LOVE THAT NEVER FADES
Chapter Thirty-Four

The front door swung open as Kristen angrily left the apartment building. Tears slid down her cheeks and her eyes shone with hurt and anger. Never before had she felt so hurt and so angry in her life. She had expected Jack to take her back in his arms and to court her and love her, as she did him. But once she found that he was married, everything had changed. Kristen descended the stairs, wiping her tears from her eyes before walking up the block. She made sure her hair was in place and that her face was dry prior to turning the corner of the block. She looked down at her purple velvet dress, finding that her cleavage bulged out and that her legs were smooth and long beneath the skirt. She ran her fingers through her dark hair, making sure that it was in its place. Once she had made sure her face was presentable and that her composure was stable, she walked into a building. She walked up the staircase that was to the right of the hallway and stopped by a door. She swallowed and knocked on the door, leaning her head closer to see if there was anybody inside.

"Jimmy?" Kristen called. "Are you in here?"

She heard some rustling in the room and heard him complain.

"Who is it?" Jimmy asked, his voice sounding annoyed.

"It’s me," Kristen said. "Kristen."

Seconds later, the door burst open. "What is it this time, Kristen?" Jimmy asked, his eyes drowsy.

"I have to talk to you," Kristen said, looking at him.

"Now?" Jimmy asked.

"Yes, now," Kristen said. "Can I come in or what?"

Jimmy sighed and moved aside. "This better be good, Kristen. You fucking woke me up from my beauty sleep," Jimmy said, slamming the door shut.

"Beauty sleep?" Kristen asked, turning around as a smile came upon her face. "At this hour?"

"Quit teasing me, Kristen. I had a long night," Jimmy said.

"Hmm…I see," Kristen said, making her way towards a chair through all the mess that was on the floor. She sat down and crossed her legs, watching Jimmy look at her. He picked up a few things and set them aside. He stood up straight and looked at her.

"Well, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Jimmy asked, getting impatient.

"I want you to do a huge favor for me," Kristen said. "If you don’t mind."

"Well, what exactly do you want me to do?" Jimmy asked.

"Well, there’s this man that I like," Kristen said, shifting into a comfortable position. "His name is Jack Dawson, and he lives around the corner from here. We met two years ago, but before I could do anything with him, he left. Haven’t seen him for two years, and finally, I saw him at a bar with some Italian guy, drinking beer. But he wasn’t single when he came back. He came back with some redheaded girl, who turns out to be his wife." Kristen looked at him. "I hate her guts, Jimmy."

"And?" Jimmy asked, wanting her to get to the point.

"And we have to get rid of her, Jimmy," Kristen said. "Tonight, meet me by the bar at 7:50 sharp. We’re then gonna go over to their apartment and I’m gonna try to distract Jack while you take his wife, Rose. Once you’ve got her, just pull her away. Anything. I want Jack to myself tonight." Kristen smiled. "Do you think you can do that for me?"

Jimmy just stood there, trying to contemplate whether he should agree to her plans or not. After a few minutes of thinking it over, he finally came to a decision.

"Yeah," Jimmy said. "Sure. I’ll do it."

Kristen got up and walked towards him. "Thank you so much, Jimmy," Kristen said, smiling at him. "You don’t know how much this means to me."

Jimmy just nodded his head and smiled.

"You’re the best," Kristen said, planting a tender kiss on his cheek. Kristen slipped her hand into the purse that she held, taking out a bundle of money. "This is just something that shows my appreciation." Kristen slipped the bundle into his hands. She looked up, smiling. "Remember…7:50 at the bar…tonight!"

"I’ll remember," Jimmy said, looking at the money he held in his hands. "I’ll see you later, then, Kristen."

Kristen smiled and left the small apartment. A satisfied smile was across her face as she left the apartment building and walked down the block, heading towards her own apartment. All she knew was that she could hardly wait for the day to pass so she could finally have Jack all to herself and do what she wanted with him. Maybe then Jack might consider leaving Rose. Or so she hoped.

*****

Rose went over to Annie’s apartment to pick up her things. She found Annie standing in the middle of the parlor, looking at her.

"Is everything all right?" Annie asked, her voice showing a hint of concern.

"Everything is more than all right, Annie," Rose said, a bright smile upon her face. "Everything is just perfect."

Annie’s eyes widened, a smile coming upon her face.

