Titanic- Come What May
Chapter 21
Rebecca stood in front of her mirror, mother and Kelly had left a moment ago so she could be alone for a few minutes. She looked at the woman who looked back at her reflection, her face was caked in makeup, and she truly looked stunning in her long white gown. She thought of Michael, and then she thought of Harold, praying beyond belief that their plan would work.
Kelly walked in, wearing a dark purple dress. Rebecca turned around, "I thought your dress was blue?"
"Mother thought this would match better with the flower arrangements. The other women all have light purple dresses. She had them all switched at the last minute. Is that an issue?"
"No, it's not. I was only wondering." Rebecca turned back toward the mirror.
"Nervous?" Kelly asked.
"A bit" she said.
Kelly ham up behind her and placed her hand on her shoulder. "It'll be alright, Bec. Everything is going to work out fine." They both stared into the mirror at each other.
"I hope your right Kelly," she said softly.
"I am right. Harold certainly wouldn't let you down..."
"Why did you emphasize on 'you'?"
"Well, he has yet to let you down, and that's all that matters..."
Rebecca sighed as then there was a knock on the door, Rebecca turned to look, "Come in." Then Mother walked in with the other bridesmaids and the flower girl.
There were her cousins Olivia and Josephine, along with an old friend of Rebecca's from school, Theresa, and a young woman who was the daughter of one of mother's friends, Margaret, all in lavender dresses. There was a young girl standing quietly beside them, Sophia, another cousin, who was dressed in a puffy light pink dress to be the flower girl.
"Hello," Rebecca said.
"Hello, Rebecca." All of the ladies said at once and curtsied politely.
"Is it time yet?" Rebecca asked, worry in her voice as she tried to keep down her nerves.
"Almost, we have to get you down to the church in a few minutes." mother stated.
"Alright..." Rebecca said softly before turning back to the mirror.
Mother sat down next to Rebecca. Kelly left the room, along with the four other bridesmaids and the flower girl.
"Well, today is your big day..." she said.
"Yes it is."
"I know that things have been very hard for you, since the sinking. But I want you to know I'm very proud of you for still going along with this wedding. You and Michael are going to have a wonderful life together." Mother smiled fakely, and even managed to squeeze a few tears out of her eyes.
"Right..." Rebecca looked down at her hands, trying to not make eye contact with her mother.
Mother grabbed Rebecca's hand and held them gently, causing Rebecca to look up at her, "This will be good for our family, dear. It is a good match." Then seeing she wasn't making much effect, "It's what your father would have wanted."
"I don't think so..." she muttered.
"You are going to get married today, and Kelly will be married next month. My two girls are all grown up. I'm so happy."
"We should probably go," Rebecca said softly.
"Oh yes, you're right." They both stood up. Rebecca walked out of the room, her mother behind her, dabbing her eyes with a white handkerchief.
Rebecca rolled her eyes in disgust and linked her arm with Kelly, "I'm getting married today..." she said.
"Oh really? I hadn't noticed. I thought you were just wearing this dress for the hell of it." Kelly joked.
Rebecca smiled since this was a sign that her sister may be becoming herself again.
They walked downstairs to the cars that would take them to the church.
The door man opened the car doors for them and everyone carefully climbed in.
In the car, Kelly held her sister's hand tightly.
They finally arrived at the large church and they all exited their cars. Together everyone walked up the steps up to the door.
Rebecca felt a bit nervous and smiled as the last of the guests arrived, all people she had never met, and she just assumed they must have been Michael's friends.
Everyone took their places. Sophia walked down the aisle with her basket of flower petals, throwing them harshly on the ground.
"Just breathe, Rebecca." Kelly said to her sister in the hall. Just through the door next to them was the wedding.
"I'm trying..." Rebecca said.
The bridesmaids walked down the aisle with their escorts, Michael's friends. George walked up to Kelly and Rebecca, "Ready, darling?" he asked sweetly, as if nothing had happened two days earlier.
She hesitated for a moment. "Yes, let's go." she linked arms with him and they walked forward. Kelly looked back at her sister, "Good luck." she mouthed.
"I love you," Rebecca mouthed back.
Just then a man who bore a striking resemblance to Rebecca and Kelly's father walked up, it was their Uncle Timothy. "Are you ready dear?" he asked. Rebecca nodded, "Yes..." she answered. They linked arms and then the Wedding March started up, everyone inside the sanctuary stood up. There in the last pew was Harold, Rebecca smiled at his slightly agape, stunned look. To Harold...she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and this just backed up his beliefs. They then began to walk and in a moment, Rebecca's hand was joined with Michael's.
