. Caledon Hockley is quite the self-centred man," she chuckled, "He could only talk about how he believed himself to be the master of the universe."

"Wasn't that also your first impression about me?"

Rose rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean, sir." She bumped her shoulder slightly against his in a teasing manner, "Only, after having seen you with my brother today, I was slightly taken aback. Excuse my bluntness sir, but you character seemed to have done a full one eighty. It's in the small moments like these when I get a glimpse of you that I can see the true you. Today you looked truly happy. Were you truly happy today, Mr. Dawson?"

"Yes," he whispered almost inaudibly. Her words cut him like a knife. As if she was slowly tearing away this layer around him he had built throughout the years to protect himself. "And you? Today I believed to have seen a softness in you that you never show to the real world. You always seem to be kicking against everything and everyone around you. Why?"

She stared at the ground in front of her for what felt like an eternity. "Aren't we just two lost souls, Mr. Dawson? Two lost souls desperately trying to find our way in this world." Then she gazed up to the ocean up and above. A flash of lightness moved passed her eyes. "Look a shooting star!" She pointed her finger at the sky.

Jack followed her movements and gasped. "That was a long one. You know, my brother Geoffrey once told me that whenever you saw one it was a soul going to heaven. You're supposed to wish on it."

"Why? What would you wish for Mr. Dawson?"

He looked down at her, her green emerald eyes bursting through every layer of his soul. It was frightening. Suddenly he was overwhelmed by a sensation of sadness and also regret. His hand were trembling as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ears. His fingers glided down and traced over her cheek. The softness of his touch made Rose feel as if she was about to burst into flames. Then he stopped, yet she still noticed the contact of their skin. She knew that if she leaned in, she could place her lips onto his with such ease and delicacy that it almost made perfect sense. Rose remained frozen into the same spot. She couldn't move, or at least she didn't allow herself to do so.

Jack then sighed. "Perhaps a life I cannot have."

"I am certain Violet will do her best to offer you a good life, because she loves you. And if you love her too, then everything will turn out just fine, Mr. Dawson."

He pulled himself away from her magnetic force and nodded his head slowly. "Yes, miss DeWitt Bukater. Everything will turn out just fine."

"Good." She tried her hardest to smile at him, to lighten the heaviness she felt erupting once again. Scanning his facial expression, Rose sensed that Jack wanted to say so much more. He had the words on the tip of his tongue, but did not speak them out loud. She could now only guess.