I know that I should be focusing on my other stories, but I feel like I should get this one out there. It's helping me find my muse again, and is even helping me get rid of my writer's block. In addition to this chapter, there are two others that are fully written down. I'm almost done with the fourth chapter, so I'm pretty excited.

It's honestly great to be able to publish something new. 2016 has been a rough year, as I know it has been for many others. I've dealt with a lot of stress, death, and pain these past six or so months. I'd tell you everything, but I feel as if I'd come off as whinny. I don't want to do that to you. I'll just say that life is such a fucking bitch. I'm beginning to miss 2015 :(

There's a few other stories I'm working on, so I'll probably add those to the website at some point. But for now, let's focus on this one.

Titanic is one of my favorite films. I've wanted to write a story for this fandom for years, but never seemed to find a telling that drew me in. There was an earlier version of this story that gave Jack a little sister. (Her name was Danielle - a spunky, boisterous, sassy young woman full of life and spirit.) I never made it to the end of the first chapter. And then I began writing this down about a month or so ago, and it just took off from there.

I'd like to finish this in a few months, but something will probably happen and prevent me from doing so. I hope you enjoy reading it just as much as I enjoy writing it :)

Side Note: I edited this on my own. Please know that I'm trying my best. It's just . . . English. Why it has so many rules, I will never know.

Disclaimer: I don't own Titanic. James Cameron does.

It had started off just as any other day for Caroline DeWitt Bukater. Her maid awoke her at precisely six in the morning, drawing her hotel room's curtains as she did so. Shortly after, she was dressed in one of her many morning suits in preparation for the breakfast she'd soon share with her family. All-the-while, Caroline and her maid shared a quick exchange of words. She was informed about the weather and was reminded of what the day held for her. When there was nothing left worth mentioning, the two fell into silence.

If there was one thing that Caroline knew most about her maid, Sally, it was that she wasn't the kind of woman who enjoyed talking. She'd learned from years of association with the slightly older woman that chatter wasn't what drew her in: It was the chance to be quiet and wait for the opportune moment to sneak a couple of words in. So the pair had eventually developed a routine that satisfied them both: They'd share a brief chat, cease discussing, and then utter a few more statements before joining the others for their morning meal. It was a something they felt most comfortable with.

So when the last of Caroline's outfit's fastenings had been put into place, Sally announced that she was ready to join the others. With a curt nod of the head, she thanked her maid and was soon led to the room her mother, sister, and soon-to-be brother-in-law sat; all of whom awaited her arrival.

Like every other morning, Cal (the man who was to wed Caroline's sister) was the one who talked the most. Her mother was the only one at the table who appeared to be completely engrossed with his topic of the day. Rose, Caroline's sibling, seemed to be heavily pondering upon who knew what. Shortly after their father died, it seemed that a little more of the Rose Caroline knew dwindled away. It wasn't noticeable to most, but to those who truly knew the teenaged girl, it was as painfully obvious as a sore thumb. She wished she could say something that would put her sibling's mind at ease, though she knew that it would take more than a reassuring sentence to make Rose fall back into her former state of mind.

Caroline worried for her sister. She knew how the stress of being engaged felt upon one's shoulders. She, too, had been in a similar situation not more than two years prior. But what ate away at Caroline's thoughts the most was whether or not Rose would be happy once married to Cal Hockley, heir to a steel company's millions. Though the life of a wife hadn't necessarily always been so bothersome, she couldn't say that her sister would feel the same way. Rose was only a few years younger than the age Caroline was when she married her husband. Being married shortly before she'd finished attending university was almost too old for their mother to bear. It wasn't hard for Caroline to imagine how satisfied Mother was with the upcoming wedding arrangements compared to how it went down for the elder of the children.

So while their mother gave her opinion on the voyage they'd soon embark on, and the last of their meals rested atop their hotel's finest dishes, Caroline leaned in towards her little sister and whispered, "At least when we board our ship, you'll be able to spend some time alone with your thoughts."

Yes, Caroline knew it didn't help much, but she wanted to attempt to give Rose even the slightest of smiles.

