Dream ∆ 003
Jack placed his hand on Rose's rounded belly, a feeling akin to apprehension brewing angrily in his stomach.
"Can you feel it, Jack?" her pretty face looked so hopeful in the dim lamplight. Jack shifted uncomfortably. "Can you feel it kick?"
"Uh... Well..."
"STOP PRESSING SO HARD, JACK, YOU'RE GOING TO HURT THE BABY"
"But--"
"Oh, it's all right, Jack. But can I ask you something important?"
Jack withdrew his hand from her belly and gave her knee a quick, halfhearted squeeze. "What is it?"
"Do you want to save?"
"..."
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Jack sat down with Rose at the table, safe at last.
"Uh, I'd like to order the lobster special--"
"Jack, you always order the lobster. How about I make the lobster at home, instead."
"No, Rose, you don't need to work so hard. I like taking you out. You already work too much as it is."
"But, Jack, I want to cook for-"
"NO."
Jack picked up his knife and buttered his bread like a wildebeast in heat. The beer in his mug churned with the sudden movement. His brow sweat with anxiety.
"Jack, I--"
"We're not gonna talk about this anymore. I’m not in the mood."
"I just want to ask--"
"What?"
"Jack, do you want to save?"
"...."
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“Oh, Jack, it’s so beautiful!” Rose’s ring glimmered pleasantly under the full moon.
“Uh, I guess. It isn’t much, but it’ll work as a temp until I can buy a decent one.”
“Oh, it’s fine, Jack. Cracker jack rings are just as good as diamonds”
“What the hell are you-“
Rose giggled mockingly. “You think I couldn’t tell you pulled it from a cereal box, Jack? It’s all right, I don’t care, as long as it’s from you.”
“Are you insane? Listen, I know it isn’t the nicest, but I swear I’ll get you a better one.“
“No, Jack. I’m too happy. I know you’ll get me a ring someday to match my stunning beauty, but in the meantime, I can’t wait to be Mrs… Jack…. Sears………”
A thick silence hung over the couple like an impenetrable fog. The brewing apprehension in Jack’s stomach grew. He stared at the bottle of champagne he’d been holding. Rose faded.
“Jack, look at the time! We’re going to be late for the rehearsal!”
“But I-“
“Do you want to save?”
“….”
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“I was thinking Robert, or maybe Tom. Jack?”
Jack grunted an acknowledgment.
“Jack, don’t you have any names in mind?”
“Like what?”
“Well, I don’t know,” Rose’s delicate hand rested atop her plumpening abdomen. “Roy is a beautiful name.”
Jack grimaced. “Does it have to be Roy?”
“Well…”
“Anything but Roy. How about David… or James, or or…” A beat. “George?”
“… George Sears. It’s a perfect name, Jack.”
Jack stared sullenly at the television.
“Well, Jack?”
“Well, what?”
“It’s your last chance to save. There’s no turning back.”
“….”
“I don’t think you need to save this time.”
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*There's blackness on the other end of the Dreamberry once the dream ends. No sounds of movement, no sudden jolts; just the sound of Raiden's steady, even, too-controlled breathing.*