Chapter 40

"Alright, you're free to go, Mr. Hockley." the officer says, the sound of keys turning the lock, and the rusty door of his cell squeaked as it swung open. Cal's head was pounding as he tries to stand up. He knew he had too much liquor before trying to catch after the train. His body was aching from the fighting with the police as they wrestled him from the platform to their car, and to the station afterward for booking. He follows the guard to another room to collect his belongings they had locked in a footlocker. On his way out, he passed by a mirror, where he took a quick take on himself. His hair was disheveled, he had a minor cut on his lip, and his forehead took a small cut as well, probably from the police nightstick. He knew he saw that gutter rat running around his house, calling her name, but he didn't notice the person sitting in the back seat of that car, wearing a hat, but he acknowledged the driver, then went to his gardener. He heard that gutter rat calling her name, then tried to sprint inside, but somehow the door had been locked. He then ran around the house, only to see the car speed away. He knew why that car was there: Mr. Williams, his father's associate, came to get a few of his things, and somehow the gutter rat came into the picture. He knew that gutter rat was thrown overboard, buried at sea on the Carpathia.

Cal couldn't believe he spent a few days in that disgusting cell. His cellmate was no better than the cell he was sitting in. He knew this will not set well with anyone back at the office, particularly with his father, especially worse back at the Society. Jesse was also still in his mind, but he had hoped he died on the ship as well. He walks outside, the seering sunlight burning his eyes as he meets his new servant, standing at the bottom rung of the steps in front of the station.

"You alright Hockley?" Robert asks.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Cal says, blowing his bangs as he walks past his servant.

"That must have been some fight you had at the bar that night."

"It wasn't a bar fight; I was merely trying to find my fiancé, and I was trying to ask the conductor if he had seen a young woman board that train. I knew she boarded that train with that rat!" Cal balls his fists.

"That's too bad." Robert says. "But you should know better; this might be all over Philadelphia, as well as back at the office. You'd better put this rumor to rest soon than later. You were lucky, though, as none made it to the papers, yet. So glad you called when you did. But Mrs. Dewitt Bukater still hasn't returned yet. You better come up with something or she will find out her daughter is missing."

"Dammit! How do you think I'm trying to figure that out?!" Cal barked.

"You're the one who said you thought you saw your fiancé board that train, with that boy-"

"Just get in the car!" Cal angrily bangs his fist on the roof of the car, before he slid in the seat, then angrily slamming the door.

They rode in silence for a few minutes as they made their way to the steel company. Cal tells the driver to drive around to the back of the building, to avoid the stares of his lawyers, employees, and various clients who entered the building. When they arrived, Cal gets out and slams the door, then taking the back door that led straight to his office. His secretary looks up, surprised by the noise and his return.

"Oh. Sir, what can I do for you today?" she asks.

"Get me some coffee and get out!" Cal orders as he slams the door of his office. He took his chair and puts his face in his hands, wondering what happened earlier, and how he was going to tell Mrs. Bukater her daughter ran away with that rat. He looks up, his secretary is standing at the doorway. She has his coffee and a few slips of paper. He must've not heard the secretary knock or something.

"Bring those to me and get out!" he barked. She brings him his coffee and papers before leaving his office.

"Thank you, Mildred." he says, softly. He takes his mind off as he reads the slips of paper, then drinks his hot coffee, fast. He nearly falls back in his chair, spewing out the hot liquid, then burning himself as the hot liquid runs down his chest. He threw the slips of paper as the tries to get up to clean himself. He instead fans himself with his shirt to hopefully dry it out. He eventually sat back down, looking for the papers he had been reading. He picked up two, then read them once more. The first one was from his father asking where he had been, the second one was from within his father's company that business was usual, then tries to look for another. He found it, then read it. It was from Mr. Williams, that was saying he was leaving the company as the associate. That was about it, for now. Cal flung them across his desk, then sat back, crossing his arms behind his head, thinking about that day, he thought he saw that gutter rat. Cal shakes his head; he knew he saw a man being thrown overboard to the sea. He knew Jesse was dead; that must have been why Mr. Williams was quitting the company so he can accompany his deceased son. He smiled a bit, as he knew that was off of his mind and can now rest with ease, knowing Jesse will never pester him again.

But what to do with that gutter rat? Cal leaned forward, then thrummed his fingers on his desk.

Jesse emerged from a little shop, holding a piece of paper between his lips, as he made his way towards the front of the car, then turned the engine by crank.

"Where're we going?" Marion asked, as Jesse fiddled with the levers once he got the car moving. He handed her the little slip of paper, and smiled, as he fiddled with the timing advance on the steering column.