The priest stood in front of them. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of Michael Christopher Sullivan and Rebecca Anne Hoffman in holy matrimony..."
Rebecca cringed slightly, but when Michael smiled at her, she returned the gesture.
Kelly watched as the wedding proceeded. She stared at the rows of guests and saw Harold in a seat near the back. She smiled slightly. He noticed this and smiled back. 'How long is he going to watch this for? When will he make his move?' she thought.
The wedding went on and then the Priest said, "Now...if anyone has any reason why these two shall not be married. Speak now, or forever hold your peace!"
"I do." a voice said. Everyone turned around to looked. It was Harold. He stood up and walked down the aisle quickly, coming to Rebecca, taking her in his arms, and kissing her as passionately as he ever had.
Rebecca grinned against his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck, causing people to gasp and instantly murmur quickly.
Kelly smiled as she watched them kiss. George was shocked. As was Michael, who pushed them apart, "What on earth do you think you're doing!?" he yelled.
"I'm sorry, Michael, but I cannot marry you." she grabbed Harold's hand and they both ran down the aisle and out the doors.
The whispering became louder as Mother went half way up the aisle, shouting her daughter's name.
The guests all got up and began to gossip. Michael kicked a stand with a vase on it, causing it to fall and shatter. George walked to Kelly and grabbed her arm roughly, "If you even think about running away from our wedding, I'll come after you, and I will find you. So don't you even dare try a stunt like this." he hissed in her ear.
Mother continued up the aisle a bit and then went running out of the church, the streets of New York City were busy and a few people walking stopped at the sight of this clearly distraught woman, "Rebecca!" she cried. "Rebecca Anne Hoffman!!" she screamed this time. But her daughter and Harold were no where to be found, tears were streaming down her face and she was sobbing loudly. People were still staring, but no one stopped to comfort the woman. Mother then fell to the cold stone church steps, sobbing into her hands.
Kelly walked down the steps slowly and quietly, walking behind her mother and placing her hand on her shoulder. "Mum?" she asked, "let's go back inside."
Mother turned her head sharply, she stood up and grabbed Kelly's wrist, "Where are they?! Where did he take her?!" she screamed.
Kelly stood frozen, "I- I don't know." she stuttered.
"Of course you know!! Rebecca tells you everything! Now tell me where they are!"
"I have no clue where they went off to. But if I had to guess, I'd say they'd go back to England. Where in England, I don't know. But don't blame me for any of this. Rebecca hardly said a thing to me."
Michael walked out towards them with an angry look on his face, "I can't believe this..." he said to himself.
Kelly looked at him and rolled her eyes.
"Kelly thinks they might be heading for England, we can go after her!" Mother said hurriedly.
"Mother, you'll never find them, no matter how hard you look. Face it, she's gone, and whatever life she'll have it will be a hell of a lot better than this."
Michael looked up sharply at Kelly, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"
"She never loved you or wished to be with you. On ther ship, she met Harold and they fell in love. He is the one for her, not you."
"She fell in love with a pathetic sailor over me?" her said sounding disgustedly.
Mother looked at Kelly, "I will not give up on her, I'm going to call the Police...and we will find her, I will make sure she does not get out of this city!"
"Leave her be, Mother. Just leave her be."
"What is with you girls, meeting sailors and falling in love with them. It's despicable. They are just dirty poor men looking for nothing more than a good time. Can't she see that?" Michael rambled.
"Harold is a good man. He actually cares about her. He won't cheat on her, Mr. Sullivan. Like you were planning to. Sir, I am going to decline your sick offer. You're a pig." Kelly snapped at him.
"Michael is absolutely right! Harold Lowe and Jim Moody were both dirty men who have probably had countless whores before you two came along. Jim never loved you and that Harold does not love Rebecca. He is not what is right for her. I knew from the minute he knocked on our door on the ship that he was going to be trouble, I should of done something about it, and not believed Rebecca's lies," Mother said.
Kelly slapped her mother right across the face, "Don't you dare ever say anything about Jim like that! Ever! He helped keep me alive! And Harold saved my life and Rebecca's. If it weren't for those men, you wouldn't have us at all!" Kelly screamed, "Perhaps I ought to go next!" she ran inside.
--
Kelly woke up the next morning to hear mother's nagging voice, she seemed to be on the phone, "I don't care what it takes, you must find her before she and that scum leave the city!"
Kelly rolled over onto her stomach, buried her head in her pillow and sighed.
