1
April 29, 1912
Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
Kyle Lavery stands at the counter of his general store, watching customers come and go. It’s been a long day and the newspaper was his biggest sale with the sinking of that ship Titanic and everything. He never knew people could read so much. He even had to call New York to special order some of their newspaper because it had more coverage on the sinking of the great liner. Kyle Lavery shakes his head sadly when he thinks about all those people dying on that ship. It must have been horrible.
"We’ll stop in here and ask about the house and figure out where to go from there," a voice replies as the bell chimes singling more customers.
Kyle Lavery glances up to greet his new customers and his eyes widen in recognition. It couldn’t be…he hasn’t seen that face for five long years. "Jack? Jack Dawson is that really you?"
"Hello Mr. Lavery," The blond hair, blue eyed young man smiles, tightly holding the hand of a beautiful redhead girl with sparkling green eyes. Both eyes were filled with a type of sadness and spoke of a experience that both had shared that neither should have experienced at their young ages.
"Why aren’t you a sight for sore eyes! Come in!," Kyle beckons them into the shop. "We never expected to see you back in Chippewa Falls again."
"Believe me, neither did I," Jack laughs.
"And who is this pretty young lady?"
Jack blushes glancing over at the girl, who tiredly leans against him. Jack places a secure arm around her waist. "This is Rose Dawson. My wife."
Kyle’s eyes widen and he looks at the young man in disbelief. How old was Jack now? Twenty? And by the looks of her his bride was pretty young as well. "Wife? You got married?"
"A couple of days ago actually," Jack laughs at the man’s reaction. "What can I say? We’re in love." He smiles at Rose who smiles back, not taking her eyes off him for a moment.
"You can tell that you two are newlyweds by the way you can’t keep your eyes off each other," Kyle laughs.
Jack laughs. "Rose, this is Mr. Lavery, the owner of the general store here. He was my father’s best friend before the fire."
"It’s a pleasure to meet you sir," Rose smiles.
"Proper too. Just call me Kyle Rose. Sir and Mr. Lavery was my father," he laughed. From her accent and manners she was high class too. He wondered how Jack landed this one.
"Ok…Kyle," Rose nods, looking a little uncomfortable. Calling Jack Jack instead of Mr. Dawson was one thing, but calling the older man by his first name wasn’t as easy.
"So what kind I do for you lovebirds tonight?" Kyle grins happily.
"Well Rose is tired from our long ride and everything…I was wondering is my parents house suitable to stay in? I thought if anyone would know it would be you."
"Why of course. Your uncles and cousin has been staying there since you left," Kyle nods, a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He wondered if he should tell him about the fall in status of the Dawson name thanks to those three. The Uncles were two drunk ruffians while his cousin was the most promiscuous woman in Chippewa Falls. No one had any respect for them. Now when the name Dawson is mentioned, everyone turns up their nose, not thinking of the original family, but of the two drunken men and the woman who’d bed any man if he was willing. "But instead of making that long trek, the room in the back is available. You can stay there for the night. Give you two more alone time."
"I don’t know Kyle. I mean, we wouldn’t want to impose…" Jack uncomfortably clears his throat.
"You won’t be imposing. Then tomorrow I’ll come pick you up and you can have breakfast with the wife and myself. I’m not taking no for an answer."
Jack laughs. "Well since you insist. What do you think Rose?" Jack turns to his wife.
"That sounds lovely," Rose giggles, snuggling closer to her husband.
"Well then follow me," Kyle smiles, leading the young couple to the back of the room.
Rose and Jack lay in each other’s arms, thinking about the past couple of weeks. The sinking, getting rescued, hiding from Cal and Rose’s mother. Discovering the money and the heart of the ocean in Cal’s coat…getting married the very day they arrived in New York. Everything was like a whirlwind for them. Now here they were back in Chippewa Falls. A place Jack never expected to be again.
"Are you ok?" Rose asked, noticing how quiet her husband had become.
"I’m ok. It’s just been so long since I’ve been here. I wonder what’s all changed," Jack sighed, pulling Rose closer. "Rose…are you sure about this? It’s not too late to go back to Cal if you want…"
Rose placed a finger on his lips, silenceing him. "Jack darling, this is exactly what I want. We may not be filthy rich but we have enough. Plus the money we got from Cal’s engagement ring, that was a lot. And when that runs out we’ll still be rich because we love each other. Something I didn/t share with Cal. This life with you is all I want and ever could want. I love you Jack. More than anything."
"I just don’t want you to regret this Rose. I know that I made third class life seem like a load of fun, but it’s not. It’s hard and sometimes cruel. It’s not always fun and games."
"I know that Jack. I’ve always known that. It may be hard, but it’s also freedom. A type of freedom that first class life doesn’t contain," Rose smiles, kissing him lightly. "Jack, I don’t and will never regret leaving my old life behind. I’m so grateful that we found each other and know that because we do love each other, that we’ll be able overcome all hardships as long as we do have each other."
"Well. Ok, since you insist," Jack smiles, kissing her passionately. He pulls away and looks into her eyes. "You are so beautiful."
"So are you," Rose happily sighs, getting lost in his eyes of ocean blue. "Put your hands on me Jack. I want to visit the stars again."
Jack smiles at the familiar words. "Your wish is my command my lady," Jack leans down and kisses her deeply. Neither stop. For the rest of the night they’re in a world of their own, Titanic and everything else forgotten.