"We're going to get lost for a little bit. On purpose, of course." He knew where he was going, despite having almost no knowledge of the city. Marion unfolded the paper, then smiled. Before she could say something, Jesse pointed.

"We're now on 48th. From here, we are going to a place called Times Square." All around, they passed by large buildings, as Jesse was too focused on navigating the crowded streets, filled with trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, cars and pedestrians. Both Jack and Marion could contain their excitement, as they never seen sights like these before.

"Does it have the famous-"

"We've just passed the street that would've taken us to the Brooklyn Bridge-whoa!" Jesse says, as he dodged an oncoming trolley at the last second. Marion was impressed, though she was also frightened of Jesse's driving ability, especially in a city he has never been in. Eventually, they arrived to their destination, as Jesse managed to parallel park the car without stalling.

"That was a close one. My brother-in-law would've killed me if he'd found out what had happened to his car back there." Jesse says, as he dusted himself, then helping his nephew out of the car, then pushes back his hair before adjusting his vest and coat.

"You almost got us killed." Marion shrieked, then collected herself, as she pulled down her blouse and adjusted her long black skirt, before adjusting her hat from the New York sun. Jesse lovingly rubbed the Ford logo on the radiator, then lightly polishes it with his coat.

"Eh, he doesn't know much about cars anyway. You should see my father. There she be. Times Square." Jesse ran his hand in front of them, as if introducing an audience of the grandeur of the intersections. With Marion holding Jack's hand, and Jesse the other, they strolled the square, after first seeing the subway for the first time. They felt insignificant, being surrounded by tall buildings as they continued to walk the midtown of Manhattan, until finally meeting back under the majestic One Times Square.

"I wonder where they do those famous ball drops for New Years I've been hearing about." Marion says. Just then, a passerby overheard, then pointed upward at the One Times Square.

"You're looking at it. A large crystal ball, they say, that drops with the countdowns every New Years, since 1903. Yesirree. The home of former Pabst Hotel-"

"Excuse me. Where can we find a Central Park?" Jesse interrupted. The man looked surprised at first, but gave them directions, then continued rambling on. Jesse thanked the man, before they ran back to the car.

"Central Park. You don't mean-?" Marion's eyes grew wide, as Jesse fiddled with the car once more. It backfired, before finally moving, but not without clashing the gears first, and their heads jerked from the motion of the car.

"Yes. There is such a park. I've heard about it. Now, we go back this way, and it'll take us to Central Park." Jesse drove, until he could find a place where he could safely park the car, as people came in and out of the park. As soon as Jesse turned off the engine, it gave a series of coughs, as if wanting to continue to run.

"That's strange. This could kill a beautiful day like this." Jesse scratched his head, as he felt the car rumble with the rhythm of the coughs and pings, then he brushed his hair away from his eyes. A few seconds later, the coughs subsided, followed by the sounds of water boiling in the radiator.

"Everybody out, now! This could go bad both ways." Jesse had heard that sound before. Marion and Jack ran from the passenger side, and Jesse the other. As they watched, steam escaped from the cap, while the meter indicated the engine wasn't hot, but Jesse knew there was something worse. He knew Jon doesn't take enough care of his automobile, much less know the inner workings, despite the strict warnings it gave in the manuals.

"Here we are. Central Park." Jesse says, as he made his way to the passenger side of the car, to close the door. "Let's go, shall we? We'll let it cool down some."

...

"This is so beautiful. I'm glad we came out this way." Marion says, as a flower from a tree lightly fell, then landed in a stream as they walked the Gapstow Bridge, then stopped at the middle of the arch. Jack watched as the flower made little ripples as the stream carried it away. Marion wrapped her arm around Jesse's waist, then Jesse wrapped his arm around her chest, as they strolled the park. They enjoyed the scene around them, even stopping once to enjoy the music.

"That's so romantic." Marion says, as a white horse and carriage rolled past. "But we don't have enough time..." Jesse, having southwest traits, began looking through the thick trees, for the sun's position. He knew he had a few hours more, before going to Coney Island.

"We've got time." Jesse says, as he gave his nephew a piggy-back. They rented a coach for the rest of the afternoon, seeing more of the park than they would on foot. Marion snuggled next to Jesse's shoulder, as he ran his hand through her soft, thick hair, then moving to his own to brush his hair away from his eyes.

