Tommy and Muriel shivered as they walked along the deck. It had gotten dark and even colder out on the ocean. The ship was moving so fast, rumor spread that the Titanic could possibly reach New York ahead of schedule.

"Do you think America will as great as we hear?" Muriel asked.

"Even better", Tommy answered. "Now that we know each other, we can write to each other."

"Will you have the time? You have to work."

"I can always find some time."

Muriel smiled as she rested her head against his shoulder. Tommy wrapped his arm around her shoulders and looked out at the ocean. He couldn't believe how flat the ocean was. Almost no waves in site. There was no moon either. Everything was dark except for the light of the ship. Tommy looked down as he hurt Muriel yawn.

"You must be tired", he said. "Why don't we go back to the stateroom and get some sleep."

She nodded as she wrapped her arms around his as they walked.

"Can we stop by my parents' room?" Muriel asked. "I want to see if Papa's calmed down."

"Why do you condone what he does?" Tommy asked.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "I was in the wrong...drinking too much, not returning to my room as promised, skipping church."

"That doesn't give him the right to hit you. Why do you put up with it?"

"He's my father", Muriel said. "As his daughter, I should be respecting him."

"But you shouldn't let him hit you. You don't deserve that."

Tommy looked at her not understanding how anyone could put up with that kind of treatment. True, his own father had never beaten him, but if he did, he didn't think he could take it like she did. Muriel shouldn't have to stand for that. She was practically a grown woman, she should do what she wants.

"Tommy, I just want to say goodnight to my mother", Muriel said. "She's still kind to me."

"Very well", he sighed.

The two of them walked inside to the cabins below. Muriel looked down, her stomach churning. In all honesty, she was afraid to see her father. Tommy looked down at her and kissed the top of her head. She gave a weak smile before stopping in front of her parents' door.

"Mum?" she said knocking. "Mum, it's Muriel."

She and Tommy stood and watched as Ita unlocked and opened the door. Ita looked so tired and upset about something, shown by the wrinkles on her face.

"Mum, are you alright?" Muriel asked.

"I'm fine", she said. "Muriel, dear are you alright? Your father didn't hurt you too bad, did he?"

"I'm alright. Mum, I'm staying with Tommy until we get to America."

"What are you talking about?" Ita asked. "Why are you leaving?"

"I don't want to say if Papa's going to be so mean", Muriel said. "Mum, I really like Tommy, and he likes me too. I want to be with him."

Ita looked at the two of them almost speechless. She didn't know what to say, but she can tell from Muriel's determination that the girl was falling in love with this man. Ita looked at Tommy and couldn't help but smile. He had been nothing but kind to their family for the whole voyage.

"I suppose I can't stop you", she said. "Go ahead. I know he will take care of you."

"Thank you Mum", Muriel said hugging her.

Their tender moment was interrupted when they felt a strong shaking in the ship. Muriel fell back into Tommy's arms as they looked around. The violent shaking continued for a while and they could hear the sound of scraping metal.

"What's happening?" Ita asked holding onto the door frame.

"Look!' Tommy said looking at the floor.

Everyone looked down to see water on the floor. The Titanic had hit something and was beginning to flood.