Chapter eight-The bitter cold

Thomas and Rose were in Thomas's stateroom. They knew soon they must go up into the cold, dark night, and prepare to try and survive in the bitter cold of the Atlantic, but first, they decided to spend their last half hour on the Titanic, perhaps their last half hour to live, together.

Thomas was amazed that just over an hour ago, they had been doing the same thing. If only they could go back to then, he had felt so young and carefree! It was different now. Everything had changed. He felt bitter regret for not building a stronger ship, but it was hard for him to feel depressed with Rose in his arms.

"I love you," He whispered in her ear. "No matter what happens, I want you to know that I love you. If I don't make it out of here tonight, I want you to know that I will love you forever till there is no end,"

"Don't talk like that, Thomas. You'll live. We both will. We'll get married, and have children, and be in love forever,"

Thomas smiled. There was nothing he would like more than to spend his life with Rose, but he knew the truth. He would probably not survive until another ship came looking for survivors, if one did. He would make sure rose got in a lifeboat, if there was one nearby, but it didn't matter for him. He had experienced love. His soul was ready for death.

"Rose?"

"Yes, Thomas?" Rose said as she leant in towards him.

"What about Cal? When we get back on land, he'll want you as much as he did on the ship. I'm too old to fight a duel for you, Rose."

"Who cares about Cal? I am not marrying him, and I don't care who tells me too. He tried to shoot me Thomas, after he found I was going back to you. He tried to shoot me!"

Thomas shut his eyes and tried to block out the horrors that had occurred that night. He sat up. "it's time," he said simply.

"Alright Thomas," Rose nodded. "Could I borrow one of your jackets? I'm soaked!"

Thomas pulled of his large woollen overcoat and handed it to Rose, who pulled it on, and then he went to the large wardrobe in the corner and pulled out another jacket for him. "Rose, that jackets made of wool, so even if it gets wet, do not take it off. It will dry quickly and keep you warm, even if it is damp,"

"Yes, Thomas," Rose allowed Thomas to put his arm around her and lead her outside. They passed John Jacob Astor in the hallway, and they nodded to him. They were on a sinking ship. There was really no point in them hiding their relationship from these people. Thomas took Rose up to the rear end of the great ship, trying not to look at the water spilling over the front end of the ship.

He fought for a position holding the rail right at the back of the ship, and was amazed to hear Rose laugh next to him.

"What could possibly be funny at a time like this?" He asked incredulously

"This is where we met," Replied Rose, and Thomas pulled her forward and kissed her, and it seemed to him, that everything he had been trying to say was communicated to Rose through that one hungry kiss. They waited, and Thomas was trying not to be afraid, as the their position got harder and harder to maintain as the rear end of the boat raised up out of the water.

"Thomas," Rose asked tentatively. "Thomas, whats happening?"

Thomas pauesd, trying to phrase his reply in a manner not to frighten Rose. Then he gave up. "As the front of the ship sinks, the rear will be vertical, upright until it is dragged uner,"At least, that's what Thomas had calculated. He could be wrong, of course, and that would minimise any chance of surival they had.

"And Thomas?"Rose asked

'YES, Rose?"

"Why are the band still playing?"