Authoress Note: Welcome to Chapter 11 of Go That Far. I want to thank those who have left reviews for this story. It really does mean a lot to me that you guys are enjoying this story and enjoying the characters. I hope that you guys continue to enjoy this story as I continue on with the story. I hope that you guys enjoy this next chapter. Without further ado Chapter 11. ENJOY!
Chapter 11
Melinda had managed within a few moments to wander about as far from first class as possible. Honestly she was pretty embarrassed about her slip-up. Granted she would just laugh it off when Beatrice would no doubt bring it up next time they were alone. But she hated how she couldn't seem to adjust to this time period, especially the first class.
And the more she thought about how poorly she fit in here, she began to compare it to her 2012 life as well. She didn't fit in much there either. Since her dad died all she had left was Beatrice and Max. And Max really wasn't much to be proud of. She knew he was using her. She'd never admit that outright, but she knew. Right now he was using her for her body. And if she ever eventually gave in and said yes to him, he'd be using her for a trophy life. That was one thing she had kept a secret from Beatrice. Not only had Andrew asked her to move in with him, he'd asked her to marry him as well. And he made it very clear what he expected of her if (and in his mind when) she said yes. She'd have to quit her job at the law firm and devote her life to being a Holly Housewife.
She groaned as she moved absentmindedly, not really knowing where she was going. As she delved deeper into her thoughts, she became less conscious of her movements and what was going on around her. Still in this half-dazed state, she began walking down the steps to the third class decks.
"I think you've got the wrong deck, miss," a voice with a thick Irish accent snapped her back to reality.
Melinda gasped and nearly fell the rest of the way down the stairs, only to be caught by two strong arms.
"Watch yerself, miss," the man said again and stood her back on her feet. "You alright?"
"Oh, yeah, I'm used to it," Melinda said as she righted her dress. "'Happens all the time, I'm so used to it now it doesn't even . . ." she trailed off as she finally looked up to face the man who had caught her. Tommy Ryan. Immediately she felt her face begin to heat up with a blush and she forgot what it was she had been about to say.
"You sure you're alright, miss?" Tommy asked and raised an eyebrow at her as he took a drag of his cigarette.
"I, uhm, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine, I mean, I'm great. I'm Melinda," she said finally, stumbling her way through the words. "Melinda Au- I mean, Melinda Chevalier."
"Tommy Ryan. Y'know you should be more careful," he said and gestured to the stairs. "It's be a shame if a first class lady like yerself got hurt fallin' down like that."
Melinda snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I don't think they'd miss me. I'm not exactly first class lady material, y'know, in case my exemplary showcase of grace wasn't enough to clue you in on that."
"Well, you certainly don't talk like a first class lady," Tommy chuckled.
"I try to avoid doing that. Have you heard the way the first class people talk here? It sounds like –" she almost said that it sounded like an SAT prep class before she realized he would have no clue what she was talking about. So she quickly improvised. "It sounds like they're all smuggling thesauruses under the table so people won't know how stupid they really are."
Tommy laughed loudly and leaned against the railing, grinning at her. "You may not be a typical first class, but you're certainly an interesting lass at that, which in my opinion is a hell of a lot better than being first class."
Hours seemed to pass and Melinda and Tommy talked about anything and everything that they could.
Melinda heard the trumpet going off letting her know that it was almost dinner time. "I should go." She said softly. "My sister is probably waiting for me. If she isn't going to dinner I will be more than glad to meet up with you later on." She said with a smile.
"I'd like that." Tommy said with a smile.
Melinda quickly went to B Deck and found their room. She opened the door and saw that Beatrice was in nothing, but her night gown which was white. "Bea aren't you going to dinner?"
Beatrice shook her head. "No, I'm not going to dinner." She said as she sat down on her bed. "No point. Clearly Cal thinks we are whores."
"Oh Bea... don't let that bastard get to you." Melinda said sitting down next to her. "I can tell them that you are sorry for not being at dinner that you aren't feeling well to eat."
Beatrice nodded her head.
Melinda got up and changed into a new gown which was different from the one that she was wearing before. It was still very much the same in color.
"Oh and Melinda..."
"What Bea?"
"Don't ever slip up again." She said looking at Melinda.
"Of course. I knew that you were going to bring that up."
"We got to act like first class ladies. I know we aren't that Melinda, but please... we have to try..."
"I know." Melinda looked at Beatrice. "So what are you going to do?"
"I was thinking of sketching something." She said softly, showing the old fashioned sketch pad that was on her lap.
"Oh alright. I will let them know that you're sorry about tonight. Oh and I may be late coming back. I met Tommy earlier," she didn't have to say his last name, she knew Beatrice would know. "I told him I might stop by again later."
Beatrice smiled a small sad smile. "Alright thanks."
Melinda hugged Beatrice before leaving the room and headed towards the grand staircase. But about halfway there she changed her mind. Instead she began heading in the direction she had gone after leaving lunch. Why bother with the people in first class anyway? Tommy Ryan was much better company.
It took her a little while to find it, but eventually she made her way to the third class dining room. Many of the third class passengers stopped when they saw her come in, this first class lady (well, that's what she appeared to be). She pretended not to notice the looks she was getting and instead scanned the room, looking for Tommy. Finally she spotted him and smiled. She walked over, trying her best not to fall in front of all these people, and sat down in the seat beside him, not announcing herself or waiting for an invitation. "Hey there," she said, grinning at him. "Told you I'd be back."
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This is the end of Chapter 11. I hope that you guys enjoyed this chapter. I worked fairly hard on this chapter and I know that it was a bit on the long side and a lot of things going on. I kind of feel bad for both Melinda and Beatrice. They're going through so much and it does make my heart hurt to see my characters looking so sad. Please leave a review and let me know what you think of this chapter. Reviews help with my writing and helps me keep my muse going. I hope to update with a new chapter next week. Until next time.
