*Four*
Officer Lowe's Deck Rounds

"Lowe! Where have you been?" First Officer William Murdoch question Harold Lowe, as he approached him. The Captain smiled as if he knew something.

"Sorry, Sir. Just about to start my rounds." Lowe said looking at Murdoch.

He nodded. "Good then. I'll see you tomorrow." With that the First Officer disappeared into the officer's quarters.

Lowe placed both hands down on the bridge rail. And let out an exasperated sigh. Murdoch was superior to him. But the Captain, of course, had say over them all. Lowe realized the Captain was staring at him. He turned his gaze from the bow over to the Captain. Who also stood by the bridge wall.

"Sir?" Lowe questioned. Wondering what the Captain had to say to him.

Captain E.J. Smith chuckled a bit. "You like that one, eh?"

"Sir?" He asked again. He narrowed his eyes, looking at his Captain.

"The woman. Don't think I didn't see." He said, sternly. As if a punishment was to come.

Lowe quickly turned his gaze away from Smith and looked towards the bow again.

"Ah, if only I was young again." The Captain chuckled again. He patted Lowe on the back. "Get to your rounds!" He ordered.

"Yes, Sir." Lowe answered in a respectful voice. He watched the Captain walk away. Heading for his cabin no doubt. To either read or sleep. Lowe didn't know. But he was thankful that the Captain didn't object to the attraction his felt towards Michaela.

After a few moments, Officer Lowe went into the Officer's Quarters and picked up his flashlight. His duty was to keep the rowdy passengers off the decks at night. It was a boring job. But Harold Lowe knew if he was to make his biggest dream come true, it would take a lot of time and hard work. His dream of course was to be the Captain of his own ship someday. So he put all his strength and dedication into Titanic. Of course the rest of the crew probably felt the same way. But Lowe seemed to try harder than he needed to.

He started his rounds. Walking slowly towards the stern on the starboard side of the ship. He knew his friend, Sixth Officer Moody was patrolling the port side. He wished they could have the same duty. He wanted to tell someone about Michaela.

He looked out to the water as he walked. So beautiful, but it made the air so cold. This was his first time crossing the North Atlantic. He was rather enjoying it as well.

He turned his attention back to the deck when he heard footsteps. He looked up to see Jack Dawson, walking towards him, as if he was lost.

"Say, ol' chap. Where ya headed?" Lowe asked in his strong Welsh accent. He shown his flashlight on Jack's chest.

"My cabin. Gotta get some sleep." Jack replied.

"Why do you look so lost?" Lowe asked. Not sure if Jack had been drinking or what was going on with him.

"I've got a lot on my mind. About this girl." Jack said.

Lowe smiled one of those, 'oh I know', smiles. "I bet."

"No, no nothing like that." Jack laughed. "It's just she's in trouble. And I don't know how to help her."

Lowe walked closer to Jack. He didn't care that he was third-class. The only time class mattered to him, was when he was on the upper decks. He had to be at best manners for the upperclassmen.

"Well who is she? Maybe I can help." Lowe offered.

"Nah, I don't think so." Jack said sadly. He didn't know how to help Michaela get home.

Lowe nodded. "Well very well. G'night to ya then."

"Yeah, keep up the great work." Jack smiled and walked past the officer.

Of course Lowe had no idea that they had just been talking about Michaela. The woman, he knew he was falling in love with. Lowe kept heading aft. Boredom overcoming him again.

Suddenly there was a loud clatter. He flashed his light in the direction of the noise. But didn't see anything. 'The wind'. He said to himself. Knowing he was the only on the deck.

The ship was traveling 21 knots. Which was impressive. Captain Smith hadn't even ordered the last boilers lit. But the wind still whipped over the deck from the speed of the vessel.

He looked at a bench. This was where most the third-class passengers stayed during the day. It was very fine too. But not even close to the luxuries of the upper-class.

Once he saw that everything was safe in the back of the ship, he started to walk towards the bow again. The night was lonely of course. He would've given anything to have a companion to talk to.

But this was what he wanted. A life at sea. No matter what the cost. He had been a seaman since he was just fourteen years old. And had only joined White Star Line three years prior to Titanic. He never even dreamed a ship so unbelievably large and beautiful could have ever been designed.

