CHAPTER FOURTEEN

It was Saturday afternoon. Rose and Jack were just coming back to his house after a day at the park. Jack was having Rose pose for another picture. Afterwards, Rose had a urge to play with Jack’s little sister so he brought her home.

“Chrissie is probably upstairs. I’ll get her,” Jack had his head turned to Rose. He stopped in midstride and his eyes widened when he saw who was setting on the living room couch tiredly watching TV, looking as if he’s just been rescued from Gilligan’s Island.

“Richard?” Jack stared.

Rose’s eyes widened with wonder. It was as if she was looking at older version of her boyfriend.

“Hey Jack,” The young man smiled. “Long time no see pal. How old are ya now? Fourteen?” The man known as Richard asked.

“Sixteen. What are you doing here? Where have you been all this time? Aunt Karen and Uncle Frank have been looking all over for you. Everyone’s been worried,”

“Around. You know how it is when you’re a traveler. You just go where the wind takes you,” Richard laughed, but strangely the laugh didn’t reach his eyes. “So who’s your pretty friend there?”

“Oh, Rose. This is my cousin Richard I was telling you about,” Jack introduced. “Richard this is my girlfriend Rose.”

“Hey,” Richard nodded nonchalantly.

“Hello,” Rose smiled, still stunned by the resemblance to Jack.

“I know I know. We could be twins,” Richard noticed her staring. “You’re not the first to be shocked.”

“So where have you been Richard? Tell us about all the places you’ve seen,” Jack led Rose to the loveseat and they both set.

“It’s like I said. I’ve been around. Tibet…places like that.”

“Richard!” Heather entered and immediately ran to her cousin throwing her arms around him. “You’ve finally showed up! We’ve been worried! Where have you been?!”

Richard rolled his eyes. “What’s with that question? Everyone wants to know where I’ve been.”

“We’re just curious,” Jack laughed.

“Mind if I smoke?” Richard took out a cigarette.

“As long as it’s tobacco,” Jack shrugged.

“It is. I’ve had enough weed to last me a lifetime,” Richard muttered. “I’m telling you Jack, there’s places that can be called marijuana heaven. Places like the beach…ah…I mean…”

“I don’t think I’ll be visiting those places anytime soon,” Jack sighed.

“Me either,” Richard muttered.

“Richie…what’s wrong?” Heather sat closer to her cousin. “You seem more closed off…”

“I’m fine. I’m just tired. It’s been a long flight and I’m

hungry,” Richard shrugged.
“Aunt Sara has some left overs. I’ll go fix you some. Jack you want to help me?”

“That’s ok. I’ll stay and visit with Richard,” Jack smiled wrapping a arm around Rose’s shoulder.

“So how long have you two been together?” Richard asked curiously.

“Oh a couple of months, but it seems like we’ve known each other forever,” Jack grinned.

“Still keeping up with the art world Jack?”

“Of course. I’ll show you some of my drawings sometime,” Jack grinned. “So tell us about Tibet? I hear it’s real exotic over there.”
“You have no idea,” Richard smiled strangely. “I have seen and done things you never will Jack. Most of them I hope you never will anyway. Like drinking snake’s blood.”

“Ewww gross,” Rose gasped. “How did it taste?”

Richard shrugged. “Like blood.”

“That I definitely will never do,” Jack shook his head. “What else? Did you meet any cute Tibetan girls over there?”

“Oh I met a girl alright. She was the most beautiful girl…but she wasn’t Tibetan. She was French. Her name was Francoise.”

“Wow,” Rose breathed. “Were you two in love?”

“It was more like lust. If it was love I would never had cheated on her…that was the biggest mistake I ever made. The woman wasn’t even worth it in the end.”

“Well that’s too bad,” Jack replied. Looking at Rose, he knew it was the real thing. There was no other woman for him, so there was no reason for him to even think about another girl.

“Oh Richard you’re still here,” Sarah Dawson stepped through the door.

“Yep. I think I’ll be staying for a while if you don’t mind. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Ok. Oh hello Rose. I didn’t see you there,” Sarah smiled at her son’s girlfriend.

“Well I guess we’ll leave you to talk to Richard. Come on Rose, let’s go in my room. I have a that new Jennifer Lopez CD you were talking about,” Jack took Rose’s hand .

