November 2, 1914: London, England

Dearest Maggie,

I'm 20 years old today. Gracious I feel so old. Jack and I are currently in London. I'm having so much fun but I miss you and Brian. How are things in New York? Exciting as always I bet.

I read in the newspaper that Mr. Hockley is engaged to Ivy Wade. After 3 years he finally found someone. The paper said he had been morning my death that's why it took him so long. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. Mr. Hockley is well aware that Jack and I are alive. Their getting married in May of 1915. Well, that's not part of my life now so I don't feel anything. Jack asked me if I knew Ivy, I told him I did. She was the type of girl my mother always wanted me too be. She was like my mother.

Well, I must tell you about happier things. Jack and I were in a park last week and he was being silly. He stood up on the edge of a fountain and was pronouncing to the world that he loved me. I thought it was sweet but it was dreadfully embarrassing. Then while he's pouring out is heart and jumping around he falls into the fountain. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. He was soaked and I couldn't help but laugh. I wish you and Brian could have seen it. Especially Brian I know he would get kick out of seeing Jack sitting in a fountain with baffled Englishmen staring at him.

Now, I have to go. Jack and I are going out to eat. I'll write more in my next letter. I love you both and can't wait to hear from you again.

Love, Rose

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

November 26, 1914: Dublin, Ireland

My Dear Maggie,

Happy Thanksgiving. They don't celebrate here of course but Jack and I did celebrate it ourselves. I hope you and Brian had a wonderful time with your families. As always I miss you two.

I've been thinking about Erik recently. Is he all right? I'm sure he's fine I just don't like the idea of him being alone for the holidays.

Ireland is absolutely beautiful and the people are the most friendly people I have ever met. But of course you already know that because your from here. We visited Kildare and found the farms you and Brian were telling us about. I can't believe I got to see the places you two grew up in. You would be happy to know there very well kept.

I hope you and Brian are doing well. Tell Erik I miss him and thank him for his more then gracious gift.

Love, Rose

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

December 24, 1914: Paris, France

Dear Maggie and Brian,

Merry Christmas! I wish I could see you two. I love New York at Christmas. I hope your keeping yourself busy but not to busy. Jack and I are having a wonderful time. It's amazing the last time I was in Paris I wanted to end it all and now I wish the days would go on forever.

I read that my mother died a few weeks ago. I'm not even sad. I have barley even thought about it. I hope she didn't suffer though. That's all I can say. I may not have loved her like a mother but I still cared about her. I saw how my father suffered and I would never want anyone to go through that.

I'm sorry to make this letter so short but I'll write you again very soon. We're always thinking of you.

Love, Rose

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

January 1, 1915: Paris, France

My Dear Maggie,

Can you believe it's 1915 already? Paris at New Years is amazing they had the most incredible fireworks display I have ever seen. I hope this year will treat us well.

I must admit I'm terribly worried. As you well know there is war all over Europe. So far we've been lucky. We haven't been exposed to anything. I'm glad that this is our last month in Europe. We're going to Australia next.

Hopefully America won't get involved. I would hate to think what would happen to us. I can't even think about it it's to frightening.

Well, that's all for now. I'll write you soon.

Love, Rose

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

May 8, 1915: Sydney, Australia

Rose stared blankly at the headline. "Lusitania Sinks in 18 minutes Over 1,000 perish"

"Jack." She said quietly.

He walked over to the table. He was about to say something but then he saw the headline. "Oh my God," he said in a whisper.

Rose sat down. "I can't believe this. I can't believe it could happen again."

Jack picked up the newspaper and read the article. The Lusitania had sunk yesterday in only 18 short minutes. It had been torpedoed by a German submarine. 1,195 had died. The article of course brought up Titanic.

"Jack I'm scared. There's fighting going on all over the place. And we have to take ships all the time. This is dangerous."

"Hey." He kneeled down next to her chair. "Don't worry. There's no need to worry. Nothing is going to happen to us I promise. This trip is too important for anything to ruin it even a war."

"Jack..."

"Listen to me. everything will be fine. America isn't involved in the war. We only have four more moths of vacation and it will be fantastic. All those letters you've sent to Maggie all those letters she's sent to you. She has never mentioned the war. Everything will be fine. I promise." He put his hand on her cheek. "Are you having a good time?"

"The best time of my life."

"Now I know we won't have any problems."

"How do you know that?"

"Didn't you hear? God said 'If Rose Dawson is having a good time nothing is allowed to get in the way.' So that's how I know. God said so." He smiled. "God looks out for his angels."

Rose smiled. "I love you."

"I love you sweet angel."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Saturday, May 15, 1915: Brisbane, Australia

"How is your breakfast?" Jack asked across the table.

"It's delicious."

"Good," he smiled at her. "Rose."

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I know. I love you too."

He laughed. "See, I was just reading the newspaper and today is Cal's wedding to that girl Ivy. It was talking about all the fancy things that they will have at the ceremony. Every time I read something about him I just think how lucky I am to have you. You left all that for me."

"Jack, I saw what would be waiting for me on the other side. You. It was an easy choice."

"I'll tell you one thing Rose you sure know how to flatter a guy."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Saturday, May 15, 1915: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cal stood at the end of the aisle. The bridal march began and the church doors opened. Ivy stepped through. People gasped at the sight of her gown it was fit for a queen. She walked towards Cal. There were over 300 hundred people present. All had been invited to Cal's first wedding. They had instead met for the funeral of Rose. Now they were meeting again for a wedding this time to Ivy. There were whispers in the seats. Most of the guests were comparing Ivy to Rose.

Cal sighed as Ivy drew closer. He wished a thousands times that it was Rose walking towards him. For so many reasons. The first was that Rose had been the most popular girl in Philadelphia society. Every man wanted her and every girl wanted to be her. The fact that Cal had won her made him even more revered. Ivy had been the second best and with Roses death she was the obvious choice for his bride. Second, Cal hadn't realized how much Rose meant to him until she was gone. Third, he had never forgotten the Carpathia. Rose had chosen poverty and Jack over him.

"I wonder what she's doing now." He thought.

Ivy made it to the alter. In no time the ceremony was finished. The reception started and Cal gave a toast. When he finished he sat down and looked over at Ivy. "I love you Rose." He thought to himself. He wanted to be able to reach out and pull Rose into his arms. He felt empty inside. For the man who had everything Cal finally knew what it was like to have nothing.