Author's Note:
Hello again.
I am so glad that you are all enjoying this
Okay, I have some news;
I have a series called Last Christmas in mind that will be a series of one shots based on my favourite books.
More information can be found on my profile, but Blue Bloods will be one of these fics.
Anyway, here is your new chapter; it is a memory chapter so sorry if you don't like reading italics.
I apologise in advance for the length of this, but there are plenty of Schuyler and Kingsley moments they are just going by different names ;)
Enjoy.
Review! X
Chapter Six: Resurfaced
Schuyler tossed and turned, trying so hard to fall asleep, but her mind was flooded with images, of Kingsley and Jack but it seemed as if they were from another time, Schuyler had no idea what was going on but she felt as though she was dreaming but she did not think she had fallen asleep yet.
She was asleep though and she was not dreaming, she was remembering...
Mary Louise Thompson looked at the majestic sight before her, seeing the hordes of people who had gathered to see the grand sight before them.
It was an amazing day for such a thing, Mary was dressed in her best as she stepped down from the vehicle she and her fiancé travelled in, she held up her skirts and began to walk forward and stopped awaiting for the maid to gather Mary's things and follow her to their cabin.
"Beautiful isn't she Darling?" John Joseph Greene asked, placing a light hand on her shoulder and gesturing to the sight before them.
"It is I cannot believe how lucky we are to have made it on board on its maiden voyage." Mary wasn't too happy with that, she was yet to be certain whether she trusted the ship but John had assured her it was unsinkable.
The RMS Titanic was the most luxurious ship in the world and everyone who was anyone was here on its first trip.
Mary and John had met in America and travelled to England, because of their positions in society nobody had deemed this odd, there were rumours that they were looking at possible wedding venues. They had decided to return to New York on the maiden voyage of the Titanic.
"Milady, which suite would you like me to place your things?" The maid asked. Mary and John were staying in first class and had only brought two maids and a butler. There would be more awaiting them in America, but for now these would have to do.
"Follow me, I wish to board before the ship leaves."
Mary had grown up privileged, she was a an heiress after all and was used to always having help, she greeted them but was not overly friendly, like a Lady should be. She walked over to where first class would be boarding and a ship's officer bowed to her after taking her ticket.
"Have a tremendous voyage Milady." He said, sweeping her a parting vow. Mary headed up the board and onto the ship where she was greeted by another officer.
"Welcome aboard the Titanic madam." Mary nodded and walked on, after a moment she realised that not one of the ship's officer's had deigned to help her.
"Excuse me," she approached one of them. "I need to get to my suite, can you take me there?" The man looked at her ticket and became flustered; obviously he knew who she was.
"Certainly Ma'am, follow me." Mary beckoned to the two maids with her finger and they followed. The helpers would have their own first class suite, right across from Mary and John's so that they could be called upon at anytime.
After a few minutes they arrived at the suite and with a bow the officer left, Mary opened the door and took in the surroundings. The suite—or cabin as it is actually called, but Mary preferred suite because it sounded much more luxurious—was quite large with. The living area was furnished with elegant chairs and the bedroom was made up with the finest sheets. Mary was highly satisfied with where she would be living for the next few days.
"Darling, there you are." John came up and kissed her, a small peck on the lips.
"Oh this is quite grand, what do you think of it?" She asked him, John always had little names he liked to call her and she just called him John or sometimes darling.
"I think it is more than what I expected a ship's cabin to be, even a first class one. Do you wish to watch the ship set sail my love?" Mary crinkled her nose.
"I do wish to limit my time above deck."
"Sea sick Darling?" John smiled gently at his fiancée.
"Not at all, I just do not want the sun to ruin my skin, is that so wrong?" John smiled again, kissing the top of her head.
"We will hide you under a hat and umbrella if you wish." Mary could not help but succumb, John obviously wanted to see the ship leave port and he wanted her with him.
"Very well then. Marian, come along." She told one of the maids. "The rest of you, unpack our things, you should know where they go."
Marian stood with a shawl, umbrella and hat. Mary took her fiancées arm and the left their suite to go above deck.
####
"There, that is John Jacob Astor. He is the richest man on board." Mary was saying, she like any lady of society loved gossip and loved to know who was who.
"Perhaps we shall make his acquaintance later." John was saying. They were strolling on the deck, the ship had left port quite some time ago and they were just walking around first class aimlessly.
