A/N: Hi Everyone! Remember me? I'm the author that never seems to update! I really am sorry about that. I have a boatload of excuses that you probably don't care about and that's okay. The good news is that I finally have an update! I wanted to thank all of those who favorite and/or followed my story this past chapter. I also want to give a big thanks to my reviewers! Your reviews make me smile. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Please excuse any grammar errors. When you finish the chapter, why not leave a review? They only take a moment of your time and they really do help me to become a better. Also, don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story if you haven't already! Well enough about me…It gives me great pleasure to present to you…Chapter Two!

Disclaimer: Besides Anne, I really only own a paperweight, a couple of faux jewels, some pencils, and a hand-me down t-shirt from my sister (basically nothing really important except Anne) ;-)

This chapter is dedicated to my lovely fan, iistay! Thank you for your review not only in this story, but Titanic: Anne Hockley's Journey too. I hope you enjoy the chapter! :-)

Chapter 2

A gut wrenching pain knotted in my chest.

It couldn't be true, could it? Was Fabrizio really gone? I found my fingers quivering as they carefully scanned every single name written on the list. Not one of them belonged to Fabrizio.

Trudy (Rose's personal maid) was not there, Bjorn was not there, Mr. Andrews was not there, Mr. Guggenheim and his butler were not there. So many people were not on the list. So many people that had made such a huge impact on me during my time on the Titanic were gone.

Why? I seemed to be asking myself that question so many times over the past couple of days. Guilt plagued my heart. Why did I have to run? Why did I leave him behind? If Tommy hadn't gotten hurt, maybe he could have helped Fabrizio. Maybe we all would be alive if it were not for…me.

I stood in horror as I watched Jack's face fall to the ground. Tears lined the brims of his eyes as he struggled to keep them inside. Rose held his hand which he squeezed. I couldn't imagine his pain at the moment.

For a brief moment, I had foolishly fantasized that we were all going to be alright. We would all be safe and live our lives for the better, accomplishing our dreams and making it count. But it was never to be. Fabrizio was gone, Helga was gone, and the Cartmells were gone, all to the unforgiving sea.

Loud moans and wailing could be heard throughout almost all of the Carpathia. Those who weren't shedding tears stood frozen in shock. We all had known that many passengers had died. Yet, somehow we all believed that we would eventually have a happy ending. That those we loved would survive. They wouldn't be the victims. They wouldn't be the ones that would never see the Statue of Liberty. They would be the passengers that would live their American dreams.

But it would never be. Most of their lifeless masses were bobbing up and down amongst the waves of the freezing Atlantic, while others were at the bottom of the sea, never to be seen by human eyes again.

I stared at Jack as he desperately tried to hold it all in. When he could no longer, he kissed Rose's forehead and walked down the promenade, tears ready to flow. My feet started to follow his when someone gripped my shoulder. It was Tommy.

"I don't think you should do that, Anne."

"Why not?"

"Jack just…Jack just needs to have some time alone." Tommy replied.

Alone

I knew that was the last thing Jack needed at a time like this. When I was alone, no comfort would come. Instead, I was tortured by thoughts, thoughts of death, of uncertainty, and of fear.

"Fine," I hesitantly replied. "I'll give him some time." I knew for now arguing against Tommy was the last thing I wanted. The shock and agonizing pain that had arose from the news of Fabrizio's death made me feel awfully tired and feverish.

"Good, now, how about you go back to the Abbotts' cabin and changed out of that?" Suggested Tommy, noting my attire. I was still dressed in my nightgown and hugged my jacket closer to my shivering body. The salty air still contained a bitter sting from the cold. My attire was the last thing I cared about at the moment. But at least it gave me something to do.

"Very well, I'll be back soon" I answered. I kissed Tommy on his cheek before sauntering out of the Third Class area, all with a heavy heart.

I found myself slowly plodding back to the Abbotts' cabin, trying to process all of today's events. Everything was happening so quickly, I wish it would all just stop, stop until I was ready for it to continue. But this was reality, knocking hard against my bones. Nothing would ever be the same again.

I knocked gently on the cabin door when I finally arrived. I heard footsteps so I knew that someone was inside. My head jolted in all directions, trying to assure myself that Cal was nowhere to be seen. I wasn't worried about Lovejoy anymore because I hadn't seen him on the survivors list. I prayed that his soul was in peace. To me, he had been a slight burden, since he was always watching me like a hawk. But he was at least trying to protect me, even if it wasn't in the way that I had wanted.

