CHAPTER EIGHT

Two weeks later…

Everyone was at the airport saying good-bye to friends and family. Rose glanced over at Kat to witness her and Cal saying good-bye to his parents. She couldn’t help but to roll her eyes. She had hoped that Kat would have dumped Cal and found a new guy by time the trip began, but that wasn’t to be. She glanced over and her heart melted at the sight of Jack hugging little Chrissie good-bye, promising that he’ll bring her back a gift. She was surprised to see Sam’s father shaking Tommy’s hand, telling him to take care of his little girl.

And here she stood, having said good-bye to her mother at the house and waiting for her father to arrive. Looking at her watch she noticed there was only a couple of minutes left.

“Where is he?” She impatiently taped her foot. She gasped when she felt a tug on her skirt. She looked down to see Chrissie. She noticed Jack was standing beside her, a bright smile lighting her face. “Well hello there,” Rose bent to the girl’s level. Over the past couple of weeks, Rose had grown close to Jack’s little sister. She even thought of her as her own at times. Jack had agreed to share when Rose told him how close she felt to his sister.

“I’ll miss you Rosie,” Chrissie shyly stuck a thumb in her mouth.

“I’m going to miss you too and I promise I’ll bring you back something nice,” Rose hugged the child tightly.

“Your father here yet?” Jack asked curiously.

“No. I guess he had something more important to do,” Rose shrugged, releasing the little girl. “He always does.”

“Don’t feel bad my Rosebud,” Jack squeezed her hand reassuringly. “He probably forgot what time you were leaving. Wait who’s that?” Jack pointed to the blond woman briskly walking towards them.

“Gretchen. My father’s assistant. Hello Gretchen,” Rose forced a smile. “Is my father with you.”

“Uh no. Lisa had another recital. He sends a big bon voyage,” Gretchen uncomfortably shifted from foot to foot.

“Oh. Well thank you Gretchen. I’ll be sure to bring you something from where we’re going.”

“No need Miss. Dewitt Bukater. But I do hope you have fun.”

“Thank you Gretchen,” Rose genuinely smiled this time. “I’ll see you when we return.”

Gretchen nodded before turning to walk back to her car.

“Your servant?” Heather sarcastically asked, appearing behind Jack and Rose.

“Heather stow it ok,” Jack growled, knowing Rose wasn’t in the mood for Heather’s snide comments at the moment.

“Flight 187 is now boarding!” The announcement boomed through the building. “Repeat Flight 187 is now boarding!”

“I guess that’s us,” Rose nodded, happy to be getting away from New York. Away from school, from her mother, from her father’s endless excuses for not seeing her. Actually, she wished he’d just come out and say as much.

“Rose? Are you alright?” Jack sensed her somber mood.

“I’m fine,” Rose nodded. “Come on. We’ve got a plane to catch.”

Jack only smiled and followed Rose into the corridor leading to their plane. Both were determined to leave New York and all it’s problems behind them.

*

The ship was humongous. The small group of teens just stood and gazed up at her in awe.

“I bet she’s even bigger than the Titanic,” Jack gasped.

“Of course she is. And far more luxurious,” Cal snorted arrogantly. “I of course have been on her before so I know what I’m talking about.”

“Oh brother,” Rose rolled her eyes. “Spare us the details.”

“Yeah. For the first time I agree with Rose,” Heather nodded.

“By the way, how would you know this ship is more luxurious than the Titanic? Have you ever been on the Titanic before?” Tommy asked curiously.

“Don’t be a idiot. Of course I haven’t! But I have a great aunt who was on it. She’s very old now, well into her hundreds and that blasted ship is all she talks about,” Cal snorted.

“Come on gang. Let’s go,” Jack led the way onto the ship.

Rose shivered as a sense of de ja vue hit her. She felt as if she’d done this before.

“Are you cold?” Jack asked in concern, ready to give her his jacket.

“Oh no. I just felt as if a goose walked over my grave…or as if I’ve done this before.”

“It’ll be alright,” Jack smiled, triggering another feeling of da ja vu.

“Let’s go,” Rose forced a smile and entered the ship. None of the group awee aware of the adventure awaiting them aboard the ship. To them everything was going to be fine and this trip would be filled with love and romantic adventures.

