Disclaimer: cqofegypt does not own Titanic

Chapter 4: Jack

April 11th 1912

Thomas Andrews looked up from his desk at the sound of a knock at the door. "Come in!" he called.

Henry Adams, his steward, came in looking rather confused and worried. "Good morning, sir" he said quietly.

Thomas smiled. "Good morning, Henry...what can I do for you?" Thomas stood up. "Well, sir, I couldn't help but feel concerned at the sound of banging on one of the stateroom doors. I think someone is locked inside!"

Thomas did a double take. "Say what?" he asked. Oh dear he thought.

It appeared that after he had woken up, he had forgotten to unlock Rose's room door. He shuddered to think of her reaction. She'd probably be spitting fire when he unlocked her out.

"Er-thank you Henry...will that be all?" Thomas asked, fumbling a little with his ring of keys.

"No, sir...It appears that that steerage man wanted to see you...what was his name? Ah, yes! A Mr. Jack Dawson."

Thomas smiled. He had met Jack nearly a week ago in Southampton, England. Thomas was nearing the end of the preparations for the voyage and had entered one of the pubs for a late lunch, when he noticed two boys, an American and an Italian, in the middle of a heated poker game with two Swedish thugs.

(A/N: Now Disclaimer above, I don't own Titanic...this is what could have happened if Jack hadn't won the poker game)

Flashback

One week earlier- An English Pub

(A/N: Now Disclaimer above, I don't own Titanic...this is what could have happened if Jack hadn't won the poker game)

"Now, you two brats get caught cheatin' and I'll wring both your dirty necks!" one of the Swedes said.

The American smiled a wry smile, a cigarette hanging out of one corner of his mouth. "I wouldn't go accusin' anybody of cheatin' yet, Sven...better look at your ape of a cousin over there!"

Thomas smirked. The waitress set his beer down and he waited for his order of fish and chips. (very common meal in England, fish and French fries)

"Hey'a now! Jackee and me...we a not a cheatin'!"the Italian growled. Jack looked at him and gave him a look. "Easy, there 'brizze...we'll kick their sorry butts yet!"

Jack set down a full house. "Read it and weep, ya'll" Sven looked at his cousin and nodded. "Diamonds...straight!" Olaf grinned.

"And in your honor...A royal flush" Sven smiled crudely, setting down his cards. Fabrizzio cursed in Italian. Jack put a hand to his head in shock...they had lost.

"Mama, mia!" Fabrizzio moaned. (A/N: lol I have always looked for an excuse to say that! ^_^)

Thomas felt an uneasy feeling in his stomach...something didn't feel right. He looked closer at Sven's sleeves. Sure enough, it looked like the Swede was hiding a mass of three to five cards up his sleeve. (no pun intended)

"This 'aint right!" Jack scowled. "See you in America, suckers!" Olaf crowed as he and Sven high-tailed it to the door, just as Jack's beer bottle slammed and crashed to the floor, mere centimeters from Sven's head.

"Why those dirty, double-crossin', dim-witted, dopes!" Jack muttered, tossing over his chair. 'Brizzi still had his head in his hands.

"My mama told me...never trust a Swedes...now our money's gone!" Jack nodded, disappointed. He'd planned to make it to America, make a fresh start...now it looked like they'd never get there...especially on a boat as grand as the Titanic.

"Excuse me" Jack looked up. Fabrizzio lifted his head from his hands. There stood a man they'd never seen before.

"Who are you?" Jack asked. The man smiled. "Don't worry about my name" he said. He motioned to the table.

"Lost your poker game, I see" the stranger said. Jack nodded. "Yeah, what's it to ya?" The man chuckled softly. "I just want to help repay you for what you lost...seeing as how you were cheated"

Jack sulked. "Yeah, we were cheated all right" The stranger shook his head. "So, I suppose you know that that man Sven had about four or five cards up his sleeve"

"Yea-wait...what are you saying?" The stranger shook his head again. "You know what I mean, Jack"

Jack's eyes widened and he cursed under his breath. "That dirty, son-of-a..." The man held up a hand.

"Please, there'll be no cursin' round me...I'm a Christian man, so I'll ask ye to not do that" Jack looked at him.