"You mean…" Annie said, her smile broadening.

"Yes, Annie," Rose said. "Jack and I are together again."

"Oh, my God, Rose," Annie said, her voice cheerful. "That’s wonderful!"

Rose smiled. "I know," Rose said. "I was beginning to think that our marriage was falling apart, you know. And the only thing that kept getting worse for me the past four days was that I knew I loved him. I knew that my heart still belonged to him." Rose began throwing things into the valise, not caring if they were wrinkled or not. "I just knew that I couldn’t live without him. Not after what we’ve been through."

Annie nodded, understanding. "You two are made for each other," Annie said. "It broke my heart seeing you two apart."

Rose smiled, looking at Annie. "I broke my heart being apart from him," Rose said, putting her diary in the case. She sighed. "I don’t even know what I was thinking. I should’ve just given him a chance to explain. Then maybe we wouldn’t have to forgive each other and maybe I wouldn’t have been miserable for the past four days." Rose slammed the case shut after everything was in it. "I can be so stubborn at times!" Rose clenched her fists. "I hate myself for that!"

Annie laughed shortly. "Oh, Rose, please," Annie said. "Everyone has their flaws. No one’s perfect." Annie smiled. "Haven’t you read The Scarlet Letter? Hester had to wear an embroidered A on her chest for adultery. Would you like to wear an S on your chest for stubbornness?"

Rose smiled, shaking her head. "Of course not," Rose said. "But she was different, Annie. She committed a sin, while I have not."

Annie looked at her and laughed. "Rose, you sure are something," Annie said, helping Rose lift the valise off the bed. "It’s not about what sin she committed. It’s about how she had to wear that on her chest for ten years time. She showed everyone her flaw, while that Dimmesdale fellow engraved it onto his chest." Annie set the valise down on the floor. "See, Rose, you show how you feel. If you’re jealous, you show it. If you’re hurt, you show it. You don’t lock it up within yourself. And for that, you shouldn’t. You may be stubborn, Rose, but you are free-spirited and smart. You’re everything a man could ask for."

Rose’s smile broadened as she looked down, a blush creeping across her face.

"Uh…thank you," Rose said, the smile still on her face. Rose looked at the clock that hung on the wall. She found that it was already one o’clock in the afternoon. "Well, I’d better go prepare lunch. Jack must be hungry. I know I am!" Rose lifted the valise from the floor.

"Let me help you," Annie said, taking the case from her. "Besides, in your condition you shouldn’t be lifting anything. You wouldn’t want to put your baby in danger, now, would you?"

"You’re right," Rose said, following Annie into the parlor. Rose looked down and put a hand on her lower abdomen, a smile coming upon her face. She looked down at her left hand, finding that she wasn’t wearing her rings. She looked up, suddenly realizing that four days ago, she had told Annie to return the rings to Jack. Rose closed her eyes, hoping that the marriage would continue and that their love would grow for the rest of their lives.

*****

Jack went into their bedroom, where everything was the same way they had left it four days ago. Jack hadn’t bothered sleeping in the bedroom, for he knew he’d be reminded of Rose and his heart would break again. Thus, for the four days of loneliness, he had slept on the couch, feeling miserable and hurt. However, tonight he was looking forward to sleeping in the bed beside his love—making love. He went towards the dresser, where he opened the jewelry box, taking out Rose’s engagement and wedding rings from the slots and making his way towards the parlor as the door flew open, revealing the love of his life standing beside Annie, who carried the valise. A smile came upon Jack’s face as he saw how Rose’s eyes twinkled happily.

"Let me get that," Jack said, heading towards Annie, taking the valise, and setting it aside. "Would you like to come in?" Jack watched Rose step inside.

"Um…no," Annie said. "You two deserve to be alone. Besides, I…uh…I have to run some errands. You two have fun." Annie smiled.

Jack returned the smile. "We will," Jack said, closing the door after Annie had walked down the hall. Jack turned to find Rose smiling brightly at him. He tightened his grip on the rings and felt a smile come upon his face. He walked towards Rose and put a hand on her cheek. "I thought I’d never get to feel your skin again." Jack’s fingers brushed against her porcelain cheek.

