Ch. 17: The Beginning of A Promise Kept (Rose's POV)

April 1916

Rose couldn't believe how time quickly passes by. It seems like yesterday that she was visiting with Maggie over the Thanksgiving holiday, and now it was April 1916. Rose also couldn't believe that she was now 21 years old and fixing to celebrate her 22nd birthday.

April was the hardest month of the year for Rose, especially April 14-15. It would now be four years since the sinking, and four years since she lost Jack. This anniversary was different though; she was finally happy. She could look back and think of Jack fondly, holding on to the happy memories of their short time together. She managed to find love again, even though it still sometimes scared her.

Life was going great for Rose, and she couldn't be happier. Rose was beginning to become the star of the local theater in Santa Monica. Her relationship with Bobby was at its strongest, and they both were seriously considering the next step of marriage.

When Rose was 17, she couldn't imagine getting married! She didn't know if she believed in love, as she felt doomed being in a loveless engagement. Then she met and fell in love with Jack. It amazed her that she really was considering marriage; especially after she felt she could never fall in love again after Jack. Jack would always be the love of her life, but Bobby helped her to heal and believe in love again.

Rose felt that Jack would be proud of her, and felt that he would highly approve of Bobby becoming her husband. Bobby and Jack were so similar that Rose had to wonder sometimes if the two men she loved were distantly related. The Calverts did have some family ties to Wisconsin, but they never mentioned if they still had family there. Rose wanted to go to Wisconsin one day and see Chippewa Falls, but figured that finding any information on Jack would be impossible. Jack had mentioned he lost his parents in a fire when he was 15, and had no close family nearby. She felt sad that Jack had no family, and only had his best friend Fabrizio. She and Jack would have only had each other, but she had no doubts that they would have been happy together.

Bobby loved Rose, and he was happy that Rose loved him back. Bobby had previous relationships before, but no woman captured his heart like Rose did. Rose was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with; she was the woman that he wanted to be the mother of his children. Over the years, his parents had fully welcomed Rose into the family and it was becoming the joke of the family of when would they get married. His mother, Lillian, adored Rose and sincerely wanted her to join the family. Bobby felt glad that Rose also adored his mother, especially after he found out that Rose didn't have a sincere, loving relationship with her own mother.

Bobby loved seeing Rose act on stage… she came alive and she was so believable playing all sorts of different characters. Rose recently had to play a rather villainous character, and she was so afraid that she wouldn't be able to portray the character accurately. Of course, Rose did wonderfully and got rave reviews for her performance. He honestly thought that she could become a great film star, but sometimes he wondered if it would be wise for Rose to pursue a career as a professional actress. He did some research and found some old photos in the society pages of Rose when she was Rose Dewitt-Bukator. Rose was now older, but there would be no mistaking her if she went public as Rose Dawson.

After Bobby found the newspaper clippings, he wasn't sure how he was going to bring this up to Rose. Rose might become angry that he was looking into her past, but he was concerned about her safety.

The couple were having dinner at Rose's apartment, when Rose noticed that Bobby was too quiet. Rose said, "Bobby, you are being awfully quiet. What is going on with you?" Bobby said, "Rose, I've been awfully concerned after that glowing review and photo of you in the paper."

Rose said, "What are you so concerned about?" Bobby said, "Rose, if you continue acting you run the risk of being discovered." He pulled out the newspaper clippings and set them on the table in front of Rose. Bobby continued, "Rose, you were engaged to a well-known and powerful businessman. I'm just scared that one day Cal will find out that you are alive. You are awfully talented, and I honestly think that you could become a well-known actress. If Cal finds you, what's stopping him from taking you home?"

Rose said, "Okay, you are overreacting! First, Cal is married! He's married to that Abigail Dawson; it would be suicide to his reputation if he left her. Divorce is frowned upon in high society; remember the scandal that J.J Astor went through when he married Madeline Astor?"

Bobby was angry and said, "Still… you told me Cal Hockley was a dangerous man. I wouldn't put it past him to drag you back, and force you to be his mistress." Rose said, "Over my dead body would I ever allow that. Cal would drag me back kicking and screaming. Besides I could easily tell the press what a nightmare he was, and how he really acted during the sinking."

Bobby said, "Rose, take this seriously! It may be four years since Rose Dewitt-Bukator died, but people could easily make the connection seeing a current photo of you. You are older, but you haven't really changed in appearance."

Rose grabbed a photo from her living room table and put it next to the newspaper clippings. Rose said, "Look at the photos and compare the two. Tell me what you see, and if you see any difference between the high society girl and who I am now."

Bobby said, "You are acting like a spoiled brat." Rose said, "And you are being an overprotective fool! Just look at the damn photos!"

Bobby didn't wish to argue with Rose any further, and did as he was told. He carefully studied the photos and began his description. Bobby sighed and said, "Well, I see a rather unhappy young woman in the newspaper clippings. I see the strength and fire in her eyes, but that its slowly dimming. Like she's fighting, but it is wearing her out."

