Hi lovelies, I know I haven't updated this story in so long, but I simply lost the inspiration for it unfortunately and I didn't really know whether it was very much liked by all of you. Anyway, I seemed to have found the hang of it again and really wanted to continue. I hope you will enjoy this new chapter! xoxo

...

Her feet seemed to fly over the stairs, her heels clicking against the wooden floors. Her hands trembled with excitement making it hard to open the door. After a few failed attempts she burst inside and scanned the room. It was only the sound of his voice that made his presence known. Peaking her head around the corner of his office she saw him bend over his desk, phone in one hand, pencil in the other. She remained quiet and simply listened to his conversation with presumably a business parter. Terms she had no notion of flew around the room like knives. The tone of his speech sounded harsh and she could make out the frown plastered on his face. He then looked up at her and simply stared.

"I'll go." She whispered loud enough for him to hear. Jack shook his head heavily and pulled out a chair next to him. She sat down, her gaze moving to the drawings on top of his desk. She could look at them for hours and envision the lives of the strangers outlined on the pieces of paper. From the corner of her eyes she saw his hand move up and he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. Then his fingers traced down her neck and she felt her cheeks starting to flush. After a few minutes he finally put the phone back on the hook, put his head in his hands and groaned.

"What it that horrible?"

He wanted to nod, but refused to give in to that urge. "I have decided not to complain anymore." He could now look at her face properly. The dark circles were prominent, but she also looked calm, "You look tired." He stated.

"I've been busy."

"I've noticed. I haven't seen you in ages."

She chuckled. "Jack, we saw each other last week."

"But that has been the longest week of my life." He pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately. Rose melted within his touch. He smelled fresh and smokey all at once, as if she was walking around a campfire during a cold night. The urge to give herself completely to him grew stronger by the day. Skin on skin, simply being one. Yet it still tormented her. How did it seem to be impossible with the person she wanted it with the most. Her tormenting thoughts were soon interrupted by a movement behind her back. She heard something being slid off the table and she pulled away. Jack managed to take hold of the envelope and held it up in the air.

"A mysterious letter to a so called Rose Smith."

"It's from Olly. I wanted to wait read it to you."

He handed it back to hear and waited patiently for her recital.

Dear Rose,

I am sorry for not having written to you sooner, but everything has been so busy. Busy in a good way. I share my room with two others. Their names are Robert and Nathan. They're both from somewhere up state and Nathan's mother is some Scottish duchess, but I can't quite recall. To sum it all up for you, everyone and everything here is rich. I often feel quite out of place among the others, yet strangely enough, they treat me like I am one of them. They truly believe I am one of them. Perhaps it is because of the suit Jack gave me as I truly look like a real gentleman. The food here is so much better than the sandwiches you gave me every single night and for the lessons, they are truly wonderful! I now finally have the feeling I am truly learning something. I do miss you, Rose. I miss your footsteps around the apartment whenever I lay in bed and I miss you singing me to sleep. I even miss your frustration at times when I apparently don't listen to you. But, I don't want you to worry about me because I really like it here! I cannot wait to see you during the holidays. Please send my love to Mrs. Adams and if you happen to see Jack greet him for me too!

Love, Oliver.

A lump formed in Rose's throat and she was taken aback by the feelings of both happiness and sadness. She folded the piece of paper back and grabbed a smoke out of Jack's cigarette holder. He simply kept staring at her in silence until she had calmed down a bit more.

"What are you feeling, Rose?"

She shrug her shoulders. Why couldn't she smile, she thought to herself. Why couldn't she allow herself to feel joyful for the good things that were now happening in her life. There was always this inner voice of guilt and shame. As if he was able to read her thoughts, he stood from his chair and slowly moved over to her. She laid her head against his shoulder and he gently kissed her soft curls.

"Can a person be too happy, Jack? I feel like I am so extremely happy that it is turning into melancholy." She muttered against him. A grin formed on his lips.

"Like you have reached the top and it can now only go downhill."

"It does sound silly, doesn't it?"

