Thanks again for the reviews guys!

Rose sat in her room staring at the cases; she was leaving tomorrow her room bare like no one had ever even lived here. All the memories were like ghosts dancing around the walls and skipping across the floor. Letting out a deep breath she stood up and smoothed down her dress and held her stomach. The corset was squeezing her sides and she hated how uncomfortable it felt. Her mother had introduced her to the corset a few months ago and she had worn it on a few occasions and hated it but her mother informed her this morning that she would wear it every day now and all the time until she went to sleep.

Her dress was a soft pink with a bow tied at the back; it had a netted back and complimented the Rose's curves that the corset had given her. It was a sophisticated number her mother had told her though Rose wasn't so sure she would have much preferred to have worn one of her old dresses but she knew that wasn't possible. Her face had been heavily made up and again Rose wasn't sure she liked this sudden change in her appearance. There was a small knock at the door before Trudy entered.

"Oh Miss you look lovely," Trudy beamed she couldn't believe the little girl she had looked after nearly all her life had blossomed into a beautiful young lady. Rose smiled she was nervous and Trudy couldn't hide the sadness from her eyes when she looked at all the cases round the room she was really going to miss her.

"The guests are arriving are you ready to make your appearance?"

Letting out a breath she nodded and left her room. Making her way down the stair case she could hear the buzz of conversation coming from the largest room in the house which was always used for private parties and functions. She pushed the door open and gazed at the surroundings.

The housekeepers were dressed smartly walking around offering guests champagne and canapés. There was an orchestra playing music in the corner a long table was pushed against the wall decorated with a gigantic cake, fine wines and champagne as well as a few sweet treats. This certainly was a party fit for a grown up but it wasn't a party fit for Rose.

She would have been happy going for a meal with her parents and Cal, half of the children here she only knew because their parents were business acquaintances. Harold, the butler, cleared his throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Rose Dewitt Bukater has arrived!" He announced and everyone applauded her entrance this was embarrassing and made her feel uncomfortable she noticed Cal stood by the table he smiled and clapped and this made her feel so much more better.

Her grin was no longer forced and she curtsied gracefully to all her guests. "May I thank you all for coming this evening,"

Her father approached her, taking her hand he led her onto the dance floor and proceeded to do the waltz. It was a tradition for most girls' thirteen year olds birthday that she started the evening with a dance from her father followed by numerous other male guests.

"You look so beautiful and grown up darling," He said tears in his eyes.

"Oh daddy stop it you'll start me crying," Rose giggled embracing her father.

When the dance had finished it wasn't long before she was swept up into the arms of another gentlemen. He was called Thomas a rather arrogant, self-centred boy who lived for money.

"My father imports all his servants from England, he says there is something about the English blood that makes them ideal for servant work," He smirked.

Rose raised her eye brow at the rather rude and offensive remark but he didn't seem to notice.

"My father's room is also much bigger than this one and much more luxurious," He boasted sticking his nose up in the air.

Rose bit her tongue and allowed the dance to finish of which she breathed a sigh of relief. Thomas planted a kiss on her hand.

"I will be in touch,"

"Oh good I'll be sure to make it so I'm unavailable," Rose replied giving him a sarcastic smile. Thomas frowned before stalking away.

Leaning against the table she picked up one of the canapés and shoved it in her mouth before realising it was crackers spread with caviar, grimacing she immediately spat it out and hid it in one of the plants before wiping her gloves together. Ruth noticing this strolled over to her daughter and whispered in her ear.

"Now darling, it's very important you show everyone tonight just how much of a charming young lady you are,"

Rose pushed herself off the table and walked away to find Cal, though she didn't have the chance before she was whisked away into the arms of another gentlemen. After the fifth man it was becoming to get a bit tedious. She kept sending Cal daggers; he stood at the other end of the room with a brandy in his hand waving cheekily every time she did. He found this whole thing hilarious.

She was furious with Cal, why wouldn't he come and save her from this horrible situation she had been put in the guy who was dancing with her at the moment couldn't dance for a toffee he charged her round the dance floor and had also stepped on her toes several times. Finally the song had ended and so had the long line of men wanting to sweep her off her feet.

Rose rubbed her temple with her fingers; this night certainly had been eventful before she had time to think. A strong pair of hands wrapped around her waist, Rose rolled her eyes and was ready to literally storm out until she realised who it was.

"Save the best to last," Cal smiled at her.

Rose rolled her eyes but nodded all the same.

"Big day tomorrow," Cal said sadly.

