CHANCE ENCOUNTER
Chapter Five

She could tell it was extremely early- the curtains on the windows were still darkened, and she could just barely make out the time on the small clock that sat on the table beside her. 4:45. Had she ever been up this early? Rose closed her eyes and sighed, smiling when she thought of just why she was waking even before the sun. Sleep had not come too easily this night anyway- not with the anticipation she felt at the pit of her stomach.

Lifting her head, and sitting up slightly, Rose could observe the sleeping form of Agnes Calvert, only about 10 feet away in the next bed. Her mask covered her eyes and the tip of her nose. And of course, there was always the never ending clatter of her snoring. Rose placed a palm over her own mouth, trying not to giggle as she stood up and bent down to retrieve the clothes she had placed under the bed. As quietly as she could, she jumped the small distance into the bathroom and shut the door, peeking only once more to make sure the woman was still sound asleep.

"Whew." Rose whispered to herself as she debated whether to turn the dim light on. Nodding, she flipped the switch, knowing that the light would not bother Aggie, what with that hideous black thing on her face. Seeing herself in the mirror Rose leaned toward it, wiping away the signs of sleep in her eyes. But as her hand brushed her cheek, she noticed something else there too. What was that? It seemed that certainly seven years had passed since she'd seen that expression in her green eyes. She could even remember when. Jack had been in the next room, waiting for her. Rose could recall seeing her reflection, in the mirror of her suite, buttoning the back of that dress she still had stored somewhere in a trunk. Little did she know all that night would bring.

What had Jack called it? The fire in her eyes- and now it was back. Back because she knew that only several floors down, at the entrance on Wabash Avenue, he was waiting for her again. And even though Rose had lived the best she could, for him, these years- trying to make it count- he was still the spark she needed. And if there was ever any doubt that he completed her, it was washed away right now.

Her face broke into a huge grin, and reaching for her toothbrush, she replayed the lunch yesterday- the look in his eyes, the excitement she felt in her own. She had returned right at two, only to find Agnes and Maxwell gone- and a note at the front desk for her. She remembered the strange look in the desk clerk's eyes- as he had handed it to her, and the glance at the lobby clock. Agnes must have asked him to check- to make sure she was in by two. Ordinarily this would have bothered her, but knowing that this afternoon, she would be free from these chains- there was no reason to open her mouth in protest.

She had avoided both of them when they returned- off to bed for what she said was a bad cold, caused by the rain. And of course there was the excuse for her hair being the exact same length as when she left.

Rose quickly made the change from her nightgown to the dress she had picked out the day before. Laughing gently to herself as she ran the brush through her curls, she recalled the red face of Agnes as she explained the crowds in the department store. Luckily Maxwell had backed her up- offering the fact that it had been so very crowded- that he had not been able to even find Rose. She could detect some worry in his voice, but still she was grateful for that.

"Ready Rose?" She mumbled only to herself, stealing once last glance in the mirror before turning back to the door. Her delicate summer dress seemed so out of place in the dark, but she knew that once the sun was shining, the soft mint color would look wonderful in the light.

She placed one hand on her chest, listening as her heartbeat pounded in her ears. Rose knew that today was the very day she had been dreaming of ever since she lost Jack. The day when they could finally be together- finally start a life. A pang of guilt shot through her as she thought of Maxwell- of how heartbroken he would surely be. But certainly he would understand? In some strange way, Rose felt that he already knew.

Grabbing her purse and a set of earrings, she slowly turned the handle of the door that led to the hallway, watching Aggie's rhythmic breathing, letting out a sigh of relief. She had done it.

Hanging the small pearls from her ears, she raced toward the stairs. She would not risk being seen by one of the housekeepers, and besides- maybe it would be good to burn off some of this excitement in a hurry down the three flights.

As she passed the gold rimmed mirror near the elevators, she stopped, checking her profile. Her gaze ran unexpectedly to her hand, where Maxwell's ornate engagement ring still sat. Swallowing hard, and taking a sudden deep breath, Rose brought her right hand up and slid the band off, throwing it into the deepest pocket of her purse. She would have to return it to him anyway, and it no longer belonged on her finger.

