Life: Or Something Like It

Leah tiredly stretched as she awoke the next morning. Last night was still a complete blur to her. Almost getting caught by that Officer was too close for comfort, and that stranger, Tommy Ryan, helping her like that. She couldn't believe it; nevertheless, she forced herself out of bed and tried to prepare herself for the new day ahead of her. She pulled on clothes and left her hair loose and in waves. That was when she noticed a small note slipped under her door.

'If you find yourself with a moment to spare, meet me on the top deck, damsel.'

Leah was confused by the note, but decided to obey its orders regardless. She sluggishly climbed the stairs all the way to the top deck. She searched around, hoping to find the person who delivered the note. She soon felt a tap on her shoulder, and Leah quickly spun around. She was faced to face with none other than the man who 'saved' her last night.

"What took ya so long?"

"So, we meet again." She grinned.

"Indeed we do. You really didn't think I'd let you get away that easy. You're my damsel now." He joked.

"Well, thank you Mr. Ryan, but…"

"Tommy, it's Tommy, love."

"Ok, Tommy. Thank you, but I don't need to be anybody's 'damsel'." Leah quipped, turning to leave him. He quickly grabbed her wrist. His hands were coarse and calloused, but still much gentler than the Officer.

"Please, just a walk around deck. If I'm that revolting, I promise I'll leave ya alone."

Leah didn't know what it was, but for some reason, she nodded. He released her wrist and waited for her to join him by his side. They quietly strolled down by near the railing, both obviously waiting for the other to start the conversation.

"So, O'Malley, you're Irish?"

"Well, my dad was from Ireland and my mom was from America, her parents were Italian. We lived in America, that's why I don't have an accent, and that's why I can't wait to get back."

Tommy nodded, "Are your parents waiting for you back home?"

As soon as the question left his lips, Leah stopped dead in her tracks. She turned to place her hands on the railing, and cast a glance to the rolling waves. Tommy noticed her disappeared presence and turned back to where she had stopped.

"Leah…?"

"No, they're not waiting for me. They're dead, the both of them." Leah could feel Tommy stiffen next to her. She could tell he felt uncomfortable for bringing it up. "Yeah, my mom died when I was younger, as long as I could remember, she was sick, but she still had so much life in her. After she died, my father and I moved to London, he died when I was fifteen, and I've been on my own ever since. There's been some help along the way, but there's only so long a family wants to take in a stranded teenager."

"Wow, Leah, I'm so sorry, I would have never asked if…" Tommy whispered.

Leah put on a fake smile, "Hey, don't worry about it. If anything, I'm sorry for bringing down the mood. What about you, why are you going to America?"

Tommy gave a small chuckle, "Isn't it obvious? To start a new life, try and make a better home for myself. Plus, I'm going to be twenty-one; it's about time I left home. I've helped my family a lot through the years, but I need to help myself too. Don't get me wrong, I love my family. I'm even hoping to send them part of whatever I make here. It's just time, time for me to start my own life and my own family. Besides, my baby brother is growing fast, just turned thirteen, figure he could help em out a little."

Leah couldn't help but smile at his story.

"How old are you?" He asked.

"I'm eighteen. I think it's about time that I start my own life too."

Tommy smiled, and the two of them continued their walk along the ship. Leah was having a good time with Tommy. They shared funny childhood stories, imaginary plans for the future, and they made fun of all the snooty rich folk that was aboard. For the first time, in a long time, Leah was enjoying herself. Tommy made her laugh, he made her forget.