SWING
Chapter Nine
Cal showed up right on time, bearing flowers
and candy for both Ruth and Rose. Ruth did most of the talking until it was
time for the couple to leave. She was indeed pleased with Rose’s new,
submissive behavior. She was no longer expecting her daughter to be a problem.
"I hope you’re having a good time,
sweetpea." Cal grinned, escorting Rose to the carriage he had rented for
the next few hours.
"Wonderful." Rose thinly smiled,
her mind elsewhere. She figured if she just didn’t think about what she was
doing and who she was with, it wouldn’t be so bad.
But it was. Caledon Hockley was as big a bore
as she had originally thought, plus he was always touching her, making her feel
uncomfortable.
Stifling a yawn, Rose glanced over to the
opposite corner to see Jack, Helga, and Fabrizio standing in a group of other
swing kids, looking at records.
"Damn swing kids. They should all be
exterminated off the face of the earth. The front lines of the war are not good
enough for them." Cal snorted.
"How can you say such things?" Rose
turned to the older man. "They have done nothing to you."
"It’s what they’re doing to Germany! I
mean look at them, all that long hair and clothes, and don’t get me started on
the music!"
Rose swallowed. She knew it was best not to
mention her forays into the dance halls and her love of the music. She glanced
once more over at Jack, who happened to look up and their eyes met. He smiled
slightly and then went back to looking at the records, knowing Rose’s situation
and that it was best not to cause a scene.
"What’s wrong, sweetpea? You look rather
pale." Cal stared closely at her face.
"Oh, I’m fine. I’m just…preoccupied, I
guess."
"In any case, let’s hurry to the museum.
All those swingers are leaving a bad taste in my mouth." Cal made a face
and ordered the driver to speed up.
Jack watched the car disappear into the
horizon. Poor Rose looked absolutely miserable. How could her mother be doing
this to her? He had to do something to cheer her up somehow.
"Jack, wasn’t that your girl with
Caledon Hockley?" Fabrizio asked.
"Fabri, shh," Helga hissed, knowing
Rose’s situation.
"It’s complicated, Fabri. Drop it,"
was Jack’s reply. "Listen, I have to go. My mother’s having a guest at the
house tonight and wants me there. I’ll talk to you two later." Jack waved,
walking away.
"I thought Rose liked Jack."
Fabrizio frowned, totally confused.
"She does. But her mother’s making her
go out with Cal. Just drop it, Fabri. Let Jack and Rose handle it."