Dinner
After the events of last night, I could hardly sleep, knowing how close Rose had come to ending it all.
If it hadn't been for Mr Dawson, well I don't even want to think about it.
But I knew one thing for sure rose and I was in desperate need of a talk.
I awaken before John and dress quietly in a simple cream dress.
My hair was left loose I had no jewellery on.
It's not even 7 o'clock yet however I journey to my destination.
I get a few stares from crewman and maids, but they are wise enough not to say anything.
I lift attendant doesn't say a word as he takes me up.
I knock.
The door opens to reveal Trudy.
"Miss Marigold!"
I'm in no mood for peasantry this morning.
"Would you awaken Rose please and have her meet me on her private promenade deck."
Trudy must know I won't take no for an answer.
She does what I ask.
I let myself onto the deck and set up the chessboard I brought with me.
Rose enters the deck still dressed in her nightgown.
"Come have a game with me."
Rose looks at the chess set.
"Marigold what is the meaning of this."
"I find whenever I'm stressed or overwhelmed I play a game of chess so sit," I tell rose.
Rose knew there was no getting out of its sits.
Since Rose is white she makes the first move.
PF4
I make my move
PC6
Rose is next
KF2
"I'm going to guess there are only 3 of us that know that happened last night."
PE5
Rose gives me a single nod.
PA4
I move my pawn
PF4
Taking rose's pawn.
"Have you attempted anything similar before?"
Rose counter-attacks and moves her king
KF4
"No"
Good at least that's something.
Rose Knocks over my pawn with a bit more force than necessary.
KNF6
"Alright."
P3H
"Rose I want you to tell me what happened last night if you can."
KN5H
PE4
"I don't know what happened, I was sitting at dinner and all I could think about was repetitive my life was, always the same people, always the same chatter, every day of my life just like the previous! Then I realised, this would be every day for the rest of my life, the same conversations, the same Snobby people! I just wanted to be free of it all!"
I let rose ramble, if we are to sort this out Rose has to lay all her cards on the table.
PE3
"Free of what?"
I need her to be specific.
PH4
"Everything! Cal! Mother! Manners! High society! Meaningless conversation!" Rose rants.
QF6
KE3
"How long have you felt like this?"
Rose snatches another pawn.
BC5
"For a while now."
P4D
Okay.
QF4
KE2
KnG3
"If Mr Dawson hadn't been there do you think you would have jumped?"
KE1
How rose answers this question was very important.
QF1
KD2
Rose opens and closes her mouth.
"I truly don't know, in that moment I was just so overwhelmed I truly didn't know what I was thinking."
KnD4
KE3
I clear my throat
"Well, then we need to find a healthy outlet for when you feel this way that doesn't involve stabbing yourself with a fork, smashing up your suits or trying to jump off boats, but rose if you want to start to take back your life you have to stand up for yourself."
QD1
"What do you mean?"
PC3
"You can't let mother and cal control your life, take a stand and show them you are not someone to be pushed around."
KG8
"But mother.."
PC4
"Mother isn't going to do anything to you, the worst she can do is berate you because she knows your the key for her keeping her nice life, as for cal well you have to show him that you won't be messed around with, cal is the type of man who likes to keep a good reputation, imagine the scandal if his fiancé was the one to call of the wedding, he would never allow that to happen, so you show him your not to be pushed around."
QD4
KF3
"What if It doesn't get better?" Rose asks timidly.
I have to think about that one.
KnF2
KG3
"Walk away."
QG4
KH2
"Rose you are a free spirit, nobody can force you to do something you don't want to ever, they only can if you give them that power over you."
QH4
Rose lets out a small humerus laugh
"Where would I go?"
KnH3
"It's your choice, you could become an actress or a scholar or an artist, you are so bright there is nothing you couldn't do."
KnG4
"Checkmate."
Rose looks down at the board.
Her king was surrounded.
"If you will excuse me, I need to return to John."
I leave rose staring at her pieces
I won't tell rose what she has to do, she's already had mother and Cal pulling her around on the chessboard, making decisions for her.
I will let her know of her choices but she had to be the one that has to break free, I can't do that for her.
By the time I return to my room, John was already up.
"Darling I was wondering where you were."
