Hey guys! I'm sorry I haven't been updating for like...a while. I overshot a day or two xD I've just started school and I really like this new subject I'm learning! Principles Of Accountancy ( POA ) Haha, just thought you might like to know what I've been up to!
Also, last Thursday evening, one of my beautiful readers, Rebecca (rebeccajoleneaumanwilson) got into a car accident and was injured pretty badly :( I hope you get well soon! This chapter is dedicated to you, even though I don't really know how to do dedications. Keep her in your prayers, guys! Hope you all enjoy this chapter and I'll see you guys at the bottom of the chapter!
Just a friendly reminder, it is 17 April 1912! ENJOY!
- Elizabeth -
- 11.20 am -
Elizabeth had been sitting on her bed for almost half an hour, thinking about the good memories she had ever had with Clara. From the first day the two met, they became good friends. Every single stupid thing Elizabeth ever did, Clara didn't resent her for it. She was a very forgiving person, which made it even easier for Elizabeth to think that Clara had finally taken enough of her crap to realise that she didn't need to anymore. After all, Clara was a maid. She was paid to hang around the likes of Elizabeth. Maybe now that she was no longer going to be employed, she didn't need to put up with all of Elizabeth's antics.
She felt sick, lying in bed and staring up at the ceiling for too long so Elizabeth slipped out of bed and freshened up before leaving the room, seeing how both Jack and Rose were not in the cabin for her to talk to. She put her hair up in a casual bun and straightened the same dress she wore on the night of the sinking before walking out of the room.
- 11.40 am -
By this time, Elizabeth was wandering about on the deck. Most of the survivors had gone into the ship, memories of the sinking still haunting them. Seeing the ocean wasn't helping either. The other passengers were likely having lunch, therefore all indoors.
She walked and walked, no destination in particular and ended up at the bow of the ship. Elizabeth put her elbows on the railing and closed her eyes. The icy winds were making her shiver her teeth were chattering but she didn't move. In the cold, she did more thinking.
Elizabeth, was a strong girl. The only reason she had contemplated suicide was because she felt guilty. She could handle the death of her father and loss of her friend. She could even handle not seeing Jim anymore just because she had doubts that he would want to see her. After all, if he'd survived, there would obviously be a reason why he didn't immediately come looking for her.
She felt horrible that she wasn't wailing or spending every moment of her life after the sinking bawling about these events. Of course, people would tell her to move on but one would normally grieve about losing their loved ones so badly that they would never want to. I mean, that was the generic reaction, wasn't it? Elizabeth felt guilty for not missing her father as much as she 'should be'. Sure she spent hours crying about it but now, even if she willed herself to cry, she couldn't.
Elizabeth wondered, if she was being a terrible person by thinking like that. She also felt guilty for thinking about ending her life when thousands of others would have done just about anything to be in her position. To have survived the sinking. So many died trying to make it out alive, but here she was, wishing she was one of them, under the water.
She took a step up on the railing, using her hands to brace herself in case she fell over. She mulled over going back into the ship or falling overboard. No one would miss her should she choose the latter and she might even wash herself free of all the feelings of guilt. Another step up she took, eyes closed. She was afraid that if she were to open them, she would lose the courage to let go of the railing.
Elizabeth bit her lower lip, trying to hold back tears.
"ELIZABETH!" Someone shouted.
In a second, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her slim waist, pulling her down onto the floor. She shut her eyes tightly, bracing herself for the impact of the fall but she fell onto someone. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that she was lying on top of none other than her dear friend, Charles Lightoller.
- Charles -
- 11.45 am -
Earlier that day, Charles and Herbert left their rooms to wander around the deck, taking in some fresh air and even keeping an eye out for Elizabeth. Joseph had volunteered to stay back to care for Jim and his recovering legs, and maybe even take him down to the mess hall to join Harry and Clara if he was well enough. They were walking towards the bow of the ship, laughing at a lame joke that Charles had just shared.
In the midst of laughing, Charles saw someone leaning over a railing. He squinted his eyes and saw her, recognizing her immediately when the wind blew her hair to one side, revealing her tear-streaked face.
"ELIZABETH!" He yelled out, running towards her at full speed, pulling her away from the railing.
- Elizabeth -
Elizabeth gasped and rolled off of Charles before placing his head on her lap as she knelt next to him, stroking his hair. "Are...are you all right, Lights?" She asked, her voice full of concern as Herbert knelt down opposite her as Charles' other side.
The second officer groaned in pain before slowly sitting up with the help of his two friends. Together, Elizabeth and Herbert helped him up and insisted on assisting him back to his temporary room, looping both his arms over their respective shoulders.
- 12.15 pm -
When the trio finally got to the room, they settled him on his bed, fluffing up his pillow so that he could sit upright. "Do you need me to fetch the doctor?" Elizabeth was about to stand up from where she sat on the edge of the bed when Charles pulled her back down. "No, no. That's quite all right. What I need is the reason as to why you were leaning over that railing."