As evening began to set in, Jesse and Marion finally ended their day in Coney Island with Jack in tow, though he was getting a bit tired by now. Jesse holds Marion's hands as she also had Jack's hands, as the trio strolled through the many amusement rides and games, the air filled with screams, laughter and fun. Jesse tries not to remember the people in the water, as the screams sounded familiar in the amusement park. He shakes his head, trying to forget the awful screams and cries, and focuses his attention to Marion and his little nephew.

"Ooh! Ooh! Uncle! Auntie! Let's go on that one!" Jack jumps with joy and points, then claps gleefully, at the horse carousel.

"You know what Mommy said the last time you rode on that. You threw up on that ride before after you ate so many corndogs and candy." Jesse sighs, then ran his hand through his soft hair as he pushed it away from his eyes. "Are you sure you want to ride it? I mean, you ate too much again-"

Jack looks up, still jumping with joy, as if not listening to his uncle. Jesse and Marion looked at each other. Marion smiles and nods, while Jesse shrugs his shoulders, blows at a loose strand of hair before pushing it back again.

"Okay." he finally agrees, then hands the operator his ticket.

"But you asked for it." Jesse licks his lips, then hoists the kid on the wooden horse, then helping Marion up the horse, before finally pulling himself up. Jesse mimics being on the horse, as Marion laughs at his silliness. The ride starts, and Jesse looks at his nephew with slight worry. But nothing happens to Jack, as he smiles and makes horse noises as it goes up and down. He is joined by other children as they laugh and giggle all around them. They stroll around the various rides and carnival games as more laughter and screams fill around them.

Soon, they came across a sketchy-looking ring-toss type of game, as Marion wasn't so sure of this one, while Jesse looked on.

"Step right up! Win a prize for your beloved wife and child. Yes. I'm talking to you, good sir with the hair hanging over your eye." Jesse's hand automatically went to move his hair, until the man continued. "Leave your hair as is. Makes you look mysterious. Come on up!"

"Jesse. I'm not too sure..." Marion says, with uneasiness in her voice, as she clutched onto his arm.

"I know. I been in this before, though it was a moving carnival that went to California. My father and I got swindled to a grifter. Now I hope to learn his 'con tricks'." Jesse put down some coins, and the operator handed the rings. I got me a sucker. he thought, then rubbed his hands. Jesse looked at the rings, then at the prizes where the rings were supposed to land. With determination in his eyes, he tosses the first ring. It slips then falls to the ground. He tosses another, losing it behind a prize. Marion had her hands to her mouth, and Jack was holding his breath. Jesse concentrated, before he tossed his final ring. It caught on a small teddy bear's head.

"Looks like you've won." The man handed Jesse the small bear, who gave it to Marion, then moved his hair away from his eyes.

"You did it, Jess." Marion kissed Jesse.

"He seemed fair." Jesse wrapped his arm around Marion's waist, then giving her a kiss in return. "Sort of."

They arrived at a food booth, where Jesse orders some fries and a large cup of Coke, while Marion sat down at a nearby table with Jack, across from a couple who were slightly older than they were, as they watched. The young woman soon blushes at the sight of Jesse, while the man also blushes at Marion, and became nervous especially to Jesse, as he knew his own date wasn't going as well. Nonetheless, they sat back and admired the beautiful couple and their kid in front of them. Marion takes a handful of fries as Jesse slurps the soda, his dimples showing, then giving some to Jack, even though he knew the sugar was bad for him, but is glad he doesn't get the sugar rush. He knew most kids of his age, even if they did get a little sugar, they would never settle down until the cows came home. Marion also takes a sip from the cup, as she looks into Jesse's one eye looking at her, and the other buried under his hair. He pushes his hair back so she can look into them even more. A stray hair falls in front of Jesse's nose, as they got up from the table, as Jesse effortlessly crumples the trash and puts them in a nearby trash can. The couple looked on, as the beautiful couple strolled back into the crowds.

They finally end their evening with a Ferris wheel ride, where Jesse hands the operator a ticket, and smiling. The operator nervously took the ticket, as he looked at Jesse, his hair completely covering one eye, and gave him a small smile. Jesse places Jack between him and Marion. They hold hands until they were at the top. They lean over, then kiss each other, as fireworks explode over them. Jack is overjoyed by the sights, sound and his uncle and new aunt finally getting together. He looks above his head, as Jesse and Marion still share their passionate kiss, over the exploding sounds and lights of the fireworks overlooking the bay.

