OBLIGATORY NOTICE: I ONLY OWN MY OWN CHARACTERS AND NOT THE CHARACTERS IN THE 1997 MOVIE TITANIC
CH 6
BALLS AND BRAWLS
Mandy crawled back into bed with a blissful and giddy grin. She couldn't believe in her wildest dreams that this was happening. She knew in her heart of hearts that this was love, her being here was a gift and her ultimate goal while still afloat, was to spare her life and his. She now didn't want to go back to her time in life, she didn't care about home anymore. To think that this would be a dream would shatter her if she were to wake up from it. However, she very much conscious and aware; it was as apparent as the nose on her face. She laid there in the darkness looking up at the ceiling. Sleep was a million miles away; her heart was still beating strongly, the adrenaline was still coursing through her veins. She felt like she was truly in paradise.
The more she did think of her present situation, however, she began to fear that maybe this was too good to be true. Things were happening fast; from the time she boarded and seeing him in the flesh to them sharing their first kiss in the mess and he wanting to court her was starting to make her think that she was going to fall hard. She had never been in anything truly serious as far as relationships were concerned; sure she wanted a steady boyfriend and possible husband but her common sense knew that things take time to develop. During the time he spent kissing her and hearing the sweet words spoken to her, her mind went to thinking very deep things. The main thing was the experience of making love to a man for the first time. Her mother before she died told her to wait for love, to wait for the one man who truly returned the feelings she would feel that would be of love. That promise was one of frustration many times in her life, especially when she was in high school and going into college.
They would have dinner later that day and she would simply explain her feelings. She didn't want to give off the wrong vibes or make him think that she was easy. She felt like a majority of men have alternative motives and angles; but with Will, she knew in her gut he was genuine. The sight of his kind face made her heart melt. She smiled warmly at the thought of his blue eyes looking into hers.
Mandy turned over and tried her best to get a few hours in of sleep before breakfast...
William walked up to the bridge and looked out into the horizon as dawn started to light up the sky. His thoughts throughout the night was on Amanda; to him he felt like she had awakened him and brought his schoolboy side out. He couldn't help but admit to himself that the attraction at first was merely physical seeing her for the first time, but after getting to hear her sing, and listen to her views on life while they were in the mess, he was attracted to all of her. She was not like the other women he had met, courted, or even married; he was married to a woman named Ada, who unfortunately succumbed to Typhus and died. He had never thought of getting involved again, but two years was long enough.
"Good morning Will." A voice called out behind him.
Will turned around. "Morning Lights, what are you doing up?"
"Thought you knew, Lowe and me switched so that he can be under you for his qualifications." Lights brought Will some tea.
Will rolled his eyes and took the teacup from his friend.
"Quiet night?"
Will nodded. "For the most part." The thought of Mandy's singing never left his mind.
"So Moody told me that you were away for a while, that you were making rounds but it was longer than usual. You weren't trying to catch a nap again were you?" Lights asked with a slight chuckle.
That got Will's attention. Think of something fast...
"There was some wave activity last night and I just wanted to be extra cautious and more thorough is all." He shut his eyes and cursed himself at his weak excuse.
"You were always a poor liar." Lights laughed.
Will turned to him. "Yeah that is true." With a sigh.
He silently hoped that the subject was dropped. The sun was starting to rise over the horizon, turning the sky into a light purple and pink. If only she was here to witness this with me. Will thought to himself. It was a rather gorgeous sunrise and he envisioned himself and his angel sitting on a beach watching it in each other's arms. He smiled at the thought.
"So are you and Miss Spencer still going to have lunch today?" Lightholler asked.
This broke Will out of his daydream. "Dinner actually. I am meeting her outside the Second Class dining room at six." He turned to his friend.
"So you beat me to the punch yesterday. I am quite attracted to her."
Will's face hardened.
"But then again it is just dinner. I am sure she accepted your offer because she was being nice." Lights looked over at Will and noticed his change in mood.
"You alright old chap?"
"Just so you know, last night I got to talking to Miss Spencer. I saw her while making my hourly rounds; she was singing and you should have heard her, she was just perfect. I then invited her for some tea we ended up talking about our backgrounds and such."
Lights continued to listen.
"I am in love with her and she reciprocates those feelings." Will turned to look him in the eye. Lights looked dumbfounded.
"You can't be serious Murdy! You hardly know her and how can you even think love happens within 24 hours? And an American girl at that? I'm sure your family would be thrilled." Lights exclaimed.
Will took a step back. "What does her being from America have to do with anything?"
"I am just saying Will after Ada died you swore off anyone else, and then less than two years later you fall for some half-breed who is probably after something or has a fancy for sailors like us." Lights then turned and walked back into the guardhouse.
