After seeing James Cameron's Titanic I couldn't help but wonder why the officers didn't get more attention. I understand that he wanted to get the story of Jack and Rose into the movie but a thought crossed my mind, couldn't everyone find love?
I had to restrain myself from shoving my nose up agains the car's window as it pulled up closer to the ocean liner. That would have been very unladylike and there is no doubt in my mind that Mother would have yanked my hair to get me back in my seat. I waited patiently as the car made it's way to the entry of the White Star Line building. A line of porters stood ready to recieve our luggage. The only thing remarkable about them was that they were all in blue. After he had turned off the engine the driver opened my door and one of the porters lightly gripped my hand to help me out.
"Here you are sir, room B53." My father ordered, flinging a couple of dollars at the porter. He frantically grabbed at them as they fluttered to the ground. I reached to help him when I felt the icy steel of my mother's gaze on me.
"Ladies do not notice servents." She hissed, "You would do well to remember that Annastasia." I immediatly felt my cheeks flush a bright red as I mumbled a fake apology. You stupid woman, just because he wasn't born into wealth a privelage doesn't mean we can't help him. The porter looked up from retrieving his money and flashed me a pitiful smile.
"Annastasia!" My mother called, bringing me to her heels as we both followed my father up a flight of stairs. I kept my head demurely bowed so the my hat brim obscured my face. It seemed strange to step out onto the walkways, or were they gangways since they were going to a ship? Suspended above cheering masses I watched with a bit of horror as third-class passengers were examined ruthlessly for lice and diseases. Even children were examined.
"Watch yer step here, miss." A masculine voice said, causing me to stumble as I crossed the inch wide gap between the walkway and the ship. Luckily a strong pair of arms grabbed on to mine and pulled me to my feet inside the ship.
"Oh, why thank you sir." I said by memorization. Mother had drilled me who knows how many times on how to respond when a man helps you. You must keep your eyesdowncast, flatter him, and then wait for him to tell you his name. "You are quite strong."
"It was nothing, miss. Welcome aboard Titanic." He responded, releasing my arms. He had bright eyes and dark hair. His voice carried a small Scottish lilt. Another presence intruded on our talk, Mother watching him intently as Father waited on the other side of her.
"Why thank you young man, it would have been a tragedy for my daughter to fall as she entered the ship." She said in her sickly sweet voice. The crew member wrung his hands but put on a friendly smile. "What is your name?"
"My name?"
"Of course your name, that way we might send you a small gift for doing what you did." She responded, glaring at me. Her eyes seemed to say you stupid girl, couldn't even cross an inch wide gap could you?
"First Officer Will Murdoch, m'am." He answered, suddenly becoming stiff and formal. Mother nodded then turned on her heel and flounced away. I was just working up the courage to ask Mr. Murdoch to join us for dinner when Mother's screeching voice echoed through the ship.
"Annastasia!"
"Thank you once more." I babbled, turnng the corner and walking faster than a real lady was permitted to be able to catch up with them. Our rooms were elaboratly furnished, dark wood with gilded accents. The decoration hardly mattered to me as I looked at the small bed that would be mine until we reached home, New York City.
"This vacation has been pleasent but it will be nice to return home." Father announced from his room, far from mine.
"Indeed, perhaps we can find Annastasia a suitor on this trip." Mother responded dutifully. It was clear they thought I could not hear them. As a good daughter I didn't listen to them but instead I busied myself with my trunk until a huge whistling went through the ship.
"Oh, Father. Might I go see the ship leave the harbor?" I begged, standing in the doorway of the room he and Mother were sharing.
"Of course." He replied automatically, not giving Mother time to argue. I hurtled up the stair to the boat deck, keeping my head stiff to support the massive hat I was wearing. The rail of the ship was lined with people cheering and crying, waving hankercheifs and hats. There was almost nowhere to stand. I was buffeted back and forth by the crowd. I did a very unladylike thing and elbowed my way up to the rail by the front of the boat. I held my breath, no one noticed I had shoved them aside. I waved down to the crowd, looking at the people around me. A young blond man stood on the railing and waved to nobody in paticular.
A great creak split the joyous cheering as the ship slowly moved away from the dock. The great Titanic, the unsinkable ship, headed out for her maiden voyage. Tugboats escorted us briefly before a shudder passed through the deck as the propellers began to turn. The ship began to build her speed slowly, sailing toward the open ocean. When I first head the thick snapping I thought it was the wind, but as I looked around the port I saw it was something far worse than the wind.
The SS New York had broken her lines and was going to hit us.