A reassuring glance into the glass, and then her feet moved like lightening down the steps- the almost childish smile on her face turning her cheeks a light shade of red. But as she reached the door she needed, her hand rested on the handle. "Get a hold of yourself." She whispered over and over, her eyes brightening again as she pictured him standing there- his casual stance- his hair hanging slightly in his face- opening his arms toward her...

Before she even knew it, Rose had opened the door, and then another, until she stood under the flapping awning of the back entrance to the hotel. Only a few yards away she could see the sign that marked Wabash Avenue illuminated by the dim beam of light from the street lamps. She stretched her neck to check both corners, fumbling with her hands as she watched for him. But somewhere there was the smell of freshly baked bread and cinnamon.

Breathing in deeply, she walked several steps forward, not even noticing the sound behind her.

"Looking for someone?"

Rose jumped at the voice, holding her shaking breath as she turned. She was greeted by Jack's sparkling gaze, as he leaned against one of the stone columns, his arms folded across his chest. In one of his hands was a white paper bag. Rose's lips formed a brilliant smile, and she ran up to him, stopping only for a second as she stood right in front of him.

"Not any more." She whispered, watching as Jack's soft eyes studied her, smiling uncontrollably himself. "He's here," she continued, reaching to place her hand on his arm.

"I'm glad." Jack's voice was as low as hers, almost as if not to disturb the early and new morning. His eyes were drawn to her own, and he leaned forward, examining them as he came closer. She knew what he saw- just what she had noticed in the mirror only ten minutes earlier. And Rose could tell he was happy, relieved, and anxious all at once.

As if to confirm what she knew he was already aware of, Rose brought her face up to his, pressing her mouth to his in a soft kiss. She could tell he was surprised, but he returned the affection so tenderly. She felt her heart racing and the familiar electricity between them. Only now- she did not fight it. Slowly he leaned back, breaking the kiss gently.

"That's the first time you've done that, since...” He breathed heavily, smiling as he spoke.

"I know. I thought it was about time though." She grinned almost shyly, snuggling against him. One of his arms came around her waist, Jack's other struggling to hold the steaming bag he held.

"What's that?" Rose motioned towards it, raising her eyebrows.

"Breakfast." Jack gazed at her almost mischievously, lifting it, teasing her nose with the delectable scent. She immediately smiled at the warm aroma. "I stopped in a little bakery by my hotel. They had just opened- I thought we could eat by the lake."

Rose watched his mouth as he talked- the curve of it as he formed his words. Suddenly it seemed that everything was so clear- as clear as his blue eyes- that were dancing and alive.

"That sounds wonderful." Rose reached for his hand, taking it in her own, and led him toward the street, leaning on his shoulder. For a moment, she could feel his warm heartbeat, and she sighed, breathing in the morning air. There was a safety in his arms- a feeling she knew could only come from Jack Dawson.

"There's something..." Jack stopped on the quiet corner, taking her face in his free hand. She stopped, taking a deep breath, and smiled as he gazed into her soul. And only he could do that. "That's my Rose." He spoke seriously, with such emotion in his raspy voice- but he couldn't hold back a wide grin, as he stroked her face gently. "She's back."

*****************

"So you got away okay?" Jack leaned his head back slightly to see her. The weakest rays of light were beginning to show over the horizon, but still the sun seemed too lazy to awaken. The two were strolling by the lake- virtually alone at this early hour. The occasional passer-by nodded sleepily towards them- but the still lake offered a private solace for them.

"Yes. She didn't even stir. And I promise she won't even wake up until at least nine." Rose's eyes sparkled as she talked, inclining her head towards Jack's. "Don't worry-” Rose looked up and smiled, a gentle laugh escaping her.

"What is it?" Jack eyed her humorously and squinted, raising his eyebrows.

"Just that....well, the past two days- I've been the one so worried about the time, getting back. Relax Jack- and they have to know eventually anyway." Her voice was so calm- so full of the life Jack knew was finally bubbling back to the surface. This was the Rose he knew- the gleam of mischief in her beautiful eyes, her red curls billowing behind her as they walked. Connecting with her gaze, he smiled and let out a sigh.

