Serenity

To The Stars

Rose listened to Jack speak of his adventures in Santa Monica, and he did so with great depth. He made everything so beautiful; everything came alive as his voice animated the scene. His eyes were so bright, sparkling with sincerity, and then the scent of him washed over her from the breeze, the same which filled the car. It was intense, sending her stomach into a tumbling wave of something. She had forgotten her navy blue dress, cut to perfection for the ball, forgotten the diamonds which hung from her ears, at her throat and wrists. It was all about her, just in that moment. She was just Rose.

''I would love to have seen it,'' Rose whispered. ''When we conversed aboard the Titanic, how would it be there? I can almost feel the ocean breeze upon my face.''

One could imagine going there to write an epic novel, paint a beautiful picture, or simply lose oneself in the world.

''After the sinking, it makes you look at life differently. Makes you want to live more.''

Rose smiled at his optimistic outlook, wishing she could share his enthusiasm and express herself as he did. Instead, all she felt was that same continued emptiness. She couldn't express anything after being repressed for so long, but something mysterious was stirring. She was torn between her desire to break free and her fear of the unknown.

''I thought you were more of a star-gazer than a sun worshipper.''

''Well, the best view of the stars is from up there.'' Jack touched her elbow to gently turn her to face the enormous spiralling machine in the distant light. The rollercoaster, which they had ridden before, spiralled before them. ''This one, though, is tiny in comparison to the one on Santa Monica beach.''

Jack pointed ahead, clutching her right hand suddenly as though he was about to run.

''Where are we going?''

Rose asked, pointing to the enormous Ferris wheel at the edge of Spring Field.

''There's the wheel,'' Jack narrowed his gaze at the massive spiral of the coaster with a smaller wheel in comparison, but still big enough to make him and Rose look like ants. ''It looks ancient, doesn't it? It's older than the gypsies who brought the carnival to town.'' Jack sensed her interest. "Do you want to ride it? We did not get a chance the other night.''

With a slight look of nervousness, Rose pressed her lips together to suppress the grin that she had when one was up to mischief. ''I couldn't possibly. It is closed.''

''Yes, and...'' Jack raised his brow, waiting for her response, when he smiled. ''Come on!''

She frowned. ''Where are we going?''

Jack led her through the fields, almost in a run, and she had to pick up the hems of her dress, feeling entirely overdressed. Her feet ached as her heels were stuck in the mud. The only feeling she had within her entire body was Jack's clasp of her hand, and she followed him, thoroughly trusting him. Adrenaline coursed through her whole body as he led her through a large locked gate. After fiddling with the lock, it clicked open.

''H-how do you have that?''

''Shh.''

Rose suddenly felt alive. This was trespassing. With his hand leading her, she willingly entered a spiral of almost darkness inside the park, a thrill of the forbidden running through her veins.

''Where are we?''

''Shh, you will see.''

Trusting him was all she could do as they threaded through closed rides, tents, and food vendors. This place was alive in daylight with screams of pleasure and terror, but now it was like derelict, forbidden ground. The once-vibrant colours of the rides were now muted in the fading light, and an eerie silence had replaced the sounds of the bustling carnival. It looked like some parts were being packed away and were ready to leave town the next day.