5
That night after dinner, Jack and Rose set outside on the porch, enjoying the quiet of the country. Jack has his arm around Rose and Rose leans her head against his shoulder.
"Betsy knows Jack," Rose sighed tiredly.
"Knows about what?" Jack looks at her quizically. Not having a clue of what she’s talking about.
"Titanic. Not all of it, but enough. She arrived with a copy of the New York Times. There was a picture of Cal and I at last year’s gala announcing our engagement. Below was a article describing my death and how he grieved for his lost fiancee," Rose rolls her eyes. "I’m sorry. I know I should have waited, but she wanted answers Jack and I just couldn’t lie to her."
"I understand Rose. Don’t worry about it. Besides, Betsy is trustworthy. She won’t contact Cal or your mother unless you say otherwise."
"I wouldn’t care if she did. I’m your wife now and nothing they say or do will change that," Rose smiles up at her husband.
"But he will want back that necklace. Would you be able to part with it?"
Rose is quiet for a couple of minutes. The heart of the ocean held a lot of memories for both her and Jack. If Jack had died out there that night she knew for a fact she wouldn’t be able to part with the diamond. But he didn't die. He was right there with her and they can make a lot more memories with or without the necklace.
"Yes I would Jack. Even though that necklace reminds me of our first night together as lovers, I’ll be able to give it back. Because we can make a lot more and better memories."
Jack smiles. "I’m glad to hear you say that Rose," He kisses her tenderly.
"How about you Jack? Would you be able to part with it?"
Jack laughs and look in her eyes. "Of course. Besides, I have my most precious jewels right here in those green eyes of yours."
Rose blushes and pulls him in for a deeper kiss. Shouts and angry voices from within disturb their interlude.
"If I catch you near my girl again I’ll skin ya!" Butch Dawson comes running out of the house a shot gun in hand, he begins shooting at the young man that had arrived earlier as he darts down the road.
"Daddy stop!" Lisa screams.
"What did I tell you about men in the house!" Butch turns on his daughter.
Lisa swallows. "I’m sorry daddy."
"How long has he been here?!"
"Daddy…"
"How long!" Butch angrily grabs his daughter’s shoulder and shakes her.
"Uncle Butch stop!" Jack pulls him away from Lisa. "Hurting her isn’t going to make things better!"
"Jack you don’t understand. You’ve been away for far too long. This little hussy has ruined the Dawson name by taking every man in town to bed! What did you think girl?! That they’d marry you?! No one marries their whore!"
Rose gasped at the outburst. No one deserved to be treated the way Butch was treating his daughter. She had to speak up for poor Lisa.
"Stop! Don’t talk to her like that," Rose steps forward.
Butch turns his glare on Rose. "Didn’t anyone tell you not to talk unless spoken too!"
"Don’t yell at Rose," Jack angrily steps in front of his wife. "No one tells her when or what to say. If you’re angry at Lisa fine, but you keep your voice at a reasonable level when you talk to Rose and you approach her with respect."
"Jack…it’s okay," Rose lays a calming hand on his shoulder. "He’s upset. He didn’t mean to be so harsh."
"I’m sorry Rose. I just don’t want my daughter to be a bad influence on a real lady like you," Butch glared at his daughter. "One more time I catch a man in here with you Lisa and you’re out of here! Do I make myself clear?"
Lisa hurriedly nods. "Yes daddy. I understand."
"Good. Now get in there and mop the kitchen. Since Rose did the cooking you can do the cleaning."
"Yes daddy," Lisa disappears back into the house, followed by her father.
"I’m sorry you had to see that Rose," Jack apolagized. "I’m sure Philadelphia doesn’t have people as…uncouth as my family seems to be."
"I’m sure it does. But they’re just not as vocal," Rose smiles lovingly at her husband.
"Vocal or not…it’s still unsettling," Jack shrugged. "I guess I have been away too long."
"Jack…don’t worry about it. Sure your uncles are a little rough around the edges…okay they’re a lot rough around the edges. And your cousin, she’s nice but premiscuous. But I married you Jack because of who you are, not for what your family may or may not be. That was my problem with Cal and mother. Remember? Hey look at it this way. We survived the worse. My angry fiancee, a sinking ship, and below freezing waters. That was the hard part. Compared to that, your family is a piece of cake."
Jack laughed. "You have a point there love. Ok. I won’t let them upset me so much."