Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the movie 'Titanic'

Chapter 3:

I sat in Rose's dressing room, waiting for her corset to be done so we could go to the entertainment room together. I listened to her tell me about Cal's outburst at breakfast, knocking things around and such. What a prick. I almost gasped at myself for the swear. I guessed Tommy had an affect on me after all.

I tried to sit quietly.

Then our mother came barging in. "Tea, Trudy."

"Yes, ma'am." Trudy left quickly.

Mother closed the door, walking over to Rose and starting to do up her corset rather tightly. "You're not to see that boy again. You understand me?" She glanced at me. "Both of you."

I nodded, giving up far to easily. But Rose didn't say anything.

"Rose, I forbid it."

"Oh, stop it, mother. You'll give yourself a nose bleed."

Mother spun Rose around. "This is not a game. Our situation is precarious. You know the money's gone."

"Of course I know it's gone," Rose said. "You remind me everyday."

"Your father left us nothing but a legacy of bad debts hidden by a good name. That name is the only card we have to play. I don't understand you. It is a fine match with Hockley. It will ensure our survival."

Rose didn't falter. "How can you put this on my shoulders?"

"Why are you being so selfish?" Mother asked louder.

"I'm being selfish?"

"Rose..." I stood.

"Do you want to see me working as a seamstress?" Mother asked quietly. "Is that what you want? To see our fine things sold at auction? Our memories scattered to ruins?" She turned away, covering her mouth and sucking back a cry.

"Mother..." I tried, walking closer to her and putting a hand on her back.

Rose sighed. "It's so unfair."

"Of course it's unfair," Mother said, holding my arm gently and looking at Rose. "We're women. Our choices are never easy." She leaned forward, kissing Rose's cheek before turning to me and doing the same.

I sat back down as mother continued to tighten Rose's corset.

Protect them by Thy guiding hand

From every peril on the land

O, spirit whom the Father sent

To spread abroad the firmament

O, wind of heaven, but Thy might

Save all who dare the eagle's flight

And keep them by Thy watchful care

I zoned out as I sung the song I already knew too well.

After singing the Navy Hym, my mother, Rose and I went for a tour of the ship's quarters.

"And why do you have two steering wheels?" My mother asked Mr. Andrews.

"We really only use this near shore."

A man came into the Captain's deck, holding a piece of paper. "Excuse me, sir. Another ice warning, this one's from the Noordom."

"Thank you, Sparks," Captain Smith said, then looked to us, seeing that we were slightly panicked. "Oh, not to worry. Quite normal for this time of year. In fact, we're speeding up. I just ordered the last boilers lit."

After that, we went for a walk around the deck, Mr. Andrews joining us.

"So, then I just thought of that particular theory."

"Fascinating," I said, nodding toward Mr. Andrews, thoroughly enjoying his story.

"Mr. Andrews, forgive me," Rose said, sounding like she was about to say something invasive or rude. "I did the sum in my head and with the number of lifeboats times the capacity you mentioned...forgive me, but it seems that there are not enough for everyone aboard."

"About half, actually," Mr. Andrews said, stopping in front of all the lifeboats. "Rose, you miss nothing, do you?" Mr. Andrews turned to the lifeboat, pointing at the davits. "In fact, I put in these new type davits, which can take an extra row of boats inside this one. But it was thought by some that the deck would look too cluttered. So I was overruled."

So half of the ship would not get a chance to live for a simple vanity?

"It's a waste of deck space as it is -" Cal said, knocking it with his cane. "On an unsinkable ship."

"Sleep soundly, young Rose," Mr. Andrews assured. "I have built you a good ship, strong and true. She's all the lifeboat you need." Mr. Andrews quickened his pace. "Just continue aft. The next stop will be the engine room."

Rose and I fell a little behind.

"That's silly," I said. "People die for a vanity."

"I -" Rose started, but was suddenly cut off by a man grabbing her - Jack I learned a second later before I almost called for help.

"I'll cover for you," I said quickly before she was pushed into a room.

I turned forward again, walking slowly down the deck, following the group. Then someone grabbed at me, pulling me into a completely separate space. He pushed me against the door, covering my mouth.

