Survivors

Chapter 2

After docking in New York, Jack went to St. Vincent's hospital, where all survivors in need of medical attention were being sent. Rose and Cora, on the other hand, were directed to head to the Jane Hotel at 113 Jane Street. The pair quickly climbed into one of many waiting carriages, anxious to get out of the drenching rain.

Cora held tightly to Rose's hand, her eyes wide. "I don't like the rain, Rose. I hope we can get inside soon."

"I don't think it's far. We'll have nice warm beds to sleep in tonight." Rose looked down at her left hand, already knowing she'd sell her engagement ring at her first opportunity. Not having to worry about money, at least for a while, would be a huge help.

The accommodations Rose and Cora were given at the hotel were indeed warm, if cramped. They both took it in stride when they found bunk beds against the wall. They were happy to be inside where it was warm and dry. Pawning the ring and going shopping would wait until another day.

"Can we take a nap?" Even though Cora was not crying, Rose could hear the tears in the child's voice.

"Sure. We'll get something to eat when we get up, okay? Rest comes first."

Cora sat on the lower bunk, and Rose began to climb up to the top. "No, Rosie," Cora spoke up quickly. "Stay down here with me. There's room. Please."

Seeing the sadness in Cora's eyes, Rose consented without protest. In moments, they were both settled into the lower bunk. Neither complained about the tight fit. Not even five minutes had passed when they were both asleep, Cora's head resting on Rose's shoulder.

When they woke, a meal was the first order of business. They had been asleep for at least a couple of hours by Rose's estimate. During their extended nap, the rain had stopped. The sun was even trying to peek out from behind the clouds.

"We can go out somewhere for dinner, Cora. The walk might do us some good. What do you think?"

"Sure, if you want." Cora was clearly unenthusiastic, but made herself smile. Shortly, they headed out and found a small cafe not a block away. Once they had a dinner of tea, hot soup and sandwiches in front of them, Rose spoke up.

"I think we'd be better off staying here in New York for a little while. I don't feel up to traveling again yet. Tomorrow I'll be able to get us enough money to pay for an extended hotel stay, and some new clothes. We'll decide on travel plans when we're ready. How does that sound?"

Cora shrugged, not looking up from her soup bowl. "Fine, I guess. Once you're ready to leave, where am I gonna go?"

Rose couldn't keep a startled look out of her eyes. "With me, of course! I couldn't just leave you here all alone. Did you really think I'd do that?"

Cora looked up for an instant, then averted her eyes again. "Well sure. I'm not yours, Rosie. There was just me and Daddy. My Nana lives in Boston, you could send me there. It would be okay."

"No, Cora. I'm happy having you with me. Jack would be happy too."

"I know. I wish he was here too. It isn't fair."

"I know it isn't." Rose cleared her throat, hoping to keep the sound of tears out of her voice but couldn't. She changed the subject as she wiped a tear from her cheek. "You should try to eat a little more, before everything gets cold."

Cora did as she was told, though their emotional upset made her want to push her dinner away unfinished. Soon they had both finished every bite, paid the bill and left. When they stepped back out to the sidewalk, there were weak rays of sunshine playing on several puddles on the sidewalk. Without warning, Cora ran ahead of Rose and jumped into one of the puddles. She didn't laugh and barely smiled, but at least there was a glimmer of the youthful energy inside her.

Jack laid in a bed in the hospital for several days. Doctors and nurses came and went, but Jack paid them little mind. Most spoke kindly and tried to draw him out of his silence, to no avail. The frostbite he had suffered was steadily painful. Hospital staff were able to make Jack reasonably comfortable. Soon his mind turned to things besides his physical condition. Within a day or two, Rose came to the forefront of his mind. He tried more than once to ask the nurses about her. When all he got in response was blank stares, Jack had stopped asking. He hoped that she was still alive somewhere, safe and well.

On the morning of April 23rd, Jack was granted a discharge. He was still fatigued and in pain, but he declined the pain medication he was offered as he prepared to leave. One of the nurses Jack recognized came to bid him farewell, and he reluctantly spoke.

"Do you know where the nearest train station is? I'm not from around here, and I really need to get home."

"Yes, sir. You just head up 7th avenue to 31st Street and you'll be at Penn Station. If you're not up to the walk, I'm sure you'll find a carriage right outside."

"Thanks, for everything. Bye." Without a word to any other staff, Jack went on his way. In moments, he was out on the city sidewalk, and found a driver to take him the several blocks. Even before Jack decided he would by a ticket to Chicago and head north from there, he was dreaming of being at home. He happily left behind any thoughts of his time in New York. The only thing that stayed firmly in his memory was Rose's face. He had to believe she was alive somewhere, anywhere.

"Wherever you are, Rose, I hope you have a happy life." Jack spoke so softly to himself that his words didn't even draw a curious look from the carriage driver. In moments, the train station was in sight, like a beacon indicating safety and escape. Jack took a few coins from his bag, paying the driver with quiet thanks and disembarked. He instantly melted into the group of people entering the station.

Cora and Rose ended up delaying their shopping trip until the 23rd of April. They took extra days of rest at the hotel. Only going out for food as they had the first day. Rose spotted the newspaper headlines that hearings about the sinking were being held over at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. If she had been alone, she may have gone to listen to some of the testimony. Having Cora with her, Rose decided against it, choosing instead to pick up a newspaper daily and read about the developments.

They headed out to a pawn shop first thing that morning. The shop owner took the ring without a second thought. Rose was happy to get a fair bit of money for it, and just as happy to have the gaudy thing off her finger. From there, they walked to the nearest clothing store they saw. In short order, they each had several changes of clothes and any underthings they needed. They each carried a couple of parcels as they walked a little further down the street. As they passed a toy store, Cora suddenly stopped, exclaiming happily.

"Rose, look at that doll in the window! She looks like the one I had… Daddy got her for me. Isn't she pretty?"

"She is. Come on, let's go inside." The pair joined hands and entered the shop. They barely took a closer look at the doll that had caught Cora's eye before Rose asked that it be taken from the window. She didn't bother with having it put in a box. Instead, she handed it to Cora and let her walk out of the store carrying it.