Elizabeth looked down at her fiddling fingers and bit her lower lip. At this time, Herbert, who was at the door, looked at Charles. "Should I call the others?" He mouthed. Charles nodded and with a subtle hand gesture, sent the third officer off to go find the other officers. Hopefully, he would have the sense to find Jim as well.
"Lights..." She muttered, looking at him, hoping that he would not press her for the reason. "Liz." He looked back at her, placing a hand over hers.
"I...I felt hopeless. I thought that after the terrible way I behaved to Clara that she...that she didn't want anything to do with me anymore. I knocked on her door last night and she didn't open it. Furthermore, when I found out that Jim was still alive I...I just assumed that he didn't look for me because...because..." Elizabeth's eyes started to tear up and Lights leaned forward, engulfing her in a hug.
It took a while for her to respond but she eventually wrapped her arms around his neck and kept in her tears but she leaned into his embrace, frowning. Charles stroked her hair in a comforting manner and kissed the top of her head a couple of times.
Suddenly, the door behind them slammed open. Elizabeth slowly turned and the man, with his arms outstretched with either one up against each side of the door frame, was panting heavily as he looked straight at her. She shook her head slightly, turning her body to face him now.
"Liz..." The man almost fell down to his knees, barely managing to crawl over to her, placing his hands on her knees as he gazed up at her, relief and disbelief clear in his eyes, which had tears welling up in them. Elizabeth didn't know what to say, but stare at him with her mouth gaped.
"Liz!" He sobbed, his handsome face contorting, mouth resembling a rubber band as his shoulders jumped up and down. The sight tugged at her heartstrings and she could no longer contain her tears as she slid down onto the floor, capturing the man in a loving embrace. The two lovers knelt on the ground, hugging each other so tightly that they looked as if they would never let go.
- Herbert -
- 12.17 pm -
The third officer ran as fast as his legs would carry him to where he knew the other officers and Clara would be. The mess hall which was one or two decks down.
He delivered the good news and one of the men immediately jumped up and hobbled out of the room, his limping soon turning into a run. It hurt so bad that he wanted to cry out in pain but he clenched his fists, thinking about the woman he so loved, the thought of her making some of his pain vanish.
The rest of them jogged out of the room, eager to see their friend again.
- Clara -
- 12.20 pm -
When she had first heard the news from Herbert that he had found Elizabeth, she almost wanted to scream. She was so happy that she thought she might explode. Harry and herself ran up the decks, hand in hand and by the time they reached the door of the cabin, the other officers were crowding around the door, but made way when they saw Clara. The sight before her made her smile, and even shed a tear. Harry wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him as a grin broke out on his face.
- Elizabeth -
She hugged him tightly as she cried furiously into his shoulder, as he did the same. Once they finally broke apart, she laughed and he soon joined her before he kissed her on the lips, passionately. She pulled away and placed a hand on his cheek, still laughing as she looked at the smile on his face.
Jim held her hands and together, they stood up, embracing each other once more.
"Argh!" Jim suddenly yelped in pain and fell on Elizabeth. Harry and Joseph immediately ran up to help him up. "Jim?! Darling what's wrong?" Elizabeth asked, panicked. "My...leg..." He moaned. "I'll go fetch the doctor!" Herbert said before rushing off again.
Elizabeth followed Harry and Joseph as they helped Jim back to his own room. But by then, he had passed out as they laid him in his bed. They then stepped back, waiting outside of the room to let Elizabeth have a moment with him.
She was on the edge of his bed, hands holding his as she leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to his lips. Elizabeth sat there, looking at the man she loved as he laid on the bed peacefully.
Soon, there was a knock at the door and Herbert popped in, telling her that the doctor was here. Elizabeth decided to leave the doctor alone with Jim and went out of the cabin.
When she stepped out, the first person she saw was Clara, who looked at her sadly. Elizabeth walked forward and Clara met her halfway, arms open as she took her in for a hug. "I am so sorry Clary." She said softly. "It's all right, Liz. Just...don't go running off on me again, please." The maid smiled at her, pulling a little so that they could see each other's faces.
"You mean...you're not angry with the way I treated you?" Elizabeth asked, eyes wide. Clara started to laugh. "Of course not. You were going through a tough time." Elizabeth broke out into a smile and hugged her friend one more time before she released Clara to go back to Harry.
She then proceeded to embrace all the officers present. Charles, Herbert, Joseph and even Harry. The six friends then leaned against the railing a little ways away from the room as they waited for the doctor to come back out. "When we reach New York, can we all stay in touch?" Elizabeth asked, looking left and right at them. Charles was on her left and Herbert was on her right.
"Of course." Herbert smiled at her.
"It's...sad that Will didn't make it." Elizabeth bit her lower lip and stared down at her hands, resting on the railing. "Oh come on, don't be so depressed. Will wouldn't like that." Harry said in a cheerful tone to which Elizabeth smiled at.
"What are you guys planning to do when we get to New York?" She asked again.
