LOVE THAT NEVER FADES
Chapter Twenty-Eight

Jack was sitting on a bench in Central Park, his portfolio balanced on one leg, drawing a portrait of an elderly couple who still seemed to be in love, even after many years had passed. As Jack sketched them, he hoped that Rose and himself would end up like the elderly couple. In love, despite the pain and heartache they had suffered during their years of marriage. Minutes later, he had finished the drawing and signed and dated the portrait in the bottom right hand corner. Blowing off the excess dust from the charcoal, he took the portrait out of his portfolio and got up, walking towards the elderly couple.

"Um…excuse me," Jack said, getting the elderly couple’s attention. "Here. I drew this." The elderly man took the portrait from his hand.

"This is incredible," the man said, amazed at how perfectly the portrait was drawn. "Christine, look at this portrait the young gentleman drew." The elderly woman, Christine, gazed at the drawing.

"Oh, my, Nicholas," Christine said, giving a warm smile. "It’s beautiful." Christine looked at Jack, the smile still on her face. "Thank you, Mr…?"

"Dawson," Jack said, extending his hand. "Jack Dawson."

"Nicholas Dickerson," Nicholas said, shaking Jack’s hand. "I really appreciate you sharing your talent."

"No problem," Jack said, smiling. "It’s a pleasure having you as my inspiration."

"You’re a fine young gentleman," Christine said. "I also see that you have a ring. Are you married?"

"Yes," Jack said, smiling. "I am."

"She must be one lucky woman to be married to an artist like you." Christine smiled. Jack smiled back. "You do love her, don’t you?"

"With all my heart and soul," Jack said.

"That’s wonderful," Christine said. "Nicholas and I feel the same after fifty years of marriage." Jack’s eyes went wide, his eyebrows furrowing.

"Fifty years!" Jack said, amazed. "That’s a long time."

"It is, but it shows how long we’ve been in love," Nicholas interjected. Jack smiled.

"I hope my love for my wife lasts just as long," Jack said.

"Well, if she loves you just as much as you love her, then your love for each other should last a lifetime. Even beyond that," Christine said.

"I hope so," Jack said.

"Do you have any children?" Christine asked.

"Not yet, but she’s carrying our first," Jack said, slipping his hand in his pocket.

"Congratulations," Nicholas said. "The first one is always special."

"We have seven children," Christine said. "All grown and married, with children of their own." Jack smiled.

"They must be proud to have parents like you." Jack smiled. Nicholas and Christine smiled. "Well, I should be off. It’s nearly seven, and I promised my wife that I’d be home by then."

"It was nice talking to you, Jack," Nicholas said. "Hope we can see you around."

"Hope so," Jack said.

"We come by Central Park every day at four o’clock, so maybe we can see each other then," Christine said. Jack smiled.

"I’d be delighted," Jack said. "Maybe I’ll bring my wife with me the next time we meet."

"Oh, please do," Christine said. "I’d love to meet her."

"Well, it was nice meeting you," Jack said, tucking the portfolio under his arm.

"Same to you," Nicholas said. Jack waved over his shoulder, beginning to walk away and leaving the elderly couple with the portrait he had drawn.

Walking the five blocks, Jack reached the apartment building. Climbing up the steps, he opened the door and entered the lobby, which he found empty. Whistling, Jack began climbing the stairs until he reached the floor that would lead him to his apartment and turned the knob, opening the door to their apartment. Stepping inside, Jack closed the door behind him and set his portfolio on the coffee table. Since Rose wasn’t in the parlor, he went to search for her in the bedroom, but stopped when the aroma of freshly cooked food filled his nostrils. Smiling, he headed towards the kitchen, where he found Rose over the stove, stirring the sauce. He went towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her cheek lovingly. Rose smiled, shutting off the gas.

"Well, how was your afternoon?" Rose asked, looking at her husband when she was in his arms.

"Fine," Jack said, looking at her. "Yours?"

"It was all right," Rose said. "Although I have to admit that it was quite lonely without you in my arms."

"I’m sorry," Jack said, pouting. Rose laughed.

"It’s all right, Jack," Rose said. "Besides, it’s best if we don’t spend all our time together."

"Really?" Jack asked, pulling her close to him. Rose looked at him, feeling a smile spreading across her face.

