Chapter 12: A Woman's Heart
(I began this fanfic 5 years ago, then tonight randomly decided to track it down and read it. I was sad I never completed it so have came up with a few chapter lying here in bed. I don't remember how the original story was supposed to continue, but I'm trying my best to tie up the loose ends and, at last, finish my story)
"What the devil is the matter, Rose?" her father pressed. "You've been acting up all morning?"
Rose glanced up. 'Acting Up' was how her father had always described bad behaviour when she was a child. Although she'd said she'd forgiven him, she couldn't help but feel a little resentment still. "Are you trying to parent me? Because I'm not a child anymore."
Matthew leaned back in his chair. "I know. I'm sorry. But please, if there's something wrong, tell me. I'm here to help you, Rose."
And then, all at once, Rose's emotions burst forth like a river. "I'm in love!" she sobbed.
"With Henry?" her father prompted. "That's normal, even when divorcing but-"
"No!" she cried violently. "With Jack! Jack Dawson! I love Jack Dawson!"
"Who?" Matthew asked.
Rose exhaled deeply, then proceeded to tell her father everything. She had already told him about Cal, and Titanic, and her running away, but never about the man who saved her. The penniless artist who captured her heart, painted her dreams and flew her to the stars. The bravest man she'd ever met who saved her life and passion to live it. She told him how she believed Jack to be dead for years before he showed up at a party, just before their respective marriages melted away like ice and how last night, he'd been so close to her at last, and yet, unattainable.
Matthew sat in silence for a moment, then took his daughter's hand.
"Rose, if there's one thing I can be certain of, it's that you will always follow you're own heart. You always have. And for some reason, when it comes to this man, Jack, you're afraid. Don't be afraid anymore Rose. You have so much courage. I'll sort the divorce with Henry, then there's nothing standing in you're way. I've been a poor father to you, Rose. All I can do now is encourage you to go where makes you happy. And it seems Jack does."
"He does." Rose threw her arms around her father. "Thank you, daddy! I'll go to him now! You're so right, I have to tell him I love him! Oh God, I can hardly think of anything else!" Rose grabbed her coat and flew out of the room. Only once she had told Jack she loved him, in the middle of the Atlantic when she was sure they would both die, and he had responded by
forbidding her to give up. It seemed strange, after everything, that was the only time those precious words had been said. Nine years later, it was about time they were said again!