"Mr. Michael Sullivan is willing to spend as much as possible in order to ensure her safe return," Mother said after a few minutes of silence.
Kelly walked out into the living room. "Mother, you aren't actually calling the police, are you?"
"Kelly, be quiet! I'm on the phone!" Mother screeched.
"Just let them be!" Kelly yelled back.
"Kelly Ann Hoffman! You will not take that tone of voice with me! Now let me talk to the police!" she shouted back.
Kelly gave up and walked to the kitchen for a glass of water.
Michael walked out of his bedroom, looking very unlike himself. He also went to the kitchen for a glass of water. He didn't say a thing to Kelly.
She stared at him curiously as he drank slowly.
"Mr. Sullivan," she said softy, "I... I want to let you know I'm very sorry that your wedding didn't go as planned."
"It's fine..." he mumbled, staring into his glass.
"Why are you so upset over this?" she asked, "You loved her, didn't you?"
"I actually did... Even though Rebecca wouldn't open up to me and I could tell she didn't love me at all, I still cared about her... A lot..."
"I'm sorry." Kelly said sympathetically.
"It's not your fault. I should've known better than to have trusted that Harold Lowe man. I could sense there was something going on..."
"Yes, on the Titanic the two of them had a secret relationship. But Harold really loves her, and he'll take care of her. She'll be happier. And you will find someone else."
"I want to apologize to you for the way I acted two days ago right here in the kitchen. I was rude."
"I accept your apology. Mr. Sullivan." she extended her hand. He did too and they shook hands politely. She pulled his hand and brought him closer, then stated sternly, "But if you ever have another fiancé, you better not ever treat her sister like that either."
He nodded and let go of her hand, moving back a step. He took another sip of his water, "Kelly, I heard about the Titanic..."
"What do you mean?" she looked at him, confused.
"About you and some officer... I heard that you loved him."
Tears came to her eyes as she thought back to it, "Yes. I loved him so much..."
"I'm sorry for your loss." he looked down at the floor. "It hurts to lose someone you love..."
Kelly wiped away a tear. "I know that all quite well..."
"I just want to let you know, even though I am no longer engaged to your sister, I'll still be around for a bit. If you ever need me, I'm here for you."
She stared at him curiously for a moment, and then smiled slightly. He smiled back and then went to drinking his water again.
Mother joined them, "The policemen in this city are so incompetent and stupid! They won't do anything since Rebecca is an adult who ran away on her own. This is ridiculous! Can't they see the man corrupted her into doing this!?"
"Harold didn't do anything. It's love." Kelly explained.
"They are idiots!"
Kelly rolled her eye, "Just shut it already!" she walked out of the room and into her bedroom.
She laid down in her bed and closed her eyes.
A tall man in a dark blue uniform approached me. I couldn't see him, but I could hear his footsteps. "Blimey, are you all right, miss? What happened?"
"I'll be fine. I just got a bit dizzy for a second. That is what I get for running around in this damned corset." I said. The young man laughed. He stretched out his hand to help me up.
Once I was standing up, I brushed herself off. "Thank you."
"Any time, Miss." He replied with a smile.
--
"Shh..." Jim hushed my giggling. He stood so close to me, that I thought I could almost feel his heart beat. His face came closer until I could feel his breath on my cheek.
We still didn't break eye contact. He moved even closer until he was right against her body, and our lips met. The kiss seemed to last for a lifetime, and we were both in feelings of complete ecstacy.
Jim had his hands on my hips, and my palms were flat against the wall on each side. The kiss went on and on, full of lust and passion.
--
He started kissing my neck, "I love you." He said sweetly.
"I love you too." I said back to him.
I let him undress me and I gave myself up to him, and let him do whatever he wanted. I gave him access to places no one had ever been.
He tried to go easy on me, knowing my lack of experience. Whenever it hurt, Jim kissed my tears softy, reminding me he loved me and that everything would be alright. Some parts were wonderful, and some parts were not, but when it was over, I laid in his arms, and I knew then I'd never feel more safe, nor would I ever feel more loved.
--
We quickly kissed one more time, and then snuck down into the peaceful halls of first class. I opened the door to my family's room.
We both went inside, and I shut the door quickly, nobody else was there. He pushed me against the wall, taking me by surprise and kissing me.
"We're all alone right now." I whispered.
"Good." He said, and I kissed him again, not letting go as we made their way to the bedroom.
We fell onto my bed and laid there for a few moments, looking into each other's eyes.
"I don't ever want to leave you." he said sweetly.
"You don't have to." I said back, and kissed him on the cheek.
