TITANIC: AFTERMATH
Chapter Eleven
EXT. FRONT STOOP - MOLLY BROWN HOUSE - DENVER
- DAY
Rose waits with anxious anticipation. A
servant, AGNES, answers the door. She sizes Rose up and decides she looks
rather seedy.
AGNES
(condescendingly) May I help you?
ROSE
Yes. I'm here to see Mrs. Brown.
AGNES
I'm afraid she doesn't live here anymore. The
house is rented.
The news hits Rose heavily. The lady of the
house, MRS. COSGRIFF, overhears and approaches.
MRS. COSGRIFF
This young lady is looking for Mrs. Brown?
You're in luck--she is in town. Let's ring her at the hotel. Your name?
ROSE
Thank you, Ma'am. It's Rose Dawson.
Rose realizes too late that she has given the
name she is used to using, and that Molly may not recognize it.
INT. FRONT HALLWAY - MOLLY BROWN HOUSE - DAY
Agnes talks on the phone while Rose waits
patiently on the porch.
AGNES
(to Mrs. Cosgriff) She says she doesn't know
any Rose Dawson. Wait...she's coming right over!
MRS. COSGRIFF
Well, come on in. You can wait in here.
INT. FRONT HALLWAY - MOLLY BROWN HOUSE - DAY
Molly expectantly rushes in the front door.
When she sees Rose standing before her, her eyes sparkle with adoration.
Molly tearfully embraces Rose, like she never
wants to let go. She looks at her again, making sure it's not a dream. Rose
beams joyfully at her.
MOLLY
Rose! I can't believe it! What have you been
doing all this time? You know we all thought--
Molly turns toward Mrs. Cosgriff, brimming
with excitement.
MOLLY
Do you mind if we stay for a chat?
MRS. COSGRIFF
Not at all! Please provide refreshments for
the ladies, Agnes.
Agnes humbly curtsies, and exits as quickly
as she can. Molly takes Rose's arm, and they stroll off toward the parlor
together, arm in arm.
MOLLY
So, tell me EVERYTHING!
INT. PARLOR - MOLLY BROWN HOUSE - DAY
Rose and Molly sit side by side, like mother
and daughter.
ROSE
(cheerfully, but with sadness) Well, I've
worked my way from place to place...and I'm thoroughly enjoying my rootless
existence. Let me show you.
Molly understands the reference to Jack, and
regards her sympathetically. Rose removes some photographs from her suitcase
and presents them proudly to Molly.
ROSE
This is me at Coney Island...and here I am in
Chicago working in a traveling vaudeville act...can you believe it?
Molly joins Rose in laughter. Rose pauses,
reflecting upon the pictures.
ROSE
But you can see it's not just me in these
pictures. Jack is always with me, wherever I go.
Molly nods understandingly. She takes her
gently by the hand.
MOLLY
Yes, I see him, dear.
LIZZY (VO)
They chatted about old times, and caught up
on each other's lives there in her beautiful old house. Molly made her feel so
much at home that she almost forgot she was alone and destitute. Molly invited
her to stay with her at the Brown Palace Hotel for a few days. She assuaged
Rose's concerns about her mother's welfare...
INT. MOLLY'S SUITE - BROWN PALACE HOTEL -
DENVER - DAY
Molly and Rose enter. Rose places her
suitcase on a bed, and opens it. It contains everything Rose owns in the world.
She is living just as Jack had. There's even a small sketchbook inside.
LIZZY (VO)
...but they had trouble agreeing on whether
to tell Ruth and Cal. Molly told Rose about Cal donating money and hiring on
the widows. She told her about providing a home for the orphans, but Rose
didn't understand that Cal was actually living with them.
Molly removes her gloves, considering what to
say. She's sympathetic with Rose, but feels herself in a quandary.
LIZZY (VO)
Rose really believed Cal was just turning
good deeds to improve his image. But Molly felt some obligation to let them
know Rose was alive, if she could convince Rose it was the right thing to do.
Molly turns toward Rose.
MOLLY
This is one hell of a position you're putting
me in, Rose. I held your mother's hand when the ship went down. And Cal...he's
been so good to your mom.
Rose believes Cal is doing right by her
mother simply because it is the expected, proper thing to do. She stiffens and
begins to pace.
ROSE
I understand about mother. I think of her all
the time...but if she's still connected with Cal, I can't risk it. If he finds
out I'm alive, he'll hunt me down. He'll stop at nothing to possess me...or
worse. He dogged me even when the ship was going down, and he tried to root me
out again on the Carpathia.
MOLLY
But I think he tried to hold onto you because
he did love you, in his own way. I admit I don't know what to make of him, but
the man's changed, Rose. You know, sometimes he seems so sensitive.
ROSE
Yes, I know exactly what you mean. He had me
fooled for a good while. You see, you don't know the whole story. There have
been times I thought that maybe he wasn't all that bad, that I had just brought
the worst out in him. But the truth is, I'm afraid of him, and for good reason!
Rose stops pacing, and faces Molly.
