A New Fate

So sorry for the delay in updating this chapter. Been busy and had little time to write. I'll try to get the next chapter up sooner than later.

Oh, just a heads up. This one will be short.

Anyway, enjoy Chapter 7!

Chapter Seven:

I Need You To Know

Fabrizio and Tommy were playing a card game, oblivious to the beautiful day outside, lost in their battle of intelligence. Until the door suddenly slammed against the wall, almost putting a dent in the wood, as Jack rushed in and grabbed them by the collar of their shirts.

"Guys, come on! I need your help!"

Fabrizio moaned as he was pulled to his feet, "Oh, come on, Jack! I'm close to beating him!"

"You wish!" Tommy rolled his eyes and smiled.

The two found themselves on their feet and clothes being thrown at them.

"Come on, get ready!"

"Ready for what?" Fabrizio asked, as he began to undress and put on the clothes that Jack threw at him.

"And can we at the very least have the door closed while we dress?" Tommy asked, watching as a maid walked by, slowing down to check them out as she giggled before disappearing. "On second thought-"

Jack quickly closed the door and turned to his friends, "Okay, here's the short story of what I'm doing-"

"Oh, thank god! I thought we were going to get the long version," Fabrizio exaggerated his moan.

Tommy laughed.

"Haha, very funny! Anyway, I need to speak to Rose-"

"Oh God, he has fallen hard!" Fabrizio's eyes widened. "My boy has been enchanted by a goddess among men!"

Tommy sighed, "Jack, leave her be. This isn't something you need to get involved in. She's already told you to stay away."

Jack ignored him, "It's just this once. All I need is a chance to see her and talk to her. After that…"

"After that… what?" Tommy asked. "She chooses you over some rich guy? Ride off into the sunset with a redhead you've only known for less than two days now?"

"It's complicated."

"When is it never?"

Jack sighed, "Taylor is about to get them in position. You guys just need to back me up and keep watch."

"And we are doing this… because?"

"Think of it as an 'I'll own you one later' deal."

"And where is the part we get to choose if we want to do this?"

Fabrizio raised his hand as he finished dressing, "I'll do it!"

"That's the spirit!" Jack smiled. "Now, come on, we need to be ready."

"Hey, at the very least let me finish dressing!" Tommy cried out as the two walked to the door.

Taylor waited for his moment to approach the elite group after the Sunday service was over. He was thankful he had brought the bag that held Molly Brown's tuxedo with him, providing a reason for being there. Though, the way how he was dressed was enough to be in their presence without testing their tolerance.

Seeing his moment, he walked toward Molly Brown, who acknowledged him.

"Ah, good to see you again, you champ! I see you've brought my son's tuxedo with you."

Everyone turned to him, some curious and some frowning, while others didn't seem to care.

Taylor smiled as he slightly bowed and handed her the clear bag, "I wanted to thank you in person for allowing me to borrow this. Much better than any of my other options I have."

She waved him off as she took the bag, "It's nothing, don't even think about thanking me."

She turned to a servant and handed him the bag, "Take this up to my room for me, will ya?"

The man nodded after getting her room number and left with the bag in hand.

Molly turned to Taylor, "We were just about to head outside for a stroll, the captain has offered to escort us through the restricted area. Why don't you come with us!"

Ruth sneered behind her fan, while others seemed intrigued to have him come along. Even Cal, much to his own surprise.

Taylor smiled, "I'd be happy to."

"Then it's settled!" Archibald Gracie cried out, patting him on the shoulder.

Rose couldn't help but smile at seeing a familiar face, only for her smile to disappear the moment she was reminded of Jack's face and smile.

Taylor walked beside Molly, listening to her ramble about something as they walked toward the stairs for the deck.

Nearly an hour had passed as the three waited by the railing of the first class deck, enjoying the beautiful day.

"I'll admit, she is a goddess among mortal men, there's no denying that," said Tommy, hoping to change his friend's mind. "But she's from another world that's very different from ours, Jack. She isn't one of us!"

"She was fitting right in with us last night."

"That was one night. One night of fun. That's all it was."

"It was more than that," Jack protested. "I can't explain everything. It isn't for me to share."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I think what he's trying to say is that there's more to the story than he's allowed to say," Fabrizio spoke up, leaning against the railing with Jack.

"And why is that?" Tommy pressed.

"He just said he can't say."

Tommy frowned, confused by his friend's secrecy, and then a realization hit him.