"I just went to visit rose, after last night I imagine she must be in shock."
John wraps his arms around me.
"After your ordeal last night I've had dotty get you a ticket To spend the morning relaxing in the Turkish baths."
Oh, that is nice, having some pamper time.
I might get a massage.
Perhaps I could have Rose go with me.
Dotty comes in and at seeing my dresses already beings working on my hair until it's perfect.
Instead of heading to the saloon for breakfast, John had booked us a table at the reclusive À la carte Restaurant.
We journeyed to the B-deck.
Unlike the rest of the restaurants, this restaurant wasn't run by the white star line but instead a man named Luigi Gatti.
I'm surprised John was able to get us a table.
I can't help but observe with awe.
The restaurant was one of the most luxurious places on the ship, decorated in the Louis XVI style, with exquisitely carved French walnut panelling trimmed in brass accents.
columns were carved with gold-covered ribbons and the plaster ceilings were delicately moulded with flower and ribbon motifs.
Along the forward wall was a large buffet with a peach-coloured marble top, containing the silver service and cutlery.
The Restaurant even had its own China.
It was stunning, no wonder you had to pay if you wanted to eat here.
The chairs were made of French walnut and tables had white and pink roses on them.
The food was completely different from the other menu.
example.
For breakfast, I decided on a plate of fruit such as strawberries, hothouse grapes and fresh peaches.
John Decided on plover eggs and quail.
John and I engaged in conversation over breakfast about our plans for after the baby was born.
I was adamant I wanted to be involved with the upbringing as much as possible, I didn't want to leave my child In the hands of a nursemaid and be done with him or her until they were of age.
John was still insistent of a nursemaid, in the end, we agreed.
John would hire a nursemaid to have on hand, but I would be the one to raise my child and do all the other tasks such as breastfeeding and putting to sleep at night, the nursemaid would step in when I was required to accompany John to an event or day out and she would do the night shifts, it was fair.
After breakfast had Finished I departed to the F-deck where the baths were located, with dotty trailing after me.
Once I showed my pass I was allowed into the baths.
My first task was to move to the changing rooms.
Dotty carried my swimsuit, which was bloomers and wool overdress.
After helping me unlace dotty left me, but not before informing me she would return at 12.
That was 4 hours.
The Turkish bath showcased a very Moorish theme and its walls were lined with ornate and colourful blue and green tiles that complimented each other gracefully.
As I was sitting in the steam room, I was joined by Lucile lady duff-Gordon.
"Good morning marigold."
We trade smiles.
"Lucile."
"Is you dear sister ok?"
My eyes shoot open and I turn to face the Designer.
Why would she be asking that?
What did she know?
How could she know about what happened!
Lucile elaborated.
"Young rose looked out of sorts yesterday at dinner."
Phew.
"Rose wasn't feeling very well yesterday, she came down with a mild fever, she's fine now of course."
Lucile nodded benevolently.
"I'm so pleased to know she is feeling better."
After an extended amount of time, I moved to the cool room before finally taking a quick dip in the saltwater pool.
The last hour of my time was spent relaxing on a Chaise lounge receiving a massage by one of the assistants.
Molly was sat next to me, having just Finished in the electric bath.
I was content to let Molly talk as I rested my head with a glass of orange juice.
Sooner than I would like dotty had returned with my clothes.
The ladies allotted time was over.
Dotty had brought me a new dress of peach chiffon to wear.
Dotty took my swimsuit back to the cabin while Molly and I went to lunch.
Molly was a breath of fresh air, amongst the other ladies, and she did her best to keep me happy and laughing not only on our travels together but back in New York.
Right now she was telling me her experiences of being pregnant with her two children.
"So there I was casually strolling in the park when I hear a splash my waters broke right there, you should have seen the faces of some of the gentlemen, they were terror-stricken, so now I'm sat on a bench staring labour with 7 or 8 gentlemen just standing there like statues."
Molly and I laugh.
"Then what happened?"
"Well finally someone had the sense to get me to the hospital but I can't imagine it was a pleasant car drive for them with me screaming in the back."
"Oh Molly, you always know how to make me laugh." I shake my head fondly.
"Well, you look like you could do with some cheering up." There is a tenderness to Molly's voice.