The door opened to reveal a now familiar face. Mrs. Abbott greeted me with a smile, but I could tell she wasn't her normal, cheery self. Her face was littered with confusion. My heart began to beat faster. I found myself shaking as I tried to figure out how I could explain my absence and all that had occurred within the past couple of hours.

"Good morning Anne," Mrs. Abbott greeted.

"Good morning Mrs. Eleanor," I replied, nervously trying to hide the anxiety in my voice.

"I see that you are still in your nightgown. Why don't you go and change? I've set out a dress for you since yours is not completely dried. After that, we can talk over some tea that my butler has brought."

"Yes ma'am," I replied, "Thank you." I politely grabbed the dress off of the bed and closed the door in the bathroom to change.

I had a much easier time changing into these clothes than my previous ones. Perhaps, it was because it was the first time I wasn't completely drenched in water. The dress Mrs. Abbott had given me was a simple forest-colored, empire style dress with lace around the neckline. It was slightly large, but nothing that rolling up my sleeves couldn't solve. I pinned my loose curls into a makeshift bun, trying to at least look presentable.

When I opened the door, Mrs. Abbott already had the tea ready and was quietly reading her book. As I approached her, she closed the delicate parchment and gazed at me.

"Much better dear. I hope you find it comfortable. It was my daughter Harriet's."

"Yes ma'am." I replied. "It is beautiful."

"Good, now, sit." I situated myself at the table as Mrs. Abbott poured me a cup of tea. "Now Miss Widener, I do believe I need you to explain to me your absence this morning. I was quite surprised to find my weak and sick patient gone. You were not taking advantage of my hospitality were you?"

I was slightly deterred at Mrs. Abbott's suggestion. But, I soon realized my circumstances and absence might have hinted at the idea. I wasn't mad, but clearly attempted to explain myself.

"No ma'am of course not, I would never think of it. You and Mr. Abbott have showered me with exemplary kindness. I am grateful for your generosity."

"It is an honor Anne. Pardon me, I don't mean to pry, but, where were you last night?" My eyes widened.

"Last night?"

"Yes, Fred came to check on you and he said you were gone." I sighed, trying to determine whether I should confess the truth. I knew it was the right thing to do. Mrs. Abbott had given so much to me, she at least deserve to hear the truth.

"I needed some air, a lot of it. So much has happened. My life has hit a crossroad Mrs. Abbott. I've lost so much in this disaster. I've lost my family and my possessions. I mean…I just learned that a handful of my friends are…gone. They died Mrs. Abbott. They died in the awful, hellish nightmare that wasn't supposed to happen. How do I forget that Mrs. Abbott? How do you move on when you know that others never will?"

Tears were now streaming down my face, but I didn't hold them in. I had held too much of my sadness, anger, and confusion inside during this ordeal, trying to survive. So many emotions were welled up inside me, I wondered if it was even possible to attain the healing that Tommy and I had discussed at the sunrise.

"I'm so sorry child. I wish I could find a way to ease your pain, to ease everybody's pain. Why what you have been through, I would wish upon no one, not even my greatest enemy." I took several deep breaths, trying to assure myself that I would not crumble completely in front of Mrs. Abbott.

"And I almost lost him. My friend who came to the room yesterday told me that she hadn't seen him come onboard the Carpathia. I felt…so…hopeless. But last night, I found him. And when I did, when I felt my heart beating against his own, when I felt my arms around his, when I felt his lips upon mine, I knew…I knew that everything was going to be okay. That no matter what happens; I'm going to be alright."

Silence was prevalent in the room. I was curious as to how Mrs. Abbott would react to my confession. I hoped I did not sound immature. But honestly, it did not matter. I had finally begun to pour out the emotions that had entangled my insides. I finally felt like I had begun to heal.

"I'm so happy for you darling." Mrs. Abbott smiled as she rose from her seat, taking her cup of tea and mine which I had finished. She continued. "I talked with Fred earlier and we both decided to let you stay here until we reach New York. You may share the cabin with whomever you please." The shock that came from Mrs. Abbott's statement left me tongue-tied.

"Thank you so much Mrs. Abbott." I finally managed to mumble. As we embraced one another she whispered into my ear,

"It's Eleanor dear, you are so welcome by the way." We both smiled as I bade Mrs. Eleanor goodbye. I had decided to go tell Tommy, Rose and Jack of the exciting news. We could all be together and start picking up the pieces while finding our new dreams.

By the time I returned to the Third Class area, it was lunchtime. I glared at the makeshift lines of people to find that every hand clutched bowls that were soon filled with what seemed to be warm soup. It took a few minutes for me to locate Tommy and Rose.