He came on top of me and started kissing me passionately.
--
Jim pulled a ring out of his pocket.
"Where'd you get that?" I asked him.
"I've had it. Just waiting for the right girl to catch my attention and maybe take my breath away."
"Oh... wow... It's beautiful..."
"Kelly Ann Hoffman," He said softly, "Would you do me the honor of making me the happiest man alive and becoming my wife?"
"Yes!" I yelled happily and threw my arms around his neck. I kissed him on the cheek.
He slipped the ring onto my finger. Then he leaned forward and kissed me.
--
Jim had stopped moving. His breathing had slowed until it just ended all together. I placed my hand on his shoulder and shook him gently, "Jim? Jim, please, wake up." my voice got higher as I tried to hold back tears, "Jim... please..."
He was gone. "Jim!" I attempted to yell, but it came out as a sharp whisper.
"Wake up..." I cried, "Please... wake up..." my eyes filled with tears, but they wouldn't fall, "I need you..." I whispered softly.
Kelly's eyes snapped open again. The memories never went away. They were in her mind constantly and every time she closed her eyes it was like she was reliving it all.
She began to cry again.
George showed up, just as always. He walked into Kelly's room and sat down on the bed beside her as he had done a few days before.
"Good morning." he greeted with a fake smile.
"George, could I please just have a morning alone? I'm not feeling well." she muttered softly.
"But I don't see you enough."
"Well, on the Titanic you sure saw enough of me..."
"Let's just forget about that."
"Forget about it!? I can't! We need to talk about it... Why did you do it!?" she screeched.
"Because you told me that you had slept with Jim... I became jealous and I was angry and it just happened. It was out of anger and jealousy, and I'm sorry!"
"You hurt me. I don't understand you, George. One moment you're some awkward sweet guy, and then the next moment you're mean, angry, and possessive. You're like two different people. I don't get it. You say you love me, but if that's true why do you keep hurting me?"
"I do love you, and I only get this way because I don't want to lose you. I almost did, and I can't stand the thought of you leaving me."
"I think I'm going to be sick again... Excuse me." Kelly said as she covered her mouth and ran into the bathroom.
George sat their, confused.
She walked out and back into the bedroom.
"Are you alright?" he asked her.
"Yeah... Yes, I'm perfectly fine."
"You don't seem fine. Should I be worried?"
"Don't worry."
He stood up and went over to her, placing his hand on her shoulder, "You don't look fine. You look unnaturally pale. From what I've heard you hardly eat anymore. You sleep more than usual. And you just ran into the bathroom to throw up. Now to me, you seem ill."
"I'm fine, just leave me alone."
"Alright..." he agreed.
"I think I'd like to spend some time by myself today, George, perhaps you should go home."
He hesitated for a moment and then nodded, "Fine, I'll leave. But I'll call later to make sure you're alright."
She led him out of the room and to the door. "Goodbye." he said softly and kissed her on the cheek.
She shut the door and turned around to lean against it. She sighed loudly.
There was a knock on the door. She groaned and turned around quickly and pulled the door open, "George, will you ever just g-" she then noticed this wasn't her fiancé at the door. This was a young dark haired lady. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I thought you were somebody else. How may I help you?"
"An Ellen Hoffman invited me. My name is Grace Morley," the girl answered.
"Morley? Are you related to George Morley?" Kelly asked.
"Well there is a George in our family...I'm not sure if it's the George you speak of," she answered.
"Oh... well, anyway, come in." Kelly let her walk into the room. "Please do sit down. Make your self comfortable."
George ran back to the room and walked into the door. "Kelly, I just realized something." he was breathing heavily, likely from running up the stairs.
"And what would that be?"
"I'm a man." he said.
"Umm... congratulations?" she replied sarcastically.
"No, I mean, I'm a man and I'm supposed to take care of you. If you're sick, I should be here with you. And you can't make me leave."
"George, I'm fine. Really. And if you can't already see, we have company."
He saw the lady sitting there on the couch. "Oh, well hello, miss." he greeted, walking over, grabbing her hand gently and kissing it politely. "It's an honor to make the acquaintance of such a beautiful young woman."
Kelly rolled her eyes. "George, meet Grace Morley. Possibly your relative."
He dropped her hand and backed up, "Oh, I'm sorry. Uh..."
Grace giggled. "It's fine. And I'm very flattered. I can now see the resemblance between us a bit, it'd be hard to not believe we're cousins."
"So you're my cousin and we've never met before?" he asked.
