JACK AND ROSE: TOGETHER FOREVER
Chapter Forty-Four

Jack led Rose to the base of the waterfall.

“What are we doing Jack?” Rose asked, totally confused.

“Shh, c’mon Rose,” Jack said leading her behind the waterfall. Rose was afraid they were going to get wet and not have any dry clothes, but Jack went right behind it so that they only felt little tiny droplets hit them.

Rose gasped as she saw what as behind the waterfall. It was a sort of a cave that went about fifty-feet back. Wild flowers grew around and ivy climbed up the wall. “Oh my,” Rose whispered. This is one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen. Looking up she saw that the ceiling was about twenty feet above her head. “This is amazing,” Rose said as looked around.

Jack stood next to Rose, watching her look around, an amazed expression on her face. “I know,” he whispered. “I found this place while I was looking around. I doubt many people know about this spot.”

Rose ran her hands up the walls of the cave. The rock was cool and moist. “Wow,” she breathed. “Jack, do any animals live here?”

Jack shook his head, “No if don’t think so. If any did, there would be tracks, it would smell, and there would probably be like a nest or something.”

Rose nodded, “I see.” She continued to look over the walls and explore the cave.

“Hay,” Jack said taking her hand. “Look at this.” He led Rose to the back of the cave. There, in the very back, was a spring bubbling up in the middle of floor. It made a small pool of water and that pool of water reflected on the walls, making the walls seam as if they were moving.

Rose’s eyes opened up wide, “Oh my lord.”

“Beautiful, isn’t it,” Jack breathed taking Rose into his arms.

“This is so amazing,” Rose whispered leaning back against Jack.

“I know,” Jack said kissing her head. “And look at this,” Jack said turning them around so they faced the waterfall. It looked as if they were underwater, safe in their own little world.

Rose smiled, “I love it here.”

She felt Jack nod, “Me too. I have always wanted to bring you here. I just never had the chance.”

They spent about fifteen more minutes looking around the cave, just enjoying the time together. Finally Jack said, “Rosie, I am sorry, but we have to go.”

Rose sighed, “Alright. But I will miss this place.”

Jack smiled, “So will I. And maybe someday we can come back. Bring the kids maybe.”

Rose nodded. They said goodbye to the cave and slipped outside. Right away Rose noticed a change in the air. “Jack,” she mumbled as she looked up. The sky had dramatically changed since the last time they saw it. It was now thick with heavy black clouds and didn’t look inviting.

Jack too looked up, “Oh no.” As if to underline Jack’s words, a clap of thunder sounded in the sky. Light filled the sky as lightning slashed through in a jagged line.

Rose and Jack looked at each other. Almost right after the thunder, rain started poring from the sky in buckets. They both screamed and raced to get their bags. Taking the bags, they ran back into the cave. Rose and Jack looked at each other. Both of them were soaking wet and looking pathetic.

Rose sat her bag down and looked at Jack. “I think we have a problem,” she said.

Jack nodded before stepping outside once again. A few seconds later he came back in shaking his head. He was even more wet then before. “That storm is not going to let up,” Jack said still shaking his head. “It must be a freak storm. That happens a lot here.”

Rose shook her head; “This can’t be good, can it?”

“No,” Jack said, “looks like we’re stuck here.”

“Stuck here!” Rose repeated her eyes holding a shocked look. “As in all night?”

Jack nodded, “Sorry Rose. But it’s already late. And even if this storm lets up in a few hours, it’s still dangerous to try and make it back that late. Especially when the roads will be slick with the rain. And besides, it doesn’t look like that storm will be letting up soon anyway.”

Rose’s eyes opened up wide, “How can we stay here all night?”

Jack came over to her and put his hands on her waist. “We’ll be fine. I brought some blankets, canned food, and some matches, just in case of an emergency. Looks like we have an emergency right now.”

Rose put her hands on her head, “Oh, the messes we get ourselves in.”

Jack laughed, “We didn’t plan this so it’s not really our fault, like most messes we get involved in.”

“True,” Rose said before laughing.

“Now, let’s see if we can get some rocks and sticks to make a fire,” Jack said before starting to look around.

*****

Rose brought some larger sticks from the back of the cave and set them down by Jack. She shuddered and another clap of thunder sounded.

“Thanks,” he said.

