A New Fate
Been on a role in writing this. I'm having so much fun. Good news, I have the plot figured out and 100% committed. Unless if I change my mind, so I'm hoping that doesn't happen.
Special thank you to "Josie Robbie" for that awesome review you wrote. Please keeping sending them in and let me know what you think so far. If you have any questions, just ask away.
Hope you guys enjoy Chapter 2!
Chapter Two:
The Target
"Your target is a young man in nineteen-o-seven. His location is in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The others have agreed that this person is too dangerous."
A hidden figure in the darkness of room handed over a file from across his desk, leaning up in his seat.
The newest member of the organization took the file and opened it, quickly reading the important bits.
/
Target: Jack Dawson
Location: Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, United States
Year: 1907
Born: 1892
Reason for red flag-
/
He stopped reading as he processed the information of the two dates.
"Sir, this is a fifteen-year-old boy!" he protested. "What could he have possibly done to warrant such a decision?"
The hidden figure sighed, "I didn't wish to throw this upon you, but my superiors wish to see your demonstration of loyalty to this organization. Some believe that you are not ready to join us."
"Sir, I've left everything behind to be part of this. You kept up your part of the bargain and I assure you that I will uphold mine for as long as I live."
"I know you will," the man's smile could be seen, even from the darkness. "You don't need to prove anything to me, but this isn't me who needs proof, son. It's for others who do not share my faith."
The young man nodded, "May I ask why this boy is being selected?"
The man sighed, "Very well. But do not breathe a word of this to anyone. Even I will suffer the consequences."
The young man nodded with renewed interest and motivation, "Yes sir."
"In this timeline, there has been a 'Split'."
The young man's eyes widened in surprise.
"According to what we could find, an event that wasn't supposed to happen occurred on April 14th, 1912. A ship known as the Titanic struck an iceberg and sunk with over fifteen hundred people."
The young man was shocked by this.
"We do not know the full circumstances of what caused this event, but we found that Jack Dawson plays a role in it."
"How?"
"I cannot provide that info. Mainly because even we don't know. Whoever is behind this is setting something into motion and we cannot guarantee anything on Mr. Dawson's part, aside from the fact that he does play a role in what will happen.
"Your mission is to 'take care' of Jack Dawson long before this event. It'll cause some problems, but the Split will Merge back together and created a new but very similar timeline."
"But, what about the culprit?"
"The elders will deal with him. Your job will be about 'Dawson'."
Taylor awoke, staring up at the ceiling as he pushed the dream to the back of his head. As his vision cleared, he removed the layers of blankets and got up, heading to the restroom to freshen up before the others. He looked over towards Jack before disappearing into the bathroom.
After brushing his teeth while the tub filled with hot water, he undressed from his night clothing and took a moment to bathe himself. He focused on being quick, not wanting to use all the hot water for himself before the others. Something he had started doing since Jack joined him. It took a while to get used to, as he always wished to take his time in the water but managed to discipline himself over time.
Once drying and redressing, he exited the bathroom to find the other two still asleep. He couldn't help but smile at the two.
Just two years previous, Fabrizio had entered the small group that he had secretly put together. Jack had come into the fold just three years before him. His time with them reminded him of his brothers.
His heart sunk at the very thought of them. Especially his mother.
It was hard not to be reminded of his family. Over five years since he last saw them and the ache was still heavy. As much as he wished to see them again, he was reminded why he couldn't. There was only one way that he could be reunited with them now.
At the very least, having Jack and Fabrizio in his life made things slightly easier. On that, he couldn't help but be thankful to God for.
Shaking his head, he walked over and shook Jack away.
"Hurry up and claim what's left of the hot water."
Jack's eyes shoot open as he flew out of bed, with Fabrizio in hot pursuit but too late to the door as Jack slammed it shut behind him. Fabrizio banged on the door, cursing in Italian.
"You can join me if you'd like!" Jack shouted from the other side, making Taylor laugh as Fabrizio cursed him some more.
Rose arose from her large bed, stretching as the sunlight shined on her with welcoming warmth. Just as she got to her feet and began to brush her hair, her handmaiden Trudy knocked on the door and entered.
"Good morning, milady."
Rose turned to her and smiled, a truly genuine smile that was very rarely ever seen.
"Good morning, Trudy," she turned back to the mirror.
"Mrs. Butaker is washing up as we speak, so we have half an hour before she will be ready."
"Trudy, there's no reason to be so formal around me. Won't you call me by my first name?"
"And risk suffering the wrath of Mrs. Butaker? I think not."
Rose laughed, "Fair enough."
Trudy began to prepare the dress and settle it on the bed, "Looks like it's going to be another sunny day. Your mother will be hosting dinner with some nobles later this evening, and tea with her friends in the afternoon. For now, it looks like she wishes to have dinner with Cal in the suite-"
Rose sighed, at the least happy that he didn't have to join the others in the dining area but still upset that he would still have to spend her time with her fiancé and mother.
Once done dressing, she joined Cal and Ruth for breakfast, keeping quiet the whole time unless spoken to, looking out the window towards the horizon in the distance.
"You know, I bought the new clothes so we could blend in."
Jack ignored his friend as he put on his regular clothes.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio was already trying on the new clothing that Taylor had bought, smiling as he presented himself in front of the mirror, muttering something in Italian.
"I hear that the third class was having a party last night," said Jack. "We should join them for the next one tomorrow"
"If we do, we should do so in our regular clothes. Don't want to look out of place or be the center of attention to a drunken third-class passenger."
"Oh, so now you're fine with me wearing regular clothing."
"Only when it is useful. I was able to get us a first class-room because bribing low-ranking officials is easy. That being said, we need to keep up appearances to lower suspicions and stay away from the first class."
Jack raised his brow at him, "And how well does getting a first-class room help with that?"
Taylor shrugged, "Hey, I said we should keep our distance, not put levels of floors between us and them. Like I was going stay on one of the greatest ships known to man in a crowded room that would be considered a closest."
"Well, regardless, I prefer my time on the deck and exploring the ship. Anyone want to join?"
"I'll come," cried Fabrizio.
Taylor shook his head, taking his briefcase and setting it on his bed, "I need to do some homework if you will."
"What's homework?" Jack asked.
Taylor waved him off, "An old saying where I come from. I don't know why but… something doesn't feel right."
Jack and Fabrizio looked at each other.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked.
Taylor regarded him, deep in thought.
"Titanic has a… history. One that I'm sure won't happen this time around. But… I don't know… I get a gut feeling that I should keep an eye out."
"One of those 'must keep secret to preserve the timeline'?" Jack asked.
Taylor nodded, "I'll tell you once April 14th has come and passed."
"Why April 14th?" Fabrizio asked.
Jack elbowed him in the ribs, making him yelp and curse, "Come on, let's leave him be."
The two exited the room, leaving Taylor alone as he took the briefcase and opened it. A screen pulled up as a light scanned his eye, granting him access. He pulled up something on the screen that read:
/
- Time-Locked
-Unable to determine full status or travel until tonight
/
Taylor frowned.
He wasn't surprised to see the "Time Locked" but the second worried him deeply. Why tonight? What could possibly be so important?
But it also brought up another possibility that made his heart leap with excitement.
If whatever was going to happen tonight be a factor in determining travel, it could mean that he would be able to make contact with his people again and leave this world to bring reinforcements. Three years of uncertainty and now he was presented with something aside from relying on Prometheus to get back home. It was far more than he could hope for.
But the worry came back again.
He hated uncertainty. Especially when it was this important. And to make matters worse, it was happening on the Titanic and he was fully aware of the reputation that came with it in every world he has been to.
But that shouldn't be the case here. Here, Titanic's fate was different. He saw to that five years ago.
Sighing, he pulled something else up, checking for any messages or ways of communication, but again was left with nothing. Nothing in the last three years. And the time lock was what was causing it.
