This is it, she told herself, while climbing over the rail.
Tears were streaming down her face. She didn't feel them anymore. All she felt was the cold iron on her hands. Her last lifeline. She wanted to leave. Now. Jack would take care of Gabbie. She'd miss Gabbie but she'd be in good hands. Better hands.
She stretched her arms out and looked at the churning water. She tried to swallow a sob but to no avail.
Footsteps? Yes, some one was coming behind her. She wouldn't acknowledge them; she'd just jump. Loosening her grip on the rail...
"Don't do it," the familiar voice said.
"Stay back, don't come any closer. I'll let go," she told him.
"Rose, give me your hand. I'll pull you back over."
"No-no Jack. I told you to leave me alone," she said.
"I can't. I'm too involved now. You jump and I'll jump after you," he stated firmly.
"You're crazy."
"With all due respect, miss, I'm not the one hanging off the back of a ship here."
"Jack, just leave me alone. Go get Gabbie and take care of her for me. Please," she begged.
"I'll take care of her..."
"Thank-" she tried.
"If you help me take care of her," he interrupted.
"Jack, I can't handle it any longer. Please go away. I told you the reasons why I won't allow myself to fall in love with you," she said, not meaning to tell him.
"But I am in love with you," he whispered.
"Y-you are?" she asked, shocked.
"Yes, Rose...I love you," he told her.
"I...I...I can't do this," she said, attempting to jump, but he caught her hand.
"Rose, pull yourself up. The water is freezing. You don't want to do this."
"Yes I do," she lied.
"Please, for me," he told her, sweetly.
She nodded, somewhat reluctantly. Somewhat relieved.
Halfway up the rail her hand slipped but Jack held on. She screamed. "Please! Please help me!"
"I've got you, I won't let go now pull yourself up, Rose. You can do it," he demanded.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, they fell onto the deck. He being on top of her. She didn't mind his closeness and didn't push him off. She looked up into his eyes. The dress was torn now. She hoped Madeline wouldn't be mad. Probably not. She could sew it. She was good at that.
"I'm sorry..." he said, getting off of her.
She held him down. "It-it's fine..." she whispered. "I'm so sorry Jack...I feel so...stupid. I shouldn't have told you anything..." Her voice trailed off, the wind carrying the sound away.
He put his finger on her lips. "Shh...I'm glad you told me. I would've never found true love if you hadn't."