-1Chapter 7: A Birthday Surprise...or Disaster?
Thomas Andrews' Office
"Are ye sure about this, Jack?" Thomas asked. "I haven't tapped in years" Jack scoffed. "Aw, come on, Mr. Andrews! Of course you can dance! What natural born Irishman can't tap dance?"
Thomas sighed. Jack was right. "Tell me again what the plan is" he said with a wry smile. Yes! Jack thought. Jack told him the plan again, and Thomas nodded. "Alright, if you say so, but" Jack wagged his finger at Thomas. "Ah ah ah...no backing out now...if you won't do it for yourself, me or 'brizzi...do it for Rose"
Jack grinned mischeviously as the familiar blush came up on Thomas' cheeks.
"Is it me, or is it rather warm in here?" the Irishman asked, pulling at his collar and tie.
"It's you" Jack grinned impishly. "Come on, 'Brizzi...we gotta get ready" Fabrizzio nodded. "Good luck!" he grinned before following Jack out the office.
Thomas folded his hands on his elbows and looked at the blueprints on his desk, his wine glass as a holder.
It would be nice to get away for a bit...and it would be extra special to him to be able to spend a little time with Rose, to see her enjoy her birthday, and maybe to get to know her a wee bit better.
Thomas sighed for the fiftieth time in that hour, then walked back to his stateroom to 'change clothes'.
Being an artist as one of his hidden talents, he occasionally got a lead smudge or a paint smear on his shirts...he wore one of those under his fine dress shirt and vest. He'd change later, before going down to the 'party'.
Looking at his pocket watch, he noticed it was almost six.
Jack...this better be worth it, because if it isn't...boyo, prepare for a swim in the icy Atlantic!
With that, Thomas grabbed his overcoat and headed to the dining hall for dinner.
Rose's Stateroom
"Are ye sure yer all right, darlin'?" Ruth asked, patting her daughter's hand. Rose had been thinking about Mr. Hockley again, while fingering the precious jewel.
She'd been terribly melancholy over the past couple of hours, and Ruth was getting concerned.
Rose smiled, halfheartedly. "I'm alright, Mum" she said, stepping away from her jewelry box.
Ruth clucked her tongue and went to her stateroom. Rose looked after her, confused.
Ruth came back a minute later. "I'd been wantin' to give this to ye all day, but with both of us workin' so much today, and my goin' to lunch with Tom, well, I never got the chance." Rose smiled. "Did ye like it? Were the people friendly?" Ruth smiled. "Aye, I loved it. I met some interesting people, ye'll meet them soon enough."
Rose could have sworn she saw a slight blush on her mother's cheeks. (A/N: Hmmm)
"But anyhow, I wanted to give ye this...it belonged to yer Grandma DeWitter...yer dad's mum" Ruth gently, carefully undid the ancient peice of velvet that held the precious ornament.
Rose gasped. It was a comb. A comb in the shape of a dragonfly. It was light green, with a gold border. "Oh, Mother, it's beautiful!" Rose gasped.
Ruth smiled. "I thought ye'd might like to wear it tonight at dinner, seein' this will be a special occasion."
Rose giggled a little, and felt a heartwarming sense of pride as she was given an heirloom from her Irish grandmother.
"Who gave it to her?" Rose asked. Ruth smiled. "Yer Granddad. He gave it to her as a wedding present" Rose gasped.
(A/N: Aww! I don't think that's the origin of that comb, but I think this one is sweet!)
Ruth stood back and looked at her girl. Despite the dark princess chiffon dress she was wearing, donated by the vivacious Molly Brown, the new comb looked exquisite in Rose's hair, aside from her other hair barettes, keeping her rather thick hair in a bun.
Rose smiled and hugged her mother. "Thank ye so much, Mum...ye truly have made this a special day" Ruth smiled, wiping happy tears from her eyes. "Now, then...let's get a move on, shall we?'
Molly Brown's Stateroom
Men's suits and jackets and formal wear are strewn all over the place. Molly is having a fine time. Jack is dressed, except for his jacket, and Molly is tying his bow tie.
Jack, for his efforts at saving Rose, had been invited by Mr. Andrews and Molly Brown to dinner that evening.
At the moment, Jack felt slightly embarrassed that he couldn't remember how to tie a bow tie.
Molly grinned. "Don't feel bad about it. My husband still can't tie one of these things after 20 years. There you go."
"Thanks" Jack murmered.
Molly picked a jacket off the bed and handed it to him. Jack went into the bathroom to put it on. Molly started picking up the stuff off the bed.