Nothing made sense when he tried to think it through. Everything should have fine. Unless…
No, he refused to go there. He made the right choice. He double-checked for any Splits after that day. It was still one singular timeline as it was meant to be. He had succeeded without sacrificing his morals.
No, it had to be something else. Was it Prometheus? Was he the cause for all of this? Was he trying to create another Split where the last one failed?
He shook his head, trying to make sense of all of it.
Instead, he pulled up charts of the timeline, studying through for anything out of the ordinary.
Meanwhile, Jack and Fabrizio explored the Titanic and all it had to offer. As they passed by the third-class area, they stopped to have some cheap beer and talk with the men. They also ran into Tommy again, sitting at a table to hang out.
Fabrizio turned and saw a cute Irish woman on the other side of the crowded room. When her eyes met his own, she blushed and shyly smiled back. Smiling in return, he picked up his beer and Jack's, heading towards her.
Jack and Tommy watched him in amusement, giving each other a knowing look as Fabrizio sat down next to her and offered her Jack's cup. She laughed and took it, sharing her name with him, Helga Dahl.
Though she couldn't speak English very well, Fabrizio was able to speak Irish just fine to communicate.
In one of the first-class rooms, a man prepared for tonight's dinner with the higher society. He dressed in a fancy suit and put-on cologne.
Tonight, was the night he made things right where the young fool messed up all those years ago. Tonight, was the night he would be free to return home after the last three years. Tonight, was the night he made sure the Split was once again Merged.
There was a part of him that knew what the cost was and felt shame over it. But he swore a vow to uphold all timelines and make sure nothing was out of place. That all must be singular.
As the night sky loomed overhead, Jack laid on the bench, staring up at the stars while lighting a cigarette.
He left Fabrizio and Tommy a while back, letting them have their fun in the company of the women and men they were hanging out with. He knew Taylor would be busy on his… well, he couldn't remember what he called it. So he decided to lay beneath the stars and enjoy the sound of the ocean and engines of the ship.
In a weird way, he was at peace, despite the cold.
This was the life he wanted.
He was thankful for meeting Taylor all those years ago after the death of his parents. The man promised him a life of adventure and freedom on the open road. He had become a brother to him, teaching him how to be a gentleman and how to be a good person in general.
Money was never an issue for them, not with that case of his. It granted him more freedom and fewer worries than he believed he would have to face the day his parents died. Even when Taylor was away on his missions, he was well taken care of.
But he did worry about the last three years. Ever since Taylor discovered that he couldn't leave this period, it had stranded him without contact with his employers. He didn't know how it all worked but he had a general idea of what he was and what he did. So he had an understanding that it was serious.
He felt bad for making Taylor come along even though he was supposed to be helping him find Prometheus. But he had a life of his own. A life to live and take a break every once and a while. After all, once Taylor got what he needed and captured Prometheus, he was free to leave once again. And it wasn't like Prometheus was leaving Europe.
He pushed those thoughts to the side, clearing his mind.
As Rose sat at the dinner table with her mother and the other ladies, she stared down at the empty plates, like an empty shell. No one noticed or addressed her if they did. She was internally screaming deep down, barely able to keep the frustration, panic, fright, and anger down.
The men, including Cal, had already excused themselves to a room where cigars and bourbon were waiting for them, which was a small mercy.
But every second that ticked by, the more the realization that this was going to be her life sunk in for her.
Without turning to her mother, she quickly said, "Excuse me."
Ruth Bukater frowned at her as she got up and quickly walked towards the exit.
Once outside and onto the deck, she burst into tears as everything was released at once. She felt as if she was drowning in an ocean of emotions. She panted as she began to run, bumping into people without concern or acknowledgment of their presence. She felt the need to run, to escape.
As she did, she passed a bench, catching the eye of the young man who was laying on it.
The mysterious man ate at the dinner table, alone.
Some glanced his way, trying to recognize him from somewhere. Some wrote him off as new money. Some grew curious.
