Chapter Three-

"Isabella?" I turned to see Grace opening my bedroom door. "Time to dress for dinner?" I asked and she nodded.

I winced as she tightened my corset. My sadness was growing. It was bad enough to be alone with my thoughts, but having an hour devoted to thinking and dressing; it was getting worse. I was okay this morning, exciting for a new change, but I wished for at least someone I knew to be with me. Knowing hundreds of people will die in a matter of days was a dark cloud that was not going away.

I dressed in a black dress adorned with white lace flowers along the front of my dress. It was tied off with a navy blue sash. I paired it with a gold moonstone and sapphire necklace. My curls were pulled into a loose bun. "Thank you, Grace.." I smiled at her.

She nodded and I walked into the parlor with her trailing behind. "Mother?" I asked. Her harsh eyes seemed to grow a little icier since I had dressed.

"David is busy talking with Mr. Andrews so we will go to dinner ourselves." Okay, I guess it was a problem to not be escorted by a man to dinner, on a ship.

I sat through dinner, with each conversation my desperation grew stronger. I would of taken Davids's pathetic flirting over the boring conversation of tea. I need to do something! My mind and body seemed to agree, deciding for me. I excused myself from the riches grasps and chose my destination.

I let my hair down as soon as I got to my room. I couldn't breathe. I struggled to open the back of my dress. I tumbled towards my vanity, crying Graces name. I screamed as I through my water basin and watched a strand of pearls rip and bounce across the floor. I left the room in a frenzy and began to run.

I ran towards the end of the ship. I had tears streaming down my face and looked like a scandal. I barely registered that I ran into an elderly woman. I didn't bother to apologize. It wouldn't of mattered anyway. I gasped out as my stomach met the sundial. The fierce wind blew my curls and made me shiver. If I was going to jump, I'd be even colder as I slipped into the ocean.

"Don't do it!" A guy's voice rushed out. I turned my head and saw a tall, lean dark haired and blue eyed man that looked to be in his twenties. Third class was his style, but the clothes just made him look even sexier.

"Don't tell me what to do. You don't know me.." He was trying to talk me out of my choice, but unless he could me make me happy I wouldn't.

I stared at this beautiful guy as he told me how cold the water was, his ice fishing and how he talked me out of killing myself. "I'm Damon Salvatore," He smiled.

I giggled. "Isabella Swan," He began to pull me over and I slipped. I screamed.

"I've got you!" I reached for my other hand and my other shoe slipped again and I screamed again. My clumsiness definitely came back with a swing.

"Help! Please, help me!" I screamed and began to sob. I curled my fingers into his arms, wincing as my arms protested at the odd way I was twisted.

"Pull yourself up, come on!" Damon pulled me up and slipped as I landed on the floor. I heard several pairs of boots came running up the , I knew what it looked like.

(….)

"Stop!" David was yelling at Damon about how he dared to touch me, I snorted. "David! That isn't what happened at all."

"No?" David questioned me and looked at Damon. Oh please Damon, don't give me away.

"I was leaning over to see the propellers and I slipped. Luckily Mr. Salvatore was near and he saved me. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here." I stumbled over the lie, knowing I heard it before somewhere. His left eyebrow arched and he turned to the 'policemen' of the ship.

"Well, the boy is a hero!" They congratulated him and I convinced David to invite Damon to dinner tomorrow. I smiled and waved at him until David led me away.

I let the tears fall as he walked me back to the suite. I knew I had to thank Damon for saving me from the choice I foolishly made. I was here for a reason and I need to make the most of my situation. I'd thank Damon tomorrow.

(…..)

I wrung my hands nervously and stared in the mirror. I wore a pale yellow bodice with a almost transparent white and purple striped dress. I was nervous to talk to Damon. Maybe even more nervous to the fact that I had to walk into third class. Back in Forks, it wouldn't of bothered me, but here where it is so judgmental for first and third class to be mixed.

I waited patiently in the parlor for Mother to leave to go to tea. David was off somewhere, probably talking with the Captain and Mr. Andrews.

"Mother, I'll be fine. I just want to sit and read. I may even go up on deck for a little while." She reluctantly left me alone. I took a deep breath and left the suite.

With each step, I wanted to turn back. I couldn't tell if the butterflies in my stomach were good or bad. You can do this, Bella. It's better to be friends with Damon.

I walked into the large pub-like area the talk and laughter died down. I kept looking forward until I spotted Damon. He was with two other men, and a little girl. One of the men noticed me, and whispered to Damon.

"Hello," I spoke softly. It was complete silent in the room full of people. "Could I talk to you Mr. Salvatore?"

"Sure," he said. He gave his notebook to the man. Talk slowly began as we walked out.

We were silent until we reached the boat deck. I stopped and turned to him. "I wanted to thank you for last night. Not just for saving my life, which is crazy because you know what I was trying to do. Also for your discretion, Mr. Salvatore."

"Call me Damon. And you are welcome." We shook hands and smiled. This was it, I thought. A guy who didn't care at all about trying to sleep with me; David, Mike, he really just wanted to be friends.

Bella's depression will be explained in later chapters. I also am taking a little bit from Titanic, mostly because I couldn't imagine it any other way. Review:)