A/N: Hey everyone! Hope you didn't miss me too much! I scrambled to get this update done today, so I hope you all enjoy it, because honestly, I missed writing it. Sadly I didn't have the time nor energy to work on it yesterday. I'm still exhausted from a late night at work and a lack of sleep, but I honestly don't care. I'm writing because I want to, not because I feel obligated. Anyways, I predict the chapter after this will be the end of the first full day out at sea. And I appreciate all the love this story is getting. Keep it coming!
"What are you going to do?" Curly asked Nadine. She was still holding onto Lila's journal, which contained a horrifying information regarding her employer, Rhonda. Curly is unaware of the contents in the journal, but he knew it couldn't be good by Nadine's reaction.
"I don't know what to do," she admitted. "This contains material that could destroy my mistress if I say it to anyone. Even you." If she exposed the secret to anyone, then Rhonda will be ruined, and Nadine knew Rhonda will take it out on her. If Nadine hid it, then Rhonda will stay the same demanding person Nadine feared, and she will never get any peace as long as she worked for Miss Wellington Lloyd.
"Are you saying you don't trust me?" Curly asked, a bit offended.
"I'm not saying that at all," Nadine countered. "It's just that this is sensitive information, and my employer is well-known in society. This will ruin her reputation."
While Curly understood this, he did not comprehend why Nadine was all of a sudden protecting her particular employer.
"Why does it matter to you if she is exposed or not?" he asked. "If she is, you may be able to leave once and for all. You won't ever have to worry about her again."
"That is, if she found out I'm the one who exposed her," Nadine pointed out. "If my mistress finds out, then I'll be the one ruined. She would sack me and make sure I will never get another job again. That is, if she still has a say in society at that point, but I'm sure her parents would do something about it. No one would trust me. Any future employer will think that I will say all their secrets. Oh, good God, I'll end up in the poor house for certain this time!"
"But staying silent will be not make it better for you, either," Curly mentioned. "She will continue to berate you with orders, and you will stay unhappy." Curly realized that he didn't want Nadine to be hurt. The more she talked about her employer, whoever she is, the more Curly despised her and felt pity for Nadine. He wanted more than anything to see her get out of her current situation, but he knew that she had to want it enough to make it happen.
"Yes, but having a miserable job is better than being miserable and unemployed," Nadine argued. "The worst part of it all is this milkmaid is going to get away with her torture."
"Torture?" Curly asked. "Of what torture do you speak?"
Nadine covered her mouth with her hand. She spoke too much already. Any more, and it could make things worse. Nadine looked at Curly. Every time they spent together, her feelings for him grew. Yet, she has only known him for one day. How well does she know him? Can she really trust him to keep this secret?
"I cannot go into much detail," Nadine told him. She decided that if she were to develop anything with him, she needed to learn to trust he will say nothing about it. "And I ask that anything I tell you, you will keep between us. I don't need gossip spreading from the crew and somehow getting back to my mistress. That would be the end of me."
"You have my word," Curly promised. "I will not say anything to anyone."
"Thank you," Nadine said. "It appears my mistress' friend is more of an enemy. She found out something about my mistress and is blackmailing her. Basically, she wants to be considered high society to capture the attention of another passenger on this ship with whom she has fallen in love. I've heard them talk about him. They say another passenger also fancies him, and he fancies her back-but neither have said anything- so my mistress and her 'friend' have been conspiring to keep them apart."
Curly took a moment to take in everything Nadine just said. "It sounds like a complicated web of feelings, if you ask me. So, she is blackmailing your mistress so she can get the attention of a man, who just so happens to be on this ship as well and has feelings for another woman?"
"And this other woman isn't necessarily known for being demure," Nadine said. "Other than that, that is the gist of what is going on. She isn't the brightest of people, as you can probably imagine, so I am surprised she even managed to think of a plan such as this."
"She knows what she wants," Curly said. "Even if it appears next to impossible that she is going to end up with him in the end."
"I know," Nadine replied. "And yet, she insists on having my mistress do this and continues to blackmail her."
Curly's eyes widened at what Nadine just said. Quickly, his mind began to formulate a solution to Nadine's predicament.
"What if," he said slowly to build up suspense, "you blackmail the milkmaid?"
