Harold Lowe

I couldn't keep my mind straight as I left Ben and made my way to the bridge. I stuffed my hands into my coat pockets and sighed wistfully.

The whole day had been an interesting affair. It all started when I laid eyes on Ella Dawson in the crew hall. I noticed that she seemed absentminded during all of the introductions, and her features truly were striking. Her eyes were dazzling blue, and her golden hair was elegantly knotted in a bun.

Something about Ella Dawson intrigued me; perhaps it was her contrast to most First Class women, or her amusement to my jokes. In fact, as I performed my prank with her on Murdoch, I felt an unfamiliar sensation as I had caught her in my arms.

Even during the luncheon, she was a lively spirit. We shared an inrefutable hatred for caviar, and she didn't come across as immature.

The other officers were great folk, always making laughs. I could always count on Jimmy to help me with my endeavors, but Ella ... We hardly knew each other, and yet she agreed to my plans without skepticism. I knew that she was going to be a wonderful companion to have during the rest of the travel, especially to help with ... more pranks?

As I continued to trudge along the deck, I fixed my gaze on the vast blue ocean. I rested my arms on the railing, and I closed my eyes, fully taking in the salt air and the warm breeze.

Being a man of twenty nine years, it felt so long ago that I had escaped my father's wrath. Yet it felt like only hours ago; his harsh slaps, his oblivion to my discomfort, and even his lack of leisure felt painful. Running away at fourteen wasn't such an easy thing to do, but it was the most liberating time of my life. Working my way up through the life of a sailor, I was at last sailing on such a grand ship as this.

"Harry." Fifth Officer Harold Lowe. I was single, with no strings attached, and I was bound to the liberty of the sea. Already this voyage had a great start, and I was hopeful for the future.

"Harry."

It felt like I could hear flashbacks of my father's stern voice, forbidding me from a lifestyle of seafaring. Although, to say the least, a life of business and apprenticing is quite dull and pointless…

"HARRY!"

I almost stumbled overboard as I heard someone scream my name. Catching the railing for support, I turned and saw the exasperated face of Lights looking right back at me.

"Sorry, Lights," I said.

Lights shrugged it off with a chuckle and instead asked, "Have you seen Murdoch lately?"

"No, why?"

Lights chuckled, and then guffawed. After wiping his eyes minutes later, he calmed down enough to say, "He's been bombarded!"

I chuckled to myself, remembering me and Ella's involvement.

"It's the talk of the town! And you did brilliantly, must I say!" Lights smiled.

"Well, thank you, Lights, but it wasn't just me. I couldn't have done it without Ella."

"Yes, she is quite the troublemaker," Lights reflected. "Not at all like a First Class snob … perhaps we should all get together, team up, and, you know … begin to wreak some havoc?"

I stroked my chin dramatically and rolled my eyes before saying, "I think we should."

"But anyways, I came here to tell you that it's almost time for your rounds!"

I sighed before putting my cap back on and uttering, "Kill me now."

"That's the spirit, boyo!" Lights said as he clapped me on the back.

…

At last, my rounds were over, and I was strolling along the Third Class deck in the heat of the setting sun. There were sparsely populated groups of people, but dinner was bound to be soon nonetheless, so the decks were scattered.

I found a cluster of benches and sat down upon one. I was exhausted from walking in the heat of the day, although Jimmy was by my side. I was ready to soon dig into a cooked meal in the mess hall.

My rounds were uneventful today, and quite boring. I simply had trudged along the third class deck with Jimmy, and everyone was acting as they should be. Stewards would walk by with dogs, and chatter would emit from the bustling passengers. First class was even more boring and uneventful.

"Tired, huh?"

I looked up into the eyes of a Third Class passenger, most likely a teenager. He had long blonde hair and bright blue eyes, just like Ella's.

I turned my gaze back to the horizon and nodded. "Yeah, I've spent most of the afternoon on the deck for watch duty." Seeing as it was scorching hot outside, I unbuttoned my overcoat and laid it down on the bench.

"It must get kind of sweaty in that thing." The blonde boy pointed to my overcoat.

"Pure wool," I said glumly. "But it comes in handy during the late night hours."

The boy offered his hand and said, "Jack Dawson."

"Harry," I said, taking his hand. He had the same last name of Ella, so I felt very compelled to ask, "Are you of relation to the Boston Dawsons."

"I don't think so," he said tentatively. "I'm from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Although, I have traveled a lot back when I was in the states, so maybe I have met them."

"Travel, you say?"

"Yep." He nodded. "From Santa Monica all the way to New York. The accommodations weren't the best, you could say, but my career was satisfying, and it still is."

I gave him a puzzled look.

"Ah," he said, realization hitting him. He sat down beside me and produced a sort of portfolio from under his arm. "I draw portraits.

"May I?"

"Go ahead," he said proudly.

I flipped open the portfolio and flipped through his many drawings, mostly of people. Indeed, they were not cheaply drawn, and I admired his skill and artwork. "You're a very talented young man."

Jack blushed and mumbled a thank you.

"I charged about ten cents a piece," he said as I was rifling through. "It wasn't much, but it was enough for the basics."

"You ought to charge more," I said. "These are worth a great deal more."

Jack waved dismissively before saying, "I didn't want to overcharge. But I did do other things for money, such as poker."

I nodded mirthfully and returned the book before saying, "I hope I can see you again before the end of the voyage. I would love to pay for some sort of drawing or portrait."

"Seeing as you're an officer," Jack remarked, "We're bound to cross paths eventually."

I nodded in agreement. "It was nice meeting you, Jack," I said, shaking his hand again.

"Same to you," Jack said in relief.

Before Jack disappeared out of sight, I ran back up to him, remembering what he had said earlier.

"You say you like poker?"

"Yes, sir," Jack replied. "Why?"

"Come with me," I said with a wink.

Jack immediately understood my message and asked, "Can I bring my friend to play as well?"

"Sure!" I agreed.

"Be right back!" Jack yelled before disappearing down the Third Class steps.

I sat back upon the same bench and stroked the polished wood of the bench. I knew that this would become a long, fun filled night…

Aha! Jack Dawson is making a cameo! ;) He will return throughout the story, but for now. I hope you enjoy the story up to this point, although it may be quite a long one … Anyways, see you in the next chapter!