ADJUSTING
Chapter Four
First Comes Love
March 23, 1913
John took one last look in the mirror before
heading down the hallway to Rose’s bedroom. They were going out to dinner on
this particular evening and he wanted to make a good impression. His brown hair
hung loose, some wisps falling in front of his eyes every now and then. I
really should get this cut, he thought. His green eyes sparkled with delight.
He was finally going out with Rose. It really meant a lot to him.
The tall, handsome John Calvert gracefully
strolled out of his room and down the hallway to meet Rose.
John lightly knocked on Rose’s bedroom door.
"Rose, are you ready?"
"Yeah, in just a second. You can come
in," she replied. She was wearing a new dress just for the occasion. It
was a very pale pink chiffon, with dark green trimming. Lynn had agreed to
watch Hope for the evening. She said she would keep the baby in her room. That
way, in case she came home late, she could just fall right asleep. Lynn even
seemed excited about the whole idea. Rose was glad that she could from now on
count on her to have a baby-sitter.
John opened the door and stood there,
dumbfounded. She was even more beautiful that he thought possible. Rose looked
up at him from her mirror. She was putting some final touches on her hair and
makeup.
"Well, are you going to come in or
not?" she asked playfully.
"I--uh...yes, I mean...Rose, you look
gorgeous." She blushed slightly.
"Thank you," she said softly. She
grabbed her handbag and shoved a few things in it--powder, lipstick, and a few
spare coins. After all, you never know. "So, are we ready, then?"
"I guess so. Shall we?"
"Certainly." She stood up from her
chair and took John’s arm. They descended down the staircase and out the door
to the car. They took a short ride to the middle of the city to a restaurant
that Rose had not heard of before called Angela’s.
John got up and opened the door for Rose. He
held out his arm, and she took it gladly. All throughout their eyes were
locked. They walked into the restaurant and the host showed them to their
table.
The decor of the restaurant was very elegant
but pleasant. Rose did not feel uncomfortable here at all.
John walked to Rose’s side of the table and
pulled out her chair for her. "Thank you," she said sweetly.
Their waiter came to their table. "Would
you like something to drink, sir?"
"Rose, would you like some wine?"
John asked her.
"Sure. That sounds lovely." Her
voice was so light and airy on this particular evening that he felt as if he
were floating among the clouds whenever she spoke. She was like an angel in
disguise.
"A bottle of white zinfandel would be
nice," John said to the waiter. Rose had to smile; it was her favorite
wine.
"Of course, sir." He excused
himself and left John and Rose to their own conversation.
There was a moment of silence that was
actually enjoyed between them. It was not awkward at all--quite the opposite,
in fact. For a long while, they just sat there and stared into the other’s eyes
and felt completely content being in each other’s company. No words were
necessary.
"Rose...I have something to say. I’m not
sure how this is going to come out, so I might as well just say it and get it
over with."
"What is it, John?"
"Rose..." For the first time that
night, his eyes left Rose’s and fell to the ground. "I love you."
Rose had seen this coming, and in all reality
had wanted to hear it. "John...I--"
John cut her short. "No, Rose. Don’t say
it. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything so soon."
"Are you quite finished?" she
asked. He nodded. "Good. Now, what I was about to say was that I love you,
too." His eyes returned to meet Rose’s gaze, and he thought that he had
heard wrong. His expression at first was that of confusion, then transformed
into pure joy. The widest grin imaginable formed across his face.
Unconsciously, their hands met on the
tabletop. Their fingers intertwined with each other’s. John missed the feeling
of being in love. Not just loving someone, but having them return that love. He
felt as though his heart had been set free to soar with the birds.
The remainder of their evening was spent in
light conversation over life, emotions, the future, and so many other things
they could not remember. The world seemed to be revolving around only two
people--John Calvert and Rose Dawson.
*****
That evening after dinner, John and Rose
arrived back at the house. The evening had been so magical that neither wanted
it to end. So why did it?
John stopped the car and got out. He walked
to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for Rose. She took his
hand and carefully stepped down. However, she tripped over her own feet and
fell right into John’s arms.
"Whoa. Are you all right?" he asked
in concern.
"Yes, I’m fine. Just a little
embarrassed, is all." They were still holding each other, not wanting to
let go. The stars shone around them, so bright and brilliant. It created such a
romantic atmosphere that their love consumed them. He lifted her chin so she
was looking at him once again. Before they knew it, they were leaning into each
other and their lips were locked. Rose put her arms around his neck and pulled
him closer to her. The heat from his body made her forget all about the cold.
They stayed there for a while, surrendering
to the moment and to each other. When they at last parted, they both agreed
that they should head back inside. It was getting late…not to mention chilly.
When they walked in the doors, they found
that everyone had already gone to bed. John turned on a table lamp and looked
lovingly into Rose’s eyes. She once again pulled him close to her. She stroked
his long brown hair. "I want you to know how much this evening has meant
to me," she commented softly. "Thank you." She kissed him
sweetly on the lips. "But I fear if I don’t go up to my room right now, I’m
not going to be able to control myself."
"Me, either," he whispered.
"So, good night, Rose. I’ll see you tomorrow."
"Good night. I love you." She gave
him one last kiss and reluctantly parted from him. He watched her as she walked
up the staircase, just like the very first day he realized that he loved her.
He made himself a small snack, and then he,
too, headed off to bed. Their dreams were to be of each other.