I saw "Titanic" when it came out, nearly ten years ago. Since then, I got the VHS, watched that a few times, and haven't watched it since then in three years. So if I've got a few minor details wrong, go take a running jump. Also, I wrote this in half an hour, and I've got to say, it was a relief to feel words flowing from my fingers again.
Oh, and I don't really own this. Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox have that honor.
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My Heart has Gone On
A "Titanic" Story
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Rose Dawson Culvert, lying on her bed. Dying.
Around her, a small group of people: Lizzy, Brock. Some other people.
Rose wears a gown, a simple thing, but appropriate for dying in. Everyone save Rose herself is crying; Rose sleeps…
Jack… Jack, I'm sorry. Forgive me for taking so long, Jack… But I'm coming now, I can feel it. I'll be there soon… Somewhere, far far away, she seems to hear an answer: "I'm here, Rose."
She stirs, opening her eyes. "Brock, look," Lizzy says, taking the man's hand. A ring encircles her finger, one with a large diamond on it; about Brock's, a plain golden band. "Rose, can you hear us?" he asked, leaning forward.
She looks up at him, smiling faintly; she has nothing to say. She has waited all her life for this, and she has no regrets. She reaches for their hands, her own trembling slightly; carefully, Brock and Lizzy take them. Rose smiles faintly, and a look of incredible peace overcomes her face. She takes one last breath, closes her eyes… and that's that. Her head falls back as her soul flies away; she pauses once, to look back at those gathered as fresh tears course down their cheeks. Then she turns and speeds away…
Jack! Jack, I'm on my way! Wait for me, Jack!
Rose! Rose, I'm here!
Their voices are filled with joy, and she can see a bright light ahead. Faster she goes, as the light looms in her vision…
The light blinds her for a second; when she can see again, she stands on the deck of a great ship, one of the greatest ever made. Again, she is surrounded by a crowd; this time, however, they are all dead, like she is now. They are smiling, calling out to her in joyous greeting. She smiles back and nods, but her eyes are casting about, looking for a particular person.
The nearest man, a short, dark-skinned fellow, grins wider and points to the fore of the great ship; as if on cue, the others part and allow Rose through. Her breath quickening, she rushes forward… and she sees him.
"Jack!" she cries, running faster despite the dark red dress which clothes her; such things do not hinder anymore in this place. The man turns. "Rose!" he shouts, his face transported with happiness and love. Those last moments, as she runs toward his open arms, seem to stretch on forever.
And at last, she is in his embrace again. At last, their lips can caress each others' once again. At last, these two star-crossed lovers can look into each others' eyes, and it is real. Not a dream, not a desperate longing, but real. Solid, soft and warm. Real.
The others are clapping, happy for the reunited couple. They have eyes only for each other, however, as they walk back to join them…