"That man… Mr. Hockley, I believe is his name… is he abusive toward her?"

Jack sighed, "That… I do not know. But I fear that maybe the case."

Tommy sighed and nodded, leaning against the railing with the two of them, "Jack… I'm not one to know much about love and all of that… but I do know this… She doesn't know hardship like us. She's a first class, just like the rest of them."

"No, she isn't."

"But she was raised like one since birth, regardless of who she is. Leave her be. And forget about her."

His face lit up, fuming with anger at just hearing the idea of forgetting about her. How could he? She was all he could think about.

"I can't."

Tommy shook his head, "Say that you succeed in winning her over and get to be with her… what next?"

The anger receded as he turned to him, "What?"

Even Fabrizio was curious.

"What happens next? You can't just keep living the life of a drifter forever, especially when you got a girl."

"It's not like we're just going to settle int one place once we dock."

"Yes, but eventually you'll have to settle down, get married and have kids. It's a tale as old as time, my friend. The life of an adventure, even for you, doesn't last forever. There's a reason for that."

Jack stared at him as his words sunk in, his barriers finally cracking at the realization of what he was saying. And for the first time in so long, fear pierced through his heart. Fear of the unknown.

For so long, he hadn't been afraid to just do something without a second thought. If he wanted to go somewhere, he went there. With no objections from Taylor, or even Fabrizio. If he wanted to do something, he did it.

The unknown was like a destination that he couldn't wait to reach. Always chasing after it. He never feared it. Never shied away from it.

But now…

Now he was faced with perhaps the greatest unknown that he hadn't considered until Tommy had made him acknowledge it. It was enough to plant the seeds of doubt in his heart. The fear of knowing that his days of adventure would be numbered.

What would the life of a normal person be like? He would be able to support himself and a family? What kind of job would he have? Would he be successful? Would he like it? Would he hate everything about it? Would he long for the days of his old life and regret leaving it behind? Would he fail to be a good husband and father? What about the place he would call home for the rest of his life? Would he find peace there?

Or was he destined to be an adventure until the day he died? Was he destined to die without knowing what it meant to be a husband? Or a father? Would he regret never having to experience it? What if he were to die tomorrow and never got to see Rose again?

Rose.

The name washed away all his fears and doubts, like water against dirt. It brought joy and hope to him as he imagined her face and smile. It made him excited.

Then it finally hit him.

His days as an adventurer were always numbered, no matter what happened. Regardless of if Rose chooses him, he would face a similar trial again. But he hoped to God that Rose was the one he hung up his life as a drifter for in the end. It was impossible to imagine anyone else beside him in life.

He smiled, "Does it matter? It's her choice to make. If she or someone else chooses me, then I'll take life on with whatever it throws at me. If she gets tired of life on the move and wants to settle down, then we settle down. If she wants to get married and have kids, then we'll marry and have as many kids as we want.

"Life is an adventure in more ways than one. You just have to look for it in any way that you can."

Tommy stared at him, dumbfounded and inspired.

"Did you just come up with that just now?"

Jack laughed, "How else would I have?"

Fabrizio nudged his ribs with his elbow, "Here she comes."

They turned to see a group of first class heading towards them, with Taylor talking with Molly Brown and Mr. Andrews.

Jack's heart leaped at seeing Rose, recognizing the neutral face she was putting on in front of everyone. Not that they cared, as long as she wasn't doing anything they frowned upon. A realization that only added fuel to the fire burning inside of him.

This was his one and only chance to speak with her. To let her know that she had a choice. Another path to choose if she so wished.

He remembered Taylor's words from last night and made a silent promise not to force a decision upon her, nor to manipulate her. He would make sure to help her understood the consequences of both choices and then leave the decision up to her to decide, without him or anyone else to pressure her.

But he couldn't deny the anxiety from within. The beating of his heart that got faster as his moment drew near. His one chance to reach out to her.

"There's a gymnasium right over there," Tommy pointed. "The moment you reach Rose, take her in there. We'll keep watch."

Jack nodded, "But where should I hide?"

"In the gymnasium, dummy!" Fabrizio shook his head, shoving him towards the door. Peeking inside, they saw that it was currently empty, and Jack was pushed in. "Just keep the door open a bit and the moment you see Rose by herself, reach for her."

Jack nodded as he watched Fabrizio and Tommy walk down further, using the lifeboats as cover to hide themselves once they got far enough away but close enough to be of use.

