OPEN ARMS.

After eyeing her striking appearance once more, Jack offered her his arm. Just as delighted as Jack had been, Theta took it without hesitation. The doors were opened for them, and a fantastic world of gold and bronze opened up to them; glittering plates along the wall, persian rugs and expensive glass windows that offered a luxurious peek into the dining room. “Carrington,” Jack stated at the podium. The man’s eyes met Jack’s with ease; this was no surprise to the man, as he likely saw hundreds of Jack’s kind waltz through the door each evening. No doubt, many of them dined just around the corner. The man plucked two menus from a hidden area beneath his station. ‘If you will kindly follow me, sir.’

Jack glanced down at Theta as they walked, sensing her nervousness. He offered her a smile, and held her hand a bit more tightly, where they rested on his arm. The doors to the dining hall opened, and the music became more gentle. Upon a white stage, adorned with golden curtains, a man in black keyed the piano flawlessly. Accompanied by his song was the light clatter of spoons against soup bowls and the occasional chime of a toast somewhere in the room. A group laughed to the left, hardly even noticing their arrival. They blended in, and for the night, Theta was tossed into the world of the upper class, the late nights, the glittering wonders that New York had promised America for centuries, but only half of them were lucky enough to endure.

They were seated at the table Jack had requested, which was positioned on a softly raised platform near one of the many grand windows, menus placed neatly before them. For a newcomer, it might have been puzzling to witness the view of a starlit valley rather than New York’s typical alleyway. Noticing Theta’s curiosity, Jack laughed. “An effect. They’re known for their awe-inspiring deals of magic.” Jack gently tapped the glass of the window. “It’s only a room with a screen.” Jack grinned, sharing the secret with Theta. The upper-end always had their secrets, after all, all that glitters is not gold. Jack might have been one of the few people in the room to understand the phrase.

A waiter arrived to them at once, towel folded neatly across his arm. He looked at Theta expectantly, as the woman traditionally would request her choice of drink first. When things fell silent, Jack smiled and corrected the situation. “Your finest wine.” Jack did not take his eyes off Theta. The waiter wordlessly removed their menus and stalked away politely. Again, a look of perplexity crossed Theta’s eyes; Jack didn’t miss it. He almost felt terribly wrong for bringing her, knowing that it must be entirely out of her element. “The menus were for your choice of drink.” Jack smiled. “These four-course meals are already planned for us.” Jack glanced around, noting that everyone in the room dined on something similar, each at a different phase in the course. A large group sat together, each bearing the same bowl of soup. It all seemed to be in unison, a formation that Jack had grown accustom to.

Jack rested his napkin in his lap before returning his attention to Theta. “It’s all terribly dry, as though we live the same.” Jack’s eyes were hollow as they rested on the man at the piano. “We all revolve like an endless carousel, ceaselessly moving forward.” His eyes returned to Theta once more. She was lucky, she had something to strive for. Jack lived expecting the same income. Expecting the same attire. He expected the same greetings, the same lavish events and costumes of the women who knew their place in the high-dollar world. Jack had considered, once again, his reason for bringing Theta that night. Was it Jack’s place to throw her into that world?

Jack was intrigued by Theta’s choice in description. Gilded and beautiful as it was, Jack felt hopelessly trapped. Short of counting the blades of grass in Ethiopia, Jack felt that he had done it all. He would have taken it all back, had he could. Jack longed for something new, something else that separated him from his father, who was content spending his evenings with the same company and his nights with the same desires. There had to be something bigger than that; but at the grand thought, Jack shrunk to size once more. He took in the surroundings of that gilded carousel; if he had everything, then what was he missing?

The wine was brought to the table, chilled in a golden serving bowl. The waiter did the honors of the pouring the first drink into their glasses and returning the wine to its icy domain. Jack smiled, carefully lifting his glass. “To new beginnings.” Jack smiled, touching his airborne glass to Theta’s. Of course, she wouldn’t understand what Jack meant right then, but he left the question lingering over their sip of wine. After Theta took her first taste, Jack searched her expression for a sign of approval. When all seemed well, Jack leaned back casually in his chair. The candlelight centerpiece danced between them, creating the only form of movement between the two.

