More Than This

It had shocked everyone. Nobody saw this coming. I mean, how could you? He was going to die at some point in his life but, he ended too young, too tragic. Poor Les Jacobs died on the 'unsinkable' R.M.S. Titanic. He's been in Ireland on business with his working partner Daryl Rile, whom had survived. Daryl claims that his friend was most likely asleep when the ship sank. Just at the thought of Les so peaceful as this disaster was going on around him, gave Mr. Rile a feeling of sadness and depression. Dying at the age of 23 is something no one looks forward to. It's just fate.

The news hit his loved ones full force. Tears were shed from his family members in New York, to his friends in Santa Fe, Oregon, and Texas. Little Les, the once curious boy who made up games to amuse himself and others. His wooden sword, which at one time was his best friend, was lost back in Ireland. Memories and his baby clothes were the only things Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs had left of their youngest child. Sarah and David, Les' siblings, came in from various parts of New York State to grieve with their parents and for the funeral. It was very strange for the whole Jacobs family. He's gone and there is no way to bring him back.

The funeral will go on even though they do not have the body.

Old friends like, Jack Kelly, Racetrack Higgins, and Kid Blink came as well. What a shame. A young man so loved doesn't deserve to be taken from life. Alas, there is a reason for everything. The good and the bad.

One day before the funeral, David was strolling around upper Manhattan. Allen Street to be exact. He had heard outlaw, Billy the Kid had born in one of the houses on this street but, could not recall which one. He couldn't have cared less about it anyway. The night before everyone who came because of Les' death, had dinner at the apartment David's parents lived in all his life. He was happy to see his friends and family but, it just wasn't the same without his brother talking his ear off. David smiled as he passed houses; he'd never thought he'd see the day when he missed Les' insane rambling.

Somehow, David could pinpoint person by person he walked by, who'd lost someone. Either the cause being Titanic or another, he couldn't tell you.

"Ma'am..." a man's voice said softly. The tone in it caused Dave to look up. A woman in her early thirties was coming down the front steps of her apartment to meet the man. He was dressed in an official looking uniform and was holding a paper in between his fingers. Sweat was obviously shining on the man's forehead. It couldn't have been from heat; early April wasn't exactly a summer month. He was nervous. Oh God, no, David knew what this meant. And by the looks of that poor lady's face and the way she was gripping onto her white apron, she knew as well. The man gave her the paper.

"I'm very sorry for your loss." He said with the deepest sincerity. She didn't have to read it; like David predicted, she knew. Her apron came free of her grasp and she collapsed onto the cement as the neighbors already began to coo gossip.

"Jimmy!" she screamed through large sobs. The man tried to comfort her. David left as she began to yell 'Why? Why!' You might have thought she was going crazy. Titanic was a mistake.

David was tired of death. Stupid Les! Why did you have to be successful? Like science is going to go anywhere! David had barely noticed he was crying. Losing his near, dear brother was completely ruining him.

"Davey?"An aged yet familiar voice called. Though, he was in no mood for talking he looked in the direction of the voice. A woman with brown hair and blue eyes pulled him into an embrace. He hugged back, realizing who she was.

"Circus, aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" David was glad to see his teenage hood friend. They pulled apart from the hug, saying the normal things people say if they run into each other. He couldn't believe he forgot about her. Brooklyn newsy; David and Les' first crush; the girl he slept with the night he strike ended; the person who nearly got killed by the stupid things she did. Circus Conlon.

"Actually, because the state needed an 'acceptable' name I'm Felicity but, Davey do call me Circus." David couldn't care less about what her name is. He pulled her into another hug. Passersby were staring a little but, it's their fault for being nosey. David placed hid head on her lower shoulder, knowing that she wouldn't mind and listen to what he had to say.

"My life has run through hell." He muffled into her dress' fabric. She took him inside the house and gave him a cup of tea.

As they sat down at the table Circus told him, "I'm all ears."

To make a long story short, tears were shed and shared between the two. After nine years she still cared. She obviously hadn't known about Les' death women seem to be crying a lot that day. Though David felt good about getting that out, he couldn't help but feel guilty about putting that on her shoulders. After he admitted that to her she told him he was too sweet. Whatever that means.

By the time he left the sun was set and the streets were dark.

"See you around...Thank you."David had a strange feeling of being empty. Probably the effect of his emotions being drained.

"No problem. You'd do the same for me, I hope." She added jokingly, before kissing his cheek, "Goodbye David."

"Goodbye Circus."And he went on his way down the road remembering the birth house of Billy the Kid. 70 Allen Street, otherwise known as the house he had just been in.

He watched the night sky grinning to himself. The man was unhappy, he just didn't realize it.

I got inspiration for this story after watching the movie Titanic with my friend and listening to 'My Heart Will Go On' repeatedly. Message me if you want this to be a longer story or remain a one-shot.