After a minute, Jack came out of the restroom, the jacket buttoned, his collar in place, and his shoes shined. His hair was combed slick back.
Molly raised an eyebrow. "My, my, my... you shine up like a new penny."
Jack smiled politely and offered her his arm. This was going to be a long night.
The Grand Staircase
Rose took a deep breath as she walked down the stairs, one by one. She hoped not to see Gabriella or Mr. Hockley.
The 'gift' she'd been given was safely hidden in her beuruar drawer...for now.
Mr. Andrews came from one of the doors to the side, beneath the Grand Staircase. He'd just been alerted by a 'friend' that Caledon Hockley had been menacing a certain 'passenger'. Andrews' friend had not mentioned the name of the passenger, but Andrews felt he knew who that passenger was.
Turning his head, his next breath caught in his throat. Rose!
She was a stunning vision, in a gown fit for a princess. Slowly, she descended the stairs.
Rose noticed Mr. Andrews at the foot of the stairs in a gallent dinner tuxedo, with a strange expression on his face. She smiled cordially and descended the rest of the stairs.
Stepping up to him, she curtsied.
He smiled and returned her gesture with a formal English bow.
"My dear Ms. DeWitter...would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the dining hall?" Andrews asked.
Rose blushed slightly, her eyes downcast. Mr. Andrews grew concerned and lifted her gaze to him.
"If ye wish" she whispered. Andrews looked at her curiously. "Whatever do you mean, Rose?" Just as Rose looked up at him, Gabriella Macy stormed up to them.
"Why you little bint! I thought I told you not to come near-" she caught Mr. Andrews' eye and laughed flirtatiously, grabbing his other arm.
Rose blushed scarlet and looked down at the floor. Andrews glared at Gabriella with all the Irish fire he possessed!
"I beg your pardon, madam, but if you will excuse us, I am going to excort Ms. DeWitter." Gabriella yanked his arm. "NO!" she yelled.
Thomas Andrews rolled his eyes.
"Tá sí chomh tiubh is aoileach ach leath amháin mar atá úsáideach" She's as thick as manure, but only half as useful
The Irishman muttered in Rose's ear. Rose bit her tongue to prevent bursting into laughter. "Mr. Andrews!" she gasped.
Andrews winked at Rose and grinned devilishly.
"Féadfaidh tú leaghadh as an domhain, sneachta as an chlaí." May you fall off the earth like snow off the ditch
Andrews smiled at Gabriella as he and Rose walked away. Rose shut her eyes to keep from thinking about roaring in laughter.
Mr. Andrews had told Gabriella the two worst insults in all of Ireland, and she hadn't even understood them. They reached the banquet hall together, Mr. Andrews pointing out many influential people to Rose as she looked around.
She turned to him with a smile. "Mr. Andrews, truly you didn't have to insult Ms. Macy for my sake...I would have.." she was stopped by Thomas' finger on her lips.
"There was need, Rose. Besides your mother and Jack, you are the only friend I have on the Titanic." she looked at him confused. "But surely..." he smiled.
"They are business partners... though Captain Smith is sort of a father to me" Rose nodded, and they continued to the table, arm-in-arm.
Rose caught her mother's eye, and Ruth beamed. She was standing next to a man Mr. Andrews identified as Bruce Ismay. They smiled at each other, and Mr. Ismay pulled out Ruth's chair.
Rose saw the same tint of pink on Ruth's face as earlier. Rose tried not to giggle. She wondered what it would be like to have a father again, after so many years. Usually widows waited at least two years before getting married again, but Ruth saw no need, and Rose presumed that she had been satisfied with the life they shared together, just the two of them.
"Ye won't be around forever, Rose" her mother had remarked to her one day when they were living in Ireland. "Someday ye'll get married, and I'll just be waitin' for the day when yer own wee ones come...that way I can spoil 'em rotten!"
They had laughed, but Rose continued to wonder whether or not her mother was lonely. Surely her father would have wanted Ruth to marry happily after he was gone, but not to have waited ten years!
Rose snapped to attention when Mr. Andrews pulled out a seat for her, then sat down himself in the seat next to hers.
Rose had a smile on her face as she looked around at the surroundings. They were marvelous! She looked over and noticed Mr. Andrews writing something in a small black book.
"Mr. Andrews?" Thomas jumped, and the letter 'e' he'd been writing slipped. It didn't matter though...he shouldn't have been writing anyway. However, looking around at the chandeliers, he'd noticed that two seemed loose, and one of the crystals from one of them had broken off. Shame.