Rose sat down and watched as Jack put the sticks in the middle of rock circle he had made. Next he put in some dry leaves they had found in the cave. Jack then took a match and lit it, throwing it into the fire as well. The fire sprung to life and Jack smiled. Rose sighed and pulled the blanket tighter around her as she looked around. Altogether they had six blankets; so they had put four down to make a bed later and had wrapped the other two around their nude bodies. Their rain drenched clothes, the second pair they had gotten wet today, were lying out to dry. The other sets of clothes were still outside, getting wetter by the second.

Jack came over and sat down next to Rose, pulling his blanket closer around himself. “You okay,” he asked as Rose leaned against Jack and put her head on his shoulder.

Rose nodded, “Just a little nervous. I’ve never sleep outside like this before, in the woods. And I’ve never liked thunderstorms.”

Jack kissed the top of her head, “It’s okay, don’t worry. We’re gonna be fine. Nothing is going to hurt us, trust me. We’re going to be fine.”

Rose smiled; Jack as always made her feel better. “I do trust you,” she said.

“It’s beautiful in here,” Jack commented after a moment.

Rose sighed happily, “It is. You did a good job of making that fire, Jack.”

“Thanks,” Jack replied, “it’s amazing what you learn on the road.”

Rose smiled, “What time is it Jack?”

Jack reached over and felt around in a pocket of one of the backpacks. Pulling out his watch, he glanced at it. “About seven thirty,” he said moving back by Rose. “Getting hungry?”

“Yes,” Rose admitted.

“Okay, we can fix that,” Jack said jumping up. He dragged Rose’s backpack over and opened the top. He pulled out four cans of soup, a small can opener, and a saucepan out of a side pocket. “Now,” he said holding up the cans, “we have chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, tomato soup, and another can of chicken noodle.”

Rose made a face, “I don’t like tomato soup at all, so how about chicken noodle.”

Jack smiled, “Wonderful choice madam.”

Rose giggled as Jack opened the can and poured the contents into the pot. Jack then wrapped a towel around the handle and held the pan over the fire.

“Observe the delicate art of cooking over the fire,” Jack joked as Rose moved closer to him.

Rose smiled, “Looks like your doing a great job to me.”

Jack smiled, “Rose, in my bag pocket are two spoons, will you grab them please.”

Rose nodded and went to retrieve the spoons. Bringing them back, she handed one to Jack. As he stirred the soup Rose asked, “How did you know to bring all this stuff Jack?”

“Well, I remembered what I always had to have, or needed, on the road. So I packed all this stuff in case of an emergency.”

Rose smiled, “Good thing you brought all this stuff, your else we’d be going hungry.”

Jack laughed, “I really didn’t think anything was going to happen, but always be prepared, that’s what I always say.”

Rose playfully hit him; “You never say that. You never have said that. In fact, I think this is the first time you’ve been really prepared. Usually, you just play it by ear.” Jack just smiled and laughed at her comments. Before long, the smell of soup began to fill the air and Jack announced that it was done. He placed the pot on the ground and told Rose to dig in. Rose raised her eyebrows. “Just like that? No bowls or anything?” she asked.

Jack laughed at her question. “Sorry, didn’t bring those. Why would I drag china up into the mountains unless I was actually planning to stay here? Don’t worry, I am not sick,” he joked.

Rose laughed, “Jack, geez. I wouldn’t care if you were sick. And don’t you think we’re a little past the sharing germs phase?”

Jack was trying not to laugh, “Really? I didn’t know that.”

Rose playfully hit him on the arm, “Jack, you are hopeless.” Jack just smiled at her. “C’mon, let’s eat,” Rose said rolling her eyes.

Jack folded his arms, somehow keeping a straight face. “No, I you might have cooties,” he said like a schoolboy.

Rose started laughing and put her face in her hands. “God Jack,” she muttered.

“You mean you don’t have cooties?” Jack asked in his schoolboy voice again. “But I thought all girls had cooties.”

Rose laughed, “This girl is going to give you cooties if you don’t start eating.”

Jack sat up straight and put his hand by his forehead like a solder. “Yes ma’am!” he said.

“Jack,” Rose warned.

“Okay, okay. Promise you don’t have cooties,” Jack said.

“I promise,” Rose said laughing a little.

“Okay then,” Jack said dipping his spoon in the soup and sipping some up.