"I'd probably send Sylvia a letter to tell her I'm all right. After all, we might not be able to leave New York right after we reach." Charles said. "I'm gonna send a letter to my parents and Mimi as well." Herbert beamed. "Who's Mimi?" Elizabeth asked.
"Mimi is Bert's girlfriend. Two aren't married yet though, even though there's nothing stopping them." Charles explained. Herbert just blushed a little and looked down at his feet.
There was silence until Joseph pulled his gaze away from the ocean and looked left and right, to see all eyes on him. "What?" He asked softly. "It's your turn. What're you planning to do when you reach New York?" Harry chuckled.
"Oh. Same as well, I would assume. Sending letters to my mom and dad." Joseph replied with a smile. "What? No 'girlfriend' to tease you about?" Elizabeth joked. Everyone laughed at that. "No. Not yet I guess." Joseph chuckled to himself.
"How about you two?" Charles asked, looking at Harry and Clara. "We're not sure yet. We'll see." Harry hugged Clara closer to him. The blonde just smiled. "How about you ,Liz?" Harry asked, throwing the question back at Elizabeth. "I...honestly have no clue. I'd probably have to at least visit my grandparents. I mean, that was the original plan. But I'll live each day as it comes." Elizabeth shrugged. After this, the six of them looked out at the open sea, quietly waiting for the doctor to come back out.
- 12.50 pm -
They heard the door creak open from behind them and Elizabeth was the first to run forth to the doctor. "Doctor, how is he?" She asked in a concerned tone of voice. "He's fine for now. He exerted too much pressure on his leg which was already recovering, I'm assuming from the sinking. He should be good to go when the ship docks, although in the meantime, he should remain in bed as much as he possibly can." The man explained to the six of them. After Charles thanked him, Elizabeth rushed inside.
She saw that he was still not awake and went to the edge of his bed, sitting down as she held his hand, smiling when she saw how at ease he looked in his sleep. The officers and her friend at the door decided that they would give the couple some privacy so they left for the mess hall since they didn't get to finish their meal.
Elizabeth sat there in silence, rubbing circles and patterns on the back of his hand using her thumb.
- 3.15 pm -
- Jim -
Jim had been awake for quite some time but didn't move when he realised that Elizabeth was sleeping on his chest. He smiled as he looked down at her, using one hand to stroke her long hair that had fallen out of its bun. He was about to fall asleep again when suddenly, Elizabeth stirred.
"Mhm...Jim?" She said, slowly opening her eyes. "Good morning, honey." He beamed at her. She returned his smile before looking around, remembering where she was. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to sleep on you." Elizabeth said as she quickly sat upright again, rubbing her eyes groggily. "It's all right. I didn't mind." Jim laughed.
Jim smiled at her and let it linger, not saying anything for a while. Slowly, his smile faded. "What's...what's wrong?" Elizabeth asked him, furrowing her brows in concern. "I think I owe you an apology and I guess I should tell you how I survived. I-" Elizabeth placed a finger against his lips. "I don't care how you survived. I just want to know why."
Jim let his hand rest on her cheek as she used her own hand to press it against her cheek. "I...I had to. Your dad came and found me after you left. He said some things to me that made me realise. I realised that...it wasn't fair to you to just give up like that. I realised that...I was afraid of never seeing you again. Afraid of forgetting the sound of your voice, your laugh, afraid of forgetting your smile...your face. I was afraid of forgetting you."
Elizabeth was frowning, on the brink of tears. "Hey now, don't cry." Jim laughed, but he too had tears in his eyes. She couldn't hold it in anymore and started to cry, biting her lower lip as she sobbed. Seeing her cry tore at his heart and his bright smile turned upside down. Jim cried as well. But he pulled Elizabeth up against him, and hugged her tightly. Elizabeth sobbed even more furiously as she grasped at his shirt.
"Please don't leave ever again." She whispered.
Now to thank those who left reviews! Thank you to HermioneandMarcus, rebeccajoleneaumanwilson, Chloe, May, Anna and liz-04 for your reviews!
HermioneandMarcus : Thank you so much for your review! I'm glad that people can't wait for this story's updates :D
rebeccajoleneaumanwilson : Thank you for your review! ( and your tears xD ) I sent you a PM in case you didn't know, wishing you my well wishes :)
Chloe : I'm glad you were in some suspense :D Tell me when you're writing a story! If it's a fandom I like, I'll DEFINITELY read it! Thank you for your review!
May : Your review made me feel happy that my idea of Carpathia time is accepted! Thank you so much for all your beloved, in-depth reviews! You are such a treasured reader you don't even know! :)
Anna : HAHA Good for you. Thank you for taking time off to leave a review!
liz-04 : It's cool that your middle name is Elizabeth! I have only one name and it's really weird. Like trust me, you don't wanna know. I hope you're looking forward to 'BIG plans' I'm having! Thank you for your review!
To everyone else, I hope you all are enjoying the story as well! Have a nice day and review if you liked the chapter! :D
Haha all y'all think it's all sunshine and roses now, do you? :)