Taylor never felt so bored in his life being with the first class group he was walking along with. His only enjoyment was with Molly, who provided a much-needed distraction from how formal everyone was. He wondered how he was able to get through last night without losing his mind.

They had been allowed to visit the wheelhouse of the ship by Captain Smith himself, who explained how everything worked when asked, along with help from Andrews.

Taylor couldn't help but feel honored to be so close to a legendary captain like Edward John Smith, despite knowing how it would end for him.

His heart sank upon seeing one of the privates hand him a telegraph of iceberg warnings, again being reminded of what was to happen.

His shame and guilt felt heavy upon his shoulders.

When Captain Smith took his leave to attend to matters at hand, the group continued on with their little tour, now being led by Andrews himself. He couldn't help but admire the man's love for the ship he had designed and saw the construction of.

Which only added to his sorrow.

His moment of reprieve was answered as they walked down Deck A, able to make out three figures down. He knew who it was and was ready to help in any way that he could. His only hope was that his friend would succeed.

He kept his eyes off Rose but made sure to have her within sight, hoping that she would be isolated just enough for Jack to make his move.

He listened as Andrews went on about the ship before Rose took asked her questions, mainly about her concerns over there not being enough lifeboats for the number of people on the ship. Andrew's reply angered him as he said that he was overruled in getting more to be able to hold the number onboard, if the situation called for it. All so that there could be more room on Deck A.

Cal's reply that it would be a waste of good space only fueled his anger, wishing to strangle the man for being so arrogant.

Andrews reassured Rose that he had built a strong ship and there was no need to worry, a falsehood that Taylor struggled to hold his guilt down upon hearing.

As everyone began to walk ahead of them, leaving only Rose and him, Taylor smiled as he saw the door to the gymnasium open a bit, walking close next to it as he whispered, "Now."

Walking past Rose, he approached Andrews and stood next to the man.

"Not to be one to bother you over such things but I thought I heard the crew saying that were no red flares to be found. Is this true?"

Andrews frowned, turning to him, "Just earlier?"

He nodded, smiling as he saw a figure from the corner of his eye reach out to Rose.

Jack's heart began to race the moment he heard Taylor whisper "Now" to him as he walked by. He felt safe in knowing that no one was able to see what he was doing the moment he recognized the redhead follow just a second later.

Opening the door, he reached out and took Rose's hand, startling her.

Rose felt fear pierce her heart upon feeling a hand on her arm, turning to see Jack next to her, pointing towards the open door he had come out of. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped, shocked that he was pulling such a stunt. She had no choice but to listen and follow him into the gymnasium. Fearful that the others would see them if they remained outside any longer.

Hearing the door close behind her, she turned to Jack and took a deep breath to remain strong, especially in front of him.

"Jack, this is impossible," she quickly said as he turned to her. "I can't see you. Not anymore."

She tried to walk past him, not daring to look him in the eyes.

Jack took her arm as he felt her brush right by him, making her turn around and back up to the wall before she could reach the door.

"I need to talk to you."

"No, Jack…" her voice failed her, not when she was forced to look into his blue eyes. "I… I meant what I said last night. I didn't want this to happen, believe me… but it doesn't matter now…"

"Of course, it matters."

Jack was fueled by adrenaline, his focus purely on her as his energy went wild. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her, to know what it felt to feel her lips on his. But he shoved those thoughts to the side, keeping control of himself.

Rose felt herself losing control, struggling to keep herself from speaking the words she so desperately wanted to say.

"Jack… I'm engaged," she looked away and then back at him. "I'm marrying Cal."

Her heart sank upon seeing the hurt deep in his eyes.

"I…" she felt the words get stuck in her throat, like bile, before forcing herself to say them, "…I love Cal."

Despite a part of him feeling like he was being sucked into a black hole at hearing those words, Jack couldn't help but sigh and give her a look, knowing better.

He struggled how to approach her and help her see the truth. To let her know that she wasn't truly trapped and that there was another path for her.

"Rose… you're no picnic. You're a spoiled brat who knows nothing of the hardships like me and the others do. But… under that… you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. And I've met a lot of them, even courted a few of them. But none of them have ever come close to you. And-"

Rose felt the tears coming and the struggle to hold them back, as she tried to move toward the door, "Jack, I can't be with you."

