Thomas Andrews was late. He hates being late and did everything in his power to be early or right on time. But today, he was late. Thomas pulled his pocket watch out of his pocket and glanced at the face. His niece was supposed to be here a half hour ago and she had yet to show up. He didn't want to rush her, but if she could show up in the next minute, and then immediately be ready to go, he would be greatful.
"Uncle Thomas! I am sorry I'm late!" Thomas dropped his watch back into his pocket and smiled at the girl, no woman, who was walking towards him, with a smile on her face.
"Hello again Abigail." Thomas gave his niece a hug and she hugged back, squeezing him. She had pulled away and brushed the stray hairs out of her eyes and face.
His niece had grown more into a woman since the last time he had seen her. She no longer had the almost boyish figure he remembered her having, instead filling out like a woman; not a girl. She still had her youthful and curious eyes and Thomas knew he really would have his hands full keeping her both busy and out of trouble.
"It's fine my dear. I am late though? Are you ready? I would like you to see the Titanic with me. It is almost finished. Just a few things left to add and it will be done." Thomas saw the expressions change on his nieces face, from polite and happy to excited and curious. He couldn't stop the smile from forming on his face after seeing her smile.
"Oh could I? I've read so much about the Titanic, mostly just from the papers, but to see it and see the inner workings would be just so...amazing!" Thomas could see why his sister was not impressed with her daughter.
Abigail really was more curious and interested in what should be a man's profession, than she was in tea and gossip. She would rather see a boiler room and a ships engines than visit a parlour. She was not fitting the role her mother wanted for her.
"Of course. We should go. I'm very late as it is." Thomas held out his arm and abiga grabbed it and stepped in time with him.
As they had walked towards the pier and the Titanic, Abigail had been asking questions a mile a minute. She was very excited about seeing the Ship Of Dreams, and Thomas was excited for her. He didn't understand why her mother wouldn't let her better herself by learning as much as she could about the world. He certainly would let his own daughter, Elizabeth, learn as much or as little as she wanted.
"Your mother wrote me and said something happened to you." Thomas could see Abigail visibly wince and he wasn't sure whether to press the subject or not.
"Something did. But please uncle, I don't want to talk about it." Thomas didn't press the subject and he let it slide completely. If she didn't want to talk about it, then he wasn't going to bring it up again until she was ready. If she was ever ready.
"Oh! It's beautiful! Look at it!" Thomas smiled as Abigail dropped her arm and walked to one of the loading ramps, her eyes wide and her mouth dropped.
"I've never seen a ship that's ever been as lovely as this! Look at it!" Thomas walked up behind his niece and grabbed her arm once more. He would've loved to have her marvel at the size and beauty of it all she wanted, but as it was, he was already late.
"Well if you want to see it Abigail, you just have to walk up the ramp." Thomas walked behind Abigail as she All but ran up the ramp. Her eyes were as wide as saucers as she turned her head this way and that, not sure what to look at first.
"Yes isn't she something? One of White Star Lines greatest ships built yet. The greatest actually. They say she is unsinkable." Thomas was very proud of this ship. It was his best work yet and it was a good, strong ship. It would be used for years and years to come.
"Andrews! There you are! You're 45 minutes late!" Thomas glanced at his niece. She gave him an apologetic smile and then bit her lip.
The owner of Titanic, Mr. Bruce Ismay, walked over to the pair, his usual 4 piece suit on, and a cigar in his right hand. He came to stand in front of the pair and his eyes roamed over to his niece. He looked her up and down, scrutinizing her, and then turned his attention to Thomas.
"We'll come along. The Captain and the officers are waiting." Thomas gave Abigail a smile and walked along side Bruce. He knew Abigail was following him, but she wasn't paying attention. She had gasped when she ran into his back and apologized profusely.
"Hello Mr. Andrews." Thomas smiled and said his hellos to the captain and the crew, and then had stepped aside, bringing his niece into view.
"This is my niece Abigail Mckinley. She will be joining me on the maiden voyage." Thomas grabbed Abigail's arm and brought her closer to Mr. Ismay and the crew. He watched as she turned her attention away from the ship and towards the men standing before her.
"Pleasure to meet you all." Thomas saw Abigail smile and she stuck out her hand for the men to shake.
"This is captain Phillips, chief officer Wilde, first officer Murdoch..." Thomas went on introducing the crew, but did not ignore the kiss that Murdoch had placed on her nieces hand. Although he knew it was common and a greeting, he warily kept his eye on Murdoch.
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Okay so I made a mistake last chapter. I meant to write that she took after her mother appearance wise and her father persona wise. Hope you like this chapter!
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chrisii1991
.2016
Thanks to everyone who added this to their favourites:
chrisii1991
.2016