Ch. 11: A Curious Dream (Rose's POV)

1914

1913 also passed by quickly for Rose. In addition to working at the diner, she had started acting at the local theater at night. She first started out with small supporting roles, most of the time as the best friend/confidant to the lead female character. But the director had noticed over time Rose had potential to become the lead.

Rose's acting career was barely starting, but she was quickly becoming a rising star. She loved the thrill of the theater, and was hoping to eventually make a go at auditioning for movie roles. The small roles didn't pay much, but Rose used the additional money she made acting to start her small series of adventures. She was now enjoying her life in California… she had true friends, and most of all her freedom.

Rose had recently read in the society pages of Cal's new engagement to Abigail Dawson. Rose was surprised hearing the news, but now she was happy for him. Rose didn't know Abigail, but from what she saw in the photographs Abigail appeared to be a kind woman. Rose secretly wondered what Abigail saw in Cal, since she could tell in the photos that the young woman was obviously in love with him. Rose had to admit Cal could be charming when he wanted to be, but there was something about him that didn't click well with her. Even at the beginning of their engagement, Rose sensed that they were not a good fit for each other. Rose wondered if it had to do with their age difference or the fact that her mother was forcing her to marry to keep their wealth. Cal may have fallen in love with her, but he was only in love with the society girl version of her. He didn't care enough to truly get to know her, and when her true personality showed he tried to control it. He wanted the submissive little wife, and that was not her. She sincerely hoped that Cal and Abigail's marriage would be a happy one, since she saw Cal looked somewhat happier in the new photos with his new fiancé.

But Rose was not only having some success in her acting career; she was now having progress in her personal life. Rose was now dating Bobby Calvert. Rose had resisted Bobby's advances for several months, but he patiently built a friendship with her. Bobby was fascinated with the mysterious and maddening redhead, and he could see himself having a future with her. After some convincing, Bobby had managed to talk Rose to going out on a date with him.

Bobby was good for Rose. He let Rose be herself and didn't pressure her for more in their relationship when she wasn't ready. He was also fiercely protective of her. Bobby acted like Jack in some ways, and it scared Rose sometimes. Bobby and Jack were two different men, but she couldn't help but compare Bobby to Jack. Rose still deeply loved Jack, but her broken heart was slowly healing. She was grateful that she found someone that didn't pressure her for more.

One night Rose had a very strange dream… she dreamed of Jack, but this time he spoke to her.

Rose found herself on a ship; as she walked around she realized that the ship was very familiar. She realized that she was back onboard Titanic! She couldn't believe it, and she came upon the familiar entrance of the Grand Staircase. To her surprise, there was a familiar figure waiting at the top of the staircase. It was her Jack…looking the same as the last time she had seen him and smiling at her.

Rose made her way to Jack; she wanted to hug him so bad! Jack said, "It's great to see you Rose. But I'm afraid we won't be reunited for a long time. Remember what I told you?"

Rose gave a sad smile and said, "That I would die an old woman; warm in my bed. Do you really think that will happen?"

Jack said, "I know so. Who do you think has been watching over you all this time? Rose, I loved you with all my heart. I wanted to marry you; I wanted to have a life with you. But it was my time; I guess I was only meant to show you what love really is."

Rose said, "I still can't believe how quickly we fell in love. I meant what I said; I had fallen so in love that I was ready to throw away my old life to be with you. Why did you sacrifice your life for me?! We both could have survived."

Jack said, "The moment we tried to get on that door, I realized that only one of us was going to be able to fit on it. I didn't want you to die that night…you deserved a fighting chance, so I made the hard choice. I don't regret it; you are free from that oppressive life that you were living."

Rose said, "Yes, I may be free, but my life would be much happier with you in it. The pain of losing you was almost overwhelming at times. I couldn't stay angry at you; I know you did what you did out of love."

Jack smiled and said, "Yes, I did. That's why I'm in heaven… because I gave my life to protect the woman I loved. I did get in trouble for breaking an engagement though."

Rose had to laugh and said, "I can imagine…even though I didn't love Cal. I hope they realized that."

