Written by Jessica Rose
Based on some situations originated by James Cameron.

Rose paced the floor of her stateroom, back and forth, to and fro.

Oh, God, I'm such an utter idiot! she thought. I had the love of a lifetime right I front of me, and I rejected it!

Rose had still not forgiven herself for turning Jack away in the gymnasium. There he had been, baring his heart and soul to her. Oh, why didn't she do the same? She suddenly stopped short.

I've got to find him! I've got to tell him the truth—that I love him! That I love him, she thought as she raced down the stairs. Oh, God, have there ever been sweeter words? With that thought flying through her head, her feet pounding down the steps, she skidded to a halt in front of the third class general room. Without a moment's hesitation, she flung the door open. She was greeted with some smiles and several frowns, but she just ignored it all and rushed to the table Jack sat at, where he was drawing loops on a piece of paper. Taking a deep breath, she tapped Jack on the back. He spun around, and his mouth dropped open in surprise at Rose.

"R-Rose?" he choked out.

She smiled and nodded her head. “Yes, Jack. I...I changed my mind."

When she said this, Jack broke into an uncontrollable grin, relief shining in his eyes at her words. Rose's smile faded a bit, and she motioned to the door.

"Can we talk privately?" Jack nodded, tossed the paper down, and left the room with Rose.

*****

Seated on a small bench outside the general room, Rose started talking. "Jack, look, I'm so sorry about what I said. I didn't mean a word. It's just—"

Jack held up his hand. "Rose, I could see that you didn't mean what you said. But I'm not saying it's what I wanted to hear. Quite the opposite. But social class must come first, I suppose. No pun intended," he added.

"Oh, Jack, I'm so sorry. But, Jack, the truth is...well...I love you, Jack. I want to be with you always." There. Rose let out a breath of relief. She had said it.

Now for Jack's reaction. Not to her surprise, he was beaming uncontrollably.

"Oh, Rose. Rose, I love you, too." And he leaned in and captured her lips in the sweetest, gentlest, most romantic kiss she had ever experienced. After kissing for several moments, Rose broke it and whispered softly, "Come to my room, Jack."

*****

Walking down the corridor to Rose's stateroom, Jack noticed he was receiving a lot of looks. But at this point, Jack didn't give a damn who stared at him, and by the way Rose held his hand and smiled, he could tell she didn't care in the least, either. After what had seemed like hours to Jack, they finally reached Rose's stateroom. Rose, noticing Jack's expression, said, "They're all at dinner. I wouldn't expect them back for at least two hours."

Jack nodded, itching to start the activity he was positively sure would follow. In fact, he was so preoccupied with the thought, he hadn't noticed that Rose had led him to her bedroom until he was sitting on her bed.

"Now, where were we?" Rose smiled playfully, taking her hair out of its coil and tossing her head back purposefully, letting her hair fall behind her seductively. She walked towards him, leaned in, and brought their lips in a passionate kiss. Jack smiled inwardly, laid her down on the bed, and took her to a place she had never been, giving them both what they desired the most.

*****

Rose sleepily opened her eyes to be greeted to the sight of the orange sun climbing to the top of the pink-streaked sky.

Perfect. She smiled. That's just how I feel. She turned over to where Jack was laying to find herself staring into his piercing blue eyes.

"Hey," he whispered softly, brushing the hair from her face. "Sleep well?"

Rose grinned devilishly. "Well, of course, silly. I had you, didn't I?"

Jack smiled back. "That's true. But when you had me, we didn't exactly sleep..."

Rose shoved him playfully. "Oh, stop it!" Jack held up a pillow in defense.

"Don't try anything, Rose. I know how to use this thing."

Rose giggled. "Well, I happen to have a weapon also, and that's food. Why don't we go get some breakfast? We’ll even get it delivered."

Jack held up his hands. "Now, to that I surrender." He climbed out of bed and tossed Rose her clothes. After dressing, they opened the door to the bedroom—to find themselves facing Ruth and Cal, who were displaying shocked expressions when Jack and Rose entered the room.

"Rose!" cried a shocked Ruth. "I thought I told you to stay away from...from that!" She pointed an accusing finger and a cold stare at Jack.

Rose looked briefly at Jack, then placed her arms around his neck. "Mother, I believe that is quite impossible, considering I love him."

Ruth jumped to her feet, but Cal stepped in front of her, his eyes locked on the young lovers. "Ruth, I believe you can leave. I shall take care of Rose and this—" He gave Jack a small smile. "—gutter trash."

After Ruth left, Cal paced the floor for a few minutes, looking quite calm. Then he spun around and slapped Rose across the face, sending her flying into Jack's arms.

"Well, if we don't have us a little slut! Sleeping with trash while engaged to me! To Caledon Hockley! Good Lord, what should your punishment be?" He tried to grab her arm, only to find himself laying facedown on the ground from where Jack had tripped him.

Cal looked up to see Jack holding a crying Rose tightly to his chest, protecting her. After glaring at Cal for a moment Jack spoke.

"I believe she has already had enough punishment, what with being engaged to you. And I'm stopping it. Come on, Rose. Let's go." He released her from his arms and took her hand. But Rose called out, "Wait!" She took Cal's engagement ring from her finger and threw it down where he was now standing. "Good-bye, Mr. Hockley."

"Rose," Cal protested. "You are precious to me, Rose."

"Jewels are precious, Mr. Hockley. Now, tell my mother good-bye for me, and to you both, I say, good riddance." She took Jack's hand once more, the hand of the man who had freed her from her prison and showed her that life could be a gift. And she would always be grateful, and be forever thankful, that love led her back.

The End.

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