CHAPTER TWO

It’s been two weeks since the benefit and Rose had not seen or heard from Jack. Today was the day her father was supposed to pick her up and take her out to a dinner and play. Quality father and daughter time he liked to call it. She’s running a brush through her hair when the doorbell rang. It must be him. She raced downstairs and came to a stop when she saw her father standing beside his blond wife and their daughter. This was strange since Monica had never joined them before.

“Daddy?” Rose looked at her father questioningly.

“Hello sweet pea. We’re here to tell you I have to cancel today. Lindsey is having a ballet recital and she wants us both there. I know this is the thousandth time I canceled, but I’ll make it up to you,” George Dewitt Bukater quickly explained, knowing his eldest daughter wasn’t going to be too happy. This wasn’t the first time he had cancelled on her. “I’ll keep in touch.”

Rose stood stone-faced and just nodded, not wanting to show any of them how hurt she truly was. Once they were gone, she went up to her room and laid face down on the bed. Maybe her mother was right. Maybe her father did find her unbearable. Sighing she sat up and looked through her purse for some spare change. She might as well go to a movie. She removed a five and a piece of paper. She instantly recognized Jack’s telephone number. She stared at it, wondering if she should call.

Of course not. He probably didn’t even remember her. But still…what can it hurt? Who knows maybe she’d end up with a new friend. Gathering up her courage, she dialed the number.

“Yeah, what do you want,” Heather Dawson answered the phone on her way upstairs.

“Uh…who is this?” Rose asked, wondering if she had gotten the wrong number. “Heather Dawson. Who is this?”

Right number, wrong person. “Is Jack available?”

“Who may I ask is calling?”

“Just tell him it’s Rose,” Rose answered, not wanting to give her full name. She remembered what Katrina and Samantha had told her about Heather Dawson. If she knew Rose went to Preston, she’d never get to talk to Jack.

“Jack! Telephone! Some girl named Rose!” Heather yelled in the background.

“Hello?” Jack asked, picking up the line.

To her horror all-comprehensible thought left Rose. She was at a loss of what to say.

“Hello? Anyone there?” Jack asked again.

Taking a deep breath she managed to reply. “Uh…hi Jack. This is Rose. We met the other night and you gave me your number.”

“Oh yeah I remember you. The girl with the gorgeous green eyes. What can I do for you Rose?” Jack’s voice brightened.

“Uh…I just came across your number and noticed it was almost lunch. I was just wondering…would you like to meet somewhere and we can have lunch together.”

Jack laughed lightly. “That’d be great. I’ll meet you in Central Park in say another hour?”

“Sure,” Rose eagerly nodded; her heart had begun to beat faster at the thought of seeing Jack again. “Bye Jack.”

“See ya Rose,” Jack hung up. He turned around to see his cousin glaring at him.

“Who’s this Rose?” She questioned, narrowing her eyes.

“A girl I met. We’ll talk later Heather. I have to get ready to meet her,” He smiled before darting upstairs.

*

Rose entered the park to find Jack busy writing in some kind of leather book. He was so involved in what he was doing that he didn’t notice her. She couldn’t help but admire the way the sun shimmered on his blond hair, making it seem encased in a heavenly light, as if he was an angel. Sighing, she approached him clearing her throat.

“Hello Jack.”

“Rose,” He finally looked away from his work and immediately closed the book. “Hello. I must say I was surprised that you actually called.”

“Why? You gave me your number,” Rose smiled teasingly.

“I know. It’s just that…you never called in the first two weeks so I figured you weren’t interested.”

“I’m sorry jack. I would have called sooner, but things have been crazy for the past two weeks.”

Jack laughed. “That’s okay. Come set down. Let’s get to know one another better.”

Rose smiled, taken in by his outgoing and friendly personality. “You seem to engrossed with what you’re writing,” Rose glanced at the large book, which now looked more like a folder that Jack was holding in his lap.

“I’m not writing. I’m drawing. I’m an artist. This portfolio holds all my finished works as well. Would you like to take a look?” He held the portfolio out to Rose.

“Sure. I’d love too,” She happily grinned, accepting the offer. “Oh Jack…this is exquisite work. You’ve caught the very souls of these people,” Rose opened the book to the first place and kept turning, totally amazed by Jack’s talent. “You have a gift Jack. You do. You see people.”

“Do you think it’s good enough to make it in the New York Art Academy?” Jack’s voice was both curious and serious.

“Most definitely. You should apply for admittance when it’s time to choose a collage.”

“Which collage are you going to go to Rose?” Jack asked.

“NYU. I want to major in drama and minor in English. I love acting and writing,”

Jack smiled. “I thought someone like you would want to go to Yale or Harvard.”