Nadine cocked her head. "What are you talking about? How do I blackmail someone who is blackmailing someone else?"
"You tell her you know her secret," Curly explained. "And that if she doesn't at least leave your mistress alone, you will tell the man she likes who she really is."
Nadine thought for a moment. It seemed like a brilliant plan. She will keep her job, Rhonda will save face and maybe be nicer, and Lila will be miserable. Who didn't love that? And yet...
"I'm not sure," Nadine muttered. "It seems risky. I feel that it could end up in disaster."
Curly sighed and rubbed his forehead with annoyance. He just gave this woman a perfect opportunity to make things right, and she is being timid to take any action. What was she so afraid of? She continually refused to try and do anything, and Curly was getting tired of it.
"Do what you want to do, then," he said annoyingly. "I've done nothing but try to help you this entire time, and you decline to accept it. I cannot help someone who, for some reason, doesn't want to help herself."
"I do want to help myself!" Nadine exclaimed, shocked at where this was coming. Why was he acting like this?
"Well, you sure fooled me," he scoffed. "You're miserable where you are, but you don't want to do anything to make it better. And now, I give you a suggestion that might make it better, but you are hesitant to do so. Honestly, what is holding you back from having happiness?"
Nadine opened her mouth as if to speak, but then closed it. She never thought of it before. Why did she refuse herself happiness? What made her think that she didn't deserve it when others around her who are cruel strive for it? She didn't know.
"When you figure it out, let me know," Curly muttered. "I have to get back to work." He left the room, leaving Nadine to her thoughts. She didn't know what to do. She didn't like that she disappointed him, but she was still conflicted about blackmailing Lila. However, she didn't have much time to think about it. She looked at the clock and saw how late it was. Nadine squealed, realizing she has yet to tidy Rhonda's room. In a mad rush, she headed to the next room, hoping that she won't get into trouble.
I'll think about it later, she thought. At dinner, I'll try to make things right. That is, if I can…
"You go first," Sid said to Stinky. They were standing outside their cabin after avoiding it all day. Neither one wanted to admit it, but they were fearful if Patty's story was true.
"No, I insist," Stinky replied. "You go first."
Neither one budged. They stood there for several minutes staring at each other.
"This is ridiculous," Sid said. "It's just a story. It doesn't mean that it's true. She could just be making it up."
"Yeah," Stinky agreed. "It could all be a joke to scare us or something."
"But she did seem nice to us," Sid countered, backing off from his first statement.
"It makes me feel kinda bad that we made fun of her," Stinky mentioned, rubbing his arm with his other hand.
"I guess there's only one thing to do," Sid said. Stinky nodded.
"You first!" they said at the same time. They groaned, exhausted by the arguing. If they could avoid their room altogether, they would. But their belongings were in that room, and they still didn't trust Harold alone with their stuff.
"Hello, gentlemen," Eugene said, walking up to them. He didn't notice a random suitcase in his way until he fell over it. "I'm okay."
Sid and Stinky stared at Eugene, and then at each other. They knew they had the same idea and nodded in agreement.
"Hello, Eugene," Sid said, assisting Eugene up off the floor. Eugene thanked him. "Were you wanting to go inside?"
"Yes I was," Eugene said. "Why are you two outside?"
Sid was able to come up with a reason quickly. "Wouldn't you know it? We forgot our keys. Would you mind if we came in with you?"
"Not at all," Eugene replied. "The room belongs to all of us, anyways, so why would I mind?" He pulled out his key and unlocked the door. He entered, slowly followed by Sid and Stinky. They all caught a whiff of a rancid odor and all groaned in displeasure.
"What is that?" Eugene asked. "It's like something died in here!"
Sid and Stinky looked at each other anxiously. That was the first clue Patty gave them.
"Do I smell lemon?" Eugene added.
The friends' eyes widened. "It's Sour McGee!" the screamed. Hastily they ran out of the door, screaming at the top of their lungs and catching the attention of everyone around them.
"I swear, those two are going to be the death of me," Gerald complained. He and Phoebe were currently at the servant's dining room, catching up on their day, since they have been unable to have time with each other. "And what happened to our alone time together?"
"I'm sure they meant to give it to us," Phoebe said. "I don't think any of them realized how distracting the whole situation with Miss Sawyer would be."