I opened my eyes between the panic, seeing his beautiful green ones staring back at me.

"Hello, love."

I punched his shoulder, pushing him back. "What, was this a team effort?"

Tommy shrugged. "Somewhat."

"How did you even get up here?"

"I snuck," Tommy said obviously, smiling as his hand landed beside my head. "You've been avoiding me."

"I've been busy," I bit back.

"Why so angry, love?"

I sighed, closing my eyes so I didn't have any temptations. "I can't see you anymore - ever again." I opened my eyes, but kept my gaze on the floor.

"What?"

I sighed. "We're too different, Tommy. It's not just class, it's -"

"What is it, your mother, huh?" Tommy said, anger creeping up slowly. "I thought you didn't want her to control you!"

"It's not just about me anymore! I have more people to look out for," I said, trying to push him away repeatedly, not making him budge. "You know I want to see you. You know I want to dance, drink, listen to music, have fun! I need to - I just have to -" I gripped the front of his shirt in my hands tightly. "But it would be selfish for me to take my own desires into consideration."

Tommy grabbed both of my hands. "Desires?"

My mouth parted slightly, I let out a nervous breath. "Yes."

Tommy breathed out, stepping closer to me. "If I wanted to kiss you, would I have to ask first?"

"Yes."

"Can I kiss you?"

"No."

He did anyway. I made a noise of surprise, quickly turning into a soft moan. Kissing someone...kissing him felt euphoric. It was by far the most amazing feeling in the world. Not kissing anyone, then kissing a scruffy, Irish, third-class was not what I had in mind, but it happened anyway. And I loved it. I reached back, gripping his hair in my hands, knocking off his stupid hat in the meantime. The sound of it hitting the ground awoken me. I quickly pushed him away, covering mouth, staring at him with wide eyes.

He breathed out heavily, reaching forward. "Anna -"

I let out a sob, slipping from him quickly and getting out of that room as fast as I could've.

I couldn't even think, I just ran.

Afternoon tea was quiet. I assumed that Rose told Jack that they could never see each other again, and that was confirmed by her solemn face and impending silence. But I watched her change in front of my very eyes. She looked at a little girl a little ways away, following her mother's instruction, no doubt following those for the rest of her perfect, rule-set, never changing life. I watched Rose watch the girl and I could see her shoulders slump slightly, her eyes glistening as she sighed.

I placed my hands on the table, standing up. "Excuse me. I need some air."

Rose nodded. "Excuse me as well."

We walked outside, leaning over the railing. "Rose..."

"Yes?"

"Will you listen to mother?" I asked curiously. "Will you do as you're told or...I just was wondering because..."

Rose touched my hand. "What is it?"

"I kissed him. I mean, he kissed me, but it's all the same in the end, isn't it?"

Rose's face broke into a smile and she giggled.

"What?" I asked, finding her laugh infectious.

"And you're standing here with me?"

I looked away, losing my smile. "It's mighty improper of him. Mother said -"

"Mother said," Rose started angrily, grabbing my shoulders and turning me to face her. "Who gives a shit what mother said?"

"Rose!"

"I'm serious," Rose said. "I can't live this life, Anna. I won't. I hope you'll do the same and follow your heart." Rose smiled, rubbing my arms. "Come dinner, I will be too sick to attend." She winked, then walked back inside.

I sighed, leaning back out on the railing. I had till dinner to decide.

As dinner grew closer, I found myself thinking for too long, and before I knew it, the dinner had begun, Rose and I absent. I figured I was in too deep and might as well have at least seen where this would've gone; what would happen if I did follow my heart.

I put on my simplest dress to blend in when I walked down to the third-class deck, leaning over the railing and staring out at the sea.

Somehow, I liked this view better.

"What're you doin' here?"

I smiled, not turning my head as I shrugged. "Maybe I like this deck better."

"Bullshit."

I laughed, looking at him. "Really?"

Tommy smiled, cigarette between his teeth. "You came to see me." He walked closer, smirk becoming prominent.

"Maybe I did," I said quietly, taking the cigarette from between his lips and putting in between my own.

"You -" Tommy started, laughing as he snatched it from me.