I dab my mouth with the napkin.
"Something has changed since yesterday, I can see it dear, I won't pry, you know that."
I long to speak to someone about what I witnessed, but alas I can't. All I can do is push it down, pretend it's not there.
I wish I could confide in Molly, but I can't and won't break rose's trust.
I can't even talk to John about It.
"Molly if I could tell you what happened I would but I really can't."
Molly claps her hands over my left one and squeezed.
"Well, I'm about to go find your mother and the countesses at tea, catch up on my latest gossip. Would you like to come?" Molly already knows the answer.
The last thing I want to do is spend time with my mother of all people.
The distaste must be palpable on my face.
Molly smiles and walked off but not before calling to me.
"I'll see you at dinner tonight."
I suppose I could seek out John, however, if I knew my husband he will be elbow deep in a card game or debate with a fellow passenger.
Plus I hate walking Into the smoking room.
Well, I might as well stretch my legs.
I walk out to the promenade deck.
I'm glad I did because what I whiteness next is nothing short of entertaining.
Rose and Jack (how did he get up here?) are both standing together laughing.
Neither notices me.
It's clear as day those two have eyes for only each other.
Hmmm, It would seem rose has an attraction for her saviour.
I can see why Jack Dawson is very handsome.
Blonde hair and blue eyes, youthful almost boyish appearance.
I must have observed the pair for hours as they muck about, gaining strange looks from several passengers.
The whole time I had a smile on my face.
It was like Rose was a completely different person, the weight I was used to seeing her with had lifted, she laughed more with Jack than I've thought she has in the past 2 years.
This was my Rose, my little sister.
It won't lie and say it didn't hurt that a stranger she met yesterday has already accomplished what I had failed to do.
But looking at the pair, I couldn't even be too upset.
The way they interacted.
John and I have never had that type of carefree almost playful banter.
I love my husband but he is a much older gentleman and an aristocratic through and Through, we would never have that.
They do look cute together.
The sun was beginning it set over the sea, casting the deck in a warm glow.
Both are leaning over the bannister.
Jack is teaching Rose how to spit.
Lovely.
My head turns to the right ever so slightly and I catch sight of something very unpleasant.
Oh, dear.
Mother, Molly and the countess are walking towards the pair.
They stop at the pair just as Rose sprints over the edge.
Oh, I can't watch.
Rose turns around a little too late.
The trio stares at rose in shock.
I get up from my hiding spot on the deck and hastily approach the group.
Jack bless his heart had a bit of drool hanging down the side of his mouth.
I arrive just as Rose is introducing Jack.
"Mother, may I introduce Jack Dawson."
Sporting the most artificial smile I've ever seen mother greets Jack Dawson.
"Charmed, I'm sure."
"Jack hear save my life yesterday, well he and marigold (the ladies turn to me, only just realising I was there), stopped me from going I the water when I slipped trying to look at the propellers."
The others were gracious and curious about Jack, mother on the other hand looked at Jack like he was a bug.
As expected Molly was quick to welcome Jack.
"Well, Jack, it sounds like you're a
a good man to have around in a sticky spot..."
We all jump as a bugler sounds at the start of dinner.
"Why do they insist on always
announcing dinner like a damn cavalry charge?" Molly complained
Rose let out a fake laugh
"Shall we go dress, mother?"
She calls over her shoulder
"See you at dinner, Jack."
Mother is quick to admonish Rose as they walk away
"Rose, look at you... out in the sun with no hat. Honestly!"
The Countess leaves with Mother and Rose,
leaving Jack, Molly and I alone on deck.
I discreetly nudge Molly, and gesture to jacks choice of outfit with my eyes.
Molly understood.
Jack was going to get torn to shred by those vipers if he went to dinner like that.
I would lend him one of John suits, however, John had all his suits stitched with his initials, plus If Jack was seen entering my suit.. well I don't think John would appreciate that rumour spreading, true or not.
"Son, do you have the slightest
comprehension of what you're doing?" Molly asked Jack.
"Not really." Jack shrugged
"Well, you're about to go into the
snakepit. I hope you're ready. What are you planning to wear?"
Jack looks down at his clothes. Back up at her.
"I figured."
Molly leads Jack off.
