A/N: And here I thought I couldn't anger you guys any more than I already did. I must say, I am impressed with myself. To make it up to you, I will guarantee one thing: there will be no "Jack and Rose" moment in the ocean whatsoever. I have my own way of how these characters are going to die, and not all are going to be frozen to death. Also, the depictions of the sinking are going to be based on the CGI model James Cameron produced three years ago, not the one from the movie, as he has shown that to be inaccurate.
Sunday, April 14, 1912; 11:46 PM, six minutes after collision
"This can't be happening. This cannot be happening."
Helga paced along the boat deck, avoiding the area where ice had fallen. It had been a few minutes since Titanic had struck the iceberg, and the engines have stopped, sending Helga into a panic.
"Please calm down, Helga," Arnold asked her, trying to maintain his composure. It wouldn't help if the both of them were pacing like mad people. "I'm sure there is a logical reason as to why the engines stopped. They're probably assessing the damage to see if everything is fine before we start sailing again. Or they think that stopping for the night is best because of the berg and they do not want to run the chance of hitting another one. No matter the reason, panicking is not going to help."
Helga nodded and slowed her pace. "You're right," she conceded. "There must be a perfectly reasonable explanation. After all, the ship's unsinkable. Nothing bad can happen to it."
"Precisely," Arnold replied, moving closer to her. Just then, the engines roared back to life and Titanic began to move once again. "You see? There's nothing to worry about. We're moving once again and everything is fine."
"I think it would be best if I return to my room," Helga decided, trying to catch her breath. "I'm just so flustered from what happened that I'm exhausted. I really need to go and rest. Can whatever you need to say wait until tomorrow?"
Arnold nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. Why does it appear that the universe does not want him to tell Helga of his love for her? "I'll escort you back to your room," he stated, extending his arm out to her. She accepted it, and the two went back inside the ship, feeling the warm air blast into their faces as they came back inside.
"Hopefully we can find a way to meet again tomorrow," Helga said as they walked the corridors. Arnold looked at her curiously.
"Does that mean you have missed me when I have not been around?" he asked.
Helga rolled her eyes. "Don't let the sentiment go to your head, Football Head," she scoffed. "You're one of the few people on this ship with whom I can have a decent conversation."
"If that's what you say, Helga," Arnold chuckled.
"It is," she smirked. "And don't you dare forget it." They continued walking down towards their room when something, or lack of something, made them stop in their tracks.
"The engines have stopped again," Arnold observed. He could see Helga starting to get nervous again, and quickly pulled her along the hallways to get her in the safety of her room. A familiar noise rang out, causing both blondes to cringe.
"My, my, isn't this ever so surprising?"
"I really should get back downstairs," Patty said as she stood up from the bench with Harold following her. The engines have stopped once again, and it was enough to concern Patty. "I need to figure out what is going on. I have a feeling that I will need to calm a lot of passengers as to the reason we aren't moving."
"Do you think it could be serious?" Harold asked as they started walking downstairs.
"I'm not sure," Patty replied. "But I need to find out. It probably isn't anything. We probably just stopped because of ice. Hitting that berg must have made them think it would be best to stop for the night to prevent any further damage."
"I guess so," Harold agreed. It was like she mentioned before. The ship was unsinkable. They mostly likely stopped for the night and will be back sailing come morning. "I'm going to look for Sid and Stinky and tell them what we saw. They said they would be in the smoking room, but we'll probably go to bed, with it being late and all."
"Sounds like a plan," Patty replied. "If I find out anything, I'll be sure to come and tell you and the others immediately."
"In this case, I hope not to see you until the morning." Harold gave Patty a light kiss as they parted ways. Harold headed on that deck towards the smoking room while Patty continued her way downstairs to the servant's quarters. She was stopped several times by passengers who noticed the ship had stopped. She was unable to provide answers, instead telling them that she will find out for them what is happening. There was no need to cause panic by telling them she saw an iceberg pass them. She was once again stopped by another passenger just before escaping into the safety of the crew passage. This time, it was a passenger she did not wish to see.
"What's going on?" Eugene asked curiously. "The engines have stopped working. Has something happened?"
"I'm not sure," Patty lied. She was about to leave when Eugene stood in front of her, eyeing her carefully.
"You're hiding something," Eugene observed. "You may not know everything, but you know something. Now tell me the truth, or do I need to remind you what will happen if you defy my commands?"