ROSE
Under that cool exterior of his, he's a cruel
and violent beast of a man! And Cal can never change, not really. He'll always
be self-centered, and as far as loving ME goes, who I was and what I wanted
mattered not. Besides, I think he had other motivations.
Rose sits on the bed next to her suitcase.
Molly joins Rose, disturbed by her testimony about Cal. She reflects upon her
last meeting with him, wondering if there was more violence seething beneath
the surface than she had recognized.
ROSE
Perhaps, he wanted THIS.
Rose produces the Heart of the Ocean from the
suitcase. It glimmers resplendently.
MOLLY
Heavens, Rose! Did he give you that?
ROSE
Yes. It is a horrible thing. He could have
it, but it's all I have as a remembrance of Jack. He drew a picture of me
wearing it...our last night together.
MOLLY
(sighing) Oh, Rose...
ROSE
You know I'm right about Cal. You were the
one person on that ship I thought might understand. You even helped Jack,
dressing him up for that horrible dinner, remember? You were helping him get to
me, weren't you?
MOLLY
Well, I do admit to that...but Jack's gone,
Rose. I know you'll always love him, but some day you'll have go on with your
life.
ROSE
Yes, Jack made me promise...
Rose clenches the necklace in her fist and
drifts toward tears. Molly comforts her, tenderly.
MOLLY
You don't have to go through life alone,
Rose. I'm here for you. Your mother is, too...and Cal's learned his lesson, I
think. If you gave him another chance--
ROSE
When I DO move on, it will not be backwards,
not back to Cal, not back into a cage. (turning toward Molly) I've met someone.
His name is Carl...but I'm not ready. I still love Jack so much.
MOLLY
(softly) Will you tell me about Carl?
Rose speaks of Carl with excitement, but with
the ever-present note of sadness in her voice.
ROSE
He works in a circus... (laughs) the
vaudeville act...but he's really a playwright. He wants to go to Los Angeles
when he saves up some money, to get into the pictures. Oh, he's so full of
fantastic plans! But most importantly, he listens to me...and cares about my
dreams! He's so kind and gentle, and fun! He's so much like...Jack!
Rose realizes, for the first time, what she
has with Carl.
ROSE
(eyes glistening) I should be with him now.
Molly's glad to see Rose has feelings for
Carl.
MOLLY
Well, I'd like to meet this fellow...and I
think I can come up with some dough to get you two on your way to California!
ROSE
Oh, that's wonderful! You've done so much for
me already. I knew you'd understand.
Molly again feels herself in conflict.
MOLLY
You don't have to go back there, Rose, but I
really SHOULD tell your mother. I don't have to tell her where you are.
ROSE
Oh, she'd pry it out of you.
MOLLY
I admit to being a terrible gossip, Rose, but
I can keep a confidence.
ROSE
But can mother keep it from Cal? There's no
way you can promise me that. I don't know. I just don't know.
Rose stands, and she begins to wring her
hands. She trembles, remembering Cal chasing her and Jack with a gun.
MOLLY
By God, Rose! He really frightens you! What
did he do to you?
ROSE
I don't want to get into specifics...I don't
know why I'd want to protect him. Maybe I know what he did was partly my fault.
But if he knew, great harm could come to me...and to Carl, and that is
something I cannot risk. I'll contact you when I'm ready to tell Mother, but
please...we can't even THINK about telling Cal.
Molly nods in understanding. She takes Rose's
hand and encourages her to sit back down next to her.
MOLLY
I won't tell either of them, Rose, not
without your go ahead. You can trust me, darling.
ROSE
Thank you. Thank you for everything.
Rose sinks into Molly's arms, exhausted by
the mere prospect of being pursued by Cal. In reality, Cal is already thinking
of another woman.
KITCHEN AT 1811 WALNUT STREET - NIGHT -
SEPTEMBER, 1913
Anna sits, repairing a picture frame with
glue.
CAL (VO)
Before Anna came, I hid from the company of
others in my room. The prospect of the delight of her company drew me out. I
always hoped to happen upon her by accident, so that I could drink in her light
and her warmth.
Cal wanders in, pretending to look for a
snack. Without thinking, he puts on some of the charm that he would use to woo
a woman, as he did Rose.
CAL
(trying to be casual) Oh, good evening, Mrs.
Livingston! I didn't expect to find you up so late.
ANNA
Good evening, sir. Would you like something
to eat?
CAL
Oh, just a little something. My! What is this
here? Did you make these?
ANNA
Yes, they're blueberry tarts. They should be
ready to be eaten about now, I'd think.
Anna smiles and gets up to serve him a tart
and milk.
CAL
Oh, don't trouble yourself. Where are the
plates?
Cal stumbles clumsily around the cupboard.
Pans clunk noisily. Anna smiles and chuckles to herself. She finds his modesty
endearing.
ANNA
In the right hand cabinet over there. At
least let me get you some milk, sir.
CAL
Thank you, Anna.
She pours him a glass of milk.
ANNA
I was sitting here thinking about Geoffrey.
