It’s Sunday, usually I’d go to church but this morning, but I feel off. So I went out for a walk. It’s getting colder each passing day, we must be close to the Arctic, I know New York is within a sailing range to Newfoundland or Nova Scotia.
After going back to my room, getting a shawl and going back up to the deck I was walking on, Jack popped up and climbed over the railing, scaring the bejeezus outta me. “G. Rover Cripes, Jack! Don’t scare me like that!”
“Sorry Ellis, I’m in a hurry,” Jack mumbled.
Something is really off with him. He seems a little…skittish, like he cannot stand still. “Jack, what is going on,” I sternly asked him as I grabbed his arm. “You’re alot more anxious this morning and I have a feeling that something is going on.”
Jack hesitated a bit and confessed to me that he’s in love with Rose. I was taken aback; my father confessing his love for my mother, in front of me, their daughter. Surely, he trusts me enough with this information.
“Wow, that’s incredible, Jack,” I said flabbergasted. “Are you going going to tell her?”
“Yes but I don’t know what to say,” he proclaimed.
“Say what’s on your mind right now,” I advised. “Take what’s inside out. I’ll be Rose.”
As I pretend to me mom saying I’m betrothed to someone and everything, Jack played out his cards on the table. his words were so powerful on how to tell mom that where she is in right now is not safe and how he doesn’t want to turn around without knowing she’s alright. I gave him a suggestion to tell her the things he loves about her, her characteristics. I encouraged him that he’ll do great.
I was at a good distance from mom and dad when he pulled her into the gym. Curiosity got the best of me so I stand just outside the gym, away from the windows to hear the conversation. Dad really went out there! He said everything he told me he was going to say and more.
Rose stormed off and ignoring me when I called out her name. I went inside to see dad broken down, like his only chance have failed. He told me it wasn’t worth it to chase after a woman like her. “Jack, I can tell you two are meant for each other. You adore her fire, she adores your free spirit. I can see that you really love and care for her, and I can see that a man like you is someone she needs her life. Not some narcissistic, rich dumb hunk of shit who thinks they can have her for her money. No! She needs someone who could care for her and her alone, and that’s what you bring to the table. If you’re asking me if I approve of this union, I would say 100%.” Jack eventually lifts his head and and smiles a little. I told him that I will talk to Rose about it.
When I went and found my mother, she’s sitting with her mother and a few aristocratic ladies, not engaging at all. Just blanking out in the distance. I could never get over how beautiful she looks at that age, and now I totally get it when her friends back home say that I look alot like her when we was younger. Now meeting my dad, I feel like I’m a good mix.
“Hey Rose,” I said as I sat next to her.
“Ellis, hey, I didn’t see you there,” Rose shook from her spacing gaze.
With no time to waste, I asked her about what she thinks of Jack. She hesitated saying that she only has heart for that bastard. “Rose, dear, I see you. When I see you with Jack, you seem alot more free, relaxed, everything that a normal relationship, a loving relationship should be. When I see you with the other fellow, it…almost looks like your mother tightens your corset way too tight around him, stiff, uncomfortable, trying to pretend to be another character.” I eventually followed with something similar to what I told dad that I see that the two of them are meant to be and I see the true Rose come out around him. When I asked her again, who does she chose, she chose dad.
Ship’s bow 6:00pm
The sun was setting on the horizon, giving the sky this beautiful color of pink, orange, and yellow. Rose and I went up to see dad leaning on the bow, deep in his thoughts. “Hello, Jack. I brought someone,” I called out. He turned around to see not only me, but Rose.
“Rose,” Jack asked.
“I changed my mind,” Rose responded
Dad looked at me in a confused manner wondering how and why I brought mom over. I nodded in reassurance. I’ve been known to my friends as a matchmaker. Maybe this is why.
Mom went over to dad, whom took her hand and had the most magical moment. Even though she has no feathers or wings like a bird, dad opened up her wings and she was flying. It doesn’t feel like long but dad initiated this kiss. Witnessing that makes the butterflies in my stomach flutter, same goes for my heart. Ugh I wish I can experience this one day!
The NEW Life 