Thomas turned to Rose with a smile. "Yes?" he asked. Rose blushed and smiled awkwardly. "I-I'm sorry...I didn't know you were busy writing something" Thomas chuckled. "It's alright...dont' worry about it" Rose nodded. "I just wanted to tell you..." she'd been working on her English, "Titanic is a wonder...you should be proud of the work you've accomplished." she smiled.
Thomas blushed and smiled. "Thank you, Rose" Cal Hockley looked over at the couple, intrigued by this conversation between Andrews and the ravishing beauty he'd 'met' earlier. Hmmm.. Cal thought wryly. He looked her over again, and liked what he saw. Andrews was too busy in his conversation with the girl that he didn't notice.
Or didn't he?
"Mr. Hockley, I should like to introduce you to Ms. Rose DeWitter. She and her mother Ruth are friends of mine" Cal was caught off guard by Andrews' statement, the Irishman was looking at him with the same look from earlier. Pure disdain, or was it jealousy?
Just you wait, Andrews... I'll snatch her from you so fast you won't have time to even blink! Cal thought. Meanwhile though, he would bide his time. He stood up and made his way toward Rose.
"An honor, ma chère" he kissed her hand, a devilish twinkle in his eye. He stood up and noticed Andrews was gripping his napkin so tightly that his knuckles turned white. If disturbed, Titanic would be with one less napkin.
Rose looked between the two men, first at Mr. Andrews, and then at Mr. Hockley, the man she'd met earlier. He was smiling at her in a way that Rose could feel her skin crawl.
She gulped ever so slightly.
Andrews cleared his throat. What he'd like to say to Hockley was not appropriate for young ladies such as Rose, to hear.
Andrews glared at Cal, hoping he'd get the message. Eventually the brute did, and returned to his seat, not once taking
his eyes off the girl.
Mmmm so young and fresh… Perhaps her mother could use some... persuasion? Cal laughed wickedly under his breath. I know what I want…and I always get what I want…
Andrews could feel Cal's thoughts. He looked at the man. Evil. Pure evil, and he was directing these thoughts toward Rose.
I'll… Thou shalt not murder, belovedThomas Andrews heard a voice whisper. Andrews closed his eyes and prayed silently for deliverance from these malicious thoughts he was directing toward Hockley. He also prayed for protection for Rose.
Opening his eyes, Mr. Andrews took a deep breath and leaned toward Rose's ear.
"I want you to stay away from him" he whispered. "He's very dangerous" Rose nodded nervously at him, fear in her eyes. You have no idea she thought.
Andrews looked at her with a reassuring smile.
"I assure you, Rose…no harm will come to you" he said quietly. Gently, the young man grasped the girl's hand and kissed it. Cal noticed this little scene and gave Andrews a dirty look.
You'll pay for that, Andrews…by God you'll pay!
Mr. Andrews took a small scoop of dessert and noticed Cal seething at him. Despite himself, Andrews smiled cheekily. He had the upper hand, and Cal knew it.
As Rose was paying attention to the other dinner guests, and enjoying her mother interact with Mr. Ismay, Mr. Andrews looked over to the door. The person standing there, nodded; that was the signal.
The shipbuilder stood up unnoticed, and walked to the door. Slipping something into the stranger's pocket, Andrews walked on to one of the restrooms to change.
Meanwhile, the stranger who was in reality Jack Dawson, calmly and casually walked over to the table with his head high, trying to look as if he weren't looking for Rose. He finally found her. Molly Brown looked up at him surprised. Jack shook his head and motioned toward Rose. Molly grinned, nodded and asked Ruth another question about Ireland, on the one hand because she was interested, and two, acting as a diversion for Jack.
"Ms. DeWitter?" Rose turned and looked up. It was Jack!
"Yes?" she asked politely, though wondering why on God's good green earth he was doing here, and not sitting down to dinner.
Jack noticed her attempt at calmmess and smirked. Pure Irish. Stubborn as the day was long.
"Breithlá sona" he said, stumbling a little as he kissed her hand. Rose felt him force something in her hand. He left and she looked into her hand. How did he of all people know today was her birthday? And where on Earth had he learned to say that phrase? Rose opened the paper in her hands.
Mearbhall? Buail liom ag an chloig sa deich nóiméad
(Confused? Meet me at the clock in ten minutes)
Rose smiled confused at the note. Who had sent it? Michael O'Rielly? Sam McGregor? No, they weren't allowed up here.
Then what am I doing here? Rose thought to herself. Suddenly she noticed that the seat on her left was vacant. Where was Mr. Andrews?