"Well, on some occasions," Rose said, a teasing smile across her face.

"I thought so," Jack said, smiling. Rose smiled and clutched his shirt, pulling him towards her and pressing her lips onto his. She felt Jack’s arms wrap around her as she wrapped hers around his neck. Their lips devoured each other’s, making the kiss more intense and passionate. Jack’s hand traveled towards her hair, feeling the soft curls gently graze his fingers. Rose’s fingers went through his golden hair, feeling the tousled strands go through her fingers. Both breathed in as much air as they possibly could through their noses, continuing to share the passionate kiss that expressed their love for each other. Minutes later, they pulled away from their kiss, trying to catch their breath. Jack’s thumb gently caressed her cheek as she looked up at him with twinkling eyes. "You’re so beautiful." His eyes were locked into hers.

"And you’re so handsome." Rose smiled. Jack returned the smile, his hand still upon her cheek. "Well, we should be eating our dinner before it gets cold," Rose said, turning, removing the lid from the pot, and filling two plates with the food that she had prepared that afternoon.

"That looks good," Jack said, looking over her shoulder. Rose smiled at him.

"Well, I hope it tastes as good as it looks," Rose said, filling up the plates with good amounts of pasta and putting the plates on the table.

"Rose, I’ve tasted your sauce before," Jack said, smiling. "And it was delicious. I hate to say this, but it was better than my mother’s." Rose looked at him.

"That’s impossible," Rose said, grabbing two glasses and setting them on the table. "I’m sure your mother’s sauce was much more delightful than mine."

"I like yours better," Jack said, taking a seat on one of the chairs. "I remember how I would always hide some away to look as if I ate it." Rose turned, a smile across her face.

"Why, Jack Dawson, you must’ve caused your mother quite a lot of trouble," Rose said. Jack laughed.

"Well, sometimes," Jack admitted, lifting the fork and beginning to eat the pasta. "You see, I told you it was better than my mother’s."

"How so?" Rose asked.

"It has more flavor," Jack said.

"Well, I’m glad you enjoy my sauce," Rose said. "But I’m sure your mother was a good cook."

"She was," Jack said, putting another forkful of pasta in his mouth. Rose filled the glasses with orange juice, since that was the only beverage that they had left. Once she had the glasses filled, she took a seat across from Jack and began eating as well.

"You know, it’s almost Annie’s birthday," Rose said, taking a sip of her orange juice.

"It is?" Jack asked. "When is it?"

"The fifteenth," Rose said. "I believe she’s turning nineteen." Jack nodded, taking a sip of his juice.

"Maybe we could throw her a surprise party or something," Jack said.

"That sounds like a good idea," Rose said, smiling.

"So, on the fifteenth, we’ll get everything ready," Jack said. Rose smiled and continued to eat.

Jack and Rose ate peacefully as the time passed by. By the time they were finished, it was already eight o’clock and the sky was growing darker. Rose was gathering the dishes while Jack went out to smoke. Setting the dishes in the sink, Rose took a wet cloth and began cleaning off the table. She went over to the sink and began to wash the dishes, and within fifteen minutes, she was finished. Taking a dry cloth from the counter, Rose dried her hands off and walked towards the parlor, where she sat on the couch. Rose caught a glimpse of Jack’s portfolio, which was on the coffee table. Leaning over, she retrieved the portfolio and set it in her lap, where she opened it to the first page. Rose smiled as she found Katherine and herself speaking to each other near the counter at the Michael’s house. Flipping to the next page, Rose found herself sleeping on the bed in the guest room. She looked peaceful, as if nothing would ever disturb her from her sleep. Rose looked down beside his initials and found that he had written something. As she read the words, a smile spread across her face. The words that were written under the drawing were sweet and beautiful, making Rose feel warm and loved inside. Rose Dawson, an angel that has been sent from heaven. She’s my heart and soul. She’s my life. I love you, Rose Dawson. Tears welled up in Rose’s eyes when she read the words that were written in the familiar handwriting. Flipping to the next drawing, Rose found that it was a portrait of Jonathan, Katherine, and Amanda together, smiles on their faces. She glanced down at the bottom right hand corner and found that Jack had drawn it the same day they had left Santa Monica to head back to New York. A smile spread across Rose’s face when she glanced down at the portrait of the three people that she had learned to love over those two weeks Jack and herself had stayed in their house. Rose looked through Jack’s drawings for the next half hour, admiring each portrait that was sketched by her husband, who inspired her and who had stolen her heart. She knew that their love for each other would last for as long as they were breathing, and even beyond that, for she knew their love was strong enough to last for an eternity, or even longer.

