Mystery Girl

April 11th 1912

Queenstown, Ireland

I woke up the next morning, tired and exhausted from all the excitement of the previous day. I stretched in my bunk before clambering down to freshen up in the wash basin. I noticed Helga's bed was empty, but neatly made. She must have woken up early and left with her parents, who were in the room adjacent from ours. I figured I would stop by the ships library before I met up with Jack and Fabrizio today, since I knew that both men would rather claw their eyes out than spend time among books.

Just as I was finishing up washing my face, a woman entered our room. She was thin, with frizzy red hair and a heavily freckled face. She carried few belongings with her. Two children entered after her, keeping close to the womans skirts. They were two young siblings, an older brother and younger sister. I assumed these strangers were my other roomates.

"Good morning miss," the woman said in a thick Irish brogue as she set her things down on the only available bunk left.

"Morning," I greeted.

I must have slept later than anticipated if Titanic was already docked in Ireland. I turned back to the basin, pinning my hair up. The woman went to unpacking her few belongings, the little boy helping his mother as best he could. After a few minutes of silence, the little girl spoke up.

"You have strange eyes," she said, bold as you please.

I had half a mind to tell the girl she had no room to talk, what with her mane of coppery red hair, but it was an innocent statement. My eyes were strange and often the butt of Jack's teasing, so I didn't mind terribly.

"Hush Immy!" the little girls mother scolded, and the girl nodded obediently with a quiet apology.

"It's quite alright," I said dismissively, finishing my hair and walking over to the little girl. I knelt down to her height asking, "What's you name?"

"Imogen Kelly, miss, and that's my brother Declan," she pointed to the little boy, who was sitting on the bed.

I smiled, "My name is Emily Cross, do you think we can be friends Imogen?"

Imogen seemed to consider this for a moment, before finally nodding.

I chuckled, "Great, I love making new friends."

I stood up and the woman made a quick introduction as well. Her name was Arlene Kelly and she was from northern Ireland, hoping to start over with a clean slate in America. I quickly told her my story then after that, I slipped out of the room and made my way up the decks to the library. There were only two on Titanic, one for the second class and another for first class. None for third class.

I entered the library. Everything was decorated in lavish wood and fine leather. Most everyone that was in the library was reading, save for a few who were playing cards or visiting in the corner. No one paid any mind to me, to absorbed in their books to notice a third class girl. My eyes immediately traveled to the books on the shelf. There was everything from Austen to Dickens and Hugo to Bronte. I pulled a few books of their shelves and flipped through them before finally settling on a leather bound copy of Frankenstein.

I approached the front desk where the list was posted. I had barley finished signing my name when the woman behind the desk looked up at me. I could feel her eyes on me, studying my appearance.

"Excuse me miss," she said, "but this library is for second class."

I glanced at the wiry woman and smiled, "Yes, I know."

The woman placed a hand on the list and slid it towards her saying, "Second class only."

My eyes narrowed. The woman looked at me steadily, holding her hand out for the book. We stared at each other, each waiting for the other to cave first. Finally, I sighed and handed over the book reluctantly.

The woman smiled and indicated to the exit.

I turned on my heel and left, being sure to let the large wood doors of the library slam after me. Fuming, I made my way up to the promenade decks.

Pompous old wretch, I thought viciously.

All I wanted was a book but the posh were to concerned to share their literature with someone from third class. Typical upper class behavior, thinking that they were so above everyone. That's why I could never stand the inane tea parties and egotistical chatter that went on. As much as my grandmother pushed me to act like a lady and drilled me in the proper manners of a first class woman, I would not bend. It was all so senseless and I wanted no part of it.

