The Great Grapes of Gatsby

The Prince and the Pauper

Rosasharn stood shyly in the doorway, looking around the foyer. She was shocked at the dress of the rowdy party goers. She expected expensive gowns and shiny suits, but found people wearing clothes more raggedy than her own. She actually felt a bit overdressed in her bright blue dress.

Gatsby looked down on her with amazement. "I guess someone didn't get the memo," he whispered to Carlisle, who let out a chuckle. But even if she dressed like a pauper, Gatsby would have noticed her from a mile away. Her beauty was nearly indescribable, so all he could muster up a squeaky, "Hello."

"Hi," Rosasharn said with a sweet smile. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"I'm Jay Gatsby," he continued, kissing her hand, "the owner of this estate. I heard you were looking for me."

This is exactly the kind of guy Ma was talking about, Rosasharn thought. She paused, gazing into his eyes. "Oh right. I, um, just wanted to compliment you on this incredible home," she said looking around the grand foyer. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Well, I can give you a more...in-depth tour if you'd like," Gatsby said, extending his hand. "Not many people care to learn about its history but I find it fascinating."

The perfect opportunity to get to know this fella I suppose, she thought. "Well I bet I'll find it fascinating too," she said as she took his hand.

He flashed a dazzling smile at her then turned to Carlisle. "Very well then. Carlisle, if someone requests me, let them know I'm attending to some business. And if it's urgent, you know what to do." He winked at her.

"Of course, sir," Carlisle responded. "Enjoy yourselves!"

I know I will, Rosasharn thought as Gatsby led her to the living room.

"Oh, great heavens!" Gatsby exclaimed. "Where are my manners? I haven't even asked for your name!"

"Oh, right, of course!" Rosasharn blushed. "It's Rosasharn."

"Ross...of...yarn?" He chuckled. "I'm sorry, could you repeat it for me."

"Um, it's Rosash- actually, just call me Rosie. I prefer that anyway."

"Well, Rosie," Gatsby began, slowly walking her from the living to the dining room, "I hear you have a bit of an accent. Where are you from?"

"Oh, right," she said, chuckling. "I'm originally from Oklahoma but my family and I have been living in California for the past two years."

"Oklahoma?" Gatsby exclaimed. "And California? Well, you've come quite a long way, then. What brings you all the way to New York?"

"More opportunities, I suppose," she responded, marveling at room after room. "And family, of course. I have a couple cousins in the area."

"Well that's nice when you're moving to a new place. What about your father? What does he do for work?"

"Oh, well," she paused.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Gatsby paused. "I don't mean to intrude if that's too personal for you."

"No, no, it's okay," she began. "It's just that my father stayed behind to keep working and send us money." She sighed, "I miss him every day."

Gatsby remained silent for a bit, squeezing her hand slightly. "Well, I could never imagine being in your situation. But for what it's worth, I had a similar past. My parents were also farmers but I always wanted more, and that determination brought me to where I am today," Gatsby said, gesturing to the party. "So, I commend you for making the trip. And I sincerely hope something, or someone, makes it worthwhile for you."

Rosasharn blushed, "Well this isn't a half-bad place to start."

"Do you want me to continue the tour?" Gatsby asked politely. "I don't want to keep on boring you."

"You could never bore me, Jay," she chuckled. "But, do you want to dance?"

"You don't have to ask me twice," Gatsby replied with a wink and led her to the middle of the dance floor.

***

They danced together for song after song. Other ladies tried to cut in and get some time with the man of the hour, but Gatsby was unfazed. With Rosie, he finally felt free again. A little less like Jay and a little more like James. It was something about her that made him feel comfortable in his own skin. With Daisy, there was always something to prove or chase or overcome. But with Rosie, it all felt natural. 

"I'm getting a bit thirsty," Gatsby said after the band wrapped up their song. "Would you like to get something to drink?" She nodded and he led her over to the bar. "Do you have a preference?"

"No, I don't even know half the bottles in there," Rosasharn chuckled. "You pick for me."

"We'll have two Manhattans, my good man."

"Coming right up, sir," the bartender replied. 

"Speaking of Manhattan," Gatsby began, turning to Rosie, "have you ever been?"

"No. I've only been living here for about two weeks but I hear it's amazing."

"It is!" he exclaimed. "I ought to take you there to see Central Park sometime."

"Oh, I would love that!"

"Your two Manhattans, Mr. Gatsby," the bartender chimed in. 

"Wonderful! Thank you!" Gatsby handed one of the drinks to Rosie. "Cheers, darling."

"Cheers!" Rosie exclaimed. "Wow, this is actually better than I expected."

"What do you mean by that?" Gatsby said playfully. "Did you ever think I would give you something less than incredible?"

"Of course not, Jay," she replied, rolling her eyes sarcastically.

"Actually," Gatsby began a bit nervously, "you can also call me James. If you'd like to, of course. It's the name I was born with. I haven't used it much lately since coming out East but, I guess you're just...different." 

"Well," Rosasharn smiled, "I'm glad I made you feel comfortable, James."

Gatsby smiled sheepishly. "Well, let me show you around the yard." He held out his arm and Rosie took it in hers das they toured the lawn. 

"Jay!" a beautiful blonde exclaimed from the crowd. She ran up to him and gave him a huge hug, knocking Rosasharn out of the way.

"Woah, hi there, Daisy," he replied, seemingly out of breath. "Hello to you as well, Tom," Gatsby said to the dark-haired man trailing behind Daisy.

"Greetings," Tom said with a slight nod.

"You haven't talked to me all night!" she said with a pout. "I've missed you."

Gatsby looked between Daisy and Tom. "Well, I'm sure you've been able to manage without me, especially with a man like Tom by your side," he chuckled.

Daisy leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Well you know that Tom can be such a stinker. Plus I know that you've been doing all this charity work having the real pauper following you around like a little puppy. So why don't we solve both of our problems and have some fun together?"

Rosasharn was on the verge of crying. Maybe I'm really not cut out for the Big City. She began making her way through crowd while barely holding back tears.

"How dare you speak about Rosie in that way?" Gatsby said angrily, stepping away from her. "She is one of the sweetest, most caring people I've ever met, so who cares what she comes from? It made her into the amazing person she is today, and that's all I care about."

Gatsby began running through the crowd, trying to catch up with her. "Rosie! Please, wait! Rosie!"