*Thirteen*
Church Services
Zipper slept until 8am. She was excited about her big day. But still she managed to find a couple extra hours of sleep. Finally she was able to wake up fully. She had a little headache from the alcohol she had had the night before, but other than that she felt amazing.
She quickly got dressed for church. Wearing a flowered light-blue gown. With matching hat and shoes. She picked out a very pretty diamond necklace to wear as well. Then she sat at her vanity, brushing out her hair.
Her soft brown locks were a bit tangled, since she didn't brush it after she had gotten it wet in the bath the night before. But she managed to get it smoothed out, and up in a bun. She wore a crystal studded hair piece on the side of her head, above her left ear. To keep a few stray strands in place.
After she was satisfied with the way she looked she headed out. Frank wasn't in the sitting room or her bedroom. She figured he was out on deck. Or getting some coffee with some of the other guards and valets. Who seemed to flock together most of the time.
She wanted to talk to Rose. She knew what was happening with her and Cal. Or what had happened not long ago. Cal, knowing now that Rose is the only one he can have, became quite angry with her excursions down in steerage. So he threw their breakfast table, and basically threatened her.
Zipper knew all this from the movie. She also knew that Ruth would forbid Rose from seeing Jack again. Of course Rose would have changed her mind on her own. But Zipper felt she should talk to her, since they were such good friends now.
She opened the hallway door, just in time to see Cal storm by in his suit for church.
"Mr. Hockley." She said, glaring at him.
"Miss. Rosenberg." He greeted. He glared at her a moment before passing.
She had to laugh to herself. He was too much of a coward to even speak to her. She walked towards Rose's suite. When she arrived. Ruth's door was closed. She knew she was dressing for services.
Zipper walked into Rose's room. Basically inviting herself in. She knew Rose wouldn't mind.
"Hey, Zip." Rose said.
Zipper was so thankful that at least a few people used her nickname. She still had to request that of Lowe.
"Rose." Zipper started. She closed the door behind her, then walked over to Rose. "I wanna tell you something about Jack."
"What is it?" She asked.
"He loves you." Zipper said seriously.
Rose blushed a bit. "I think you may be mistaken." She said.
"No, he told me. You need to admit, you love him too." Zipper said. She stared into Rose's eyes. Until Rose turned in another direction.
"That's absurd. I don't even know him." She laughed.
"Yes. You do. Rose. I know you do." She said.
"Well you're presuming too much." She replied.
"No, I mean I really do. I know this will come as a shock. You'll think I'm crazy. But I swear to you I'm not. I know you love Jack. I know you'll be with him tonight." She paused. Rose stared at her as though she was insane. "Rose, what I'm trying to say is… I'm from the future. The year 2003. I can't explain it. I was just thrown back. Jack knows about it. I want you to know too. They'll make a movie about you. This whole thing. Titanic. Cal. Your mother. Everyone. Rose, it's a love story. Between you and Jack."
Rose was shocked. Was her newest friend insane? She thought so at that moment.
"Wait a second. Why would they make a movie about Titanic so many years in the future?" She asked matter-of-factly.
Zipper sighed, and thought about this a long moment before answering. "Titanic… will sink."
Rose squinted in confusion. "It can't sink."
"You know it can. You've been thinking about it. You'll think about it later. Listen you can think I'm crazy if you want. But you'll remember my words this afternoon, when you tour the ship with Mr. Andrews. There's only enough boats for half the people on this ship. Half of us will die." Zipper said. She meant every word.
Rose, laughed again. Although she had been thinking about the possibility, the irony of the unsinkable sinking. But, of course she knew it couldn't. But, how did Zipper know she would go on a tour with Mr. Andrews? She didn't even know until that morning when Cal had told her.
Zipper left Rose sitting there stunned. Zipper couldn't make her believe her of course. No one would believe. But she would at least help as much she could in getting people safely off tonight. She said to herself, as she headed to church.
She walked into the dining saloon, which doubled as a chapel. Captain Smith was talking to Officer Lowe. Lowe motioned for her to come over to him.
She made her way to the captain and her fiancé. Several people said hello to her as she passed. Cal and Ruth were not two of them. She only laughed to herself again.
"Good morning, Captain." She wanted to be especially nice to him today. She knew the fate of him and his great ship.
"Michaela, we just found out Captain Smith can't do the wedding." Lowe said, keeping his voice down. As everyone was.
She looked from Lowe to the Captain. "I'm sorry. I overlooked it, in all my years but, if I did it. It would only be legal for the duration of this voyage."
Silently she thought to herself that that was only another fourteen hours. "Why?" She asked.
Captain Smith chuckled a bit. "Oh you know the law. But not to worry, Father Byles will do it gladly."
"I've asked Captain Smith to be my best man." Lowe announced.
"Ah how lovely." She smiled at the captain.
He seemed very proud to be best man anyway. Though, Zipper had suspected Lowe would have picked Lightoller or Moody.
"I'll be asking Molly Brown to be my Matron of Honor. It should make for some laughs. She's such a kind and funny woman." Zipper said.
"What's that? I'm funny, well Zip. I don't think so, but I do get that a lot." Molly stepped up behind her. "I wanted to congratulate you both."
"Thank you, Mrs. Brown." Lowe said gentlemanly.
"You know how to pick 'em." Molly whispered to Zipper, who politely laughed. Laughing a bit at Lowe as he blushed a little. Of course Molly expected him to hear. She wanted him to, she was complimenting him.
"Well, services are about to start." Lowe said. "I'll see you afterwards." He kissed Zipper on the forehead then took his place by the other officers, standing against the side wall.
"Don't let go a that one." Molly laughed.
"I won't." Zipper smiled. Not really knowing if that was a lie or not. "Molly, can I ask a favor of you?"
"Anythin', darlin'." She replied.
"Would you consider being my matron of honor?" Zipper asked bravely. She still greatly admired this woman for her courage and personality, she always would.
"Of course. It would be an honor." Molly smiled. She hugged Zipper, then they walked to their seats. They sat in front of Cal, Rose and Ruth. Rose didn't say anything to Zipper. But she didn't take offense to it.
Zipper felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Ruth. Zipper glared at her, until she saw that her face was not as ridiculing as it had been.
"I wish to apologize, Miss. Rosenberg." She said seriously. Though, Zipper knew it was impossible for this woman to feel sorry for anything.
"It's alright, Mrs. DeWitt Bukater." She said. "If you like you may attend my wedding. I'd be happy to have you there." Zipper lied. But she wanted to make this last day good for as many people as possible. She knew Ruth felt like an outcast when she had been rejected yesterday.
"Thank you." Ruth smiled. Then, she politely sat back in her chair.
Cal glared from her to Zipper. He knew he wasn't welcomed at the wedding. The only one in all of first class that wasn't.
Zipper knew this. And she actually felt sorry for him. She turned around. "That goes for you too, Mr. Hockley."
He forced a smile, knowing she was only doing him a favor. He looked at Rose as she picked up her song book.
The Captain led everyone in "Eternal Father, Strong to Save."
Zipper glanced over at Lowe. He smiled at her. She returned the gesture, then turned to her songbook.
She sang along with the versus. But, thought about her marriage. She couldn't wait. She was only sixteen but she knew it was right. It had to be. And what better a place to fall in love then the Ship of Dreams. She only hated to think of this dream ending. She was prepared of course. She didn't fear the inevitable.
"O Hear us when we cry to thee. For those in peril on the sea." Everyone held out the last note. Then closed their books. All eyes on the Captain.
She was lost in thought for the remainder of the services. Before she knew it everyone was standing again, and exiting the room.
Lowe walked over to her as she stood. Rose still didn't speak to her. She only left. Not even saying anything to Officer Lowe. Zipper knew she must really think she's crazy.
The officers filed out of the door, some going to get some rest. Others going on duty. She knew Lowe had to get some sleep also.
"Hello, Harold." She looped her arm through his. He kissed her forehead again.
"Officer Lowe?" Cal asked. Walking up to them.
Zipper turned her head, and prayed this would all go well..
"Yes? And you are, sir?" Lowe asked politely.
"Cal Hockley." He extended his hand to shake.
Anger coursed through Lowe. But he felt Zipper tighten her grip on his arm. Begging him, in that simple gesture, to not start anything. He looked past her to Captain Smith, and knew she was right. Caledon Hockley wasn't worth losing his job over.
"Mr. Hockley, pleasure to meet you, sir." Lowe forced the words. Shaking Cal's hand.
"Congratulations. To the both of you." Cal said.
Officer Lowe opened his mouth to say something back. Something which probably would have led to a fight. Again he saw the Captain in the corner of his eye.
"Thank you, sir." He said respectively.
Cal smirked. Then looked from Lowe to Zipper, she flashed him an evil stare. Finally, he turned and left them alone.
"I'm sorry." Se whispered.
He shook his head. "No, it's in the past, right? Forget about it."
She forced a smile.
"Well, I'll see you tonight. I have to get some sleep. It may be a bit hard, but I have to try." He laughed.
"Nervous?" She asked smiling.
He nodded. "And you're not?"
"No." She plainly stated. "I love you, what's there to be nervous about?"
He had to smile at this. He kissed her lightly on the lips, then turned towards the Captain.
Molly walked up to Zipper. "Ah he's a nervous wreck. Ain't that a shame?"
Zipper laughed.
"Come on, let's go for a walk together. Got nothing better to do, right?" Molly offered.
Of course Zipper didn't have any plans. Her wedding wouldn't be for about eight hours. And during that time there would be dinner of course. But that was pretty much it.
