Chapter 13 April 14th-15th: Alex Johnson, 2nd class passenger
I almost roll out of my bunk, when I remember the incident yesterday. For some reason, I can't shake this…feeling about today. Anyway, I get up, get dressed, have some breakfast, the usual. It's Sunday, so there may be some kind of service going on in the smoke room or the dining saloon.
The day passed as usual (with the exception of that feeling), until that night. You see, Charlene and I went to a hymn singing with some other second class folks. The one that we ended with was "For Those In Peril on the Sea", after which, Charlene and I decided to retire.
"Sweet dreams, Alex. I love you."
"Good night, Charlene. I love you, too."
Just as I was getting to sleep, there came a knock.
"Ugh, who is it?" I asked, irritably.
"One of the stewards, sir. The captain wants you to put your lifebelts on."
Some people felt the iceberg scraping against Titanic, some people didn't Well, Charlene and I were in the second group.
"What is it, a drill?"
"No sir, this is no drill.
"I'm a-comin'."
Charlene and I almost got lost in the 1st class corridors, but we made it up there in time for her to get on boat 6 just as they were starting lower her. I tried to get on a boat myself, but I couldn't seem to get on. I almost left on boat 9 thanks to 1st Officer Murdoch, but I gave up my seat to an elderly woman. She needed it much more than I. I noticed something amiss, for when I stepped out, I start sliding back towards the lifeboat. I looked over and noticed that not only was her bow completely immersed in water, but she was also listing to starboard.
About half an hour later, I saw Collapsible D being sent down. I heard shouts from the crew saying that there's one more boat. However, the situation grew more urgent as the forecastle went under. All I could do was hope and pray we could fill this last one all the way.
I heard a deafening splash and instinctively turned around. I wish I hadn't. The bridge had seemingly vanished, and the wave created by the collapsing funnel had washed Collapsible B, which was now upside-down.
I manage to reach the stern just after the stern corrected itself. I thought I was safe. I was wrong. First, the lights went out. With all my strength I manage to climb over the railing so I can lay on it. I don't get much of a chance to rest, however, before I almost drown. As soon as I had gotten my bearings, I looked around. She was gone. Swallowed up by the sea like a bird swallows a worm.
I kept warm by treading water. Not too long later, I heard a voice calling for any survivors. I tried to make myself heard, but to no avail, so I decided to find the upturned collapsible, headed by officer Lightoller. That time, I succeeded, and they pulled me up.
Next thing I knew, I was on board the rescue ship. I think it's called the Carpathia or some-such name noone will remember.
I felt ill, almost as if I had a cold, wet blanket wrapped around me and I couldn't get it off. The doctor says it's hypothermia, and he also told me to try to stay awake while he went off to try to find some warm, dry clothes and some hot broth for me to drink. Out of nowhere, I hear Charlene's voice calling for me.
So tired… no, fight it…
"I'm over here, Charlene." I said in as loud a whisper I could. Fortunately she heard it.
"Alex, are you alright?"
… So very drowsy…
"I have hypothermia."
"In that case, Alex, don't go to sleep, whatever you do."
…Must go to sleep.
"Charlene?"
"Yes, Alex?"
"Wake me when we get to New York." My eyes flutter shut.
"No, Alex, you must stay awake. Alex? Alex! No! Don't die. Please don't die on me."