*****

After Jack and Rose had finished their meal, they began to set up a little camp in the cave. They fixed four of the blankets to make thing that resembled at bed. They two heavier blankets were on the bottom and the two lighter ones made a comforter. Jack and Rose figured that they could also put down the blankets they had on down if they needed to. Next, they made sure they had enough firewood and matches. They then washed out the pot with spring water from the back of the cave and then filled it up with fresher water, boiling that so that some the germs would hopefully go away. As the water cooled, Jack and Rose flipping over their still wet clothes so that the other side would dry properly. Then they sat down by they fire and cuddled up against the cooling weather. Rose leaned her head against Jack’s shoulder and sighed.

“Something wrong?” Jack asked.

Rose shook her head, “No. Just, thinking. This is so unbelievable. Who would have guessed this would ever happen to us.”

Jack shrugged, “Don’t know. It is kind of nice her though. It’s not so bad, is it Rosie?”

“No,” Rose replied, “just, different. You’re right though, it is sort of nice.” She stayed quiet for a minute before saying, “Jack I just realized something.”

“Hmmm,” Jack mumbled.

“You and I have gone through a lot of firsts together, huh?”

Jack laughed, “What made you think of that?”

Rose smiled, “Well this is my first time sleeping outside like this.”

“Yeah,” Jack said, not seeing Rose’s point.

“Well think about it,” Rose said. “We went through my first suicide attempt together. My first steerage party dance. My first time ‘flying’ if you will. My first time, ah, lying nude for a drawing. Our first time, well…” Jack smiled and kissed the top if her head before laughing. Rose smiled, “Our first time getting married, ever. My first trip to Santa Monica, and to the West Coast. My first time at our pier, first time riding like a man. Our first time buying a house. Your first time selling your art to a big dealer. First time going on a ship after we had been on a sinking one. First time actually getting to see Paris for me. My first time going on an actual hike. First time swimming in the woods. First wedding vow renewal. And now my first time sleeping outside, in a cave, while a storm is going outside.”

Jack smiled, “You’re right, that is a lot of firsts. But I got a few you missed.”

Rose turned and looked at Jack. “Oh?” she asked.

“Well,” Jack started, “you were the first person I ever actually fell in love with.”

Rose smiled, “Yeah. Me too.”

“And if was our first time on a sinking ship,” Jack went on, “Our first time getting drunk.” Rose laughed; she and Jack had been drunk after the steerage party aboard Titanic. “First time ever getting to honk a car horn for me,” he said smiling.

“Jack…” Rose said shaking her head and smiling.

“My first time spending Christmas with someone since my parents died. My first time ever getting to stay in one of those fancy hotels. First time ever seeing one of those one things you have on,” Jack said, smiling at Rose.

Rose laughed, “A bra?”

“Yeah, that’s it,” Jack said nodding his head. Rose started laughing again. “We should write all these down when we get home,” Jack said.

“Why?” Rose asked, still laughing a bit.

“So we can always remember this stuff,” Jack said in a girlie voice.

“Ah, you’re crazy. But you’re right too. We probably should,” Rose whispered, “we’ll want to tell are children someday. Besides, that way we won’t forget everything when we are old and gray.”

Jack smiled and traced her face with this finger, “You know Rose, despite the fact that we are stuck out here, in the woods, this is a lot of fun. I am having a great time out here with you. We haven’t done this in a while, talked without people interrupting, and not to point any fingers, but Brett, or worry about people overhearing us or coming up in hotels. Out here, it’s just us, you and me, Jack and Rose. No one can interrupt what we have out here.” Rose just looked down and pulled the blanket closer around herself. “Hay,” Jack whispered, lifting her chin with his finger, “something wrong?” He now saw that she was blushing and smiling furiously. “Rose…?”

Rose just giggled, “Jack you make this seam like it’s some beautiful far off place the way you are talking. But you know, you are right. It is like our own little world in a way. I love being here with you too.” Jack looked deep into her eyes and Rose saw everything she needed to know.

*****

Rose shivered and got under the covers as fast as she could. Even with her now dried clothes on, it was still cold. She snuggled under the four blankets until just her neck was pocking out. For the past three hours, she and Jack had talked, told ghost stories, sang every possible song they could think of at the time, teased each other, and just had fun. “Jack?” she half called half whispered from her little den.

Jack glanced up from tending to the fire, “Yeah?”

“Are you done yet?” she asked. “I’m cold.”

“Hold on,” Jack said, “let me just put another log on and she should be okay for the rest of the night.”

Rose watched, smiling, as he set another log on the fire. Finally, Jack came over and got under the blankets with her. Rose immediately snuggled up to him. “I’m cold,” she whispered.

