14. April 1912 - MarBert
Dear readers. This will be my First story about Mary poppins. I wanted to create my own story with Mary and Bert in style of TITANIC. I hope you will like it and find it in your heart to review. English is not my native tongue so please be gentle (:
I don't own 'Mary Poppins' and I also don't own Titanic.
Love, JulieSoprano
10. April 1912 – Chapter 1
It was a sunny day. Everyone who looked at the Titanic was mesmerized. This ship was the largest one worldwide and it was an honour to be a part of the First journey from Southhampton to New York. Mary Elizabeth Poppins was one of the lucky english ladys who posessed a First class suite. Although she was far from happy. Mary stood in front of the gigantic ship and wondered how hard it must have been to build such a machine. Her fiance told her it was nothing special, that she mustn't worry her pretty little head about such things. It was way to complicated to explain a WOMAN the skill of building a ship, completely made of titanium and unsinkable. Mary's fiance John Brown was treating her like she was some kind of gold statue which needs to be protected. Sometimes it's endearing, really but most of the time she is just annoyed with him. Mary's mother always taught her how to be the perfect lady, hostess and daughter. It was always „don't touch that", or „darling that isn't the thing a lady like you is supposed to do". Mary always wanted to be a mother of at least three children, to be a normal wife to a man who isn't paid for snapping his finger and let others do the work. Of course she never dared to say that out loud. But the mere thought of the life she will lead once she becomes Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Brown is terrifying. Lost in her thoughts Mary didn't notice her fiance sneaking up on her. Only when he put his hands around her waist from behind the notices his presence. „Hello young lady. What are you thinking about? Could it be... the wedding perhaps?" No, she definetely wasn't thinking about the wedding, she loathed the fact that once they were in New York she would have to present herself in front of a huge crowd of people she didn't even know and act as if she was a terrible snob. Then she would wear a long wedding gown which is (of course) only tailored for her and her make up would be flawless. She would marry John and become his wife in every aspect of life. Mary snaps out of her reverie and says „Oh, I'm sorry darling. I was just...admiring the ship. It is gigantic you know and...I am just so excited to...". „Yes honey I know it is soooo interesting. But please don't run away again because I have more important things to do, than to worry about my soon to be wife. I want you to stay in our class, do you understand? No wandering around in the work class levels, ok?" What was he thinking? Of course she would „wander around"! It was her nature and even though everyone tried to tame her, she knew that no one could change her personality. „Oh...of course darling. I wouldn't want you to worry about me. With all your work...I will be a nice girl, promised." Mary always lied to him about these matters, because he would only argue if she didn't. „That's my girl", John replied cheekily and stole a quick kiss. Mary smiled, even though in her heart she cried. When was this nightmare going to end?
„Everyone on board please!", a loud voice commanded the passengers. Mary took her handbag and started to walk towards the ship. Once inside she couldn't help but stare at the unique beauty of the Titanic. The dominating colours of the foyer were ivory, red and white. It made Mary feel, as if she were in a palace. „Mary darling, come lets go to our room. We need to rest a little before breakfast is served in the salon." Mary's mother Ellen announced. „Oh mother I am not in the least tired. Could I do some exploring? I promise I won't do anything stupid." Here it was again. Mary's very unladylike stubborn attitude. „Honey please. How often do I have to tell you, that you are not a tramp but a beautiful young lady! And as such you can't just...explore a ship! What would my friends say? Please, for once behave yourself!" Mary felt as if her mother had punched her in the face. If her father would still be alive he would have defended her, maybe even sneaked out with her. Unfortunately he died five months ago and her mother didn't seem to grieve at all. „Yes mother. I promise" In the end Mary couldn't stand up to her mother and had to (again) make a pie crust promise. Katia (Marys maid) carried her luggage and seemed to have trouble with seven (!) suitcases. „Katia, let me help you! You can't carry that by youself!" Mary took two bags from Katia and climbed the stairs. „Oh no Ma'm. This is my job after all. You are not allowed to do this yourself. Because you are..". „Yes I know, I am a lady and it is against protocoll to help employers. How many times do you want to tell me this stuff? And how often, pray tell, have I told you to call me Mary! I am no old woman...yet" Mary really liked her maid but she always needed conviction that Mary is different than all the other rich women. „Ok, I know how stubborn you are so...I give up. And...Ma'm." Mary gave her the evil look. „I mean MARY, thank you.". „For what?", she replied. „For...being different. It is hard to find nowadays." Mary put down her bags and pulled Katia into a warm hug. „Thank you", she nearly sobbed. „For what Mary?". „For accepting me the way I am." When they arrived at their suite the women fell on the bed from exhaustion. „My my, what the hell did my mother put in her suitcases? A few dead bodies?". „No Mary I think it's mostly her beauty stuff. You know...daily face lifting, a few syringes of botox, holy stones for your inner Feng Shui.." They were both laughing so loud, that they began to cry. These were the moments Mary loved the most. When she didn't have to care about her face, clothes and attitude. The times she could just be herself an laugh freely. She would definetly miss that. „What in the name of god is going on here?" Mary's mother interrupted the scene. „Oh mother...I...I just helped Katia carry our luggage upstairs. No one saw us if you want to know." Her mother just stared but was too tired to yell ar her. Once she left the room Mary turned to Katia. „Could you do me a favor?". „Um...what kind of favor?" Mary gave her an innocent look. „Oh no, no, no, no. I know what you're up to. We can't do that. It's to dangerous!". „Oh come on Katia. It is the first time I am on a ship. It's only natural I want to do some exploring." She put on her best puppy look. „No". „Alright. You don't have to accompany me. Just don't tell John or my mom where I am, ok?". „I don't know...I hate lying.". „Who says you have to lie? Just change the truth..It won't hurt...Pleaaaaase.". „Alright, alright! But don't stay away too long.". „Aww, thank you Katia! You're the best!". Mary jumped from the bed and left the room.