I surfaced onto the top deck, the sun warming my skin and blinding me with its brightness. Using my hands to shield my eyes, I glanced around until I spotted Jack and Fabrizio at the far end of Titanic, then made my way towards them. Fabrizio was talking to a Irishman while Jack was seated on one of the deck benches. I smiled gently, my bad temperament melting away quickly at the sight of Jack. His brow was knitted in concentration as he glanced up at the people he was sketching. It was a young girl with a round face and curly hair. She stood on the railing near Jack, leaning against a man I assumed was her father, watching the seagulls over the water.

As I approached a crew member came around, walking a vary of dogs. I lingered back and listened to the men talk before joining in

"That's typical. First class dogs come down here to take a shite," the Irish grumbled, his voice thick with his accent.

I studied the Irishman. He was of medium height, with broad shoulders that had seen hard physical labor. He had light brown hair and a baby face. He wore a bowler hat on his head and had a joint between his teeth. Jack looked up from his sketches and chuckled.

"That's so we know where we rank in the scheme of things," Jack commented.

The Irish rolled his eyes, "Like we could forget," he said and took a long drag on his cigarette, "The names' Tommy Ryan," he added offering his hand.

"Jack Dawson and this is Fabrizio," Jack introduced, shaking Tommys hand. Fabrizio nodded his head.

"Do you make any money with your drawings?" Tommy asked, indicating to Jacks portrait.

Jack never answered. I spotted him staring at something. Following his gaze, I spotted his target. It wasn't a something but rather a someone. A very pretty someone. She was on the first class deck, with a fine dress on and a head of red hair. She was the epitome of grace and perfection, standing there tall with the sun on her face. Despite her picturesque appearance though, she wasn't smiling. In fact, she looked rather lonely and sad. I quietly wondered why someone could look so depressed while being on the Ship of Dreams.

Feeling eyes on her, the girl glanced down our direction, meeting Jack's gaze.

I looked at him to see if he would look away, but Jack only stared at her shamelessly. The girl averted her eyes quickly, only to look back a few seconds later.

Fabrizio chuckled, waving his hand in front of Jack's face. Jack didn't so much as blink. He only watched her, transfixed, like they were the only two souls aboard Titanic.

Has he ever looked at me that way? I thought silently, With that same awe and endearment on his face?

Something in the back of my mind told me he hadn't.

Then again, there was the kiss the day before. I absentmindedly put my fingers to my lips, as if I'd still be able to feel Jack's mouth on mine.

Tommy laughed, bringing me from my thoughts.

"Forget it boyo. You'd as like have angels fly out of your arse as to get next to the likes of her," he said.

Jack made no reply, only continued staring.

I looked back at the girl, spotting a man come up behind her. He was to young to be her father, so I guessed it was a relative or spouse. He grabbed her arm and the girl jerked it out of his grasp. They were arguing about something but we were to far away to hear. Finally, they left the deck, disappearing into the depths of Titanic. I looked at Jack, who gazed longingly at the spot where she had stood.

I decided to step forwards.

"To answer your question," I directed to Tommy, "He does make money off the drawings. He's very good to."

All the men looked my direction but said nothing, only stared. I suddenly felt that they were comparing my plainness to the mystery girls beauty. While she radiated charm, I attracted trouble. I cleared my throat awkwardly. Fabrizio grinned at me and Jack finally tore his eyes away from where the girl had been standing. Tommy whipped off his hat, looking a little abashed, but I wasn't sure why.

Jack's face broke out in a grin, and I relaxed some, forgetting about the beautiful girl and finding myself surrounded by friends once again.

"Emily Cross," I introduced to Tommy, holding out my hand in greeting.

"Thomas Ryan, but everyone calls me Tommy," Tommy replied, replacing his hat ad taking my hand gently.

I nodded. "So I heard."

Turning to Jack I noticed he looked a little flustered and dumbfounded after watching the girl. I couldn't exactly blame him, she was very stunning, though I hated to admit it.

I smirked. "Something catch your eye Jack?"

This amused Fabrizio and he roared with laughter, slapping his knee. I smiled and Jack looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Perhaps," was all he said and flipped open to his sketching, "Where were you this morning? You missed breakfast."

