DEAR DIARY
Chapter Two
April 21, 1912
Dear Diary,
I made the decision to leave New
York--tonight. I overheard a woman talking about how generous Caledon Hockley
was to take my mother in after my death. While I'm grateful that she's not
alone, I find it annoying that people immediately assume he's a gentleman
because he was born into a wealthy family. Appearances can be all too
deceiving. The woman also made a comment on how Cal's still here in New York,
looking for his lost fiancee. It's best that I leave as soon as possible, and
so I'm leaving for Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin--Jack's hometown.. For how long, I
don't know, but I'd like to know a little more about him. From there, to quote
my love, I'm on God's good humor. It's just luck that Cal involuntarily gave me
such a generous amount of money that allows me to do so. What I expect to find
there, I don't know. Someone who can fill me in about his past, I hope. If
nothing more, just to see where he grew up...perhaps visit his old home.
Anything to be closer to him.
Rose lifted the pen from the paper in
thought. There was so much she wanted to put on paper, to record her every
thought, her every feeling. But it was so hard...trying to expose her soul,
even only to herself. Sighing heavily, she finished her entry.
I'll become his widow...which is not an
all out lie--I do believe we would've been married had he not perished. Maybe
not right away--we only knew each other three days, after all--but soon enough.
In many ways, I've been his widow since that horrible night. I did take his
name. Anyway, I must pack my few belongings and get down to the train station.
My new life begins today.
Rose Dawson
*****
Rose glanced nervously around the train
station, hoping against hope that she wouldn't run into anyone who she knew or
would turn her over to Cal. After fighting her way through the crowd and an
eternity of paranoia, she finally boarded her train. Settling down in her
second class seat, Rose noticed a young, blond-haired child intently staring at
her. Pushing away the thoughts of how much he looked like Jack, Rose smiled at
him. The child returned the grin and turned back to his mother. God, I must
be insane, seeing Jack in a strange child. I need to get a grip on reality,
Rose silently scolded herself. Sighing inwardly, she leaned back in the seat
and attempted to get some much needed sleep.
*****
April 23, 1912
Dear Diary,
We just crossed over into Chicago, so I
should be arriving in Chippewa Falls tonight. There's so much I need to do, so
much I want to learn once I get there. But for now, I only want to find
someplace to stay, bathe, and get some real sleep. I know that most likely I'll
have to retell the events between Jack and I to get the information I so
desperately seek, but nothing worth having comes easy. However, I am so very
tired now, so I will try to nap. See you in Wisconsin.
Rose Dawson