"Yes." she smiled. "And I'm here to meet Mrs. Hoffman and her daughters. Apparently I'm her daughters' half sister."
"What?" Kelly and George both asked at the same moment.
Just then Mother walked out of her bedroom, "Kelly I heard the door, who was it?" she asked, she then saw Grace sitting on the sofa, "Oh Grace! You're here!" the woman cried.
Grace stood up, "Hello, Mrs. Hoffman. Thank you for inviting me to visit."
"You're quite welcome, dear." Mother said sweetly.
"Mum... Could you please tell me what's going on?" Kelly asked.
"Well... I was planning to tell you this sooner. See, your father had an affair with your mother, and also with George's aunt, Mrs. Morley's sister, Judith. Grace is George's cousin, and also your half sister. I hope you don't mind."
"Are you kidding me, mum!?" Kelly screamed. "You couldn't have told me about this back when you told me I wasn't your daughter? How many other siblings do I have hidden out there?"
"There are no others." mother answered.
"Why didn't you tell me before? And why did you bring her here all of a sudden?" Kelly asked.
"I wanted to see her...and I wanted you to meet her. Before we went on the Titanic I had learned of the second affair. Then on the ship while talking to Mrs. Morley, I learned of her sister giving birth to a girl twenty years ago. I knew she must be you're sister. Then soon after arriving in New York I contacted her and now here she is," Mother explained.
"Unbelievable..." Kelly said and collapsed onto the couch.
"I hope I haven't caused any trouble..." Grace said.
"You haven't, it was caused about 17 and a half years ago..." Kelly explained.
"Wait... so I'm marrying my cousin's half sister, which makes her like, a half cousin? Weird..." George said to himself.
Kelly rolled her eyes.
"George darling why don't you run along. The three of us need to talk," Mother said quickly.
"Oh, yes, of course. You ladies go ahead and talk. Good bye." he said as he went for the door, and then softly said "Bye Kelly." as he shut the door behind him.
Mother looked at the door for a moment and then smiled at Grace, "Can I get you anything to drink dear?" she asked.
Grace nodded, "I would love a cup of tea. It is not to much trouble."
"Not at all, I'll call up one of the Hotel maids," Mother answered.
"Oh well I do not wish to cause them trouble," Grace said quickly.
"None at all dear," Mother said before leaving the room.
Grace then looked at Kelly, "So were sisters then," she said kindly.
"Yes, I suppose we are." Kelly replied.
"Where's our other sister? Rebecca, I think is her name." Grace asked.
"Oh, well she actually left her fiancé at the alter yesterday to run away with the man she really loves."
"Wow..." Grace said.
"Yeah." Kelly laughed.
"That's a bit scandalous," Grace commented.
"Yes, it is. I'm surprised it hasn't been in the papers yet."
At that moment, Michael walked in holding the New York Times. "Have you people seen this? 'Son of Millionaire Christopher Sullivan, Michael, was to have been married yesterday morning, but in a shocking turn of events, his bride to be, Rebecca Hoffman, daughter of the late Thomas Hoffman and survivor of the Titanic sinking, ran off with an officer from the ship who sources say was a very close friend of hers while on board the ship. She hasn't been seen since. Her younger sister, Kelly, is to be married to George Morley, both of them also being survivors of the Titanic sinking, next month.'" he read out loud.
Grace raised an eyebrow, "That was a bit odd. We speak of it and then he comes in with the newspaper..." she said.
"Yes, it is." Kelly said and stood up, "I'm so sorry, Michael." she looked at him.
"I've never felt so embarrassed in my life." he sat down.
Grace then asked, "So, Kelly, you're going to marry my cousin?"
"Yes... unfortunately... aren't I just so lucky?" Kelly asked sarcastically.
"Oh he can't be that bad...can he?"
Kelly sighed, "you two don't know him the way I do..."
"Oh..." Just then mother returned, "The maids will be up in just a moment with tea," she said.
"Thank you." Grace said.
Michael stood up, "Well, I suppose I better go and... do something..." he walked out quietly.
"I could strangle Rebecca..." Mother commented as she watched Michael walk out.
"Mother! She's your only daughter! How dare you say that!" Kelly yelled.
"Well what she's put Michael through?!"
"She never loved him and never would. He would have put her through worse if they'd married. You can't force someone to love someone else..."
"Why not? I was."
"And you're doing the same thing to me... You know how it feels. It's not right."
"Kelly...we have company...we will not discuss this right now," Mother said, trying to avoid answering her daughter.
Grace was silent for a moment and then looked up at Mother, "If you two need to discuss something, I can come back later," she offered.
