FOR ALL ETERNITY
Chapter Seven
"I don’t know about you, my friend, but
that must have been the longest and strangest wedding ceremony I’ve ever been
to!" laughed Fabrizio, while he and Tommy sat out on deck.
"I agree. What’s important, though, is
that Jack and Rose are finally together, and when we get off this ship tomorrow
morning, it will be the beginning of a brand new life for all of us!"
answered Tommy, content with both the world and himself at that moment.
The two men were not aware that just beyond
them in the shadows lurked the person who was not welcome anywhere. Cal had
decided that since he could not have Rose for himself, he would make life a
living hell for all who were involved. Unfortunately, that included the two
friends relaxing on deck. However, Cal had not realized that he might have
found his match in Tommy.
Little was known about Tommy, only that he
was from Ireland and that he had sisters he loved to tease. Tommy Ryan was the
best prize fighter in his village. Well, actually he was before the town
council had decided against violence in the village. It was also at that time
when he had decided for himself that violence in any form was not going to get
him anywhere.
Luckily for him, the Titanic was going to
America, where his new life would begin. It was difficult saying good-bye to
his family, but they understood his quest for new adventures. Little did he
realize that this quest would lead to his biggest experience yet.
I just cannot understand how this steerage
slime got away with this behavior, grumbled
Cal to himself, spying on Fabrizio and Tommy, as they laughed and chatted
animatedly between themselves. I’m going to have to think of a way to
execute my revenge in just the right way, so to claim my innocence, of course!
Where shall I begin? Cal took one last glance at the men, and made his way
to his cot to devise his vengeful plan. Meanwhile, Ruth had walked Rose and
Jack back to the room she had been fortunate enough to be given.
"I just want you both to know that I
give you both my full blessing, and also that I apologize for not believing in
you earlier. Please, take my room as my gift to the beginning of a wonderful
life together." Ruth then gave them each a kiss and a hug, and went to
look for Molly Brown.
It was with Molly Brown that she spent the
last night aboard the Carpathia. Jack and Rose were fortunate enough to have
privacy for their first night as husband and wife. Although neither wanted to
admit it, they were grateful that their first night together as a married
couple would be on board a ship. Their first meeting was on a ship, and all
important memories thereafter. To an outsider, they would be considered crazy,
as the sinking of the Titanic should have repelled them from ships, instead of
attracting them. To them, it symbolized their devotion and commitment to each
other.
"It was very generous of your mother to
give up her room for us. She sure has come a long way since I first met her.
Who would have known!" Jack stood at the foot of the bed, shaking his
head, with a smile on his face. He couldn’t believe how his life had changed
over a couple of days. Before, he could just pick up and go where the wind blew
him, without a worry in the world. He knew he could still do that. It just
wouldn’t be as easy as before.
Jack sat on the edge of the bed, looking up
at Rose. The artist inside him was screaming to be released. Rose had the most
angelic look on her face, which proved how content she was with her life.
"Ah…Rose, don’t move. I want to draw you, just as you look now. I want to
record this moment for all eternity."
"No problem. Only, I’m not sure if I can
stay in this position for too long." Rose smiled at him, crossing her arms
in front of her and slightly cocking her head to the side. The movement caused
her hair to cascade over her left shoulder. She was relieved that she wouldn’t
have to conform to the restrictions of the upper class anymore, the biggest
relief being the freedom of her hair. Now, she could wear it down and in any
style she desired. No more tidy chignons for dinner and visiting.
Jack had managed to locate some paper and
charcoal earlier that day, as he had lost all in Titanic’s sinking. He missed
his drawings. They were reminders of all his travels. He wasn’t too concerned,
though, as now he could make new memories together with Rose. Together with
Rose. That phrase sounded so good. Never did he think to imagine that he
would find fulfillment so early in life. Snapping out of his daydream, he
proceeded to move on with his mission of capturing his Rose on their wedding
night. As it was only a head and shoulder portrait, the drawing was completed
quickly. After viewing the portrait, Rose turned towards Jack and took his hand
in her own.
"Jack, take me to the stars again,
please. I want you close!" Rose had barely completed her sentence when
Jack gently kissed her and laid her on the bed.