*****

Jack leaned against the apartment building, a cigarette hanging from his lips, his piercing blue eyes gazing around the neighborhood. Removing the cigarette from his lips, he blew out the smoke. Eyes glued to the building opposite him, he caught a glimpse of a figure walking rather slowly, his head bowed. A hat was perched on his overgrown black hair, which was partly covered by a bandage. Narrowing his eyes to get a closer look at him, he realized that the man looked vaguely familiar. Flicking his cigarette onto the pavement, he began moving a few steps closer, his heartbeat quickening as he did so. Could it really be his long lost friend? His best friend? The man who he had traveled with for the past two years, before they had boarded that ill-fated ship? Jack swallowed hard, his eyes growing wider with every step he took to get closer to the lonesome man who was walking down the sidewalk across the street from him. As he grew closer to the man who was a few feet away from him, memories immediately went through his mind. From the moment he had first met him to the moment where he had thought him dead. Jack stopped in his tracks, running a hand through his blonde hair. He watched the man walking further away from him, causing Jack to stand and wonder.

"Fabri…" Jack whispered. "Fabri!" Loud enough for him to hear. He watched the man stop walking and slowly turn around. He had a confused expression on his face, his eyes narrowing to get a closer look. Suddenly, a broad, tired smile came across his face, his eyes widening.

"Jack!" Fabrizio shouted.

"Fabri!" Jack cried out, tears welling up in his eyes at the sight of his best friend, who he had thought to be dead for the past two months. Thought him in the depths of the North Atlantic. Fabrizio made his way towards Jack, the smile still across his face. Once they were a foot apart, they had threw their arms around each other in a brotherly hug. "Oh, God, Fabri, I thought you were dead!"

"I was in hospital," Fabrizio said, pointing behind him. "A few blocks away from here. I just got out." Fabrizio gazed into Jack’s eyes. "I have stayed there for the past two months—recovering from my injury."

"For all that time, I thought—" Jack began, running his fingers through his hair. "I’m so sorry, Fabri—"

"Why you sorry for?" Fabrizio asked, looking at Jack with furrowed brow. "You did not do anything, capisci?"

"I shouldn’t have told you and Tommy to go to the other side," Jack said. "I should’ve just let you stay with me. I’m such an idiot!"

"No, Jack," Fabrizio said, taking hold of Jack’s arms, his warm brown eyes gazing into Jack’s ocean-blue ones. "You are not an idiot, okay? You did not do anything wrong."

"Fabri—" Jack began, his eyes gazing at him.

"Jack, listen," Fabrizio said. "You love the first class girl, no?" Jack smiled, nodding his head. "You worry about her, no?"

"Yeah, but—" Jack began before being interrupted.

"That’s all you need to know," Fabrizio said. "You love her, you worry about her, you no do anything wrong. You save her life. Made her a happy woman. You no need to feel guilty, capisci?"

"Fabri," Jack said. "It’s just that you could’ve died out there because of me."

"If I did, I would not have died because of you, okay?" Fabrizio said. "Look, I no want to argue with you. You are my best friend, no?" Jack nodded his head, a smile across his face. "Then don’t feel guilty and blame yourself for something you did not do, okay?"

"It’s hard not to, Fabri," Jack said. "I dragged you into that mess in the first place."

"No, Jack," Fabrizio said. "Don’t talk like that. If you no go on the Titanic, you would not have met that bella Rosa."

At the mention of Rose, Jack glanced at the building across from him, staring at the third story window that belonged to his apartment. Jack realized that he had been gone for more than twenty minutes, after promising Rose that he would be back in five minutes, just having a smoke. Looking down, he pushed away the blonde strands of hair that fell over his eyes.

"Uh…why don’t you come upstairs?" Jack asked. "I’m sure that you’d like to officially meet Rose."

"Sì," Fabrizio said, smiling. "I would love to."