Rose looked at the note again, being careful not to let anyone see it.
"Stone silent I see" Rose jumped at hearing the voice of the dangerous Mr. Hockley. He regarded her with a small smile, a faint glimmer of something in his eye that Rose couldn't place. Suddenly she felt disturbed, but what was bothering her? She had felt fine just a minute ago.
"Excuse me" she murmured, getting up. She looked over at her mother. Ruth caught Rose's eye and looked at her curiously. Rose showed her a tip of the paper and motioned toward the door leading to the foyer…to the clock.
Ruth suddenly blushed and smiled, nodding. Rose smiled. She was free to go.
She suddenly walked over to Mr. Ismay and waited patiently for him to stop speaking. He turned to her curiously, and she curtsied elegantly.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Ismay" she said with a smile. "I've heard so many wonderful things about you"
Ismay's grin broadened. Who was this charming young woman?
He looked over at Mrs. DeWitter and noticed her blush. Looking back at Rose, he noticed the family resemblance.
This must be her daughter. Ismay thought. What a charming child! "The honor is mine, mademoiselle" he smiled grabbing her hand and kissed it, patting it gently. Rose blushed. She could see why her mother had a fancy for this man.
After a minute Rose politely excused herself and walked to the staircase.
The Grand Staircase
When Rose reached the staircase, she noticed there was a man standing there at the top.
Rose was almost to the top when the man turned around. He smiled at her. Rose gasped.
"Good evening, Rose…"
"Mr. Andrews!" Rose gasped, putting a hand to her mouth. The shipbuilder smiled at her.
"Yes, Rose, It was I who sent you that note, thanks to Mr. Dawson"
Rose blushed. "Jack?" she asked. "You got it" said a voice behind her.
The girl gasped and turned around to see Jack Dawson standing behind her, grinning from ear to ear.
Rose looked at Mr. Andrews who was also grinning now.
"But how-" Jack laughed. Andrews chuckled. "It was Jack who set up this whole thing... for your birthday"
Rose looked at Jack in surprise. "Is that why your friends looked surprised at me being down there earlier?" Jack nodded.
"It's supposed to be a surprise party, but..." Andrews grinned. "Well, it's still a surprise...she really hasn't seen anything yet" Jack nodded and grinned. Mr. Andrews was one smart cookie.
"Now then, Rose... we have a surprise for you, but first you're going to have to be blindfolded."
Rose crossed her arms and frowned. Andrews smiled at the young lady, so fair and full of fire.
"Yeah, and hey... don't forget her shoes." Andrews nodded. He quickly helped Rose change from her dinner shoes into some custom-made Irish tap shoes. Rose giggled as she tapped her foot a couple of times.
Andrews chuckled. He was beginning to think that Jack's plan wasn't so bad after all. As Rose tried to take a step down the stairs, Andrews' heart gave a sickening lurch.
"Uh, Rose..." gently the man placed his arm around the girl's waist, reached down, and scooped her up into his arms effortlessly.
Jack raised an eyebrow. Rose yelped in delight.
"Mr. Andrews?" she asked breathlessly, running her hand through his dark brown hair, then down the side of his face.
Rose couldn't see, but Jack smirked. The girl was obviously having an impact on Andrews.
"Yes, Rose" Andrews said quietly. "I have you"
Rose smiled then, placing her arms around his neck.
"Hey, lovebirds! You two coming or what?" Jack grinned over his shoulder at the two. Andrews silently glared at Jack while Rose blushed in his arms.
If I'm not mistaken, Jack, you were the one who thought up this whole shinanigan! the man thought, keeping a firm hold of the lovely lass in his arms.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Rose smiled a little. and addressed Mr. Andrews.
"It's alright," she said, holding his neck a little tighter. "You can put me down, now"
As much as Andrews wanted to protest, he agreed, and set her down on her feet. It wasn't appropriate for a man to carry a woman in that manner, unless they were married.
That could be arranged if she'd have me Andrews thought.
But then he thought about it from a social point of view. What would Bruce have to say about it, or worse, what would Ruth think?
Andrews tried not to think about it, but he could hear the whisperes from the first class.
"What a scandal!" or "Mr. Andrews marry a scullory maid?...an outrage!"
Andrews shook his head furiously. He and Rose were Irish, not the constantly gossiping stuck up variations of the first class.
Leading Rose to the second flight of stairs leading to the gathering, Andrews gently took her hand. "Can you make it down by yourself?" he asked.
Rose took a step down, and shook her head.
