AN: My spell check is still dead, so I once again apologise for my awful spelling.
"Motherfucking damn it! Fucking stupid bruises and useless shit make up!"
Such extreme language rarely left my mouth, but this was an exceptionally frustrating moment. The mark from Cal's slap yesterday had been getting worse all day, and was now a dark purple bruise that refused to be concealed with make up. It wasn't small either.
"URGH!"
I wanted to smash my reflection into tiny pieces. I couldn't allow anyone to see this, especially not Thomas. The whispers and stares would be bad enough, but Cal's reaction would be terrifying, despite it being his fault to begin with. Taking in a calming breath, I gently applied another layer of powder, in the hope that it at least looks older and smaller. Nope, no different. Another string of curses had begun to form on my tongue, when Cal walked in. He stopped a few paces behind me, watching my reflection. I said nothing, I just looked into the eyes of his reflection. He didn't appear angry or upset, so I could relax.
"I know you've been distant with me" he said gently, "and I don't pretend to know why." He walked over, perching himself on the edge of my dressing table, and removed a box from the inside pocket of his suit jacket.
"I was saving this until the engagement gala, but I've decided that you can have it now." Opening the box, he revealed an enormous dark blue jewel on the chain of a necklace. I couldn't suppress my gasp, it was unimaginable.
"Good gracious!" I breathed, "Is it a-"
"Diamond?" He asked, smugly, "Yes. 56 carots, to be exact." He went on to describe the value of it based on its original owner, as he placed it around my neck. I couldn't focus on what he was saying, as I stared at myself wearing the necklace. It was every girls dream, beautiful and expensive. Extravigant. But I couldn't find it in me to love it, or love Cal for it. To him, it was simply a way of telling everyone that I was engaged to a very wealthy man.
"It's overwhelming" I said once he'd finished.
"Well it's for royalty" he replied, "and we are royalty, Rose." He watched me for a moment, then crouched down next to me, and spoke to me via my reflection.
"Oh, open your heart to me, Rose"
I wanted to. I wanted to love him and give Mother her happiness, and Cal his prize. But I hated him, and no expensive gifts could change that. Forgetting that he was still next to me, I gently touched the bruise on my face, the reminder that Cal can be far from sweet.
"You'll want to conceal that" he snapped.
"I tried. It's too dark to be hidden by make up." I snapped back.
"Then tell people you slipped and fell down some stairs." He got up and stormed to the door, "Come on, dinner will be starting soon."
Well, his sweet mood lasted long. One last look at my reflection, and I followed him out the room, taking his offered arm. We walked to the dinning hall in silence, and plastered fake smiles on our faces as we entered, always playing the happy couple. To Cals displeasure, we were late, and everyone else were being seated. We joined our table, and I was relieved to be seated next to Thomas. Hopefully I could get some decent conversation next to him. As usual, we were greeted my everyone at the table, Molly, Ismay, the Astors, the Countess, Mother, and of course, Thomas. He went to smile at me, then his smile faltered when he saw the bruise. Of course, he dared not say anything about it there, but the concern in his eyes was clear. A few others had obviously noticed, and Molly gave Cal a glare, but nothing was said about it. Soon, the men were having a heated conversation on luck, and the way of the world. Molly joined in, causing a few sighs from the other woman. I've never understood why it was an issue for a woman to get heavily involved in a mens conversation. We often at little comments hear and there, but once the men get going, we generally shut up and just listen. Thomas was pretty quiet through that conversation, obviously not partically interested.
"The ship all running smoothly then?" I asked quietly, trying to make conversation. He turned to me and smiled, although the worry in his eyes was still there.
"As smooth as she could be. There was a small fire near the hull, but it's perfectly under control, and will burn itself out soon enough." I loved the way he spoke about Titanic, the pride in his voice always made me smile.
"I hope there won't be a lot of damage?"
"I'll inspect it when the fire's out, but I doubt it. It's in a boiler room, and the materials there are pretty tough."
"You've put so much thought into this ship, I can't imagine how weird it must feel for you to actually be in it"
He chuckled, "I suppose it does. It's not exactly how I imagined it, but overall, I'm happy. A few improvements before the next voyage though.
"I don't think it needs improving. It's a work of art, Mr Andrews."
"Please, call me Thomas. Otherwise I'll go back to calling you Miss Dewitt-Bukater."
"Very well then, Thomas," I giggled. Unfortunatly, my giggle didn't go unnoticed by Cal, who glared at me, causing the others to follow his gaze.
"I was just complementing Mr Andrews on his extraordinary ship." I was responded to with mumours of agreement from the others.
"Thomas is far too modest about it" boomed Ismay, "he knows every rivet in her, don't you Tom?" Thomas blushed, looking down at the table.
"You must give us a tour of her sometime!" declared Mother. I held back a laugh, Mother meant a tour of the first class facilities. She would never even think about dirtying herself by walking the decks of lower classes.
"It would be an honour, madam" Thomas replied politely, "would tomorrow morning at 11 suit you?"
"That would be wonderful!" I exclaimed. Thomas smiled at me gratefully, pleased that I was enthusiastic. I really was enchanted by the ship, however much I hated the life it was taking me too.
Dinner continued in silence. As the men went off to the smoking room, I told Mother I was tired, and excused myself from the others.
"I will escort you, Rose. I'm headed to bed anyway, it's been a long day" Thomas held his arm out for me to take. We were paid little attention, as we left the dining hall and headed towards the first class suites. I knew why he was doing this. The concerned looks he had sent me all evening were the signs that I was about to recieve some questioning.
AN: Don't forget to follow and review! I've been flattered by the reviews so far, it really motivates me to get this story finished.
