Rose couldn't sleep. All she could think about was Jack and being with him. She looked over at the beds of her roommates and was relieved to find them asleep. She slipped out of bed and pulled on her robe and slippers before slipping out into the hallway, hoping that a crew member wouldn't wander by. It would be hard to explain what she was doing out in the hall in the new silk pajamas she had purchased.

Silently, she padded down the hall until she reached the room number that Jack had pointed out to her earlier. She slowly opened the door and slipped inside the dimly lit room to see Fabrizio sound asleep in one bed while Jack was sitting at the table, busy sketching in his portfolio. He wore only his pajama bottoms, leaving his chest naked and in plain view of a lust-filled girlfriend. A girlfriend that he hadn't heard enter because he was too busy drawing.

Rose smiled, unable to take her eyes off of him. He was a lovely picture, with his long hair spilling over his eyes, his forehead creased in concentration an a pink tongue sticking out as his artist hands slide charcoal along the paper, creating a picture. She loved him like this, when his art consumed him. A small glance in her direction sadly broke the spell. His eyes widened in shock to see her standing there in middle of his room.

"Rose," He whispered, dropping his drawing tools and standing up from his chair. "What are you doing here? Are you okay? Did you have a nightmare?"

She was tempted to say yes, just to see what he would do, but decided to keep it truthful. There was no need to manipulate him into holding her. "I needed to see you. I couldn't sleep."

Jack grinned, keeping his voice low so he wouldn't wake Fabrizio. "So you decided to sneak into my room huh?"

"I like to live dangerously."

"That is quite clear now," Jack snorted, walking over to her and taking her hand in his. "Want to sit down?"

"No. I want to do this," She wrapped her arms around him and stepped in closer, pressing her mouth against his in a passionate kiss. She had never really been this forward with him before, but it felt good, especially when he read her so well and returned the kiss with the same passion she felt.

One hour later, they laid in his bed, their naked bodies twined around each other as they laid covered by blankets. Fabrizio still snored loudly from his own bed, unaware of what had taken place just a few feet away.

"I don't think I can return to my room," Rose giggled, resting her head against Jack's chest. She felt happy, sated, and comfortably at home. This was where she belonged, in Jack's arms.

"Don't. Stay here. I doubt Fabri would mind. We can share my bed. What are they going to do? Report us to the chaperones?" Jack chuckled.

"There are none," Rose giggled. "I doubt I'm the only one sneaking into their lover's room in the dead of the night."

"We shouldn't get used to this. We still have the rest of the school year to live apart you know."

"Don't remind me," Rose sighed, closing her eyes. She knew that it was all too easy to get used to sleeping beside him and waking up with him each morning. That there were withdrawal pains to deal with after the trip was over, but she couldn't think of that now. She could only think of being in his arms. Being home, where she belonged.

"We are so screwed," Jack chuckled, kissing her one last time before settling down for sleep. "But it's a nice kind of screwed."

Rose smiled and gently touched his cheek, noticing how bright his eyes were and how soft his skin felt under her hand. She wanted more of these moments, when it was just them after a long day. There was a comfortableness to moments like this. Moments when she knew for a fact that he was hers and she was his and it'll always be that way.

One thing she did know, that on a simple level, he was all she had left when it came to family and love. Her mother...she tried, but when it came to people who protected her against the world, Jack was all she had left. Maybe that's why the next four words came out, surprising them both.

"Will you marry me?" She sighed, her eyes staring into his.

Jack's mouth fell open in shock as he was fully awake again. A marriage proposal had been something that he had not been expecting. He really hadn't thought about it. Maybe he hadn't heard right. "Did you just propose to me?"

"I know that it's not traditional. It's supposed to be you down on one knee in a romantic setting, but laying here with you, looking into your eyes...I've never felt so safe and so loved and...I want this forever," Rose stammered. He looked so shocked. Really, she hadn't expected this herself, but her emotions had pushed the words out before she could stop them and now that she had them out there, she didn't want to take them back, even if she could. Jack was all she had left in the world and she wanted to make it official. But what if he didn't feel the same?

"I'm just surprised. I wasn't expecting this," Jack chuckled, twisting one of her red curls around his fingers. "I love you so much and I am so happy that I can make you feel safe and loved. That's how I want you to always feel. You know, after losing my parents and my sister, I never thought I could feel anything as complete as my love for you. You're my whole world. You make everything worth it. My art...my life...it's all yours. Including my love and my soul," He kissed her gently and looked deeply into her eyes. "But is this what you really want, Rose? We're both still young and forever is a long time..."

