*Three*

Great New Friends

Zipper went back into the first class area. She knew exactly where Rose's room was. B-52. So that's where she went. When she reached the door, she knocked politely. She heard footsteps come towards the entrance. Finally the door was opened.

There stood the most handsome man she had ever seen, besides officer Lowe, of course. No, this was the man that had plagued her mind for years. Caledon Hockley. She was a bit shocked to see him. She wasn't sure if she would. But, here he was.

"Yes?" He asked. Clearly he had no idea who she was. But was still polite seeing her beautiful gown and ruby necklace.

"Hello, I'm Michaela Rosenberg." She held out her hand. Which he took in his. He lightly pressed his lips to her knuckles. Then he stood again. Looking at her in the eyes.

"Of New York?" He asked. A smile of hope on his face.

She thought about it a moment, then nodded. She remembered her family would be meeting her in New York. So, she must be of the family he knew of.

"Splendid. Marvelous to meet you. Is your father aboard?" He asked. His deep voice was so alluring to her. His dark hair neatly slicked back. God, he looked so good. She thought to herself.

Then her mind went back to Officer Lowe. What had she felt for him. What did she feel for Cal. When she thought about it she wanted to scream.

"Listen, I was wondering if I can talk to Rose. I heard she's about my age. So I thought she'd make for splendid company." Zipper stated. She knew Rose's age. And she hadn't lied. Rose was seventeen, only one year older.

"Rose is dressing for dinner with her mother, Ruth. I'd be happy to tell her you were here though." Cal replied. "Or, if you'll wait just a moment I'll escort you to the dining saloon myself."

She waved a hand dismissively. "I'll just go there. I need to go dress first anyway. It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Hockley."

Again she shocked yet another person. She spoke his name, when he hadn't said it to her. He waited until she was out of sight to close the door.

Cal picked up the chilled bottle of champagne and poured himself a glass. He was thrilled to have met Michael Rosenberg. He knew her father was the sole owner of McLiger Clothing. It was the largest store chain America had. He was insanely wealthy. Exactly the type of man Cal like to hang out with.

He walked to his wardrobe and pulled out a black dinner tux. Identical to the ones every gentleman wore to dinner.

Zipper raced back to her room. Which was next door to where the DeWitt Bukaters and Caledon Hockley were staying.

She used her key to get in. Frank sat on the divan, with a cigar in his fingers. He stood when she entered the room.

"Oh, Miss Michaela. I was beginning to get worried. Your father would skin me alive, if you were kidnapped or something terrible had happened. I was about to fetch the master-at-arms." He stated relief in his voice.

Zipper laughed politely. "No need for that, sir. I have only been out visiting with the other passengers."

He nodded. "Are you going to dinner?"

"Yes. So I really must go dress." She turned to the maid, who was standing by a door frame. "Missy, if you'll assist me please?"

Missy nodded a bit. "Yes, Ma'am."

They left to go into Zipper's room. She quickly picked out a blue beautiful gown. It was three shades of blue. Down to the floor, with different cuts of fabric. Absolutely breathtaking.

Missy helped her with the corset. The metal bindings of the corset really beginning to bug her. In her actual present-day life, she wore nothing but jeans and t-shirts. Now she was stuck in these metal cages and heavy gowns. They were lovely. She had to admit that. But she was also growing to hate it. After the corset was securely in place she dressed in the fine gown.

And what was happening back in her own time. Had everything just stopped. Or what? She had no idea.

"Which one do you think?" Zipper asked, holding up two sapphire necklaces.

Missy looked at them both closely. She could never even hope to have this type of beautiful jewelry.

"I think that one." She pointed to the one with seven small blue stones, and seven oval diamonds. It was a fairly tight one. Almost a choker.

Zipper inspected it closely. "Hmm. Yes, it is lovely, isn't it." She handed the priceless piece of jewelry to Missy.

Missy unclasped it, about to place it on Zipper's neck. When Zipper herself took the other one. The one with the sapphire inside pearls. And placed it around her neck.

"But , Miss. I thought you wanted this." Missy held out the chosen necklace.

"You're right I do want it…" She started.

Missy looked confused.