"Yes I suppose it is," Rose replied looking at her feet.

"How does it feel to finally be a young lady," Cal smirked.

"Why is that so funny!" Rose insisted a smile on her face. Cal motioned to the Caviar stain on her gloves.

"I'm still practicing," Rose blushed.

"I'm going to miss you squirt, really miss you,"

Rose reached out and embraced Cal and they hugged as the music played, this did not go unnoticed by both sets of parents who looked at each other with sly smiles. Ruth rose the champagne glass to her lips and took a delicate sip before agreeing to allow Nathan Hockley to lead her in a dance.

"Have you seen our children Ruth?" Nathan asked.

"I can say it is difficult not to they are very close,"

"Well as you know, Cal will one day inherit my fortune but I am unwilling to allow this happen to without a suitable wife,"

"What are you suggesting Nathan?" Ruth inquired looking at him curiously.

"Come now Ruth you and I both know what I am suggesting,"

Ruth looked over at Cal and Rose, and then at Veronica and James who were deep in conversation. She knew how James felt about the future of his only daughter and his only child. Ruth shook her head.

"Rose will chose who she wishes to marry when the time comes." Ruth replied firmly.

Nathan gave a sly smile. "As you wish Mrs Dewitt Bukater, but of course the time may come when your family needs this more then I need it," and he kissed her hand before going over and putting an arm round Veronica. James smiled at the pair before turning to his wife who was still stood on the dance floor looking rather perplexed, he made his way over to her and snaked his hand round her waist.

"Are you ok dear?" James asked.

"Oh yes I'm fine darling I think the champagne is going to my head a little bit," She smiled.

James kissed her cheek and rubbed her back gently. Nathan glanced over at Ruth and raised his champagne glass to her slightly.

Meanwhile the song had finally finished and Rose and Cal had managed to escape out onto the balcony for some fresh air. Gripping the balcony edge Rose leaned back and closed her eyes allowing the breeze to blow over her.

"Will you write Cal?" Rose asked opening her eyes and turning to face him.

"Of course I will you didn't need to ask that,"

"I just can't believe I'm actually going," Rose laughed in amazement to herself; she had a mixture of fear, excitement, anxiety and happiness all rolled into one.

"Just think when you come home you'll be Miss Rose and will be drinking tea and eating caviar," Cal teased.

Rose hit him playfully, "Shush you, I hate caviar you know I do,"

Ruth wondering where her daughter had got to wandered outside to find the pair staring off into the distance engrossed in deep conversation. She cleared her throat and they both turned to face her.

"Rose your guests will be wondering where you have gone,"

Rose rolled her eyes knowing fine well the majority of the guests here had no interest in where she was. She walked past her mother back inside Cal nodded at Ruth who returned with a smile before they both went inside themselves.

The party continued for a few more hours before the guests started to leave, an exhausted Rose sat herself down kicking her heels off and rubbing her feet. She had never felt such pain before. Her father placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Hi Daddy,"

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight darling?" James asked sitting down next to Rose.

Rose nodded. "I'm just a little tired,"

"Big day tomorrow, you need your rest get yourself to bed soon," He patted her hand before going over to say thank you to the final remaining guests.

Veronica and Nathan made their way over to Rose, Nathan kissed her cheek and Veronica embraced her.

"Good luck my darling we shall see you soon," She said squeezing her cheek causing Rose to giggle.

"Good bye Mrs Hockley,"

Cal winked at her knowing not to cause a fuss it had been arranged that he would be there to wave Rose off tomorrow. Feeling tired and overwhelmed with tonight's party Rose dragged her body up to her room and lay down on her bed tiredness overcoming her but this was short lived following the knock on the door.

Groaning Rose rolled over. "Come in!" She called thankful it was only Trudy and not her mother there to scold her for laying down in her dress.

"I've come to undress you Miss,"

Rose closed her eyes slightly. "Trudy I'm so tired," She moaned.

Trudy laughed slightly. "Me and you both it won't take long I promise,"

Obediently Rose sat up and made her way to her dresser. Trudy helped undo her hair from her fancy pin up and remove the make up from her face. Then came the longest job removing the corset, it seemed to take forever and Rose wasn't sure if she could deal with it every day but finally Rose was dressed in her nightgown and able to collapse on her bed. Trudy tucked her in.

"Goodnight Miss,"

"Goodnight Trudy,"

After the light had been switched off she rolled over and feel into a deep dreamless sleep.

Remember to review (: