I DO NOT OWN TITANIC OR THE GREAT GATSBY. I DID NOT WANT TO MAKE NICK SEEM TOO POOR OR TOO RICH, I CHECKED ONLINE AND THIRTY ONE DOLLARS WOULD BE EQUAL TO ONE THOUSAND AND TWO DOLLARS AND SIX CENTS TODAY.
Southampton, England. April 10, 1912.
After being assured that Tom was in the capable hands of his English Rose of a nurse, I was taken by cab to the port town of Southampton. As my driver pulled up to the docks, I was amazed by the sight of the so called unsinkable ship. It was the largest ship that my eyes had ever seen, it would even put Noah's holy ark to bitter shame. Tom had given me fare money before we'd left, so I didn't have to use any of my remaining funds, which came out to Thirty one dollars; which I assumed would tide me over until I arrived in New York City and could wire my parents for more funds. After thanking the cabbie and bidding him a safe journey back to London, I stood in front of the crowning jewel of the White Star Line. I assumed that if it looked so impressive on the outside, that the inside must be equally amazing. I managed to begin making my way to the massive throng of people who were waiting to get on the ship, waving goodbye to said people, or just wanted to see this ship of dreams with their own eyes.
"All third-class passengers with a forward berth this way!" An officer shouted through a bullhorn as a crowd of people began to move in his direction. "Please, this queue, right here." As I passed by the third class section, I took mental photographs of the people I saw: women with shawls carrying their babies, men being inspected for lice or other unsavory ailments, and the children who were overcome by the sheer awe of Titanic herself.
"Big boat, huh?" A man inquired as he held up his daughter to get a real good look at the vessel.
"Daddy, it's a ship." The child corrected with a smile. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy towards her and the other kids on the dock. When you're a child, everything is shiny and new. Things seem so magical and bright because the harsh realities of the world set in and infect everything.
"You're right." He consented as our ears were promptly assaulted by the sound of a car's horn blaring its ugly squawk. Once the car had come to a stop, the footman offered his hand to help a beautiful woman dressed in white with a large plum hat sitting lopsided on her head of red. She was soon joined by a well dressed man who looked both dashing as well as arrogant.
"I don't see what all the fuss is about. It doesn't look any bigger than the Mauritania." The woman said, clearly unimpressed with what the White Star Line had to offer
"You can be blasé about some things, Rose, but not about Titanic." The man teased with a smile. "It's over a hundred feet longer than Mauritania and far more luxurious. Your daughter is far too difficult to impress, Ruth." He was speaking to an older red haired woman who seemed as though she wanted everyone around her to know that she was on a higher level than they.
"So this is the ship they say is unsinkable." She said with a haughty manner than I personally didn't care for.
It is unsinkable, God Himself could not sink this ship." The man said as I had no interest in hearing him metaphorically bite his thumb at the almighty. It was people such as this that my father had often warned me to steer clear of. He didn't want me to put on airs just because I lived a comfortable upper middle class existence. I was soon jolted out of my thoughts by the sound of a whistle blowing
"Ladies, better hurry." the gentleman said as they began to walk up the 1st class ramp to the sound of people saying good byes. I followed behind at a distance, not wanting to get drawn into their foolishness.
"My coat?" the pretty red head asked.
"I have it." her maid said as they made their way up and gave their tickets.
"Welcome aboard, ma'am, welcome to Titanic." an officer said as they accepted the tickets offered.
"My ticket, sir." I offered when my turn came.
"Thank you sir, welcome to Titanic." the officer said as I made my way inside. My earlier assumptions proved to be correct as I got a good look at the ship's interior. It was oozing luxury and splendor. As I held my suitcases in my hands, I saw an older gentleman deep in discussion with some fine looking ladies. He was discussing a book that I was rather keen on: The Truth about Chickamauga. It had been a fine read about the civil war battle of the same name and I decided to join the conversation.
"It is the first and fundamental law of history that it should neither dare to say anything that is false or fear to say anything that is true, nor give any just suspicion of favor or disaffection." I said as the gentleman turned to face me.
"One of my finest quotes and I stand by it." He said with a smile as I realized that I was speaking to the author of the manuscript: Colonel Archibald Gracie.
"Col. Gracie, forgive me for not recognizing you." I said, feeling rather sheepish.
"It's quite all right, young man. I'm pleased to know that you've read my book." The Colonel said as he offered his hand for a shake.
"And enjoyed it; Nick Carraway, a pleasure." I said as I eagerly shook the man's hand. He introduced his female companions as Charlotte Appleton, Malvina Cornell, and Caroline Brown.
"Col. Gracie was telling us about the research he did for the book; we'd be pleased for you to promenade with us." Miss Appleton offered as I eagerly accepted as the doors were closed and the ship signaled that it was ready to depart.
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