6
The train slowly paved it’s way towards Denver. It was a quiet evening among the passengers. Some people were dozing off in the late afternoon sun that shone through their window, some people were readying themselves for dinner, and some were getting lost in a good book. Jack and Rose were cuddling in their seats, Jack held one arm around Rose’s shoulder and another was holding his son who was peacefully sleeping. Rose had to smile. Father and son fit together so perfectly…it was like Jack had always been in his life.
“Rose?” Jack looked at his wife who was
gazing at their son. “I think he’s the most beautiful baby there is. I love him so much. Thank you for bringing him to me.”
“I’m
just sorry we weren’t always with you.
Damn that ship. It almost
destroyed our lives.”
“Now there’s only one problem. How am I going to take care of you two? I don’t have a job, but I’m going to need
one and soon. And by the way, where are
we going to live once we get to Denver?”
Rose giggled. “Whatever happened to the young man who looked forward to living
each day as it came? Who only had to
worry about having air in his lungs and
a blank sheet of paper. Not knowing
what was going to happen or who you were going to meet?”
Jack rolled his eyes. She would use his own words against him.
“That was before I had a family Rose.
I want to make sure you two are well taken care of. Provided for. Life on the streets weren’t as fun as I made it out to be. There were times when I had to sleep in the
gutter and eat out of garbage
cans. I don’t want that type of life for Robbie and you deserve a
whole lot better.”
“I do have a lot better Jack. I have you and our son and that’s all I
need,” Rose leaned her head against his shoulder, gazing at her ring. She sighed happily thinking about how the
symbolism of the ring. When she was
engaged to Cal, the idea of the wedding ring resembled a shackle for her. Chaining her to a life with Cal and her
mother. But now the ring represented
freedom. Freedom to be with the man she
loved and bound them to each other forever.
“I love you.”
“I love you too,” Jack kissed the top
of her head just as Molly approached.
She stood there looking at the young couple that were lost in their own
world at the moment then she cleared her throat.
“Molly hi,” Rose sat up snapping back into the real world. “What can we do for you?”
“It’s what I can do for you Rosie. I was over there thinking…you, Jack, and Robbie are going to be
homeless once you reach Denver.”
“We’ll think of something Molly,” Jack
reassured his friend.
“I know you will. I’m positive of it, but in the meantime…why
don’t you kids stay with me until you get on your feet? There’s plenty of room, and I sure could use
the company. How about it?” Molly asked,
her eyes pleading for them to accept.
Rose looked at Jack. “Well…it does solve our problem,” She took
his hand. “You won’t have to worry so
much.”
“But I don’t want to impose on her or
seem to take advantage…”
“Jack my boy, if you were imposing or taking
advantage, I wouldn’t be offering. Now
are you going to accept my offer or not
darlin?” Molly placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the young man.
Jack looked at Rose and glanced down at Robbie. They were his responsibility and to refuse Molly’s
offer because of some misplaced pride…that would be very irresponsible. At Mollys there would be food and a
roof over their heads, at least until
he finds something of his own and they can get on their feet. “Ok.
We accept,” Jack laughed at the delighted gleam in Molly’s eyes.
“Thank you Molly,” Rose smiled at her
husband.
“It’s my pleasure darlin’. My
pleasure indeed.”