"Ah, here is someone worth knowing." John came to a stop and introduced her to a Mr Thomas Andrews, the ship's builder, but she had tuned out as soon as she saw him.
He was leaning against the ships railing, his back to it, and was openly staring at her. Mary had no idea who this man was, but he was dressed impeccably, so he was clearly a first class passenger. Mary was quite intrigued by him and his blue eyes and blonde hair, his charcoal suit was tailored to his body, which she noticed was very equipped—
She banished the adulterous thoughts; she was engaged to a good man. So why was he so captivating?
"Excuse me Gentlemen." Mary said and John nodded, kissing her hand as Mr Andrews inclined his head.
Mary walked off, over to the man that was staring at her, she stopped in front of him and put out her hand, not for a shake—ladies do not shake hands—but for him to grasp, or kiss.
He did both.
"Pleased to meet you Miss...?" He asked, still holding her hand.
"Lady Mary Louise Thompson," she said proudly. "And the pleasure is all mine, Sir...?" She asked, much in the same manner as he had.
"Sir George Benjamin McMillan." He said with dignity. Mary looked at him in shock, how could she not have known a McMillan was on board?
"From McMillan steel?" She asked, curious.
"Yes, my father's company of course, until recently." Mary remembered reading about that.
"I am very sorry for you loss." She said, giving him a sympathetic smile, she noticed that he had yet to let go of her hand, but she found herself not wanting him too, she felt electricity go through her.
"Quite alright, it happened a little while ago and was not unexpected." Before Mary could say anything else, John appeared and George effectively dropped her hand.
"Darling care to introduce us?" He asked, his hand on the small of Mary's back, she was about to introduce them when she saw a look pass between the two gentlemen, and not a pleasant look either.
"Yes, of course, Darling. This is Sir George Benjamin McMillan of McMillan steel, George; this is my fiancé John Joseph Greene." The men shook hands but Mary felt the tenseness in the air.
"Shall we continue our walk?" John asked her, making it clear that he wanted her away from this man.
Mary couldn't help but think that John thought that she was planning on having an onboard affair with this gentleman, but with what she had been thinking she could not blame him.
"Of course darling, farewell Sir," She said to George holding out her hand. He kissed it again and she wished he hadn't, well not in front of John anyway.
"I hope to see much more of you onboard." He said softly so that only she could hear. Mary felt her cheeks go rosy from his soft tone and his touch as she pulled her hand away.
She put her arm through John's her hand resting on his forearm and he steered her away with a nod to George.
She had only been aboard the Titanic for a few hours and already she was fanaticising about another man.
She truly was terrible.
####
Mary was dressed in a long elegant black gown that was just off her shoulders and hugged her petite figure in a demure fashion and white gloves up to her elbows. Her hair was up in a sophisticated chignon and her jewellery consisted of her engagement ring, a beautiful necklace her father had passed down to her for her engagement present and diamond earrings with pearls that John had bought for her.
She was awaiting him before they went to dinner, from what she heard, the first class dining room was quite elegant, even more so than the cabins. Marian put her shawl on and left the room, to get dinner herself, she would not be eating in the formal dining area—how preposterous!
"Ready my love?" John's voice came from behind her and spoke softly in her ear, causing her to shiver. He was dressed in his best tuxedo. Black and white, formal colours.
"Yes, shall we go?" She took his arm and they walked to the dining room, descending the grand staircase.
Mary was used to the woman staring at her in blatant envy and the men staring in awe, what she was not used to was the heated gaze of what she could only call desire that came from a set of blue eyes. She was a lady, a well brought up one and men did not ogle her like a common whore, they admired from afar and approached her when she was unescorted.
Mary had to admit though, the way Sir George Benjamin McMillan was staring at her, she rather liked it.
John proceeded to the dining room, his head held high as he saw the people around him stare, he knew how beautiful his fiancé was, he didn't need their looks to remind him.
When they arrived it their table, lushly decorated, John pulled out her seat and took her shawl from her, placing it behind her.
Mary placed her serviette on her lap and sat like any respectable lady did, back straight, hands folded on her lap and definitely no elbows on the table. She was pleasantly surprised when George pulled out the seat to her left and even more surprised when he gave her a small smiled, one that did things to her body one John had done before.
Mary had yet to be intimate with John, they were waiting until they were officially married, and that was what she wanted, but sitting between the two now, she felt the tension and for some reason, wanted more from a man than she had ever wanted before.