*

Rose glanced at Jack as he began to unpack his bag. She swallowed nervously as she began to unpack her own belongings. She was indeed surprised when their cruise guide the radio station hired had informed them that this was a cruise for couples and that they all would be sharing a room with their dates. Cal had objected, saying that he needed his privacy. But even his complaints hadn’t changed things. Now here she was alone with Jack, where they would be sharing a room. Thankfully the queen size beds separated into twin beds.

“This isn’t so bad is it?” Jack looked at her.

“No. This room is very comfortable. I just can’t shake this feeling Jack…like something’s going to happen,” Rose blurted her misgivings about the cruise.

Jack walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. “It’s ok sweetie. Everything will be fine. Nothing bad will happen. Only good things. Besides, I’ll take care of you ok?”
“Ok,” Rose smiled. “So, what do we do now?”
“We go upstairs on deck and wave good-bye to all those land-lovers,” Jack laughed, pulling Rose out of the cabin and onto the decks where they stood beside Fabrizio and Heather.

“Good-bye! I’m going to miss you!” Jack called as he waved.

“Do you know somebody?” Rose laughed.

“Of course not. That’s not the point,” Jack grinned and continued waving.

“I’ll never forget you!” Fabrizio called.

“Men,” Heather rolled her eyes as the ship begins to float away from the deck.

*

It’s dinner and the group of teens set together.

“This ship is magnificent,” Kat breathed. “And this room is breathtaking.”

“I told you it was luxurious,” Cal snorted. “Probably the biggest as well.”

“So Sam, how are you enjoying the cruise so far?” Rose turned her attention away from Cal.

“I love it,” Sam sighed, gazing at Tommy. “I’m so glad I was able to come.”

“Me too,” Tommy smiled.

“Jack couldn’t you have left that thing in your cabin?” Heather grumbled, referring to Jack’s portfolio that he now had open, busily sketching a elderly couple holding hands at the next table over. He was planning to give it to them after the drawing was over.

“Wow Jack, that is magnificent. You’ve really caught their affection for one another clearly,” Rose glanced over at the drawing. She loved watching Jack draw. He seemed so light hearted and more carefree when he drew.

“Hopefully this will be us fifty years from now on our fiftieth anniversary,” Jack smiled at his girlfriend. “I never leave this behind. You never know when inspiration will hit. And this ship is full of inspiration.”

“My friend will be a famous artist someday,” Fabrizio nodded with pride.

“All done. Come Rose. Come with me. I want to give this to them,” Jack pulled Rose out of her chair and they approached the elderly couple who seemed delighted when they’re showed the picture.

“That’s Jack. Finding ways to make people happier than they already are,” Tommy smiled.

“Those people were so thrilled Jack,” Rose smiled as they returned to their seats.

“Did they pay you for it?” Heather asked.

“They tried to, but I wouldn’t except it,” Jack shrugged.

“May I take your orders?” Their waiter appeared at the table.

“Yes I’ll have the lamb rare, with very little mint sauce and my date here will have the same. You like lamb don’t you pet?” Cal glanced at Kat who only forced a smile and nodded.

“What are you going to cut her meat for her too Cal?” Rose glared at him.

Heather laughed. Maybe she had it all wrong about Rose.

Cal just threw Rose a dirty look.

“Come on you two be nice. We’re on a cruise. We’re supposed to have fun,” Kat uncomfortably shifted in her seat.

“Dearie, maybe I have to start scanning who your friends are,” Cal snorted.

“I’m so scared,” Rose bit back.

“Rose, stop it,” Jack held back his laughter.

“Kat dearie, we really do have to talk about your choice of friends,” Cal snorted.”

“Come on Rose. Let’s go outside and take a walk,” Jack stood up and pulled Rose out of her chair before she could make a reply to Cal’s remark. “We’ll see you guys later.”

“Jack why did you do that?” Rose asked as she followed her boyfriend out of the dining hall.

“Because I wanted to spend some quiet time with you. Plus I wanted to see the stars,” Jack wrapped a warm arm around her bare shoulders as he saw her begin to shiver. “You really should have worn that jacket that came with the dress Rosie.”