(A/N: That's probably because she enjoyed being in his arms! ^_^)
Andrews gladly picked the girl back up again, smiling to himself. This was going to be an interesting night!
Rose's Birthday Celebration Third Class Deck-General Room
Crow led and alive with music, laughter and raucous carrying on. An ad hoc band is gathered near the upright piano, honking out lively stomping music on fiddle, accoridon and tambourine.
When Rose, Andrews and Jack enter the room everyone stops to look at the lovely lady, whos birthday their celebrating.
"Ok now!" Rose heard Jack say. A quick flip of the cloth, and Rose's eyes opened to the largely filled room of people.
"Breithlá sona!" they yelled. Rose squealed in delight. "Happy Birthday!" Rose laughed in delight. She really hadn't expected for anyone, not even these kind souls to know it was her birthday!
"Thank you everyone!" she said, heathily flushed. The best part of all was when the music started and everyone started dancing.
Despite the fact he had the chance to dance with many beautiful young lassies, Mr. Andrews stayed right next to her, grinning just as happy as a man culd be.
As a rather quick song started up, Jack rushed to Rose, grabbing her hand. Rose turned to Mr. Andrews and he smiled, nodding his head.
Rose looked back at Andrews nervously. "I don't know about this..."
Jack smiled. "Come on, it'll be fine, I promise"
The music started and they were off. A little awkward at first, she started to get into it. She grinned at Jack as she started to remember the rhythm of the steps.
As they get faster, Andrews looks on with interest, but soon his face grew concerned. Rose was starting to look a little pale.
Rose blanched. "Wait... stop!"
Jack kept dancing. A few more spins then...yelch!
The music stopped short. No one knew what happened. No one knew what to do.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry" Rose whispered. Mr. Andrews leaped into action. Grabbing Rose by the shoulder, he told her to sit down. Grabbing Jack by the arm, he reached into his mála beag and grabbed a fresh shirt, just in case.
"Go" he whispered quietly. "I'll take care of Rose" Jack nodded and stalked off.
"Gach ceart gach duine ... Is féidir tú a choinneáil ag dul"/"All right everyone...you can keep going"
Andrews sat down next to Rose as the music continued. "It's all my fault" she whispered. Andrews shook his head. "Don't ever think that, lass...You tried to tell Jack to stop and he didn't listen...that's the price he has to pay...besides...I think it still had that hint of dog odor"
Rose giggled a little as Andrews chuckled. "Thank ye" she said quietly. Andrews nodded.
"Anytime" he smiled, rubbing his thumb over her fingers. Rose blushed.
"Tell me about your home in Ireland" he said suddenly. Rose looked at him surprised.
"Really?" Mr. Andrews nodded.
"Oh, and by the way...no more of this calling me Mr. Andrews, as ye so politely put it. That name rightfully belongs to my father. From now on, you'll call me Thomas...Aye?"
Rose grinned. "Aye!" she said eagerly.
Jack got back from changing his shirt. He still couldn't believe Rose puked on him! he'd had to get rid of the shirt.
The one he had now was too big...it made him feel like a pirate.
Jack looked around for Fabrizzio. He found her dancing with a pretty Norweigen girl named Helga. Dancing had obscured the need for a common language. He whirled her, then she responded by whirling him... Fabrizio's eyes got wide when he realized she was stronger than he is.
They moved to a table, flushed and sweaty. Fabrizio was grinning, holding hands with Helga.
"How you two doin'?" Jack asked.
Fabrizzio grinned at his new-found innamorato. "I don't know what she's say, she don't know what I say, so we get along fine."
Fabrizzio was trying to catch his breath. Jack smiled and looked over at Rose and Andrews.
Rose was talking to Thomas about the farm she lived on as a little girl. She told him about the time when she'd lassood a boar by its horns by mistake, and how it ended up causing her horse to hurl her in the hay.
Thomas slapped his knee laughing. Jack wandered over, wondering what was so funny.
"What happened then?" he asked. Rose grinned. "Dat was laughing when I told him, and Mum took the strap to me."
Thomas winced. "Couldn't sit for a week." Jack winced. Rose smiled, her cheeks healthily flushed. "Ne'er did it again though!"
Rose was grinning now, though the memory of her father still felt like a fresh wound.
Tommy walked over with a pint for each of them. Rose looked at the beer unsure of herself. A nod from Thomas was all she needed. She took a sip. It actually tasted sweet. Suddenly, Rose chugged her pint, showing off.
Thomas and Jack laughed, congratulating her.
Sean O'Malley came over just then, addressing Thomas.