William felt his blood boil at the foul name his friend called Amanda. He walked up behind Lights and pulled his arm to make him turn around.
"How dare you call her THAT! You do not know anything about her. For once in my life I want to be happy and be with someone I choose, not because of my family's expectations. For your information Charles Lightholler, she is half Indian and half white, her family heritage is a proud one. I know because I have learned about it before. I don't go around saying such vile, ignorant things like you do because of lack of knowledge. Mandy is not some common trollop or whore. She has a beautiful heart and mind and outer beauty as well. She knows what she wants in life and when we dock in New York, I want to ask her father for permission to see her."
Charles' nostrils flared.
"And on another note, there is a such thing as love at first sight. Pure, uncomplicated love. You just want her for your own gratification; you may be my friend but there is one big difference between the pair of us and rank is NOT what I am talking about. My intentions are honorable." Will looked him in the eye like a cobra about to strike.
"Sod off!" Charles yanked his arm out of Will's grasp and walked out of the guardhouse. The quartermaster looked over at Will with a look of confusion.
"Is there something you need?" Will asked uncharacteristically brash.
The Quartermaster shook his head quickly to indicate "no" and looked forward.
Will sighed and started for the door to go down into his stateroom. "Pardon my temper." He patted the quartermaster's hand before shutting the door behind him.
"Amanda are you awake in there?" Sara peeped her head in Amanda's room. She found her friend obviously asleep sound with the sheets in a rumpled heap at the foot of the bed.
Sara sighed and walked over and shook Mandy's shoulder gently.
"Wha what?" Mandy turned her head to look at Sara.
"Just wondering when you were going to get up. It is nearly 10 you know!" Sara said sharply.
Amanda rolled her eyes and sat up. "Sorry, I couldn't get to sleep at all last night. What is the deal with you?"
Sara crossed her arms. "I didn't like to eat all by myself. Besides you missed out on some really good food."
Mandy ignored her and got out of the bed and walked over to her wash basin and poured some water into the bowl to wash her face.
"I was wanting to know if you wanted to go to the ball tonight? John asked me if I could accompany him."
Mandy looked into the mirror at Sara. "Ball? What ball?"
"There is a ball to celebrate the maiden voyage tonight up in First Class. We were both invited by John." Sara said gleefully.
Mandy reached over the table to grab her hand towel. "How did he pull that off exactly?"
"What do you mean?"
"Sara we are Second Class passengers. John is simply a steward. How could he have possibly got us into a First Class dance?" Amanda walked over to her wardrobe and fingered through her dresses to pick one out for the day.
"It is on the First Class decks and his good friend is friends with the Captain and John mentioned me and he didn't want to hurt your feelings by not inviting you with me." Sara explained.
Well that was certainly nice of him to think of me...Amanda thought sarcastically.
"What time will it be?" Amanda picked out a dress of lavender.
"It is supposed to be at eight tonight. I am expecting that there will be caviar and escargot and other fancy things."
Amanda shut the wardrobe door behind her. "I do not like all that you said. I will just settle for some champagne." She smiled.
"Caviar is rich food! Wouldn't you feel like royalty if you ate some? I sure wish I was in First Class." Sara laid back on Mandy's bed.
She turned around. "Sara, caviar is fish eggs and escargot are snails. You aren't missing anything. Trust me."
"Well lunch is soon, want to go?" Sara asked.
"Let me get dressed and ready for the day and I will meet you at 11:30."
Sara got up from the bed and went over to Mandy's wardrobe. "I should pick you out something to wear for tonight. Something that will make the men fawn over you." She giggled.
"I got something in mind, trust me. See you in a little bit, alright?" Amanda was starting get annoyed by Sara's presence.
Sara seemed to get the hint as she watched her head for the door. "See you soon." She shut the door behind her.
As Amanda was fumbling with the numerous buttons on her dress, she looked over at her open wardrobe. She walked over and noticed a black and green party dress that had lace and satin. The neck line was low but modest as well. She felt the fabric and instantly decided that was the one she would wear to the ball. She couldn't help but wonder if Will would show up or even if he knew about it in the first place. She went to the closet and eyed her numerous shoes and noticed a pair of black heels with beads on them. Amanda smiled to herself. She was actually excited to go now that she had decided on an outfit.
"Oh Sara! You look so lovely!" John exclaimed as Sara did a twirl before him to show off her dress. It was a royal purple satin gown with gold. Her hair was up in a tight bun. Her cheeks were crimson from slight shyness as he continued to admire her.
"Where is your friend?" He asked.
"Oh she is probably still figuring out what to do with her hair." She laughed.