"No dear...no need for that," suddenly there was a knock on the door, "That would be the tea. Just sit a moment," mother said as she rushed over to the door.
Mother came back a second later with a cup of tea and handed it to Grace.
"Thank you, ma'am." she said.
Mother smiled.
Kelly grabbed her by the arm quickly and pulled her into another room.
"What on earth are you doing? You brought her here for some reason and I'd really like to know what. Why'd you bring her out here"
"I thought it was only right that you meet her."
"Oh, that is a lie. You kept the truth about me a secret, and it's not like you care. What's the truth?"
"Alright, fine. At first I thought maybe it might be nice to bring this girl out here. But now that Rebecca is gone, I thought perhaps if we match Michael up with Grace he wouldn't abandon our family."
"Are you insane!?" Kelly screamed.
"Kelly do not talk to me in that tone of voice! If my plan works out I will be taken care of for the rest of my life," she replied.
"So what, you're gonna marry me off to George for his family's money, and then somehow trick that poor girl into marrying Michael so you get his money and perhaps some of her money? You're using Mr. Sullivan and the Morley's for their money and that's not right, especially since you're not even giving a thought to what anyone really wants."
"I see now that my parents were right in marrying me off to you're father! I need to be protected, now...I do not want to hear of this any longer! Alright?"
"You pushed one daughter to the point of running away... Do you really want to lose another one?"
"You wouldn't dare!"
Kelly laughed, "Or would I? I'm tired of this shit, Mother!"
Mother gasped, "Kelly!"
"No, Mother, listen to me! Remember this fact. Love will always triumph over money."
"Well you're 'love' is dead, isn't he?" Mother snarled.
Kelly didn't say anything. Tears came to her eyes again as she stood there. "I despise you..." she whispered as she fled the room, walking past Michael and Grace in the living room and then into her own bedroom where she collapsed onto the bed and sobbed.
--
"Do you Harold Godfrey Lowe, take this woman to be you're wife? To love and to cherish her, through sickness and health, richer and poorer, till death do you part?"
Harold grinned at the woman standing beside him, "I do."
The judge smiled, "Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss you're bride," he said.
Harold turned to Rebecca and pulled her veil up, she grinned at him and within seconds their lips were joined. Once they pulled apart they grinned at the Judge, "Thank you," they both said.
"It was my pleasure Mr. and Mrs. Lowe."
Rebecca and Harold then held each other's hands and then turned around and left the building.
Once back at their hotel room, Harold picked his bride up and carried her over the threshold. He kicked the door closed behind him and then carried her over to the bed, he set her down and then sat down beside her.
"Hi," he said softly.
"Hi," she replied.
"Now we can do stuff legally," he said as he raised his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.
Rebecca giggled, but a second later it was cut off by Harold's lips against hers.
When they pulled apart Harold grinned, "I love you Mrs. Lowe," he whispered gently in her ear.
"I love you too... Mr. Lowe," Rebecca whispered back.
--
Two weeks later, Mother was sitting on the couch beside Mrs. Morley. The two of them were looking at a guest list and figuring out a seating arrangement for the upcoming wedding. "Let's place grace next to Michael. The two of them seem to get along." Mother smiled. "And I will be next to them. Kelly and George will sit with us and you will be next yo your son."
"Sounds lovely." Mrs. Morley stated.
Kelly walked out. She saw the two ladies chatting and Grace was in a chair sewing.
There was a knock at the door. Grace hopped up to open it.
It was a man holding a few envelopes. Grace took them from him and thanked him. "There's a letter from my mother, and one for Mr. Sullivan here, and another letter for me from my aunt Louise. And Kelly, here's one for you. There's no return address on it.
She took it and opened it curiously.
Dear Kelly,
We're keeping our promise. We're coming to get you. Be ready for us around midnight on the night of the 16th of May. We'll come for you, and you have to have a bag packed. Don't tell anyone. The three of us will be leaving for England immediately on the RMS Joannic. We miss you.
Sincerely, Harold and Rebecca.
She smiled. It was May 16th. They would be coming for her that night.
"Kelly, who was it from?" Grace asked.
"Oh, just an old friend of mine from school."
"That's nice." Grace went back to her sewing
Kelly folded it up and slid it discreetly inside her dress.
--
That night, Kelly laid in bed, holding the letter to her chest. She sat up and began to gather some clothes and other necessities. Being the only one awake in the house, she was the only person who heard the light knock on the door. She walked out of her room and opened it quietly. She wrapped her arms around the tall man standing there, "Harold," she whispered excitedly, "I've miss you!"