"I know Rose. I just want everything to go well." He grinned again and pulled her closer. "So let's take our time then. This looks like a good spot here." He motioned towards a set of stone steps, fitted near a tree, nestled near the shore. The vibrant colors of the summer grass were swaying in the morning wind, and the lake sported tiny ripples here and there.

Jack stepped down first, swatting a piece of hair from his face, then reached for Rose's hand, helping her, and then they sat together. He positioned himself toward her, rubbing her right hand in his gently. It was smooth now- with no ring he could feel. Raising his head towards her, he noticed the look in her eye. So full of hope, of promise. Without any words, he only touched his forehead to hers, closing his eyes for a second before he grabbed the bag of croissants he had placed beside his knees.

"Rose..." He whispered only her name, opening the bag and setting it's decadent contents out, next to him. Rose breathed in deeply, feeling more at home than she ever had before- and the peaceful quiet only added to this magical feeling.

“What?” she asked.

“Well, we came here to watch the sunrise. Look there.” He pointed his arm toward to east, where in a blaze of fiery orange, the golden globe climbed steadily over the horizon.

She sighed and rested her head against his chest. “Oh, Jack. I don’t think I have ever seen a more wonderful sunrise.” Rose was breathless as she drank in the glory of the scene before her. “It’s beautiful.”

Jack turned and watched her. She was unaware that he was watching her. Her delicate profile was silhouetted against the brightening sky. “Not as beautiful as you.” He took both her hands in his. “When you smile at me, Rose, my world lights up brighter than any sunrise.”

She snuggled closer to him, her head down. “Oh, Jack. You make me feel so special."

Jack cleared his throat. He rubbed his thumbs over the top of her hands. “This is it, Jack,” he said to himself. “Just take it slow and easy.” It was time for the speech he had been preparing for the last two days. A speech that until forty eight hours ago, he thought would never happen. “You know Rose, a woman like you needs someone to protect her.”

Rose raised her head and gave him a puzzled look. “I take care of myself, Jack. What are you talking about?”

His face broke into a grin. “You need someone to protect you from these outrageous men you get yourself engaged to. You need a suitable husband Rose,” he whispered in her ear, tickling her with his breath. He reached up and held her chin in his hand. “Yes, Rose, you need a husband.”

Rose sat up straighter and held up her head. “And I suppose you know someone? Someone suitable, Mr. Dawson?” She found it hard to control her giggles.

Jack stood up and pulled her to her feet. His arms came around her and he looked suddenly more serious. “Rose, I want you to marry me. I want us to put the awful things that happened in the past, behind us. I love you. I want you to be my wife, Rose.” He watched nervously as her eyes widened. While he was sure of what her reaction would be, he wanted to hear it.

“Oh, Jack. Yes, Jack. Yes. Yes. Yes. I love you!” She pulled back from him and arched her head. Her smile stretched from one side of her face to the other. “Oh, Jack,” she shouted.

He began to laugh that golden, rippling laugh of his. Jack grabbed her hands tightly and began to spin her in a circle. They both whooped with happiness, not caring who saw them. When they stopped, he leaned her back in his arm and looked down at her. “Rose, I have never been happier in my whole life. I want you to know that.” Jack bent over and made contact with her mouth, molding it against his own, savoring the minty taste of her lips. He felt her chest rise and fall against his. Jack was sure that her heart was pounding as loudly as his was. An endearing little groan escaped Rose’s throat as he gently righted her to a standing position.

“Come on, Rose. We have to talk. We need to make some plans.”

He led her back to the stairs where they sat shoulder to shoulder. Jack picked up one of the rolls and broke it in half, handing Rose a piece. “Go, on. Eat,” he said. “We need our energy.”

Rose lifted her delicate eyebrows. “Energy for what, Jack?” She beamed happily as he blushed a deep red color.

“So, when should we get married?” he asked, ignoring her question. He smiled broadly, understanding full well what she had meant. “Do you want to get married here or in New York?”

