A LOVE NEVER FADING
Chapter Nine
Another day dawned on the decks of the
Carpathia. Jack and Rose were filled with excitement. There was talk that they
would dock tonight. Jack would finally be home after so many years of drifting.
Rose would be starting a new life. Both were most overjoyed that they would
finally be together somewhere that they could call their own.
As the day progressed into night Jack and
Rose's hopes were recognized. The Carpathia was pulling into New York harbor,
just as predicted. A steady drizzle cascaded down on the passengers. Rose
walked ahead of Jack towards the rail of the ship. She became hypnotized by
what loomed above her.
The Statue of Liberty stood strong and
confident, shining her light across all of New York. Rose had seen it many
times before, but this time it held a special meaning for her. Jack stood a few
feet behind Rose; he was astounded by her actions. He knew how important this
moment was to her. The sight of his love at this moment brought a tear to his
eye. He was so proud of her and everything that she had done. In the past week
she had given up and deserted everything she had ever known. She had thrown it
all away for him, but Jack thought more importantly that she had done it for
herself.
Rose was so distracted that she hadn't even
noticed the officer who stood beside her at this moment. "Can I take your
name, please, love?"
She looked at him with a new sense of
confidence. "Dawson. Rose Dawson." Then she turned her attention back
to the harbor.
When Jack heard Rose give her name he
couldn't believe how lucky he was to have found such a remarkable woman. He
began to walk towards her but was quickly stopped by the same officer.
"May I have your name, sir?"
Jack answered him, but his gaze remained
locked on Rose. "Jack Dawson."
Jack finally reached Rose. He stood behind
her and they both let the significance of the moment sink in. Eventually, Rose
turned and looked into Jack's eyes. She saw the man she loved and would always
love supporting her and guiding her as an equal. Jack saw the most beautiful
woman in the world, who at this very moment was at her most radiant. Her eyes
shown with a confidence and strength unlike any woman he had even seen. Gone
was the young girl he had rescued. Before him stood a woman like no other in
the world. She was his and he was hers. They belonged to each other.
Just as the ship docked, Jack and Rose
kissed, a long, slow, deep kiss. At last it was their turn to leave the ship.
They left behind everything that had ever hurt them. As they took a final walk
down the ramp, Rose hesitated before completely stepping off. Jack turned to
her. "What's wrong?"
Rose looked at Jack her eyes were filled with
tears, but not like the tears she had shed in the past. Those had been tears of
pain and sorrow. These were tears of joy and freedom. "I told you I was
getting off with you." Rose took the final step towards her new life and
out of her old.