"So, Tom...I hear yer the greatest tapper of us all." Andrews blushed modestly. "Well, I-er..."
Somebody else spoke up. "Aye...a lass told me ye can toot too." the others laughed.
Thomas' ears burned. He could sing, but him sing for someone other than Rose...
"Hey, Tommy boy, why don't ye show off fer yer perty friend there?"
Now it was Rose's turn to blush. Thomas looked at her and smiled. He nodded to himself. He knew exactly what song to sing.
(A/N: I've done research on Youtube, and yes Victor Garber can sing :) )
Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics to My Wild Irish Rose!
My Wild Irish Rose
If you listen I'll sing you a sweet little song
Of a flower that's now droped and dead,
Yet dearer to me, yes than all of its mates,
Though each holds aloft its proud head.
Twas given to me by a girl that I know,
Since we've met, faith I've known no repose.
She is dearer by far than the world's brightest star,
And I call her my wild Irish Rose.
The lads cheered. Rose blushed immensely. This was an Irish love song. Why would Thomas sing it, unless...
Michael started the music as Thomas continued singing.
My wild Irish Rose, the sweetest flower that grows.
You may search everywhere, but none can compare with my wild Irish Rose.
My wild Irish Rose, the dearest flower that grows,
And some day for my sake, she may let me take the bloom from my wild Irish Rose.
They may sing of their roses, which by other names,
Would smell just as sweetly, they say.
But I know that my Rose would never consent
To have that sweet name taken away.
Her glances are shy when e'er I pass by
The bower where my true love grows,
And my one wish has been that some day I may win
The heart of my wild Irish Rose.
My wild Irish Rose, the sweetest flower that grows.
You may search everywhere, but none can compare with my wild Irish Rose.
My wild Irish Rose, the dearest flower that grows,
And some day for my sake, she may let me take the bloom from my wild Irish Rose.
As Thomas finished the last few notes, Tommy, Jack and Fabrizzio jumped in with the harmony. Rose blushed as red as her hair as Thomas knelt on one knee, and kissed her hand. Jack and the others cheered.
After a bit of food and ale, everyone started dancing again.
Bjorn Gunderson was roughhousing with a few of his mates, when he crashed into Tommy Nelson with no signs of apology.
In reaction, Tommy accidentally spilled his ale all over Rose's dress. Rose cried out in surprise, then giggled.
Thomas looked at her in concern, then jumped up, ready to defend her honor.
Tommy looked at Rose in apologetic horror, then grabbed Bjorn by the collar, ready to punch him in the nose.
Thomas went over to Toomy, trying to get him to let go of Bjorn. Struggling against Thomas, Tommy cursed.
"Ye stupid oaf! Ye made me spill me ail all over the lass! Now yer gonna get it!"
Thomas put a hand on each man's shoulder.
"Now, gents… let's not get too rowdy." Unfortunately, looking at both hot-headed Irishmen, it was obvious that this tactic wasn't working.
Tommy stood there, still spitting mad, chest out high.
Trying to keep his composure, he ended up laughing, clapping Bjorn's back.
Rose, smiling, stood up next to Thomas.
"So, ye think yer big, tough men, do ye? Well, then lets see ye do this! Thomas, if ye'll hold this for me please?"
Thomas did as she asked, holding a corner of her dress, looking at her rather curiously.
In stockinged feet, Rose positioned herself into point, putting her entire body mass on her toes.
The men, including Andrews' mouths went wide at the sight of her painstakingly incredible muscle control.
Rose leveled down, tripping and holding her foot.
"Oy, ow! Gracious me! I haven't done that in years!"
Thomas caught her when she fell; everyone else laughed aloud.
Jack and Tommy started laughing and cheering, starting off a wave of applause.
Rose blushed slightly, and curtsied.
Spicer Lovejoy opened the welldeck door, and walked down a couple of steps, unseen.
Seeing Thomas Andrews holding Rose DeWitter, while both were laughing, made Lovejoy smile slightly to himself.
He exited the way he came…unseen and unknown.
Finally! He thought, going in search of Caledon Hockley.
When everyone continued to dance, Jack nudged Thomas in the ribs, motioning toward Rose, who was making small talk with Helga.
Thomas cleared his throat and approached the girl, hands sweaty, and mouth dry.
"Rose, may I have this next dance?" he asked, more confidenly then he had anticipated.
Rose looked up at Mr. Andrews' shy, pleading, face and eagerly nodded her head.
(A/N: This is that waltz…the one where Jack and Rose get REAL close. ^_^ )
As the music started for the next dance, Rose looked up at Mr. Andrews nervously.