He's turning into quite a little gentleman. I think he admires you greatly,
sir.
Cal and Anna sit at the table together.
CAL
Me? Whatever for?
ANNA
Come now, Mr. Hockley. I'm sure you can think
of something.
Anna smiles, acknowledging Cal's game of
playing himself down.
ANNA
It's what you did for Chris, and allowing
them to see each other on weekends. Those two are becoming the greatest of
friends.
CAL
Really? Well, that's grand. But, surely it is
you he should admire. You did bring them together.
ANNA
It was simple, really. You see, children just
need a little push in the right direction. They are basically good-natured, but
just get a little lost along the way. Growing up is no easy process.
Anna glances down at the frame, and puts on
the finishing touches. Cal looks upon her with affection. Her genial manner and
optimistic views breathe a sense of life into him that he never thought he'd
recover. He finds her very attractive. MARIE (6) stands by the door, staring
intently at Cal. Anna flips over the picture frame, then sees Marie.
ANNA
Oh, Marie! How long have you been standing
there?
MARIE
I'm hungry.
ANNA
Well, let me get you a nice glass of milk.
Anna sends Marie away with a glass, while Cal
eats his tart and studies the picture. Anna returns to her chair.
CAL
(casually) And who is that, in the picture?
ANNA
This is my husband...my late husband,
Benjamin.
Cal's heart jumps. He can't believe he's just
been such a clod.
ANNA
He was a minister. He and I were working as
missionaries in India, but we decided to return home on the Titanic, as I was
expecting our first child.
Anna looks fondly upon the picture. Cal
perceives that she still loves her husband, and that she couldn't possibly be
interested in him.
CAL
I'm very sorry.
Anna forces a smile, but her face still
reveals her sorrow. This is Cal's chance to bond with her, but he botches it.
Cal assumes a stilted air, and rises from his
chair.
CAL
Perhaps I should be going.
ANNA
But sir, you haven't finished your pastry.
CAL
I am no longer hungry.
Momentarily perplexed, Anna searches his face
with her eyes. Then she begins to understand.
ANNA
I know the subject of Titanic is distressing
to you. My apologies, Mr. Hockley.
Cal stiffens with self-recrimination, and
casts his eyes downward.
CAL
No apology is necessary. Thank you for your
kindness, madam. Good night.
Cal hurries off to his room. Anna longs to
follow, but keeps in her place.
INT. CAL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Cal lies on his side in bed, desperately
lonely and depressed.
CAL (VO)
I felt ashamed that I could ever have
entertained thoughts of affection for Anna.
His sense of self-loathing builds.
CAL (VO)
I was just glad I didn't have time to make
any more of a fool of myself than I already had. Of course her husband was a
saint. Someone like me didn't deserve such a woman. How could I think such a
thing? How could I allow myself to lust after an angel?
In a burst of self-directed anger, Cal turns
over onto his back and stares at the ceiling.
CAL (VO)
I became resolved to forget about her...as
best that I could.
He shuts his eyes, exhausted by the emotional
trauma he has inflicted upon himself.
CAL'S DREAM - ATLANTIC CITY BEACH - DAY
Cal playfully chases Anna along the shoreline
on a warm, sunny summer day. They frolic and laugh like children, free of all
worldly cares.
Anna's white gown billows gracefully behind
her like the gentle surf that tumbles in with flickers of soft azure.
Cal romps freely in casual, ivory-colored
garb, unfettered by the usual shackles of Edwardian garmenture.
Anna mischievously dashes into the water, and
he follows. They slosh in until they are about waist high.
Anna turns toward him, smiling radiantly.
They kiss. Sunlight flows everywhere.
Behind them, a troubling presence emerges
from the water...a bowler, then a head, and then shoulders. Cal releases Anna
from his embrace, and turns to face the shadowy interloper.
It is Anna's dead husband, BENJAMIN. Dark,
somber hues creep down menacingly from a stormy sky.
Cal wheels around. His eyes search
desperately for Anna, but she is gone. He turns back toward the ghost.
Benjamin's ghost has come alarmingly close.
It relentlessly trudges toward him. The hideous apparition is now covered with
a deep-sea muddy grunge, like that which has claimed the Titanic. The ghost
clasps a Bible in his hand.
Cal turns to run, but he tumbles down into
knee-deep water. He gazes up at a figure towering over him. It casts a dark
shadow upon his ashen face.
Terribly beautiful, Rose's pallid face stares
blankly down at him, like that of a porcelain doll, a sorceress casting a
spell, or a phantom arisen from the dead.
Behind her, a myriad of stars pierce the
infinitely black sky. Her medusan locks wave furiously in the wind. It is an
image of frightening clarity.
Cal jumps back to his feet and shrinks away
from her.
No matter which way he turns, he sees
unrelenting ghouls march slowly toward him. It is inevitable he will be
overtaken. Cal panics. He suddenly looks downward with a start.
Something reaches up from the water and
seizes him by the legs.
It tries to drag him under.
INT. CAL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Cal sits bolt upright, eyes wide open,
breathing hard.