"What are you, Irish?" he asked. The man nodded his head again. "I'm also you're friend...Come with me...I'll get you aboard Titanic."

Jack looked at him, testing him. "Yeah? How?"

Their mysterious acquaintance smiled once more. "Because, Mr. Dawson...I'm the man who built her"

End Flashback

Thomas Andrews' Office cont'd

Thomas grinned to himself. Jack had been fully surprised and had wondered how Thomas had figured out their names. That had been easy. He'd just asked the bartender.

"Mr. Andrews?" Thomas looked up. "Ah, good morning to you Jack...I trust you and Mr. De Rossi had a good night's rest"

Jack nodded and grinned. "Best night's sleep I've had in a long time." Thomas grinned as well. "Well that's good news"

Chuckling, he added lowly: "You're smelling a bit better too" Jack paled, then his ears turned red. "Yeah" he said.

"So, is anything for this morning?" Jack asked, wanting to change the subject.

Thomas nodded. Since he had helped both Jack and Fabrizzio get aboard the ship, despite crude snobbish looks from Second Officer Lightoller, Thomas had entered a barter ship with the two boys.

They would help him with relaying events to the first class, and in exchange, with the help of Mrs. Molly Brown, the boys both got a change of wardrobe.

"My son outgrew this stuff a long time ago," she had said with a laugh. "He won't be needing it anymore"

For that Thomas was grateful, seeing as how his clothes would be too big on the boys.

"If you could kindly relay the events of the dinner party and Masquerade for tomorrow night, I'd greatly appreciate it" Thomas smiled.

"Ah," he patted his pocket again. "If you gentlemen will excuse me," he walked out of the room for a moment. Jack cocked his head curiously.

He followed the mysterious Mr. Andrews out of his office and down the hall to a certain stateroom.

"Good morning, Rose" Mr. Andrews said, in a rather guilty sounding voice. The girl, Rose, who Jack recognized from the night before, looked up at Mr. Andrews with a patient look in her eye, but a slight frown on her face.

"Good morning, sir" she answered, curtsying. Thomas cleared his throat. "Forgive me, darlin...I had been preoccupied this morning, and I forgot to unlock the door"

Rose tried not to giggle and did her best to contain her blush. He'd actually called her 'darlin'. "'Tis alright, if you'll excuse me, I'd better start looking now"

Thomas nodded. "Yes, 'tis best, I suppose...your mother's gone to the kitchen already, I think"

Rose gasped and ran down the hall to the kitchen quarters in an un-lady like manner. Thomas chuckled.

"Is she your daughter?" Thomas jumped at hearing Jack behind him. "What? Oh, no...she isn't. She-"

Jack grinned. Andrews' face was getting redder by the second. He likes her! Jack thought remembering how the man had carried her to her stateroom after she'd fainted.

Jack himself had only glimpsed the girl rushing past, but recognized her long red hair, and cream colored skin, tainted with the same blush Andrews had now.

Heh, this should be fun! Jack thought. He grabbed Fabrizzio's arm, and they went back to their staterooms to get ready for the big announcement.

Little did he know that he would encounter the disaster that would change his, Mr. Andrews', and Rose's lives forever!

The Grand Staircase

Jack Dawson and Fabrizzio De Rossi entered the room where the grand staircase was located, walked up to the top of the stairs near the clock, and turned to

face the elegantly dressed ladies and gentleman.

Both youths had groomed themselves to the hilt, combing their hair back, and so far, no one had realized that they belonged to the third class.

They looked rather sharp, though Jack's shirt sleeves kept slipping down.

"Ladies and gentleman! May I have your attention, please?" the gentry looked at them, wondering just who these two young men were.

Lady Guinevere Macy and her daughter Gabriella looked up at Jack with 'mightier than thou' looks on their faces.

(When you see Gabriella, think of the girl on Ella Enchanted ^_^)

"On behalf of Mr. Andrews, my friend Mr. De Rossi and I would like to announce that there will be a gala tomorrow night. In honor of the French New Year, there will be a Masquerade Ball, and a dinner party in the main ballroom. All eligible first class members are invited to attend. Who knows… maybe one of the young ladies will be able to capture Mr. Andrews by the end of the party"

Though I wouldn't bet on it! Jack thought as he thought again of Mr. Andrews and Rose.