That eases my nerves, he's in good hands with Molly.
I departed to my suite to change for dinner.
I went with my gown of dusty blue and foam green, encrusted with gold.
(mote-historie French ball gown worn by Queen Maud of Norway, 1900s)
My hair had been decorated with beautiful hairpins of gold.
For jewellery I choose a beautiful diamond set pendant in a chain, It is set with three natural pearls with a central cluster composed of the largest pearl with diamonds around it.
I also had a matching fan.
You probably wonder why I always carry a fan.
Well, John and I can up with a secret code of sorts.
If I open the fan and fan myself, that lets John know I need him to get me out of a very uncomfortable situation.
Mainly when people have wanted to know the gossip between Ava, John and myself.
I've always been polite about Ava but sometimes their questions can become quite intrusive, that when I flutter my fan and John steps In with some excuse for me to vacate the conversation.
It's almost time for us to go down and John still Isn't back.
Just as I'm beginning to worry John walks in.
I stare at him unimpressed.
"We are supposed to be going to dinner in 14 minutes, I hope you have a very good excuse."
John had the nerve to look apologetic.
"I'm so sorry, I did lose track of time."
John kisses me before hastily changing into a 3 piece sure and gelling his hair down.
I have to give John props for his swift change.
7 on the dot John is escorting me down Grand Staircase, the overhead enormous glass dome, with a crystal chandelier shines.
Several men nod a perfunctory greeting at John.
"I never did ask you, how was your morning in the Baths?"
"It was thoroughly relaxing, I went in the steam room and the saltwater pool and then was treated to a massage, Molly was there as well so I conversed with her before we went to lunch together."
John nodded while looking around.
"I thought you would like them, I to took a dip in the pool yesterday."
We stand at the bottom of the staircase exchanging small talk with Those who greet us.
Then something, or better yet someone catches my attention.
Jack Dawson is descending the staircase dressed to the nines.
I have to hand it to Molly I almost didn't recognise Jack, he was rather Dashing in his borrowed white-tie outfit, right down to his pearl studs.
Jack plays the role quite smoothly in my opinion, he nods to the gentlemen that nod to him keeping it simple.
I next spot Cal walking down the stairs, with Mother on his arm, who Was covered in jewellery, a little too much if you ask me.
They both walk right past Jack, neither one glancing at him.
Cal does nod to him, clearly mistaking him for another first-class passenger.
I retract my arm from John who is in conversation with Benjamin.
I glide over to Jack who has finally noticed me.
I can see his eyes shine with relief and a smile graces his face.
"My my Mr Dawson you certainly clean up well."
Jack smiles at me seeing I am joking.
"Not bad for a steerage rat, right?"
We share a smile.
"Come, Jack, let me introduce you to my husband, he very much wishes to meet you." There is a flash of worry across jacks face.
"Don't worry, my husband merely wishes to meet the man who saved his wife's sisters life."
John is still talking to Benjamin, I turn to Jack only for his attention to he elsewhere, I follow his gaze.
Rose is walking down the stairs.
A vision in red and black, her low-cut dress was showing off her neck and shoulders, her arms were covered in white gloves that came well above the elbow.
"She's stunning isn't she Jack."
"Yes, she is," Jack says.
It only takes a moment for panic to wash his face, he sharply turns to me but before he could open his mouth I hold up my hand silencing him.
"Don't you worry Jack, I won't tell cal you fancy Rose however word of caution it's probably best if you don't gawk at her during dinner."
Rose is now at the bottom step and Jack steps forward He imitates the gentlemen's stance, hand behind his back.
Rose extends her gloved hand and jack takes it, kissing the back of her fingers.
Rose flushes, beaming noticeably. She can't take her eyes off him.
Aww, this is adorable.
"I saw that in a nickelodeon once, and
I always wanted to do it."
Rose leads jack over to cal.
"Cal, surely you remember Mr Dawson."
Cal was expecting jack in his button-up and overalls so it amused me to see him caught off guard.
"Dawson! I didn't recognize you."
Cal studies him.
"Amazing! You could almost pass for a gentleman."
To Jack's credit, he does not react.
I on the other hand glare at cal.
By now John has finished chatting with Benjamin and was once again back at my side.
All of us descend to the D-deck saloon I spot Molly easily, she instantly goes to jack.
At least Jack will have someone to talk to when Rose had to play the dutiful little fiancé to cal.
Jack is now escorting both rose and Molly into the saloon, John and I were a few paces behind.
With the movement of rose's head and her lips moving I could tell she was telling Jack who everyone was.
Rose picots Jack smoothly, to show him another couple.
Then I see something that does catch my interest.
Mother and cal were speaking with Sir Cosmo and Lucile Lucile said something mother didn't like because the next thing I know She takes Cal's arm, somewhat coquettishly.
"Darling look at this."
John turns to where I'm starring.
John guffaws.
"Are you sure it's Rose who's marrying cal?" We share smiles.
"Hey, Astor!"
John and I turn to Molly who is accompanied by Rose and Jack.
"Good evening Molly."
"J.J I'd like to meet Jack Dawson."
"John this is the man who saved rose."
John's eyes light up.
He firmly shakes jacks hand.
"Pleasure to meet you, Jack, I can't thank you enough for helping our dear rose."
We all soon made our way to the table we would be seated at tonight, there was a big group of us.
John pulls out my seat for me and then takes the one next to me.
I spot Jack to my right, Molly is sat next to him, I'm next to Molly, John is next to me, the Countesses is next to John, Mr Andrews is next to the countesses, rose is seated next to Mr Andrews, cal is seated next to rose, mother is next to cal, Ismay next to mother, colonel next to Ismay, Guggenheim next to Ismay and finally his mistress madam Aubert next to him.
Waiters pour our drinks.
Mother did not hesitate to start digging her claws in.
"Tell us of the accommodations in
steerage, Mr Dawson. I hear they're quite good on this ship."
Jack to his credit did not falter.
"The best I've seen, ma'am. Hardly any
rats."
Laughs are tossed around.
Well so far so good, but Jack has to be careful, these people can change their tune very quickly.
Rose motions surreptitiously for Jack to take his napkin off his plate.
Jack is quick to follow our example.
Waiters place the first course down.
foie gras
"Mr Dawson is joining us from third
class. He was of some assistance to my fiancee last night."
Cal speaks to Jack as if he were a child.
"This is foie gras. It's goose liver."
Around the table, whispers are exchanged. Jack had become subject of furtive glances.
Now they're all feeling liberal and dangerous.
Like I said their opinion can change very quickly.
Just as The countess turns to John no doubt to gossip about his, I give John a sharp look.
Daring him to say anything.
The waiter move's to Jack
"How do you take your caviar, sir?"
Cal decides to answer for him
"Just a soupcon of lemon.."
He turns to Jack, smiling
"...it improves the flavour with champagne."
"No caviar for me, thanks."
to Cal
"Never did like it much."
He's good.
he and rose share secret smiles.
The waiter approached John and me.
"How do you take your caviar."
"Cucumber with mine please."
The waiter turned to John.
"I'll have my plain."
John never was one for dressing up his caviar besides he believed you lose the full taste if you start adding different ingredients.
Mother wasn't done just yet.
"And where exactly do you live, Mr.
Dawson?"
"Well, right now my address is the RMS
Titanic. After that, I'm on God's good humour."
After we've eaten the foie gras Salad is served.
Jack reaches for the fish fork. Rose gives him a look and picks up the salad fork, prompting him with her eyes. He changes forks.
Bless him, he's trying so hard.
"You find that sort of rootless existence appealing, do you?"
Oh, mother!
Molly and I exchange glowers.
Jack nods his head.
"Well... it's a big world, and I want to
see it all before I go. My father was always talkin' about goin' to see the ocean. He died in the town he was born in and never did see it. You can't wait around, because you never know what hand you're going to get dealt next. See, my folks died in a fire when I was fifteen, and I've been on the road since. Somethin' like that teaches you to take life as it comes at you. To make each day count."
And just like that, he was once again back in everyone's good graces.
Molly raises her glass.
"Well said, Jack."
Colonel despite sneering at Jack a little while back, now Rose is glass.
"Here, here."
Rose raises her glass, looking at Jack.
"To making it count."
The rest of us follow.
"To making it count."
Jack looks around smiling and lifts his glass.
Mother was annoyed that Jack has scored a point, pressed him further.
"How is it you have the means to
travel, Mr Dawson?"
"I work my way from place to place.
Tramp steamers and such. I won my ticket on Titanic here in a lucky hand at poker."
he glances at Rose
"A very lucky hand."
I get they like each other but do they have to do it in front of Cal, you gays are poking a bear.
The colonel agrees with Jack.
"All life is a game of luck."
"A real man makes his luck,
Archie." Of course, you would think that cal, though you have been spoon-fed by your precious daddy all your life, you have achieved nothing.
"I have to concur cal, I believe life is 50% luck 50% hard work, throughout my life I've had to make risky decisions for my company, of course, I had the skills and facts to back up every decision I made and they have always worked In my favour but there was always that sliver of a chance something could slip through the cracks and that mistake would cost me a lot of money or perhaps my entire business," John speaks up for Jack.
Very inconspicuously I run my hand up John's leg.
John who was in the middle of drinking his champagne coughed.
Drawing looks.
"Goodness John are you alright."
John wipes himself with a napkin.
"Perfectly colonel just went down the wrong way."
The attention is once again shifted.
John turns to give me a look only to see me smirking.
I'm gonna pay for that later but it was so worth it.
Dinner carried on smoothly from then on, Molly was recounting stories of Mr brown, John and Guggenheim were discussing the races, Molly and I were in conversation with Jack.
After Dessert had been served a waiter arrived with cigars in a humidor on a wheeled cart. The men start clipping ends and lighting.
Rose speaks low to Jack.
"Next it'll be brandies in the Smoking Room."
The colonel rose.
"Well, join me for a brandy, gentlemen?"
Rose and I share smiles.
Like clockwork.
"Now they retreat into a cloud of smoke and congratulate each other on being masters of the universe," I tell jack quietly.
Molly Huffs In agreement.
"Joining us, Dawson? You don't want to
stay out here with the women, do you?" The colonel asks jack.
"No thanks. I'm heading back."
Already?
"Probably best. It'll be all
business and politics, that sort of thing. Wouldn't interest you. Good, you to come."
Cal and the other gentlemen exit the smoking room.
Jack moves to stand.
"Jack, must you go?" Rose begs.
"Time for my coach to turn back into
pumpkin."
He leans over to take her hand.
mother scowls as she watches him walk away across the room.
Rose is looking at something in her lap.
"Mother I think I shall retire for the evening."
Rose is quick to depart.
To my relief, the countess engaged mother in conversation.
The little one inside me is getting restless.
Inconspicuously as possible I rest my hand on my stomach and rub it slightly.
My continuous rubbing settles the little one.
Despite dinner service being over we still move to the reception room and continue on our conversation with tea until it's late at night.
Instead of going straight back to my room like the others I take a detour off the ship and walk around the deck.
"Come to Josephine in my flying machine Andit's up she goes! Up she goes! In the air, she goes. Where? There she goes!"
what on Earth?
Well, I don't think Rose went back to her cabin.
Rose and Jack walk along the row of lifeboats. Both look intoxicated, they are singing a popular song "Come Josephine in My Flying Machine".
They fumble the words and break down laughing.
Thank goodness it's only them out here, for they would draw much attention.
Both reach the First Class Entrance but don't go straight in, undeniably not wanting the evening to end.
Rose goes to the rail and leans on it.
Jack leans at the rail next to her, his hand just touching hers.
Not wanting to be seen I hide behind a wall, but I'm still close enough to hear what is being said.
I feel like a creeper.
But I just want to know what was going on in her head and alcohol has always loosened rose's tongue.
"They're such small people, Jack... my
crowd. They think they're giants on the earth, but they're not even dust in God's eye. They live inside this little tiny champagne bubble... and someday the bubble's going to burst."
Well good thing she's and Jack is the only ones on the deck, she is bashing as she calls it "our crowd."
"You're not one of them. There's
been a mistake." Jack concluded.
"A mistake?"
"Uh-huh. You got mailed to the wrong
address."
I sometimes wonder that as well, Rose is noting like me or any other high society lady I've ever met.
I wonder if the midwife swapped babies, however since we were both born at home unlikely.
Rose is laughing
"I did, didn't I?"