Jack hesitated, feeling the need to put off the spectacle for later. Still, they would need time over dinner to discuss it. He gave in. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve asked you here tonight.” Jack’s smile had faded, replaced with something gentle and admiring. He cared for Theta, and wanted her to live as she hoped. He wanted the things she longed for in her future, and he wanted to be part of that. “You had my attention when we spoke about your future,” not that Theta did not keep his attention all the time, “and I want to be part of that. Always.” Jack paused for a moment, studying Theta’s expression before making any movements.

Jack’s hand moved to his coat pocket, where he pulled something into his lap. “Close your eyes.” He smiled. It took Theta a moment, but she did so. Jack stood carefully, placing a small card before her. Upon it was her name, printed alongside a photograph that Theta had supplied on her resume when she applied at Carrington-Bradford only a month ago. Jack returned to his seat, regaining his previous posture. “Alright. Open them.” She didn’t seem to notice the card at first, provoking Jack to gently nod in the direction of the card. “That, my dear, is your student identification. You will be needing it when you are enrolled into classes next fall.” Jack smiled, recalling his own admission into his future. “Welcome to the New York City School of Law.”

Jack didn’t speak as Theta collected herself. In fact, he watched her with a gentle smile across his face, more than pleased that Theta was happy. He took in her excitement, wishing he could savor the moment forever. Jack noted the way her eyes lit up, and the curve of those eyes when she smiled. It was how he knew Theta was truly happy, when her smile met her eyes. Jack found himself absently returning that smile when he returned to her. He laughed lightly at Theta’s playful accusation. “Quite the opposite, my dear.” Jack placed two hands, neatly folded together, on the table. It was ironic, as he felt - deep down - that part of his intentions of enrolling Theta into law school was to subconsciously keep her close to him.

Of course, Jack was entirely oblivious to these emotions.

Mr. Carrington casually took another sip of his wine, allowing the savory taste to ease the pain he still felt in his ribcage. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was certainly unwelcome and discomforting. “You are, in fact, looking at your new mentor. You begin your first of day of your paid internship in a few days; that will give you time to make the necessary arrangements, I presume?” Jack raised an eyebrow. Something registered to Jack that this was all moving too quickly for Theta, and his authoritative position faltered. Jack raised himself from where he leaned against his chair, furrowing his brow.

His heart sank slightly. Perhaps this life - this world - wasn’t what Theta wanted. Perhaps law school was not the path she had wanted to take after all; time changed people, and simply because Theta had wished once upon a time, did not mean that Jack had to be that belated wishing star. Jack’s eyes fell for a moment, fearful that he had forced her down a path she was frightened of. “I want to be with you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone.” Jack knew he had to offer what Theta needed; the skill, the experience, the authority. What did he have it for if, once in a blue moon, he could put it to good use? Letting a criminal off the hook just wasn’t the fulfillment that Jack had hoped for, but perhaps Theta was.

Still, Jack felt that singe in his heart. Around them, the room erupted into applause for the man on the piano, who must have concluded a number. The man took a bow, and repositioned himself on the bench, his endless cycle for the night. Jack’s eyes wandered the faces of the prestigious women; their lavish necklaces and polished nails only compensated for what they were hiding. The makeup was overdone, expensive and dramatic. They didn’t need to seem washed out when the spotlight hit them. The men rested their hands on the laps of the women, who did not fuss. It was there place in the man’s world, after all. That, and to spend their money as a luxurious reward.

Suddenly, Jack pictured Theta at that table. Surrounded by the entrepreneurial types, engulfed in her features as they doted over their most recent successes. He imagined a strange hand lingering across Theta, and his heart hardened. Jack’s eyes darted to the card before her. “This is not an obligation, Miss. Stone.” His eyes met her once again. A woman laughed in the distance, causing Jack’s eyes to wander to the direction of the noise. She was being prodded by the man next to her, who moved her hair away from her neck. She laughed, but Jack caught a glimpse of the smallest hint of discomfort across her expression. He looked away.

Their food was brought seconds later, and Jack eyed the light appetizer. It was small, only occupying the center of the plate. It was a beautiful creation, one that Jack had grown accustom to. The silverware was placed alongside their dishes, and their wine glasses were refilled. The waiter took his leave, and Jack’s eyes wandered from his meal to Theta once again.