"Thomas, I think it's only fair to tell ye... I don't know this dance." Thomas smiled down at her.
"You're not the only one, my girl... I don't know it either. Just move with me and we'll be alright" Rose giggled as he brought her close to him (REAL close ;) )
Soon enough the dance got even faster. Rose screamed and giggled in delight as the two whirled around.
Rose put her shoes back on when they stopped, then they had a tap dace battle to see who could tap the fastest. Rose won by a landslide.
Just as she was about to collapse in exhaustion, she felt two strong arms about her waist, keeping her upright.
Upward she looked into the heavenly brown, smiling eyes of Thomas Andrews, panting and protruding a sweet odor of sweat and colonge.
"Shall we bid adieu?" he murmured in her ear. She nodded, and he helped her up. The two bid their friends goodnight, Rose thanking them for such an eventful evening.
As they walked to the bow of the ship, the stars grazed brilliantly overhead, shining like diamonds in the night sky.
Thomas and Rose walked along the row of life boats, the shipbuilder stealing glances at the beautiful young woman beside him.
Since their time in the quarters of the third class, Thomas had relished in the feeling of Rose in his arms, hearing her excited and happy laugh, her heart beating wildly against his own.
Despite the fact he had only known her since the day before, he felt a longing, no, a need... a need to always be near her...always protecting her from the dangers of the unknown.
Also there was the longing of the feeling of her smooth skin. Of course he had been able to hold her as they danced, but he wondered what it would be like to hold her in his arms, whispering his love for her as they kissed...
NO! Thomas thought to himself. She is Charles' daughter! You are responsible for his death, therefore you do not deserve her! his mind kept taunting him.
Would he never be able to have a chance at love?
Still dizzy and excited from the party, Rose turned to her companion and noticed his quiet manner. She looked up at the sky again, this time thinking of the hymn, Be Thou My Vision.
"Mr. Andrews, do you happen to know any songs from Ireland?" Rose asked. Andrews looked at her in surprised, raising an eyebrow.
Rose giggled. She knew why he was looking at her that way. She was supposed to call him 'Thomas'. Andrews chuckled.
"I know a few...anything in particular?" Rose scrunched up her nose in thought, and despite herself she began to yawn.
"How about Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra?" she asked. Thomas chuckled to himself. It had been years since he'd heard that song...even longer since his maither had sung it to him as a wee boy.
"Alright, but you've been warned, m'dear...I may not know all of the words, but I'll sing it on one condition" Rose looked at him in interest.
Thomas smiled. "If ye start fallin' asleep on me, its of to bed ye go" Rose blushed and laughed softly. She nodded. "Alright"
Thomas looked up at the night sky, looked down at Rose with a smile, and started to sing:
(A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics to Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra)
An Irish Lullaby
Over in Killarney
Many years ago,
Me Mither sang a song to me
In tones so sweet and low.
Just a simple little ditty,
In her good ould Irish way,
And l'd give the world if she could sing
That song to me this day.
"Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Irish lullaby."
Oft in dreams I wander
To that cot again,
I feel her arms a-huggin' me
As when she held me then.
And I hear her voice a -hummin'
To me as in days of yore,
When she used to rock me fast asleep
Outside the cabin door.
As he finished singing, he noticed that Rose had tears in her eyes. "Hey now, your not supposed to cry" he teased.
Rose giggled a little, sniffling as she did. Thomas offered her his handkerchief, which she gladly accepted. "I'm sorry...that song brings backs so many memories."
Thomas nodded. "Did your mum ever sing it to you?" he asked. Rose shook her head. "No, Dat used to sing it to me every night for as long as I could remember, before..." Thomas winced. As he looked at her now, dabbing her eyes, he promised himself one thing. He would never do anything to intentionally cause Rose any harm.
What about her father? his mind taunted him. The shipbuilder gritted his teeth, clenching his fist. 'It's not my fault!' he wanted to shout.
Rose looked at Thomas' face and frowned. Had she done something wrong? Shaking her head, she went to one of the davits and swayed back and forth on it.
Thomas looked over at her, one of the corners of his mouth turning up.
"Isn't it wonderful how God took the time to make us all...even in the span of seven whole days? And even this..." she pointed to the sky. "wouldn't be here if He didn't say so" Thomas' smile turned into a grin. He couldn't argue with that. (A/N: I can't either ^_^)
"There all such small people, Thomas... your friends, I mean. They think they're so high and mighty, but they're not even specks of dirt in the good Lord's eye."
Thomas nodded in agreement.