As they dined, the patrons of the table made small talk, about the ship, passengers they had seen and where they were going once they reached America.
Mary wasn't concerned with all that talk though, she was more concerned that a gentleman—a well sought after gentleman—had his hand on her thigh and was not relinquishing it.
She didn't mind though, she felt an electric tingle run through her veins from where his hand was, the only thing she minded was that that hand was not her fiancés.
When they were done eating, the men retired to the lounge to drink brandy and smoke cigars, Mary was left to walking back to the suite alone, but she assured John that she was fine with that, especially because George was standing at the bottom of the grand staircase and Mary wondered if he was waiting for her. John kissed her cheek and left with the other men as Mary wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and walked over to the staircase where George offered her his arm, Mary looked at it, unsure.
"I cannot let a lady like you walk alone, can I?" He asked, offering his arm again. Mary thought this over and decided that someone else would have offered to escort her if she had been alone.
So she took his arm.
The walk back to the suite was quiet; they had gone a longer way, walking around the deck of the ship, her arm in his. When they finally arrived at her cabin Mary looked up at him to find him wearing a beautiful smile and she could not but smile back.
"Thank you for escorting me, it was very kind." She said and then thought herself rude. "Would you care to come in for some tea?" She realised that hope swelled up in her chest, hoping he would accept the offer.
"I would love too." Mary smiled and turned, unlocking the door and shutting it effectively behind her, clicking the lock, she didn't know why she locked it, but she felt more secure with George here and the door locked, in case of intruders.
Mary walked over to the teapot, it was already hot, Marian must have known they would soon be returning and set up the room for them to retire in.
She was quite inquisitive.
Mary poured the tea, the milk pourer and sugar bowl already filled, and set a beautiful china cup and saucer in front of George.
They drank in near silence, only exchanging looks that seemed to talk. Once they finished their tea, Mary wasn't sure what she should do, there was only one thought she could comprehend.
She really wanted him to kiss her, because if she were to kiss him it would be most improper, then again that fact that she was engaged to be wed and having these thoughts towards other men was also quite improper.
"I think I will retire." George said and stood. Mary stood also, walking him to the door.
"Well, thank you again for walking with me, it was really very pleasant." She smiled at his warm one.
"The pleasure was all mine, Mademoiselle." He spoke perfect French, but this time he did not lean down to kiss her hand. He bent to kiss her cheek, but Mary had started to lean forward, intending to open the door and their mouths met and Mary could not help but respond.
George seemed to be frozen for a moment and then he began to kiss her, his mouth perfectly moulded to hers. Mary wrapped her arms, instinctively, around his neck and he held her waist, slightly lifting her. Their tongues met and they both groaned.
Mary knew this was wrong, god was it wrong, but she could not help it, the way he made her feel, no man—not even John—made her feel like this.
George began to move, she was walking backwards as he moved forward and they were suddenly in the bedroom, the door closed and Mary felt her back press against it, their kiss deepened and Mary thought that she would not be able to stop, until a bucket of cold water was poured over her in the form of a key in the door.
Quickly, Mary pushed George away, fixing her hair and sitting on one of the plush chairs, George straightened his suit and sat opposite her, tea cup in hand.
By the time John came through the door, the flush had left Mary and she looked positively like she always did and George set down his cup.
"Thank you again for the tea, Lady Thompson, I must now retire." He nodded at her and John and left, John looked in confusion and Mary gave him an alibi.
"He walked me back so I offered him some tea. I am quite tired though, would you mind fetching Marian for me so that I might retire?" He nodded, not sensing anything was wrong.
But everything was her whole world had just been turned upside down.
####
It was now two days on, two days after they had left port and two days since Mary had spoken to George, when it happened.
John and Mary were strolling along the deck, Mary a few steps behind as John talked to some Gentlemen and their wives—always the charmer—when she was suddenly pulled away from them and found herself in a small alcove of the ship, George standing in front of her.
"Mary—" He began but she cut him off.
"What do you think you are doing?" She was shocked.
"Shhh," He hushed her. "Tell your Gentleman that you are returning to the room because you are tired and then tell your maid she is dismissed for now and come to the gym."
Mary looked at him, defiance in her expression but then she too wanted to talk to George, so she nodded and he released her.
"Darling," she said catching up to John. "I am very sorry but I am quite tired, I think I will return to our room, if you all will excuse me." The men kissed her hand and the women smiled, John asking if she was alright.