"I want you to have it." She smiled at the maid.

"Oh no, Miss. I can't accept this. It's entirely too much."

Zipper placed both hands around the maid's, clamping them around the necklace. "I said I want you to have it. And so you better keep it." She smiled.

Finally the maid smiled too. Tears in her eyes. Never had anyone given her such a gift. She was sure that Michaela had gotten gifts like this everyday. But to receive this necklace was so amazing for her.

Zipper left her standing there. When she walked out into the hall, Cal was standing there. Talking to Colonel Gracie, who held the arm of a nice older lady.

"Miss. Rosenberg, may I escort you to dinner?" Cal offered his arm to her.

She looked back to Frank who stood in the doorway. He nodded solemnly.

"But, where is Rose?" Zipper asked.

"Oh, they are already seated. Come, we don't want to be late." Cal smiled.

She looped her arm through his, and they headed off. Following behind the Colonel and the lady, whom Zipper, surprisingly, didn't know.

The Colonel and the woman went down a different corridor, then Cal was headed.

"Where are we going?" Zipper asked. She knew the ship well. And he was taking the long way.

"Oh, I just thought we'd talk for a few moments. I've been wanting to meet you for a while now." Cal said.

Now it was Zipper's turn to be shocked. She looked up at him. She was about seven inches shorter than him. He looked like Billy Zane. Truly he did. But she knew this wasn't a movie. This was life. But not her life.

"Really? Why, Sir?" She asked. Trying not to show any emotion in her tone of voice.

"I've admired your father's business ethics. Tell me how is the business doing?" He asked.

She had no idea, whatsoever, how to answer. "It's fine." She said, not knowing of any other words that could fit. She didn't even know why her family was rich. It was all so confusing to her.

"You know, Cal, I haven't been home in a while. So actually, I don't know what my father has been up to." She stated calmly. They continued to walk. No one was in the halls. 'Why does he want to talk to me this bad? Is my family so rich that it struck an interest with Caledon Hockley?' She asked herself.

"I know, I'm dreadfully sorry to hear that. But we'll be in America soon enough." He chuckled a bit.

"Yeah, you will." She said. Not knowing what her own fate would be. She knew Cal would get off. Even though it would be in an ungentlemanly way.

He looked down at her. "What do you mean?" He questioned her last remark.

"N-nothing. It's just- ah you wouldn't understand. It's complicated." She said.

He squinted his eyes in confusion. But continued to lead her to the dining saloon.

Finally they made it to the grand staircase. They descended the stairs with graceful steps. Almost as if they were royalty.

When they reached the table Cal introduced Zipper to his crowd.

"Everyone, may I present: Miss. Michaela Rosenberg," Cal spoke proudly.

"Hello, Michaela." A man with wavy, graying hair spoke. He had a small notepad under his hand. Mr. Thomas Andrews. The master shipbuilder. She knew of course.

She looked around to everyone seated. She knew them all. Cal pulled out her chair and she politely sat down before her place setting.

Every face was familiar. Across from her was Benjamin Guggenheim. Seated beside him was his mistress. Madam Leontine Aubert. Then there was of course Archibald Gracie and Mr. Andrews. Molly Brown sat beside her.

Rose smiled at her as her gaze fell on the only other teenager seated at the table.

Then she spotted a man, she had grown to hate over her years of research on this ship. Bruce Ismay. The idea for this doomed ship was his. She belonged to him. His eyes themselves looked mischievous to Zipper.

She looked to where Cal had seated himself. Beside him was an older red-haired woman. She looked so completely snobbish. Zipper knew immediately who she was and she didn't like her. Ruth DeWitt Bukater. Rose's mother.

What Zipper didn't know. Was what was going through Ruth's mind. She looked from Cal back to Zipper. She knew very well how wealthy the Rosenbergs were. And she knew how poor she and her daughter were. So she saw Zipper as a threat.

You see, Cal and Rose were engaged. It was a perfect match, in Ruth's eyes anyway. With the Hockley fortunes, her family could survive. This was the very reason Zipper despised this woman. She was tying Rose down. Forcing her into something that she knew Rose didn't want.

