FROM NOW UNTIL ETERNITY
Chapter Twenty-Seven

I just want to enjoy my life
And show this world how to care
And nothing brings more joy to my life
Than knowing my girl will be there.

It was a sunny day, and despite being released from the hospital, Jack was in a horrible mood. It had been a full week since his breakup with Rose, and still all he could think about was her. All he could feel was his broken heart. He hadn’t seen her all that week, nor did he really want to. Despite his love for her, he was too angry to even look at her.

"Hey, Dawson." Moira bounced into the room, obviously in a good mood and on a mission to cheer her best friend up.

"What do you want?"

Moira frowned. This was a very rare thing, for Jack to be in such a nasty mood. She had thought packing up to go home would have lifted his spirits some, but it hadn’t. In fact, he seemed to have gotten worse. Damn that Rose DeWitt-Bukater. Moira had known the former cheerleader was bad news from the start…that Jack’s heart would end up getting broken.

Are ya happy girl?
Huh?
Knowing that you right near broke my heart in a piece or two
Huh?
Knowing that I would have walked across the ocean for you
Saying you're young and confused
Well that's a lame excuse
That's why the only one to blame is you for.

"I came to give you a lift home. I mean…today is the day you leave this place." Moira shrugged, crossing her arms. "I guess you’re still all mopey over Rose."

"Have you seen her?" Jack asked, tiredly looking at his best friend. He didn’t know why he was asking about her. It wasn’t like he was expecting Rose to be miserable. After all, she was the one who had broken it off with him. She had no reason to be heartbroken over their breakup.

"Yeah. Around and about campus. She’s with that Caledon Hockley now. By the look of things, they’re pretty much attached at the hip."

So it was true. Rose had left him for Hockley. So everything she had told him was the truth. She didn’t love him anymore. Jack quietly wiped away his coming tears. He felt so foolish for hoping that Rose’s last words to him had been a lie. He especially felt foolish for ever believing a word she said...for loving her still.

Last night
Can't believe what I was hearing
Telling me to have a nice life
So tonight
I don't think I'll spare your feelings
You're on your own
I'ma do for me what's right.

"Hey." Moira rubbed her friend’s arm, wishing that she could take his pain away. "Don’t sweat it. Listen, you don’t need her. In fact, you’re above her now. Your grandmother is filthy rich, while Rose has to beg her new boyfriend for money."

Jack frowned, confused by Moira’s words. "What are you saying?"

"Forget the bitch and enjoy your rich grandma’s money. That’s what I’m saying."

In your eyes a see a second chance
Maybe I should take another glance
But for now I'll wash my hands
Cause I love ya baby, love ya baby
Pharrell say don't do it the same
But I say ain't playing my games
But for you my soul still remains
Cause I love ya baby, love ya baby.

Are ya happy girl?
Huh?
Knowing that you right near broke my heart in a piece or two
Huh?
Knowing that I would have walked across the ocean for you
Saying you're young and confused
Well that's a lame excuse
That's why the only one to blame is you for.

Last night
Can't believe what I was hearing
Telling me to have a nice life
So tonight
I don't think I'll spare your feelings
You're on your own
I'ma do for me what's right.

Jack couldn’t help himself. He laughed for the first time since his breakup with Rose. He was truly thankful for his friend. If it wasn’t for Moira…he’d be drowning forever in a sea of despair. "You’re right. It’s time to forget her and move on." He wrapped an arm around Moira’s shoulders, his mind made up to make the best of the situation.

"Jack!" Irene entered the room. "Are you all packed and ready to go?"

He looked around the room for any stray belongings. Finding none, he nodded. "I guess I am."

"Well, then, don’t just stand there. Say good-bye to your little friend. Our plane leaves in an hour." Irene looked at her watch. "Andele! Andele!"

"Well…I guess this is good-bye." Jack hugged his friend tightly, thinking of how he was going to miss her. She had been there for him through thick and thin. They knew the best and the worst of each other. He knew that he’d never find another friend like her.

"I’m going to miss you. Just remember what I said. Enjoy the old lady’s cash and don’t forget to write."

Jack laughed as he pulled away. "See ya." He waved, following a hurried Irene out the door.

"Good luck." Moira sighed before leaving the hospital room herself.

I hope you're thinking
Remember girl, when I was your man
I hope it sinks in
If you don't understand, then you don't understand
Well I guess I'm gonna stop dreaming
The way I feel
About you.

*****

Last night
Can't believe what I was hearing
Telling me to have a nice life
So tonight
I don't think I'll spare your feelings
You're on your own
I'ma do for me what's right.

As the plane left the ground, Jack glanced out the window and wondered if he’d ever see the city of Chicago again. It had been his home for so long, and he had truly loved it. Despite all the painful memories the city now held. Sighing, he turned away from the scene below. It was probably going to be a long time before he saw Chicago again. Just like it was going to be a long time before he would get over Rose. She’d be a part of his heart for a long time to come. No matter how hard he tried to forget her.

Last night
Just-a last night
Can't believe what I was hearing
Just can't believe it baby
Telling me to have a nice life
Oh
So tonight
Yea
I don't think I'll spare your feelings
You're on your own
I'ma do for me what's right
Got something I wanna tell ya girl.

I hope you're thinking
Tell me girl, when I was your man
I hope it sinks in
If you don't understand, then you don't understand
Well I guess I'm gonna stop dreaming
The way I feel
About you
Let me tell you one more time.

I hope you're thinking
Tell me girl, when I was your man
My baby
I hope it sinks in
If you don't understand, then you don't understand
Yea yea yea yea
Well I guess I'm gonna stop dreaming
The way I feel
About you.

Oh baby
Yea yea yea yea
See I ain't gonna be the one
Ain't gonna play these games with you
But I still love you.

Remember girl when I was your man
Ain't nothing gonna take that away
No no no no, no no-no.

See I remember
In December
We were walking holding hands
And I was your man
Can't we just get back to that?
Baby?

Last Night--Justin Timberlake

Chapter Twenty-Eight
Stories