Rose smiled and closed her eyes, feeling his rough fingers on her skin. A tingling feeling ran through her face as his fingers brushed against her skin. As his fingers made their way towards her curls, his thumb caressed her cheekbone. She suddenly felt his lips gently press against her closed eyelids, making a trail down to her cheek and over her ruby lips. As she felt his lips upon hers, she brought her arms behind his neck, hugging him close, feeling his hands go down her back, and pulling her close to him. Rose partly opened her mouth, welcoming his warm, soothing tongue making their kiss more intense and passionate and causing her heart to flutter in her ribcage. She felt his hands go up and down her back, sending sweet, loving shivers up her spine. With their lips still connected, Jack moved his hands towards her arms and slid them down until he held Rose’s hands in his own. In a few minutes, he pulled away.

Jack looked at her, his eyes twinkling and his smile brightening up his face. He brought a hand towards her cheek, allowing his thumb to gently caress her delicate porcelain cheek. He watched her eyes shimmering in happiness and her smile sweetening up her face. Her kiss-bruised lips were smooth and had a ruby red color on them. Her curls had fallen from their place in the ribbon Rose had tied earlier. Jack couldn’t help but fall in love with Rose all over again. He looked at his clenched fist and swallowed.

"Rose," Jack whispered, his voice barely audible, feeling his heart beating briskly. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "I think these belong to you." Jack unclenched his hand, revealing the two rings that Rose had told Annie to return to him. The two rings that symbolized Jack’s love for her. Her engagement ring glittered in the light as her wedding band shone brightly.

Rose looked at him and smiled. "I think they do," Rose said, a teasing smile on her face. "Now I’m going to have to find the right person to put them on me." Rose teased Jack, bringing a hand to her face as if she were thinking about something. "Hmm…who could that person possibly be?" Rose looked at Jack, finding that his smile had broadened and that his eyes shone with laughter.

"Oh, so you’re gonna tease me now, huh?" Jack asked, going closer to her and lifting her off the floor.

Rose grabbed onto him as he began spinning her. Rose let out a sharp shriek, squeezing her eyes shut, a broad smile upon her face. She clutched his shirt, laughing. She swung her legs, hearing his laughter ringing in her ears.

A few minutes later, he set her down and pressed his lips against her forehead.

"Well, I guess you’re the one to put the rings back on," Rose said, smiling.

Jack chuckled shortly. "Guess I am, huh?" Jack asked, smiling. He lifted her left hand from her side and held onto her ring finger, his other hand sliding her engagement ring onto it, along with her wedding band. Once he had put the rings on their rightful spot, he clutched her hand tightly and brought it towards his lips, he putting a gentle, loving kiss on her knuckles. "I don’t want you to ever take these off again…these rings symbolize my love for you, and I want you to wear them until the day you leave this earth." Jack’s thumb stroked the back of her hand sweetly.

Rose smiled and tightened her grip on his hand. "I promise, Jack. I will never take them off again," Rose said. "I’ll never let go."

Jack smiled and pulled her into yet another fervent kiss, their bodies colliding into each other’s lovingly. Rose’s fingers ran through his tousled blonde hair as his hand went down her back and onto the small of it. Their kiss grew more and more passionate by the minute, and Rose slid Jack’s jacket off of him, hearing it fall to the floor. Jack held her close to him, leading her towards the couch and laying Rose down while he hovered over her. Their mouths were still connected in their loving kiss, both trying to remove each other’s garments. Jack had managed to unbutton the first three buttons of her dress when there was an unexpected knock on the door. Jack groaned, pulling her closer to him. Rose hesitantly pulled away, catching her breath. She looked at the door, her eyes moving from the door to Jack.

"I think we should answer that," Rose said, breathing irregularly.

Jack ran his fingers through his hair, nodding. Rose buttoned the three buttons that Jack had unbuttoned and got up, smoothing out her dress. Her hands went to her hair, making sure that it was in its place, as she watched Jack button up his shirt. Rose cleared her throat and walked forward.

"Who is it?" Rose asked, waiting for the person to answer, still trying to keep her breathing at a normal level.

"It’s your mother, dear," Rose heard Ruth say on the other side of the door. Rose opened the door, revealing her mother dressed in a simple blue dress.

"Why, hello, Mother," Rose said, moving aside and allowing her mother to enter the apartment. "How are you?"

"I’m fine, dear," Ruth said. "And you?"

"Perfectly fine, Mother," Rose said.

Ruth looked at Rose, then at Jack, seeing that his hair was mussed and his shirt was out of place.