“It seemed so warm earlier,” Rose shrugged. “But I at least have you here to keep me warm. Right?”

“You’ll always have me. Always,” Jack leaned down to gently kiss her. “Wow look at the stars.”

“They’re bright tonight,” Rose followed Jack to a nearby railing and gazed up at the star-lit sky. “You know Jack…they’re such a shallow group the kids in my school. They think they’re bigger than life, but they’re nothing but dust in God’s eyes. Looking up at these stars makes one fully realize it. You know, I feel really sorry for them because they’re living in this champagne bubble and someday that bubble’s going to burst.”

Jack sighed. “You’re different Rose. You were mailed to the wrong address.”

“I was wasn’t I?” Rose laughed. “Oh look! A shooting star!”
“My father, when he was alive, told me that a shooting star is a soul on it’s way to heaven.”

“I like that,” Rose giggled. “Aren’t we supposed to make a wish?”
“What do you wish for?”
Rose gazed into Jack’s sparkling blues eyes. “Courage to make the next step.”

“Consider that wish granted,” Jack wrapped his arms around Rose and led her back to their cabin. Once their they began kissing passionately and find themselves on Jack’s bed. Jack stopped kissing Rose and looked down into her eyes. “Are you sure about this?”

Rose nodded. “Put your hands on me Jack…take me to the stars,” She’s a little surprised by her own boldness but that surprise turned to passion as Jack again kissed her. Together they floated up above the stars leaving the world behind them.

*

The next morning, Rose winced as she awoke with the sun shining in her eyes. She turned around just to face a bare chest and the night before came rushing back to her. Last night she had lost her virginity to Jack and felt no remorse about it. She knew it was right…that he was the one she was meant to be with for the rest of her life. She just hoped Jack saw the same thing.

“Good morning sunshine,” Jack opened his eyes. “How long have you been awake?”

“Not long,” Rose yawned. “Last night…”

“Was wonderful. I never thought it could be like that.”

“Me either. Jack…I have a confession…that was my first time.”

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me? I would have waited and made it more special…”

Rose placed a finger over his lips. “It was special Jack. You made it special just by being you.”
Jack smiled and gently stroked her hair. “I love you Rose. With everything I am and ever could be I love you. You don’t have to say you love me back or anything…I just wanted you to know that last night meant more to me than anytime ever did because it was with a woman I dearly loved.”

Tears popped into Rose’s eyes. She wasn’t expecting Jack’s admission of love. Just by looking into his eyes and listening to his voice, she could tell that what he said was true. He truly deeply loved her and she felt the same. “Oh Jack…I feel the same. I love you more than anything and I want to be with you forever and I’m so happy that you were my first. I love you Jack Dawson…I love you.” She pulled him down into another kiss and together they made a return trip to the stars.

*

Rose met Kat and Sam in the small café for breakfast that morning. Her friends were both confused by the smile Rose wore on her face.

“Morning Rose,” Sam tentatively asked. “How was your first night sharing a room with Jack?”

“And was that all you shared?” Kat slipped.

“It was absolutely wonderful…Jack is absolutely wonderful,” Rose sighed, caught in her own little dream world.

“What did you two do after you left the dining hall?” Sam asked.

“We walked, talked, gazed at the stars, then we went back to our room.”

“Is that all?”

“No. We visited the stars a couple of times,” Rose sighed.

Sam just looked at Kat confused, then it struck her. “Oh my god Rose…you two…did you…are you still a virgin this morning?”

Rose just looked at her friends, smiled brightly and shook her head.

“What!” Both Sam and Kat explained.

“We just started kissing and never stopped,” Rose sighed.

“Wow,” both girls breathed.

“And I thought it’d be Kat who lost hers first,” Sam sighed.

“Well, I might be next the way Cal was pushing last night,” Kat sighed.

“That’s not all. This morning Jack declared his love for me…and I him…we’re in love.”

“Oh wow,” Sam shook her head. “You are so lucky.”

“What’s going on here?” Heather asked, approaching the table. “Having breakfast and not bothering to invite me.”

