Rated PG
© 1999 Tracy Boardman @ daz@scuby.freeserve.co.uk
based on some characters
and situations originated by James Cameron
Rose turned to Jack and spoke in a low voice.
"Jack thank you for what you said. I do
appreciate your concern, but only I can deal with it."
"He's got you trapped Rose." Jack scribbled
on a piece of paper. "This is my address. If you should ever need it."
Rose took the paper. She then got some money
out of her purse.
"Here, this for the drawings."
"You only took five" Rose had chosen
his best five from his portfolio that was with him.
"Call it an advance payment. I shall have
to call back in few days to collect."
Rose took Jacks hand to shake it, but she gave
it a quick squeeze.
"‘Til the next time Mr Dawson, good day."
Jack smiled at her. They eyes locked briefly.
Jack held her gaze. Rose felt something stirring within her. Stay, go to New
York. Just don't go back to Cal.
Jack noticed the sparkle in her eyes fade, like
a dark cloud passing over them. He could only guess what thought had suddenly
crossed her mind. She released his hand and was gone.
Jack collected up his things and went to the
door. He watched as Rose and Trudy got into a cab and then turned the corner.
He shuddered when he thought of what Rose was going back to. A voice in his
head tried to reason with him. She's right Jack, she married Hockley. It's not
your problem. Almost mocking him it said. She's above your class. You'll never
have her in a million years. Forget it.
He headed back to the park to set up again. He
had money to earn. He was going to Fabri's wedding! He tried to cheer himself
up with that thought. It's gonna be a tough few days, he decided.
On their arrival home, Cal was waiting for her.
He smiled cheerfully as she walked in and greeted her in a warm voice.
"Ah sweetpea you're back! I trust you had
a pleasant afternoon."
Trudy took Roses hat and disappeared.
"I did actually."
"I see you bought some paintings too! Excellent.
May I have a look?"
Rose was taken by surprise. Cal had not been
so nice her since their engagement. In shock she handed them over. Cal gave
a cursory glance over them.
"I see they're by the same artist. What's
the name? Ah yes, Dawson. I see you favour his work."
Rose studied Cal, trying to guess what was going
on in his mind.
"His work is very good. I enjoy it, although
I doubt it's your taste."
"Well darling, you enjoy it."
Rose walked into the parlour, Cal behind her.
He closed the door.
"What is this all about Cal? Why are you
being so nice to me?" Rose countered.
"Darling, does there have to be a reason
for a husband to be so nice to his wife?"
"Guilt, normally."
Rose gasped as noticed the immediate change in
Cal's demeanour. The smile disappeared, his eyes glinted darkly and he stepped
towards her as he had done the other night. Rose didn't back away. She stood
her ground and looked into his eyes as approached her. He stood right before
her and bending down almost pushed his face into hers.
"The only thing I am guilty of Rose is being
a good husband." He hissed. "I put up with your tantrums, your disappearing
tricks, your hobby." He pointed to the drawings. "I take you to Europe.
You complain all the time. I buy you jewelry. You are not grateful. I buy you
clothes. You refuse to wear them. I took you as my wife in your poverty. You
did not thank me. Maybe I should have left you and your mother to rot in the
gutter!"
"Maybe you should have."
"I don't ask a lot of you, but you are so
damned ungrateful you cannot even give that to me Rose. Look at you. I have
had to cancel important dinner invitations this week because I cannot go anywhere
with you looking like that." He pointed to her eye.
"If I make life so unbearable Cal, why don't
you divorce me?"
"Do you really think I would let you go
so easily? Do you think I want a scandal? You are my wife Rose. Never forget
that. You're mine. It might take a little time, but you will come round to my
way of thinking. One way or another. Once you have a child to look after, you
won't have so much time on your hands for fanciful notions. Or artists!"
"What do you mean by that?" Rose spat.
"You'll be too busy to go through that front
door." Cal leaned forward into her face again.
"I always win Rose. One way or another."
He studied her.
"Excuse me" Cal turned away and walked
out.
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