2
Rose Dewitt Bukater sat at the dinner table as bored as can be listening to Caledon Hockley go on and on about his accomplishments as a Hitler youth. She tried not to yawn as he went into a rendition of how many swimming contests he had won.
"That’s very nice Mr. Hockley," Ruth, Rose’s mother nodded. "Isn’t that nice Rose?"
"Oh yes," Rose snapped back to attention. "I’m sure you’re very proud of yourself."
"Not to be bragging, but I’m up for the Olympic team," Cal grinned.
Rose had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Caledon Hockley was so stuck on himself, she hated him already, even though today was his first day of courting her.
"Rose here has always followed the Olympics," Ruth nodded proudly. "In fact she once told me that she wished to be courted by an Olympic athelete."
"Mother that was when I was a child," Rose sighed. "I have no such intentions now."
"Oh Rose," Ruth laughed.
"Well some dreams do come true," Caledon grinned, looking at his watch. "Why look at the time. I must go. The youth are having a meeting in another hour. I must be going. I hope you do forgive me dear Rose," Cal took her hand and kissed it.
"Oh the pity," Rose sighed, trying to hide the relief she felt. One more hour in the company of Caledon Hockley she would have fallen asleep.
"I hope I can call on you later this week," Cal arched his eyebrow questionably.
"Oh of course you can Mr. Hockley. Rose is looking forward to it," Ruth spoke up before Rose could answer.
"I will send a telegram then. Good-bye ladies."
"Good bye Mr. Hockley," Rose forced a smile, watching the older man leave.
She got up to start for her room when her mother’s stern voice stopped her in her tracks. "What has gotten into you Rose? This is a fine match with Hockley. It will ensure both of our survival."
"Mother…I don’t
like him. He’s an arrogant nazi for goodness sake! What
would papa say?"
"It was your papa that got us in this mess. Hiding the fact
that he was a Jew until it was too late and then dying, leaving
us with nothing! If it wasn’t for him, then I wouldn’t
have to force this thing with Hockley, but I have no choice. We
have to survive somehow Rose. Without this match, you’ll
have to give up this life of luxery you’re so accustomed to.
Plus you’ll be sent away to those camps as well. Is that
what you want? To see our fine things sold off…our memories
scattered to the wind? Do you want to be sent to a concentration
camp where God knows what could happen to you?"
"No mother. That’s not what I want. It’s just
that…this all so unfair."
Ruth looked at her daughter,
her eyes shining with a certain knowledge. "We’re women
Rose. Nothing is ever easy. And if you’re smart you’ll
forget about your father and concentrate on hiding your true
heritage. No one must know that you have Jewish blood or
it’s off to the camps you go. Is this in anyway
unclear?"
Rose sighed. "No mother. Everything is very clear."
"Then you know what you
have to do?"
Rose sadly nodded. "Marry Caledon Hockley or else."
Ruth smiled and kissed her
daughter. "This is for you as well as me Rose. You know
that."
Rose only nodded as her mother glided out of the room.
Rose sighed as she entered the living room and stared out of the window, watching the people and soldiers go by. She looked up at the sun in the sky and closed her eyes in a silent prayer. "Oh poppa…please…send someone down to help me. I don’t want to marry Hockley…please help me."
Opening her eyes, Rose felt some better. It was like she had reassurance that everything was going to be alright now. That she won’t have to marry Hockley and she won’t be sent to a camp neither. Her father was going to take care of everything.