(Jack)
She left.
And I didn't stop her.
She was here, the Rose that has been haunting me since landing ashore, perhaps even longer, and I stood around like an idiot.
I found out what Rachel and Bobby had done and couldn't disguise that it made me upset. Not enough to do anything more than a few words, and the guilt on Rachel's face…no, I couldn't stay mad. But I had every intention of apologizing to Rose later today. Today, I was going to find out who we were. Three years of living as a stranger, and the idea of learning what sort of person I really was created an odd sort of dread.
But here I was, standing outside apartment #38. Would she be in there? Had I waited too long? As I raised my hand to knock it opened as if in anticipation.
"Oh, John, I didn't know you were coming today. What a nice surprise, I was just heading out to the market though."
I tried to be casual about peeking inside at the quietness. There was no one there.
"I know this must be pretty strange to be asking, but is Rose here?"
"Rose?" Her face lifted with a smile. "No, dear, she didn't come by today. If she was, she would have been here by now. I was wondering when the two of you would meet. I wasn't expecting it quite so soon, but that's good. Yes, very good." She seemed to drift for a moment, adjusting her shawl. "I was showing her your picture and something seemed to strike her about it. Is she alright? The way she took out of here I was worried something might be wrong."
"No…no, everything was fine. I've got your picture though, she left it in my office yesterday, actually. I think she was a little distracted. I went ahead and replaced the glass."
The elderly woman took the image with a contented appreciation. "You didn't have to do that, but it's nice to have back again. You were expecting her here? I wonder what could be keeping her, although usually she doesn't come in on Wednesdays, what with the performance schedule and everything. Mr. Ackers always tends to keep her later than usual. I keep warning the girl one day…well, maybe my worries are for nothing. But that man has an eye, and it's not for just the plays."
"Plays?"
"Oh yes, over by 57th street. Not a very large party, but they have their fun. I think that's what has kept Rose around for so long. They help distract her. Speaking of distractions, if I don't hurry out of here, it will be dark before I know it."
"It's still early. I wouldn't worry about it."
"Early, yes, but I had a peek at those clouds out there. Give it an hour or so, and you won't know the difference."
Her words passed by with little regard as I thought about the place she had just previously mentioned. My hands began to fidget.
" 57th street you said?" I knew the area, generally. Had a couple of deliveries when I was on the road.
"Yes," Abigail locked the door behind her. "It's a bit out of the main view, I can't remember the name of the theater. They call themselves the Washington Square Players, although I never understood the idea much. Several miles from the square. But then, they are young, probably just wanted something to sound important."
"I probably am coming across pretty rude right now. I'm sorry, not meaning to be." It had struck me I barely was asking about herself, but I didn't seem to be able to help it. Anxiety pressed against my skin like an iron rod and I was finding my focus scattered. Had Rose stood me up on purpose? Was everything alright? Plays? Performances? Had she forgotten me?
"You have something important on your mind, and I'm well off enough as it is. If you'll excuse me, Julia is expecting me any moment." A final smile before she started to head to the stairway. "If she is still down there, you had better hurry before it rains or you'll both be stuck."
I couldn't help the wide smile as some of my fears lifted. Of course, I should go meet her there. I wouldn't give in so easily, and I wouldn't let Rose either. It was a confidence I couldn't place, but I wasn't going to wait around for it to falter. I reached forward, hugging the sweet old woman before flying past her in the hall, taking several steps at a time on the way down.
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Disclaimers, Notes and all that: I'm going to be taking some liberties with the small performance group due to the very limited information I have on it and my wants to play with the idea :P
For those of you curious, there was an actual group that called themselves the Washington Square Players that started the Washington Square Theater. They started performing in the spring of 1915 and actually had a number of 'unknowns' who had formed/were involved in the group who went on to become highly involved in film, broadway, theater, etc… Very interesting lil tid-bits.
I also want to thank those reviewing…I'm a review addict…so please continue :P
Purple: you are awesome! Thanks for pushin me a lil because now I can't stop…I hate you…but you are still awesome!