A New Fate
Well, this chapter took a little longer to write. Even the size of it was bigger. It would seem planning ahead doesn't meet up with what you expect can fit inside a chapter but it's still better to have a sense of direction.
Special thank you to Josie Robbie for the amazing reviews. Seriously, I can't express this enough, I love the time and dedication you put into your reviews. They mean a lot to me. Feel free to private message me about anything.
Enjoy Chapter 3!
Chapter Three:
Prometheus
Rose tossed and turned in her bed, unable to fall asleep with how loud her mind was. Thoughts of what had happened at the stern just hours ago kept pushing their way to the forefront of her attention. The fear, the anger, the panic, the… soft contact with the young man's hand.
Jack.
The name came back to her, ringing in her ears like an echo. A simple name, with a handsome face to go with it. And a fine body from what she remembered when falling on top of him.
She gasped, blushing as she buried her face into the pillow, letting out a muffled scream that barely reached the door. She shouldn't be having such thoughts. She was engaged.
But not married yet.
She moaned, trying to push these thoughts away. It proved to be a challenge to focus on something else.
She remembered the other man who had come to the rescue at the last second. The man known as Kyle Craig. A name she had never heard before. Then again, he did say he was new money.
Like Molly.
She smiled at the thought of Mrs. Margaret Brown. Aside from Andrews, she was the only person in the entire first-class who she got along with. At least it was easy to talk with her and listen to her, even if she can be a little much. But still better than anything having to do with Cal or her mother.
Her thoughts came back to Mr. Craig.
Who was he?
The man was mysterious, far more than Jack was. He must have heard her cries and happened to be nearby. She could tell he was very well disciplined by how well he spoke. Well-mannered and polite in the ways of the first class but nothing about him was mindless or narrowed. There was something beneath that he kept hidden but just barely.
Maybe he was a friend she could get along with, like Molly and Andrews. Another addition to her small list of friends in the first class. A trinity.
But Jack surely held her interest the most, with how caring he was. That surprised her the most. The genuine care he displayed when trying to convince her not to jump. It wasn't for show or some alternative agenda, he cared about the fact that she was going to throw her life away and was trying to save her just because he wanted to.
His speech about knowing what she was going through warmed her heart, because she recognized the pain in is voice, no matter how concealed it was through his desperation and hope that she would accept his hand. She knew he was speaking the truth. It was the first time in years since her father died that she didn't feel alone.
With her eyes closed and her mind finally began to calm, she remembered his face and those beautiful eyes. She couldn't tell what color they were. She could see blue but also green as well. They were mesmerizing, like the ocean itself. A peacefulness that welcomed her.
She smiled before dozing off, not once thinking of the worries of tomorrow. Only excitement for what it might bring.
"So, let me get this straight," said Tommy. "You saved a first-class girl from falling off the back of the ship and some random guy just happened to be there to help you?"
Jack nodded, "About sums it up."
"And how much did they pay you?"
Jack reached into his pocket for the money that the bodyguard had given him, presenting it like a piece of paper that meant little to him, "Twenty dollars."
Tommy and Fabrizio whistled.
"That's a good catch! You could live off that for a long time."
Fabrizio scoffed, "Not that it's needed, especially with Taylor's way of getting money for us. He's been funding our little travels for the last two years."
"Five years," Jack corrected him. "I've been with him longer than you."
His eyes widened, cursing himself for getting, "The girl that Mr. Craig and I saved, she was the one from yesterday. The girl I was staring at."
The two stared at him in shock, mouths and eyes wide open.
"Wait… what?!" Fabrizio cried out.
"No way!" exclaimed Tommy.
Jack nodded, smiling as if he had won a prize, "It's true. I recognized her when she ran past me."
"What are the odds of that happening?" Tommy asked, more to himself.
"I don't know, and I don't care. Tomorrow… I'm dining with royalty."
"Wait, they offered you a seat with the first class for dinner?"
"Not the point! It's my chance to see her again!"
Tommy and Fabrizio looked at each other with a knowing look and a devious smile before turning back to him.
"Uh oh, someone is falling hard," Tommy teased.
"When's the wedding?" Fabrizio winked.
Jack laughed, "Guys, it'll probably just one night, my only chance to actually talk with her. After that, they'll all forget about me. Even that Craig guy told me not to get my hopes up. And one last thing I forgot to mention… she's engaged."
Their faces fell.
"Yeah, that's a deal-breaker," Tommy laid back on the bed.
Fabrizio smiled sadly at his friend, "Besides, even she wasn't, that Craig guy was right about not getting your hopes up. We may have a first-class room but we will never be part of their society."
Jack nodded, "True to that. But… guys, it was so much more than just happening to meet her at two random chances. She was"-
He stopped himself, realizing that he was about to give away the fact that Rose was trying to commit suicide. While Mr. Craig may have thought that she slipped over the railings by accident, it was Rose who told the officers that it was because she wanted to see the propellers. Clearly, it would heavily be frowned upon and ruin her reputation if it was ever known what her intentions were, regardless of the reason.
His heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. So much of what he was trying to figure out was coming into perspective for him. She clearly wasn't happy. Why else would try to do such a thing?
It reminded him of the day the fire that killed his parents. How alone and empty he felt. But even then, suicide never crossed his mind. He just wanted to leave and put as much distance between him and his hometown. So, he became a drifter, with no home or job security. Just living his days like they were his last. It was only when he met Taylor that things became easier for him.
But for Rose…
He could tell she had no one who cared for her. No one to lean on when things were too much, let alone have the freedom to speak for herself. She was alone. And it was all building up to the breaking point. He just happened to be there before she snapped.
"Jack?"
Fabrizio's voice brought him out of his thoughts, seeing the concerned looks his friends were giving him.
"Sorry, I… I just realized that upon meeting her… she didn't seem happy."
"No person would when they've come so close to death," said Tommy.
No one spoke for a while.
"Hey, what are you going to wear tomorrow for the party?" Fabrizio asked.
"And any chance we may be able to come?" Tommy added, teasing.
Jack shook his head, "Well, only me and Craig are allowed. And as for a suit, I guess I'll need to rely on Taylor's expertise."
He looked at the empty bed and then towards the door.
"Speaking of which, where did he say he was heading off to again?"
Taylor walked on the deck of the Titanic, deep in thought as the ship pressed on through the sea. The peacefulness of the night was what he was looking for. Especially after hearing Jack's tale about how he saved a woman named Rose, along with the help of a first-class passenger.
He was intrigued by how enthusiastic Jack was about telling them what had happened. But his mind immediately began to pick up warning signs as Jack told them everything.
Well, not everything.
He questioned how he was able to take off his shoes and jacket when she had slipped over the side and was holding on for dear life. No, he figured out quickly that it was no accident and that he had a reason for taking off his shoes and jacket. The only logical conclusion was that she was going to jump, and the slip was when he was trying to get her back onto the deck.
But the last bit was what worried him the most. The explanation that if she had jumped or even fell from the slip, the ship would have been delayed searching for her. And this wasn't just some third-class passenger, this was a first-class woman. A first-class woman who was engaged to a rich businessman. The captain and crew would have been forced to do so.
And Jack was the one to prevent it.
Taylor was no stranger to the legacy of Titanic. He knew from his own homeworld how it went, and from other worlds, despite some differences and outcomes. But this world was supposed to be different. The Titanic's fate here was supposed to be different. He helped make sure of it five years ago.
Now, he was facing two logical conclusions of what Jack's actions meant.
Logical outcome one, his rescue of Miss Bukater would keep the Titanic on course and prevent the ship from sinking.
Or logical outcome two… his rescue of Miss Bukater would ensure the Titanic's sinking.
Fear rose deep within him as he tried to decide which outcome which was. He hoped it would be the one he wanted, but he equally feared the one it could be.
A part of him wanted to rant at Jack for getting involved when knowing that his actions would have severe consequences. But he couldn't bring himself to do so. He wasn't going to criticize him for saying a life when he was there to do so. He did the right thing, and he did so because that's who he was.
And he couldn't be more proud.
So, no, he wasn't going to burden him with the knowledge that he may be the cause of one of the world's greatest tragedies.
But the fear and worry were still there and for good reason. It was why he left the room when Jack was almost done with his tale.
He remembered what the computer said about tonight being the deciding factor in the Time Lock's status. And it was no coincidence that Jack was involved. This was the deciding factor in so many things.
One thing was certain, he knew he would have his answer by tomorrow night.
Kyle smiled as he looked at his computer and read the status. Closing the case, he prepared for bed, ready for tomorrow when he would confront his pursuer.
But his thoughts kept returning to Jack Dawson, making the possibility of sleep almost impossible.
As far as he was concerned, Jack Dawson died five years ago. He remembered the report that shocked everyone when they found out two years after it had happened. The day when the Time Lock occurred.
His research proved that his existence was needed to prevent Rose Dewitt Bukater's suicide from Splitting the timeline. But with the belief he was dead, the only logical conclusion was to save Rose himself. Only to find out that Jack Dawson was alive and well. A revelation that made him question so much.