Instead of what the former had hoped for, the latter glanced towards the window that hung above the city of Southampton. Her face remained expressionless, as if it was almost completely devoid of life. The girl's voice was of equal enthusiasm when she answered, "Yes. I suppose so."

At this, the corners of Caroline's painted lips fell downwards. Rose's response had discouraged her from trying to say anything else for the remainder of the time they sat in the dinning area.

Cal and Rose's wedding was to take place at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. It was home for both Hockley and the DeWitt Bukater women. It was a place that Caroline hadn't seen in months, not since Cal insisted that they spend some time vacationing at the home his family owned in England. She'd welcomed the reprieve, seeing as it helped slightly distance herself from those who couldn't seem to refrain from asking her about the misfortune that fell upon her practically an entire year ago. Of course, her mother was focused on helping her eldest move on - a bit too quickly, if Caroline was brave enough to admit so - while her sister gave her brief looks of pity every-now-and-again. Cal was the most straight-forward about what she should do next, who he could introduce her to when the time was right.

It panged Caroline to know that none of the people who were meant to be concerned for her well-being couldn't seem to grasp how she felt. They didn't quite understand what it would take to help her move on to the next chapter of her life.

But what could she do? A woman of her age and position couldn't fully express what she felt about certain things. She had to smile and quietly accept whatever was thrown her way. Like every high society woman, Caroline had been brought up to be submissive and obedient. She was pre-destined by her class to marry someone who had a bountiful amount of money. A life of fancy parties and mindless gossip was the one she was being pushed towards. Going against the natural flow she'd been tossed into was greatly frowned upon. If she wanted to keep what little she had left, she needed to continue agreeing to things that didn't always enrapt her within their clutches.

She knew that there were others like her, those who were afraid to lose the things - the people - they loved most in life. And so they remained silent, nodding their heads to a fellow's comment about table arrangements, and lived their days out as if nothing bothered them.

Knowing this, Caroline could only watch as her sister treaded down the same path as she. It pained her, knowing that Rose wasn't happy with the partnership she was about to bound herself to. Cal was only a man whom Rose was forced into marrying, lest she end up on the streets with her mother and sister.

"It's our only chance," Mother had told them when she learned of Cal's intent to ask for Rose's hand in marriage. "Rose, you must marry Cal to prevent us from losing our way of living."

Money. Guilt. Fear. It was something that women like their mother used to keep their daughters inline. No one could stray from the glorious road they'd been blessed to walk upon. Why, many wondered, would someone bestowed with such a lavish life give it all up without a fight?

And so their mother fought . . . as did Rose . . . as did Caroline. For what would be said of them if they gave up?

"Quit staring, Caroline," warned Mother, drawing in the other woman's attention.

When their blue eyes met, Caroline gave a timid smile. "I apologize, Mother. I was simply drawn in by all of the activity that's occurring."

Before her mother had scolded her, Caroline had peered out of their vehicle's window. Southampton was usually a busy city, which bustled with energy as Englanders meandered down the pavement. However, today was different. Today, a maiden voyage was about to take place. This caused a great deal more of individuals to venture about, looking to either board the ship or watch it set sail later on. It was something that was enough to draw out Caroline's eagerness.

Mother sent her a stern look, warning her in a more threating manner than her next statement, "Make sure you never do so again."

It made Caroline feel like an petulant child, one who constantly ran into trouble and needed to be quickly corrected. When she was a girl, her father would tease her on occasion how she was too curious for her own good. But with her father gone, and her mother the parent she and Rose had left, all chance of jokes had been lost. Her mother wasn't the kind who let her sense of humor show. She was serious and strict, possibly more so than her father ever was. Caroline did love her mother. But, if she were truly honest, she feared her more than loved her.

Despite this, she nodded her head in agreement. "Yes, Mother."

For the remainder of their ride, Caroline glanced down at her gloved hands while her mother continued on with the conversation they'd shared shortly before she'd been caught gazing. "Like I was saying: Once we arrive at Pittsburg, we can soon begin introducing you to potential suitors for you to court. Caledon has assured that he knows plenty of fine gentlemen who are . . . more than willing to overlook the fact that you have already been married."

