11

Open Ocean
April 11, 1912 | 07:45
(Originally Published 4/26/17)


A cold, calm sea stretched before Lightoller as he stood watch, gloved hands folded dutifully behind his back.

He was quiet as he gazed across the glimmering ocean, breathing in the smell of saltwater, blue eyes fixed on even bluer waves. The morning fog had burned away at long last, and now there was only sunlight—crisp and dazzling and white—washing everything from the telegraphs to the pine decking beneath his feet.

The bridge was bright and airy as usual, dead silent but still brimming with tireless energy as crew and officers alike ambled through. And although Lightoller had spent the greater part of his morning barking out orders and reviewing the ship's course, there was a good deal of work to attend to before their arrival in Queenstown. His watch would end early, for one thing, and then he'd report to the gangways for boarding duty while Officer Wilde would man the bridge in his place.

But as Lightoller faced the motionless stretch of glassy sea, with the roar of water in his ears and the murmur of Titanic's engines far beneath him, he found himself thinking not only of his work, but of his wife…


A/N

It seems Will and Esther are finally moving past their issues! About time, right? Next chapter is 'The Dinner.' I thought it would be a while until my next upload due to school obligations, but I actually had time to write yesterday and I couldn't stop so it's about 95% finished. Lol. I should have it uploaded sometime next week!

I wish I had more time to reply to reviews but I just want to say thank you to Luna, LaueeeCarter, E, EndlessOcean9, LightsLover7, LoveFiction2017, Newsie35, MandiMojo49, and glitterstar7 for taking the time to share your thoughts! I loved hearing what you guys think haha. Hope you liked this chapter! C: