Trigger warning for this chapter as it contains subjects of death and loss. Enjoy xoxo

England 1900

The screams form upstairs were unbearable. She was all alone in the living room, holding her doll close to her chest. She couldn't take it no more, her mother was dying, she knew it for sure. Softly opening the door, leading up to the staircase, Meredith Davis followed her instinct and went straight to her parents bedroom. As she looked around the corner she froze and could only watch in horror as she saw the whole bed covered in blood. Her father turned around and marched over to her. He quickly grabbed her by the hand and dragged her downstairs onto the street.

"Go find your friends, Meredith," He told her, "I'll fetch you when this is all over."

It was the first thing that popped into her head when she looked at her friend. Rose was sitting on the edge of her bed, holding on tightly as if she could collapse any second. Her nightgown was covered in blood and she could see it dripping down her legs.

"Rose, what happened?" Meredith gasped.

"I don't know. I suddenly felt a sharping pain in my stomach and I woke up to this. Lock the door!"

"Alright calm down, Rose." Meredith told her. She headed over towards the bed and inspected the situation. Rose could feel that she was still bleeding and wrapped her hands around her stomach. She was afraid to move, wanted to disappear. Wanted to die even.

"We need to get you in the bath." Meredith helped Rose up and carefully led her towards the bathroom. Whilst the water was running, she removed her gown and let her step into the tub. Rose was shaking heavily, both the mental and physical pain being unbearable.

In the meantime, Ruth had heard the calls of distress coming from her daughter's room. She walked up the stairs, ready for a harsh discussion, but when she noticed she couldn't open the door, she kept knocking. Calling Rose's name continuously, she sounded annoyed.

"Don't let her in." Rose whispered.

"I won't." Meredith did walk toward the door and opened it slightly.

"What on earth is going on here?" Ruth asked and tried to burst in again. Meredith gently stopped her and told her everything was under control.

"It's her cycle ma'am," she spoke calmly, "It's a bit heavier than normal therefore it somewhat frightened miss DeWitt Bukater. I have run her a bath to calm her down."

"Tell her I need to speak to her whenever she is finished. There is no need to scream like a pig at a slaughterhouse."

"Of course, ma'am." She brushed off Ruth and returned back to her friend. Rose was holding edge of the tub firmly, trying to control her breathing. The pain was unbearable and slowly seeing the water turn red didn't help her to relax a single bit. Sweat was dripping down her face and Meredith put a cold towel in the crook of her neck.

"Rose, when did you last have your... you know?" Meredith said and came sitting down next to the bath.

"Well right now." She mumbled from underneath her breath.

"No, I mean, before this?"

"I think around two weeks ago."

"And was it as heavy as now?"

Rose shook her head. In fact, it was barely noticeable. She had gone to her doctor for it who told her it was normal after what happened. Apparently, the sinking had put so much stress on Rose's body that it blocked some of her normal bodily functions. But the way Meredith looked at her with such concern, frightened her to the core. The two shared a moment of silence before Rose asked her what she was thinking. Meredith shook her head.

"It isn't my place to tell, Rose." She mumbled.

"Meredith, I demand you to tell me what you are thinking."

She took a deep breath. "I've seen this exact same thing happen to my mother, when she was... pregnant. It was a miscarriage."

Rose looked away from her for a second. It sounded ludicrous, but the words hit her like knife.

"I cannot be pregnant, Meredith. Cal and I have never." She quickly responded. It couldn't be, she had to be wrong.

"I am not speaking of Mr. Hockley, Rose."

She knew whom she was referring to and still it sounded impossible, but was it? Her mind counted back to the time of the voyage. Nine weeks ago. Rose suddenly just knew. She could feel it in every inch of her body, even without the evidence that she in fact was carrying Jack's baby. All these weeks she was carrying a part of him within her without knowing. Was it revenge for her having sworn him out of her life after their last conversation in New York. A silent tear rolled down her cheek and disappeared into the rest of the water. Then they turned into loud sobs as she wrapped her hands around her stomach. Although nothing could be done anymore she wanted to hold on to it for dear life. She didn't want to let it go, not wanting to let go of Him.

Meredith stayed next to her the whole time, holding her hand and gently stroking the back of her head. Rose's breathing had become normal again, now only waiting for the pain to pass. She couldn't stop thinking about that fact that a baby had started to develop in her stomach, but all the trauma that she had faced for the past weeks was too much for it to stay alive. Maybe in another life Rose would be allowed to love whom she wanted to love, to grow life within her that was welcomed and to only do the things she wanted to do. Perhaps in that other life God would allow her to be free.

Rose did feel freedom the night they made love in the car. As he held her in her arms, kissing every vulnerable part of her body, tracing every inch of her soft skin. In that moment she felt a form of happiness that was indescribable.

'You're trembling." She told him as his blue eyes stared deeply into hers.

"Don't worry," Jack responded, "I'll be alright."

Snapping back into reality, the water was starting to turn cold. Rose lifted her body out of the tub and grabbed the towel on the chair beside her. Meredith quickly grabbed her dressing gown and wrapped it around her trembling body. She then left for a moment, preparing everything for Rose she needed.

"Rose." Meredith mumbled.

"Yes?"

"The bleeding might hold on for a few days or even up to a week. Just so you know."

Rose simply nodded and walked into her bedroom. Her bed looked like a murder scene. Everything, even a part of the floor was completely covered in blood. She could only stare at it, listening to the background noises of her maid. After an hour, the pain had passed slightly. Rose was now fully dressed, staring at her lifeless expression in the mirror. She had refused her maid to call for any doctor for it would only make a scene. If it meant for her to die, so be it. the thought of dying crossed her mind a few times. She wanted to disappear together with her baby. Meredith started to continue brushing her hair.

"No one will notice, Rose. Don't worry."

"I look like a ghost."

"Would you like to put on some rouge or any other power?"

Rose shook her head. She couldn't handle being inside her room for one more second. Walking down the stairs she could already hear the voices of her mother and Cal from outside the backyard. Stepping onto the porch, her fiance shot up from his chair and took her hand, scanning her face thoroughly. She couldn't look at him and focused her gaze on the table in front of her. But he quickly took her face and his hands and his eyes met hers.

"We were extremely worried, Sweet Pea. What on earth was going on?"

"Nothing," she mumbled and could finally free herself from his grip. She sat down next to her mother and poured herself a cup of tea, "but if you truly want to know. I started menstruating again. After the sinking it stopped and I went to the doctor for it. Now it's back and it just caught me by surprise."

The two were clearly uncomfortable by her remark and quickly shook it off. It did take Rose by surprise that they didn't question the situation any further. In the meantime her body was still getting rid of the embryo. Getting rid of the final part of him she was literally carrying around with her. The tea warmed her body and she was able to control her breathing. After a while, listening only the conversations of her mother and Cal, Meredith came walking outside. Without anyone noticing, she put her hand onto Rose's shoulder and gave a slight squeeze. It was their secret now and nobody would ever be able to find out.

A week had now passed. Their secret was still their secret, only Rose felt like she was being eaten alive. Aside from the wedding preparations that drained the last remaining energy out of her body, she only wished for one thing. One afternoon she was finally home alone. Silently heading towards the telephone, she looked around a few times to see if the servants weren't around before she dialed the number. A sigh escaped her lips when she heard the voice she was longing to hear.

"Molly," Rose spoke softly, "It's me, Rose."

It remained quiet for a while, but there was finally a response.

"Hello, darling." Molly's voice sounded emotionless. She was still disappointed about what happened the last time the two met.

"Molly, I wanted to call you to say that I am extremely sorry about what happened."

"It's alright, darlin'. I only have the feeling it's not the only reason why you want to talk to me."

Rose nodded her head as if Molly was able to see her. "I can't say it out loud, Molly. "

"I am still in Philadelphia, Rose." She then said, "Meet me in the park in an hour."

April 14th 1912

After their passionate kiss, a moment the two lovers wanted to last forever, the continued their adventure as they knew people were still looking for them. Opening a door they could only see boxes and other stuff that had to belong to both passengers and crew. The cargo hold was freezing and Rose tried to warm her body by continuously rubbing her arms. Then Jack grabbed her hand, leading her through the area as his eyes spotted something in the distance. It was a red Renault motor car, something Rose couldn't be bothered by, but the young traveler beside her couldn't keep his eyes off it. He pulled her closer as they walked towards the object. Standing in front of it, she cleared her throat and he let her in. Butterflies entered her body with a bang. She knew what was about to happen, she could feel it everywhere. There were no nerves for her, only a feeling of pure joy. Rose wanted her first time to be special, she wanted it to be with him. Pulling Jack through the window next to her, the rest was history.

Despite the slight drizzle that was hovering over the city, it was surprisingly busy outside. Margaret Brown was already waiting for the young woman as she walked over to her. They started walking, out of the bustle of all the people. It was when they were finally alone that Rose felt like she was finally able to speak.

"I did behave horribly the other day, Molly. You have no idea how ashamed I am about it."

Molly chuckled and took hold of her hand. "I have already forgotten about it, dear. What is the other thing you wanted to tell me?"

Rose hated herself for not physically being able to open her mouth. She only stared at Molly and quickly took a cigarette out of her purse.

"It can't be that bad now can it?"

"It is, Molly." Tears started to roll down her cheeks, "It happened a week ago."

"What happened a week ago? Rose, if you want me to help you with something you have to tell me."

Then it came. She took one last deep breath and started to speak: "I woke up in the morning and my stomach was hurting really bad. When I looked down, my whole bed was covered in blood. And I kept bleeding. It was a miscarriage, Molly."

"God almighty." Molly gasped in shock, "What did your mother say about it and Cal of course?"

She shook her head, still crying. "They don't know. I haven't told anyone because it wasn't his baby. It was Jack's."

Rose watched as Molly headed over to the nearest bench and sat down. She covered her face with her hands, shook it in disbelief but then gently reached out to her.

"Oh darlin," She sighed, "after everything you've been through and then this."

"Maybe it needed to happen, Molly." Rose suddenly felt surprisingly calm and took a seat beside her, "But I don't want you to tell him. It will only upset him even more."

"I guess I haven't told you something either, Rose." Molly sighed, "Jack isn't staying with me anymore. He has gone back to his hometown. I even got a letter the other day that is planning to stay there."

Although this news didn't surprise Rose whatsoever, it still hurt that he even wanted to get away from the one and only Margaret Brown. At least she knew where he was. She hoped he was happy. She hoped he was safe and that others would treat him well. It was the first feeling of acceptance Rose felt since the disaster. She was now released from him in every way possible. Molly took her hand gently and together they remained in silence until the rain had passed.

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 1912

The two spend every free moment they had with one another. Florence had showed him every part of the town, everything that had changed as well as all the parts that had stayed the same. Now sitting together in her parent's backyard, she handed him a bag. Jack raised his eyebrow as he took it. He slowly opened the gift and smiled brightly when he saw what was inside. A beautiful new sketchbook together with a set of pencils. His mind wondered off for a minute, to his youth where he filled his days with drawing portraits of everyone around him. He couldn't remember the last time he had out a pencil onto a piece of paper. Was it during the time that was ripped from his mind. He stood up from his chair, and wrapped his arms around his friend.

"Thank you." He said softly in the crook of her neck.

"I only hope you won't ignore us from now on," Florence laughed, "Whenever you were drawing, you would totally forget the world around you."

John suddenly burst through the door and came down sitting next to them. "I hope I am not interrupting something." He said whilst winking at his sister. Florence rolled her eyes and headed back inside to fetch them a drink.

"When are you heading back to Chicago?" Jack then asked him.

"Next week."

Jack nodded, turning his attention back to his utensils. As Florence came back she handed to two a bottle of beer. "Did you know they Mayfields are holding a small party tonight?" She informed them, "To celebrate the beginning of summer."

They went that evening, heads already dizzy but excited. It was already surprisingly busy when they arrived. It seemed as if the whole town had accepted the invitation. Rose Mayfield welcomed them with open arms. She was shining, wearing the most beautiful blue lace dress and a flower crown in her hair, made by one of her daughters. The night was filled with laughter, delicious food and dancing. As the clock had passed long after midnight and most people had already left, Jack watched Florence as she was still twirling around the room. Then their eyes met and she stopped. She could only stare at him as he slowly walked over to her. Then there he was in front of her, her heart skipping a beat.

"I don't want to ruin your evening, but can I take you back home?"

How could that in any way ruin her evening, she thought to herself. Sharing with him the soft moments of the night would be nothing but a feeling of pure joy to her. Florence only nodded her head and let him take her by his arm. The music slowly started to fade in the background as they continued their journey home.

"Can I tell you something, Jack?" Florence asked him

"Of course."

"You have been away for a long time, but the funny thing is that since you've been back everything feels completely the same. As if all those years never happened. We just picked up where we left off."

Jack laughed at her remark, making her stop her tracks.

"Am I saying something stupid, Jack?"

"No no," He shook his head, "Not at all. I think you are right. I believe I was always scared to come back, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made."

"Good." She smiled.

He then turned towards her and took her hands in his. "But also thanks to you. You have made my return much easier."

A feeling of courage took over her and before Florence could truly realise what she was doing, she place her lips onto his.