"I am fine; really, I don't want to fall asleep in my soup at dinner is all." She joked; he accepted this and kissed her cheek.
"Marian," she said to her maid who fell instep beside her. "You are dismissed until it is time for me to dress for dinner."
"Milady, do not think of me as rude, but may I ask why?"
"You may not. Now go." She snapped and Marian bowed, leaving.
Mary walked to the Ship's gym, making sure no one was watching and slipped inside.
George was there and he locked the door and closed the shades on the window so that no one could see inside.
"May I ask what this is about?" She asked, her palms began to sweat and she was nervous considering what had happened last time they were alone.
"You feel something for me." He stated bluntly and Mary blinked, she was about to protest when his next words stopped her. "I feel something for you."
Mary was shocked. They had known each other two days and he had feelings for her, but then again, she also felt for him. She did not know what it was about him that made her feel, but she did, he was always in her thoughts.
"It matters not," she said. "I am engaged, I cannot have an affair it is not possible."
"You are only marrying him," he sneered the word. "Because you had not met me."
Mary sighed. "I am marrying him because—"
"Do you love him?" He cut her off with the blunt question and Mary had no answer.
She believed she did love John, but then how could she be sure, she had never loved before and had no idea what it felt like.
"I believe I do." That was the most honest answer she could give.
"You could love me."
Why was he being so forward and blunt with her? She was a lady of esteem, had hadn't the right to come to her like this.
"I am sorry for the other night, it will not happen again. I am marrying my fiancé once we reach America and that is final."
"Marrying him will not save you," Mary hardly heard what he said.
"Sir, please—" He cut her off again, this time he stood in front of her.
"You felt it the other night, do not deny it I know you did and you wish to feel it again yes?" Slowly she nodded. "Then meet me in my cabin, tonight, do not go to dinner, come to me, if you do not I will know what choice you made and I will no longer bother you." Instead of leaving, he kissed her. This one was more desperate than the one before, but she felt that tingle again.
"George—"
"Tonight." He said with finality and left the gym.
Mary stood there for a few moments, thinking of what she wanted to do. She could meet George and admit that there was some feeling there, or she could go to dinner with John and live the life she was supposed to.
Mary left the gym and headed for her room, she was tired now, but she knew what she wanted to do. She knew what her answer was going to be all along.
####
"Are you sure you are alright, I can stay if you want." John said, looking at her with concern.
"I just need to sleep Darling, perhaps I am prone to seasickness, do not worry about me, go to dinner and then go with the men afterwards, honestly, I would only bore you."
"If you are sure." He said, not wanting to go.
"I am, now go on, I need rest."
After waiting ten minutes, Mary deduced that it was safe for her to go. When she had returned to her cabin, she had found a note one an elegant piece of parchment with a cabin number on it.
She got up, taking off her robe to revels her red silk dress. This one was a bit more risqué but she thought it was beautiful. She had already told the maids and butlers not to check in on her and if they value their job, they wouldn't.
Mary sneaked off, avoiding the direction of dinner and found his cabin in not time, it was as if she was pulled there. She knocked and he opened it, standing in a crisp white dress shirt that had two buttons undone and black dress pants. His smile seemed to beam light.
Mary knew this was wrong, but she could not help herself. She felt something magnetic for George, something she didn't even feel when she was with John. George seemed to hold a part of her that she hadn't known was missing until she met him and looking at him now she knew that this was no affair, they were meant to be together, fate brought them on this ship, but Mary was promised to another, she could leave John, her father would not cut her off so long as she found another good man soon enough, but she did not want to break John's heart, because he truly loved her.
Mary was pulled into the room, door locked behind her. She saw that George got a more luxurious room than she, with its own private enclosed deck.
"Your room in beautiful, much nicer than mine."
"You can upgrade if you like." He said come up behind her, Mary did not want formality, she wanted him, her body needed him and her heart knew him.
Mary was more forward now than she had ever been, she reached her arms up around his neck and pulled him down, kissing him, it did not last long, George pull away, but she did not want him too.
"Mary, I want to talk to you." He said his breathing laboured from the kissing and the feel of their bodies so close.
"We can talk later, for now I only want you." George gave in, kissing her hard. They were on the deck and slowly, George sank them to the floor as Mary, with shaking hands, unbuttoned his shirt.
