The clicking of her shoes reminded her of a clock. Time followed her wherever she went, calling to her. She was three and a half months pregnant, only five and a half to go. Rose slightly enjoyed her time she spent with Molly. Rose was, however preoccupied. Finding a job here in the "classy side of the tracks" was much more harder. Molly toldher she didn't need one but Rose called that nonsense; saying that she needed a good job if she wanted to take care of her child for the years to come.

After what seemed like weeks, Rose found a decent paying seamstress job lying at her feet. She swept down on it like a hawk devouring its prey. The hours were long and tiring but the pay equaled it. Her days had become to monotonous she hated herself. She got up, practiced her daily ritual of real pain upon her thighs, showered, ate breakfast, went to work, came home, ate dinner and then cried herself to sleep. This was her life. Jack had given his up so she could be miserable. She almost laughed at it, if it wasn't for the fact that laughing hurt so much. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed uncontrollably. Or perhaps she did; it was after her and Jack had escaped Lovejoy's grasp. They had come up to the deck of the boat, laughing and kissing, making promises to one another, then the iceberg came that showered her world with the coldness she felt everyday since then. Her heart had froze over that day; not since then had the sun managed to melt it.

"Good morning to you Rose, pray you slept well?" Molly's hearty voice rang throughout the room.

"As well as one can be I suppose." Rose simply stated as cheerfully as she could muster. She childishly played with her eggs as she lightly clicked the fork against the plate. Molly smiled at her. She knew the poor girl was extremely unhappy. She wanted to help cheer her up, but how?

"Rose, dear, what do you say to you and me going shopping today? It is your day off, is it not?"

"It is, but I would dare not trouble you with my presence. Thank you."

"Nonsense! Shopping it is!" Molly chuckled as she stood up, "Meet me in the parlor at noon. Today will be fun, get some fresh air, perhaps we can visit the park as well."

Before Rose could even sneak a word in, the deal was set in stone according to Molly and not wanting to offend her, Rose complied. She went back upstairs to dress.

Pulling off her robe and shift, Rose stepped into the hot bath. The scalding hot water burned so greatly that it was freezing. As she ran the rag up and down her thighs, she stared at her scars her milky white skin produced. Each one had its own story and sorrow to tell. She listened. As she stood up from her bath she took one look at her stomach which protruded the slightest bit and a smiled beamed from her face. Nothing could ever bring her such joy and sadness as this child would. It would haunt her of the man she lost and it would comfort her when she was weak. When she finished dressing and reminiscing, Rose met Molly in the parlor. They headed out for what would be an incredulous day…

TBC

A/N: Sorry for the long update but Finals are fast approaching. I will be updating more soon when it's over. Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone who have read and enjoyed this story up to this point. And a special thanks to those who reviewed. I really appreciate all the kind things people say. I know it is a bit of a longwinded story but I am trying to build up my character analysis rather than a specific plot so I know not much has happened yet. But as I go along I promise it will offer more drama and heartbreak since those are my favorite kinds of stories. Thanks so much!

Mandy Lynn