DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN OR OWN ANYTHING TITANIC (THE MOVIE) AS WELL AS THE LITTLE MERMAID OR ANY RIGHTS TO THEM.

Chapter 2: Interactions and Meetings

"Wow, this looks great!" Erik commented as he and Ben entered the bar.

"Aye, it 'tis," Ben answered. "Uh, two Sherries, please," he said to the waiter.

"Now then, who is this lovely young woman who you're going to tell me about," Erik asked looking dreamily. "She's beautiful…"

"Her name is Amelia. She just graduated from an all-girls finishing school and is bound for America with her family," Ben told him. "Her mother is looking for a well-off suitor for her daughter. Even still, you might as well have angels come out of your arce than for you to marry a girl like her. Her mother is very picky." Their drinks arrived and Ben began sipping away with a contented look on his face.

"I bet her mother would welcome me with open arms," Erik mumbled to himself.

"What?" Ben asked with an astonished look on his face. He set down his Sherry and looked at Erik for a moment.

"Nothing," he said. "I was just thinking out loud." Ben nodded and picked up his Sherry again. "Now," Erik continued, "why don't we finish our drinks and then take a stroll around the ship. This sophisticated piece of metal must have something fun to do around here." The two finished their drinks and went to familiarize themselves with the ship.

* * *

Karolina was squished against the door as John eagerly opened it. "Ouch!" Karolina exclaimed.

"Sorry, sweetie," John said apologetically. "I'm just eager to see our room, that's all," he said rather sarcastically.

"Right," she said as the two entered the room. "Wow, it's so beautiful!" Karolina said as she laid her bags down.

"Not as pretty as you, m'dear," John said as he set his bags down. He shut the door and went up behind Karolina. He began kissing her neck and hugging her.

"Now, John, what about the bags? Why don't we unpack right now? We can do this later!" She pushed John away and went to pick up the bags.

"But Karolina, who gives a goddamn about the bags? We're still technically on our honeymoon, y'know!" He went over and engulfed Karolina with his large arms.

"Oh, you're terrible, John!" she yelled as John began kissing her cheek. "Fine, later," she said and John dragged her over into the next room and plopped onto the bed. He motioned for her to come over, she sat next to him, and he pulled her down. John began kissing Karolina furiously, until suddenly he stopped. He sat up and looked at her for a moment.

"Karolina, I'm so glad you agreed to marry me," he said with a grin.

"Well, how could I refuse a face like that?" she said as she leaned over to kiss him again. John put his finger over her mouth as if to hush her. He put his hand over her stomach and gazed at her lovingly.

"Hopefully it won't be too much longer until we are blessed with one," he said with glazed eyes.

"Hopefully," she agreed.

"Well, why don't we try now?" he asked as his aggression returned.

* * *

"Ahh yes, put it over there, please," Amelia's father said. He sighed and sat down on a chair in the sitting room. "Well, that's all." A bell tolled after he sat down, indicating dinner. "Shall we dress for dinner? I believe that is the dinner bell." The family agreed and went their separate ways.

Later. . .

Amelia sat out by herself on the deck enjoying the clean night air and the beautiful, starry sky. "It sure is beautiful," she said to herself as she sighed. Thoughts of America and marriage began filling her head. I wonder how long it'll be until mother finds a suitor for me? I wish I could just find my own husband... Amelia's head began nodding as she dozed off into sleep.

A few minutes later, Amelia awoke to the sound of footsteps. A man sat down on the bench next to hers and popped out a cigarette.

"Do you mind if I smoke?" he asked politely. "I didn't realize anyone was out here at this time of the night. I'm sorry if it bothers you."

"It doesn't bother me," Amelia answered politely. "You can go ahead and smoke." The man nodded his head in thanks as he lit up his cigarette.

Silence...

Suddenly, the man broke it with: "So, are you traveling alone?"

"No, I'm traveling with my family. I'm sorry, how rude of me. Let me introduce myself," she said as she turned to face the man. "My name is Amelia. And you are?" she asked as a spark of curiosity entered her voice.

"My name is Erik," he said with a puff of smoke. "I'm by myself. I'm a first class passenger, like yourself."

"How could you tell I'm a first class passenger, sir?" Amelia asked, slightly alarmed.

"Just by looking at you Miss Amelia. Your poise, the way you converse, your sitting posture. You're the perfect gentlewoman," Erik complimented. Amelia blushed slightly.

"You're too kind, sir... But you see, I'm afraid that was the way I was taught. You see, I just moved on from finishing school, and now I'm traveling with my family to America." A pause. "So, now that I've told you my life story, why don't you tell me a bit more about yourself, Erik?"

"Okay," Erik responded. He got up and tossed his cigarette overboard. He stood in front of Amelia and offered his arm. "It's a bit chilly outside. Would you like to take a stroll around the ship to warm up while we chat?"

* * *

John leaned in for one more kiss. Karolina accepted, then snuggled into John's arms. "I love you, John," she said as she sighed.

"I love you, too, Karolina," John answered. "Y'know, I can't wait until we move into our new house in Virginia!"

"Me too," Karolina agreed. "Well don't you worry, hon. Mommy and daddy have it all figured out already. I was gonna wait until we docked to tell you, but my parents already bought our house in Virginia. All we have to do is move in. They even picked out the furniture. Well, I helped a little bit before the wedding, but what can I say? Y'know I'm picky about everything. And well, I helped pick out some of the furniture for the baby's room, so..."

"Wait, does that mean...!" John interrupted.

"I can't say for sure, sweetheart, but it'll happen eventually," Karolina answered.

"True..." John said as he pulled down the blankets to kiss his wife's stomach. "It'll happen some time soon, my darling..." John whispered in her ear as he settled back in his spot.