From the looks of it, they appeared to have just sat down at the small table. Tommy and Rose ate quickly to make room for the people in line.

"Well, if it isn't the amazing Anne herself." Tommy remarked, making me smile.

"I saved you some soup Anne." Rose announced. I sat down next Tommy and began to dip my spoon into the warm broth.

"Thank you Rose."

"You're welcome Anne." I took a few bites of my soup before noticing Jack was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Jack?" Tommy and Rose remained deathly silent, but their piercing eyes told me everything. "He hasn't come back has he?"

"No," Rose sighed. "And I'm worried."

"He's probably wondering around, trying to clear his head." Tommy exclaimed. I shook my head

"I hate this." Tommy's eyes widened.

"What, the soup? It's actually quite good."

"It's not the soup." I mumbled, finding my spoon swirling around the broth. "I just hate feeling so…helpless." Tommy wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"I know Anne, we all do. But right now, we need to give Jack some time, to heal and to think."

"I guess you're right." I sighed, as I managed to form a small smile on my face.

"Of course I'm right. The Irish are always right."

"No they aren't." I giggled as I nudged Tommy's shoulder.

"That's up for debate, I suppose." We all smiled as we continued eating.

"I wanted to tell you all something. I was hoping Jack would be here, but I guess I can tell you guys now. The Abbotts have offered us their cabin until we reached New York. Now I know there's only one bed but…"

"Don't worry Anne, I'm sure Jack and I won't mind sleeping on the floor." Tommy interrupted.

"It sounds wonderful Anne." Rose exclaimed. I could discern Rose's attempts to be happy, but I knew that her thoughts were still about Jack. I just hoped he would come back soon.

The day slowly dragged on. After we had finished our lunch, Rose and I joined a group of ladies who were sewing clothes for the survivors out of the old blankets. It didn't take me long to realize that not everyone had worn the proper attire for the cold during the disaster.

I was now thankful for being forced to sew during my early years by my mother. I knew how to easily cross the stitches between the blankets. Keeping my hands busy helped me to ignore the blistering cold wind.

Most of the women in the group were quiet and solemn. The news of death had silenced all smiles and laughter. Their faces cowered to the ground as their hands stitched rhythmic patterns to form new clothing.

As I was sewing two blankets together to make some pants, Rose nudged my shoulder. "Don't look now, but I think we've got a storyteller on our hands."

I glanced over my shoulder surprised to see Tommy had gathered several children around in a circle. His brawny arms held two children on his lap.

"I'm going to tell you all a story."

"What kind of a story, mister?" A little girl asked. Tommy smiled.

"Hmmmm, how about a fairytale?"

"I love fairytales." The little girl replied.

"Alright then, once upon a time, there lived a beautiful princess. The princess had everything her heart could desire, except one thing."

"What was that?" Another curious little boy asked. Tommy chuckled before continuing.

"Well this particular princess wanted to be free, free to make her own choices and mistakes just like you guys. One night, she met a poor Irish pauper as she was trying to throw her life away."

"And what happened then?" Some of the children asked.

"I'll tell you." Tommy chuckled. "But you've got to let me to finish, alright?"

"Yes sir," The children hushed themselves as they leaned in closer, anxious to hear the rest of the story.

"Now, as I was saying, the princess met the Irish pauper. When she did, he stopped her from throwing her life away. Now, little did the princess know, the pauper fell in love with her at first sight. He loved her so much; he made sure he saw her every day from that day on. Finally, one night he confessed his love for her. At first, she protested because her family didn't want her to. But then guess what?"

"What?" The children asked as their eyes sparkled in excitement and wonder.

"He kissed her on the lips."

"Ewwwww!" The little ones giggled, some covering their eyes with their hands.

"That's gross!" a minute girl on Tommy's lap exclaimed. Tommy laughed.

"Aye, but it was enchanting to the princess and the pauper because the kiss was magical. They thought from there on, nothing would separate their love. But they were wrong." Small gasps could be heard from the children. "Oh don't worry boyos, wait until I finish my story. Now, as I was saying. A great enemy decided to invade the place where the princess and the Irish pauper lived. Many people ran but the princess stayed behind to make sure those she loved would escape. But the evil king caught the princess and threatened to destroy her forever."

I saw miniature mouths drop while others were covered by hands as they gasped. I was finding it quite entertaining. By now, Tommy's story had caught Rose's eye too.