3rd class
„Hey lad, c'me on. We ave t'o find our cabin." Jim informed his friend Bert, who was leaning against the railing. „Waita minute Jim. Corr look at t ocean! It's amazing ain't it?" Bert said dreamily. „Yeah o course but we ave t find our room. Ths such a huge ship we will get lost if It's dark. Besides y can still look at t water later.". „Alright bud. I can't wait t arrive in New York. People say t's a huge city. Only saw pictures o it.". „Well Bert y' know what people say. America is the country of possibilities.". „Yes, but I think London's still me favourite place on th entire world.". „C'me on stop with ya preyudices. New York will need hard working people like us bud." Jim replied. „Yeah, you'r right Jim. Let's look for our cabin.". Even though the Titanic was gigantic on the outside, it had very small corridors. Well maybe not in 1st class. Bert and his friend Jim saved money for years, just to afford a ticket for the Titanic to New York. „Wow, bud look a this! We ave a view directly to th' front deck. Aint tha great? Bert could always find beauty in the most trivial things. He never had much as a child, so he didn't miss anything. The cabin he shared with Jim was more than enough for him. It contained two small plank beds, a little closet and a tiny bathroom with a sink, toilette and shower in it. He didn't need more to live. „Yeah, t's great Bert.". „Hey Jim, ya up for some exploring?". „Arg...actually I wanted ta nap a little. If ya don't mind.". „No, of course not. Take ya rest. I will go by myself. See ya later." And with that Bert went out of his cabin and headed straight to the front deck, where he could have a great view of the wide ocean.
A little while later...
Mary leaned against the railing of the ship and admired the refletion of the sunlight on the ocean. It glistened more than thousand diamonds ever could. John would think this idea absurd, because he didn't treasure such simple things like sunshine on the water. Mary once again was deep in thought when she heard someone clear his throat. At First she thought it was John until..."Hello." A warm voice said. She didn't turn to look at the intruder because she thought it was just another upper class guy, trying to flirt with her. „Hello." She replied out of politeness. „Ahem, may I ask wot such a beautiful young lady as yourself is doing out here all by her'self?" Upon hearing his cockney accent Mary turned to see who was talking to her so bravely. This man was much taller than her and well build. But what drew her attention most were his enchanting eyes. They were as blue as the ocean and she couldn't help but stare at them. „I just needed some fresh air that's all." She replied, still looking into his eyes. „Oh of course. Th's ships very crowded, so I completely understand. Oh, where are me manners, I'm Herbert Alfred, but please call me Bert." He said holding out his hand for her. Mary hesitated a moment but then placed her white hand ind his tanned one. He planted a gentle kiss upon it and she had to hide a blush. „M- my name is...Mary, Mary Elizabeth Poppins." She stammered. Bert had to smile at her shyness. „Well Ms. Poppins, It's a pleasure t meet ya.". „Likewise.". „So mh..where are y from?". „I'm from London. What about you?". „Wow, me too. A pity I never met such a wonderful lady before." Mary smiled at him and stared into his eyes. Ruuuuuump. The engine of the ship started to run and Mary nearly fell, but before she hit the ground she felt two strong arms encircle her waist to hold her upwards. „Woah woah, I got'cha.". „Thank you Mr. Alfred." She replied grateful. „Aw, Mr. Alfred was me father, Berts good for me.". Mary had to giggle. „Then I insist you call me Mary as payback." She said bold. „It's a pleasure. So what..." „Mary! MARY where are you?". „Oh, I have to go, my maid is calling for me.". She tried to flee but Bert grabbed her arm. „Can I see you again?". She felt butterlies rise in her stomach at his question. „I, em...yes of course. Today at ten?". „Perfect!" Bert replied, letting go of her arm. „MARY! Where are you?". „I'm coming!". She ran to Katia. „Mary, they were asking for you. I didn't know what to say so I, I told them you took a shower.". „Katia, you are such a bad liar, you know that don't you. Ok, come on, we need to hurry up." Together they ran along the corridor and into their suite. When they were settled on the couch of their room Katia shot Mary a suspicious glance. „What?" Mary demanded. „Mary...who was this guy? Did he hurt you? I saw him touching your arm rather harshly an...". „Oh no, he, he just saved me from falling. He found me staring at the ocean. His name is Bert.". When she mentioned his name her look got dreamy. „Em...Mary?". „Yes?". „I know it sounds absurd but..could it be that you have a little crush on this Bert guy?" Mary heard Katias question but she was too fascinated by Berts eyes and his smile, which always floated around her mind. It was only when her maid waved a hand in front of her face that the came out of her reverie. „I um...what? No of course not. That's absurd! I've known him for...what 10 minutes now? It's completely out of the question that I, that I..." Mary couldn't finish her sentence. Luckily Katia only gave her a sceptical look but didn't investigate further. If she did, things would have gotten messy because now her fiance entered the suite.
„Hello darling. How are you feeling?". „Fine, thank you." She said while he gave her a kiss on the cheek. „Do you care for some breakfast, darling?". „That sounds great. Just let me change into something more...appropriate first." „Of course, but don't take too long." John gave her a seducing look and ran his fingers along her neck before he left. Mary knew that John wanted her, but she was positive that she had no intention of giving herself to him if she could prevent it. She wasn't actually hungry but she was looking forward to her „date" with Bert this evening. Whenever she thought of him butterflies flew in her stomach but suddenly she felt fear. What if he wouldn't want to see her again if he found out she was a high society lady. What if he was disgusted with her. Mary felt a pang of sadness within her and suddenly everything went black...