****************

Rose sat on the steps next to Jack, hugging her knees to her arms. The delicious scent of the bakery goods on her hands mingled with the mossy odor of the lake. She gazed at Jack who had gotten up to throw away the bag. They had talked a little about their wedding. She sighed and smiled to herself when she thought of that word. Their wedding. Hers and Jack’s. The impossible was becoming a reality. It didn’t matter how or why. They were not going to waste time questioning that. But they would belong to each other forever and that was enough.

Jack had suggested that they go back to New York together and have a little ceremony there before a judge. Even though they had met again in Chicago, there was still the chance they could run into old Max and his sister in the next few days. And he knew that Rose didn’t need any reminders like that. To celebrate, Jack said they would go to a small cafe on the edge of Central Park. It sounded so romantic. Just the two of them, alone in their own world.

“What are you thinking about?” Jack came back and sat down next to her. “You look like you own the world.” He compared the look she wore now to her expression two days ago when she had introduced Mr. Calvert. It was like seeing two different people.

“Oh, Jack,” she said dreamily. “I never knew that a person could be so happy.”

He took her hand and kissed it tenderly. “I want you to be that way always, Rose. I’ll try my best to give us a good life.”

She focused in on the depths of his blue eyes. Rose saw his gentleness and honesty. She knew that she could trust Jack with her future. “All I want is to be with you.” Rose felt sparks of electricity travel up her arm as Jack caressed her hand.

“It won’t always be easy, you know.” He had to say this, even though he knew it wouldn’t make a difference to her. “I mean, Rose, I don’t have tons of money. I do sell lots of pictures and now I have this job at the settlement house. But we’ll never be rich. I want you to know that.”

Rose shook her head and grinned at him. “Jack, if I was willing to run off with you when you had next to nothing, you’re not going to scare me off if you have something.” She was pleased when he smiled from ear to ear.

“No, I didn’t think so. I just had to clear my conscience that’s all.”

Rose closed her eyes and moved closer to Jack letting him drape his arm around her shoulders. He felt warm and solid and safe. Never before had she known such a sense of security. This is how she would feel everyday for the rest of her life. It was truly something special. She doubted that most people could ever feel the way she did. She felt Jack rest his head on hers and heard him take a deep breath. Rose decided that she could stay this way with him forever.

Her eyes fluttered open as she heard a quiet rattling sound on the path along the lake. The sky was now bright with the light of the new day. There was a bit of a haze along the horizon. But today, this special very day, promised to be warm and sunny, just like she felt. She blinked in the bright light in an effort to see what was making the noise. A young woman was approaching, pushing a wicker baby carriage. She heard the mother cooing soothing words to the baby inside. Rose couldn’t help but stare at the charming scene. Almost automatically, her hand moved down and rested on her own stomach. What would it be like to have their baby inside? From time to time over the years, she had often fantasized what a baby of theirs would have looked like. Now nothing would make her happier than to have one of their own. She wondered how Jack felt about that.

Jack watched Rose as she stared at the woman with the baby. At first he hadn’t known what she was looking at, but when his eyes followed hers, he knew immediately. He noticed how she had gently placed her hand across her abdomen. “Rose?” She turned to him. “Is that what you would like? A baby?”

“Oh, Jack.” She was startled as he interrupted her thoughts. He watched as her face reddened. She cast her eyes downward as if she were suddenly embarrassed. “Well, yes. I would. Our own baby.”

He wanted to reassure her, to tell her his thoughts. He nodded. “It’s what I want too, Rose.”

The woman with the carriage passed them and with their eyes on only each other, they joined their lips in a gentle kiss.

“Rose,” Jack whispered her name with an urgency she had not heard before.

"Why don’t we go back to my hotel. It’s just at the end of the park..” He pointed over the row of bushes behind him. “I want to show you something.”

She stood up and stretched from her cramped position on the steps. “What? What do you have to show me?” Her eyes narrowed, wondering just Jack had on his mind.

“Well, all these years Rose, I wanted to draw you. To try and remember you. But it was too painful. It hurt too much. The other night, after I had seen you, I went back to my room and took out my art supplies and I drew you for the first time since….well, since that night.” He spoke with a melancholy note in his voice. That one night still brought forth some very special memories. “Anyway, I thought maybe you might like to see your drawing.”