The way her mother said it made Caroline's stomach twist in discomfort. She knew that if it had gone the way her mother had preferred, she would already be courting her next husband. It upset Caroline that she was so keen on having her jump into another relationship so soon. Though her first husband had been gone not even a year, her mother wanted her to begin searching for another spouse. But what could she do - especially when Cal thought it would be a marvelous way for her to move on? If she protested beyond the limit she was allowed (which wasn't much to begin with), she'd be perceived as ungrateful and improper. So she had remained in her place, barely speaking of the matter more than she already had.

"That's very generous of him," Caroline said, one of her thumbs twitching slightly.

A true gentleman, willing to help the loved ones of his fiancé. He a righteous savior in the eyes of her mother, and Caroline supposed that, in a way, he was. He was willing to ensure that Caroline found a suitable husband to take her previous one's place. It was even more security for the remaining DeWitt Bukators.

Caroline wanted her mother to be happy, to be comfortable, and to be well-looked after. If both she and Rose married well, then all of what she wanted for her mother would be met above-and-beyond expectation. But there was a time or two where the youngest widow wondered if the older woman wished the same for her, too.

Soon after, the car began to slow, indicating that they had arrived at their destination. Although Caroline wanted to leap out of the vehicle and begin exploring, she forced herself to await for the personal valet to come and assist both she and her mother out. When the door opened, Cal held his hand out for her mother. As she exited the car, he told her, "Your daughter is much too hard to impress, Ruth." 'Her' being Rose.

Once her mother had made it out safely, Cal did the same for Caroline. "Maybe we'll see a better reaction from your eldest."

Before he could even finish speaking, Caroline had peered up at the towering ship that rested near the docks. Her eyes widened in excitement at the mere sight of it. It looked like something straight out of an illustrated storybook, for how could something so grand exist outside of fantasy?

Having noticed this, Cal chuckled lightheartedly. "You never fail to amuse me, Caroline."

She jerked her head in the thirty-year-old man's direction. A tiny, graceful smile spread across her face. "I'm pleased to know that you feel as such towards me."

From the corner of her eye, Caroline noticed her mother examining the behemoth - as if trying to determine whether or not it was worth her attention. "So this is the ship they say is unsinkable."

"It is unsinkable," promised Cal, indicating towards their next mode of transportation with one of his arms. "God Himself couldn't sink this ship."

What a rather blasphemous claim, Caroline thought to herself before following her mother and sister towards their maids.

They stood close by to their cars, waiting for Cal to finish what little arrangements were left. All-the-while, Caroline forgot the vow she'd made about staring. But she couldn't help it. It was so grand! This ship, the Titanic, was the biggest thing she had ever laid her sight on. She had to slightly tilt her head back in order to get a better view of it. The mid-day sunlight beamed upon the manmade object, making it shine like a penny. Caroline instinctively placed a hand over her eyes to shield away the bright light her hat failed to block. And all of the people! So many people of different backgrounds rushed across the area, readying themselves for the journey that would eventually end in America. She felt as if she had a giddiness that could rival a child's first Christmas morning.

"Caroline," Mother warned. "What did I say about staring?"

The young woman was about to apologize when Cal called out over the roar of the crowd, "Ruth, don't be so hard on her. It's the Titanic, for Heaven's sake! As long as she utilizes her ticket, then there should be no harm done."

Caroline watched as her mother's lips set into a thin, straight line. If there was one person who could say such things to her, it was Cal. If it wasn't for his interest in Rose, they would be penniless. Caroline, not wanting to degrade her mother, sent a subtle smile of gratitude his way. He gave a curt nod of the head, acknowledging that he had seen and appreciated this.

Soon after, Cal announced that it was time to board. He preceded to accompany Rose towards the boarding ramp, both of whom were led by Caroline and her mother. The maids were on the tail-end of the group, everyone of them carrying the packages of their employers.

Caroline didn't want to press her luck, so she tried to discreetly look at everything they passed. There was a section where third class passengers were being checked for lice and illness, women in dresses similar to her own leading neatly groomed dogs on leashes, and even multiple scatterings of people waving up at those who had already boarded. It was all rather exciting, being among the first to experience the new ship's maiden voyage.