Rose said, "Very accurate description of the old Rose. Now what do you see in the other photo? Remember this is one that you took of me!" Bobby smiled as he looked at one of his favorite pictures of Rose and said, "I see the same woman from the newspaper clippings, but she is much happier. She looks more mature and sure of herself. She radiates beauty and confidence, and she has a sparkle in her eyes. This is the woman I fell in love with."

Rose smiled when she heard Bobby say that. Rose said, "Yes, this is who I am. I am no longer that sad and trapped teenage girl that was doomed to a loveless marriage. I can hardly believe that was me… I've changed. I'm not a child, and I resent being treated like one. I hated the high-society life because I was expected to be this decorative object. I was meant to do something with my life; I don't know even if I want to act professionally, but I enjoy it. Bobby, don't make me give up something that makes me happy."

Bobby sighed and he could see Rose's point of view. He knew that Rose had seen her old life as a cage; she loved the freedom she gained in her new life. He knew how much she enjoyed the stage and decided that it wasn't right to ask her to give that up. Bobby said, "You're right, Rose. I guess I got myself worked up over nothing. I just don't want nothing to happen to you; I love you too much for that."

Rose said, "I love you too, and I'm glad we talked. I understand your concern, but I feel that no one will make the connection of who I really am. If Cal didn't make the connection on the Carpathia, I know he won't now. He's too wrapped up in his own life right now; did you read his wife is supposed to give birth to their first child any day now?"

Bobby said, "I didn't even know the bastard and his wife were expecting; must have been a honeymoon baby… he hasn't even been married a year yet."

Rose laughed and said, "You're probably right. You know his wife is my age… she's also a fashion designer. I'm surprised that Cal lets her continue that work… I wanted to go to university to study, and he put his foot down. Said that since I was marrying him, I didn't need to further my education. He just wanted me to care for his home and bear his children."

Bobby said, "That's pitiful; what do you think your life would be like being married to Cal?" Rose sighed and said, "I would have been miserable… Cal was more than frustrated that I didn't love him; he wanted a sexual relationship before we were married. I gently turned him down every time; I couldn't give myself to a man I didn't love."

Bobby was surprised hearing that and it made him hate Cal Hockley even more. He and Rose had kissed, but had yet to make love. As a gentleman, he wasn't going to force Rose. He loved and respected her too much for that. Rose was grateful that Bobby was a gentleman with her; she knew when their kisses got too passionate that he desired her, but he never forced her to do anything that she was uncomfortable with. She still wasn't ready for that and appreciated that he wanted to wait until they were both ready for that stage.

Bobby said, "I still can't believe that bastard… makes me wish I could deck him for doing that to you." Rose just gave a sly smile and said, "I know you would; I would pay to see that. I did get my own form of revenge against Cal; during the sinking, he tried to manhandle me so I spat in his face! He was so shocked and let me go right away!"

Rose vividly remembered that moment how furious Cal was when he realized she was leaving him to go find Jack. She was angry when he insulted her saying that she would be a whore to a gutter rat. She loved how she said with a mixture of pride and anger, "I rather be his whore than your wife!" When he refused to let her go, she spat in Cal's face just like Jack had taught her. It was a scary moment, but it would always be one of her favorite memories since that was the moment she finally stood up for herself.

Bobby laughed hearing that… he knew Rose was a spitfire, but hadn't been expecting that. He now wondered what Cal did to Rose for her to do something so drastic. She had told him that Cal had slapped her once, but Rose would not go into further details about her nightmare relationship with Cal. Rose associated Cal with her Rose Dewitt-Bukator past, and was more than determined to keep that persona in the past. Bobby wanted to know more about Rose's past, since he felt that Rose hadn't told him her entire story. He did respect her privacy, and hoped that one day that Rose would be able to tell him her entire story.

Rose could tell that Bobby was getting curious again about her past, and she quickly changed the subject. Talking about Cal or about Titanic always brought back memories; it would forever be a part of her life. She supposed she was still dealing with survivor's guilt; she did feel guilty that she lived when the love of her life and thousands of innocent people had died that horrible night. Rose had started writing in her diary to cope, and it did help her. She may have changed since Titanic, but Rose felt that she changed for the better.

After surviving their first major argument, Bobby started seriously thinking about asking Rose to marry him. Bobby had now bought an engagement ring for Rose; it wasn't anything fancy, but he felt that Rose would love it since it came from him. He had wanted to propose to Rose after their first-year anniversary as a couple, but he knew she wasn't ready back then. Rose was still healing, but he felt now would be the perfect time. He was still scared of the possibility of Rose's rejection, but he had a good feeling that she would accept his proposal.

However, Bobby knew that they would have to wait a little longer before they could get married. Bobby wanted to save money for a proper wedding and to buy a home. He felt that Rose deserved the chance to plan a wedding to her liking. Bobby also wanted to find a better paying job; he loved his photography, but he barely made enough money to support himself. He wasn't a bad writer, and the editor had liked some of the sample articles he had submitted. The editor felt that Bobby would make a great reporter, and currently had a position open. It would mean a lot of travel though, but Bobby felt it would be worth it to make enough money to help take care of Rose.