"I don't think anyone did," Gerald muttered. "Are you sure we can't just throw her overboard and end this misery?"
"Gerald!" Phoebe said in a hushed tone. "You know we can't do that, even though it's tempting. We need to try and help them find out what is going on."
Just then, an exhausted Nadine entered the room. She sat next to Phoebe and Gerald. "Hello," she mumbled, her eyes half opened.
Phoebe and Gerald looked at her. They have seen Nadine tired yesterday, but that night she looked worse. "Nadine," Phoebe said carefully. "Are you okay?"
Nadine shook her head. "I became distracted for several hours today and I ran behind on my work. I was rushing to finish Miss Lloyd's room, but I didn't get it all done when she came in to change for dinner, and she yelled at me, saying I couldn't have dinner until I finished. I just managed to get everything done but I'm so tired."
"Oh dear," Phoebe muttered. "Well, if you need any help, please let me know. I will be happy to help. I'm sure it must be difficult to have to do two rooms by yourself."
"You really mean that?" Nadine asked, her eyes starting to fill with hope.
"Of course," Phoebe assured her. "Do you want me to help tomorrow?" Nadine nodded. "When I finish Miss Pataki's room, I will come and help you."
"Thank you so much!" Nadine exclaimed.
"It's my pleasure. Just out of curiosity, what was it that distracted you from your work today?"
Nadine bit her bottom lip. "Something silly," she replied, shaking her head softly. Phoebe eyed Gerald. They both knew she was hiding something, and Phoebe was going to find out.
Arnold immediately regretted his decision once he told Helga. At dinner, he continually looked over at the blonde he desired with all his heart, pleading to her for mercy. Every time she looked back, she had a look in her eyes that he swore had the power to kill him, and his gaze would shift to his plate.
He didn't want to say no to her. He hated doing it, but he felt like he had to. Arnold wanted nothing to do with Lila anymore. Even though he understood the reason behind Helga wanting to know why Lila behaved the way she did, Arnold could care less.
To him, Lila was a personalized torture chamber made specifically for him. Any time she was close, Arnold wanted nothing more than to jump ship to get away from her. Tonight, however, he would settle avoiding sitting next to her at dinner. However, he could still see her eyeing him during dinner. Whenever their eyes met, she would flutter her eyelashes at him. She was wearing a green dress that looked beautiful in contrast to her red hair, but Arnold knew better than to fall for the deceiving appearance. Arnold would smile softly at her- still being the gentleman he was raised to be- and then quickly look away.
Tonight he sat between Mr. Andrews and Mr. Ismay. Arnold enjoyed his discussions with Mr. Andrews. He could see why Helga enjoyed his company the night before. Mr. Ismay, on the other hand, only wished to discuss the ship. Ismay prided himself on creating such a design that he believed all the world will remember. Ismay then went to discuss the speed of the Titanic, bragging that it could go as fast as 22 knots, and that Arnold should expect to see that in the coming days.
On occasion when he was talking with Ismay, Arnold would glance over at Helga. At that time, she would be talking with Maggie Brown. Maggie was a boisterous woman with a lot of passion. In a way, Maggie reminded Arnold of Helga. It was no wonder the two were getting along so well. He could see Helga smiling throughout the entire time. He loved it when she smiled. It drove him wild, just like the night before when her chest went up and down as she breathed. It made him wonder how much her breasts could expand without the constriction of a corset blocking them. Arnold's face immediately went red when he felt the space inside his pants disappear.
"Sugar, you have got to come visit me in Denver sometime," Maggie told Helga with a smile. "I hope you enjoy skiing, because the slopes are amazing."
Helga couldn't help but smile in the company of Maggie. She was full of life and like Helga, didn't fall into the stereotype of a typical woman in their social circle. Helga looked up to her, and hoped that Maggie could help her.
"I've never been," Helga said. "My father won't allow me."
"Well, that's nonsense!" Maggie exclaimed. "Know that a woman is capable of doing anything a man can do. That is why it is important for us women to stick together and show those men what is going on. That's why I plan on running for the Senate. Sure, it would be difficult, especially since women aren't allowed to vote, but with strong convictions, I believe it will be worth it."
Helga couldn't help but giggle at Maggie's proclamation. She had such a fire in her for what she loves, and Helga admired that.