She had never done anything like this before, she had been waiting for marriage, but if she was going to sacrifice someone as sweet and John, she wanted to be with George in every way first.
They sat up and George turned her so that her back was to him, he had his finger under the strap of her dress and he moved it past her shoulder, kissing the spot. Mary moaned as George kissed up her neck, her dress coming off slowly. George stood and picked her up, she had not worn her corset tonight, she did not want to rouse suspicion with Marian, she was now basically naked as she stood, her dress falling. George looked at her with no judgement, only affection as he came to her, lifting her up and taking her to the bedroom. More clothes came off until they were both completely naked.
"Are you sure Mary?" George asked, hoping against hope that she was.
"I have never been more sure of anything before in my life."
With that Mary and George became intimate in the most complete way. Mary had misconceptions about what making love was like, it did not hurt her, perhaps because George was the one she was supposed to be with this way, perhaps she was only with John because fate wanted her to meet George and she would not have boarded the Titanic without John.
Mary felt tingles everywhere he touched her and kissed her and she gripped the sheets of his bed as she felt the most delicious, erotic feeling pass through her body.
Mary and George were lying in bed, naked together afterwards. Mary was idly making patterns on his arm with her fingertips as George nuzzled her neck, when there was a resounding boom at the door followed by a voice that Mary wished she never knew.
"Araquiel, open this door now!"
"Oh my god, John!" Mary leapt up not knowing what to do, George calmed her.
"Shhh, he will hear you, lie back down and be quiet, he cannot find you." He pulled a robe over himself and went to answer the door when Mary remembered an important fact.
"My dress!" She whisper yelled he grabbed it and threw it to her. George locked the door to the bedroom and let her fiancé inside.
"Where is she?" He asked as soon as he entered.
"Well, hello to you too." George said sarcastically.
"Where is she?" John was furious.
"Who do you mean, Abaddon?"
Abaddon? Araquiel?
What were these names they were calling one another.
"My fiancé where is she?"
"Is she not with you?"
John seemed to growl and began to walk through the cabin, he came to the bedroom and went to open the door but the lock stopped him but also roused his suspicion.
"Mary!" He called. "I know you are in there, come out at once!"
"Save your breath, she is not here; I lock my bedroom in case something like this happens for I do not wish my most valuable positions to be stolen."
Mary smiled, he was talking about her and John seemed to know it.
"She is not yours anymore, you made that clear."
Mary stopped paying attention, she had no idea what they were talking about and deduced it was typical male banter. John moved from the bedroom and Mary knew he was by the front door again.
"If I find out she was here, I will see you hang." With that lovely parting gesture he stormed out, slamming the door in his wake.
George returned soon after, locking the front door after himself and found Mary sitting up with her head in her hands. He came to her side and put a comforting arm on her back.
"Why is this happening? I barely know you but I know I cannot live without you, I don't know how I know that, I just do." She kissed him, long and lingering.
"I cannot live without you either." He said, kissing her back.
"We have to keep this quiet until we reach port. Do you understand?" She asked, beseeching him to agree.
"I know, as much as I wish we didn't, I know we must."
####
Mary returned back to the suite once light had broken, George had given her a robe to wear and told her what to say to John and that if he snooped he would discover that she was where she was supposed to be.
"Where have you been?" John asked as soon as she walked in. His voice was calm, cool and collected. She didn't like it.
"At the ship's doctor's, why?" She never usually questioned him, but she had to convey to him that she was no longer his.
"Really," He looked at her and then seem satisfied with what he saw. "Are you alright?"
"Fine, he said it must be the sea that is making me ill, but I should be alright." She gave him a reassuring smile and yawned dramatically. "I am tired though, would you mind if I went to bed Darling?" This is how she had to act, like she was in love with him.
Instead of answering, John walked over to her, taking her hand he guided her over to the bedroom and laid her down on top of the sheets and he was behind her, his arm around her waist, kissing her neck.
Mary felt strange, she had never been this close to John before, she had no idea where this was coming from, she felt as though he was staking a claim.
"John—" She breathed in a shock as he pushed her robe down revealing her shoulder and he kissed it, but it felt strange, like he was looking for something.
"John don't!" She said feebly, but he only growled.
"Is this how it felt when he touched you?" He asked in a carefully controlled voice.
"John stop!" She yelled pushing him off of her she stood, her hair flying everywhere. "What is the matter with you?" He threw he robe to the floor and stormed out of the room.
