Chapter Four

April 14, 1912

Jack and Caroline are in the room alone. Fabrizio had gone out to join Helga and Tommy for breakfast. He had woken up to find Caroline glaring at a sleeping Jack so he knew that most likely there was going to be trouble between them two. He wanted to make himself scarce before hand.

Jack is tying his shoes when Caroline decides to let him know where they stood.

"I was hoping we’d be together last night when you came in," Caroline pulls a brush through her hair.

"I was tired," Jack simply replied, not looking at her.

"Oh I’m sure all that partying with Miss Dewitt Bukater was no doubt exhausting," Caroline glared.

Jack didn’t know what to say. He just looked at Caroline, trying to read her expression. He couldn’t tell how mad she was but it was obvious she was mad.

"What are you getting at Caroline," Jack looks her squarely in the eyes.

"You are not to behave in that way again Jack. Do you understand me?"

"Do I understand you? In what way did I behave Caroline that was so insulting to you? But then again everything I do is insulting to you so why don’t you just point something out this time?" Jack angrily turned to her.

Caroline takes a step back. She had never seen Jack get angry with her before, but she was not going to back down. Jack was her fiancée and she was going to make sure he and that girl from first class knew that.

"Bringing her down here to that party for one thing Jack. It was embarrassing enough for everyone witnessing you leaving with her yesterday, but actually bringing her down here and flaunting her off to my friends like that! That was total humiliation!"

"Humiliation? How was Rose going to that party humiliating to you?"

"Oh come on Jack. Everyone was talking about her looking for you yesterday. Helga and those girls even suggested you were doing something else other than talking! You can’t be that clueless can you?"

"But we were just talking Carly. That’s it."

"And what about down here at the party? I came down just to see her in your arms!"

"She fell! What was I supposed to do? Let her hit the floor! Listen Carly, I’m not one of your little brothers back home that you can give orders to! I’m your fiancée!"

"My fiancée? My fiancée! Yes you are! And you are my husband by practice if not yet by law and you will honor me! You will honor me the way a husband is required to honor his wife," Caroline moves to stand face to face with Jack, her brown eyes burning into his. "Because I will not be made a fool of Jack. Is this in any way unclear?"

"No," Jack takes a step back his face pale. He had never seen Caroline get so angry with him. And for nothing at that.

"Good. Now I won’t be at breakfast this morning. Mrs. Dewitt Bukater had invited us up to join them for Sunday mass, but I think it’s wise that you do not come since the young Miss Dewitt Bukater will most likely be there. So I’ll most likely see you later this afternoon. Or maybe this evening. All depends on what Mrs. Dewitt Bukater wants to do. Good day Jack." With that said, Caroline leaves the room leaving Jack alone to stare after her.

"Jack? Are you coming to breakfast?" Fabrizio sticks his head through the door now that he saw Caroline had left.

"Coming," Jack said following his friend out into the hall.

Rose is up in her room with Ruth, who’s getting ready to lace her corset when Caroline enters. Ruth drops the laces of Rose’s corset and turns to greet Caroline.

"Why Caroline, there you are!" Ruth greets happily. "And don’t you look lovely today. Doesn’t she look lovely today Rose?"

"I guess," Rose shrugged, noticing how Caroline wasn’t wearing a corset. If Rose herself wasn’t wearing a corset, Ruth would have a fit.

"Ruth darlin’ can you come help me with this corset!" Molly called from her room.

"Coming Molly! Caroline be a dear and help Rose please. Honestly Molly thinks I can do two things at once."
"Sure Mrs. Dewitt Bukater. I’ll be happy too," Caroline smiles, pleased to get this moment alone with Rose. She was going to set some things straight. She roughly begins pulling the laces on the corset. "Jack is off limits to you. Do you understand me."

"I don’t know what you are talking about," Rose rolled her eyes. If Caroline thought she could come up here and throw around threats and other nonsense, she was mistaken.

"This is not a game Rose," Caroline roughly turns her around. "Jack and I have been together since we were kids. There has never been anyone else and never will be and I’m not going to let a first class brat come and ruin that."

"Ruin what? You yelling at him and belittling him every chance you get? I mean is that what you think love is Caroline? Well then if so, you’re sadly mistaken it’s not. Jack deserves better than that."

Caroline laughs. "Like you? Oh come off it Rose. Jack doesn’t have the slightest interest in you."

"And that’s why you’re here telling me to stay away from him? Because he doesn’t have the slightest interest in me? What a laugh. Besides, this isn’t about me liking Jack; it’s about you mistreating him! You treat him bad and you know it and you know he’ll leave you the moment he gets the chance!"
"He’s had plenty of chances Rose and he hasn’t left me yet! So what does that mean? Nothing! Listen; just stay away from him for the rest of this voyage. It’s a big ship. It’s not that hard," Caroline finishes lacing the corset.

Rose doesn’t answer she just walks to her closet and slips on the dress Trudy; her maid had lain out.

"All ready?" Molly comes in. "Is Jack meeting us there Caroline?"

"Oh no mam. Religion’s not much his thing. But he does send his regards," Caroline smiles.

"Very well then," Mrs. Dewitt Bukater ushers her daughter out the door, followed by Caroline and Molly.

Jack is setting with Fabrizio and Tommy lost in his own world. He’s tried not thinking about Rose, but he can’t help it. It’s worse than the night before. She definitely in his blood now. But he couldn’t see her again. That would only anger Caroline and he really didn’t want to get into another confrontation with her. But he couldn’t stop thinking about Rose. He needed to see her…one last time…to only say good bye at the least. That wouldn’t hurt would it? Just see her, tell her he wouldn’t be seeing her anymore and leave. Then forget about her. Never think about her again. He could do that couldn’t he?

"If you like the girl so much boy-o, why don’t you go tell her so?" Tommy reads Jack’s mind. "She obviously likes you. She came down here for you twice."

"I can’t Tommy ok. I can’t tell her I like her. I have a girl already. Remember?"
"Oh yes. Fabri was telling me about the shrew," Tommy laughed.

"Caroline. Her name’s Caroline," Jack sighed. "We’re engaged to be married."

"But you’re not married yet," Fabrizio pointed out. "Come on Jack. We come with you. We find Rose and tell her you like her."

"No Fabri no. I’ll go see Rose, but I’m not telling her I like her. I’m going to tell her good-bye. I’m not going to be seeing her no more after today," Jack sighed.

"Come on Jack. We’ll help ya sneak up there so the shrew won’t go crazy," Tommy squeezed his friend’s shoulder.

Jack scrambles over the railing onto the first class deck. Spotting a long coat and a large hat laying on a chair, Jack grabs them and swiftly moves out of sight. He’s determined to find Rose one way or another.

Mr. Andrews is leading Rose, Caroline, Ruth and molly on a tour of the ship. They’re strolling along the lifeboats when Rose stops him

"Mr. Andrews, I did the sum in my head, and with the capacity number of lifeboats times the capacity you mentioned…forgive me, but it seems that there are not enough for everyone aboard."

"About half actually," Mr. Andrew turns and grins at Rose. "Rose, you miss nothing do you? In fact, I put these new type davits, which can take an extra row of boats here," He gestures along the deck. "But it was thought…by some…that the deck would look too cluttered. So I was over-ruled."

"Waste of deck space as it is, on an unsinkable ship," Ruth laughs.

"Sleep soundly young Rose. I have built you a good ship, strong and true. She’s all the lifeboat you need,"

They are passing lifeboat seven when a gentleman turns from the rail and walks up behind the group. He taps Rose on the arm and she turns to recognize Jack. He motions and she cuts away from the group towards a door, which Jack holds open. They duck into the gymnasium. Jack closes the door behind her and glances out through the ripple-glass window to the starboard rail, where the gym instructor is chatting with some woman who was riding the bike. Rose and Jack are alone in the room.

"Jack…" Rose steps towards him and lays a hand on his shoulder.

"I can’t stay long Rose, I just wanted to tell you good-bye," Jack said.

Rose feels the tears coming to her eyes. Jack was so open and real…she had never known anyone like him before and he was going to say good-bye to her now. But why? Did she do or say something wrong last night? Had she offended him somehow?

"It’s not you Rose," Jack said as if he could read her thoughts. "I don’t ever want you to think that it was you or anything you said or did because everything you said and did was perfect. Rose…it’s the fact that I’m engaged. I’m engaged to marry Caroline and…it’s just not proper that we see each other anymore. Do you understand?"

"I understand Jack but…’

"Rose…"

"No let me finish. I need to say this. I need to get this out. I know we haven’t known each other very long especially compared with how long you’ve been with Caroline. But Jack…I can’t walk away. I can’t just leave you to the mercy of that horrible girl. Believe me, if she was one ounce deserving of you…if she treated you well at all I would be able to walk away. But I can’t. I can’t walk away without knowing that you’ll be alright."

"I’m fine. I’ll be fine."

"Really?" Rose looks into his eyes and sees the conflicting emotions there. His feelings for her and the need to avoid confrontation with Caroline. "I don’t think so Jack. She’s got you trapped Jack. And you’ll die if you don’t break free. Maybe not right away, but sooner or later, that carefree spirit that I and all those people down in third class last night love about you…it’ll burn out," Rose tenderly touches his cheek and meaningfully stares into his eyes. At this moment she knew she loved him and he loved her. He was the one aunt molly was talking about. The one you’d move heaven and Earth just to be with. "She’ll kill it Jack. I know she will."

Jack takes a deep breath and pulls away from her. "It’s not your job to save me Rose."

"You’re right Jack. It’s not my job. Only you can do that. Just think about what I said," Rose looks at him one last time, then she leaves, turning her face so he can’t see her tears. She knew what his answer would be after he thought it threw. At least she hoped she did. Jack couldn’t marry that Caroline. He just couldn’t.

"Why Rose darlin, there you are. We’ve been looking for you. Where have you been?" Molly asked, taking her arm.

Rose looks ahead and sees that Caroline and her mother is out of earshot. "I was with Jack."

"Oh I see." Molly nods in understanding. "And?"

"He wanted to say good-bye to me Molly. You see, he’s engaged to Caroline, but you saw how she treats him. Molly…he’s the one. He’s the one you were talking about. I truly do love him and I know he loves me too."

"Oh Rose…"

"And believe me Aunt Molly…if she treated him decently and showed that she truly loved him I would let him say good-bye. I would walk away knowing that he was happy and well loved. But he’s not happy aunt molly. He’s not happy and she doesn’t love him at all. I don’t know why she holds on to him but it’s not because of love."

"So you’re going to fight for him Rose?" Molly asked.

"I can’t. I can’t save him. Only he can do that. But I can help him see that he can break away from her and be with the one he really loves," Rose sighed.

"Well then go for it Rosie. You only have one chance at true love like this. Don’t let it pass you by."

"Thanks aunt molly. I love you," Rose kisses her cheeks and takes off in the other direction.

"Where are you going?"

"To find him of course. I’m going to tell him that there are no good-byes between us. Never are and never will be!"

"Good luck darling. I hope things work out," Molly watches her niece disappear into the crowd.

Jack walks towards the bow of the ship, his mind stuck on Rose. Things hadn’t gone as planned. He did say good-bye, but not without realizing that he was in love with Rose and that most likely she was in love with him. There was no way he was going to be able to get her out of his heart. His heart was made for her, he knew that now. But he was engaged and there was nothing he could do to change things except have another huge confrontation with Caroline and he really didn’t want to do that. He sighed once more and leaned against the railing. His thoughts are interrupted by loud voices. He turns to see a middle-aged couple heading in his direction.

The woman, a fiery red head and a man about Jack’s build. The woman is roughly yanking on the man’s arm telling him how stupid he was and how he’d never amount to anything. The man all the time staring at the ground mumbling, "Yes dear. Of course dear. And you’re so right dear. Anything you say dear."

Jack laughed to himself. That man was so henpecked it really wasn’t funny. He reminded Jack of most of the men back home in Chippewa Falls. Their wives were some of the meanest women around and all the men could do was stand there with their arms folded and mumble yes dear, you’re right dear and anything you say dear. They never even tried to stand up to the women.

Man he was glad that he wasn’t them. Wait a minute…what did he mean that he was glad he wasn’t them? If he wasn’t one of them yet…he sure was heading there. He had just told a sweet girl…really the love of his life that he wouldn’t be seeing her anymore so he can marry a girl that will grow into one of those women that made their husbands henpecked. If he didn’t do something and do it soon then he’ll be one of those men that say yes dear and no dear and anything you say dear. He didn’t want that. He didn’t want that at all. He’d be betraying his parents if he became that. He wouldn’t be making his life count.

He had to change things and change them now before it was too late. He had to find Rose. Or Caroline. Either way, his engagement was off. He turns around to find Rose staring at him.

"Hello Jack," She smiled. "I was hoping you changed your mind."

Jack didn’t say anything. He just smiled at her.

"They told me that you might be up here," Rose said.

"Shhh," Jack put a finger to his lips. "Come here," He holds out his hand.

Looking at him strangely, Rose takes his hand and allows him to pull her up to him. "Now close your eyes," Jack directed. "Go on. Close them."

Rose closes her eyes.

"Step up. Now hold on to the railing. Don’t peek."

"I’m not," Rose steps up on the railing.

"Step up on the rail. Hold on. Keep your eyes closed. Don’t peek. Do you trust me?"

"I trust you."

Jack lifts her arms ‘til they’re out to her side. Placing his hands on her waist he tells her to open her eyes.

Rose gasps in delighted surprise as she sees nothing but water out ahead of her and the wind whips through her air. "Jack, I’m flying."

Jack smiles and breathes in the scent of her hair. He really did love her…more than he loved anyone else besides his family. He takes his hands from her waist and intertwines his fingers with hers. "Come Josephine in my flying machine and it’s up she goes, up she goes," Jack sanged into her ear causing Rose to smile.

She was the happiest she’s ever been. She had found that one person who loved her beyond a doubt and she loved twice as much. No, she had never doubted Jack’s love for her by any means. Even earlier today when he was saying good-bye. She could tell it was killing him to do that. But that was the past. She had refused to let Jack go and Jack had somehow come to his senses. Now here they were flying into the horizon, away from both of the people that had hurt them so much throughout the years. Nothing else existed except for her and Jack and the love they shared.

She smiled and turned her head towards him, meeting his beautiful blue eyes so filled with love and passion. Their faces were so close that she could feel his breath on her face. She closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth and leans closer. Soon their lips are slightly touching. Rose wanted more, so she opened her mouth and allowed Jack to deepen the kiss as his arms wrapped around her holding her close. Her hand went up into his hair and she pulled him closer. Jack and the ship was now one force of power and optimism, lifting her and buoying her forward on a magical journey, soaring onward into a night without fear and a world full of love.

Rose and Jack enter her empty stateroom.

"This is quite proper I assure you," Rose giggled. "Is this light good enough?"

"What?" Jack asked.

"Don’t artists need good light?"

"That is true, but I’m not used to working in such horrible conditions," Jack smiles going into a phony French accent.

Jack looks around and his eyes widen as he sees all the paintings that Rose had hung up when she had unpacked a couple of days ago.

"Monet," Jack goes to one of the paintings.

"You know his work?" Rose asked, going into her mother’s adjoining stateroom

"Of course. Don’t you just love his sense of color?"
"I know. It’s amazing," Rose smiled, opening her mother’s jewelry box and takes out a gorgeous heart shaped necklace. The stone was blue and diamonds surrounded it. Rose gives it to Jack. "What do you think?"

"Classy," Jack whistles. "Must have costed a fortune. What is it? A sapphire?"

"No," Rose shakes her head, looking at the necklace from behind Jack’s shoulder. "It’s a diamond. A very rare diamond. It’s a family heirloom and my mother’s most precious possession.. I want you to draw me like one of your French girls Jack. Wearing this."

"Ok," Jack nods. He would do anything Rose asked.

"Wearing only this," Rose smiled at his expression when he turns to her.

"Are you sure."

"More sure than I’ve ever been about anything before I met you," Rose kisses him softly. "Will you do it?"

"If that’s what you want," Jack nods.

"It is."

Jack is sharpening his pencil with his portfolio in his lap when Rose emerges wearing a kimono. It’s obvious that she’s not wearing anything under the kimono. He can feel his heart beat rapidly with anticipation, but he’s determined to remain professional.

"Now the last thing I need is another picture making me look like a porcelain doll," Rose walks towards him. "As a paying customer, I expect to get what I want." She tosses a dime to him. He looks at the dime and back up at rose with a smile on his face. His eyes widen as she slips off the robe.

She was gorgeous. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He swallows, "Over there on the bed…I mean the couch," Jack points.

Rose does as she’s told. "How do you want me to…"

"The way you were. Your arm over the…yeah that’s right. Now your eyes to me…keep them on me…ok. That’s it," Jack begins to sketch.

"So serious," Rose teased. Jack just looked at her and smiled as he continues to sketch her. Ten minutes past and Rose notices the red glow of Jack’s face. "I believe you are blushing Mr. Big Artiste. I can’t believe Monsieur Monet blushing."

"He does landscapes," Jack smiled once again. "Now keep your face still. No laughing.

Despite his nervousness and sheer desire for Rose, He draws with sure strokes, and what emerges is the best thing he has ever done. Her pose is languid, her hands beautiful, and her eyes radiate her energy.

One hour later Jack is finished and Rose is back in her kimono. Jack is signing the drawing while Rose is leaning on his shoulder watching. Rose gazes at the drawing. He has x-rayed her soul.

"Date it Jack. I want to always remember this night."

"Ok," Jack writes the date and his initials below the drawing. Rose meanwhile scribbles a note on a piece of Titanic stationary. It’s time to show her mother that she didn’t need nor want her love or approval anymore. As long as she had Jack she was fine. He was all she had ever needed and all she ever wanted.

She takes the drawing and the necklace, plus the note and places all three of them back in her mother’s jewelry box where she was sure to find them.

"Jack…can I stay with you tonight?" Rose asked almost shyly. She really didn’t know why she was so shy. He’s seen her naked before and he still seemed to like her. There really wasn’t anything else that could scare him away.

"Sure. But we can’t go back to third. Caroline will be there," Jack sighed, remembering that he still had to break the engagement with her. It wasn’t going to be a pretty scene and he didn’t want Rose to be around. She’d only get caught in the middle and she was already deep enough.

"Well then we can stay up here in my room. As long as we’re together," Rose smiled. We can share my bed…if you don’t mind…or I can sleep on the floor…which ever you feel more comfortable with."

"It’s up to you," Jack takes her in his arms and kisses her gently. "I love you Rose. I don’t think I ever told her that. You know? I find that extraordinary. I didn’t feel it so I couldn’t say it. But I feel it now here with you. I love you."

Rose’s heart soared. He loved her! He really loved her! She felt like screaming it at the top of her lungs! Jack Dawson, the most wonderful man in the world loved her! How did she ever get so lucky?

"I love you too Jack," Rose hugs him tightly. "I love you more than anything in this world."

Meanwhile, in the library, Caroline is pacing the floor. Mrs. Dewitt Bukater’s butler, Mr. Lovejoy had yet to find her missing daughter. Caroline didn’t know why it worried her, but she was pretty sure that the girl was with Jack. Either way Caroline was going to be doing a lot of yelling when she caught up with Jack later. She had specifically told him to stay away from Rose Dewitt Bukater.

"Ruth darlin, why don’t you just leave the poor girl alone. You don’t need her right now," Molly sighed, already knowing where Rose was. She was with the other girl’s fiancée. She was with Jack. And who knew what they were doing. But she wasn’t going to tell Ruth that. She had a feeling that Jack would want to break the news to Caroline himself.

"I couldn’t find her Madame," Lovejoy returns.

"Oh goodness gracious it’s a ship! There’s only so many places she could be," Ruth rolls her eyes.

"How about my fiancée?" Caroline speaks up. "Was he down in third class? She may be with him."

"No one’s seen him neither," Lovejoy shakes his head.

"Find them Lovejoy," Ruth looks into the mans eyes. "Don’t come back until you find them."

"Yes Madame," The butler nods and heads back out again.

"Don’t worry dear. He’ll find them," Ruth places a motherly arm around Caroline.

Molly shakes her head at the sight before her. Ruth was so loving and motherly with a girl that wasn’t even blood, but she couldn’t even show the same compassion towards her own daughter. Molly thanks god that Rose had found love with Jack. Who knows what would have become of the girl if she hadn’t?

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