Jack smiled and crossed the street, Fabrizio close behind him. As they climbed the three stone steps, he opened the front entrance of the building and allowed Fabrizio to go ahead of him. Entering the lobby, Jack found Michael stepping out of his apartment.

"Hey, Jack," Michael said, a bright smile on his face. "I was just gonna go upstairs to see you. But I see that you beat me to it." Jack laughed.

"Well, you’re free to come upstairs," Jack said. "Michael, this is my good friend, Fabrizio di Rossi. Fabri, this is my landlord and good friend, Michael Calvert."

"Ciao." Fabrizio smiled, shaking hands with him. "Pleased to meet you."

"And you," Michael said. "How’s Rose doing?"

"She’s doing fine." Jack smiled.

"That’s good," Michael said.

"Well, let’s go upstairs," Jack said. "Rose must be worried enough as it is. I’ve been gone for about half an hour, promising to be back within five minutes."

"Oh," Michael said. "She won’t be too upset with you, I’m sure."

"Well, there’s only one way to find out," Jack said, climbing the stairs that would lead him to the third floor, his two friends close behind him.

*****

Rose was in the bedroom, sitting on the bed and leaning against the headboard. Her mind was occupied by her unborn child. A hand rested on her lower abdomen as she stared off into space. Ever since she had found out that she was pregnant, she had begun to think of whether or not she would be a good mother. If she would raise her daughter or son the way a mother should raise a child. Rose was quite frightened at becoming a mother, yet she was also excited and thrilled. She had always wanted to become a mother, but had never expected to be a mother at such a young age. Getting up from the bed, Rose walked over to the dresser, where a picture of Jack and herself on their wedding day stood. Annie had taken the picture with her new camera, which she had bought a few months prior to the wedding.

In the picture, Jack had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, a bright smile across his face. Rose’s head leaned against his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his body. The tuxedo he wore made him look handsome, as did his haircut. Rose’s white dress was low cut with short sleeves and beautiful embroidery, which made the dress look even more elegant. The veil that was atop Rose’s head had made her look even more beautiful to Jack, which had made him love her even more. On her left hand, her two rings were visible. The two rings which symbolized Jack’s love for her. In Jack’s eyes, she could see such love and happiness that she could believe that that had been the best day of his life. Her wedding day was the most memorable day of her life, as well as the best day of her life. Even though her marriage to Jack had occurred only a few days after the tragedy, Rose knew that throughout the tragic events they’d been through, their love would always be strong and would last for an eternity, and even beyond that. Smiling, she set the picture down back where she had gotten it from and moved towards the window, looking over the beauty of the city. Even though they weren’t on the highest floor, she could see the beauty of the city from the floor of their apartment.

Sighing, Rose stepped away from the window and glanced at the clock that hung on the wall. It was already half past eight in the evening, and Jack hadn’t returned. He had said that he’d take five minutes to smoke his cigarette, and Rose realized that he should’ve been back a half hour earlier. Rose came to think that Jack might’ve taken a stroll to the park to relax himself, and at the thought, she went towards the dresser, taking out a nightgown. Heading towards the bathroom, Rose turned on the water in the tub and put the plug in the drain. She poured some bubble bath into the water and watched as bubbles began forming. After she had done so, she began undressing. She slipped a foot into the water, finding it warm enough for her to bathe in, so she sank into the water, feeling her body relax in the warmth of the water. Finding that the tub was filled, she shut off the water and leaned her head against the back of the tub, closing her eyes. The fragrance of the bubble bath lingered in her nostrils, making her smile and feel clean and warm.

Opening her eyes, she began bathing herself, scrubbing every inch of her body with soap. Once she had done so, she took hold of her shampoo and began lathering her wet curls with the hair cleaner. Having done that, she rinsed her hair off until every bubble of shampoo had disappeared. Rose pulled the plug out of the drain and got up, grabbing a towel from the towel rack and wrapping it around her body. Carefully, Rose stepped out of the tub and began drying herself off. Having done so, Rose put on clean undergarments and slipped on her nightgown, which showed every curve in her body. Taking a brush, Rose began untangling every curl, making her damp hair become soft and bouncy. Once Rose had finished with her hair, she set the brush down, picked up the clothes that were thrown on the floor, and dumped them into the laundry basket. Stepping into the bedroom, Rose slipped under the covers and lay on her side, where she hugged the comforter against her body and stared off into space. Within a few minutes, Rose began to grow weary and soon fell fast asleep.