A knock was heard on the door. Steady at first but growing more urgent by the second. It was followed by a voice that screamed through the corridors. Rose pulled herself out of his embrace and raised an eyebrow. Jack immediately recognised the cries of despair. Ernest. Closing the office behind him he angrily marched to the front door. Still holding anger towards his brother, he hadn't much seen him since the Hockley affair. Every time Jack looked at him and his devious manners, he couldn't help but feel a horrible rage burn within him and he had to leave before he was able to do something bad. His heart was pounding in his chest. Then there he was in front of him. Ernest's face was covered in sweat and, of course, the smell of liquor penetrated through Jack's nose.

'What is it that you want, Ernest?"

"It is Cecilia. She suddenly started bleeding and is now at the hospital!"

"You drove her to the hospital?"

"No of course not! Her driver did. Her maid is with her and I tried to contact everyone, but no one is answering the damn telephone."

Jack quickly grabbed his car key from the dresser next to him and put it in his brother's hands. "Go wait in the car. I'll be there in a second."

"I'll wait here for you."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want your alcoholic scent all over my house," He lied, thinking about Rose who was still waiting for him, "Now do as I told you." He watched as he headed down the stairs before grabbing his coat and hat. Rose had already freed herself from the office.

"I heard what happened. Oh Jack, how terrible!"

"I'm sorry, Rose, but I have to go and see if she is all right."

"Of course you must." She straightened his tie and pecked his cheek gently. Then he rushed off.

She didn't leave long after his departure. His place was lovely, yet still felt like a palace to her as if it was too big for her to be there all by herself. Oliver's words moved through her head like a parade. It was a funny idea to see him mingling around all those dandies. It didn't surprise her that he blended in, she had always known that he was far more sociable than she was herself. She inhaled the fresh air and exhaled as she felt the sun starting to tingle on her face. She took off her hat and looked up until it disappeared behind a cloud. Then she moved along, past the ladies and gentlemen of Jack's neighbourhood, whom she did not belong to. Eyes burned into her skin until she was finally a few blocks away, into her own world. As as she stood in front of her apartment building a window above her opened. It was Mrs. Adams.

"Good you are back, Rose. Miss Cole is here. I'll send her to your apartment."

Rose swallowed the lump in her throat. She hadn't seen Julie for a while now, nor had she come to work. It seemed as if she had simply vanished from the earth. She slowly headed up the stairs, afraid of what she might encounter. Was her friend still frustrated with her and only stopped by to make that clear once more or had she finally decided to return back to civility. Julie was already waiting for Rose's door. Her bruises had almost cleared, but she still looked devastated.

"Can I come in, Rose?"

"Of course you can, Julie. Let me put on the kettle."

The tea warmed both their bodies and cigarette smoke filled the little room around them. For a minute or so, they acted like total strangers. Julie simply swirling around in her cup, waiting for the right things to say. After a while it was a simple sorry that fell from her lips and Rose smiled sincerely at her friend. She loved her and couldn't blame her for her behaviour. She was traumatized.

"It is not the only thing I wanted to tell you," Julie continued, "Tommy and I are getting married."

"Married?" Rose was at a loss for words.

"Yes," She nodded, "It was Tommy's idea. We both came to the conclusion that if I might be pregnant I won't have anything no more. I have already lost a child, I can't bear to go through that all again. Besides, Tommy is a respectable man. He treats me kindly."

That was in fact true and to hear it was his idea all together showed a lot about his character. Rose wanted to hug her friend tightly and almost soothe her like a baby. "I understand your decision, Julie. Despite how painful it all is, I understand."

"And we want you and Fabrizio to be our witnesses."

"It would be an honor. Truly."

"But don't bring him, please."

"I won't. I know you don't like him."

"It is not that I don't like him. It is that I don't trust him," She lit up another cigarette, "And I don't blame you, Rose. Lucy's father happened to be just as charming as Mr. Dawson, but they are used to getting everything they want. The world is their playground and we are nothing but their puppets. Yes, I agree the opportunity he gave Oliver is nothing but amazing, but eventually he wants you to return him a favour."