It was why he came to this world before the Time Lock was complete, but the process had damaged his means to get back. So, he secured the equipment needed from another time-traveler. Someone he held responsible for the events that led to now. But his actions exposed his presence.
He has so many questions that needed answering. And he intended to get them.
When Rose awoke from her slumber, she wore a smile that surprised Trudy when helping her dress for the day.
"You're in a good mood. I would have thought nearly falling overboard would have the opposite effect."
True, even she thought so.
She knew that news of her slip and rescue was traveling like wildfire across the entire first-class. She cursed herself since it would mean having to endure everyone's questions and disapproval looks. Probably even have to hear "silly girl" or "this is why machinery and women don't mix".
But she wasn't afraid or weighed down by it all. Instead, she was happy and felt a rush of life she hadn't felt in years. She tried to think hard about why that was, but she couldn't figure it out.
After breakfast with Cal and her mother, which was spent with Ruth berating her for being so careless as she did the night before, Rose decided to go look for the man who had saved her last night. To escape suspicion, she told her fiancé and mother that she would go on a walk to clear her mind.
The moment she made it onto the deck; she felt the sunlight touch her skin as if she were experiencing it for the first time. She smiled and closed her eyes, bathing in its radiance.
"Glad to see the young miss is starting her day off better than how she nearly ended last night."
She almost jumped as she turned to the voice and saw Kyle Craig, leaning on the railing.
Though slightly embarrassed, she pushed those feelings aside and smiled, walking towards him.
"Mr. Craig, am I right?"
Kyle held up his hand, "Please, Kyle is fine. No need to be too formal."
Rose felt relief with such restriction not needed.
"I would like to thank you for saving my life. I know it's silly of me to try and see the propellers, I don't know what came over me."
Kyle smiled, "No need to explain, mam."
"Please, call me Rose. If we're going to less formal, allow me to return the favor."
"Very well, Rose," he bowed, earning a laugh from her. "I must say, your explanation as to why you needed saving was smart thinking."
Her heart sank, just barely keeping her breathing under control, "Uh, excuse me, I'm afraid I don't follow."
"I find it no coincidence that Mr. Dawson's shoes and jacket were already off when he was trying to save you. I've thought about it last night and realized that your accident may not have been one hundred percent accurate. It's a good thing no one noticed that his shoes were off, they may have gotten the wrong impression."
Already she could feel her joy and excitement fading away, realizing that her secret was out.
Kyle saw the fear on her face and put up his hand, "No need to worry, my lips are sealed. As is Mr. Dawson's, since he went along with your part of the story. The only person who can reveal it now is you, my dear. Whatever caused you to act as you did, that's your business. I'm simply happy you are safe."
Relief overwhelmed her, sighing as she nodded, "Thank you, Kyle. That means more than you can imagine."
Kyle returned her nod, "I imagine tonight, Mr. Dawson and I will be flooded with questions. It would be a good time for you to go thank him in person."
"I was just on my way to do so. Do you happen to know where he might be?"
"I do not know his current whereabouts, but I do know that he is staying in one of the first-class rooms."
This surprised her. He didn't come off as a rich boy, especially with his clothing. Maybe he was related to someone rich? Either way, it worked in her favor.
"Would it be alright if I ask which room?"
Rose knocked on the door, waiting for a few moments before the door was opened by a young man in a suit. His hair was curly and black, thin and simply average, from her perspective.
"Hello," she nodded. "I apologize for disturbing you. I'm looking for Jack Dawson."
The man smiled, "He's down in the living quarters of the third class."
Already she was more surprised. A man who stays in the first class but spends his time with the third class? Just who was this Jack Dawson.
"You must be Rose Bukater. Jack wouldn't shut up about you."
Rose smiled, hearing the teasing in his voice, "Yes, it was quite the embarrassing scandal."
"Would you like me to come with you to help find him?"
"No, it's perfectly fine. I think I can manage."
"Good day, Miss Bukater."
"Good to you… um, Mr.?"
"Huston," the man replied. "Taylor Huston."
"It was nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Huston."
"As to you," he closed the door, allowing her to make her way to the third-class living quarters.
The whole way she thought about the man who was staying in the room. She was surprised that Jack had a friend. Or was he a relative of his? A brother? She would have to ask, if possible. It seemed surreal that there were far more people she could tolerate in the first-class than she originally thought.
Arriving at the steps that led down to the third-class living quarters, she stepped in and closed the gate before heading down. She could hear music, laughter, the sound of children giggling, different languages being spoken at once. Even the sound of a piano.
The closer she got, the more excited she felt.
Jack smiled as he watched Cora, who was sitting in his lap, draw her picture on a free page of his portrait book. He had plenty of pages left before he needed a new one, so it didn't bother him. After drawing them yesterday, Jack had struck up a conversation with the girl's father, Bert Cartmell. Or was it Cartwell? It was hard to know with the different pronunciations the two seemed to have.
Men and women, of all kinds of races, were talking and laughing. Children ran around, playing with reckless abandon and limitless energy. Some were even chasing a rat. Some were around the piano, singing along with the man who was playing it. The whole third-class living quarters was alive, a welcoming place of harmony.
Fabrizio was talking with the Irishwoman, Helga Dahl, trying to help her pronounce his name in English or Italian. Though the two had trouble understanding each other, they enjoyed being in each other's company. Much to the dismay of her parents, who were sitting close to Jack and Cora.
Tommy was going through Jack's drawings of the people he had just done earlier, comparing each one to the person he drew, in awe of the excellent work.
He shook his head, smiling, "This is very good."
Jack nodded to him, keeping his attention on Cora's work, helping her out with some advice but ultimately letting her unleash her imagination.
"Seriously, Jack, these are very, very good."
"Thank you," Jack nodded to him.
Suddenly, everyone started to quiet down. The talking stopped in seconds, as did the piano playing and the singing. Even the children stopped running around. Everyone's attention was now towards the stairs.
Tommy, Fabrizio, and Hegla turned their attention to what everyone else was looking at and were hit with a stunning sight.
Jack frowned as he looked up, just now realizing how quiet it was.
"Uncle Jack, why is everyone so q-" she gasped the moment she turned her head.
Jack turned to what she was looking at and his heart stopped at the beautiful sight before him.
The moment Rose reached the end of the stairs, she smiled at the sight before her.
So many people were gathered into one area, never feeling uncomfortable with how little space there was, how crowded it was. Men and women of all kinds of races and nations were talking to each other without worry about how they sounded or spoke. There was no mindless chatter, no need to say something in a certain way. They just said what was on their mind.
She smiled at the children who ran amok, chasing each other or chasing the poor rat that was trying to stay ahead of them and find a way to safety.
She smiled at the man who was playing the piano and the men who sang around him.
To her, it was paradise. A haven she wanted to see more of.
Sadly, it wasn't to last as everyone began to notice her. The talking ceased and the piano playing stopped, going with it the singing as well. Even the children stopped what they were doing.
Now, the attention was on her.
Her smile disappeared as she felt so vulnerable to stares that everyone was giving her. She tried to smile again but it failed to reach her ears. Never before had she felt this embarrassed as she began to walk among them, her eyes looking for Jack. Her cheeks felt like they were on fire.
Men tipped their hats to her, while the woman giggled and whispered amongst themselves.
As her eyes scanned the crowd, she met the eyes of blue and green, and a shocked face that belonged to one, Jack Dawson.
Feeling relieved, she made her way to him, wearing the same smile from the night before.
Jack turned to Cora and whispered, "I need to get up and talk with an old friend, you can continue coloring. Alright?"
Cora blinked and turned to him, nodding with a bright smile, "Okay. Go get her, Uncle Jack."
He blushed as he picked her up and set her to the side of the bench, allowing him to stand up just in time as Rose approached him.
"Hello, Mr. Dawson," she greeted.
Jack swallowed and nodded, "Hello, again."
She trembled a little at being so close to him, her dreams coming back to her.
Thankfully, life in the quarters came back as people began to talk again and the piano resumed, though no singing this time, and the children's attention was drawn elsewhere.
Only those closest to them kept watching.
"May I speak with you?"
"Yeah," Jack nodded.
When he didn't move, she realized he didn't understand. She could feel the eyes of several eyes who continued to watch them.
"In private."
His eyes widened, "Oh, yeah, of course. My apologies."
"Here you go, Uncle Jack," Cora handed his portrait book to him. "I'm done now."
The two turned to the little girl.
Rose smiled as she glanced between them.
He's good with kids.
"Thank you, Cora," he took the book from her. "Are you sure that you're done?"
She nodded, "I should go find my dad. Goodbye, Uncle Jack."
"Bye, Cora," he watched her run off, disappearing into the crowd.
Turning back to her, he motioned towards the stairs.
"Lead the way."
Nodding, she turned to head back, ignoring the continuous stares from others.
Tommy looked between Jack and Rose, raising his brow a few times with a smile, earning a small smack on the chest.
As Jack followed, Tommy and Fabrizio looked at each other with dumbfounded faces, while Helga continued to marvel at Rose's beauty. Casting one last glance at them as they started to head back up the stairs, they turned back to each other and began to laugh.
Once they were back on the deck of the Titanic, they stopped by the railing and faced each other.
Rose felt her heart beating now that they had some privacy, despite those who were walking about.
As the silence continued, things felt more awkward between them.
"Soooo… you said you wished to speak with me?"
Rose shook her head, "Yes, sorry. Beautiful weather we are having, don't you think?"
She contained her need to cringe, feeling so vulnerable and stupid for saying something so unrelated and mindless. Even her face felt hot.
Jack raised an eyebrow at her and laughed, "Yes, we are."
Oh, God, he must think I'm so stupid and silly!
Shaking her head, she motioned to the pathway before them, "Tell me something about yourself, Mr. Dawson."
Nodding, he walked beside her as they left the railing.
"Well, I was born in America, specifically in a little town called Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin."
She felt captivated by his voice, so soft and gentle.
"When I was fifteen, my parents passed away and I just left."
"I'm so sorry for your loss," despite she truly did feel bad for him, the way she said it felt mindless, something she internally scorned herself for. "Why did you leave? Don't you have any kin there?"
He shook his head, "Born an only child. No brothers, sisters, cousins. Nothing. And I was a fifteen-year-old boy who couldn't wait to see the world. At the time, I was looking to put as much distance between me and my hometown. Just… too many memories that brought back the pain of losing them."
She felt so many different emotions at once for him. Admiration for how carefree and adventurous he was. And sadness for the loss of his parents. It reminded her of the day her father died.
"So, I just lit on out of there and haven't been back since. Until now."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I'm going back for the sole reason of visiting my hometown again. I think I'm feeling a little homesick. I guess we need to remind ourselves of where we come from, where we began."
She nodded, admiring his words of wisdom.
"You could call me a tumbleweed blowing in the wind."
They both chuckled.
"Well, Rose, we've been walking for a good deal of time around this boat deck and chewed over how great the weather's been and a little bit of how I grew up, but I reckon that's not why you came to talk to me, is it?"
Rose sighed, "Dr. Dawson, I-"
"Jack," he interrupted her.
Taken back, she nodded, "Jack. I want to thank you for what you and Mr. Craig did. Not just pulling me back or for understanding to a degree, but for your discretion."
Jack nodded, "You're welcome."
They turned to each other.
She sighed, "Look, I know what you must be thinking. 'Poor little rich girl. What does she know about misery?'"
Jack frowned and shook his head, coming to lean against a cable as they stopped, "No. That's not what I've been thinking at all since last night. What I've been thinking about and having trouble understanding is… what could have happened to this girl to make her think she had no way out."
She stared at him in awe.
"Just because you may not know misery as others do, doesn't mean you don't go through your own."
She blinked, trying to keep her mouth closed from how surprised she was by his understanding.
"Well, I…"
Suddenly, she felt something within break. Like a dam that finally hit the breaking point.
"It was everything!" she walked around him to the railing. "It was my whole world and all the people in it!"
Jack turned and followed her.
"And the inertia of my life, plunging ahead and me… powerless to stop it!"
Jack nodded.
"Every day it's the same thing! Get up, get dressed in tight dresses that you can't breathe in, have breakfast with my mother and fiancé, listen to them talk mindless chatter, go on tea dates with other high society women, listen to more of mindless chatter, walk around and talk about the state of things and how they should be better, talk in a polite matter that feels so fake you swear it's all a con or trick, and then repeat everything over again until it's time to go to bed!
"But the worst of it is my engagement!" she held up her hand, showing off the ring.
Jack bent down a bit to take a closer look, taking her hand into his own.
Rose froze, feeling warmth rush through her by their contact.
"God, look at that thing!" Jack exclaimed, teasing. "You would have gone straight to the bottom."
Rose laughed.
"Over five hundred invitations have gone out. All of Philadelphia society will be there. And all the while I feel like I'm standing in the middle of a crowded room, screaming at the top of my lungs, and no one even looks up."
As her high from the outburst started to cease, she slowly started to realize that she had just opened herself up to a man she barely knew, but yet… for some reason…
"Do you love him?"
She blinked, frowning at him, "Pardon me?"
"Do you love him?"
She was dumbfounded, "You're being very rude. You shouldn't be asking me this."
Jack felt confused, unable to comprehend how it was rude, "Well, it's a simple question. Do you love this guy or not?"
She scoffed, "This is not a suitable conversation."
"How is it not? Taylor always taught me that marriage should be between a man and a woman who love each other. Two people who want to share their lives together, no matter the hardships or trials. If you don't love the guy, then it's in both of your best interests to not get married."
Now she was swimming in an ocean of confusion and anger, as if she were numb but also feeling. She laughed as she walked away from him.
"This is absurd."
"Why can't you answer the question? It seems like a good one that needs answering."
"You don't know me, and I don't know you, and we are not having this conversation. You are rude and uncouth and presumptuous and- I'm leaving now!"
Jack struggled to contain his laughter, making faces as he looked up and down, left to right in the attempt to not laugh. He was even wondering what uncouth and presumptuous meant.
"Jack- Mr. Dawson," she took his hand and started to shake it. "It's been a pleasure."
Now he was on the verge of losing it.
"I sought you out to thank you and now I have thanked you."
"And you've insulted me," Jack added as they continued to shake hands.
Rose was caught off guard, "Well, you deserved it."
"Right," Jack choked back his laughter.
"Right."
They continued to shake hands as she stared deep into his eyes, once again getting lost in the beautiful colors of blue and green.
"I thought you were leaving," Jack smiled.
Rose shook her head and released his hand, cursing herself for being so stupid and silly, "I am!"
She turned her back on him and began to walk away. As she did, the embarrassment grew inside, her thoughts focused on the overdone handshaking and attention she gave to his beautiful eyes-
She turned around, "You are so annoying!"
Jack laughed.
The moment she turned away again, she felt far more embarrassed and angrier, which ignited a realization.
"Wait!" she spun around, walking back to him. "I don't have to leave! This is my part of the ship! You leave!"
"Oh-ho-ho-ho!" Jack exclaimed, using it as a vent for his amusement as he leaned against the cable again. "Well, well, well. Now, who's being rude?"
Rose gasped at him, unable to think of anything to say back.
Jack watched her, amused and mesmerized by how beautiful she looked right now. He was seeing the real her, and it was quite the experience. In all his travels, he had never met a woman like Rose.
Then she saw the portrait book in his hands and snatched it from him.
"What is this stupid thing you're carrying around?!" she demanded, opening it. "What are you an artist or something?"
Normally, Jack would feel alarmed at such a thing. He was quite protective of his work, with some exceptions. But for some reason, he was more than okay with this. It made him far more amused even.
Rose was surprised by the drawings inside, immediately melting away her embarrassment and anger. She began to walk towards the nearby bench that was empty, casting glances back at Jack the more she looked at them.
"These are rather good," she sat down, being followed by Jack. "They're very good, actually."
She looked at a drawing of a mother breastfeeding her baby and another of a man holding his child, showcasing the giant hands to the small body of the toddler.
"Jack, this is exquisite work."
"Ah, they didn't think too much of them in old Paree."
"Paris?" she asked, turning to him.
He nodded.
She raised an eyebrow, "You do get around for p-"
She paused, afraid to offend him.
Now Jack raised his eyebrow, further amused by how she went from being on the offensive and was now considerate of his feelings.
"Well, a- a person of limited means."
Jack nodded and nodded, "Go on. A poor guy. You can say it."
She turned the page and found a drawing of a beautiful woman, naked as the day she was born.
Jack was immediately embarrassed, his worries brought to life as he twist and turned where he sat.
"Well, well, well," she turned back to him with a raised eyebrow before turning to the next. "And these were drawn from life?"
Jack nodded.
She felt a hint of jealousy.
A man walked by a little too close, making her close it so he couldn't see. She was becoming fully aware of her surroundings, feeling paranoid.
Once he had passed, Jack leaned in, "Well, that's one of the good things about Paris. Lots of girls willing to take their clothes off."
She looked at him and laughed. Normally, such a thing to say would offend almost everyone. But for her, it just made too much sense.
She turned the page and found the same woman from the last, "You like this woman. You've used her several times."
Jack felt more uncomfortable, "Well, she had these beautiful hands, see? Even I couldn't do them justice, you had to have been there to see them for yourself. So soft and gentle. They were like the hands of an angel."
Rose laughed, despite the jealousy growing within, and smiled at him, "I think you must have had a love affair with her."
"No, no, no, no!" Jack protested. "She was a one-legged prostitute."
Her eyes widened.
"See?" he turned to the next page.
The moment she saw what he meant, she gasped and laughed a little.
Jack couldn't help but laugh with her, "She had a good sense of humor though."
Rose turned to him, feeling the warmth inside her heart as the jealousy melted away. Though, she couldn't help but wonder, if he had been intimate with any of the girls he had drawn. She hoped not.
"Ah, and this lady," he turned the page to the next that presented an elderly lady at a table. "She used to sit at this bar every night, wearing every piece of jewelry she owned… just waiting for her long, lost love."
Rose felt a sting of sadness for the woman while smiling at Jack.
"Taylor and I called her Madame Bijoux. A name that many others picked up. You can see that her clothes are all moth-eaten."
Rose's smile grew, "Well, you have a gift, Jack. You do. You see people."