She was touched at his sensitivity. Rose recalled how exquisitely he had captured her on paper in 1912. With more experience behind him, she wondered what this new picture would look like. “Alright,” she agreed. “Lead the way.”

Jack stood up and grabbed her hand, pulling her laughing and shouting through the park. They arrived at the entrance of his hotel breathless and giggling. This was what life would be with Jack would be like. An impetuous, unpredictable journey.

“So what hotel is this?” Rose looked up at the gray granite building behind her.

“It’s called the Auditorium Hotel. Just behind here, there's this magnificent hall, with all kinds of carved frescoes. It even has some kind of cooling system called air conditioning. I think it seats about 4000 people.” This was Jack the artist talking now. He had gone inside to examine the archways and paintings in the lobby. “Too bad we won’t be here next week. There's going to be a ballet company from Europe performing here."

Rose smiled happily as Jack went on explaining the historic building. She was interested, but she thought she would be interested in anything Jack had to say.

He led her through the dim lobby, that was filled with pink marble columns and potted plants, to the side of the room where the elevators were located. They looked up at the moving dial waiting for a car to stop for them.

“Ten, please,” said Jack. He pulled Rose to the corner of the elevator and gave her a reassuring wink. He knew that she must feel awkward been seen going up to his room.

The brass gate opened and they found themselves in a long corridor. Jack held her hand and they headed to the left, their footsteps absorbed by the thick carpeting. He stopped before a room marked 1039 and inserted a large key into the lock. When the door swung open, Rose was astounded by the view. Though the three large windows, there was an unobstructed view of Lake Michigan. She wandered across the room and peered through the glass.

“Look, Jack, that’s where we were, over there.”

She pointed to the path that followed the along the shore. “Jack, look now there are some boats out on the water.”

“Umm hmm.” Jack was occupied in another corner of the room, rummaging through his art folder. “You should see it in the afternoons, there are sailboats everywhere.” He smiled to himself at her enthusiasm and appreciation for such small things as a beautiful view.

Rose turned and looked at the room. It was much smaller than the accommodations she was sharing at the Palmer House. The furniture too, was less elegant. But the view. Well, nothing could beat this view. Leave it to Jack to find a place like this to stay.

“Here, Rose, sit down, here.” He pointed to the side of the unmade double bed that took up the major part of the room. Jack sat down and patted his hand on the mattress next to him.

Gracefully Rose took her designated spot and rubbed her shoulder against Jack. He looked over at her, smiling at her playfulness.

“This is the picture, Rose. The one I drew the other night.” Slowly he opened the leather folder to reveal a detailed drawing of Rose as she appeared now. Ironically he had drawn her in a pale green dress, similar to the one she wore this morning. She stood on the shores of the lake, her hair blowing behind her and in her hand she held a single flower. He had done the sketch in pastel chalk and so detailed was the study of her, that it seemed that she would come to life.

Carefully, Rose took the drawing in her hands and held it away from her, so she could study it better. “Jack, I, I don’t know what to say. I never really knew I looked quite like this. You made me look so beautiful.” She looked into his azure eyes, mesmerized by their intensity. Like an ancient mystic, she knew that Jack could tell everything about a person just by looking at them. He certainly had seen her in this drawing. Unmistakably it was the picture of a woman in love, in love with him.

Jack reached over and gently took the drawing from her hands, placing it safely back in his leather folder. She saw a muscle twitch in his neck and listened to his ragged breathing.

Her heart fluttered as his arm came around her back to support her. Then she felt herself being lowered slowly toward the bed. She looked up and saw his face close to hers, his chest leaning against her body. He said nothing. Only his eyes spoke as they roved over her face and bodice. They spoke to her of passion and desire, of his deep love for her.

He saw a slight blush come to her cheeks as he studied her bewitching face. Those magnificent green eyes dilated like an open camera lens. Rose’s red, ripe lips opened as if to speak and then closed again as he saw her sigh. Memories of that night in the back of the Renault flashed past him. Her words that ignited the fire, “Put your hands on me, Jack.” He remembered her steady eyes, when he asked her if she was nervous. Jack knew it would never be feasible to repeat that first time. But he wanted to make every time for Rose, as perfect as possible.

