Ocean of Memories

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I was able to change into my nightgown without Mother or Cal notice my runny mascara or messed up hair. I was just brushing my curls when Cal tapped on the door softly. "Brought you a little something, Rose," he remarked as he waltzed in to the vanity. He opened up the box that he was carrying. "You forgot this in your trunk."

I knew what it was already, the Heart Of The Ocean. Cal had given it to me publicly, when he had announced our engagement.

"I hate wearing it," I replied cooly. "It makes me feel like a dog."

Cal laughed a bit, put the necklace down, then ran his fingers softly on my neck. A normal person would find that a turn-on, and it was most likely intended to be, but Cal was nothing but a turn-off for me, 24/7.

"Open your heart to me, Rose," he whispered. I knew what he was implying. Tapping some powder onto my cheeks, I replied, "We aren't married yet, dear."

Cal grinned at me in the mirror. "At least a little kiss?"

I stood up and gave him a little peck on the cheek. He patted my back and then turned to go. "Oh, and Rose? Don't forget to be nice tomorrow." He flashed me a short narcotic smile and closed the door.

I picked up the necklace off my bed.

Trapped. Inside a world I had created.

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The next morning I set out to find something other to do than pout in my stuffy bedroom. I had until tea time to do as I pleased. I didn't know quite what that was yet, but I'd figure it out. I always did.

I was walking along the deck, lost in thought, when suddenly a hunormous wind sprang up of no where. Coughing a bit from all the dust that was being blown past me, I suddenly was struck square in the face with a piece of paper, just as the wind died down. My face stung, and I tore the sheet out of my mouth. It was a drawing, of a little girl.

Then I heard a, "She's got it! The pretty lady up there!" And I looked down to see an adorable 6 or 7 year old staring up at me. Glancing back at the picture, I realized it was of her.

"That's right, the pretty lady has it," a voice remarked, and I raised my eyebrows in surprise when I saw it was Mr. Dawson, standing beside the girl. He smiled brightly, and my heart twisted in two. God. That smile.

"It's my portrait!" Shouted the little girl. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" I exclaimed. Handing it back down to her, I smiled. "What's your name?"

"Cora Wainwright." She stood proudly, her hands tucked behind her back. Turning to Mr. Dawson, she asked, "What about hers?"

He bit his lip and said, "Rose Cupcake Eater or something like that."

That did it. The fact that Jack thought 'Bukater' was 'Cupcake Eater' made me laugh. Really laugh. Harder than I have in a long time. When I was finished, Mr. Dawson shrugged. Cora tugged on his shirt sleeve and whispered something to him. He flashed a bright smile up at me and winked. "You wanna come down and party with me and Cora?"

"Cora and I," Cora corrected. I giggled. "I-I'd love to," I replied. What was I thinking? I didn't even know anymore. "How do I get down?"

Cora skipped to a narrow gate with steps. "This way." I unlatched the gate and skipped down beside Cora and Mr. Dawson. "Thank you, Cora, and Mr-"

"Jack." He interrupted. "Just Jack."

Laughing, I nodded and said, "Well, thank you for this lovely invitation."

"Look!" Cora cried! They're playing Kiss the Toad!"

"What's that?" I followed her gaze to a number of young adults and couples sitting on chairs in a circle. One man was playing the violin, and every time the music stopped, they had to find a chair. Those who couldn't find a chair to sit on were out.

"You wanna play?" Jack asked, and I looked into his eyes. "Sure," I replied warmly.

Not a minute later we were scrambling to find a chair. Round after round both Jack and I found a seat, until there was only two chairs left, and three competitors. "Oh!" Called Tommy from the side, "One of these lucky ladies gets to kiss old Jackie here!"

I stopped short. "What?" My eyes darted to Jack. "K-k-kiss you!?"

Jack laughed. He obviously enjoyed my ignorance. "The games called Kiss the Toad for a reason, you know."

That's when the music stopped, and that's exactly when I sat down. That's exactly when the other girl was eliminated, and that's exactly when Jack kissed me.