"Um…was I interrupting something?" Ruth asked, looking at her daughter.

"N-no…uh…we were just…um…talking…" Rose said, smiling, a blush coming across her face.

"Hmm…talking, were you?" Ruth asked, a teasing smile on her face. Rose smiled back, putting her hands behind her back while she played with her fingers nervously. Rose cleared her throat and smiled.

"So, what brings you here, Mother?" Rose asked.

"I’m not sure if this was true, but I heard rumors that you and Jack had separated," Ruth said. She looked at Jack, finding that he was looking down, as was Rose. "Would you care explaining that to me?"

"W-well, it’s a long story," Rose said.

"So, it’s true," Ruth said. "But why, dear? You two are so madly in love."

"We’re together now, Mother," Rose said. "W-we were separated for four days."

"Four days?" Ruth asked. "And how come I haven’t heard anything about it?"

Rose sighed and looked at Jack. Rose walked over to her mother and led her towards the couch, taking a seat beside her.

"Well, you see, Mother," Rose said, trying to find the best way to tell her what had happened. "It all started when I went for a stroll in Central Park."

Rose, with Jack’s help, told Ruth the real story of their separation for four days. Rose explained how hurt she had been, and how she couldn’t bear staying with him, staying instead over at Annie’s for the four days, and how she had returned her rings to Jack, while Jack explained to her how he hadn’t meant to kiss Kristen, and how lonely and hurt he had felt, not being by Rose’s side. Also, they mentioned that they had reunited earlier, ending their four days worth of hurt, agony, and regret.

Ruth sat there, in shock at what she had heard. She looked over at the two lovers who sat on either side of her and saw that their eyes shone with love and passion for each other. Ruth looked at her daughter and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Are you sure you two are fine?" Ruth asked, her eyes shining with concern.

"Yes, Mother, we’re perfectly all right now," Rose said, giving her mother a reassuring smile.

Ruth looked at her, not quite sure if she was telling the truth. Ruth was worried about her daughter, and she didn’t want to see her heartbroken. Ruth looked into Rose’s eyes with worry and confidence.

"Rose, are you really sure?" Ruth asked. "I-I’m just worried about you…I never would’ve expected for you and Jack to separate. With you two, it seems impossible to even know that anyone else exists." Ruth sighed, twisting her head to face Jack. "Are you sure everything will be all right?"

"Ruth, everything’s fine," Jack said, smiling. "I promise."

Ruth still looked at him as if he weren’t telling the truth. Jack sighed, got up, and walked towards Rose, pulling her to her feet.

"Would you like me to prove it to you?" Jack asked, eyeing Ruth as he held Rose in his arms.

"Jack, I just—" Ruth began, but stopped when she saw that Jack was kissing Rose with more passion and intensity than she had ever seen a couple kiss with before.

As Rose felt Jack put a passionate kiss on her lips, she quickly responded, putting her arms around his neck and pulling him close to make the kiss deeper and more fervent. She felt her body warm up as he pulled her closer to his body, his hands caressing her arms and back, feeling shivers go up her spine from his gentle, loving touch. She could feel his rushed breath coming from his nostrils, blowing against her skin, their mouths in the state of intensity and love. In minutes, neither cared where they were, for they were oblivious to the world around them, only aware of each other and their strengthened love. They could hear a laugh coming from Ruth.

"All right. All right," Ruth said, smiling. "You proved your point…I should have never asked…" Ruth got up as they broke from their kiss. "Honestly, you two seem more in love with each other than the last time I saw you."

Jack and Rose had smiles on their faces, their eyes twinkling with happiness and love. They held each other’s hands tenderly, watching Ruth come towards them.

"I want you two to know something," Ruth said. "You have something very rare yet very special. You have love for each other, and I want you to promise me that you won’t ever let your love die. I don’t want you to go through the pain again as you did four days ago."

Rose smiled and stepped a bit closer to her mother, putting her hands on her shoulders.

"I promise, Mother," Rose said. "I won’t let anything like that happen again."

"That’s good," Ruth said, smiling. She looked at Jack, seeing that he had a bright smile on his face.

"I will keep that promise, Ruth," Jack said. He stepped closer as well, and put a gentle hand on her back. "And you know the Dawsons never break their promises."