Rose rolled her eyes. “That’s what my mother wants me to do and major in law or medicine. But I told her that it was my choice since I was the one going to the school and she wasn’t. If she wants to go to those schools fine.”

“That’s telling her,” Jack laughed.

“So Jack…you’re an artist huh? How does your folks feel about that? Most parents want their kids to do something more stable. Like my mother.”

“Well my dad…before he died that is, wanted me to follow my dreams and do whatever I wanted. To make each day count. But my mother, she wanted me to major in engineering. Like my cousin Heather’s father. But she’s cool with my decision if I plan otherwise.”

“Sounds like you have a pretty reasonable mother,” Rose sighed. “I wish my mother could be like that.”

“Mom’s the greatest,” Jack nodded, getting to his feet. “So you ready to go? I know this nice café up the street from here.”

“Ok,” Rose accepted his offer, letting him take her hand and lead her out of the park.

The café was full of Titan students when Jack and Rose arrived, but somehow Jack managed to find a empty table in the corner where they could be alone.

“Wow Jack, this is nice,” She looked around. She had heard about the café but had never been there since none of her friends had a desire to go to the other side of town and she didn’t particularly want to go by herself.

“Me and my friends come here all the time. Whether it’s after a football game or a break from a study session.”

“Hey Jack there you are!” A boy with curly blond hair and a strange hat waved as he approached the table. The fellas and me’s been looking all over for you. Where did you get off to?”

“Heather said you had a date,” a dark haired boy with a accent also approached.

“Rose these are my two best friends Tommy Ryan and Fabrizio Derossi,” Jack introduced. “Guys this is Rose Dewitt Bukater. We met a couple of weeks ago.”

“Nice to meet ya lassie,” Tommy held out a hand. “Never seen you around these parts before though.”
“Rose goes to Preston,” Jack explained.

“Preston eh? Impressive,” Tommy nodded.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” Rose smiled.

“Jack’s done well yes?” Fabrizio looked Rose up and down.

“We’re just friends Fabri,” Jack laughed. “We’ve just met.”

“You two have an accent,” Rose noticed. “Where are you from?”

Tommy grinned, happy to talk about Ireland. “Me myself from Ireland. Came here to America two years ago and have been here ever since. Don’t get me wrong, America is beautiful, but I can’t help but miss the rolling green hills of Ireland. Hills as green as you beautiful eyes lassie.”

Jack frowned at Tommy’s flirtation, but Rose blushed at the compliment.

“I’m from Italy. It too is very beautiful, but the statue of liberty is even more so. I love it here and can’t wait until I get full citizenship,” Fabrizio smiled.

“Wow. I dream of seeing both Italy and Ireland someday,” Rose smiled.

“Well give us a call lassie and we’ll be happy to give you a tour,” Tommy smiled again.

“Maybe some other time guys but right now we’re kind of busy,” Jack cut in, having enough with Tommy’s flirtation.

“Oh I see. Jack wants to be alone with his lady. Come along Fabri. Let’s go see what the girls are doing,” Tommy pulled on Fabrizio’s arms. “I hope we meet again Rose.”

Rose only smiled. “They seem friendly.”

“They’re okay I guess. But that Tommy, he likes his women. If he sees a new pretty face, he immediately goes on the prowl,” Jack opened up his menu, not meeting Rose’s amused gaze.

“Why Mr. Dawson. I do believe you’re jealous,” Rose giggled.

Jack looked at her, his eyes wide with denial. “Jealous? Of that curly haired playboy? Don’t make me laugh.”

“Then why were you frowning all through the conversation,” Rose smiled.

“Because Tommy’s a playboy and I didn’t want him to get the idea that he can play with your feelings like he does with all the other girls."”

Rose couldn’t help be feel giddy. Jack was looking out for her honor. How sweet. The more she got to know Jack, the more she liked him. “Don’t worry Jack. Tommy Ryan doesn’t have a chance of playing with my feelings.”

“And why do you say that?” Jack asked, looking up from the menu.

“Because….he doesn’t attract my attention the way a perspective boyfriend should. I mean, if he gave me his number, I wouldn’t pick up the phone to call him.”

Jack arched his eyebrow curiously. What did she mean by that? Did she see him as a perspective boyfriend? “Excuse me?”

Rose just smiled. “So how do we order? Does a waitress take it or do we go up to the counter?”

“May I help you?” A waitress appeared. She eyed Jack and Rose with curiosity. “Jack, is this your new girlfriend? Well it’s about time you stopped that moping and moved on. She’s a pretty one too Jack.”