"I see you."
She was beaning far more than she ever did before, sticking her nose up into the air, "And?"
"You wouldn't have jumped."
Her smile fell, feeling disappointed and annoyed by his answer.
Ruth Bukater and her friends sat down for tea, talking about marriage to suitable husbands. Ruth expressed great annoyance towards her daughter for not wanting to go through with the marriage to Cal.
The moment Molly Brown walked towards them, they pretended to be done with their tea and got up.
"Hello, girls!" Molly exclaimed. "I was hoping to catch you at tea."
"We're awfully sorry you missed it," said Ruth, faking her sadness. "The Countess and I were just off to take the air on the boat deck."
"Oh, what a lovely idea. I need to catch up on my gossip."
Moving past her, Ruth's face fell, frustrated that her plan didn't work.
As they moved to go outside, they passed Captain Smith and Ismay at a table of their own, discussing the idea of lighting the last four boilers to make the ship go faster. And though Captain Smith was against it, he was pressured into it by Ismay's promise of fame and recognition, as this would be his final voyage.
Jack and Rose stood at the railing, deep in their conversation as the hours passed them by without even knowing it.
Rose was amazed by his stories and the places he has been to. He spoke of visiting California, Nevada, Mexico, and even the Caribbean. For the last three years, he had been in Europe, visiting France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, and then Britain.
"Taylor really wanted to go to London next, to search for an old friend but lost a bet to me. So now, here we are, heading back for the United States for the first time in three years."
"Why can't I be like you, Jack?" she exclaimed, full of energy just from hearing his stories. "You and Taylor seem to have been all over the world, living a life of adventure and having the freedom to do whatever you wanted. Why can't I just head out for the horizon whenever I feel like it?
"Say that we'll go there sometime, to that pier you talked about. To that beach where the sand is so welcoming. To the beautiful snowy mountains. Just say that we will, even if we don't."
Jack laughed, looking at the excitement he could see in her eyes, "No, we'll do it. We'll drink cheap beer, ride on the roller coaster till we throw up."
Rose gasped, unable to hold back her laughter.
"We'll ride horses on the beach, in the surf. But you'll have to do it like a real cowboy. No sidesaddle stuff."
Rose was taken by surprise, "You mean with one leg on each side?"
He nodded, "Yeah."
"Can you show me?"
"Sure, if you like."
She smiled, "Teach me to ride like a man!"
Jack returned her smile, tuning his voice to that of a western cowboy, "Chew tobacco like a man."
Rose laughed, trying to use the same western accent as he did, "And spit like a man!"
"You didn't learn any of that in finishing school? Wait, what does finishing school even mean?"
"I have no idea!" she laughed. "And no, I did not learn any of that."
"Well, come on, I'll show you."
"Wait, what?! No, Jack!" she was already being dragged away with him.
"Come on, I'll show you! It's not that hard!"
"No, Jack, no! Wait! I can't possibly, Jack!"
Despite her protests, she felt excited as he brought her to the railing.
"Watch closely," he inhaled, hawked, and felt the snot hit the back of his throat before spitting it out into the ocean.
Those nearby or passing by glanced at him in disapproval and disgust.
"That's disgusting!" Rose cried.
"Alright, your turn."
Giving in, she bent over the edge and spit.
Jack rolled his eyes, "That was pitiful. You really have to hawk it back. Get some leverage. Use your arms."
He snorted.
"Arc your back."
He hawked and shot the large snot out into the ocean.
"You see that range on that ring?"
"Mm-hm," she was unable to reply due to the snot she was holding in her mouth.
"Okay, go!"
She shot it out, unaware that her mother and the party she was with were currently walking towards them.
"That was better. You have to really work on it. Really try to hawk it up."
"So, this where you've been the whole time."
Jack and Rose turned to find Taylor standing behind them, opposite Ruth and the others, who just realized that Rose was there and was approaching them.
"Hey, Taylor!" Jack exclaimed. "Have you met Rose?"
"We've met," said Rose. "He told me here to you find you."
"And it would appear I've led you straight quite the curious situation."
"Ah, don't be like that, I was just showing her how to spit like a man. She wanted to know."
She scoffed, "After you literally dragged me off to do it."
"Come on, you were enjoying it. No one was around to see it."
Taylor laughed, "Aside from the people who are uncomfortable watching you do it, I can name one person who did see it and is not impressed."
"Like who?"
He nodded towards behind them.
They both turned around and came face to face with Ruth Bukater, Margaret Brown, the Countess, and another first-class woman.
"Mother!" Rose exclaimed, fear piercing her heart at the disapproving face she was giving her. "Um, I introduce J- I mean, Mr. Dawson."
