Ch. 3: New York City (Rose's POV)
Thankfully, the third class passengers were the last ones to disembark on the Carpathia. Rose had no idea where she was headed. She heard of the free rooms offered by the Waldorf-Astoria, but she felt it would be too risky since her mother and Cal would probably stay there before heading home to Pennsylvania. Thank goodness for the little money she had…she would try to find an affordable boarding house and maybe find a job. She hated that she had no usable skills, but she was willing to learn.
Rose found a little boarding house a few blocks away from the docks. It wasn't much, but it would be a place to stay. She entered the door, and was greeted by a kind, middle aged woman.
The lady greeted her and said, "Hello Miss. I'm Maggie Carson. Welcome to Carson Boarding House. Are you looking for a place to stay?" Rose smiled at the woman, pleased that the woman was friendly, and replied, "Yes, I do. I don't have much money; I'm afraid I've lost practically everything I owned."
Maggie took one look at Rose's worn dress and said, "Let me guess; where you on the Titanic, dear?" Rose gave a look and said "How did you guess?" Maggie chuckled and said, "It's not difficult. Your dress indicates you been through an ordeal. And the Titanic has been news…quite a tragedy. You must be high society dear; I can tell by your dress and your demeanor."
Rose said, "I was, but as I said, I lost everything on the Titanic." Maggie then said, "It's alright dear. What is your name? I'd be more than glad to help you get back onto your feet." Rose smiled and said, "Rose Dawson." Maggie returned the smile and replied, "What a lovely name. Tell me, do you have any family?" Rose said, "It was just me and my mother. I was engaged, but I am never going back to that man."
Maggie gave a sympathetic look and said, "Rose, did you run away?" Rose said, "In a way, I did. You might think me an awful person, but my mother and bastard of an ex-fiancé probably believe I'm dead. I hated my life with them, and after everything I've been through I'm going to make my life count." Maggie said, "Well Rose, you are more than welcome to stay here. Is Rose your real name?" Rose laughed and said, "Yes, Rose is my name. I would prefer not to mention my high-society last name. "
Maggie chuckled and said, "Well then, I'll put Rose Dawson on my register. I promise I won't pry. You seem to be a nice girl who won't give me any trouble. It's been rather hard for me since my husband died last year, and I've had young girls take advantage of my kindness."
Rose said, "I'm not that kind of person. I appreciate your help Maggie. How much would a room be?" Maggie said, "I normally charge $5 a month, but since you are starting over I'll charge you $3 for your first month here. If you stay here longer I'll continue it for a while." Rose said, "That's sounds great. I hope to find work soon. But I'm afraid that I'll be hopeless at it." Maggie said, "Do you have any useable skills, Rose?" Rose said, "I'm afraid not much. My mother sent me off to finishing school at a young age. I can speak perfect French, and I know a little about art. But I'm willing to learn."
Maggie's heart went out to the poor girl. Rose was going to have a hard life out of high society, but she admired the girl for wanting to make it on her own. Maggie said, "Well, Rose, I could use some help around the house. I lost my best worker about a month ago, and it's been hard running the place on my own. I'll teach you the basics…I'll have you help me with the rooms and even help me serve the meals. I don't expect you to be great, but maybe once you learn you'd be able to get a better job soon. I won't be able to pay you much."
Rose was so grateful and hugged Maggie. Rose said, "Thank you so much Maggie. You have no idea how grateful I am." Maggie laughed, "It's nothing Rose; like I said I need the help and you need a place to stay. Now let's see if we can get you some better clothes."
Rose then followed Maggie to the room where she would be staying, and luckily Maggie had found some clothes that would fit her. Rose realized she would have to buy some more clothing later, but she was so grateful that Maggie was willing to help her. Once Maggie taught her basic housekeeping skills, Rose could try to get a waitress job or even a job as a maid for one of the fancy hotels nearby. But Rose wanted to see the world; she would stay in New York and try to save some money. Once she had enough she wanted to at least make it to Santa Monica; the place that her and Jack dreamed of going to together. She was just grateful for the help and she knew she was heading in the right direction in making her life count.
After a long day at work, I felt it was time to relax and post a new chapter. I will try to post a new update soon...trying to write some new chapters, while juggling a job and college.