Ruth smiled. "I’m glad to know that," Ruth said, looking at him. "I’m just glad that you were the one who married my daughter, and not that Hockley fellow. You are much more of a gentleman than he will ever be." She swallowed, looking down. "I still feel guilt flow through my body when I think of how I treated you on the Titanic, and I know you did not deserve that treatment. I was acting unladylike, and I only cared for material things, never once letting it go through my head that Rose was the one who meant more than money, and I had forced her into a loveless relationship. Then, when she met you, I thought everything would be ruined, and—" Jack stopped her.

"Ruth," Jack said, chuckling. "Calm down…relax!" Jack ran his hands up and down his mother-in-law’s arms to relax her nerves. "Everything is fine…that is the past and we should leave it behind us…where it belongs. True, you were…how should I say it? Um…"

"Rude?" Ruth finished for him. Jack smiled uneasily.

"Um…y-yeah, but you changed," Jack said. "You’ve changed pretty quick, might I add?"

"Why, thank you," Ruth said, smiling sweetly at him.

"No problem," Jack said. Jack had a faraway look in his eyes. "You’re the only mother-figure I have, and to know that you accept me as your own son--" Jack paused, feeling tears well up in his eyes. He had loved his mother dearly and felt his heart ache every time he thought of how his parents had died. Of how he had lost both parents in one day. Surprising how he had lost everyone he loved within a day. Jack cleared his throat, his mind drifting back to when he was fifteen. Back to the day when his life had changed forever.

*****

It was early summer, July 10, 1907, and fifteen-year-old Jack Dawson went down the staircase, his portfolio under his arm. His mother, Jaclyn, was in the kitchen, cooking supper. His father, John, was upstairs in the attic, sorting out the stored items that were in the room. When Jack reached the last step, he went towards his mother, took a spoon, and dipped it into the pot, taking a sip of the soup that his mother was preparing.

"Jack!" his mother said, slapping his hand. "That’s for tonight."

Jack had a smile on his face. "I know…I just wanted to taste," Jack said, taking another taste.

"Jack!" Jaclyn said, taking the spoon from him. "You’re going to eat it before dinner’s ready!"

Jack laughed. "And that’s a problem?" Jack asked, licking his fingers of the broth that had gotten on them.

Jaclyn smiled. "Well, where are you off to?" Jaclyn asked.

"I’m gonna head over to the lake," Jack said. "Need something to make me relax, you know. I’m kind of tired of staying inside."

"Okay. Just be back before supper," Jaclyn said.

"I will, Mom," Jack said, disappearing into the parlor.

"Take the dog out! He’s been in here all day!" Jaclyn called from the kitchen.

"Okay!" Jack called back. Jack turned around to call for the dog. "Shadow…come on, boy! Time for a run!" Jack heard Shadow’s collar bell and his paws hitting the floor as he ran into the parlor. Jack smiled and bent down to pet his dog. "There’s a good dog…come on." Jack got up and opened the door, watching Shadow run ahead of him. Jack squinted in the bright sunlight, pulling the door closed behind him. Shadow ran in circles, panting, his eyes looking at his owner. Shadow was a golden retriever, and had been the Dawsons’ pet for the past nine years. Jack descended the wooden steps, Shadow following him.

Jack finally reached the lake, Shadow beside him. Taking a seat on a boulder, Jack opened his portfolio, watching Shadow run towards the lake. Jack smiled, sketching the scene before him. The sun shone brightly before him, the wind gently ruffling his blonde hair. His artist hands felt as if they were moving on their own—as if they had a mind of their own, drawing, rubbing, and scratching on the piece of paper before him. Jack hadn’t realized the time going by, nor had he noticed the thick, black smoke that was coming out of a house a half mile away. The sun was about to set, which gave Jack the signal that he should head on home. He closed his portfolio and got up.

