Hello everyone! I tried to include how Helen liked Thomas' parents as much as she did her own in this chapter. You'll see more of this relationship later on in the story.
I do not own Thomas Andrews or anyone related to him.
I hope you enjoy, and please rate/review! =)

Chapter Ten

31st March, 1906

The sound of subtle birdsong poured through the windows. I stretched out my legs, and I heard crisp white sheets rustle around me. Sheets? Hold on, that can't be right. I sat up. I was in a bed. I was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday, but my coat and shoes were on the floor beside me. I sat up and rubbed my forehead. Suddenly, I surrendered to a bout of horrid coughing, and lent back onto the headboard. Where was I? I pulled back the covers of the bed and stepped out, stretching out as I went. I walked over to the dressing table near the window, and examined my reflection in the mirror. Oh my! I looked a right mess! My hair was a messy sprawl, and what made it worse was the fact that my hair was only very slightly curly. Sarcasm. It would take ages to brush out! Where was my hat? Oh, yes. My late-night drive. My hat was still in in the park. Oh well.
I glanced down to my left hand. It wasn't a dream! I was surprised really, everything seemed to have a dream-like… Touch, to it. I had to pinch myself to half believe it. I was engaged to Tommie! Wait, wasn't I on the sofa, with him, asleep? At Ardara? Had he brought me up here? Or was it someone else? No, it must have been him. He was the only one who knew I was there. I turned around and looked at the mantelpiece. Quarter past eight.

I heard a gentle knock at the door. I turned the handle, and Tommie's mother appeared before me.
"Did you have a nice sleep, my dear?" Mrs. Andrews asked. Her face seemed tired, but she had a big smile and 'laugh wrinkles' in the corner of her eyes. She stepped into the room and shut the door behind her. "Got into a bit of a hardship last night then, eh?" Mrs. Andrews set some clothes down on the bed.
"Mmmm hmm." I nodded, yawning.
"You poor dear. You must really love Tommie to come looking for him." I smiled weakly. He must've told her. She put her hand on my forehead. I hadn't noticed how hot I felt. I sneezed suddenly, and quickly put my hand over my mouth.
"My, is that an engagement ring?" Mrs. Andrews gasped.
I nodded meekly, picking out the handkerchief from my coat pocket. Mrs. Andrews looked... Somewhat stunned.
"You mean…." She trailed off in pure disbelief.
"Yep. Me and Tommie are engaged!" I smiled proudly at her. Hadn't Tommie told her this?
"Oh my! I just need a few minutes to take this in. Get out of those muddy clothes, my dear." She tapped the pile of clothes on the bed. I saw her wedding rings glitter in the sunlight that was spilling through the light curtains. One day, I thought, I would be like her. I smiled at the very thought of it. Tommie with me, grey and old, surrounded by children... I hope.