Rose looked away. Julie's words stabbed her like knives. It wasn't true, she felt within every fiber of her body that, in fact, Jack was nothing but genuine towards her and everyone around him. There was no mask in front of him, he was as clear as an early summer morning. He was warmth...he was, love. Rose sighed and poured both of them another cup of tea. She wanted to openly disagree with her friend's conclusions, but she knew Julie didn't have the strength for it, and nor did she. As if Julie was able to read her mind, she took hold of Rose's hand and caressed her palm. Her sudden touch took her by surprise.

"I am not blaming you, Rose. I am only trying to warn you. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I didn't and something were to happen to you, because I love you. I know love can be a dangerous thing."

"But I am not in love, Julie." Her face showed no sign of emotion. No one would be able to see that she was lying, except for her dearest pal. She did in fact love this man to the deepest core of her heart. He warmed, within her, every thought of life and made it all look just a bit brighter. Whenever she was with him, it was just the two of them, as if the outside world didn't exist. No worries about the past or future. Just two lost souls, joined together as one. Julie suddenly grinned and pulled back her hand, then shook her head.

"All right. If you say so."

...

The smoke had started to hurt his throat, but he didn't care. The smell of the hospital alone and the constant nervousness of everyone around him made him want to do nothing more than flee. After having heard the news, the whole family, including Amelia, decided to join the two brothers in the halls of life and death. His mother was on the verge of a complete breakdown, clinging onto her youngest son for dear life whilst the tears ran down her cheeks. Jack eventually managed to free himself from her grip and snuck out of the building. The cold and fresh air hit him like a big wave, washing him away from reality. They had been apart for only a few hours, but how he missed her so. How he longed to have her beside him and calm him down with only the soft look of her eyes. He wanted her warm embrace.

Sudden footsteps caught him by surprise and he was thrown back into the real world. Amelia's heels echoed through the courtyard. She was holding his coat and wrapped it around his shoulders the moment she was next to him. She kissed his cheek. His body froze.

"You have been out for half an hour." She simply stated.

"You know I don't like hospitals." Jack said.

"No, I actually don't, Jack. In fact, I've noticed that I barely know you at all." Her tone of voice turned serious and extremely cold, "I have this feeling like we haven't been seeing each other as much as we used to."

He sighed, tossed his cigarette onto the ground and pressed it down with his foot. "I have been busy with work, Amelia. And most of the times I don't get any help from the people who are supposed to help me."

"You know what is expected of us. The sooner we go on with it the sooner my family can help out. Then you'll have more time on your hands for us." She wanted to take hold of his hands, but he pushed her off and took a few steps back, "Unless."

"I am not a form of charity, Amelia. I am my father's son therefore it is my responsibility to clean up the mess he made."

"Is there someone else, Jack?"

"I am going back inside."

"Don't ignore my question!" She yelled a little too loud. Luckily for them they were alone, but it wouldn't surprise him if the rooms surrounding the square were listening closely to this form of entertainment. She was breathing heavily. Her fists were clenched and she walked back up to him, "Is the reason why you don't want to see me is because you've been seeing another woman?"

"I could ask you the same question, Amelia. Have you been meeting up with Caledon Hockley?"

"Why would you think that?"

"People have seen you around with him."

She looked away, "No one would have been able to see us around. At least, not anyone that I know of. He was just in the city and we only went on a walk. Besides, he is a kind man. Despite being your business rival, he is well mannered gentleman with whom you can discuss things. At least he knows how to be kind to a woman."

Jack suddenly let out a laugh. "Then I don't see why you make such a fuss about us not spending time together when you prefer that man's company." He finally managed to walk out of the situation and turned his back towards her. She begged him to wait. He only stopped a few seconds to be able to hear what she had to say.

"It was that seamstress who told you, wasn't it?"

"I am going back, Amelia!"

"I will find out, Jack. Trust me! And we will get married whether you like it or not."

His heart was pounding. As if he was being chased, he flew through the doors and rushed through the building with the eerie feeling as if you was too close behind him. He pushed himself passed many people, leaving them annoyed and flabbergasted. Then, in his sight, he could see the doors that led to the corridor where everyone was waiting. Within no more than an hour, the grim ambience had turned into one of pure joy. Everyone was laughing and cheering and their gaze immediately turned to Jack as he walked in. Philip Spencer walked up to him and threw his arms around his brother in law.