It was obvious he was wrong in believing that. This ship had everything. From the greatest Captain, Lowe had ever known. To the officers which were his truest friends. Every section of the ship was breathtakingly beautiful. And above all she was unsinkable. What a way to make your first North Atlantic crossing. Lowe thought to himself. As he carelessly shown his light about.

He wasn't truly paying attention. He knew no one was out. They were all sleeping of course. As he would like to be doing. He yawned, holding his fist to his mouth. Taking in the intensely cold night air.

His uniform was fairly warm. Of that he was thankful.

"Harold!" A man called from behind him. He turned to see Second Officer Lightoller walking towards him.

"Charles, why aren't you asleep. Don't you know you've got first rounds tomorrow morning?" Lowe asked. Not wanting Lightoller to be too tired in the morning, then he would have to take a double shift. He had promised Michaela he would meet with her in the morning.

The second officer walked up to Lowe. "I'll turn in soon. So what's this about the first-class lady and you?"

Lowe was stunned. Did news really travel that fast on this ship? He had only met Michaela that day.

"What news? I talked to her. Her name's Michaela. That's about all I know." Lowe said matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, like I believe that." He laughed a bit. "Look, the Captain told me."

Lowe turned away, blushing. Lightoller was a bit older than him. And they had been good friends

"Oh come on. Tell me what she's like." Lightoller demanded.

"Perfect." Was all Lowe could think of to describe her.

Lightoller laughed. "Yet, you don't know anything about her?"

"I don't know, Charles, it's just- it just feels right. You know?" Lowe asked looking at him.

Lightoller nodded. "I know. But on the first day of the voyage. You'll be getting married before we reach America." He laughed again.

"No, I doubt that." Lowe laughed as well. Though a marriage wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen, he thought to himself.

"God, I'm stupid, aren't I? Falling in love with a woman I've barely known twelve hours." Lowe sighed.

Lightoller patted his back. "Love knows no time, sir."

Lowe nodded, knowing he was right. Whether it was his age or experience. Officer Lightoller was definitely right there. They both stood looking over the rail to the blue ocean crashing out beneath the keel.

"Officer Lowe?" A woman questioned, from somewhere above them.

Both officers turned to the voice.

Michaela stood at the rail of the top deck. Looking down on them. She wore her sleeping attire with a long green, sequined robe over it.

Lightoller looked at Lowe. "Michaela?" He asked quietly. So the woman couldn't hear.

Lowe nodded.

"Nice." Lightoller laughed a bit. "Well go on. You have to check out the upper deck. Now get moving!" He made it sound like an order. Though it was merely to get Lowe to go talk to the girl.

Lowe smiled, then headed for the stairs leading to the upper decks.

Lightoller shook his head. Laughing a bit to himself. Then he headed towards his cabin to sleep.

Officer Lowe quickly made it to where Michaela stood. Her hair was down now. It hung to her shoulders in such elegant brown strands. He was a bit embarrassed to see her in her nightwear, though.

Michaela on the other hand felt like she was fully dressed. She didn't think she could possibly sleep in all these clothes.

"Good evening, Miss. Rosenberg." Lowe said taking her hand and kissing it.

"Michaela. And good evening to you too, Sir." She smiled.

He led her over to a deck chair, she politely sat down. Then he pulled a chair closer and sat beside her. He then noticed her red eyes. And the puffiness around them, caused by her recent crying. Which had only stopped about ten minutes ago.

"Is something wrong?" He asked her. He cared for her so much already.

She shook her head sadly. "Nothing you can help with, sir. I don't wish to ruin anyone's voyage." She looked off, knowing what would happen in only four nights.

"Nothing can ruin this voyage, Michaela. Why are you so upset on the grandest ship every built. You should be thrilled to be aboard. I know I am." He said trying to sound comforting.

All she could think of was death. Every passing minute grew closer. But she also knew the magic, the love that was to happen on this ship. So she tried her best to hide her knowledge from everyone. Especially officer Lowe. Whom she was falling for deeply.

'If he did feel the same way as I do. What would I tell him, when I'd have to leave?' She silently questioned herself.

She quickly made up a story to excuse her being upset. "When I get back to America, I'm afraid my family will force me into a life that I just don't want. I'm sixteen. I know they must be thinking about my future already."

He hadn't known she was only sixteen, but he had estimated her age to be around that number.

"Well, I'm sure they'll only want what's best for you." Lowe said softly. He knew she was talking about an arranged marriage. It hurt him to think of that. He was falling in love with her. Why couldn't she just be with him?

Of course all she had told him was a lie. She didn't even know if she would meet this alleged family in New York.

"I know what's best for me. The only thing is I can't get it here." She said. Meaning her life in her own time. She knew she had to make some serious changes when she got home.

Lowe leaned in closer. "Why can't you get it here?"

"I just don't want to talk about it."

"Michaela. Once we dock in New York, I may never see you again. I want to spend as much time with you as possible." Lowe said sternly.

She laughed out a bit, not meaning to. "If we all make it to New York, you mean." Was all she said.

"What do you mean?" He immediately thought she meant a suicide.

"Nothing." She said.

He still looked at her concerned.

"Believe me it's nothing." She said again. She smiled at him, and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

He stared at her hard for a moment. "I like you." He said suddenly.

She abruptly turned her head to him. "What? You barely know me."

"I don't care Michaela. I think you are amazing. You just aren't the average first-class woman. Your different. And I mean that in a good way. Great way even. It's what I like about you. And this thing with your family. Just go with your heart. And don't let people tell you what to do." He said. He still looked into her dazzling blue eyes.

"Officer Lowe-" She started.

"Harold." He insisted.

"Harold… I just don't know what to say. I mean. I think I'm beginning to really care for you too." She turned away from him. This was the first man she really cared for. And now she'll have to leave him. That is, of course, if there was a way for her to get home. She couldn't tell him about it. He was much to serious a man to listen to her story. Of that she was sure.

She couldn't look at him. She had to fight back the emotions that were sweeping her away.

He raised his hand to her chin, and turned her head towards him.

"If you care for me. Then listen to me. Don't let them run your life. You are your own person. You have to take charge." He said.

God, how she wanted to tell him the truth. But with every sentence he spoke. Every touch of his hand. It only made her want him more. But she knew she couldn't have him. She would lose him forever, or maybe she could stay in the past. The only problem there was becoming accustomed to the changes that would have to be made to her lifestyle. No CD player, no punk-band, no tattoos or piercings. All of her world would be washed away forever if she stayed here.

But then she looked back into Lowe's eyes. And she realized everything materialistic didn't matter now. She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. It was a fleeting kiss. Almost one like you'd give your friend or family member. But he answered with a kiss full of passion, of love. Love. She realized that now. The difference between Levi's kisses. And Harold's.

She let herself forget about getting home, and she kissed him back. Again displaying a behavior that would be unheard of for her class. But what did it matter. She was falling in love. That's all she ever wanted in her other life. And if she couldn't have it there. At least she could have it in the next four days on this great ship.

Finally the kiss broke. "Are you still meeting with me in the morning?" Lowe asked.

She nodded. She actually felt better now that she had spoken with him. He made her feel safe. It was as though she could forget the tragedy she knew was coming. She had no fear of it now. All that mattered was what her heart was telling her.

They stood at the same time. She knew he needed to get back to work. And she needed her sleep. Tomorrow would be a busy day. What with her early morning rendezvous with Officer Lowe. Then dinner with Jack. And she wanted to talk to Rose some more.

Officer Lowe held out his arm to her. She placed her hand around his muscular arm. They walked back to her state room.

Frank was waiting at the door. "Miss. Michaela. Can't you leave a note or something, to tell me your whereabouts?"

"I'm sorry, Frank." She said. Not really caring what he thought.

"Thank you, officer." Frank said looking at Lowe.

Officer Lowe Nodded.

"Well I'm off to bed. Now that I know you're safe." Frank said retiring to his room.

Zipper turned to Lowe. "I'll see you in the morning." She whispered.

"See you then." He mouthed. But no sound came out. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. Then departed.

She turned and slowly walked into her room. She sat on the edge of her bed. Sipping a glass of champagne. Then finally the drowsiness overcame her. And she laid down to sleep.