I laughed, too, grabbing the front of his shirt and pulling him close to me, kissing him square on the lips. I wrapped my arms around his neck as his arms came around me waist, holding me close to him very tightly.

When we pulled away, I smiled, pushing him back lightly. "Tommy, we barely know each other."

He rolled his eyes. "Don't sweat it, love."

I chuckled, grabbing his arm and putting into an escort position. I put my hand on his arm, starting to walk forward. "I was born and raised in Philadelphia, my life mapped out for me since my first day in this world, of course. I graduated finishing school with high honours. Since then, my mother has been trying to find me an expensive suitor. You know, my whole life has been 'listen to your father', and when he died, it turned into 'listen to your mother'. My whole life, just listening to people, letting them order me around. I used to not understand Rose and why she felt the need to rebel, but...I think I'm finally understanding why she's so exhausted by everyone."

"Listen, love," Tommy said, stepping in front of me. "I know I give you a hard time sometimes, but..."

"What?" I asked, eager to hear what he had to say.

"I'm sorry that you're unhappy."

I smiled, taking a step closer, slipping my arms around his abdomen. "I'm not unhappy. My whole has gone according to plan so far, but...now it's changing - changing for the better, I believe."

Tommy's tongue ran over his bottom lip, then he smirked down at me. "Are you supposed to be my rebel child?"

I raised my eyebrows. "I'm not a child."

Tommy smirked wider before sighing and facing forward again, holding out his arm, putting his cigarette back between his lips. "Grew up with me mom and brothers in Limerack, but there wasn't enough money in the farm, so I figure America will have more for me."

I nodded, giggling. "That is the shortest story I've ever heard."

"It may be boring, but you know I'm anything but."

I smiled. "Prove it."

Tommy's face broke into a wide smile. "Race you to the end!" Then he took off.

I watched him go for a moment. There was something about him - something that made me want him, something that made me want to talk to him, spend time with him, even just look at him. There was something about him...and I loved it. I chased after him, laughing loudly.

It was far past dinner. I didn't even know what time it was. All I knew was that Tommy and I were slow-dancing like crazy people in the middle of the deck, the sound of the violins inside the ship just barely being heard. But there was no sound around us, so we could hear it.

I smiled lightly. "I'm surprised you know how to dance anything other than the Irish jig."

"My ma used to make me dance with her all the time," Tommy said, sighing heavily. "It was pure agony."

"Tell me more about your mother."

Tommy thought for a second. "She's beautiful, she's kind. She's a great woman, much better than I deserved."

I laughed softly, continuing to dance. "So dancing with her was torture. How is it with me?"

Tommy shrugged, pretending to think. "Not as good, but -"

I hit his chest, taking a step back. "You -"

He laughed, grabbing my hands and pulling me close, kissing my lips. I giggled into his mouth, letting us slide down to the ground. We kissed for a minute or two, and when Tommy pulled away, he rubbed my cheek with his thumb.

"There's somethin' about you, Anna."

I smiled, pushing him down lightly, making him lie down. We laid down on the deck and looking up at the sky, his arm out to serve as I pillow for my head as I snuggled into his side, preserving any warmth I could've possibly had. "It's wonderful," I said aloud, looking into the darkness. I slowly closed my eyes, letting the darkness envelope all around me.

"Anna," Tommy said quietly.

"Hm," I hummed.

"You should go to bed."

"I'm not even tired," I insisted, lying through my teeth.

He chuckled, leaning up, taking me with him. He picked me up bridal-style as my eyes remained closed. I lost track of any and all time as we walked around, and before I could register, he was setting me down on my feet.

"We're here?"

"First-class, you are, love."

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I stood at the top of the stairs. "I don't want to go."

"Neither do I." Tommy stepped up one, making us come to eye-level. He leaned forward, kissing me softly more only a moment or two as my fingers ran over his rough scruff on his chin, then he pulled away too soon. "Goodnight, Anna."

"Wait -" I grabbed his arm before he could walk away.

Tommy chuckled. "Love, we'll have the rest of this voyage to do this over and over again. For right now, you should sleep. Come find me in the morning."

I nodded. "Okay."

Tommy nodded, too, bouncing down the steps and running off.