Is this what she really wanted? A lifetime with Jack? To become Mrs. Dawson? To be forever a part of his life? Yes, that's exactly what she wanted. He was her everything. Her heart, her soul, her life. Without him, she would have nothing at all to live for. Of course this was what she wanted. "Yes. Yes, it's exactly what I want. We may be young and forever may be a long time, but who better to spend it with than my soul mate and that's what you are Jack."

Jack smiled, blinking back his tears. "I love you so much Rose..."

"Jack you pazzo, just say yes," a sleepy Fabrizio spoke up, having woken up in time to hear the proposal. "I accept best man, by the way."

Both Jack and Rose laughed. Somehow it seemed fitting for Fabrizio to be the first to know. After all, he had been the first to know that they were a romantic couple.

"Yes, and not because Fabri will curse me out in Italian if there was any other answer than that," Jack chuckled, pulling her close as he kissed her deeply. "I'll marry you, Rose. But let's make it for sometime in the future, yeah?"

"Okay," Rose giggled, kissing him again and again, feeling giddy. Jack was hers and he'd always be hers. It was all she ever wanted. As long as she had Jack, she would be fine.

…..

Rose sneaked back into her room before sunrise and remained there until Trudy had woke up. Trudy wasn't surprised to see Rose wide awake, dressed in her new emerald green one piece and a see through yellow skirt decorated with green roses. Her red curls fell down her back and shoulders.

"You're back," Trudy grinned, laughing at the surprise on Rose's face. "I saw you sneak out. How was Mr. Dawson?"

Rose smiled. "Wonderful. As always. How did you know I had gone to see Jack?"

"I know you. Your mind has been on nothing but sleeping with him all day yesterday and the look of disappointment on your face when you found out that you had to share a room with us girls was telling. I knew that you'd be paying him a nightly visit. Don't worry. I won't tell your mother."

"Like she would care or could do anything about it," Rose smiled, grabbing a brush and running it through her hair.

"Don't be so hard on your mother, Rose. She's trying to do her best. I don't think it's easy for her. According to my grandma, she had a very stiff upbringing herself. I don't think she even knows how to be any different."

"You are probably right about that. But enough about my mother. What are our plans for today?"

"Matthew wants to check out the pool and slide and Tommy wants to go to a club tonight. Fabrizio and Helga are planning to check out more of the restaurants and Derrick and Julie...well no one knows what they plan since no one is really talking to Julie..."

Rose sighed, feeling a little guilty. Julie hadn't really been a part of the group since Jack's welcome home dinner. Really, it'd be nice if the two made peace and things returned to normal, but neither Jack nor Julie seemed interested.

"It sure would be nice if those two reconciled. But I doubt it'll ever happen," Trudy sighed.

"Yeah. Especially when she learns that Jack and I are…," Rose left off, stopping herself from spilling anything.

Trudy frowned. "You and Jack are what?"

Rose smiled. Why not tell Trudy? It's not like they were keeping it a big secret. After all, Fabrizio knew and he was sure to tell Helga. Why not tell Trudy, who was her closest friend?

"Jack and I are engaged..."

Trudy's eyes widened and she sat back down on her bed as her mind processed the news. "You and Jack are engaged? When did this happen?"

Rose giggled, loving the shock on her friend's face. Absolutely no one had been expecting this obviously. "Last night. I looked in his eyes, realized that I wanted him in my life forever...so I proposed."

The squeal from Trudy was enough to make Annabelle mumble then turn her back to them, pulling the covers over her head, making both Trudy and Rose laugh. Trudy stood up and raced over to Rose. "You proposed?!"

Rose just smiled and nodded.

"And he accepted?"

"After some talking and a threat from a sleepy Fabrizio he did," Rose giggled. "Oh we're not getting married right away of course. But it's a promise. Someday, I am going to become Mrs. Jack Dawson!"

Both girls happily squealed, hugging each other tight. Trudy was ecstatic for her friend. Rose had suffered so much tragedy in such a short time. This engagement, it was the start of good times ahead for the beautiful redhead.

"I am so happy for you, Rose! Breakfast is on me! I'm treating both you and Jack to breakfast..."