"I did it, Jack. I have a son! I am now finally a father."

Jack's eyes widened, not expecting it to happen so soon. "What about Cecilia," He asked, "is she doing all right?"

Everyone nodded their heads. "She is doing just fine, dear." Mrs. Huntington reassured the young man. She looked over his shoulder, "Now where is my daughter?"

"She wanted to stay outside a bit longer." He simply brushed her off. Sitting down next to his mother, he took one of her hands in his and kissed it. She looked up at him, smiled and turned her gaze towards her Eldest son, who was leaning with his back against the wall. Jack seemed to be the only one who saw he was still waisted.

"If Ernest hadn't been there to help your sister, God know what would have happened to her." Mrs. Dawson spoke in total adoration. Of course, Jack thought to himself. It surprisingly didn't even bother him. He had somehow already expected the heroic praise his brother was getting. The only question that always wandered around in his mind was how Ernest always managed to capture everyone's hearts. He looked up and checked the big clock that was hanging on the wall in front of him. A few minutes past nine. He needed to get out of here as quickly as he could. His feet tapped impatiently on the floor and when the doctor came back to tell Mrs. Spencer was too weak for any visitors, he shot up from his chair.

"Well then. I'll be off."

"Nonsense," Mrs. Huntington stopped him, "You all must be starving. Let's celebrate this moment with a nice dinner at our place. Now where on earth is my daughter?"

It was the last thing he wanted right now, but having almost everyone with him in his car it was impossible to ditch the gathering. They were his family and he simply had to give in. He barely spoke a word during the course of the night and simply listened to the chatter of everyone around him. He smiled, nodded and swirled his drink around in his glass. Then there were her eyes, burning at him from across the table. He felt guilty, not for her but for Rose. She was the one who saw her and Mr. Hockley together, not anyone else. Now Amelia knew it had to be her, she was too clever for that. His emotions had caught him by surprise and now he was more than sorry. As she looked at him once more, he had enough of it. Jack pushed back his chair and gently placed his napkin onto the table. Straightening his tie, he cleared his throat.

"Thank you, Mrs. Huntington, for the wonderful food. Only I am afraid this day has taken quite a toll on me and I must retire."

Wishing everyone a good night, he rushed out of the house as quickly as he could and drove off into the night. Rose. Her name burned in his head like a hellfire. A voice within him made him drive to her own place where he could still see some light burning through her window as he arrived. Please be awake, he thought. Jumping out of the vehicle he slowly headed closer to the building. Then there she was, sitting in her favourite chair and reading what seemed like a newspaper. He waited a few minutes before she looked down and he waved. He flew up the stairs of the apartment building and as he reached the level, she was already waiting for him in the doorway.

"I was so worried." She sighed as he flew into her arms. As a little child, he rested his head onto her shoulders. She stroked his hair before holding his head in her hands, "Is everything okay, Jack?"

He nodded. "I am an uncle, Rose."

"Oh how wonderful! Congratulations." She kissed his lips tenderly and helped him back inside. His body felt so cold, "I have been thinking about you all day. You were gone for so long. How is the baby? And your sister of course!"

"They are both doing fine, although Cecilia is still very weak. We only know it is a boy. Her husband is with her now."

Rose's fingers traced his cheek and she kissed him once more. "You must be very tired, Jack."

"I am exhausted and full of energy at the same time." He confessed. He wasn't able to close a single eye. He recognised the feeling all too well and at nights like this he would roam around the streets and try to put it onto paper. The mystery of the night and all the people who belonged to it seemed to spark his creativity. But now he was with her, the one thing he true wanted right at this moment.

"I know that feeling. Your body wants to sleep, but your mind is wide awake."

Jack nodded his head. "I just want to drive around and gaze at the stars all night."

An amusing smirk then plastered across her face. "Let's do it, Dawson. Let's get inside that motor of yours and head out for the horizon. Only, let me change into something warmer first."