He made sure not to pay any attention to the table with the beautiful fiancé of Cal Hockley but he watched from the corner of his eye as he ate a small meal and drank some wine. He was waiting for the right moment when she would get up. For the last three years, he did his homework and managed to work out a timeline to follow, all the while staying ahead of his pursuers.
The moment the girl rose from her seat, he did the same and walked out the opposite exit, offering a smile to a woman who was staring at him, making her blush.
As walked as fast as he could to keep up, knowing she would travel on the opposite deck. When he appeared by the stern area, he saw her run down some steps and pass a bench.
Seeing that the coast was clear, he prepared to make his move on his intended target.
Until someone got up from the bench, making him pause.
Damn it! he cursed to himself.
As Rose came to the end of the stern and lean on a pipe, she managed to catch her breath and began to recollect herself, allowing for her emotions to calm. Looking towards the rails and into the darkness beyond, she approached and placed her hands on the cold railings for support.
An idea popped into her head, something that suddenly made everything fall into focus. It was her way out. A way to escape for good.
Stepping onto the rails, she began to pull herself over the edge and stand on the other side, with only the support of her hands and feet on the railings keeping her from falling towards the dark, cold rushing water below.
A part of her wondered if the fall would kill her or if she would drown. A part of her began to doubt if this was a good idea at all. But the moment she thought of her mother and fiancé, what was waiting for her back in America, the fear came rushing back.
She knew what she needed to do. What she believed she should do.
Jack slowly approached the woman he had followed, curious about why she was a crying mess when she passed him. He figured he would find her by the stern, looking out towards the sea. He figured he would check on her and leave her be.
But the moment he came into view, his eyes widened when he saw the woman on the other side of the railings. His heart raced, unsure what to do except approach as slowly and quietly as he could.
He thought about silently sneaking up on her and grabbing her by the waist to pull her back. But he feared she would hear her and let go before he reached her. Or worse, frighten her into slipping and falling into the depths below.
So, he chose another option, reaching out with his hand.
"Don't do it."
Rose turned her head, a rush of fear rushing through her as she realized she had been caught, "Stay back! Don't come any closer!"
The young man slowly approached, hand reaching out to her, "Come on. Just give me your hand and I'll pull you back over."
"No!" she shouted. "Stay where you are!"
He stopped, worried about how close he could get before she would let go.
"I mean it!" she paused. "I'll… I'll let go!"
He could hear the conflict in her voice, the need to sound serious. And it was there, but so was the conflict, which told him enough.
Realizing he still had his cigarette in his hand, he took the opportunity to get a little closer by motioning to her that he was going to throw it overboard but far enough away from her.
Though understanding of what he was going to do and slightly believed him, she kept her eyes on him like a wounded animal.
Throwing it over the side, he stood where he was and put his hands in his pockets.
"No, you won't."
She slightly frowned, confused.
"What… What do you mean, 'no I won't'?" she slightly glared at him. "Don't presume to tell me what I will or will not do! You don't know me!"
"You're right, I don't. But I know you won't do it. You would have done it already if you were serious. I think a part of you doesn't want to."
She frowned at him, confused, "Stop it! You're distracting me! Go away!"
"I can't do that."
"Why not?! Of course, you can!"
"Too late. I'm involved now," he began to untie his shoes and take them off. "If you let go, then I'm going to have to jump in there after you."
"Don't be absurd!" she shook her head. "You'll be killed!"
"I'm a good swimmer."
"The fall alone would kill you."
"It would hurt. I'm not saying it wouldn't. Tell you the truth, I really wish I some whiskey earlier, would have helped with the pain. That cold water down there is what worries me more than the fall."
She paused.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, water that cold is worse than being killed by the fall. If we somehow survived the fall, the cold water would kill us."
She turned to him, "How cold?"
He finished taking off his shoes and jacket, "Freezing. Maybe a couple of degrees over." He felt better on the inside, knowing he was starting to win her over. "You, uh, ever been to Wisconsin?"
She frowned, "What?"
