Chapter 3: Tommy

I couldn't believe I was living in New York. The city I've pictured for so many years was now my home. It was different than Ireland, much different. I had a lot to get used to. It was so crowded, everyone walked on top of each other. In Ireland, there were rolling hills that seemed endless. You could go outside for peace and quiet. Here, not so much. Granted, there were busy parts in Ireland, especially where I worked and where most of the jobs were. But it was almost silent on the farm I lived with my family. In New York, everywhere seemed to be busy. There was no quiet.

The sun was barely up when I woke up on my second day of being a New Yorker. Now that I made it here, the only thing on my mind was what the hell I was going to do to make a living. After settling in the kitchen and making some coffee, I looked through a newspaper set on the counter to see what job prospects were out there.

There were many listings. Workers were needed for the steel, canals, railroads, domestic services, the list went on. I was hopeful. I had experience back home in a handful of fields, I started to wonder if I had a chance for a higher level position. Maybe a shift supervisor or something like that, a few steps up from where I was back home. I could handle it. Decent pay was all I wanted.

But as I read on, I found that I didn't have a chance for many positions.

Irish need not apply.

Jesus Christ.

I groaned, setting the paper down. America was supposed to bring a better life. Everyone back home made it sound like it was the place to be, how you could go so far if you made it here. Now, I was here. And the only jobs I was eligible for were the same shit jobs I worked in Ireland. There was a reason the Irish could apply for those positions.

They were all the jobs no American wanted.

American dream my ass.

"You're up early."

I looked up to see John, already dressed in a suit and ready for the day.

"Figured I'd get an early start on the job hunt."

"How's that going?"

"Irish need not apply, but looks like they'll take anyone over at the sewage plant!" I exclaimed sarcastically. John chuckled uncomfortably as he poured a cup of coffee.

"It's awful, isn't it?"

"I knew it was bad here, but this is insane."

"I know. And you'll be running into competition with the jobs you can apply to. There's a lot of people fighting for any kind of position they can get their hands on."

"I don't even know where to start," I admitted, "I have experience but I'm starting to feel like I'm in over my head a bit."

"It's not easy for first generation immigrants" John took a seat from me across the table, "I've worked with a lot of Irish men who end up in a lot of trouble because they're in the same situation you are in. The positions out there are very long hours with very little pay."

"I'm used to it."

"They can barely afford rent," he expressed, "They're miserable. They drink, get into fights...Point is, I don't want you getting taken advantage of because you need the job."

"I feel like I won't have a choice," I stated.

"Listen Tommy," John paused, "What if I look into getting you a job in the courthouse?"

"I don't think I'm the suit wearin' type, John."

"No, no," he chuckled, "They're security positions."

"You're doing enough already lettin' me and El stay here, you don't have to do that."

"I think it might be good for you. It's different than a factory position, better pay."

In the grand scheme of things, it really sounded like a good prospect. But part of me couldn't stomach the thought of getting a job just because my uncle knew someone. It didn't feel right.

"I really appreciate that," I said "But I really want to try to do this on my own."

"I understand," my uncle sighed, "Just think about it for awhile, ok? The offer is on the table."

"Thanks."

"Of course," he finished his coffee, setting his mug on the counter, "I should head to the office. I have court late this morning and have loads of paperwork to get together beforehand."

"Oh, well I wish ya luck with that."

"Wish me luck that I stay awake. We'll talk more later."

"I'll see ya," I waved turning back to the newspaper as he headed out the door. El came to the kitchen a few moments later.

"Good morning," she smiled. Her dark curls hung loose, wearing a very comfortable looking red, satin robe.

"Hi," seeing her made me feel better for a moment. She came up behind me, throwing her arms around me and resting her head on my shoulder.

"What's that you're looking at?"

"Jobs."

"Don't you want to take some time to relax and explore the city before jumping on that?"

"Ya want your own place, don't you?" I raised my eyebrows. She smirked.

"Any prospects?"

"Not really. John offered to look into a position for me."

"Doing what?" she looked perplexed.

"Security at the courthouse."

"Well, I'd say you're burly enough," she squeezed my shoulders, grinning, "Is that something you'd be interested in?"

"I don't know..." my voice trailed off, "I want to do this on my own, you know? I don't like handouts."