“Well you’re perfectly welcomed to join us if you want,” Rose offered, wanting to make peace with Heather now that her and Jack’s relationship have moved to the next level. It wouldn’t do for the two of them to be at each other’s throats.

Heather was suspicious. “You’re inviting me to join you? What’s going on?”

“Yeah Rose,” Kat nudged her friend, thinking she’s lost her mind. “What are you doing?”

“Well you are Jack’s cousin and it’d be best if we called a truce,” Rose shrugged. “I mean I am going to be a big part of Jack’s life and I just want to make peace with the other big part. Ok?”

Heather studied Rose’s face and found that the girl was sincere. She didn’t want to fight anymore and it would make Jack happy if she got along with his girlfriend. “Ok. Fine. Consider the hatchet buried. But Rose if you hurt him…you’ll have me to deal with. That’s not a threat. It’s a promise. Compish?”

“I understand,” Rose nodded. “Now are you going to join us or not?”

Heather shook her head. “Thanks but no thanks. You may be willing to bury the hatchet, but I don’t think your friends are interested. I’ll see you later.” Heather strolled out of the room.

“Why did you do that?” Sam asked.

“Like I said, she’s Jack’s cousin and since I’m a permanent fixture in his life now, I want to make peace. It’ll be easier on all of us,” Rose shrugged.

“Does this wave of forgiveness extend towards Cal and me?” Kat asked.

“Kat there’s nothing to forgive. I just don’t like Caledon Hockley. He’s a arrogant S.O.B who wants to push everyone around.”

“But Rose, he’s a part of my life. I love him and he loves me and I wish my best friend in the entire world would give him a break.”

Rose sighed. “Ok. Fine. I’ll stop picking on Cal. But Kat, I’m never going to like him ok? Just so you’d know.”

“I understand,” Kat sighed.

“Now, we have a whole day ahead of us. What do you want to do?” Rose asked, taking out a activity planner she had found in their cabin.

*

Rose and her two friends were taking a tour of the ship when someone grabbed her arms and pulled her into the exercise club the ship offered.

“Jack,” She smiled in relief and is surprised when he hugged her tightly.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Rose pulled away from him to stare into his eyes.

“For calling a truce with Heather. She told me what you said earlier today. I just had to thank you.”

“Well Jack, with our relationship progressing, I thought it’d be wise,” Rose smiled, kissing him again, this time more passionately.

“Hey you two get a room,” Tommy snorted, coming up along with Fabrizio.

“That can be arranged,” Jack laughed, to get hit in the shoulder by Rose.

“Not in the middle of the day.”

“Hey where’s Sam?” Tommy asked curiously.

“On the tour of the ship which I’m supposed to be with them. I better go. See you guys,” Rose quickly kissed Jack and darted off to rejoin her group.

“Man your girl is hot Jack,” Fabrizio whistled.

“Hey eyes off. You have Heather remember?”
“Yeah, but still Rose sure is a looker. You’re a lucky man,” Fabrizio sighed.

“And you’ll be a dead one if Heather hears you talk like that,” Jack laughed. “Come on. Let’s get back to our work out.”

*

It’s a hour before dinner, and Jack and Rose were taking another stroll along the deck.

“It’s almost sunset,” Rose sighed, looking out over the ocean.

“Come over here sweetie. I have something to show you,” Jack led her to the bow.

“Jack?” Rose curiously looked behind her. “What are you doing?”

“Just stand in front of the rail here and look out,” Jack sighed as the sun sat over the ocean spreading red and lavender light over the ocean.

“Oh my…Jack this is gorgeous,” Rose gasped at the beautiful sight. She turned around and hugged him. “Thank you.”
“Anytime my sweet Rose,” Jack kissed her. They stood together, Rose facing the ocean, Jack’s arms securely wrapped around her waist, watching the sun disappear behind the line of the ocean.

“It’s time for dinner. We’re late,” Rose sighed.

“That’s ok. We won’t be too much. We’ll just run back to our cabins get dressed and get back down. I hear they’re having a special concert tonight.”

“Ok. Let’s go,” Rose took his hand and together they disappear into the corridor leading to their cabin.

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