She would have left and gone straight to breakfast where she knew George would be, but she was too overly dressed, instead she went into the room opposite her, where Marian was standing, ironing some clothes.
"Oh thank you." Mary said, looking at the clothes she had pressed. Mary took one of her more subtle dresses and Marian followed her, not asking why she was not in her room, and dressed her like every other morning.
Once she was presentable she went to breakfast, alone, and when she walked in she saw John who was staring at her with concealed anger, a few tables away she saw George, she would have sat with him, but that would not be advised considering they had to keep their relationship a secret for now. So she walked over to John, making it obvious he was not to speak to her.
As she was eating she felt someone watching her and looked up to see the George was staring straight at her, not caring if anyone saw and he mouthed words to her.
'Are you alright?' He seemed to ask and Mary wished people—Men in particular—would stop asking her that. She was a strong woman, stronger than some men at least in spirit; she did not need constant protection.
A hand her knee made her look at John, he leaned in to whisper to her.
"I am so sorry for what I did before, my jealousy got the better of me, I spoke to the doctor and he said that you should drink plenty of fluids, do not fret my love, I will take care of you." He sat back and Mary studied him. He seemed very sincere and like he was going to take care of her...forever. She realised how stupid she was, here next to her was a good man who loved her, who was willing to keep her safe the rest of her life, to keep her as his and he as hers. She looked up at George and said the only thing she could, something that weighed heavy on her heart.
She shook her head and mouthed the word.
'No.' she went back to her breakfast then and did not look up when she could feel him staring nor did she watch as he left the room in an overly assertive manner. She could never look at him again; she had to stay away from him.
For the first time since boarding the Titanic, Mary longed to get back home.
####
"What happened?" Mary spun; the voice was sudden and gave her such a fright she nearly leapt from her seat on deck. George came and sat beside her, Mary made no move to get away from him.
"Whatever do you mean Sir?" She asked with faked innocence.
"You know darn well what I mean!" He seethed and Mary flinched.
"What do you want me to say?" Her voice was low so as not to draw attention to herself, she looked around and got up walking away and George followed, she went to turn but he took her another way, in the direction of his room.
"No, I am not going in there." She spoke surely but she knew that George was strong enough to force her.
She hoped he cared enough not to.
"You want to talk away from prying ears; well it does not get more private than this." He opened the door and with a huff Mary walked in. He locked it behind himself.
"I am engaged, to John, whom I care deeply for, I do not want to hurt him and I will not hurt him." She turned to see him staring at her with hooded eyes, she could not tell if he was angry but she would bet on it.
"So, after everything you said, after everything we did, you have changed your mind?"
"I do not regret any of it, I just wish that we had met before, I am sorry but this is the path I am choosing. Goodbye." She walked past him and opened the door, closing it behind her and closing away anything she thought she had felt for the man that was not her fiancé.
####
Mary was asleep when it happened.
Everything began to shake and she awoke, she thought it may be an earthquake but that was absurd, they were in the middle of the ocean. So then what was it?
She jumped out of bed and put a robe around herself, she opted to put a scarf, a fur coat and her night shoes and she was right to do so, for once she got on deck she knew something was terribly wrong.
It was significantly colder now, below freezing and she did not know why. She saw an officer walking into first class and grabbed his arm.
"What happened?" She asked, he could have shaken her off and been on his way, but his training kicked in.
Never refuse a reputable woman anything.
"Oh I am sure it is nothing Milady, I am just going to speak with the other officers now, remain calm, we probably just went over a large wave." He smiled at her and walked away, but Mary knew this was no mere wave.
All around her people were coming to inspect what was happening, no one had bothered putting their regular clothes on, but each person was in their best winter clothing.
She heard murmurs come from the group, murmurs that froze her heart.
"They say we have hit an Iceberg, apparently third class has began taking on water."
"Do not be so simple-minded, this ship is unsinkable."
"Well that is just what I heard."
Mary ran, she didn't need proof, she knew what they said must be true. It was freezing, there was a great shaking and people were panicking. The Titanic was sinking.
####
"John!" She yelled, finding him in the lounge, dressed with two life jackets.
"Darling, you'll catch a death, why are you not dressed?" He scolded her and shook his jacket off, putting it around her.
"I am not cold, listen to me, the Ship, she is sinking. We have to go." She grabbed his hand but he pulled her back.