Upon Theta’s acceptance, he found comfort. Comfort in knowing that she was ready for the challenge, comfort in knowing that Theta was - once again - chasing her dreams, and comfort in knowing that Theta would be even closer to him. Perhaps Jack could even offer her a job, a paying position with her own office...but studying her, Jack felt foolish again. He couldn’t keep Theta forever, but something within him longed to. Moreover, Theta had a life of her own to live. She was young and spry, whereas Jack’s past had weighed him down, leaving him feeling aged and tired to be so young himself.

He wondered just what it was that kept Theta from accepting straightaway. Had it been Jack? Perhaps she wasn’t as happy at Carrington-Bradford as Jack had assumed. He pushed the matter aside for now, allowing it only to linger in the back of his mind for later. “Excellent.” Jack smiled, once again eyeing the exorbitant morsel on his plate. The night rolled on, and the two gradually dipped themselves into lighthearted conversation. It was innocent, chatting about the unruly July weather and recent headlines. Jack taught Theta the tools of the trade, explaining the way to signal a waiter that you were completed with your meal. Their wine glasses were refilled, Jack found himself laughing a bit more freely than he had before.

They moved onto their entrée, and the two began swapping jokes and humiliating stories of their childhood. It was interesting, the striking differences between the two. Jack’s jokes were dry, but she laughed at them all the same. Theta’s were wild and entertaining, truly amusing Jack. He found himself soon finding the way she laughed at herself even more entertaining than the jokes. They pointed out members of the room, poking fun at their ridiculous expressions that were clearly an act. It was all so different for Jack, and for the moment, he felt young once again.

By the time they arrived with dessert, Jack was unsure of how many glasses of wine he’d had. Part of him felt ridiculous for having been so outlandish - however slight - in the public eye. Jack straightened himself, avoiding the wine for the final course and attempted a more somber conversation. Dinner had become more sentimental, and over the course of their final presentation, Jack had shared his middle name and learned Theta’s own. When dinner ended, he took Theta on his arm once again, and escorted her to the main lobby. Jack turned to face her, his smile fading gradually. Once again, they would part ways. Once again, Jack would return to his emptiness.

He observed her for a moment, his eyes falling to the locket around her neck. Jack hesitantly lifted his hand to turn it, allowing the light to catch its impressive diamonds. The lights danced, creating a comforting array of colors. When he looked up, he found a similar dance in Theta’s own eyes. A smile touched his features, and his expression mirrored her own. “Thank you, Miss. Stone, for an incredible evening.” He lifted her hand to kiss it, as he had already done twice before. Though he longed to, Jack wouldn’t allow himself to linger with Theta any longer. He had done well, keeping himself in check, keeping his temptations at bay. Before they could resurface, Jack lead her towards the door.

When the doors opened, Jack halted. As though it had been pressing against the door, rain blasted through the frame. Jack, Theta still at his side, moved them away from the area, a bit taken aback. A few leaving bystanders also gazed at the weather with disappointment and revelation. Jack’s eyes fell to Theta, resolving at once that he would not allow her to be driven home in the weather without him being present. His fears of the weather coupled with transportation were all too fresh, he wouldn’t risk Theta being put in the same position. Of course, Jack could not prevent the event - but at least he would be present.

Jack turned his full attention to Theta. “Please, come with me. We will get you home safely.” Jack nodded, hoping to persuade her easily. There was a certain desperation in his eyes, a fear that Jack had suppressed when he spoke. “Only to know that you arrive soundly.”

Jack was pleased when Theta accepted his invitation, and he found it a bit easier to pacify his nerves. Despite his fear of entering the approaching vehicle, which had already been standing by for him, Jack retained his cool and collected character. One of the men who held the doors open shot Jack a careful desperation glance, eager to keep the sharp rain off his face. Not wanting to keep the men waiting on account of Jack’s internal terrors, he met his driver at the entrance of the restaurant, who offered the two of them shelter beneath his golf umbrella. The driver ushered them to the door of the limousine, Jack sliding in behind Theta.