"Don't ever let a man control you, Sugar," Maggie continued. "If he can't accept you for the woman you are, then he isn't the man. But you can't control him, either. There has to be a mutual respect for one another of who they are, or it will end in disaster."
Helga smiled softly. For some reason, she felt that Maggie wasn't speaking in a general sense. Helga knew she was right. She had to respect Arnold for his decision to not want to be around Lila. In a way, Helga was relieved. At least she didn't have to worry about Arnold and whether or not he would finally snap.
"I'll keep that in mind, Maggie," Helga informed her. "Thank you for that advice."
"My pleasure, Sugar," she replied, smirking. "Speaking of men, there appears to be a devilishly handsome one who keeps staring at you. He has blonde hair and such sparkling green eyes. Do you know him?"
Helga knew who she was talking about without even looking. "Arnold Shortman," Helga replied. Maggie nodded in confirmation. "He keeps looking over because I'm mad at him for not helping me with something."
"Well, it looks like he is sorry for whatever it is," Maggie noticed. "At least, that's how he looks half the time."
Helga furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean? What else does he look like?" Is he angry? Vengeful? Does he want nothing to do with me anymore?
Maggie laughed and leaned in closely. "Why Sugar," she whispered, "he looks like he is undressing you with his eyes."
Helga's eyes widened and her face went tomato red. Was Arnold really thinking of her in that way? He couldn't be. Arnold was the epitome of a gentleman. Before Lila, he never had an ill word to say about a woman, and as far as Helga knew, he never had an impure thought about one, either. Helga knew men who did behave in such a way, and none of them were anything like Arnold.
"That can't be," Helga scoffed, her voiced hushed. "Arnold would never look at someone like that, let alone think that way. He is too much of a gentleman to be like that."
"He may be a gentleman," Maggie said, "but he is a man nonetheless. And men have certain urges. But if you had to have a man look at you like that, he certainly isn't the worst man in the world."
So he was looking at me like that? Why? Is he just lonely and need company? If that is, then I am going to choke him until he turned blue! There is no way in hell Helga G. Pataki is going to be used to relieve some sexual desires!
"I see something else in his eyes," Maggie mentioned to her with another smirk.
"A fly?" Helga replied sarcastically. Maggie laughed loud for the entire table to hear. Helga hid her face to cover her embarrassment.
"Sugar, you are too much!" she hooted. "But no, it's not a fly. I just happen to see some form of affection. I think he cares about you."
Helga looked at Maggie as if she had lost her mind. Now Arnold has affection towards Helga? This was something she wanted her entire life, but she was skeptical. She looked over at Arnold. He was looking back, but Helga couldn't see affection nor a sexual desire in his eyes. Instead, she saw mere politeness.
"Even if he did, it's not like I would care if that stupid Football Head had any affection to me," she said while rolling her eyes. "It's not going to change anything."
Maggie gave her a look. "Sugar, you can lie to everyone around you. You can even lie to me, but you cannot lie to yourself about how you feel about that boy. You are just going to be lonely for the rest of your life if you decide to never tell him. And if you don't, then you deserve him."
Helga sat there quietly. Was it always that obvious? Did everyone know? Did Arnold know? Helga doubted the last one. He was too dense to know anything. She laughed to herself with how little Arnold really sees. And yet, this innocence is one of the reasons she loves him. If only he wasn't too dense to see it.
The last course had been served and eaten. The men agreed to head to the first class smoking room for a round of drinks and a game of cards. The men stood up and started to bid adieu to the women when Lila stood up abruptly.
"Excuse me ever so much, gentlemen, but there is something I wanted to say before you left." The men slowly sat down, allowing Lila to have the floor. Arnold and Helga looked at each other and shrugged.
"Thank you oh so much," Lila continued. "I promise to brief. I just wanted to thank everyone for your kindness and getting to know you in such a brief time."
Yet, no one knows you, Helga thought while rolling her eyes.
"But there is one person in particular that has been oh so amazing to me. He has shown me so much kindness that I have never felt before. I guess what I'm trying to say is Arnold…"
Arnold looked at Lila nervously. He had a feeling what she was going to say. Don't do it, Lila. Don't do it!
That dumb bitch better not be saying what I think she's going to say!
"I love you!"
And… she did.