She had been so enrapt in her excitement that she forgot what awaited her in Pennsylvania. And when she did, she felt it begin to ease away, little-by-little. Once Titanic docked, she would be expected to meet a wide array of men who were successful and able to provide for her. And one of those men would one day become her second husband. It was then that she felt the familiar twist of the stomach she had become accustomed to these past few weeks.

Cal had booked two suites, one for him and Rose and the other for Caroline and her mother. Each woman had their own room, with a lounging area separating the two. Though theirs wasn't as spacious as the former's, it was still a large enough place. It didn't take long for what remained of their belongings to arrive. Once Caroline had hers, she immediately began unpacking. Sally stood nearby, assisting her when needed.

"May I ask, Miss, how many of your novels you brought on this trip?" Sally asked while holding a few colorful hardcopies in her dainty hands.

"Not as many as I would heave preferred, but I did manage to pack close to one-hundred-twenty-five," she replied, holding a few of her own. "Which is why I was quite pleased to have purchased some more while in England."

Out of the two DeWitt Bukater children, Caroline was the one who collected books. Knowledge was something she yearned for. She had learned at a young age the power of reading and what it could do. How it allowed a reader to travel far away from reality, how it expanded upon one's understanding of the world. When she had attended university, her parent's intent was for her to marry before she finished. What they didn't know was that it only made Caroline crave a broadened mind. She wanted to explore, wanted to learn more. However, she knew that her parents would have disapproved of what was truly running through her mind. An ache had filled her heart, knowing that she needed to suppress the feeling she gained whenever she discovered something new.

If it hadn't been for her late husband's eventual interest in her, Caroline's time at school would have been seen as a complete waste of time.

"Miss?"

The sound of Sally's voice drew Caroline away from her thoughts. "I'm sorry? What did you say, Sally?"

"I asked where you want me to put these."

"By the arm chair, please."

As her maid did as she was told, Caroline's mother entered the room. "I see that you're unpacking your books." This was said in a tone that might have been classified as sneering, but it hadn't reached that level of classification.

"Yes. I thought it would be nice to make the rooms feel a little more like home," said Caroline, placing the ones she held atop the nightstand nearest the bed.

In response, her mother glanced at the novels with distaste, as if they had personally wronged her. "I suppose you're right." She then looked at her eldest, chin brought slightly upwards. "I assume you will be joining me for afternoon tea."

It was a statement more than a question.

"Of course."

Her mother nodded her head, satisfied with Caroline's answer. She then turned and left, leaving her daughter and her maid to finish unpacking.

When the afternoon tea was almost ready to be served, Caroline journeyed to the suite next to her own. She was to meet Rose before they joined their mother. It wasn't long after she knocked the door that Trudy, Rose's maid, opened it.

"Good-afternoon, Miss," she greeted.

"Good-afternoon, Trudy."

The maid stepped aside in order to allow Caroline a way of entrance. She instantly noticed that her little sister had already placed her favorite paintings across the room. There were canvases on some of the couches and even some propped against the walls.

"I'm afraid Miss Rose is still readying herself."

"That's perfectly fine. I'll wait here until she is done."

As Caroline waited for Rose, she found the piece that drew her in the most. It was propped up on a chair. In it was a graceful ballerina. She stood at the front of the painting, body a position that Caroline couldn't even come close to perfecting. Behind her were the legs and lower bodies of fellow dancers and spectators. Their faces were unrecognizable and covered in a large splattering of colors. However, the ballerina's face was easy to identify. A light shone upon her, highlighting her lovely features. There was something about her that made Caroline think of a bird ready to take flight. And though she was on her own, there was no mistaking that she was filled with joy. And it was in this joy that the graceful dancer found . . . freedom.

"Caroline?" asked Rose, interrupting her sister's musings. "Are you ready?"

She tore her sight away from the artwork. "Yes." She looked back at the painting. "I am."

So. Much. Limping. I went over this chapter so many times to make sure everything made sense. Please don't be mad at me if something doesn't. I'm editing the second chapter as we speak, so expect to see it sometime soon. Let me know what you think of what I have so far :)