There were several chuckles from the men, and several whispers from the young ladies.

"With this news, we advise you all, young ladies especially, to get a good night's rest! That's all." Fabrizzio grinned. "Grazi!' he said waving.

Some people laughed, others just ignored him. Jack stepped down, and (unfortunately) bumped into Gabriella.

"Oh, Mr. Ummm" Jack looked at her with a really? look.

"Dawson" he said, wondering what this girl wanted, or, rather, what she was up to.

"Mr. Dawson, yes…I was wondering… is there any way that I-uh, will be able to… speak with Mr. Andrews by any chance?"

Jack coughed. Fabrizzio tried his best to stifle his laughter. There was no way Mr. Andrews would even think about looking twice in this young lady's direction.

She was rather plain and ordinary looking, and she didn't have a sense of grace, or poise for that matter.

Only in your dreams! Jack thought. To Gabriella he said, "I don't believe so, miss….I think he's rather busy in his office this evening…. Perhaps I can arrange an appointment with him for you"

Fabrizzio looked at Jack as if he'd gone insane. Mr. Andrews speak alone with this girl? And what about Rose, how would she feel about that?

Jack nudged him, and Fabrizzio looked down at Jack's crossed fingers. Febrizzio grinned slightly and let out a sigh of relief.

Suddenly the tenseness returned as Thomas Andrews himself entered the foyer.

"Oh, Mr. Andrews!" Gabriella cried, rushing down the stairs and nearly tripping on her dress, before Jack and Fabrizzio could stop her.

Thomas looked up and noticed a fair young lady with long blond hair rushing toward him.

He blushed, looking over her at Jack, who shrugged.

"Oh Mr. Andrews, I'm glad I was able to speak with you! Your servant said I wouldn't be able to make your acquaintance until tomorrow" she gave Jack an evil glare.

Thomas smiled at her rather awkwardly, but he was kind nonetheless.

"How can I help you, miss?" he asked, his accent sending shivers up Gabriella's spine.

Gabriella giggled wickedly. No matter how many would try, she would be the one to capture Mr. Andrews' heart!

Noon

Rose DeWitter went about Gabriella Macy's stateroom, dusting, sweeping, and cleaning. She looked up startled as said girl barged into the room.

"You!" she said.

Rose looked at her, bewildered. "Yes, ma'am?" she asked.

Gabriella looked about the room, perking up her nose. "By the time I return this evening, I want this room spotless! And I also want my best gown pressed for tomorrow night...there is to be a Masquerade Ball upon the greatest ship that ever sailed the seas! I want to look my best!"

Rose looked down at the floor, tried not to snort, and curtsied slightly. "Yes, ma'am" she said quietly. Gabriella turned toward the door, but turned around as if she remembered something.

"By the way...I saw you talking with Mr. Andrews earlier today. I want you to stay away from him. He is to be my future husband, and I don't want a little hussy like you getting in our way!"

Rose blushed scarlet. How dare this young whelp talk to her that way! Mr. Andrews was her friend, at least, she hoped as much.

"Aye, ma'am" Rose said, curtsying slightly.

"And another thing...stop talking in that ridiculous accent...you're copying Mr. Andrews...it's perfectly pathetic"

Rose blushed again, looking down at her shoes. "As you wish" she whispered.

"You can go now" Gabriella said, twirling in her dress. Rose curtsied one last time and left the room, but not before she got a good look at Gabriella dancing and talking to herself in the mirror.

I shall never speak to Mr. Andrews again! Rose thought, as she ran down the foyer, bumping into Lady Macy.

"See here now, Agatha! What is the meaning of this?" Lady Macy shrieked. "My name is ROSE!" the lass shouted before she continued down the hall in tears.

The Cafe

"So, Tom...any chance that we may be able to pick up speed?" Bruce Ismay asked, while smoking a cigarette.

Thomas sighed. Bruce had constantly been after him about speeding up their course to New York, but he just didn't feel it was wise.

'Titanic is built for speed, Tom...you can at least show these fine people what she's made of.' Bruce had told him earlier. Thomas had still felt unsure.