He laughed softly, "We've missed you too. Me and my wife."
"Oh, congratulations." she smiled.
"Thank you," he smiled back, "now do you have everything you need?"
"Yes, give me a second." she tip-toed back into her bedroom, grabbed her bag and shut off the light, leaving it behind.
Harold took the bag from Kelly and then his free hand grasped hers, they both silently went to the door. They opened it just as quietly as Harold had opened it and escaped. Once Harold was outside he let go of Kelly's hand and turned on a flashlight, flashing it twice. Then a black car came up to the sidewalk and the door opened. In the back was Rebecca, who took Kelly's bag from Harold and set it at her feet.
They entered the vehicle and shut the door. "Rebecca!" Kelly attacked her sister with a tight hug.
Rebecca let out a sigh of relief and held onto her sister like she would never let go.
"Go, drive," Harold ordered to the man driving. The man nodded and then the car sped off into the night.
--
The next morning there was a knock on the door. Mother answered it. There stood George. "Good morning, Mrs. Hoffman."
"Good morning, George, dear. I'll go get Kelly. She's being so strange lately, sleeping the day away. It's unacceptable."
They both walked into her bedroom. Mother gasped and walked over to her daughter's bed. "Where is she?"
Grace woke up. "What's going on?"
"She's gone!?" George was shocked.
"Who's gone?"
Mother nearly collapsed.
George sat down on the bed, and looked down at the floor. Something caught his eye. He picked up the letter from the floor and glanced at it for a moment, "Ma'am, I think I know where your daughter went..."
--
Rebecca took Harold's hand as he helped her to step out of the car. She looked up at the ship they were about to board. "I wish there was some other way of traveling to England," she said wistfully before getting her bag out of the trunk of the car.
Kelly looked up at it too. "I don't think I can do this..."
Rebecca looked at her sister and went over to her, "You can do it," she said.
"Were going to be braving this together, and after the incident with the Titanic they have really cracked down on these things. More lifeboats on every ship, and of course they've already ruled that the Titanic was going too fast. This ship won't go nearly as fast as the Titanic, so we have no worries. Yes it's nerve wracking, but were going to do it. It's the only way," she said.
--
George sat in a taxi that was going nowhere at the moment, "Can we go a bit faster please?"
"There's traffic, I'm sorry sir." the driver said.
"I need to get to the docks immediately! My fiancé is leaving me!"
"Well then," said the driver, "perhaps she left you because of your temper and impatience..."
George glared at him and then crashed back against his seat, crossed his arms, and was silent.
--
"Here let me take the bags," Harold said as he took pried them out of Rebecca's hands. She rolled her eyes and then took hold of her sisters arm before heading over to the gangplank, followed by her husband.
--
The taxi was finally moving and they made it to the docks. George jumped out, throwing a hundred dollar bill at the driver and he ran to find the ship.
--
Harold followed her and after they made it inside the officer behind them closed the door, the ship was no longer admitting passengers. "Harold love, where are we supposed to be?" she asked. "We have room..." he paused, "33 A," he answered.
--
George spotted the ship and ran for it. An officer stopped him, "Sir, I'm sorry but we're no longer admitting any passengers."
"Please, I have to get on that ship, my fiance is on there!"
The ship's whistle blew and they started to move.
"No!" George yelled. The officer was holding him back as he struggled. "Kelly!"
He was too late.
--
They walked through the crowded hallway to reach their room. Harold opened the door. He dropped the bags on one of the two large beds in the room.
"Kelly, you can sleep there. Rebecca and I will stay in this bed here. If you'd like to take a nap, go right ahead. We'll unpack."
"No, no, I'm fine..." Kelly said. Then she felt sick. "Where's the bathroom?" she said, while lifting her hand up to her mouth.
"It should be over there." Harold pointed to a door.
Kelly ran by, into the bathroom, and shut the door.
"Is she alright?" Harold asked.
"She's been feeling a bit ill for a while. She started getting like this about a week after the sinking. She keeps denying anything's wrong. But I'm worried."
Harold looked down at the floor. "I think I know what it could be..."
"What? What is wrong with her? Tell me." Rebecca urged.
"I remember this happening to my mother when she'd had my younger siblings... There is a chance that perhaps she might be expecting..."
"Kelly? A mother? Oh dear... I hope not..." Rebecca rested her head on Harold's shoulder.
Kelly walked out of the bathroom, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She saw Harold and Rebecca staring at her. "It's just sea sickness. Don't worry."
