Thanks again for all the appreciative positive reviews. A writer appreciates any comments.
With that, let us continue our journey.
Chapter 4: A New Acquaintance
As the Ocean's currents mounted, waves began to lap so profusely, they splashed on the Third Class poop deck. As the cooler air began penetrating through all the decks, passengers one by one elected to filter back inside the ship to gain some extra warmth.
With the cooler air penetrating about her, Rachel attempted to warm up by taking another sip of black coffee. Another gust of wind washed through the deck. She wrapped the wool blanket closer about her.
As Ross made his way over to Rachel to introduce himself, he nervously checked to make sure he was clean-shaven and that his hair was neatly in place. He straightened his cashmere coat and took in a deep breath. As he got closer to her, he noticed she was shivering. With that thought in mind, Ross picked up an available blanket from a stack located directly outside of the gym door.
"I noticed you were shivering. How about an extra blanket for some extra warmth?" Ross inquired while boldly taking a seat in the empty deck chair next to hers. As he gazed at her closely for the first time he observed that not only did she have beautiful eyes, her skin was soft and crystal clear.
"Yes!" Rachel, somewhat stunned, nodded. Rachel looked up at him. Ross noted how her thick eyelashes further pronounced those mesmerizing blue eyes. He sat there silent for close to a minute observing her natural beauty.
"I believe I need to properly introduce myself. My name is Ross Geller and I am from New York City." As Ross leaned over to introduce himself, Rachel's soft refreshing scent of Vinolia soap penetrated his nostrils.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Geller. My name is Rachel Green and my hometown is also New York City. Are you traveling alone?" Rachel, somewhat surprised by her sudden interest, inquired. Rachel observed that this new acquaintance was not overly handsome but was acutely dressed and had beautiful thick black hair and strong brown eyes.
"Yes. I am an Anthropologist returning from a dig in Egypt. I had read some positive reports in Shipbuilder's magazines about the safety and comforts on this ship and since I had never been on a maiden voyage, I purchased a ticket and here I am. Are you traveling alone also?"
"Yes. I had been traveling abroad for the past few months, making stops in Africa and Europe. Since I am a fashion consultant for Women's Wear I spent the past month of my trip in Paris, observing and acquiring new fashion ideas. I will return to New York City just in time to attend and report on the Easter fashions at the races."
"The wind appears to have subsided. Would you care to join me for a walk on the boat deck?" Ross inquired as he stood up while offering her his arm. Rachel nodded as she slipped her hand through his arm. His arms felt strong and muscular. Rachel surprisingly realized the warm blanket was not needed anymore for warmth and comfort.
To be continued in Chapter 5
Note: In October 2001 I went on a Canada/New England fall cruise. Our second stop was Halifax, Nova Scotia. I was ecstatic because I was finally going to see and experience some authenticity from the Titanic.
In Halifax, four of us signed up for a tour, the stops being: Peggy's Cove, Citadel on a Hill, The Town Clock, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Fairview Cemetery. The Fairview Cemetery is where 121 Titanic victims are laid to rest. While there, the tour guide informed us that the graves are laid out not in a straight line but curved to resemble the hull of a ship. The curved lines are broken on the right side to represent the area damaged by the iceberg. The hull faces the same direction the ship met its disaster. That feature was not planned; it turned out to be a coincidence.
Another interesting feature at Fairview Cemetery was the gravestone of, J. Dawson. When James Cameron's movie The Titanic was released, any visitor to the Cemetery thought the name represented the romantic character in the movie played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Suddenly, gifts and flowers began to surround his gravestone. This was more than likely a coincidence since Dawson's first name was not John. It was James. James was employed on the Titanic as a trimmer. The trimmer's job was delivering coal to the stoker's.