"Library," I replied, taking a seat on the other side of Fabrizio.

"You have no book," Jack pointed out.

"Yes, thank you Jack," I said, a little snappishly. I still wasn't happy about my experience at the library.

Jack looked up at me, waiting for me to elaborate.

I sighed, "They only let first and second class take books. No one from third class is allowed in the library."

"It is because no one from third class can a read," Fabrizio chimed in.

I sighed again. Fabrizio and Jack wouldn't understand. Fabrizio didn't read and never cared to learn. I think the only time Jack read was when he was reading my letters. They didn't get that books created an escape. It was like visiting another world for me. It was comforting and stimulating. Writing was the same. I could put words down on paper that I couldn't say normally. Things that occupied my mind, things I wanted to change, things I wanted to desperately to say but couldn't.

"You can read?"

I had almost forgotten that Tommy was with us until the Irish spoke again.

I turned to him. "Yes, my grandmother taught me," I said, "Why? Do you?"

Tommy rolled the cigarette between his teeth before answering, "I don't," then added as a second thought, "But I would like to."

I nodded, "You should."

Fabrizio spoke up next, "Your roommate, she is nice, no?" he asked, changing the subject.

It took me a moment before realized he was talking about Helga. I grinned.

"Fabrizio you don't happen to fancy Miss Dahl, do you?" I asked teasingly.

Jack, looking up from his sketching began laughing, "Does he! Fabrizio saw Miss Dahl at breakfast this morning and could barley keep his food on his fork."

Fabrizio's blush was visible even though his dark skin, both angry and embarrassed. He did what he always did when he was upset or nervous. He began talking in Italian.

"Il tuo unico a parlare, eh? E potrei continuare il mio cibo sulla mia forchetta!"

"Fabrizio! Fabrizio, my friend!" Jack interrupted until Fabrizio stopped long enough for him to get a word in, "How many times have I told you? I don't understand you when you speak Italian."

This only upset Fabrizio further, who once again started rambling off in Italian. Jack began laughing at his friends expense, Tommy along with him. Eventually I joined in but Fabrizio was having no part of our teasing. He sat back with crossed arms, mumbling something about abandoning us once he got to America.

"Fabrizio," I said, trying to lighten his mood, "Please don't be cross with us, it was only a bit of light joking. You know how Jack can't help but tease," I said, shooting Jack a look. He only shrugged like he wasn't the one to blame.

"I could introduce you to Miss Dahl, if you'd like," I tried.

This seemed to work. Fabrizio agreed and his usual sweet innocence returned to him. We remained on Titanic's deck for the rest of the afternoon. Jack secluded himself in drawing portraits of various people on the deck as well. Fabrizio and Tommy talked over their plans for when Titanic docked in America and I was left to my own devices.

I had just finished brushing out my hair when there was a knock at our door. Declan and Imogen Kelly were fast asleep in their beds, while Arlene stitched some clothing before turning in. Helga had been on her bed reading and was the first to reach the door.

"Emily er din venn! Han har kommet til dere veldig sent!" Helga exclaimed quietly so as not to wake the children. I couldn't understand anything she said.

"For me?" I asked, pointing to the door then myself. Helga nodded with a smile on her face before picking up her book again.

I went to the door, opening it wider to find Jack standing there. He grinned at me, his blonde hair falling into his eyes like it had a tendency to do. I felt my heart flutter at the sight of him and my brain empty of anything witty or coherent to say.

"Jack!" I hissed, "What are you doing here? Do you know what time it is?"

Jack smirked, his eyes bright with mischief, "Honestly Emily, it's not that late. I wanted to show you something."

I was acutely aware that Arlene had stopped her sewing and Helga was watching us curiously from behind her book. I stepped out into the hall, closing the door behind me for some privacy. The chilly night air nipped at my nose, turning it pink.

"Okay, what is it Jack?" I asked.