The door closed behind them, and in a few short moments, Jack felt his muscles relax. He sat with his elbows rested on his knees, hands collapsed before him. As his driver lowered the front window, and Jack relayed Theta’s address just as he recalled scanning it on her application. Thunder roared above them, causing Jack to repeat himself for the driver before they were able to take their leave. The limousine departed smoothly, but Jack found himself absently twisting the silver band on his finger, the memory of the bus accident flooding back to him. It all happened so suddenly, and in an instant Jack was thrown into a mass of the deceased.

The storm picked up violently, and Jack was on edge once again. He hardly let it show, keeping his expression cool. Hoping to find some kind of piece of mind, Jack turned his head to face Theta. Even in the dim lighting, she was stunning. Silently, Jack wondered to himself how many young men had also held her hand, how many men who had also held her. Jack looked away, considering his own past affections. Jack had a mind that was set on a goal, and his education had shrouded much of his youth; he was unlike his wealthy Boston colleagues, who spent much of their years as luxury swingers; they passed their exams, but nonetheless, they worked for someone else.

Jack had always had more coming to him; perhaps that’s why his father held him at such a high standard. Jack hadn’t the time to act on the swooning of other women who clawed for his affection. In fact, Charlotte had been his biggest affair. Not his only, but the one he wished to settle with. It pained him to recall how close it had all been, and how effortlessly it was all ripped away from him, how unexpectedly. Jack brought his eyes back to Theta, wondering if, somehow, she would be ripped from him as well. If by some chance, Theta willingly parted ways with him. How could Jack let her go? How would he? Would he kiss her farewell, leaving his heart to that familiar and haunting ache?

The limousine jerked to a stop, gliding a bit along the pavement. Jack was nearly thrown forward, though he managed to catch the handle of the door. Jack instinctively reached out for Theta in the same instant, catching her carefully by the arm. Once the limousine continued its ride smoothly, Jack looked at Theta. After a moment, he reclaimed his hand. The thought crossed Jack’s mind to leave the vehicle, waiting for the storm to pass. Still, he wanted to get Theta home safely as soon as possible. After it seemed that the storm could not pick up anymore violently, it had. Jack glanced behind Theta, attempting to see out her window. It was nothing more than a thick wall of rain, hardly even hinting the yellow tint behind it, a taxi cab beside them.

The driver lowered the window at the front, speaking to Jack. He couldn’t understand the man’s words over the hail against the roof. Moving a bit closer did not help, but Jack noticed the man shaking his head, as though to say it was impossible to get around something ahead. Jack swallowed, maneuvering his head to catch a glimpse of the driver’s viewpoint at the windshield. The rain made it nearly impossible to see anything, but Jack recognized the rhythmic flashing of hazard lights ahead. Off to the right, Jack could see the familiar glow of a building’s entryway. He recognized it immediately as the Pierre Hotel. Frantically, Jack turned to Theta.

He knew that the weather did not permit further driving, particularly when a fatal accident blocked the way. “I need you to come with me.” Jack nodded to her, his eyes on her intently. The driver spoke again, but Jack could not make out his words over the thunder above them. The driver knew Jack well, and knew that Jack would tip him later; what the driver hadn’t expected was for Jack to open the door to the limousine and exit with Theta, making a mad dash - gripping Theta’s hand - towards the lights of the Pierre Hotel.

Jack struggled to guide the two of them, but as lightening illuminated their path for a moment, Jack recalculated his direction and hurried towards the approaching light. The thunder seemed to shake the city, the downpour blinding traffic and wreaking havoc along the roads. Upon approaching the tent of the Pierre Hotel, a mass of people crowded beneath it, shouting and cursing at one another. The people did not belong at the hotel, but nonetheless, the spilled out the door in search for shelter in the storm. Jack’s eyes scanned the area, and he pulled Theta a bit closer to him. “Do not let go of my hand!” Jack shouted over the rain as he faced Theta, the two of them drenched and pitiful. In a moment, Jack weaved them through the mass of New York patrons, dodging screaming children and angry residences.

