WHERE I WANT TO BE
Chapter Five
The train slowly made it’s way
towards Denver. It was a quiet evening among the passengers. Some people were
dozing off in the late afternoon sun that shone through their window, some
people were readying themselves for dinner, and some were getting lost in a
good book. Jack and Rose were cuddling in their seats, Jack held one arm around
Rose’s shoulder and another was holding his son who was peacefully sleeping.
Rose had to smile. Father and son fit together so perfectly…it was like Jack
had always been in his life.
"Rose?" Jack looked at
his wife who was gazing at their son. "I think he’s the most beautiful
baby there is. I love him so much. Thank you for bringing him to me."
"I’m just sorry we weren’t
always with you. Damn that ship. It almost destroyed our lives."
"Now there’s only one
problem. How am I going to take care of you two? I don’t have a job, but I’m
going to need one and soon. And by the way, where are we going to live once we
get to Denver?"
Rose giggled. "Whatever
happened to the young man who looked forward to living each day as it came? Who
only had to worry about having air in his lungs and a blank sheet of paper. Not
knowing what was going to happen or who you were going to meet?"
Jack rolled his eyes. She would
use his own words against him. "That was before I had a family Rose. I
want to make sure you two are well taken care of. Provided for. Life on the
streets weren’t as fun as I made it out to be. There were times when I had to
sleep in the gutter and eat out of garbage cans. I don’t want that type of life
for Robbie and you deserve a whole lot better."
"I do have a lot better
Jack. I have you and our son and that’s all I need," Rose leaned her head
against his shoulder, gazing at her ring. She sighed happily thinking about how
the symbolism of the ring. When she was engaged to Cal, the idea of the wedding
ring resembled a shackle for her. Chaining her to a life with Cal and her
mother. But now the ring represented freedom. Freedom to be with the man she
loved and bound them to each other forever. "I love you."
"I love you too," Jack
kissed the top of her head just as Molly approached. She stood there looking at
the young couple that were lost in their own world at the moment then she
cleared her throat.
"Molly hi," Rose sat up
snapping back into the real world. "What can we do for you?"
"It’s what I can do for you
Rosie. I was over there thinking…you, Jack, and Robbie are going to be homeless
once you reach Denver."
"We’ll think of something
Molly," Jack reassured his friend.
"I know you will. I’m
positive of it, but in the meantime…why don’t you kids stay with me until you
get on your feet? There’s plenty of room, and I sure could use the company. How
about it?" Molly asked, her eyes pleading for them to accept.
Rose looked at Jack.
"Well…it does solve our problem," She took his hand. "You won’t
have to worry so much."
"But I don’t want to impose
on her or seem to take advantage…"
"Jack my boy, if you were imposing
or taking advantage, I wouldn’t be offering. Now are you going to accept my
offer or not darling?" Molly placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the
young man.
Jack looked at Rose and glanced
down at Robbie. They were his responsibility and to refuse Molly’s offer
because of some misplaced pride…that would be very irresponsible. At Molly’s
there would be food and a roof over their heads, at least until he finds
something of his own and they can get on their feet. "Ok. We accept,"
Jack laughed at the delighted gleam in Molly’s eyes.
"Thank you Molly," Rose
smiled at her husband.
"It’s my pleasure darling.
My pleasure indeed."