In Your Arms Tonight

Sleepless Nights (Jack)

We walked hand-in-hand through the streets of the city, telling each other stories of what we had done throughout the time that we were apart from each other. I was still so elated about having her with me that at times I wouldn't really be listening to what she was saying as I observed her movements. The way her eyes glistened and her smile as she spoke. It all felt so right. It all felt so natural.

"Well Jack," she said, "it's getting pretty late actually. I think it would be best if I headed back to my place."

"Or why don't you come with me to my place? And stay over the night," I suggested. 

"I mean I," she stuttered hesitantly, "I have to be up early tomorrow, I have some errands to run before I go to work." 

"Rose," I whispered softly as I looked at her with pleading eyes. She looked into my eyes and sighed. 

"I'd love to stay," she said.  

We flagged down a cab and I gave the driver the address to my place. Rose snuggled up to me, wrapping her arms around my torso as I draped my arm around her. The cab driver looked at us from the rearview mirror and gave a small chuckle. 

"Hey buddy, do you ever plan on letting the girl go?" he laughed. 

"I don't," I replied, placing a kiss on Rose's forehead. 

The driver pulled up to the apartment building and said, "Well, here's your stop. You two lovebirds take care." 

I helped Rose out of the cab and we walked together into the building. I guided her to the staircase where she gave a dejected sigh.

"What's the matter?" I asked. 

"It's just, my feet have been killing me in these heels that I'm wearing, and I don't think stairs would help," she muttered. "But it's okay, I can just take them off." 

"Wait, let me just carry you up the stairs," I suggested. 

"Jack," Rose began, but I didn't let her continue as I swooped her up. 

"Ready?" I asked. 

"Jack, you really don't have to carry me up there, I honestly could have just taken my heels off and I would have been fine. You could still put me down." 

"No, it's fine," I assured. "It's only two flights." 

"You really are crazy, aren't you?" she giggled. 

"Yes, that could be. But I'm crazy about you." She smiled and gave me a kiss on the cheek. 

"So do you live alone?" she asked as we got to the door of my apartment. 

"I live with my pal, Henry," I said, setting her down on her feet, "but he said he was staying somewhere else for the night." 

"Oh, how did you meet him?"

"Well, he was one of the volunteers helping those who had been in the sinking." I took out the keys from my pocket and stuck it into the lock. "He offered me a place to stay while I found my own place, but eventually we became close friends and I just stayed here." 

"That's nice," Rose said with a warm smile. I opened the door and let her in. She walked around the apartment, gliding her hand over the furniture as she walked by.

"Now, it's nothing big," I said, "maybe once I get a bit more money I'll be able to affo-"

"It's perfect," Rose said as she turned back to look at me. 

"Yes," I sighed, looking into her enchanting blue eyes, "it is perfect. Now that you're here." 

We talked for hours that night, but it felt like only a few minutes. As the sun peeked out over the horizon, Rose gathered her things. 

"I have to go," she said, "but we will see each other again, right?" 

"Yes, of course," I smiled. I leaned in and kissed her lips before seeing her walk out the door into the early morning light.