*****

Jack entered the apartment, Michael and Fabrizio close behind. Jack called Rose’s name out, closing the door. Getting no response, he went to the kitchen, which he found to be empty. Heading towards their bedroom, he found her lying on her side, her eyes closed and her breathing even. Smiling, Jack headed towards her, pressing his lips against her forehead.

"Sweet dreams, my love," Jack whispered in her ear. He saw her smile, mumble I love you to him, and go back to her slumber. Smiling, Jack caressed her curls and stepped out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him. "She’s asleep." Jack put his hand in his pockets.

"Okay, then, maybe I should come back tomorrow," Michael said, turning to leave.

"You don’t have to leave," Jack said. "We can sit on the couch and talk. Rose is sound asleep. She won’t mind."

"Well, maybe for a few minutes," Michael said, going over to the couch and taking a seat. Fabrizio and Jack stood behind the couch, Jack glancing over at his best friend, who he had known for two years and thought dead for two months.

"Have a seat, Fabri," Jack said, nodding his head towards the couch. "Make yourself at home." Fabrizio smiled and headed towards the couch, taking a seat and resting his head against the back. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"No, I’m fine," Michael said.

"Sì," Fabrizio said. "A glass of water would be fine." Jack nodded and headed towards the kitchen, taking a glass from the cabinet and filling it with water. Jack walked back to the parlor, where he handed the glass to Fabrizio. "Grazie…thank you, Jack."

"No problem," Jack said, heading towards the armchair beside the couch. The three sat there quietly, none knowing what to say to each other. Jack leaned back, glancing at Fabrizio and at Michael, who sat there quietly, each occupied with their own thoughts. Jack remembered that he had to pay his month’s rent to Michael. Slipping his hand into his pocket, he retrieved a ten dollar bill. "Here, Mike." Jack handed the bill to Michael.

"What’s this for?" Michael asked, staring at the ten dollar bill.

"It’s the month’s rent," Jack explained.

"Oh, right," Michael said, taking the money and putting it in his pocket. Silence once again lingered in the air, causing Jack to grow more and more fed up.

"I’m bored out of my mind!" Jack said, running both his hands through his hair and locking his fingers behind his head. Fabrizio spoke to Jack, setting the empty glass down.

"How are you and la bella Rosa doing?" Fabrizio asked, eyes on his best friend. Jack looked at him and smiled.

"She’s doing good." Jack smiled, looking at the wedding band that was on his left ring finger.

"Che cose quello?" Fabrizio asked, nodding his head towards his hand.

"My wedding ring," Jack said. "Rose and I got married two and a half months ago—just five days after it happened."

"Che?" Fabrizio asked, eyes wide. "You married her five days later?" Jack nodded his head. "Mama mia, tu è pazzo! Marry the girl after knowing her per dieci giorni!" Jack laughed, looking over at him.

"You know what else?" Jack asked.

"What?" Fabrizio asked.

"I just found out that she’s pregnant with our first child," Jack said, folding his hands, his elbows leaning against his knees.

"Bambino?" Fabrizio asked, a shocked look across his face. "Dio mio, Jack, what else are you ‘a gonna do?" Jack laughed, finally feeling the guilt and the grief leave him.

"A baby?" Michael asked, listening to the conversation. "Rose is pregnant?"

"Two months along," Jack said, looking over at Michael.

"Congratulations," Michael said, smiling.

"Thanks," Jack said, returning the smile.

"You are one lucky man, Jack," Fabrizio said, smiling at his friend. "You married the woman you love."

"I love her more than ever now," Jack said, strands of his hair falling over his eyes. "She means the world to me."

"I know she does," Fabrizio said, smiling at him. "I remember how you always talk about her. From the way you talk about her, I know you love her. You two are ‘a made for each other. How do you say it? You two are a match made in ‘a heaven."