It was the same back in the future with Levi. She was to marry Levi, without love. It was for convenience.

Zipper smiled at Rose sympathetically. But Rose didn't see the gesture. All through the dinner Rose sat quiet. As if she was thinking deeply about something. While the others laughed and joked, Rose sat in solitude.

When Zipper glanced around the table again, she noticed Ruth still staring at her. She quickly averted her eyes to Cal, who was talking.

"So Michaela. Who are you traveling with?" He asked.

Ruth then glared at him, then back to Zipper. Zipper still couldn't get used to everyone using her real name. She wanted to scream, she hated it so much.

"Just with a guard." She plainly stated.

"I see." Cal said.

Rose slowly stood. "If you'll excuse me."

Cal also stood. "Would you like me to walk you back to the room?"

She waved a hand telling him no.

Zipper stood. "Rose, do you mind if we talk? It seems you're the only other teenager around here." She laughed.

Rose nodded. Though she truly didn't want anyone to come with her for what she was planning.

Zipper of course knew exactly what that was. She followed closely behind Rose. She could hear the chatter start up again at the table as they departed.

"So, Rose. What's wrong?" She asked a question she already knew the answer to.

"It's just everything." Rose said.

Then they walked silently for a while. Not a word passed between them until they reached Rose's stateroom. She went directly to her room.

Zipper followed knowing exactly what would happen.

"You feel like there's no way out don't you?" Zipper asked, seating herself on the edge of Rose's bed.

"Yes! Exactly! How did you know?" Rose asked.

"Ah, I was engaged once. To a man named Levi. He was like me in every way. But I didn't love him. All I knew was him. But love just wasn't there. I wanted out….and here I am…" She trailed off. Slowly she realized. This must be why she was here. She wanted to get away from her life. And by some act of a miracle she did. She went to her dream world.

"Engaged? How old are you?" Rose asked.

"Sixteen." She replied.

"That's crazy." Rose laughed a bit. "Why did you family want you to marry him?"

Zipper knew very well she couldn't say she was in a punk-band and so was Levi. At least she couldn't tell her yet.

"He was in the same business. They thought it would be 'good for the press'" She emphasized the last words.

Rose nodded sadly. Feeling the same way. She knew she had no money. Cal loved her. She was sure of that. But it wasn't for who she was, it was as if she was property to be owned.

Suddenly Rose was overcome by anger, just as Zipper knew would happen. She picked up the little hand mirror from her vanity and slammed it into the floor. Shards of glass scattered about the carpet.

Zipper only sat and watched, knowing everything would turn out alright in the end. Or at least she hoped. She didn't want to change the movie, or history.

Rose ripped the pearl necklace from her neck, the beads flung over the ground. She yanked her hair down, ripping at her long locks until they hung in an unkempt mess.

Then she ran out the door. "Rose, wait!" Zipper shouted. But it was too late Rose was already running full speed towards the deck.

"Rose! Come back!" She knew very well that Rose would not listen. But she wanted to sound like a true friend regardless.

Officer Lowe spotted Rose running down the deck. "Miss!" He called out. Zipper ran up to him.

"Michaela?" He questioned. "Do you know what's wrong with her?" He gestured to the fiery red head, who was, by now, at the stern no doubt. About to be saved by Jack of course.

"Yes, don't worry Mr. Lowe. She's fine." She said, struggling to catch her breath.

Her breath shown in white smoke before her. From the cold night air.

"You look terribly cold. Why don't you go back inside?" Officer Lowe offered.

"No, I have to stay out here a while longer, Mr. Lowe." Zipper answered.

"Please, Call me Harold." He smiled. He was starting to like her that was clear.

"Alright, Harold." She laughed a bit. "What are you doing out here?"

"Just doing my job." He laughed.

"Being fifth officer strenuous?" She teased, knowing that operating this ship was not exactly hard on the officers. But on the boiler room workers far below decks.

"You tease too much." He said. Neither of them had realized his hands were on her shoulders. He fell into her eyes again. Their crystal-blue color reflected the starlight. She stared into his as well.

Being from the future, Zipper was used to taking things much faster than Officer Lowe was. She stood almost on tiptoes, and kissed him lightly on the lips. Then she realized what she was doing and backed away. A lady shouldn't act this way. She kept saying to herself in her mind. But she wanted to be with him badly. She felt as though his eyes opened a whole new world for her.

He blushed a bit. He liked her. He wanted to tell her. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. But she was so young. Too young for him. And so wealthy. He was merely a officer. Not exactly poor. But not exactly rich either.

She stared at him hard. Something felt right with him. She placed her hands on his chest. Feeling the cold buttons of his officers uniform. She inspected them for a long while. Before she felt his eyes on her. She looked up again.

Hesitantly he lowered his lips to hers. She lifted her hands to his neck, holding him to her. Her fingertips touching the brim of his black officer's hat. She kissed him deeply back. Loving the feel of his strong arms around her small waist.

Reluctantly she pulled away from his kiss. She looked off towards the bow.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that." He apologized sincerely. Though he longed to kiss her again.

"No. Harold. They'll be looking for you." She calmly stated. Knowing he had to get back to work.

He then looked towards the bow as well. He could see First Officer Murdoch standing alongside Captain Smith. Thank the heavens they hadn't seen his improper display of affection.

"Yeah, I think you're right." He said in his strong accent. She loved his voice. He was young, but his voice was strong. It defied him really. But his voice was beautiful to her, nonetheless.

"He gently kissed her hand." He looked back into her eyes. "Will I see you again?"

She nodded immediately. "Yes. I would love that. Meet me here in the morning. If you can."

He nodded. "Lightoller is on duty first tomorrow. I'll be here."

She smiled and watched him leave, glancing back at her several times. Before he disappeared into the officer's quarters.

She stood there a moment longer. Though the night was so cold, she felt so utterly warm. She could still feel his strong arms wrapped tightly around her. Feel his lips on hers.

"Am I crazy?" She asked aloud. No one was near to hear her speak. "I can't be falling in love. I have to get home."

Then she remembered Jack and Rose. She walked hurriedly to the stern. Cal walked with Rose, his arm wrapped tightly around her shoulders. Cal politely smiled at Zipper when he noticed her.

"Say, young girl, what are you doing out at this time of night?" The colonel asked. Holding a glass of brandy.

"I just- well I was looking for Rose." She held her hand out to Rose. Who only smiled, thankful that Zipper hadn't given away what she had really went to the stern for.

Rose was thinking seriously of jumping over the stern rail. But, just as Zipper had said earlier, Jack was on the bench. And he had pulled her back.

"So why are you all out here?" Zipper asked. Trying to sound as though she had no idea.

"Oh, a third-class passenger helped Rose. She almost fell!" Cal said, showing concern. "So, to repay him I invited him to dinner tomorrow night."

"What do you think you're doing him some special favor?" Zipper spat back to him. "That some dinner will make him feel special or something?"

Cal was taken aback by her rudeness. The colonel and Rose only stood silent.

"Excuse us." He said calmly. And they walked on.

"Miss?" Colonel Gracie turned back to her. "Would you like me to take you back to you room?"

"No, I want to take in the night air a bit more." She said. Still angry that she didn't get to chew out Cal more. She liked him very much. But sometimes his attitude, got on, even, her nerves.

"Very well." Gracie said, and continued to walk away.

Then she spotted another older gentleman. Cal's valet. Spicer Lovejoy. She glared at him a moment. Now this was one man she truly didn't care for.

He didn't speak to her as he passed. And their eye-contact was very brief. After everyone was out of sight, she walked back to the stern.

Where Jack still stood. Now he was puffing away on an expensive cigarette he had gotten from Lovejoy.

"How did you know Rose would be here?" He asked. "And who exactly are you?"

She walked over to him. Pulling the other cigarette from behind her ear, and sticking it in her mouth. She then rudely reached into his pocket for his matches.

"Like I said, I know it all from a movie." She said holding the now lit match to the end of the cigarette. "And my name is Michaela. But PLEASE, call me Zipper!" She laughed.

He watched her in awe. Never seeing a first-class girl smoke like this before. She took in deep puffs of smoke.

He didn't say anything to her comment. Except. "How is it that you know me?" He followed her to the bench. They sat down together. Jack crooking his leg so he could face her.

"You wouldn't believe me." She sighed out a mouth full of smoke.

"Try me." He said sternly. "I'm a believer."

She looked at him hard. She knew he had to be. He won his ticket on Titanic in poker. He'll be having dinner in first class. He was going back to his America. He had to believe in miracles.

"Okay Jack, I'll tell you. The only other person I've told laughed at me…" She trailed off.

"I won't. I promise." He said softly. Not taking his eyes off her. He thought she was lovely as well. But nothing could compare to the feeling he got when looking at Rose.

She finally looked him in the eyes. And in her most serious voice she began to explain. "Okay. I'm from the year 2003. I was in a punk-band named Dilemma. I got engaged to a man I don't love. My mind was so lost in confusion. I couldn't sleep so I got up. I began to listen to the Titanic soundtrack on my portable CD player-" She broke off when she saw Jack's eyebrows lift in confusion.

"Yes, Titanic has a musical disk. And a CD player is a way to listen to music. It's remarkable really. You can listen to anything you want. And with headphones, which I had. No one else can hear it except you." She explained.

He still looked confused, but she decided to continue her story.

"Anyway, as I was listening to the music, I began to feel so strange. Like nothing I have ever felt before. My arms went numb, my stomach became so tight. It felt like I couldn't breathe. And do you know what I saw when I opened my eyes?" She asked. Knowing he wasn't believing a word of any of this.

He shook his head. "What?"

"I was back in history. Here in 1912. In a taxi in Belfast. Can you imagine my horror? I literally screamed." She sighed again. Wishing he would believe her. She threw the rest of the cigarette over the rail. Oh what she wouldn't give for a Marlboro. The cigarette Jack had gotten from Lovejoy tasted awful to her.

"If this is true. How did it happen?" He asked. More making fun then being serious.

"I don't know." She looked into his eyes. Showing that she had no fear in telling this to him. It wasn't a lie. "All I know is I wanted out of my old life. And here I am with this new one."

Jack stared at her a long moment. Not knowing what to say, or how to act. He looked out to the ocean. The moonlight lightly reflecting on the midnight-blue waters. Finally he did turn back to her. Meeting her eyes right away. She looked at him. Begging with her eyes to believe her.

"You're not lying to me are you?" He asked. His voice catching in his throat a bit.

Slowly she shook her head 'no'. "And I need to find a way to get home, Jack. I can't stay here. I'd be completely lost. I just don't know what to do." It was then that she couldn't handle it any longer. Her eyes filled with tears, then those tears spilled over her cheeks. She started crying for the first time in so long.

Back in the future, she never let her emotions out. But she did there with Jack. She trusted him. And he trusted her. He knew she was telling him the absolute truth.

"Jack, I'm so scared." She cried. She put her head in her hands. Attempting to hide her tears from him.

He gently slid closer to her on the wooden bench. He wrapped an arm around her. "Shh. It'll be alright."

She turned to him, crying into his chest. "How can you say that, Jack? You have no idea what's going to happen."

"I'll help you get home. Alright?" He pushed her away far enough to look into her eyes, which were now blood-shot from the salty tears. "You'll get home."

"No, Jack. I don't meant that. I mean. You'll- The Titanic will- Oh my God." She burst out in tears again, realizing Jack would die in the sinking. That knowledge hurt her so bad. He was a new friend, and she already loved him as she would a brother. Like the brother she never had in her life. Her real brother had committed suicide when she was ten. Now, here was Jack. He was so kind. The only one to show her an undying friendship. And he was going to die.

"Oh, God, Jack. What am I going to do. I can't let you-" She broke off again. Knowing she couldn't tell him. He was to fall in love with Rose. She couldn't ruin that. This was the Ship of Dreams. And Jack's dreams needed to come true.

"What? What can't you let me do?" He asked.

"Nothing. I have to go." She wiped at her tears. And pulled away from him.

She speed-walked down the deck.

"Michaela!" Jack called out. But he didn't follow her. He knew she needed to think things out. But she did leave him thinking of only two things. Rose and how to get Michaela back to her world.