Like a breath of wind, November had gone by quickly, and now, Rose was unable to leave her home except for her own wedding and Cal's in a few days. She was eight months pregnant, and the anticipation to hold her–and Jack's–beautiful son or daughter was eating at her. She wanted a boy to look like Jack and to carry on his name. James, hopefully, would understand why she wanted her son's last name to be Dawson. Already, she could feel her baby getting ready for birth, and she could feel herself preparing as well. She knew that labor and the actual birth would be painful, but it'd be worth it when she first saw her son or daughter.
But what caused her to no longer look forward to her child's birth was the fact that Jack wouldn't be there to enjoy the feeling of parenthood with her. She loved him so much, and she couldn't have him anymore. Her Jack was probably heartbroken because she couldn't be with him…no, he was heartbroken because she chose James over him. It was her fault that Jack wasn't with her anymore, and it was her fault that she and Jack were hurting, and she could no longer stand the guilt.
*****
At Cal's wedding, Rose knew that Jack was the bride's cousin, and she didn't expect to see him. But when the familiar blond hair appeared a couple of pews ahead of her, her heart skipped a beat and her eyes went as wide as tennis balls. Her Jack was here! He came back for her! No, he came for his cousin's wedding…at least now she had a chance to get him back! Almost as if he'd felt her staring, Jack turned his head and met her eyes. Oh, how long it had been since she had looked straight into those gorgeous blue eyes.
Jack's eyes went wide the moment he saw her. Rose was here, too? But why? If she came up to him, it would be nearly impossible for him to turn her away. He still loved her so much…he'd just taken notice of the size of her stomach and realized that he'd done that her! He couldn't leave her like this…she probably wouldn't even be this way had she not been carrying his child…no. Pregnancy was no excuse for her actions. A sharp pain in his left side told him to turn around, and he did.
*****
After the wedding and the celebration, Rose waited outside the door, knowing that Jack wouldn't be staying in Manhattan for long. Suddenly, the door opened and Jack came out in a hurry.
"Jack!" Rose called, causing him to stop and turn. "Jack!" Rose ran to him and hugged him the best that she could. "Oh, Jack! I'm so sorry! I'm so…"
"No, Rose. Stop." Rose looked up at the serious expression on his face and pulled back, her hands on his sides. "We can't do this…I have a train to catch…"
"No, Jack. Please! Jack, I couldn't have made a bigger mistake. I can't stand myself for hurting you so much! Jack, I'm so sorry…"
"Rose, stop it. Stop crying, for one. Have at least some dignity. And as of right now, there isn't anything that you could possibly say or do to make me take you back. The feeling is gone, and I have no more heart left to confront you…" He'd turned so cold! Rose had done this to him.
"Jack, please…there has to be something! I was so terrible, and I probably don't deserve a second chance, but you make me so happy…Jack, I…"
"Don't say it. Just don't waste your breath…"
Rose was silent, telling him with her eyes how much she loved him.
Looking around, Jack finally realized how cold it was. "Rose, you shouldn't be out here! It's cold out! You could get sick!" He took off his jacket and placed it on her shoulders.
"See? You do still care! Jack, take me with you! Please!" Rose cried, taking his hand in hers.
Jack sighed. She was being so selfish! She didn't know the amount of pain he was in right now, and it pained him even more to say what he next said.
"No." That was all he said before disappearing into the falling snow.
Rose was in hysterical tears, and she collapsed to the ground with Jack's jacket wrapped tightly around her shivering body.
"Jack…" she moaned into the night–that cold, empty night that had swallowed her Jack whole. Almost like the Atlantic Ocean when the Titanic sank…he'd left her then, but he’d never really left her. But he was leaving her now. "Jack, I need you! I love you so much…"
"Rose?" A voice behind her distracted her slightly from her crying, and she turned to meet a rather concerned James. "Rose, my dear, are you all right? Rose, we must get you inside…" James helped a still sobbing Rose to her feet and led her inside. He knew that she loved Jack, but he had to go through with the wedding…he had no choice…did he?