"Trudy that's not necessary..."

"I want to! You deserve it!" Trudy laughed, hugging her friend. "Now get dressed. We'll have to collect everyone and be on our way before breakfast is over and it'd be a celebratory lunch instead."

…..

It didn't take long for Trudy and Rose to gather their friends up for breakfast. By time the girls were showered and changed, everyone was up and ready to start their day. After breakfast, and sharing the news and the congratulations and the rolling of eyes on Julie's part, they all decided to enjoy the ships continental breakfast in the dining area before going to gather around the pool and it's slide. Jack and Rose sat together and watched as their friends made use of the slide.

"We should make use of that," Jack smiled, watching Annabelle and Tommy once again slide down together.

"It does look like fun," Rose smiled, turning her head to look at Jack.

Meanwhile, Matthew was silently watching the newly engaged couple. He was happy for Rose. Really he was, she deserved the happiness that Jack obviously gave her. That still didn't stop the small ache in his heart over the news. Trudy flopped down next to him and opened up her bottle of suntan lotion. She followed the direction of his gaze and sighed.

"Are you okay? Maybe inviting you wasn't such a good idea," She frowned, feeling guilty. She knew that Rose had turned down Matthew's offer the night of the frat party. She had hoped that he was getting over her, but maybe she was wrong to bring him on this cruise. Maybe it was like rubbing it in his face that Rose had moved on with someone else.

"I'm fine. Just...I don't know. A little sad. When I first transferred back, I thought that she'd be waiting for me to sweep her off her feet again, you know? Had no idea she would move on and be in such a serious relationship. I know it's been a few years...it just still...hurts a little."

"She didn't just jump into a serious relationship with Jack, trust me on that. There's more to it then you realize."

"Really?"

"You know how Rose's mother didn't really like you, right?" Trudy bit her lip, not sure of how much she was going to tell him, but he had to know that Rose didn't just forget about him and move on to the next guy. She won't have anyone thinking that about her friend.

"Of course I remember. She hated that I wasn't Hockley. That woman's fondest wish was for Rose and Cal to get together. I guess she had gotten her wish when I had left for college. I still can't believe...I mean, what was Rose thinking?" He again bristled at the thought of Rose with Caledon Hockley.

"Rose was too brokenhearted over you to think. Her mother saw an opening and before we knew it, she was dating Caledon Hockley. Rose wanted to make her mother happy at the time and not to mention, everyone thought he was the bees knees. Rose even thought she was lucky to get his attention, but that changed soon enough. It didn't take long for Rose to discover what he was really like..."

"So she broke up with him?"

"It wasn't that simple, Matt. God, if you were here, none of it would have happened probably. This whole year...god, I said too much. Let's forget it. Caledon Hockley is thankfully dead, Rose is happy again and is in a healthy relationship with a great guy and..."

"So she broke up with him?" Matthew repeated, knowing that there was more to it. Why wasn't it simple? He had tried not to notice the changes in Rose, but he couldn't help it. She was a lot quieter than she used to be. Less out going, especially around men she didn't know. Sometimes, he got the impression she was trying to hide away in some of the clothes she wore. He tried not to read too much into it, but he couldn't help it. And now, talking to Trudy, he had a feeling that the girl knew what was going on, she just wasn't saying.

Trudy sighed, feeling like she had just betrayed Rose. She didn't even know if Rose would want him to know, and since she's been so happy lately, she didn't want to bring it up. The memory of Caledon Hockley was best buried far away and never brought up again. But it looked like Caledon Hockley's ghost was still hanging around, refusing to be quiet. "Matt...I don't know if I should..."

"Trudy, I still care about Rose. The only reason I broke up with her was because I didn't want to tie her down...I need to know if that was a mistake...if..."

"It was. Is that what you wanted to hear? It was a big fucking mistake. If you hadn't broken up with her...if you at least gave a long distance relationship a try, well then Rose wouldn't have been…," She stopped herself, refusing to say the words without Rose's permission.

"What?"

"He wouldn't have done to her what he did to Annabelle. Now excuse me, it's hot and I'm going to go on the slide," Trudy got up and walked away, not looking back. She wasn't angry with him, more angry with herself. She should never have started that conversation. Why did she have to have such a big mouth?