Jack and Theta managed to push their way into the hotel lobby, soaked and flustered. Jack took a moment to finally look up at Theta, his breathing quick to accompany the appalled gleam in his eye. Jack’s hair was plastered to his face and his suit clung to his frame. Despite his messy appearance, Jack couldn’t help but feel relieved that he and Theta were safely indoors. As the two of them stared wide-eyed at one another, Jack released her hand and emitted a small laugh out of the ridiculousness of the circumstances. Still, Theta was not home. Rather, he had pulled her into the nearest location that would offer them refuge - his home. Jack’s smile faded as he considered the situation, considered just how dangerous this was.

Theta needed to be given dry clothes - for an instance, he thought he saw her trembling. Jack eyed the front desk, where Vahilda was still present, eyeing the two of them incredulously. His eyes then scanned the room, searching for any sign of a watchful eye. However, the masses were too flustered and frustrated. Jack and Theta were only one in a million, so he seized the opportunity. Jack nearly headed to the elevator with Theta, but halted, looking at her over his shoulder. He’d been dragging her around without proper request, pulling her in the direction he felt would keep her safe. Jack turned to her again. “Will you come with me?” He hadn’t specified where she was going to, but something within Jack simply hoped that she trusted he would take care of her.

Even upon Theta’s acceptance, Jack delayed for a moment. He’d never brought a soul into his quarters, and he never expected even young Theta to be the exception. Mr. Carrington had suddenly felt that he had become no better than the other men, pulling gleeful young women to their side as they strode through the glamorous lobby. The circumstances were much different, however; the ritz of the hotel was hardly noticeable through the swarm of men and women, and the sophisticated music inaudible. The swingers of the Pierre Hotel would waltz in with a poor woman on his arm, dry as a bone, so unlike Jack’s current position. They needed help. Jack considered waiting for an alternative, but the bodies pressed in on them, and Theta shivered more violently.

Jack requested his elevator to the man safeguarding it, and seeing as how it was vacant, the doors opened only seconds later. Jack lead Theta in, carefully keeping hold of her hand. Jack urged the doors to close before the mass of people caught sight of them, who would undoubtedly seek refuge on a less crowded floor. What they didn’t know was that Jack’s elevator would not be making any stops; instead, they would be climbing directly to the top. The doors slid close, and Jack took a moment to collect himself. Realizing that Theta’s hand was still locked firmly with his own, Jack carefully pulled it away, remembering his boundaries. Painful as it was, Jack was already concerned about what was about to ensue.

He used that hand to draw his finger to the button requesting the top floor, which was labeled with a decorative “P”, the only button in the shaft. He did not speak, nor did he so much as glance in Theta’s direction. The elevator hummed its way upwards, and Jack began to feel a chill himself. Despite his efforts, his eyes wandered ever so slightly to his company, who shook violently. It pained him to see her so uncomfortable; but even now, drenched and slightly pale, Jack felt a desire to hold her close more than ever. He needed to offer Theta comfort, offer her warmth. Even if he had drawn her close, he would only worsen the situation. Instead, Jack stood beside her in a pool of icy agony, simply longing.

The elevator finally stopped, the doors sliding open. The top floor was silent aside from the patter of the rain and the soft sound of violins overhead. Jack eyed the grand, golden-encrusted set of double doors that lead to the three-story abode that Jack was fortunate enough to call his own. There was only a small hallway on the top floor, various mirrors and photographs, end tables with expensive vases - and then the mysterious, locked doors. “You need to get out of those wet clothes.” Jack pulled his keys from his pocket, turning the lock. Perhaps they could each dry themselves and take their leave - but where would they go? Jack feared allowing Theta in; all the same, who would see? In the safety of his penthouse, not a soul knew Jack existed.

He had become somewhat reclusive in the last few minutes that they entered the hotel, his mind fogged with apprehension and concern. Then, there was that lurching desire to take care of Theta, which somehow triumphed over those anxieties, only leaving them to linger. The doors creaked slightly as Jack pushed them open, revealing the open space of the Pierre Hotel penthouse, floor one. They were greeted with a grand staircase, branching out on either side, leading up to the second floor. Jack finally reached Theta’s expression, gently touching her back, as to welcome her inside. He smiled softly, speaking just as lightly. "It's all right."