Patty sighed, hating having to be put into this situation. "We struck an iceberg about twenty minutes ago," she replied. "I don't know how much damage it caused, if any, but all I do know is that I need to head to my post and await further instruction."
"Just make sure to let me know all that you learn," Eugene threatened. "It won't be good for you should you neglect to inform me."
Eugene moved to the side and allowed Patty to pass by. As she walked down the crew passage, she noticed a sudden shift in the ship's movement. Patty soon found herself leaning towards the port side of the ship, and covering her ears from the screeching that came from the holding area for the funnels. Worried, she ran to find the rest of the stewards.
A rapid knocking came from the other side of Rhonda's door. When there was no reply, the door was opened by Nadine. She turned on the lights, stirring both Rhonda and Curly from their slumber.
"What on earth?" Rhonda groaned as the light shined into her eyes.
"Pardon my intrusion, Miss Lloyd, but I fear there is something wrong with the ship," Nadine informed her employer. "The engines have stopped running. They started again several minutes ago but did not last for five minutes. Passengers are starting to roam the corridors, wondering what is happening."
Curly groaned and sat up, startling Nadine. "My apologies, Nadine," he replied. "I can see you were not expecting to see me here. I guess it's best for me to check with the rest of the crew and see if they know what is going on around here. I suggest that you two wait here until you receive further instruction. There's no need to fear. It's probably just a precaution."
"If that's all it is, then why must you go?" Rhonda asked as Curly began dressing. Nadine shielded her eyes in order to prevent from seeing Curly so immodest.
"I might have orders to calm the passengers or something of that sort," Curly explained. "I'm afraid that I won't be able to hide away this time. They will come looking for me if I'm not at my post."
Rhonda waved her hand at him to go. He bid his farewells to both Rhonda and Nadine before exiting the room and into the corridors. "Nadine, being me my robe, will you?" Rhonda asked when they were alone. Nadine obeyed, and draped it over her mistress.
"I apologize for my rash intrusion, miss," Nadine said once Rhonda was fully covered. "I'm just fearful something is wrong with the ship."
"Like Curly said, it is probably nothing that requires our concern," Rhonda concluded. "Why don't you make a pot of tea? Not to mention, we are on the safest ship in the world. Like the papers said, 'God himself could not sink this ship.'"
"Yes, miss," Nadine replied as she prepared the tea. Even though everyone has said they were safe on Titanic, Nadine cannot help but worry that there was something wrong with the grand ship. "Do you believe that Curly will be able to find if something is wrong?"
"If there is a reason to be concerned, he will be notified," Rhonda said without a beat missing. "And he will tell us immediately. Now stop being paranoid. You're starting to frighten me."
"Sorry, miss," Nadine said as she finished the tea. She poured some into a cup and brought it to Rhonda. "Is there anything else you require of me, miss?"
"Not at the moment," Rhonda replied. "You can have yourself a cup if you would like."
"Thank you, miss," Nadine smiled. She balanced herself as the ship tilted. She looked over at Rhonda, who shrugged. As Nadine began to pour herself a cup, a loud whistling noise made its way into the room. Nadine was so shocked by the noise that she dropped the cup onto the floor and continued to pour tea onto the carpet.
"Nadine!" Rhonda yelled over the whistling. "Look what you have done! It'll stain the carpet! Clean it up!"
"Sorry, miss!" Nadine yelled back. She placed the pot on the table and grabbed a towel. She hurried to the bathrooms to grab some cold water. On the way, she was stopped by a steward she doesn't know.
"Beg your pardon, miss," he said. "But we ask that you and your employer go up to the boat deck. Make sure to dress warmly and bring your lifejacket."
Nadine began to worry. "Is everything all right?"
"There's no need to be alarmed," the steward answered. "It's merely a boat drill."
"This late at night?" Nadine questioned, but the steward was already gone. Deciding it was best to do as told, Nadine scurried off back to Rhonda's room, forgetting about the tea stain.
Lila woke to an unusual silence. It struck her odd to wake up so early, but there was something peculiar. She then noticed it. It was completely silent. She had grown accustomed to the hum of the engine lulling her to sleep. When it went away, she came out of her sleep. Curious as to why the engines were no longer running, she out on her robe and left the room.
As she entered the hallway, Lila noticed it was still barren. She began to wander the corridors in search of any life. She soon ran into someone. It turned out to be a steward who appeared to be disheveled.
"Excuse me, but why have the engines stopped ever so suddenly?" Lila asked the steward. The steward frowned at he looked upon her. Lila frowned as well. "Can't you speak, or are you oh so dumb?"
The steward shook his head. "Sorry, miss, but I am unsure of the reason behind the sudden stop of the engines. I shall be on my way to find out myself. You're Miss Sawyer, are you not?"
"That is ever so correct," Lila answered softly. She should have known that even the crew knew who she was. "Might I ask how you know about me?"
"From Miss Lloyd's maid," he replied. "At least, that is who I was told first mentioned about your… past."
Lila tried her to keep her composure, but she was fuming inside. So it was the maid that opened her mouth. When did she grow a backbone? Lila always knew Nadine to be so timid, so it surprised and angered Lila to find out what she did. Lila walked off without thanking the steward, allowing the anger to consume her. Soon, her eyes delivered a new target, causing her to smile devilishly.
"My, my, isn't this ever so surprising?" she asked the two people standing in front of her, their backs in her direction. The two stopped and turned to reveal themselves as the one Lila loves, and the one Lila loathes.
"What do you want, Lila?" Arnold asked, slightly irritated.
"I only want to know why you two are together," Lila said innocently. "If I remember oh so correctly, Olga told me that you two were not allowed to see each other. It would be ever so bad if Mr. Pataki found out about this. I'm oh so certain he would not be happy to hear this."
"Nice try, Lila," Helga remarked. "But you don't know my father like I do. I know at this moment, he is so drunk and caught up in his gambling that he won't remember anything you say to him. Not to mention he is in the smoking room, in which women are not allowed entry."
Lila smirked, not fazed by the obstacle. "I may not be able to tell your father myself," she said. "He wouldn't believe me anyways. But there is someone that he listens to, who just so happens to listen to me."
Helga scowled. She may have despised Lila for trying to take Arnold, but pinning Olga against her crossed the line.
"You listen here," Helga seethed. "You mention one word of this to Olga, and I swear I'll bash your brains in. You are a lowly creature to cause a rift between a family. And I swear before you, Arnold, and God himself that I will do what I can to make sure you never come anywhere near us again."
Lila chuckled. "Your threats are ever so meaningless," she smirked. "Olga will never believe you over me. I may be a farmer's daughter, but at least I'm not the family embarrassment. And seeing the family from which you come, that is really saying something."
Helga couldn't take it anymore. Her heart was racing. Her teeth gritted against one another. Without thinking, she lifted her hand and lashed it across Lila's freckled face. Lila's face turned to the side, her hand holding over her stinging skin.
"You bitch!" Lila spat, then looked over to Arnold. "Can't you see for what she truly is? She isn't even human!"
"She's more of a human than you are," Arnold replied. "At least she doesn't lie to hurt others around her in order to reach the top. Now, you are not going to speak a word of this to anyone. If you do, so help me God, I will ruin you."
Tears began to fill Lila's eyes. She hated to see him mad at her. As she moved closer to him, a sudden slant in the ship caused Lila to fall to her knees and wrapped herself around Arnold's legs. "I'm ever so sorry, Arnold," Lila cried. "I only wish you can see how much I love you and how mad it makes me to see that you love-"
A loud whistle rang out, overpowering Lila's voice. The three placed their hands over their ears.
"What is going on?" Helga yelled.
"I think they are releasing steam from the boiler rooms!" Arnold shouted back, then looking at Lila. "I don't care for your reasons for your behavior, nor do I want any more of it. You can try all you want to say that you love me, but what you have done is not love. It's appalling and I want no association with it. I know there must have been a good person inside you at one point, and I hope you will be able to find that goodness again. But for now, leave Helga and me alone, for right now, we have other concerns that do not include you."
Grabbing Helga, the two blondes continued on their way to Helga's suite, leaving Lila kneeling on the floor, crying. Helga followed, stunned by what just occurred. She didn't know what shocked her more: that she slapped Lila or that Arnold talked to her in such a way.
"How did it feel to finally slap her?" Arnold asked. Helga looked at him.
"I'll let you know when I recover," she answered, causing Arnold to laugh. His laughter eased Helga, but not much. The sudden change of the angle of the ship and the whistling were becoming too much to handle. Helga began to suspect something must be wrong. "There must be someone who knows what is going on around here."
Arnold looked up and saw just the person who would know, just a few doors away from Helga's suite. "Mr. Andrews!" Arnold exclaimed, rushing over to him. Mr. Andrews stopped in his place, now fully dressed and holding a life jacket in his hands as the two blondes came towards him. "Just the man I was hoping to find. Do you know what is going on? We were up on deck earlier and we saw an iceberg passing by. We heard it hit against the ship and we wonder if there has been any damage."
Andrews looked to Helga, who had a panicked look on her face. Andrews remained a calm expression.
"There is nothing to worry about," he told the two young blondes. "There is minor damage to the hull. But because of this, the captain suggests that we have a lifeboat drill. I suggest you dress warmly and bring your lifejackets. Helga, you might want to alert your mother and sister so they can join you on the boat deck."
Helga looked at Andrews carefully. "Mr. Andrews, you would tell me if something serious was occurring, correct? You wouldn't hide anything just to spare my feelings, because you know I can handle it."
"I know very well that you can," Andrews answered. "And I am telling you right now that there is no need to panic. This is all a drill, but I ask that you take part in it."
Helga nodded, appearing to accept what he said. "I better go wake up Phoebe, Mother and Olga," she decided. "It may take some time to get them ready, but I will make sure to be up on the deck soon. Arnold, will you wait for us?" He nodded.
"That's a good girl," Andrews replied as she headed to her room. He breathed a huge sigh that Arnold noticed well.
"So what is really going on?" Arnold asked. He could tell that Andrews was just trying to comfort Helga and hiding the truth. "Don't lie to me."
Andrews closed his eyes. "The ship is sinking. There isn't much time. Perhaps an hour or two. I need you to make sure the Pataki women get on a lifeboat. Don't wait, and don't tell them the truth. I don't want to be responsible for a panic."
Arnold stood there in silence. Was this really happening? This majestic ship was hours away from plummeting down to the bottom of the Atlantic? Arnold looked at Andrews, who had the truth in his eyes, and they displayed disaster in them.
"I'll make sure to get them up deck," Arnold told him.
"Not just on deck, but in a lifeboat," Andrews insisted. "I don't know if Helga told you, but the truth is there aren't enough boats onboard, and the captain insists on women and children first."
Again, Arnold was stunned. He saw his fate being sealed, to be taken by Davy Jones' locker. He remembered how cold it was on deck, and could only imagine how the water must be. But none of that really mattered. What was important was making sure Helga was safe. He nodded to Andrews, who took it as confirmation that Arnold will do what he must to get Helga on a boat. As Andrews departed, Arnold rushed his room to retrieve Gerald and tell him the news.
"We hit an iceberg?" Sid repeated after Harold told him and Stinky what he witnessed. Sid and Stinky spent their night drinking and gambling, not noticing anything out of the ordinary. "When did this happen?"
"Not that long ago," Harold answered. "Maybe around fifteen, twenty minutes. Haven't you noticed we stopped moving?"
Sid and Stinky tried to sit still, but with the amount of alcohol in their bodies, they continued swaying.
"I reckon we are still moving," Stinky answered. "But it does seem quieter, doesn't it Sid?"
"That's because the engines stopped!" Harold yelled at them. "Now let us go back to the cabin. You two need some sleep."
Begrudgingly, Sid and Stinky obliged, singing drunkenly down the halls. Harold used all his might to hold them up, which proved difficult when he could feel the ship starting to move, but not in the direction it was supposed to.
"Are you sure you're not drunk too, Harold?" Sid asked, chuckling softly. "By the way, what happened between you and Patty?"
Before Harold could answer, a high pitch whistling came from nowhere, hurting all three men's ears.
"What the bloody hell?" Stinky exclaimed.
"Mommy! It hurts!" Harold whined. Somehow, the three men were able to make it back to their room. As they entered, there was a sloshing sound. They looked down to see a large puddle of water on the floor.
"That's not supposed to be there," Sid slurred. Harold knelt down and felt the water, only to pull it back immediately. It was freezing. Harold realized there was now a need for concern. He could hear shouting from the corridor to put on their lifejackets.
"We need to get out of here," he declared. "Grab some warm clothing and the lifejackets."
"Why do we need to do that?" Stinky asked.
"Because we're sinking."
A/N: I know there is a lot of repetition with some parts, but I wanted to show different viewpoints from the situation. This entire chapter captured around thirty minutes after the collision, which means I'll be doing my best to extend this as much as I can.