Being the fact that Titanic was one of the seven wonders of the world, and the most famous at the moment, Bruce really wanted the world to see how great of a ship she really was.

Not to mention get more publicity for himself. Thomas thought wryly. He sighed. He was in the company of Ismay, Molly Brown, The Astors, Colonel and Lady Gracie, Lady Macy, Caledon Hockley, and Ruth, who he'd invited to tag along. Partly because he secretly wished that he wasn't there, and partly because he felt she might enjoy herself.

Thomas looked in her direction, and noticed she was in a conversation with Molly Brown.

(A/N: Ok...you know how in Titanic, Ruth DeWitt Bukater and Molly Brown don't really get along? well, in this one they do...Molly is still the 'newcomer', while Ruth gets to 'play' the part)

"Do you have any kids?" Thomas heard Mrs. Brown ask. Ruth nodded. "I have a daughter. Rose" Molly smiled. "Rose. That's such a pretty name...I'd like to meet her"

Ruth smiled. "I think you will, Mrs. Brown...tonight at supper."

Thomas smiled to himself. How he wished that Rose were here among them. He missed her sorely. He looked up as Cal Hockley, the multibillionaire oil tycoon, was speaking to Ruth.

"How old is your daughter?" he asked, with what Thomas thought, was a gleam in his eye. Quickly the Irishman felt a sense of possession well up in him. This was unlike the shipbuilder, and it surprised him. I haven't known her but for a mere twenty-four hours...how can this be?

Then he found the reason for it. It was Cal. Cal and all his billions, ready to flaunt himself and his money to every woman on the ship, except for those in steerage.

If he takes one look at Rose, I'll... with that, Thomas felt himself blush. Had he gone daft? No, he realized, I've just fallen in love with the most fiery fair-skinned red-haired Irishwoman on board, and her name is...

"Oh, Mr. Andrews!" Thomas felt his stomach sink to the soles of his shoes as he heard the disturbed voice of one of the worst passengers to ever step aboard Titanic...

The Ship Stern

Jack Dawson looked up from his artists' tablet, where he'd been finishing a sketch of one little Irish girl playing with her little brother and a small leather ball.

He perked up his ears as he heard something out of the ordinary. Someone was crying?

Quickly, Jack nudged Fabrizzio, and the Italian opened his eyes groggily, mumbling about being woken up.

"Shh...quiet! you hear that?" Jack asked. Fabrizzio sat up and listened. "no..si si I do hear it...hear what?"

Jack rolled his eyes and stood up, walking toward the stern. The noise was getting louder. Then, all the way tucked underneath the ship he saw a girl.

Not just any girl. This one was dressed in a maid's uniform, her shoes gone, and her knees pulled up to her chest. Jack looked at her closely.

This girl had fiery red hair and stunning blue eyes. Could this be..."Rose?" Jack asked.

The girl looked up. "Who are ye?" she asked. Jack smiled a little. "I'm Jack Dawson remember? ...I'm a friend of Mr. Andrews" At the mention of the man's name, Jack would have sworn he saw a blush come up on Rose's face.

"I see" she said quietly. "Did he send ye?" Jack looked confused. "No, I just heard someone crying and I just..."

Rose looked up at him defiantly, her brows stuck together in an aggravated line. "Ye just came over to lend a helpin' hand, is that it?"

Jack nodded. "Well, yeah"

"Well, I've got news for ye, boyo...I don't need help from anybody...not even you, especially after last night! Good day!" she scrambled up, grabbed her boots and left.

Jack heard laughter behind him. He turned around and saw Tommy Nelson trying not to laugh. Jack scowled at him.

"Well, boyo...I ne'er thought I'd see the day when the mighty Jack Dawson got rebuked! Especially by an Irish lass!" Tommy continued to laugh.

Jack rolled his eyes and cursed under his breath. he was struck with one thought. Leave the Irish to their own.

Then he was struck with a perfect idea! He'd heard Mrs. DeWitter tell Mr. Andrews that Rose's birthday was today! That's it! That's how I'll...

Jack cheered and jumped for joy. Grabbing both Fabrizzio with one arm and Tommy by the other, they all high-tailed it to the third-class deck.

So much to do, so little time!