Several weeks passed, and Rose noticed the change in Bobby's demeanor. She was surprised that Bobby took up a position as a reporter at the paper, alongside with his photographer duties. She was proud of Bobby; he was such a hard worker, but she didn't want him to get overwhelmed. She was curious why Bobby took on the reporter position; he had always told her that he was more than happy with doing the photography. Rose always thought that eventually Bobby would start his own photography studio… photography was gaining popularity, and she felt that Bobby could be quite successful. Rose figured that Bobby just wanted to make a little extra money; she decided that she was getting worried over nothing and started concentrating on preparing for her next role at the theater.

Bobby had started traveling a lot for stories while Rose was preparing for the next play. Bobby would be gone almost an entire week, and only was home for a few days before he had to leave again. After the end of another successful play, Bobby decided to take Rose out to celebrate. Rose was thrilled since Bobby was going to be home for a while, and she had missed him terribly.

Bobby and Rose decided to take a walk along the pier before returning home. Bobby and Rose were just talking; trying to catch up with each other. Rose said, "I'm so glad that you got to see the final performance. I was thinking you weren't going to be able to see this play."

Bobby said, "I haven't missed one of your performances; I wasn't planning on starting now. Things are starting to settle down, so I won't be traveling as much. My editor wants me to focus on local pieces for a while; he doesn't want me to get burned out with all the traveling. I'm just glad he hasn't sent me out of state yet. The paper is still small, but I know my editor would like to build it into something bigger."

Rose said, "I've read a few of your pieces… they were very good. Although I noticed that you've been writing more sport pieces lately. I'm just glad that you don't have to write the society pages… it's just a bunch of gossip."

Bobby laughed and said, "I know… I'm glad that Marcie is the one that does that for us. She's a good reporter, but our editor uses her more like a secretary. She's a terrific writer, and she's given me some great pointers that helped me improve my writing."

Rose said, "Well I'm glad that she helped you… Marcie has always been so nice to me every time I've talked to her. She prefers for me to wait on her whenever she stops by the diner." Bobby said, "How is everyone at the diner? I know Emily and the others must be mad at me for being gone lately."

Rose laughed and said, "Emily says you are traveling way too much… the other girls told me I better be careful or some other girl might steal you away from me." Bobby smiled and gave Rose a gentle kiss and said, "You have nothing to worry about… I love you. I wouldn't dare cheat on the woman I love."

Rose returned the smile and said, "I trust you. It took me a long time to be able to trust another man after everything I've been through." Bobby said, "I'm glad that you trust me. Rose, I've been thinking a lot about our future."

Rose was a little surprised and asked, "You have?" Bobby said, "Yes. Rose, I know what we have is special, but I want more for us."

Rose let out a small gasp, as Bobby went down on one knee and held out a simple, but beautiful engagement ring. Bobby said, "Rose, I can't picture the rest of my life without you in it. I knew you were special from the moment that we met; I've wanted to propose for years, but I knew the both of us weren't ready yet. It wasn't until now that I was more than certain about this. Rose, will you marry me?"

It took Rose a moment to speak. She couldn't believe that Bobby proposed; though she wasn't too surprised since they had started talking seriously about getting married. For a second she was scared; she was going through a turmoil of emotions. She felt so guilty that she was happy; part of her heart still felt like she was betraying Jack. But a soft breeze then hit her face; it felt like a tender kiss was placed on her cheek telling her it was okay to say yes. Like Jack was telling her it was okay to be happy. In that moment, Rose knew what her answer would be.

Bobby was nervous, but then he saw that a soft smile formed on Rose's face. Rose said, "I wasn't sure if I could believe in love again. Then I met you… it took me a while, but I fell in love with you. Yes, I'll marry you!"

Bobby immediately slipped the ring onto Rose's finger, and pulled Rose into a rather passionate kiss. Rose laughed, while Bobby couldn't stop smiling. Bobby said, "Well, my mother is going to be happy about our engagement!" Rose said, "I know! Your parents are going to say it's about time that we got engaged."

Bobby said, "I'm so happy that you said yes. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." The newly engaged couple happily held each other for a moment, then finally left the pier to return home.

Later that night, Rose laid down in her bed and held up her hand to admire her engagement ring. She could hardly believe she was engaged again. This time Rose was happy; the happiest she had ever been in her life. Unlike her engagement to Cal, Rose was looking forward to marrying Bobby and forming a life with him. As she drifted off to sleep, she knew Jack would be proud and happy for her; this was the perfect beginning of keeping her promise.

I'm finally back with a new chapter! School has been keeping me busy and doing nothing for inspiration. I had to make this a happy chapter for Rose! I already started the next chapter with Cal and his wife welcoming their newborn child. I'm still working on a few final touches; I have a good name in mind for Cal and Abby's baby, (they are having a boy, and I'm seriously having Cal name his son after a certain someone we all know and love from the movie). Hopefully I can update faster with the next chapter. Since I have been having trouble with writer's block; I'm feeling like the story is going be coming to a close soon. I might write another 2 or 3 chapters to close Cal and Rose's stories (I plan to conclude their stories close to canon; so prepare for waterworks! I hope that I can write them well.)