"I had fun, Jess. We should do this more often." Marion says, leaning close to Jesse, as he had his arm around her. Jack was licking his ice cream, poking at the chocolate chip pieces embedded within the ice cream and then licking his fingers. For a moment they looked like a married couple, with their "son" in front of them. Marion suddenly had hopes she would marry this wonderful man, and by the way he looks after his nephew, he will make an excellent father. She knew they would have to get ready for that, but in the meantime, marriage is on her mind. She felt his tight hug as they made their way to their car. Marion practices strapping Jack in his seat as Jesse guides her along. They both climb in the car, and begin their journey back home.

They finally arrived back at the house, only to find not a single light was on.

"What happened? Did a power outage occur?" Jesse asks, remembering everyone had been home the morning earlier before they left. This was the only car his sister and brother-in-law used, unless they took a cab to go out occasionally.

"Probably no one is home right now." Marion reassures, as she gets Jack out of his seat. They walked up the stairs to the door. Jesse opened the door and turns on the light, only to get a "Surprise!" from everyone.

"What the-" Jesse was stunned. He knew his birthday was not for a few weeks more.

"Happy birthday, Jack!" as everyone emerged from their hiding places. Jesse had forgotten his nephew's birthday until today.

"So that's why you wanted to go to the park again. You little…" Jesse laughs, then pokes the kid's stomach once more. Jack wraps his arms around Jesse's neck, as Jesse lifts him up and goes to the kitchen. There was cake, some chips, and cups for drinks on the table. Rose gets out the plates from the cupboard and Jack gets the silverwares out. Jon brings in the steak he had cooked outside and places it in a pan, then cutting it in servable sizes, while Jessica cuts up a salad she had bought from a nearby farmers' market. Jessica and Fabrizio passes around the steak pieces and salad to everyone. Once everything was in place, they sang Happy birthday to little Jack, who now turned 5, even when Eric wasn't present for this joyous moment. Jessica pours another Coca-Cola in cups before Marion passes it around the kitchen. Jessica had an announcement to make as well.

"Since my brother's not going to be here for a while again, why don't we have an early celebration for him. His birthday's not until July 4th, but we'll have it anyway." Jesse shook his head, as if not to make a big deal out of this, but it was too late anyway. Rose gave Jesse a big hug, while Marion gently brought Jesse's head down and gave him a passionate kiss on his lips, and both Jack and Fabrizio patted Jesse on his back. Karl gave Jesse a handshake, before pulling him and hugging like brothers. He would turn nineteen soon, standing next to a girl who had fallen for him back at Philadelphia, and his three friends, Jack, Rose, and Fabrizio. Including Karl.

Jack opens his gifts his mother told him to stay away from when they came back from Coney Island, and he knew she lied that those gifts and toys belonged to someone else, except for that giant teddy bear; Fabrizio had won it, but gave it as a gift to little Jack. Soon Mr. Dawson cuts up the cake afterward, and Jesse serves ice cream with the cake, then passes them around to everyone in the kitchen. The house has once again come to life, filled with laughter, memories, and friendship.

With Jesse fully occupied with the party with his little nephew along with Fabrizio and Karl, Jon took Jack to the back of the house. Jessica saw what her husband was up to, did the same to both Marion and Rose, and they went upstairs to the master bedroom. Once they were in the backyard porch and out of earshot, Jon closed the back door carefully and quietly, then turns to face Jack, while the happy sounds continued from within the house.

"I want to say this from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being a part in my younger brother-in-law's life. This is what my wife always wanted for her brother. He was very different to the people he came from, and oftentimes, mocked by his 'friends', if he had any back in his school days. Like I said, you have taken quite a shine to Jesse. And like before..." Jon trailed off, sniffling. He hugged Jack. "Thank you."

"No problem. I like meeting new, interesting people, and Jesse's one of them." Jack says, beginning to tear up. Soon, they both hugged each other again, and patting each other in the backs, before returning back inside to a dark house. The house had quieted down, with Jesse and Marion the only people still up in the living room, but nonetheless, getting ready to turn in for the night. Mr. Williams set his paper down and began to sleep on the couch again. Even in the dark living room Jack could see Jesse's shadowy outlines as he stretched in the dark.

"Good night." Jack says to the shadowy people.

"Good night." Jesse and Marion say in unison, as Mr. Williams snorted. Jon and Jack finally separated before departing to their rooms. In Jesse's room Rose waited for him as she sat at the edge of the bed. They both embraced each other, and tearfully kissed with growing passion, before Jack turned out the light, and carefully guided themselves to the bed. Jack tucked in Rose, before carefully rounding the bed, feeling his way around, and crawling to his side, before wrapping his arm around Rose.

"Where to, miss?" Jack whispered in the dark.

"To the stars." They kissed gently, before slowly falling asleep.