Matthew sighed, feeling no closer to the truth than when he had started. Maybe he should just go up and ask Rose? No, she was happy and he didn't want to ruin it for her. No, this was all about sitting his own mind to rest. He looked around and spotted Annabelle Watson talking to that Irish kid Tommy Ryan. Looking at her, he saw that there was a quietness about her similar to Rose. Yet different. She was more...introverted than Rose. She was with Tommy, but there was a barrier there that wasn't there with Jack and Rose. And Tommy...he seemed to be gentle with her, silently asking permission to hold her hand, or touch her shoulder, things that boyfriends normally didn't ask permission to do. That was strange.

He spotted Derrick over by the stand where snacks were being sold. He was alone at the moment. Maybe he knew what Trudy meant when she said that Cal did to Rose what he had done to Annabelle. After all, Derrick was Annabelle's brother. He should know. He got up and approached him, trying to appear relaxed and carefree.

"Hey Derrick!" Matthew waved, catching his attention.

"Matt, hey! How's it going? Enjoying the cruise?"

"Yeah. It's not bad. Feel a little out of place though...hardly know anyone," Matthew chuckled.

"Give it time. Everyone is pretty nice. A lot better than those lodge trips White Star was always hosting."

"Tell me about it. One more time I had to hear about Hockley's inheritance," Matthew was glad White Star came up. It made it easier to bring Hockley into the conversation. He frowned when he saw Derrick's face darken at the mention of him.

"Well that fucking rapist won't have to worry about that anymore, may he rest in hell," Derrick gritted his teeth, an automatic response whenever Caledon Hockley was brought up into conversation. He may be dead, but his poor sister still felt his affects. He was so thankful that she had an understanding boyfriend like Tommy.

"Did you say rapist?" Matthew's eyes widened in dismay. He had always thought of Caledon as a jerk and had heard that he was known for slapping his girlfriends around, but he had never thought him capable of...that.

Derrick nodded, pulling Matthew out of earshot from anyone else. "Yeah. He raped my poor sister. When she told my parents, they had her sent away so she couldn't tell anyone else. All everyone cared about was protecting his fucking reputation."

"That's fucked up, man...I'm so sorry..."

"Then he turned around and...oh fuck man...of course you wouldn't know…"

"Know what?"

Trudy's words came back to him.

"...He wouldn't have done to her what he did to Annabelle..."

"Oh fuck," Matthew whispered, her heart falling into his stomach. "That bastard...that fucking bastard..."

"I'm sorry man, I shouldn't have..."

"When did this happen?"

Derrick looked conflicted. He didn't even notice when his girlfriend returned to his side. He rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. "I don't know for sure when. Before the school year started. Before we all transferred to JFK, I know that much."

Matthew felt like he had been hit with a truck. How could this have happened? How could he have let it happen? He had thought that he was doing Rose a favor, letting her go. Instead, he left her to suffer at the hands of that monster. How could she even look at him now? How could she ever forgive him?

"I have to talk to her," Matthew pushed his hair back away from his face, recovering from the shock of the news.

Derrick knew what was going through his head. The same had gone through his own when Annabelle had been raped. He placed a hand on his shoulders and squeezed. "It wasn't your fault, man. You did what you thought was right by breaking up with her when you left. Besides, it probably wouldn't have made a difference anyway. I hear that Ruth Dewitt Bukater was trying for a match between those two for a while. There was nothing that you could have done..."

"I didn't even have to go to Kentucky. I ended up back here anyway...I...damn it...I wish the fucker wasn't dead so I could kill him myself."

"Well, it's all in the past now. Rose is healing and she's happy. Just let it go. That's what I had to do."

Matthew looked over to where Rose was sitting with Jack, smiling up at him. He watched as she stood up, probably going to get a drink when some dark haired kid that made Matthew think of Cal collided into her and how she seemed to shrink back a little. There was a fear in her eyes that had never been there before, that made Matthew want to go and pummel the kid, then Jack was between the kid and Rose. The poor kid was apologizing as Jack stood guarding her, protecting her. If the kid had any dishonorable intentions towards Rose, he would have to get through Jack first. Then the kid was gone, the fear had been replaced with relief and a bit of shame, and she leaned against Jack, who protectively had her wrapped in his arms.

Matthew was glad to know that she was safe...but still...he had to talk to her and soon. He had to let her know that he was sorry that he hadn't been there to protect her like he should have been.