Jack laughed and said, "They did… they just told me that my good deeds outweighed the bad ones that I did during my life. I'm sort of considered one of your guardian angels… I'll always be around to protect you. You can't see me, but I'll always be there for you. Now what is going on with you and that Bobby Calvert?"

Rose smiled and said, "You know about Bobby?" Jack gave her a look and said, "Yes, and I know for a fact that he's falling in love with you. He's a good man; I'm glad that he respects you."

Rose said, "He does. In fact, he reminds me a little of you." Jack grinned and said, "Oh, really? In what ways?"

Rose said, "Well, he's kind. He's adventurous, and he's a talented photographer. He's got blue eyes…like yours. Not the same shade, but they carry the same kindness and warmth. He started growing his hair out... it's starting to fall into his face, like yours did."

Jack couldn't help it and teased, "So you are falling in love with my doppelganger!" Rose couldn't help but laugh and said, "Shut up…he's not a perfect copy of you. He's not blonde…in fact he has darker hair than you! And you're taller than him."

Jack asked, "How do you feel about him? Do you love him?" Rose chuckled and said, "This seems familiar. I care about him…and maybe I am falling for him. But you will always carry a special place in my heart."

Jack gently said, "I don't doubt that. We had something special, but I don't want you to spend the rest of your life mourning me. I want you to live and have a family one day. You deserve to be happy. Hell, even Cal is moving on with his life."

Rose is surprised that Jack knows about Cal's new engagement. She says, "Someone's been nosy. I'm surprised that you know about that."

Jack said, "I was curious…Cal mourned you for six months. I got to see a different side of him…. he regrets everything that he did that night. He blames himself for your "death". He did love you Rose…. he loved you just as much as I did. He just never learned to express his feelings properly. I feel bad for him, but I guess we both taught him that love can't be bought. He's learned his lesson, and he's turning into somewhat a better person. I just hope he treats that girl right once he marries her."

Rose said, "Well, he does seem happier…and I can tell that poor girl is in love with him. I find it hilarious that she is a Dawson. Did you have something to do with that?"

Jack said, "No, it's just the universe's sense of humor. Believe me, I was laughing too when I saw that Cal was destined to marry a woman that carried my family name. Cal didn't like that at all, but Abigail is softening him. I think he's finally falling in love with her… which is good. It means he's no longer focusing on you. I don't want him to figure out one day that you are still alive."

Rose said, "If he hadn't made the connection on the Carpathia, I doubt he would now. I'm now known as Rose Dawson… Rose Dewitt-Bukator is dead and buried."

Jack couldn't help the large grin forming on his face and said, "You took my name?" Rose nodded and said, "I did it to honor you and the life we would have made together."

Jack said, "You are already honoring me by keeping your promise. Rose, I am proud of you. Just be happy and live your life. Don't push Bobby away because you're afraid to fall in love again. Remember that I love you and only want your happiness. Never let go of your promise."

Rose nodded and said, "I'll never let go… will this be the last time I see you?" Jack said, "For now… but remember I'll always be with you."

After those words, Rose woke up from the dream. Surprisingly she wasn't startled; she woke up with a profound sense of peace. The dream was wonderful, but it really made her think.

Rose felt that the dream was no ordinary dream…. she truly felt that the dream was a message from Jack telling her that it was okay to move on with her life. Rose still felt like she was betraying Jack, but it was time. She mourned him for two long years, but now she could live with the pain.

Rose started thinking about her relationship with Bobby… they had become friends from the moment that they met. She could talk to talk to him about anything, and she felt happier around him. He chased away the darkness of her grief, and most of all she felt safe with him. She slowly came to the realization that she was indeed falling in love with Bobby Calvert. She had to laugh… her relationship with Jack had happened so fast and so intensely, but their love would forever remain with her. The love she had for Bobby had grown softly and slowly; nurtured by his patience and friendship. She could now see them having a wonderful future together…she just needed to stop being so afraid.

Sorry about the lack of updates; writer's block and a busy work schedule has not been helping me with my writing. Usually the ideas flow easily when I'm writing, but sometimes it takes a while to get a chapter to my liking. I hope you enjoy, and I already started on the next chapter. Hopefully it won't take me so long for the next update.