Sorry for the long chapter!
Friday 15th April 1920
It was 6am Friday morning when there was a knock on the door of Cal's study. "Yes?" He said firmly "Good morning, Sir" James said as he stepped in "we think we've found where this Jack Dawson fellow was from; Chippewa Falls… in Wisconsin" "yes, I know where Chippewa Falls is" Cal rolled his eyes "do you think that's where my wife may be?" He asked "It's a strong possibility. I'm happy to head out there myself and do some digging around if you wish?" "Yes. I will have your trains booked immediately. I expect to hear from you regularly with any updates on progress made" Cal said "of course, Sir" James nodded.
—
Rose woke up around 8am to Tilly coughing from her bedroom. She checked on Sophia - who was still sleeping, as she went to head to Tilly's room.
"Hey baby" she said to Tilly as she walked in, noticing how pale her daughter looked. She climbed in beside her "are you OK?" Rose asked "my head and throat hurt" Tilly replied. Rose felt her daughters forehead, noticing she had a temperature. "I think you might have a little virus. Come on, let's go and get you some medicine and we can curl up on the sofa and read some stories, OK?" Tilly nodded and climbed out of bed after Rose, holding both her teddy bears close.
As they reached downstairs, Rose quickly checked that every door and window was locked. She was worried about spending time alone in the house with the girls at the minute, but knew that today she didn't have a choice, she couldn't take Tilly out when she was feeling unwell.
After giving her some medicine and breakfast, Rose and Tilly sat on the sofa, Rose reading Tilly stories as she held Sophia to keep her from fussing.
Rose noticed Tilly fighting to keep her eyes open around lunch time "are you still tired?" she asked as she checked her daughters temperature, getting a nod in response "do you want to go to bed?" but Tilly just shook her head "OK, you just lay here with me" Rose said as she kissed Tilly's head. Within minutes, Tilly had fallen asleep, cuddled in to Rose.
—
It was around 2pm when Rose heard the front door open, her stomach beginning to turn because it was too early for Jack to be back from work. Just as she went to get up, Jack walked in to the living room. "Hey" he smiled "oh thank god" Rose sighed, relieved "you OK?" He asked with a confused frown "I thought someone was picking the lock. I didn't expect you home this early" Rose said. "Oh, I'm sorry" he gave an apologetic look, then noticed Tilly curled in to Rose "are they both asleep?" He frowned confused, it was normal for Sophia to be asleep, but not Tilly. She nodded as Jack sat on the sofa next to her "I think she's got a virus. She's got a headache, sore throat and a temperature" Rose said. "Oh bless her" Jack said, giving Tilly a sympathetic look. "Do you want a drink?" Rose asked "oh I'll make it" Jack smiled. "I don't mind, I could do with stretching my legs. Please could you just keep an eye on Tilly and hold Sophia whilst I make it?" Rose asked. "Of course" he smiled and Rose passed her over. She moved Tilly off her as carefully as she could, trying to avoid waking her up. "Thank you" she stroked his cheek as she walked past him to leave the room.
As Rose was in the kitchen, Tilly began to stir "mummy?" she said, half asleep. "She's just in the kitchen, darling. She'll be back in a minute" he said quietly. Tilly didn't reply, she just rubbed her eyes and moved herself to cuddle up to Jack before falling straight back to sleep. Jack just smiled gently, pleased that Tilly found comfort in him. He rested his arm around her whilst holding Sophia in the other arm.
—
Rose walked back in to the room a few minutes later, she smiled and chuckled at him, seeing Tilly had moved herself to be by Jack. "I told you, your own little fan" she smirked "do you want me to move her?" Rose offered "no, it's OK" he smiled "want me to take to Sophia?" She asked "I don't mind, I'm bonding with the two of them here" he smirked "OK" Rose chuckled "I'll put your drink on the mantlepiece for now" she smiled, setting the glass down before sitting down on the other side of him.
—
It was around 5pm when Tilly woke up. "Hey sleepy head" Rose smiled at her as she sat up. She got a sleepy smile from her in return "how are you feeling?" Jack asked her "better" she yawned "would you like some tea?" Rose asked, getting a nod "can we have pasta please?" "Of course we can" Rose smiled to her.
—
After dinner, Rose put the girls to bed before joining Jack in the living room.
—
James disembarked the train as he reached the station. When he made it to the street, he looked around for somewhere to stay. Spotting Mary's inn, he headed there.
"Good evening Sir, how can I help you?" Mary smiled. "Hello" he faked smiled "Do you have any rooms please?" He asked. Mary eyed him for a minute "well normally I only allow women and children to stay. But you look as though you've had a long journey? If you're happy to stay in a room on the ground floor then yes, we have space" "that's fine, thank you, Miss" he nodded "how long would you like to stay?" She asked "a week to begin with if that's alright?" He replied "that's fine" she nodded.
After taking payment, James headed to his room and Mary closed the inn for the evening.
James settled in to his room and noticed the time; 10.30pm. He decided to stay in for the evening and begin his search for Rose in the morning.