Jack wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry. The fire will heat us up soon. I put the best log on the fire. We’ll be fine. Besides Rose, don’t you think we could heat it up if we wanted to?”

Rose nodded and kissed Jack’s neck. “Do you think the storm will be over tomorrow?” she asked quietly.

“Most likely,” Jack whispered, “storms like this don’t last long.”

“Good,” Rose whispered, her heart beating wildly. In the firelight, Jack’s eyes held an even more piercing look then normal. His face had these wild shadows all over it, casing Rose to not think straight. And by the look he was giving her, Rose knew that Jack knew exactly what he was doing to her. He leaned in and gently kissed her. “Jack…” Rose whispered excitedly.

“Shh, Rose,” Jack whispered caressing her face. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered before leaning in to kiss her again. Rose blushed and did the only thing that she could think of at the moment; she eagerly kissed him back. After a minute, Jack pulled away and sat up, staring down at Rose. She gently smiled back, wondering what was going on in that little mind of his. “Rose, how about if we…?” he asked in a whisper.

Rose’s eyes got wide. “What? You mean, here?” she asked. “Jack, I don’t know about this.”

Jack put his finger to her lips, “Shh Rosie. No one is around. No one is going to come up and catch us.”

Rose sighed happily and looked up at Jack. “Alright,” she whispered nodding her head, “alright Jack.”

Jack smiled gently, “You’re sure Rose?”

Rose nodded again, “Yes Jack, I’m sure.”

Jack bent down and started covering her face with sweet kisses, whispering her name over and over. Rose’s face shone as he gently moved over her. “Rose?” Jack asked bring his head up and looking at her.

“Hmmm, what?” Rose asked sweetly.

“I want to thank you.”

“For what Jack?” Rose asked smiling as she her fingers up and down his arm.

“For loving me,” Jack whispered leaning down and kissing under her chin.

“Mmm, you’re welcome. I love you Jack,” Rose whispered.

Jack brought his mouth up to her ear. “I love you too angel,” he whispered, sending shivers down Rose’s spine.

Rose brought his head up and looked deep into his eyes. She could see herself in them. Not just in them, but really deep down in his soul. Rose laced their hands together, never one turning her gaze away from Jack’s eyes. “Jack…” she whispered.

Jack took the hint and began to shower her face with kisses. He kissed her eyelids, her check, and the tip of her nose before finally kissing her mouth gently.

Rose brought her hand up on Jack’s neck and began to kiss him harder.

Before long, Jack and Rose forgot about the raging storm outside, the little cave in which they were in, and even the ground below them. They were high above the earth, reaching places no one else possibly could. It was just them, in their own little world of passion.

*****

Rose smiled and slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she forgot where she was, but as soon as heard the roar of the waterfall, it all came back. The whole night had been filled with passion and love. And it was so much more special out here in the woods, Rose had decided. She moaned and rolled over in Jack’s arms. He was still sleeping quietly. Rose sighed happily and pushed some hair away from his eyes.

“Hi Rosie,” he mumbled, eyes still closed.

Rose smiled and touched his check. “Good morning Jack,” she whispered. She watched as Jack’s eyelids fluttered open. Jack smiled at her and pulled her tighter in his arms. Rose smiled back and curled up with her head on his chest. She took their hands, laced them together, and looked intently at them as Jack ran his fingers through her hair. “Do we have to leave?” Rose whispered.

“I wish we didn’t have to,” Jack answered.

“Yeah…” Rose mumbled rolling over and looking up, using Jack and a pillow. Suddenly she exclaimed, “Jack look!”

Jack looked up to where Rose was pointing and he too gasped. The sun was hitting the waterfall at the right angle and casing rainbows to cover the walls and ceiling of the cave. “Wow,” he whispered.

“Oh Jack, it’s a sign!” Rose whispered excitedly.

“What kind of sign?” Jack asked.

“I’m not sure,” Rose whispered, “but I think its something good. Something good in the future.”

Jack smiled and rolled her over and looked her straight in the eye. “If you think so, then it probably is,” he whispered.

Rose smiled and leaned in to kiss him. “I love you,” she whispered.

“And I love you,” Jack whispered back.

Rose sighed happily and turned back over in Jack’s arms. Together, they watched the rest of the rainbows fade away as the promise of their future grew.

Chapter Forty-Five
Stories