"But, before the evil king could destroy the princess, the pauper showed up to save her. He fought with all of his strength and saved the princess' life. However, he was gravely wounded by the evil king. But the princess refused to leave her lover's side and she saved his life. And because of their love, they both survived the attack. The evil king was defeated and never to be seen again."

"What happens then?" A young boy inquired.

"What do you mean what happens then? It's the end."

"But don't the princess and pauper live happily ever after, mister?" A diminutive girl asked. Tommy chuckled before his Hazel eyes met mine, penetrating deep into my soul.

I knew his story had been about us. It was interesting to think about all we had gone through together. I knew I wouldn't be here today without him and he wouldn't be here without me. Maybe Tommy was right, maybe that kiss had been magical after all. I gazed at Tommy to see him smile at his young inquirer.

"I hope so child, I truly hope so."

For the rest of the afternoon, Tommy had told story after story, all the while making the children laugh. It was a joyful relief to see happiness dancing across their faces. Most of them had lost at least one of their parents and almost everything they owned. Their cheerful smiles helped to ease some of the grief and confusion the rest of us were experiencing.

I didn't get much of a chance to talk to Tommy the rest of the day because the children kept him occupied. Even during dinner, the little ones ran up to him to thank him or to tell him something. Tommy loved every minute of it. As I closely examined the way he interacted with the children, I realized what a wonderful father Tommy would make if he and I ever had children one day.

It was only when Tommy, Rose, and I settled in to the Abbotts' cabin later that night did I get to express my thoughts.

"You know, that was an excellent story you told today. It was very clever."

"It was inspired by some my adventures." Tommy smiled.

"Adventures? That was the last thing I would've called it." I chuckled.

"Well, whatever you call it, I'm glad you liked it." We shared a kiss as Rose came out of the bathroom.

"I wonder where Jack is." She exclaimed.

"Are you sure he knows we're here?" I asked.

"Yes, I told him where we were staying and what room number. He said he'd come."

"I wouldn't worry about it." Tommy advised. "I'm sure he'll be here soon."

"But what if he forgot? I mean…he has had a lot on his mind lately." I could see Rose starting to become anxious.

"Don't worry Rose. I'll go look for him. He's probably out on the promenade."

"Are you sure you'll be okay Anne?" Tommy asked.

"I'll be fine, really. Besides, I feel like I practically know this ship like the back of my hand. I won't be gone long."

"Well, when you find him, tell him to come inside. It's quite cold out and he forgets that he still has walking pneumonia." Rose remarked.

"I will, I promise." I grabbed my coat that was on the bed and closed the door, leaving Tommy and Rose inside.

I fruitlessly searched for Jack at the bow and portside with no luck. After checking at the stern with no success, I began to wonder where Jack truly was. I prayed that he was alright.

The wintry night air blew across the deck and sea. The fog outside made it difficult to discern anything that was at a far distance. Something just felt…odd.

Even as I found Jack on the starboard side of the Carpathia, the knots tightened their grip in my stomach. As I approached him, his ears turned to an odd sound that seemed to be coming from the other side.

"Jack…"

"Shhh!" Jack whispered as his hands covered my mouth. He motioned for me to be silent as he continued to listen.

"What is that?"

"I don't know." The eerie sound continued. "I'm going to check it out." Jack started to walk away from me. I found my curious feet starting to follow when he turned around. "Stay here. I'll be right back." I nodded and watched him plod around the corner.

Beads of sweat began to drip down my back as a lump situated itself into my chest. This wasn't right. Something terrible was about to happen. When I heard the sound of flesh meeting flesh, I had my answer.

Faints cries for help could be heard as I carefully made my way towards the sound. I peeked around the corner, horrified to see Jack being beaten on the ground by two dark shadows. My feet started to slowly make their way towards Jack, until, I realized one I knew one of the shadows.

Oh no! Oh God no! My body began to violently shake. I had sworn, sworn to never see his revolting face again. Fear swept over me as I realized that Jack and my new life were in jeopardy. I knew those piercing brown eyes from anywhere. I knew who the imposter was.

Cal

A/N: Uh oh! Cliffhanger! I'm sorry but I just had to. Tahdah! Chapter 2 is complete! I hope you all enjoyed it. As always, please review. They mean so much to me. I wanted to let you guys know that I have some ideas but I would really love to hear any of your suggestions! Feel free to PM them to me. Also, if you haven't read Titanic: Anne Hockley's Journey already, please do! It will help fill some holes this may have. Don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story if you haven't already! The next chapter should be posted soon. So…until then! –C.M. Singer :-)