"Put this on," he said handing her the life jacket. "The staff have told us it is just a precaution, that there is nothing to worry about, so calm down my Darling." He stroked her head trying to soothe her and that was when she realised what she had been denying herself.
John did not treat her as an equal, oh she had no doubt that he cared for her, possibly even loved her, but he would never treat her like he treated other's. To him, she was a possession and she realised, with perfect clarity, that George treated her like he treated many, he did not regard her as a decoration, he regarded her as an equal, which is what she wanted, what she thought marriage stood for.
So what was she still doing here?
She pulled her hand away and turned to run.
"Darling, where are you going?" John ran up from behind her and she turned.
"I am sorry, but I cannot marry you, I do not love you." John looked enraged.
"It's him is it not? You stupid—bitch!" He yelled at her and some people had the nerve to stair. "I have given you everything and this is how you repay me? You are my fiancé not his little slut!" He grabbed her arm roughly and that was the first time Mary had ever slapped someone. He was shocked by her assault that he released her and Mary turn, throwing her engagement ring at him and running off, off to find George and she knew where he was, she knew.
"George!" She walked into his room, where he seemed to be getting dressed, he looked up at her in confusion, confusion that died once she reached him, her arms around his neck and her mouth devouring his.
"Mary?" George held her back looking into her eyes, questioning what she was doing here.
"I choose you." She said. "I had always choose you, I just hadn't realised it until now." He looked so happy that she could not help but smiled and then she remembered.
"George, the ship, it is sinking." He released her, only to take her hand and pull her from the room.
"I know, I mean I thought as much, come along." He pulled her back onto the deck where the crew were preparing lifeboats and keeping certain people from boarding them.
"George, what is the meaning of this?" But she knew she knew why he was bringing her here.
"No!" She dug her heels in. "No! I am not getting in one of those things, not without you!" She was determined, but so was he.
"Trust me, please; I will be fine, I will." He sounded so sure that Mary almost believed him.
"Darling, there you are." John pushed through the people and came beside her. "Are you alright?" She just glowered at him. "Come along, you must get in the boat, ah sir! I have a woman here who seems to be going into shock!" He called above the crowd and an officer appeared by her side and put a hand on her arm.
"This way Miss, please." She was dragged, but her eyes never left George, he seemed so sure...
When she was hauled to the front of the line, she saw women cowering around her, willing to give up all these lives for their own and she was disgusted, she was not one of these weak woman, no, she would rather die than think her life was above anyone else's. For years she thought herself shallow, but she had cared about every living person and that was when she knew what to do. She turned and scanned the crowd and she saw the Marian and Lucile, her maids. They were sisters and they were the only children their parents had, their lives meant more. The beckoned them over and the complied.
"Yes Milady?" They asked in unison.
"Get in the boat, both of you." She ordered and they looked confused.
"But we are not first class passengers..." Marian said confused.
"Do you have a first class cabin?" They nodded. "Then you are first class passengers, get in now!" She fixed them with a glare and after a moment they listened and climbed into the boat, Mary made to leave when an officer stopped her.
"Miss, there is room for you, come along."
"No, I need to find my little sister, please, I am all she has." She tried to sound desperate and it worked, the man let her go.
"Would you like my assistance?" He asked kindly.
"No, I know where she is, but thank you." She left, wading her way through the crowd and she looked back and forth no sign or George, but there was John. She took a chance.
"John, where is George?" She asked and he stared down at her, like he was going to refuse her. "Please, help me find him, I...I love him." She spoke and realised that perhaps she meant what she had said. John still looked defiant so she tried again. "Please, imagine if you knew the person you loved was about to die and you could be with them, wouldn't you be?" She asked and saw emotion.
"I am." He said and then sighed. "But I suppose I understand, I am sorry Mary, I love you and I always will, but you do not feel the same, come I saw him go this way." She followed him into the first class dining area and past the cabins until she reached her's. John bowed to her once they reached the door.
"Please Mary; get on a boat before it is too late." He kissed her on the lips then, just a peck and left her there, she opened the door and saw George, sitting on her bed, a piece of her jewellery in his hand.
"Mary!" He yelled leaping up. "What are you doing here, get yourself back up there and get on a boat before they all leave."
"No." She said with finality.
"What?"
"No." She said again. "I am not leaving you when I have only just found you, I would not be able to go on and thus I would be dead anyway, inside." She took his hand. "I want to be here with you and if I am to die then I die by your side." George looked at her and then held her close, kissing the top of her head.