Inside her room, Amanda was sitting at the vanity applying the last of her makeup. Her dress was more of a mermaid type of style; the dress showed off her flawless back and her bottom was perfectly defined by the fabric. She braided her hair into a french braid and she left it hanging off her shoulder. In all honesty, she wanted to get the dance over with, like a trip to the Dentist's office. She would essentially be the third wheel since she didn't know whether Will was going to be present.
After one last look in the mirror, she grabbed her clutch bag and turned to leave. She opened the door to find John and Sara standing in the passageway waiting.
"You look absolutely divine Mandy!" Sara gasped. John was speechless.
"I try, what can I say?" Amanda said.
"There is no trying with you, you are so naturally lovely." Sara said.
"Well I have to return the sentiment, that purple looks real nice against your skin."
Sara smiled ear to ear. "Well I guess we ought to be heading up there then?" She looked up at John.
"Yes, I will lead the way." He offered Sara his arm and Amanda followed behind them.
They turned the corner and found the elevators. "Good evening, you ladies look very lovely." The elevator operator said.
They got off on the elevator and found themselves outside the First Class dining room.
"Oh my goodness! Look how fancy it looks!" Sara exclaimed. Amanda rolled her eyes.
John went up to the doorman and whispered something into his ear. The man smiled and shook his hand. John then motioned for the girls to come inside the banquet hall.
After an hour of being at the ball, Amanda was getting bored. She had already drank three glasses of champagne, danced with two men who she thought were too big for their britches, and was getting annoyed to no end with Sara's constant flirting and schoolgirl behavior towards John. She got up from the table she shared with the two, and headed to find a powder room.
Before she got to the doors, two men both in tuxedos walked in, Captain Smith, and to Amanda's delight, Will. Her heart stopped at the sight of Will in his tux. He looked so dashing and debonair, like someone from a swanky romance novel. They both walked up to what looked like to be Mr. Astor and his wife. She couldn't move from her spot, she watched Will's mouth every time he spoke. Amanda couldn't help but feel amorous; he was gorgeous. He laughed at something Mr. Astor said then suddenly caught Amanda's eyes. His face turned into a state of amazement. She suddenly felt like her legs were jello; he politely excused himself and walked over to Amanda.
"Will." She said softly. He went over to her and put his mouth to her hear. "Let's get out of here. I have the night off."
She smiled up at him and took his hand. They left the hall and went down a short passageway and went outside. Surprisingly, it wasn't as cold as the previous night. The stars and moon were once again bold and bright. They came across an area that was labeled "Staff Only" and led her to a lounge seat. He sat down beside her.
"You look so beautiful." He said.
She looked over at him and smiled. "You don't clean up bad yourself."
"How long were you in there before I arrived with the Skipper?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "A little over and hour, I was on my way to escape and you then you walked in."
He nodded with a chuckle.
Amanda sat there and stared up at the sky.
"Will, do you think we are moving a little too fast?"
"What do you mean?" He looked over at her.
She turned to him. "I am in love with you and it scares me. I know what you told me was true, and I know you would never hurt me. I keep thinking of you in different ways, and some of the ways I do think of you and I are very...um. Well..." She immediately blushed.
Will got up from his chair and knelt down in front of her. "Mandy, I will leave you alone if you need me to."
She got up. "No, I don't want you to. I want you to love me." I would never do this in a million years... She thought to herself.
He walked up to her and dipped down and planted a soft kiss upon her lips. She opened her eyes and put her arms around his neck.
The music from the ball had them start to dance a little bit. He wrapped his arms around her hips and she laid her head on his chest. She breathed in his scent, it was a combination of salt, some cologne, and sweat. She wanted to ravish him.
As they continued to dance, they heard other footsteps.
"Hey look it is Murdy and his new piece." Lightholler said with a laugh.
Amanda broke the embrace and turned around to acknowledge Lightholler. He was with another officer, one she did not recognize.
"Is this the girl you were talking about? The half-breed? The other officer asked. This made Amanda's blood boil.
"Pittman how dare you!" Will snared.
Pittman looked over at Will with wide eyes.
"Lightholler, did it ever occur to you that you have a loud mouth. Spreading gossip about the ranks. This is beginning to piss me off." Will said.
Amanda spoke up. "You know it sounds to me that you are jealous Mr. Lightholler."
He looked at her and glared. "Me jealous? Why would I ever be jealous of someone who wants to be with low class garbage like you? You will never be better than Ada." He then put his hand up to his mouth. "Oh, didn't you know? Murdoch is widowed."
Amanda looked at Will then back at Lightholler. She could feel tears stinging her eyes. She went up to Lightholler and punched him upside the jaw. Pittman gasped and ran away.
She turned around to look at Will who had a grin on his face then it suddenly disappeared when he saw Amanda's face. She had tears streaming down her face.
"Amanda.." He reached out to her but she ran past him.