“Uh Bernice, this is Rose DeWitt Bukater. A friend,” Jack introduced.

“Only a friend! Why the chemistry between you two is practically tangible. Uh-un, you’re more than friends. Or you will be soon.”

“Nope, we’re just friends,” Jack reinserted. “Rose what would you like?”

“Uh…the burger and fries sound nice, with a side of salad and a chocolate milkshake,” Rose glanced at the menu.

“Burger and fries and a large coke,” Jack ordered.

“Okay you two crazy lovebirds. I’ll be right back with your orders,” Bernice lightly pats both of their cheeks and leaves.

“I’m sorry about that,” Jack again blushed.

“Don’t be sorry Jack. I don’t mind if people think we’re together?”

Jack’s eyes widened in amazement. “You don’t? Most girls would bristle at the thought of people assuming they’re involved with a guy who’s just a friend.”

“Well I’m not most girls,” Rose smiled flirtatiously.

Jack laughed and shook his head. “No you’re not Rose. I think that’s one of the reason’s I like you so much. I think you must have been mailed to the wrong address.”

Rose laughed. “I was wasn’t I? My mother would agree with you there.”
Jack just shook his head and laughed.

Rose smiled, but her smile fades when she saw her father and his new family enter the restaurant. All the feelings of abandonment from earlier that morning reappeared. Jack noticed this change quickly.

“Hey are you ok? You got awfully quiet,” He took her hand.

“That’s my father over there with his new family. We were supposed to spend today together, but he backed out. He had more important things to do.”

“Oh. I’m sure he didn’t mean to hurt you Rose.”

“But he did,” Rose sighed dejectedly. “Look I’m doing it again. Dumping my problems on you. You must be thinking I’m a crybaby.”

“No. Not at all. I just think you’ve had it harder than anyone ever realizes. Even though you have tons of money and live on the rich side of the neighborhood, you feel just like the rest of us.”

“Sometimes I wish I couldn’t Jack. That I can be like some of the girls at Preston and be hard and cool. Have no emotions at all. I could save a lot of pain that way.”

“But you wouldn’t be the person that I like so much Rose. You’re a warm, caring, sensitive girl. Yet you have this fire that I’ve never seen in anyone before. Rose, don’t ever wish you were different. You’re wonderful just the way you are.”

Rose smiled. “Thank you Jack. You always seem to know the right thing to say to make me feel better.”

“That’s what friends are for right?” Jack smiled.

Rose nodded. “Right. Well, where’s the waitress with our food. I’m starved.”

“Rose?” She turned to see her father standing behind her.

“Oh hello daddy. What are you doing here?”

“We’ve just gotten out of the recital and decided to grab a bite to eat. We noticed you over here with your young friend here. I just want to say hi.”

“Hi daddy. This is Jack Dawson. Jack, this is George Dewitt Bukater, my father,” Rose introduced.

“Hello sir. Nice to meet you,” Jack smiled.

“Pleasure. Well I better get back to the table. Just thought I’d stop by and say hello. Rose, I shall see you next week.”

“Ok daddy,” Rose watched her father return to his table.

“He doesn’t seem like such a bad guy,” Jack followed her gaze.

“I guess he’s a lot easier than my mother…it just hurts sometimes, that’s all.”

“I understand Rose.”

“Where is that waitress,” Rose wondered once more, picking up her menu.

It’s the evening, and Rose had spent all day with Jack Dawson and loved every moment. They have walked through Times Square and even got stood outside the MTV studio and got questioned by David Holmes. Something that had excited Rose. She couldn’t wait to get back to school Monday to see if anyone had seen her. They had gone to the empire state building and even ate dinner at the Hard Rock Café. They took a nice stroll through central park and it was there that Rose knew she was falling in love with Jack Dawson. He was the most handsome and interesting boy she’s ever known. Plus he was so caring.

They stand outside her door ready to say good night.

“I had fun tonight Jack. Thank you,” She smiled, not taking her hand out of his.

“Anytime Rose. When do you think we can see each other again?” Jack asked.

“How about Friday at seven. We can go to a movie,” Rose smiled, tingling all over at the thought of spending more time with the handsome artist.

“See you then,” Jack let go of her hand and moved away.

“Jack wait! Let me give you my number so you can call me this time,” Rose laughed, reaching in her purse for a paper and pen.

“So you’re an equal opportunity kind of girl huh?” Jack laughed.

“You’ve got it,” Rose smiled, handing him the paper with her number. “That’s my private line, so don’t worry about what to say to my mother or anything.”

“Okay. Later Rose,” Jack waved, disappearing into the darkness.

“Night Jack,” She whispered before going inside.

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