A LOVE NEVER FADING
Chapter Ten
Rose and Jack were engulfed by flashing
lights, and bombarded with questions. Screaming and crying surrounded them.
Reporters were grabbing people. Distraught women collapsed on the ground in
tears. Officers yelled for the press to stay back. Family eagerly waited to see
if their loved ones had survived. The glare from the lights was blinding.
Jack grabbed Rose tightly and pulled her head
down to his chest. He hung his down as far as he could, to still be able to
watch his step. Then there was a sudden disturbance near them as two men burst
through the crowd, running to embrace an older woman among the survivors, who
cried out with joy. The reporters converged on the emotional scene, and flashes
exploded. This gave Jack the chance he needed to slip himself and Rose out of
the commotion. Silently he guided her down the street, far away from any
memories of the disaster.
When Jack believed they had come to be a safe
distance from the madness, he picked Rose's head up. She was obviously shaken.
Jack stroked her hair and face. He pulled her back to his chest again and
rocked her back and fourth as he kissed her head. This comforted Rose, but she
wanted to be closer to him. She lifted her head and kissed Jack. He kissed her
back, not just on the lips, but everywhere. He kissed her neck, the area under
her chin, and her face, all over her face. Suddenly Rose realized where they
were.
"Jack." He pulled his face away
from Rose, and questioningly looked into her eyes. Then he realized why she had
asked him to stop. They were standing in the middle of a sidewalk, and people
were walking by. A huge smile crossed his face. He scooped her up and twirled
around. They both laughed hysterically. He put her down and held her arms.
"The things you do to me, Rose."
A more serious look formed on Rose's face.
"We need to find a place to stay. We can't sleep on a bench in New
York."
Jack knew Rose was right. "All right.
We'll find something."
Rose thought for a moment. "But Jack,
how will we pay?"
Jack saw that look of fear in Rose again.
"Don't worry, we'll be all right. I'll take care of you. Remember I
promised you I would always be here for you?" Jack looked around.
"Come on. Let's walk."
For nearly two hours Jack and Rose walked the
streets. They came to be deeper and deeper within the city. Rose noticed that
they were also traveling to the poorer sections. As they walked, Jack scanned
the windows for ROOM signs. All the boarding houses had NO VACANCY nailed to
their doors. He was beginning to give up hope. What are we going to do?
There has to be something, he thought while he searched.
Rose surveyed the area they were now in. It
was a nice little section. Poor but well kept. Instead of mammoth buildings
there were quaint little shops and two story houses.
Their eyes were growing heavy. The walking
was taking a toll on their weakened state. It took all of Rose's strength, but
in the distance she could see a small brick building just like all the others,
except this one had a sign in the window. ROOM FOR RENT.
"Jack, look."
"Thank God. I knew we would find
something." Jack quickened his steps, eager to find a place for himself
and Rose to be safe.
Once again, she stopped him. "Jack, we
haven't any money."
"Don't worry, Rose. We'll figure that
out later. For now, we need to worry about finding a place to sleep."
Rose knew he was right. She trusted him. The
house looked so warm and cozy from where they stood. A peaceful glow flowed
from the windows. Rose felt more comfortable just looking at it.
With Rose's hand still gripping tightly to
his own, Jack walked up the four brick steps. He took a deep breath and with
his free hand knocked steadily on the door. Jack turned to Rose. He could still
see a hint of fear dwelling within her. "Trust me."
"I trust you." With those words
spoken, any doubts Rose might have had melted away.