"It didn't use to be like that, I mean yes I've always disliked my way of life but at least I had Marigold to suffer through it with."
Tell me anyone that doesn't listen when someone says your name.
"Seems to me you two are still close."
"Oh we are, but it's different now."
"How come?" Jack prys
"We used to do everything together, where
ever marigold was I was there, wherever I was marigold was right behind me, she wasn't just my sister she was my best friend. Then she got married...and then left for New York and just like that she was gone. It's terrible but when my father died I was slightly happy, it meant I got to see marigold, I was waiting at the front door for hours. Then she finally arrived and Jack it was like I didn't even recognise her! She looked so different, it was like my sister had been replaced by a shiny doll who walked on the arm of her husband, and I couldn't even get any time alone with her, the entire time she was home she never left her husband's side and then as soon as she was there she was gone again, back to her rich life in New York, leaving me alone with mother without a single glance."
Jack is intently staring at rose.
"Did you tell her how you felt?"
"Of course not! Marigold was starting her new life with John, I didn't want to spoil that, I know my sister, if I had asked her to come home she would. (Rose pauses for a breath) John makes her happy, John loves her just as she loves him, who am I to rob her of that. If anyone deserves a happy ending it's her, I remember when mother had told me I was going to be married to cal, I was so scared I didn't know what to do, I had written to marigold, I wanted to come and live with her and John, I wanted her to keep me safe like she always had, then I opened her Letter, she and John were expecting. (A beat) I never did post the letter, instead, I burned it, all my sister ever wanted in life was to be married to a man she loves and starts a family. How could I ruin that for her, if you think mother's hard on me then she was downright nasty to marigold, my sister had finally escaped her, if She were to help me mother would rip her apart, I would not do that to her."
Tears drip down my face.
Oh rose!
You're my sister, I love you so much.
How could I of failed you so greatly?
I should've...
What could I of done?
Have I been so wrapped up in myself that I failed to see my sister was breaking apart?
Rose looks up to the sky.
"Look! A shooting star."
"That was a long one. My father used to
say that whenever you saw one, it was a soul going to heaven." Jack, told rose.
"I like that. Aren't we supposed to
wish on it?" Rose asked.
Both are so close to each other faces inches apart.
If they were to lean a little closer.
"What would you wish for?"
After a beat, Rose pulls back.
"Something I can't have."
she smiles sadly
"Goodnight, Jack. And thank you."
She leaves the rail and hurries through the First Class Entrance.
"Rose!!" Jack yells
But the door bangs shut, and she is gone.
Jack is standing alone.
I know what I have to do, Rose is right I haven't been there for her but I'm going to do something for my sister right now.
My objective set.
"Jack!"
I call out to the man.
Jack placed a smile on his face.
Masking his disappointment.
"I know you are falling in love with my sister."
"What?...I...I"
"Don't bother denying it Jack, you love her."
Jack nods and looks down.
"That's good."
Jack's head shoots up.
"It is?"
"Yes, it means my sister's feelings are returned."
"What?"
"My sister is in love with you Mr Dawson."
Hope flickers across jacks face but he quickly conceals it.
"What does it matter, she will marry cal and I shall still be the homeless guy sketching on the street." Jack lamented.
"I think you can change that?"
Jack is speechless.
"What do you mean?"
" Rose loves you, if you asked her to run she would, I want my sister happy and Jack you make her happy."
Jack is shocked so I continue.
"I've always believed in destiny, and Jack you and rose were destined to be together."
It's true, think about it.
What are the odds that Rose and Jack just happened to be on their respective decks that one morning and for them to make eye contact with each other despite there being many around and that very same evening Jack was laying in the exact time and location when roses ran to the edge?
Jack stares at me.
Truly for the first time.
"But what if she doesn't come," Jack asks uncertainly.
Tears prick my eyes.
"Then I would do truly of failed as her sister."
"You realise I couldn't give her the life she had now?"
I nod
"I know, but you could giver her something far more meaningful, you could giver her love, for what it's worth you'd be a much better brother-in-law than Cal."
I hug Jack.
He hesitantly hugs back.
I bid jack a fear well and walk back to my cabin, lost in thought.
What's going to happen once we dock in New York.
