Eternal Destiny Jack's hand was trembling as he slipped the train ticket for Los Angeles, California into his pocket. After spending the day with Rose and Sarah, he had finally decided that it was time to move on. They had taken him all over the little town of Cedar Rapids, showing him the buildings and people that they saw everyday. Sarah had been so excited, treating Jack like an idol and insisting that she get to hold his hand. Jack had treasured every minute of it, knowing that the chances of him being able to do this again were slim. But he knew that it would be his time to leave sooner or later and after seeing the good and happy life that Rose was now able to live, Jack was satisfied in knowing that she would be alright…and so would their daughter. For Sarah, Jack would be nothing more than a good friend that she once got to spend the day with in Cedar Rapids. She would probably end up forgetting all about him within a matter of weeks and would go on with her life, never knowing the truth until someday when Rose maybe would tell her about him. It pained Jack immensely to know he was leaving the two people in his life that he treasured most, but when catching a glance at Rose and Michael together, he knew it was the right decision. He couldn't expect Rose to break apart her family just because he showed up on her doorstep seven years after the fact. It just wasn't right. Now, as Jack waited at the train station with the Calvert family, he became more agitated with every passing second. Mike had an almost relieved look on his face while Rose sat on a bench with Sarah in her arms, lost in her own world. Sarah was beginning her pouting session again. She didn't want Jack to leave. She had just met him and had been hoping that they could be good friends. It seemed like he was leaving as quickly as he had arrived. At hearing the whistle for passengers to start loading the train, Sarah jumped to the ground, bringing her mother out of a trance. "Why do you have to go Jack?" Sarah pouted as Jack kneeled down to be eye level with her. "Because Kiddo," Sarah smiled briefly at Jack's new nickname for her. "I have to go to California, remember?" "But why can't you stay here? You could come and live here in Cedar Rapids. Then you could buy a house just down the street from mine so we could see each other everyday." Sarah's innocence was so painful for Jack and Rose. Jack smiled a nervous and painful smile, trying to hold back his emotions. "I wish I could Sarah, I wish I could." Jack paused as the conductor yelled for all passengers to board. He looked back at Sarah who was beginning to get tears in her eyes. "Tell you what," Jack began to dig through his bag, searching for the one thing that had kept him going through all of the hard times. Pulling out a leather bound notebook, identical to one that Rose would have recognized, Jack held it out in front of him. "Why don't you take this off my hands. I remember your mom telling me about how much you like to draw. Now you have a place to put all those drawings." Jack opened the book to reveal a pad of clean white paper and a little pocket for finished drawings. Sarah smiled as Jack nudged the notebook towards her, signaling for her to take it. Feeling completely honored by Jack giving her his portfolio, Sarah brought it close to her, wrapping her arms around it. "Thank you." She said, giving Jack a big hug. Jack was overcome with emotion. He couldn't believe this was happening to him. A tear fell down Rose's cheek as she covered her mouth. Even Mike was a little speechless. He now knew that Jack was Sarah's real father, even though Rose had never officially told him. Deep down inside, Mike knew that if he were faced with the same situation, maybe even the other way around, he would never have the guts to stay strong for the family's sake. He now seemed to have more admiration for this man who wasn't thinking of himself and his needs, but everyone else instead. "Jack," Sarah pulled away, looking Jack straight in the eye. "Will I see you again?" "I don't know. I'll make you a deal though. When I get to California, I'll send you some pictures…drawings that is; I never really got into photography." Sarah smiled, knowing that Jack was an old fashioned artist. "But, on the condition that you do the same for me." Sarah's smile widened. "That's a deal." She playfully held out her hand to shake Jack's. Jack chuckled, taking the little hand into his own. "Last call for passengers! Train leaving for Los Angeles, California in one minute!" The conductor yelled from the train. Jack stood up. He looked over towards Mike and Rose. "I guess that's my cue. Thanks so much for your kind hospitality. It was a pleasure seeing all of you." He said, briefly looking over towards Rose. He held his hand out to Mike who took it with his free hand, the other one holding baby Laura. God, she looks just like Rose… he thought. He brushed the baby's cheek with his finger, in turn receiving a smile. He then went over to Rose, giving her a quick hug, carefully tucking a note into her pocket without anyone noticing. "It was nice to see you again Rose. You take care of yourself." "You too Jack." Rose tried to smile, but it seemed pointless. On noticing the train start to lurch forward, Jack backed away, gently tilting Sarah's chin up and smiling as he passed. He hopped onto the train, waving goodbye as he disappeared inside. Rose watched until the train could no longer be seen. "Sarah sweetheart, come on…let's go home." Tucking her hands into her pockets, Rose began to walk towards their old Model T. She wiped a stray tear from her cheek, replacing her hands in her pockets. But something felt odd. There was something in her pocket. Carefully feeling the object with her thumb and forefinger, she pulled a small piece of paper out of her pocket, stopping to unfold it. Inside, were the words "You Made It Count." |