Harold and Rebecca stared at each other. He sighed, "Well, perhaps you should go to the doctor and have him check you out. Just to make sure you're alright."
"Fine. I'll go later." she agreed.
Kelly sat on the floor, pulling clothing out of her bag and folding it neatly to place it in the dresser.
"So we saw in the paper the ruckus we caused, how was mother?" Rebecca asked as she began to help Kelly.
"She was calling the police, telling them to look for you. She actually invited someone else to stay with us, almost like she wanted to replace you."
Rebecca raised an eyebrow, "Who was that?"
"Grace Morley. Apparently Father did have a second affair before either of us were born and it was with Mrs. Morley's sister! So our half-sister is George's cousin. Isn't that bizarre?"
"We have a half sister?!" Rebecca cried. Just as she said this Harold walked in, "What?" he asked.
"We have another sister. Her name is Grace." Kelly explained.
"Oh... isn't two of you enough?" he laughed.
Rebecca hit her husband lightly on the arm, "Be quiet and help unpack," she said.
They all continued to unpack the bags. "And the worst part of this is that Mother is attempting to set up a marriage between Michael and Grace."
"Anything to get some money," Rebecca commented.
"Yes, she's afraid that he'll abandon our family and she won't have anything."
They finished unpacking. "Harold and I are going for a walk around the deck. Would you like to join us?"
"No thanks." Kelly answered, "I think I'll just stay here."
"Alright, you should get some rest."
They left. After the door shut, Kelly walked out too, but going someplace else.
--
Kelly walked into the small office. A woman wearing white stood in front of her. "Good morning, is there anythin' I can help you with?"
"Yes, I need to see the doctor."
"Alright, and what is the reason?"
"I'm experiencing sea sickness and I need to see the doctor as soon as possible to ask him a few questions." she explained.
"Okay, follow me." The woman led her to an area behind a curtain. "Dr. Hanley will be right with you."
Kelly sat there silently. She took a deep breath as she stared down at her stomach.
"Miss, can I help you?" a tall gentleman walked in.
"Yes, my name is Kelly Hoffman, and I was wondering if you could help me."
"What seems to be the problem?" Dr. Hanley asked.
"Well... I've been getting ill everyday. I tend to vomit a lot. I feel sick. Everyone says I look pale and I seem different..."
"Miss Hoffman, when was the last time you had your monthly?"
"Sometime in March... I was supposed to get it towards the end of April, but it never happened... And I know what this must be leading to..."
"Have you had sexual intercourse with a man recently? If you feel comfortable telling that information to me."
"It's fine. And yes I have. On the Titanic..."
"You're a survivor?" he asked curiously.
"Yes..." she answered solemnly.
"Did your partner survive?"
"No, he did not."
"I'm so sorry, miss."
The doctor placed his hand on her shoulder, "Well, if your monthly is late and you have recently had intimate relations with a man, it looks to me as though you are experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy. You're constant vomiting is morning sickness. If you only had intercourse in the middle of April then you're child is due in January."
Kelly looked down.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah..." she lied, "I'll be fine." she left the office.
--
Harold walked into the bathroom and saw Kelly on the floor, leaning over the toilet. "Oh, I'm sorry... I'll just go..." He turned. Then he turned back, "Kel... what's going on?"
"It's sea-sickness..."
"No it's not. You were fine on the Titanic. And even on the Carpathia. I think I know what's wrong. What did the doctor say?" he asked gently.
"Harold..." she said softly, "I'm pregnant." she began crying.
He kneeled beside her and draped his arm over her, "It'll be alright. We're going to help you through this all the way. Don't you worry at all. You won't be doing this alone."
"I have a bigger problem... I don't know who the father of my child is." she began crying even harder.
He patted her back comfortingly while he looked down at the floor, realizing what she meant.
"I really hope the baby is Jim's, but there's a chance it might be George's. And either way I'm unmarried, and people are going to know what I did, and they'll say what a slut I am, and everyone is going to judge me..."
"No one is going to judge you. And if they do, I'll take care of them."
"I really hope it's Jim's child... I pray to God that this baby is the product of love, not of force..." she said softly through her sobs.
"It's all going to be fine..." he whispered, trying to calm her down.
She placed her hand on her stomach, "I hope so..."
--
Sorry it has taken a while. This chapter was supposed to be two seperate ones but it ended up being one whole. There is a lot of new things that have happened that will effect the story. We have a lot more planned and will work on that. Becky will not have much computer access for a few weeks. But we'll attmept to manage. Thanks for reading this chapter and please review. We love you people! -Kell.