"Well, they have some of the coldest winters around, aside from Canada. I grew up there, near Chippewa Falls. I remember when I was a kid, my father and I went ice fishing out on Lake Wissota. It had recently been opened to the public, a man-made lake. It wasn't supposed to be made for a few more years, mostly due to budget concerns but they managed to save up enough. Some believed it wouldn't have been made until sometime between 1914 to 1917."
He saw some confusion in her eyes.
"Ice fishing is, you know, where you-"
"I know what ice fishing is!" she shouted.
He put his hands, apologetically, but also slightly cringing, "Sorry. You just seem like, you know, kind of an indoor girl."
He raised his eyebrows as he leaned against the railings.
"Anyway, I… uh… I fell through some thin ice. And I'm telling you… water that cold, like that down there, probably worse… it hits you like a thousand knives stabbing you all over your body."
Fear grew inside of her.
"You can't breathe. You can't think. Least not about anything but the pain."
He knew he had her.
"Which is why I'm not looking forward to jumping in there after you. Like I said… I don't have a choice. If you jump, I jump."
She was staring at him in awe, trying to comprehend what he was saying and why he was doing this. She was beginning to wonder who he was.
"I guess I'm really hoping you'll change your mind and come back over the rail so that I can be off the hook. I would hate for my friends not to know what happened to me."
"You're crazy!" she turned away.
Jack laughed, "Maybe I am. But with all due respect, miss… I'm not the one hanging off the back of a ship here."
She took his words to heart.
"Come on," he reached out with his hand towards her. "Please, give me your hand. You don't want to do this."
She shook her head.
"Please, miss. I've been there before. Maybe not in the same way as you, but I know that feeling that maybe there isn't anything for you to live for anymore. That the best way to end the pain is through death. But life isn't something that should be tossed away like it's replaceable.
"A friend of mine taught me that each day should be lived like it's your last. That no matter how bad things get, you can always turn it around. Whatever it is you're struggling through; it isn't worth this. We can talk about it if you want.
"But please, give me your hand."
She couldn't help but give in as the realization sunk in that he was serious.
Reaching for his hand, she felt his grasp once she took it. He helped her turn around to face, moving slowly as possible. As she came face to face with him, she couldn't help but stare into his beautiful eyes. He was handsome and young, and skinny.
He let out a sigh of relief, "I'm Jack Dawson."
"Rose… Rose DeWitt Bukater."
Jack smiled, "I'll have to get you to write that one down for me. Come on."
She laughed as he helped her begin to climb up the rails. However, her dress got under her high heels and caused her to slip, crying out as she lost her grip on the rails.
Jack managed to grab a hold of her, stopping her from falling into the ocean below. It took all of his strength to keep ahold of her, feeling the cold steel of the railings against his ribs as he held onto her for dear life.
"I got you!" Jack grunted. "I promise, I won't let go!"
She saw the look in his eyes that reassured her, sparking something from within.
"Now push yourself up!"
She nodded, helping as much as she could.
He managed to pull her up a bit, just enough for her to get her leg onto the edge and her free hand onto the railing, but it was too slippery, and she almost lost her grip, until another hand reached down and grabbed her.
Jack was taken by surprise as a man who looked familiar to him appeared by his side, grabbing Rose by her other hand.
"On three!" he shouted to him.
Recovering quickly, Jack kept ahold of Rose while the man began, "One!"
"Two!"
Jack put his foot on the railing.
"THREE!"
They pulled at the same time, managing to swing her over the railing and into the air. She crashed into Jack, making him stumble backward and onto the ground. She went with him, her body on top of his. The man who helped managed to keep his balance, stumbling a bit.
As both Rose and Jack caught their breath and the adrenaline subsided, they slowly realized the position they were in and blushed. Rose quickly raised up to her feet in seconds, followed by Jack.
A couple of men appeared, rushing towards them.
"What in the bloody hell is going on here?!" one of them demanded.
Jack's eyes widened as he raised his shoes were on the ground, as well as his jacket. He knew what the first thing would be on their mind. It made him thankful that they didn't see Rose on top of him.
The man approached them, "Gentlemen! There's no need for alarm anymore. Allow me to explain the situation."