Jack smiled, hearing his friend say this to him. Hearing this from a person who he had thought to be dead for two months, and now found to be alive, with an injury which had been mostly healed when he had left the hospital. Fabrizio was like a brother to him. He was always there when he needed him the most and he always gave him good advice when it came to women. As he gazed into Fabrizio’s eyes, he found a hint of sadness in them. Even though he had a smile on his face, the sadness was still visible within his tender brown eyes. Jack wondered why his friend was gloomy. Had he lost someone he cared for? As that question lingered in his mind, he came to solve his curiosity. Fabrizio had had an admiration towards a blonde-haired Norwegian woman who had been aboard the Titanic. Jack remembered how Fabrizio had told him about Helga, as Jack had told him about Rose. Jack hoped that Fabrizio would learn to love again, although he knew that it would be impossible, for Fabrizio had only loved Helga. Jack knew that if he was in the same situation as Fabrizio, he wouldn’t love again, for Rose meant everything to him. Without her in his life, it wasn’t worth living, and he knew that no other woman could even compare to Rose, for Rose was unique. She was one of a kind, for there was no other woman like her. She had a free-spirited, adventurous side to her that Jack had never seen in a woman. Suddenly, he heard the grandfather clock chime, indicating that a new hour had come. Looking up at the clock, Jack found that it was already nine o’clock.

"Whoa," Michael said, getting up. "I should get going. I’m taking Annie out tonight."

"All right," Jack said, getting up to see him to the door.

"See you tomorrow, Jack," Michael said, patting him on the shoulder. "Oh, you don’t need to walk me out. I can do that myself. Have a good night, Jack."

"You too, Mike," Jack said, watching Michael leave the apartment, closing the door behind him as he did so.

"Well, I should get going," Fabrizio said, getting up.

"Wait," Jack said. "Do you have anywhere to go?"

"No," Fabrizio said. "But I could ‘a sleep out in the streets, like I always did with you."

"Fabri, I can’t let you do that," Jack said. "What kind of a friend would I be if I did that to you?"

"Do what?" Fabrizio asked.

"Send you out on the streets," Jack said. "Fabri, you’re staying here with us until you find a place of your own. You can stay here as long as you wish. I’m sure Rose won’t mind."

"No, Jack," Fabrizio said. "I would not want to intrude. You and la bella Rosa are ‘a newlyweds. You no need me to be in your way."

"Who said you’d be in the way?" Jack asked. "Fabri, you’re my best friend. I just found out that you were alive after believing that you were dead for the past two months. You’re not about to let me let you leave to let the guilt build up on me, are you?"

Fabrizio sighed, glancing at his friend. "I don’t know, Jack. What am I ‘a supposed to do here?"

"Nothing," Jack said. "Just take my apartment as your home. And if you don’t want to stay here, you’re free to leave. You just have to inform me before you do."

"I don’t know, Jack," Fabrizio said. "Would Rosa really want me here?"

"I’m sure she will," Jack said. "Trust me."

"Jack—" Fabrizio began.

"If it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll talk to her in the morning, and then we’ll see what she thinks," Jack said.

"Sì," Fabrizio said. "That will make me feel much better."

"Good," Jack said. "For now, you can sleep in the guestroom." Jack led Fabrizio towards the hallway and to the second door on the right. "This is the guestroom." Jack opened the door for him, revealing a bed, a dresser, and a door that led to the closet. "The bathroom is over there." Jack pointed two doors away from them. "And the kitchen is straight down that way. Make yourself at home and feel free to take anything you want."

"Grazie, Jack," Fabrizio said. "I really appreciate it. You are like a brother to me."

"And so are you," Jack said, smiling. "I’m glad that you’re alive."

"Me, too," Fabrizio said, smiling brightly. Jack pulled him into a brotherly hug.

"Good night, Fabri," Jack said, heading towards the door beside the guestroom.

"Buona notte." Fabrizio smiled.

"Buona notte," Jack replied, opening the door to his bedroom and stepping inside, closing the door behind him. Rose was still in the same position that he had left her in, and he could hear her even breathing, showing that she was in deep slumber. Smiling, Jack removed his heavy boots and set them aside, then removed his corduroy pants as well as his thin shirt, setting them on a chair. Jack headed towards his side of the bed, sliding under the covers and cuddled beside Rose, putting an arm over her waist and put his head above hers. He felt her cuddle closer to him and put a hand on top of his. Smiling, Jack put a kiss on her fiery red curls and closed his eyes, going into a dreamless slumber.

Chapter Twenty-Nine
Stories