Jack blocked her way, "Wait, please! All I'm asking is three minutes of your time. That's all I want. Three minutes to say what I need to say. Allow me to do this and you'll never see me again."

Jack forced the words out, hating himself for even thinking of saying them.

Rose her heart tighten upon hearing those words, wishing that he hadn't said them.

Taking a deep breath, she nodded, already lost in his ocean-like eyes.

Realizing that this was the final shot he was hoping for, he wasted no time, feeling the anxiety grow deep inside his heart.

"I'm not an idiot. I know how the world works. First class are not supposed to be with third class. I'm supposed to be nothing but a slave to those like you in your class."

'You're not!' she wanted to yell out to him.

"The only money I have is forty bucks that I was given by that Lovejoy guy and it's far more than I will ever make in this life. Forty bucks and a life of freedom, adventure and… love. That's all I can offer you."

Rose felt her heart skip a beat.

"I won't lie, my life doesn't have the luxuries as your life does. I only live so comfortably because Taylor has his ways of getting money better than I ever could. And I know that one day I will have to make do on my own. My life has struggles, I won't sugarcoat it.

"And I know that I shouldn't be involved, especially not this much. But I am too involved now, and I can't walk away without letting you know that you don't have to live like this. You cannot convince me that you suddenly feel fine marrying into this life, not after what I witnessed nearly two nights ago. Nothing!"

Every word he said, she was hung on to.

"You jump, I jump. Remember?"

She did. No matter how much she tried, she could never forget.

"I can't turn away without offering you a chance to escape this hell. Without knowing that I gave you a chance. All I want is to know that you'll be alright. That you've made your choice. That's all I want."

But he wanted so much more. More than he was supposed to want. More than he deserved.

No matter how much she wanted to throw her arms around him and kiss him, to feel his lips on hers, she forced herself to speak.

"Well, I'm fine. I'll be fine. Really."

Jack could feel how lifeless those words were the moment she spoke them.

He gave her a look, "Really?"

She tried to nod but her body refused to listen.

Jack pointed in the direction of her fiancée and mother, "They got you trapped, Rose! They can spin whatever manipulative lie they want to control you, but you know that all of this is for them, not for you. You are smarter than this! I know you are!

"But the worst part is that if you don't break free… you're going to die. Maybe not literally or right away, because your strong… but you will eventually."

He placed his hand on her cheek, moving closer to her.

Rose knew she shouldn't allow him to touch her or get near her, but she yearned for it. She wanted him to be so close to her. To feel the warmth of his body.

"You have a fire burning bright inside of you. A fire that I love so much about you, Rose. But if you continue to live this life… that fire is gonna burn out."

She knew he was speaking the truth. Every word was filled with the honesty and caring nature of his soul. And she wanted nothing more than to choose him right then and there. To seal her fate without a second thought.

The thought of freedom filled her soul with joy, the thought of doing all the things they spoke of the day before made her excited, and the thought of being with him was the only future she genuinely wanted.

But her mother's voice entered her mind and the seeds of doubt that were already planted deep in her mind began to take hold.

"It isn't up to you to save me, Jack."

Jack nodded, "You're right. Only you can do that."

Unable to resist, she touched his hand that rested on her cheek, wishing the glove wasn't in the way to feel him.

She knew right then and there that this decision would affect her entire life going forward. She knew that he would keep away if she refused. She knew the consequences of both.

And she felt the fire begin to die.

"I'm going back," she forced the words out of her throat, looking away from his eyes. "Now, please… leave me alone."

Jack's heart sunk upon hearing those words as she left the gymnasium as if his soul was dying.

Rose never looked back as the door closed, struggling to keep the tears from coming forth. She was under so much grieve that she ended up not heading back to join the others and instead began to run back to the suite, passing many people who looked her way. She managed to hold herself together until she nearly burst through the door, just barely turning the knob in time. Once the door was closed, she fell to her knees and began to cry, the tears breaking free like a dam from the pressure.

Supporting herself on her hands and knees, she let her sorrow as the realization of what she had done and said settled in on her.

She barely noticed as Trudy ran toward her, kneeling down to support her.

Only her cries of agony filled the room.

Sorry for this one being so short but it felt right to end it here. I was excited to write this part from the movie, along with my little touch of dialogue. I know that it seems like I'm just recopying the movie scenes but I promise that we will see more original scenes in the future.

Hope you guys enjoyed this one.

See you in Chapter 8!