"They live in their own little world...but soon this world and theirs is going to end" Rose continued. Thomas chuckled. She was right, about all of it.
"But you and I," she said, smiling at him, "and Mum, and everyone down in the third deck...we're different. Different, and yet the same..."
She went over to the railing again, leaning on it. Thomas leaned over the railing next to her, his fingers just barely grazing her arm. They both looked at each other as a surge of what felt like electricity surged through them.
Trying to avoid her gaze, lest he felt he'd melt, Andrews looked out at the sea, the moon playing on the waves of the vast ocean.
Shaking his head, he spoke. "Sometimes I wish I could go back to my younger days... being so carefree with not a worry in the world, smelling the air, and enjoying every moment of the Father's Creation"
Rose nodded and smiled sadly. Her father had been that way, carefree, yet kind and understanding and responsible...like Mr. Andrews.
Changing the topic to a random subject, Rose turned to her companion. "what is your home like in Ireland, Thomas?"
Andrews looked at the young woman next to him. "You'd really like to know?" he asked.
Rose nodded eagerly. Thomas grinned, ecstatic about her curiousity. Besides... if all went well...
"Oh, well, it's a beatiful place. You would really like it. My family has a house near Bangor... not that far from Belfast" Rose raised an elegant eyebrow. "Isn't that where Titanic was built?" she asked.
Thomas nodded, smiling, surprised at her knowledge of that. "How did you...?" Rose smiled. "We used to live in Belfast...everyone kept saying for years that nothing exciting happened in Belfast...well, if only they could see this!" she exclaimed, holding on tighter to the railing. Thomas laughed.
"Anyway...I used to love being there all the time when I was young, especially in the early autumn. We'd take the rowboat out on the lake, and go fishing. Once, my cousin caught a huge fish on his line, and the fish pulled so hard, it pulled us and everything else in the boat, with it in the water." It was Rose's turn to laugh.
"Better you then him, I guess" she laughed. Thomas chuckled with her at the memory. "Yes, I suppose so"
"And other times, Eddie and I would sneak up on our cousin Maggie and her beau, Theo...we never liked 'im. Thought he was too old for her, so we played tricks on 'im" Rose held her laughter behind her hand. She could envision a young Thomas and Eddie as mischevious little youngsters.
"Your not the only one" she grinned. "I could pull a prank or two myself, in my day" Thomas eyed her suspiciously. "I realized that. I found out earlier that someone had slipped a toad in Ms. Macy's room"
Rose looked at him ruefully. "So that's where Teddy the Toad got to!" Thomas laughed.
"I would take a boat out there myself and just sit there floating for hours on end, listening to the birds sing, and the wind ruffling my hair in the trees... It's like heaven on earth"
Rose was quiet for a time. "Our home was like that" she whispered. "Dat used to take me fishing out on the lake during summer...and he taught me how to swim. Then, during winter, we'd go ice fishing as a family..."
As Thomas held her gently in his arms, whispering sweet-nothings in her ear, Rose surrendered to her tears... to the greif she had not expressed.
After a few minutes, Rose stopped crying. Andrews regrettably let go of her. Wiping her eyes, Rose looked up at the starry sky and noticed a shooting star.
"Look! A shooting star!" she exclaimed softly.
Thomas smiled, standing beside her in a protective manner, not wanting anyone or anything to harm her. "My father used to tell me that whenever you saw a star like that, someone was going on to Glory"
Rose grinned. "I like that" she said. She turned to look up at him. "Aren't we supposed to wish on it?" she asked innocently.
Thomas looked down into her shining blue eyes. Standing so close to her, it would be easy for him to wrap her in his protective embrace, to kiss her every fear, tear, and worry away. Rose looked up into his soft brown gentle eyes. She wished that something would be done as well. Though the pull was strong, Thomas somehow found the strength to resist it.
"What would you wish for?" Rose asked, feeling slightly dizzy. After a moment, Andrews sighed and turned away. Still believing that he was the cause of her misery and despair, he answered. "Something I cannot have"
Rose smiled sadly. "Good night, Mr. Andrews." she whispered, willing herself not to cry. Rose turned away and left the rail, hurring through the First Class Enterance.
Thomas had given her the key to her room that morning.
"Rose!" Thomas called, wishing she'd return, but was too late. The door banged shut. The night of magic was gone. Cinderella had returned to her world of misery and chores.
Thomas cursed himself for being such an idiot! Slamming his fist upon the railing, he made his decision. He would not lose her now, he would get her back, no matter what it took!
(A/N: That's all for now! Please R&R! bye!)