"Come on, Shadow!" Jack called, walking. Shadow didn’t answer his call. "Shadow! Come on, boy!" Jack looked around. He brought his thumb and forefinger to his mouth and blew a sharp whistle. He heard barking, and Jack turned, finding that Shadow was covered in soot. "Shadow…what happened?" Shadow barked frantically, looking behind him, jumping on his hind legs, and urging Jack to follow. "What is it, boy?" Shadow barked and moved ahead of him. Jack squinted his eyes, seeing think, black smoke coming out of his house. "Shit…Mom! Dad!" Jack clutched his portfolio as he ran, Shadow close behind him. Jack ran as fast as he could, his portfolio under his arm, his legs quickening their steps until he was a few feet away from his house. He dropped his portfolio, seeing that fire was coming out of the attic window. "Mom! Dad!" Jack tried to run into the house but was stopped by Shadow, who was tugging at his pantleg. Jack looked down at the dog angrily. "Let me go, Shadow!" Jack gently shook him off his leg, running inside the house. He covered his mouth, coughing and squinting his eyes, trying to focus on to where he was going in all the smoke that surrounded him. "Mom! Dad! Can you hear me?" Jack kept on coughing, making his way closer towards the staircase. "Mom!" Jack coughed. "Dad!" Jack covered his mouth, the smoke suffocating him. He heard a cracking noise and looked up, seeing that the ceiling above him was beginning to crack. "Mom! Dad! Can you hear me?" Jack tried to move up. Shadow, however, pulled him out of the way, causing him to fall to the floor, and just as he did, the ceiling collapsed, falling on Shadow. Jack got up and screamed. "Shadow! No! Shadow!" Jack moved closer, trying to remove the piece of wood that had fallen on top of his dog, but when he did, Shadow was dead. "No!" Jack fell to the floor and covered his face. "Shadow…" Jack coughed and looked up, seeing that the ceiling above him was about to give way. Jack quickly got up and ran out of the house, tumbling down the stairs and onto the grass. Coughing, Jack picked up his portfolio and ran as fast as he could away from the house, and as he did, there was a big explosion. Jack turned, tears streaming down his cheeks as he saw his home collapse, the fire still burning the wood.

Jack fell on his knees and cried, seeing that his childhood home had burned down—with his parents in it. He let out a long, heart-wrenching scream, tears spilling furiously down his cheeks. He banged his fist on the ground, giving an agonized cry. His throat hurt from screaming and his chest hurt from coughing. He curled into a fetal position as tears continued to pour down his cheeks, his body shaking with heartbroken sobs until exhaustion finally overtook his body.

The next morning, he saw people surrounding him and the bright sunshine blazing over him. He lifted a hand over his eyes, shielding them from the brightness of the sun. He saw that his hand was covered in soot and dirt, and finally realized what had happened. He sat up, looking down at his clothes, finding them dirty and blackened. He got up from his spot, finding that it was hard for him to stand, and he immediately fell to the ground. A middle-aged man went to his aid, putting his arm around his shoulders, supporting him.

"I’m sorry about your parents, son," the middle-aged man, Henry, said. Henry was an old family friend of the Dawsons and always visited in the morning, and when he had arrived this morning, he had found Jack on the ground and the house burnt down. "I can’t imagine what you are going through—"

"That’s because you don’t!" Jack said, pushing him away. His voice was hoarse and drowsy as he took a few steps sideways from the force. He looked around, finding that everyone around him had sympathetic looks upon their faces. The whole neighborhood was there, looking at him with pity and sympathy. Looking down, he saw that he had stepped on his portfolio. Bending down, he lifted it off the ground and felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find his mother’s friend, Emma, standing beside him.

"You can stay over at my place," Emma said. "I’m sure you need rest, and after what you’ve been through, you—"

"No!" Jack shouted. "No! I don’t need your sympathy…your pity! I don’t need any of that shit! I can take care of myself…I can…oh, Mom and Dad…why?" Jack fell to the ground, tears once again spilling down his cheeks. "Why’d you have to die?"

"C’mon, Jack. We’ll take you in," Emma’s husband, Jeffery, said. "We’ll give you everything you need. Money, clothes, food…anything. Just stay here with us—"

"No!" Jack shouted, getting up and taking a few uneasy steps backwards. "I don’t want any of your…charity…I don’t need any of it! Leave me alone! Please!"

"Jack—" Emma began.

Jack breathed heavily, gripping his portfolio. He looked from one person to another, still finding the same looks upon their faces. Still finding the same haunting look that Jack dreaded seeing—sympathy. He hated it when people felt sorry for him, when people pitied him. Turning his head, he saw the dirt road ahead of him. The empty dirt road that was welcoming him. Without thinking twice, Jack began running. Running as fast as his legs could take him while he clutched his portfolio, taking deep breaths into his lungs. He never bothered looking back. Never bothered giving the people he had known to be his neighbors and friends a second glance. His legs just kept on running as his breathing became heavy and irregular. His heart was beating briskly with hurt and agony as he ran away from Chippewa Falls—away from his childhood and away from all the pain and hurt that had been caused by the past nine hours. When he was a far distance from the people, he slowed his steps and stopped to catch his breath. He felt his heart beating quickly, his breathing irregular, his lungs burning to get air into them. Moments later, he caught his breath, and when he had, he walked to the train station and hopped on a train, leaving Chippewa Falls—his childhood home. He never looked back, nor would he return to this place, or so he thought.