About fifteen minutes later, the man had explained everything to the fellow sailors and officers, including the Master at Arms.
"Well, that pretty much covers it!" the Master at Arms raised his arms, turning to Rose, who was covered by a blanket and sitting on the bench. "You're one lucky lady to have such strong men around when you needed it. That was foolish of you to even try to get a glimpse of-"
"WHAT HAPPENED HERE?!"
Rose's heart sunk.
Cal Hockley made his way to the area, followed by his bodyguard, Spicer Lovejoy, and a fellow first-class member, Col. Archibald Gracie.
"SOMEONE ANSWER ME! WHAT-" he saw Rose and rushed to her. "Are you okay? Were you hurt?"
Rose tried to look away from him, shaking her head.
"Everything is fine," the Master at Arms announced. "Mr. Kyle Craig just informed me that your fiancé tried to look over the bow and get a glimpse at the propellers, only to slip and nearly fall over. Mr. Dawson reached her first, saving her life, and Mr. Craig provided support to help get her back on the ship."
Gracie's eyes lit up, "How extraordinary! These two are heroes! Well done, good sirs!"
The Colonel approached them and shook their hands.
Cal turned to the two and offered a small smile, "Yes, thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me that my fiancé is safe." He turned to Rose and raised her to her feet. "Look at you, you're freezing. Let's get you inside."
Gracie approached Cal before he could lead Rose away, "Perhaps a little something for these gentlemen?"
Cal let out a small moan, though Rose was the only one who heard it.
The two turned around, with Rose staring at Jack with wonder and awe, while Cal looked towards the man known as Kyle Craig.
"Yes, of course," Cal forced a smile and turned to Lovejoy. "Go ahead and pay them a good sum."
Gracie frowned, "But, Mr. Hockley, they saved your fiancé from certain death. Surely, we should repay them with more than just cash. They may have even saved us hours' of delay if the ship were to be turned around to rescue her. Not that it's more important than the miss's safety."
"He's right," said the Master at Arms. "If your fiancé had gone overboard, we would have been forced to turn around in the attempt to rescue her. These two not only saved her but also saved the Titanic from being delayed."
Cal took their words to heart, in his own way.
Rose suddenly had an idea, turning to her future husband, "They're right, my dear. Surely, money shouldn't just be the going rate of for saving the woman you love. They prevented quite the scandal in so many ways. It would be an injustice just to pay them and not show them off to the others for their bravery."
Cal stared at her, slightly smiling, "Rose is displeased. What to do?"
Everyone waited for his answer.
"Oh, I know," he approached the two gentlemen. "Perhaps you could join us for dinner tomorrow evening… to regale our group with your heroic tale."
Jack almost opened his mouth to reply.
"We would be honored to join you," Craig slightly bowed. "Thank you for the invitation."
Cal was taken back by his manners, "You must be first-class. I'm sorry, I've never heard of you… Mr?"
"Kyle Craig. I'm afraid I made my fortune off of gold a while back, mainly due to investments out West. So I'm what you would like to call, New Money."
"Oh," Cal smiled. "Well, we would love to hear about your rise to riches. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
Craig nodded as he turned to walk away, followed by everyone else except him and Jack.
"This should be interesting," Cal whispered to Gracie, who nodded.
Rose turned to look back at Jack, wishing she could stay to ask him the many questions she had. A fire was burning deep within to know them and to thank him.
Craig turned to Jack and then to Rose, smiling.
"Hate to break it to you, but you're hitting on another man's girl. No matter the amount of interest she may show, don't expect anything out of it. Save yourself the heartbreak."
Jack shook his head, watching as Lovejoy followed his master from behind. He saw he had cigarettes but decided not to ask for any. Instead, he turned to the man.
"Thank you. For helping me. I wasn't so sure I would have gotten her back onboard."
The man nodded, "You did a great thing, helping another find it in themselves to live on. Life is a gift that should never be thrown away."
He felt great respect and admiration for the man. However, he began to feel something familiar about him.