"I will not let you die, do you understand?" He asked and she nodded against his chest.
"I do." He took her hand and they walked, slowly, casually, like there was no disaster around them, like it was only them in the world and that was how she felt, like there was no one else but them, perhaps she was already dead and this was what heaven felt like or maybe, just maybe, she was allowed on perfect moment before she died.
When they arrived above deck she saw that all the boats were gone and the ship was heading into the black abyss of ocean. Rockets were fired but there was no help.
"George, what do we do?" She asked, panic seeping into her voice.
He turned her and kissed her roughly.
"We hold on." He led her to the back of the ship, running at an incredible speed, it seemed as though they were there in a blink. He climbed onto the other side of the railing and motioned for her to do the same. She did, she trusted him, but she couldn't help but worry.
"What about John, I cannot leave him to die." She really did care for John, but not in the way he cared so much for her.
"He is already gone. Mary, do you trust me?" She nodded. George moved, he was no longer holding onto the rail and was just balancing.
"What are you doing—" She was cut off as he picked her up in his arms, like a bride and then she couldn't speak, she was too busy screaming. George had jumped from the ship and now they were hurtling towards the freezing water of the ocean.
Needles pricked Mary everywhere, she felt as if she could not move any of her limbs, any muscles or bones, nothing. There was George, he seemed to be moving fine and his teeth were not even chattering like hers. He indicated that she get on his back and she did anything to get out of this cold and then he was swimming.
"Wh-wh-e-er-ere A-A-Are y-o-o-ou g-g-g-going?" She managed to say.
"To the nearest ship that can help us, hush, do not try to speak."
She didn't and after a while she heard a great war and George stopped, turning back to where the Titanic was, just in time to see where they had been standing, to go down into the ocean forever.
Then she heard the screams.
"We cannot go back for them, the only thing we can do, is try and find help." She was able to nod and they were off again.
George seemed to glide on the water with ease and elegance, it seemed effortless for him, but Mary could not dwell on that. She was absolutely freezing, her clothes were soaked through and water kept splashing her and she could not feel her hands anymore, or her feet or anything really, eventually all she could feel was the sensation that she was floating.
####
George eased up after a long while, he had noticed that Mary had been silent and her grip on his shoulder's went slack not too long ago, he thought that she had fallen asleep, what he didn't think was that she may not have been breathing for little under an hour.
"No." He whispered as he took her from his back and held her. Stroking her hair he saw that her eyes were closed. "No, Mary please wake up, please." He was desperately shaking her but she did not open her eyes. George felt tears leak down his cheeks and saw them land on her face.
No, she couldn't be dead, she couldn't. He needed her, he was finding them help, finding them a way to live and bond. He knew though, he knew the risk of this but he hadn't thought of it much, he only wanted her to live and that clouded his judgement.
He held her for a moment longer and then let her go. There was nothing he could do for her, she was dead, he knew she was and he could not return with her body without exposing himself. No, he had to let her go, and he did, but he would never forget her, like he never forgot any life she had been in.
From her first to her last.
George floated for a little longer until he finally turned, he would mourn her more once he reached land, he knew that she would want him to live, even if she had no idea that he could stay here forever and never die.
The advantages of being enmortal.
As George swan from his love's watery grave, there was something that he hadn't known and now never would.
George would never know that inside Mary another life was taken.
The life of his child
Schuyler awoke with a start, she was covered in sweat.
What was that?
She had no idea what she just saw inside her mind, but she knew one thing. The two men that had been vying for Mary's attention. She knew those men.
Jack and Kingsley.
She thought that perhaps her connection with Jack caused this memory to come to her, he must have been dreaming it too or at least thinking about it, he must have been wanting her to see it too for it to project into her mind.
Or maybe it was Kingsley who had brought this memory forth. They had a connection, Schuyler didn't understand it but it was undoubtedly there. Perhaps he had made her see this.
If Schuyler was honest with herself she would have known where this memory came from, it came from neither Jack or Kingsley, but from herself, because she knew who Mary was, she knew that girl she was easily recognisable.
It was Schuyler, in a past life, one she had no memory of.
Author's note:
Holy mother fucking shit balls! (Excuse the French)
Okay how was that? Long, I know.
Next chapter is the date! I know you are all looking forward to that.
Review!
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