*****

Jack was pulled away from his thoughts when Ruth called his name three times.

"Jack, my goodness, are you all right?" Ruth asked, looking into his eyes, concerned.

Jack looked at her, finding that his vision was blurred with tears. He squeezed his eyes shut, putting his hand over them, trying to hold back his tears. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and let out a shaky breath.

"I-I’m sorry," Jack said, his voice suddenly choked. "I-I’m fine…I’ll be okay."

"Are you sure?" Ruth asked. "You don’t seem to be."

Jack nodded his head. "I’m fine…I’ll be fine…I promise," Jack said, giving her his best smile.

Ruth didn’t believe him, but let it pass. "Well, if you say so," Ruth said, about to go past him, but stopped when Jack held onto her. She was surprised when he pulled her into a tight, loving embrace. Ruth smiled, wrapping her arms around his body, feeling as if Jack were her own son--feeling loved and cared for by the man she had loathed while they were on the Titanic, but learned to love in the days after. She felt tears drop on her shoulder and finally realized that Jack was crying. Ruth gently caressed his back, saying comforting words to him. "Shh. Everything will be fine…I’m here…my son…"

Jack pulled away, his eyes red and confused. "What?"

"I said, everything will be fine…I’m here," Ruth said. A smile came upon her face. "My son."

"Y-you really mean that?" Jack asked, looking deep into her eyes, trying to see if she meant it.

Ruth smiled and nodded. "I mean it, Jack. You’re more than my son-in-law…you’re like my own son. It’s as if I’ve known you for longer than two months. I can’t see you only as my son-in-law, Jack. I see you as my own son…I’m accepting you into the family," Ruth said, looking at him.

His smile broadened, tears shining in his eyes. He knew that Ruth had accepted him into the family, but when she uttered the words, it made him feel even more thrilled to have gotten to know Ruth DeWitt Bukater. That he had gotten on her good side, and had finally ended the short feud that had been between them before he had fallen in love with Rose. Jack couldn’t help but pull Ruth into a firm, loving embrace, a bright smile spreading across his face.

"You don’t know how much that means to me," Jack said, his voice hoarse but cheerful.

"I’m glad you feel appreciated," Ruth said, smiling.

"I feel more than appreciated, Ruth," Jack said. "I feel honored—thrilled—grateful…I don’t even know what I feel anymore. I-I’m just glad to know that you accept me as your son—" Jack paused, trying to collect his thoughts. Just mentioning the word son had caused his heart to flutter. "It has made me feel as if I am somebody. As if I actually mean more to you than just a guy who’s in love with your daughter—more than just your son-in-law. Ruth, I just don’t know what to say…I have no words to describe how I feel…how I am. You just took my breath away." Jack smiled brightly.

Ruth smiled. "I’m glad that you feel that way," Ruth said. "For I do see you as my son. Jack, I love you as a mother loves her child. Even though you’re not my son by blood, you are by marriage, and I will give anything in the world to keep it that way."

Jack smiled and pulled her into yet another tight embrace, feeling the pain and hurt that had been lingering in his heart for the past five years fade away, replaced with love and acceptance. Jack breathed a sigh of relief, feeling his heart warm and loosen the burden that it had carried ever since his parents had died—ever since he had left his childhood home. Jack Dawson, for once, felt happy that he had gotten to know the woman that he embraced and had finally gotten on her good side, despite the fact that he had practically stolen Rose from Cal—the man Ruth had hoped Rose would marry. At least, the old Ruth had hoped for Rose to marry. Sometimes it was amazing how things could change in a matter of days. From a person being cruel and snobby to a kind and loving person. And for that, Jack had grown to accept Ruth as his mother. As a person who he would look to when he needed help and a person he would soon grow to love as a son should love a mother, and maybe develop a healthy relationship with his lovable mother-in-law, or in this case, his mother.

Chapter Thirty-Five
Stories