"Charmed, I'm sure," said Ruth, eyeing the boy from head to toe before turning to her daughter, a look that told her everything she needed to know.
Even Taylor could tell that this woman did not like what saw, not one bit. In fact, he dared to believe that she saw him like an insect beneath her. One that she wanted to squash quickly.
Spoiled rich, bitch! he thought, reminded of other women he had met in his life just like her, with the only thing that was remotely impressive being that each one somehow managed to make his hate grew stronger.
Despite what Ruth thought, the others were looking at Jack with curiosity and awe.
"Well, well, well," Molly Brown approached Jack. "Sounds like you're a good man to have around in a sticky spot."
She turned to Taylor, "And you are?"
Taylor bowed and approached, "My name is Taylor Huston, mam."
"This one has some good manners."
Suddenly, the fanfare sounded.
"Why do they always insist on announcing dinner like a damn cavalry charge?" she said, laughing at her own joke.
Jack, Rose, and Taylor couldn't help but laugh with her.
"Shall we go to dress, mother?" Rose asked, immediately taking her mother by the arm to lead her away. "See you at dinner, Jack."
Jack waved goodbye, while Taylor rolled his eyes.
"Uh, son?" Molly tried to get Jack's attention, who was trying to get another glimpse of Rose. "Son!"
Taylor smacked him on the side of his head, "Down, boy! Down!"
Molly laughed, "Well, it's nice to see someone is looking out for you. But, seriously, do you two have any idea what you are doing?"
Jack and Taylor frowned.
"I'm afraid I don't follow," said Taylor.
"Not really," said Jack.
"Well, you two are about to go into the snake pit. What are you two planning to wear?"
Taylor's eyes widened, "Um, mam, I'm not invited. Jackie boy here is."
"And I pretty much just have this."
Taylor narrowed his eyes at him, "I got you a fancy suit, similar to mine. Why don't you wear that?"
"Because I like these just fine!"
"You are so damn picky when it comes to clothes!"
Molly rolled her eyes as she got between them and locked her arms around their own, dragging them away.
"Well, I'm not letting you two come to a dinner looking like a bunch of hillbillies."
Taylor tried to free himself, "Mam, I'm not invited to this. Only Jack is the one who is going."
"Well, I'm adding you as my plus-one, kid. I'll need the company just to make it through this."
Before Taylor and Jack knew it, they were in Molly Brown's suite, being dressed in much fancier suites than what Taylor had bought.
"Ah, I knew it!" Molly exclaimed. "My son's clothing matches your size."
Does she just always carry her son's clothing? Taylor thought to himself as he looked at himself in the mirror.
Molly whistled, "You two shine up like brand new pennies. If I was younger and single, I would be taking both you out on a date."
Jack and Taylor shared a look.
Later that evening, both Jack and Taylor walked to the first-class dining area, where a doorman let them in without a second thought and greeted them.
"I can't believe I've been dragged into this," said Taylor.
"Hey, it's a party with the first-class, how can this screw up the timeline?"
"Well, if last night was any indication, anything can go wrong."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Jack glared at him as they descended the stairs. "What was I supposed to do, let her die?"
"No, that's not what I mean. You did the right thing saving Rose's life, end of story."
Jack relaxed, feeling proud by the small praise.
"Never mind," Taylor shook his head. "It's one dinner and I highly doubt anything big will happen just because we're here."
"Ah, nice to see you again, Mr. Dawson."
Jack turned around and smiled, "Mr. Craig. It's nice to see you again as well."
As Taylor turned around, ready to meet the man who helped Jack the night before, time itself felt as if it was slowing down for him the moment he even caught a glimpse of him from the corner of his eye. His natural instincts kicked into high gear. His muscles tensed. And every alarm going off inside his head.
Once he was fully facing him, his eyes widened upon recognizing him. His body began to shake, and his heart was pounding against his chest like a hammer. His mind was failing him, unable to think about anything except for one thing.
Prometheus!
The final moment was heavily inspired by "Arrow - Season 2: Episode 14 / Time of Death". More specifically, the ending scene of the episode where Slade Wilson reveals himself to Oliver inside his own home. I'm pretty sure you can find the scene on YouTube.
I've been revisiting deleted scenes from Titanic to help in developing and giving screen-time to the other characters, as well as develop Jack and Rose's relationship some more than what was just in the movie.
Thank you all for reading. Please leave a review to share your thoughts and opinions, even criticism.
Also, I apologize for any grammar errors and continuity errors. If you spot them, please let me know so I can fix those mistakes.
Hope you guys enjoyed reading and I'll see you in Chapter 4!