Jack's smile grew, "Come with me," he said and took my hand in his.

My breath caught as my fingers wrapped around his. I could feel a shiver that started in my fingertips and ran up my arm until it filled my whole body. It was a delightful feeling, one I didn't want to end.

Despite the cold air and the temptation to slid back into my room where it was warmer, the thrill of being alone with Jack was to great a pull. I followed him down the hallways and corridors, up the stairs until we reached the deck. It was eerily silent on the deck, save for the sound of Titanic cutting through the water and the nightly wind. Unlike the deck just a few hours before, not a soul walked along it now.

The breeze picked up, making me shiver.

"You brought me up here to see the promenade?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Look up."

I did as I was told and found myself gasping. I had seen stars before but never like this. There were millions out, each twinkling against the black fabric of the night sky. They winked down at us, so vast and endless.

"They're beautiful," I muttered.

"I thought so," Jack said and inhaled deeply, "I also thought you would appreciate them a little more than if I brought Fabrizio up here," Jack added and chuckled at his own joke.

I looked at him a smiled, "I did not think Jack Dawson was capable of such sentimental feeling," I taunted.

Jack only laughed softly at this and indicated to the bench. I took a seat, Jack sitting down next to me and pulling out a cigarette from his coat pocket. He lit it up, taking a few smokes. We sat for a while gazing at the stars.

"Do you remember when we first met?" Jack asked.

I couldn't help myself but laugh, "Like it was yesterday Jack. My grandmother and I were at the market and you were doing portraits in the square. I had been badgering her about forcing me to attending a croquet match that I was dreading. She must have been at her wits ends with me because she was willing to do anything to get rid of me."

"Yes, I remember you coming over. You had a large scowl on your face and refused to sit still for me. It was like you were trying to make it painful for both of us," Jack added.

"I remember glaring at my grandmother while she finished her errands, bitter with her for making me sit there. It didn't take long before you were done though. You asked me if I thought it captured my "natural beauty" and turned the paper towards me. Do you remember the picture?"

Jack laughed in reply.

"You drew the beastliest portirat I had ever seen. You gave me huge eyes and a frown to match, with a long nose and horrid freckles. I did what any other fifteen year old girl would have done. I hit you in the nose as hard as I could and made you bleed."

Jack and I dissolved into laughter at the memory. Once we regained composure, I sighed.

"Everyday after that we did everything we could to irritate the other," I said, looking up at the stars again, "We've built a friendship on a rocky foundation but somehow we managed. Then you told me that you were leaving. I was afraid I would never see you again but we decided that we would keep in touch with the letters."

Jack sighed and laid back on the bench so he was facing the night sky, "Has is only been three years we have known each other?" he asked.

"I'm afraid so," I replied, watching him blow out the smoke from the cigarette.

"It feels like a lifetime," Jack muttered.

I watched Jack watching the night sky. A sound behind us made me look over my shoulder. A woman was running our direction, looking very distraught. Her breathing caught as she tried suppressing heavy sobs. She passed behind our wooden bench an I recognized her as the girl from earlier today, the one Jack had been staring at. She flung herself at the railing, pausing to catch her breath. Jack sat up curiously.

I looked at him but he only had eyes for the girl. We both stood up but made no movement towards her.

The girl looked up, her breathing labored. With shaking hands she grabbed the railing, climbing up each rung slowly until she straddled it. Her hands were shaking

I gasped, "Jack," I said quietly, "I think she's going to try and jump! Do something!"

Jack seemed taken aback. He glanced around the deck for some sort of inspiration. I was completely stupefied; I'd never been put in a situation like this.

"Okay," Jack said, taking charge, "Go find a crew member and get help, I'll stay here with her."

I nodded as the woman turned around on the other side of the railing, facing the water. She leaned out dangerously, as if testing herself. We were quickly running out of time. I turned to find help, hearing Jack say:

"Don't do it."