Rose felt her mouth go dry and her arms grow limp as Jack tenderly outlined her face and the hollow of her neck, with his fingers. As lightly as dandelion seeds blowing in the wind, he planted kiss after kiss on her forehead, her nose, and her neck. Her hand came up and she raked it through his shining hair.

“Oh, Jack,” she murmured, not having the strength to say more.

“Rose, you are beautiful, you know. I love you.” His cheek brushed against hers as he whispered tenderly in her ear.

Her body became taut when she felt him follow the neckline of her dress with his lips. Rose arched her head back, tingling all over with pulsations of desire. She looked at the ceiling and opened her eyes wide, suddenly remembering what still had to happen before she could come to Jack with a clear conscience.

Jack felt the pressure of her hand on his shoulder, heard her voice as she called his name in a throaty whisper. He looked down to see Rose with a serious expression on her face. “What is it? he asked, confused by her action. “Don’t you want………"

She stopped him. “Jack, I can’t do this.” Rose watched the disappointed look on his face. “I mean, I can’t do this now.”

He sat up, pulling her with him, keeping his arm around her. “What? Rose, tell me?” he said, still not understanding.

“Jack, when we do this, I only want to think of one thing, us. I want to go and tell them, Maxwell, really, that I am leaving. That’s all.” She sighed deeply and took his hand in hers, idly playing with his fingers. “I have to get that over with first. Do you understand?” she asked hopefully.

He brushed her riotous curls from her face and gave her a smile of encouragement. “Well, I understand. But later, Rose….."

“Later Jack, we can do this forever.” She smiled and hugged him tightly, trying to absorb his strength for the chore yet to come.

*************

"You're sure you don't want me to come with you?" Jack asked seriously, a look of almost worry clouding his eyes. They were back down in the lobby of his hotel. The sun now shone brightly over the city, streaming in the windows. The light played on Jack's concerned face, and Rose could not help smiling.

"I'm sure," she replied gently, "this is just something I need to do on my own." The wise look in her eyes told Jack that she was going to be fine. That fire had certainly returned. He grinned, pulling his hands back to his shoulders playfully. "Okay, Okay."

Rose laughed, feeling nervousness and excitement traveling through her all at once. She gazed at Jack- drinking him in, remembering the morning and all it had brought. Recalling the sunrise, the proposal, she sighed, making sure this was all real.

She leaned forward, melting into him as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Again she attempted to store his energy, his strength. For she knew how very much it would be needed. In only a little while- this would all be over, all taken care of. And the two of them could finally move on.

"I'll be ready at four. And you know the room number?" She whispered, trying with no avail to hide her happiness. He rubbed his nose to hers tenderly, nodding at the same time. He leaned forward, kissing her with the promise of what was to come.

Mumbling against her lips, his strong voice gave Rose all the reassurance she would ever need. "Four o'clock. And then we won't have to plan any more meetings, arrange any more times Rose. It'll be just us."

Rose kissed his cheek once more, before she stepped back to place her hand on the door handle. A glance at the lobby clock told her it would soon be nine thirty. And Agnes- in her infinite routine, would be waking up any minute.

"Yes, Jack." Her eyes gleamed, and Jack reached forward to hold the door for her, letting the warm breeze flow into the room.

"I guess they'll be a little surprised to see me, huh?" A twinkle of mischief shone in his eyes, and she shook her head from side to side, her cheeks blushing slightly.

"Four o'clock Jack. I had a wonderful time this morning..." She whispered this, immediately knowing that there was no need for words. He knew.

"Oh, just wait until tonight." He chuckled, gracing her arm with his right hand. She smiled, whisking her hair around her head as she stepped unto the street, turning to grin at him once more, before she flew down the street.

Jack watched until she was out of sight, sighing as he placed his hands in his pockets. What scene would play out at four o'clock? How would Rose's fiancé, and his sister especially, react to all of this? Licking his lips firmly, he decided that there was no sure way of knowing. Only the hope that this Maxwell character would understand.

The future was always uncertain, this Jack knew. But at least know- with the promise of Rose- he was not scared of what it would bring. The bright rays of sunshine reflected from his face as he smiled to himself.

Chapter Six
Stories