“Cool,” Rose smiled as he pulled her away. “Uh, it was nice to meet you Richard.”

“Same here,” Richard nodded as Jack pulled Rose into his room.

“Your cousin seems interesting,” Rose smiled as Jack shut the door and turned on the stereo.

“He’s alright I guess,” Jack shrugged, noticing how Rose was looking around the room. This was her first time there. “Well what do you think?”

“It’s nice. I like it here,” Rose smiled, turning to her boyfriend. “So where’s that CD you were talking about?”

“Right here,” Jack smiled, popping in the CD. Rose smiled and began to dance as My love don’t cost a thing begins to play.

“I love this song, come on Jack,” Rose pulled him over to her and began dancing together. They spin around until they’re dizzy and fall backwards onto Jack’s bed.
They’re in each other’s arms laughing when their eyes meet and suddenly they stop, lost in each other’s eyes. Jack tightened his embrace and gently they kiss. Jack pulled away and gazed into her eyes.

“I love you Rose. There’s no one in the world like you.”

“I love you too Jack,” She pulled him down for a passionate kiss. They don’t stop. Soon Jack’s hand was snaking up her blouse.

“Jack stop,” Rose gasped for air, pulling away. “Your family are in the next room.”

“We’ll lock the door,” Jack hopped off the bed and locked the door. “Now we have privacy,” He hopped back on the bed and soon they’re engaged in a bit more than passionate kissing.

Rose was now stripped down to her bra and panties when there’s a knock on Jack’s door.

“Jack? Rose? Can anyone come in or is this a secret club you two have joined?” Heather’s voice floated through the door.

Rose groaned. “Why am I not surprised.”

“We’ll be right there,” Jack let’s go of Rose so she can redress. Once she’s done he opened the door. “What do you want?”

“Seesch...what took you two so long? Aunt Sarah wants to know if Rose is staying for dinner?”

“Yes she is now leave,” Jack hissed.

“Why? All you two are doing is making out right?” Heather shrugged, pushing her way into the room.

“What do you want Heather?” Rose stood from the bed, disappointed that the moment between Jack and herself was ruined. They haven’t made love since the first time aboard the ship.
Heather turned to Jack. “Richard is back home and all you seem to care about is bedding your girlfriend once again.”

“You know Heather you need to get a life,” Jack glared at his cousin. “Richard could care less whether I was out there or not. Now why don’t you go back out there and leave us alone.”

“Frustrated Jack?” Heather smirked, crossing her arms.

“Shut up Heather,” Rose stood next to her boyfriend. “We weren’t doing anything in here so why don’t you grow up?”

“What’s going on in here?” Sarah Dawson appeared in the doorway. “It sounds like world war three in here.”

“Heather’s just being Heather mom. If you don’t mind I think I’ll take Rose home. I’ll be back,” Jack grabbed Rose’s hand and led her out of the room.

They drive to Rose’s house in silence, both of their minds on what could have happened before Heather interrupted. Rose sighed. She really did want to be with Jack again. It felt like forever since they’ve been together in such a way. There had to be a place where they could be alone. No interruptions. Finally they arrived at her house. Rose placed her hand on the door to get out of the car when Jack stopped her.

“Rose, I’m sorry. About earlier,” Jack sighed. “I guess I wasn’t really thinking.”

“Jack, you only did what your heart told you and mine was telling me the same thing. It was just bad timing. That’s all.”

“Well then we’re going to have to make a good time then. What are you doing this coming Friday after school?”

Rose shrugged. “French homework. Why?”

Jack grinned, a plan forming in his head. He had recently sold a couple of his paintings for a good price and had a pretty penny stashed away. He was saving up for a new car, but Rose was well worth the price and a car could wait. His Rose couldn’t. “Dress your best. I’ll pick you up at eight,” Jack grinned mysteriously.

“Jack?” Rose arched a eyebrow suspiciously. “What are you up to?”

“you’ll find out. Just be ready Friday at eight,” Jack grinned, letting Rose’s hand go so she could get out of the car.

Sighing she leaned over to kiss him good-bye. “Fine then. Night Jack.”

“Night sweetie,” He waved as she got out of the car and disappeared into her house. He’s determined to make Friday the most romantic night of her life.

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