"I apologize, but have we met before?" he asked.
The man shook his head, "Not that I know of. Unless if you've been to London."
"Not yet. Someday, I hope to visit it."
"Wouldn't recommend it. The place is filthy and full of poverty, including lots of crime."
Jack nodded, "You're Mr. Kyle Craig, right?"
Craig nodded, offering his hand, "Correct. And you are? I heard Dawson, but not your first name."
Jack shook his hand, "Jack. Jack Dawson."
The man's grip tightened as he stared at him, a slight hint of surprise and shock in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that for me?"
Jack frowned, "Um, Jack Dawson."
A few seconds passed as Craig continued to stare at him as if he was studying him over.
"Is everything alright?" Jack managed to free his hand.
The man blinked, "Apologizes. You happen to share the same name as someone who died five years ago. You wouldn't happen to have the same last name as your father, would you?"
Continuing to frown, Jack shook his head, "Nope. Original name. No seconds or seniors."
Craig nodded, "I apologize. Your name just caught me off guard. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dawson. I look forward to the dinner party tomorrow night."
Jack nodded, "Me as well. Have a good night."
Craig walked away, leaving a very confused Jack behind.
Rose sat in the chair next to the mirror, brushing her hair as she prepared for bed, listening to a tune from a musical box. Cal walked into the room, carrying a small fancy box with him.
"That was reckless of you tonight," he approached her. "I've always known you've had a curious side but as your fiancé, I must insist you never do such a thing again."
Rose nodded, daring not to look up at him, "Of course."
Cal knelt next to her chair, closing the musical box and placing the box he had on the table, "For you, my dear."
Staring at it, she reached out and took it, tracing her hands over it.
"I meant to save this for you on the day of our wedding. But after tonight, I figured it would make for a great early present to make you feel better after what happened."
She opened the box and her eyes widened, "Good gracious!"
Cal smiled, "Perhaps as a reminder of my feelings for you."
She looked up at him before taking the diamond in her hand, "It is the-"
"Heart of the Ocean? Yes! Worn by Louis XVI and known for how heavy it feels. One of the most expensive diamonds ever."
He reached for the diamond and took it out of her hand, placing it around her neck and locking the chain.
"How does it feel?"
She stared at herself in the mirror, "Overwhelming. Heavy."
"Well, it's for royalty. We are royalty, Rose. We deserve the absolute best in life. You deserve the best in life."
What about happiness?
Rose sighed as he got to his knees next to her, hand on the arm of the chair and up against his chin.
"You know, there's nothing I couldn't give you."
What about love?
There's nothing I'd deny you... if you would not deny me."
What about freedom?
She turned to him.
"Please, open your heart to me, Rose. If you do, I will promise you the entire world."
She continued to stare at him, realizing the belief he had in his own words, but not the understanding. She turned back to the mirror and touched the diamond on her neck, slightly swallowing.
Cal smiled as he stood up and kissed her on the cheek, "Sweet dreams, my dear."
Jack walked back to the first class room he shared with others, trying to process what had happened earlier. It was beginning to sink in for him. Like a fog lifting from the path.
As he entered the room, he found Taylor on the bed, still on the device he had, and both Fabrizio and Tommy playing a game of cards.
"Hey, boyo!" Tommy cried out. "I never realized you guys had a first-class room. How'd you steal this one from under their noses?"
Jack smiled as he approached them, "Guys, you won't believe that just happened."
Kyle Craig entered his room, tired for the evening, and also frustrated.
His plan was almost ruined, but it went well enough for him to be sure that the results by morning would be good enough for the Merger to happen without trouble.
But he was surprised to learn of Mr. Dawson's survival. He took it as a sign that he was on the right path and thanked Taylor for having a kind heart to not do what he was commanded that day.
Now it was a matter of meeting with him and finally getting answers.
Didn't mean for this chapter to be so large but here it is.
Hope you guys enjoyed it. Please leave a review with your opinions on it. If you wish to private message me about any questions, feel free to do so.
See you guys in Chapter 3!