"It's not a handout," she stated, turning away to make more coffee.

"What would you call it then?"

"I don't know. Just some assistance to get you started."

"That's exactly what a handout is," I replied. She rolled her eyes.

"You're quite stubborn. If I'm correct, you're here because your father helped you."

"Exactly, and now that I'm here, I'd like to do him proud and make it on my own."

"If you insist," she shrugged, "But an offer like that may come in handy."

"I just want to make an honest livin', El," I sighed. I was serious. I wanted to do this on my own. I wanted to be able to say I made it here, making my family proud and maybe even being able to afford bringing them here. All on my own dime, that I earned myself.

"Well just think about it."

"I'll keep it in mind," I stood up and gave her a quick kiss, "I think I'm going to head out though."

"What's your plan?"

"I saw in the paper there's some factory jobs that have some openings to apply for the next few hours. I think I'll press my luck and see how it goes."

"Want me to come along?"

"Nah, that's ok. I don't think I'll be out long. They'll turn me away as soon as they hear my accent."

"They'd be foolish to turn you away," El stated, fluffing the collar on my shirt, "I think Sarah is planning on taking me out shopping today anyway," she smiled sheepishly.

"Perfect time for you to get to know each other," I ruffled her hair, "I'll see you later."

"Good luck," she smiled.

"Thanks," I held her for a moment before making my way out the door, kissing the top of her head.

It hit me then that it really didn't matter what kind of job came my way. Just as long as I could give her the life she deserved.

Ellie

"Sarah, I really can't thank you enough for all of this."

In a matter of a few hours, Sarah had provided me and Tommy a whole new wardrobe and essentials, also covering for the brunch we were enjoying. It was a cool but beautiful April afternoon, comfortable enough to sit outside in the sun.

"Don't be ridiculous, Ellie. You and Thomas have been through more than I can imagine the past few days, it's the least I can do. Besides, I like getting out with the kids," she ruffled Lizzie's hair, who was sitting on her lap, diving into a short stack of pancakes. James was comfortable in his stroller, napping away. "How are you doing?"

"Honestly? This has all been a whirlwind."

"I'm sure it has been," she sighed, "I'm so sorry about your family."

"Oh," I felt my face flush, remembering how Tommy said I didn't have family to get back to, "It's not like that. It's...rather complicated."

"Oh?" She looked perplexed.

"My father passed away a few years ago. I was on Titanic with my sister and her mother," I paused, "They survived. My sister and I made the decision to go out on our own after the sinking. My mother is a rather noxious individual, and going through this gave us the perfect opportunity to finally cut ties. And after I met Tommy, there was no turning back."

"So you really have only known each other for a few days now?"

"That's right," I smiled meekly, "I know it's insane."

"No, no," she shook her head, taking a sip of her tea, "I think it's sweet."

"He gave me the courage to get out. I've really never met anyone like him."

"So were you traveling in the same quarters and just ran into each other?"

"It wasn't that simple," I chuckled, "I come from a very affluent family. I was traveling first class, he was in third. There was a whole situation with my sister that brought us to third class and well..." my voice trailed off as an image of Jack flashed though my mind. My heart still hurt for Rose.

"I had a feeling," Sarah expressed, "Just by the way you speak and carry yourself. Not that that's a bad thing or anything,I was just curious how you two crossed paths."

"Yes, you wouldn't expect it. I was never expecting to ever find anyone. My mother attempted to arrange me with numerous men, and it never worked. I always protested. But with Tommy, I can say it's the first time I've had feelings for anyone."

"Well I'm glad he found you," Sarah gave a warm smile, "His mother has always been worried about him finding someone."

"Oh?"

"Whenever she would write about him in her letters, she would always say how he was like his father and spent so much time working. I remember her writing "If he spends all his time workin', he'll never be able to get out and find a woman to give me grand babies," she laughed.

"She sounds quite the character."

"Oh she is. I miss her dearly."

"It must have been hard making the transition here. Do you ever wish you could go back?" I asked, taking a bite into the raspberry danish I almost had forgotten about on my plate. She sighed.

"I love the life I have now. But it wasn't easy when I first came here, up until I met John honestly."

"What do you mean?"

"My life would not be as it is now if I never met him. Besides the obvious fact of not having my children without him, there is no way I could be living in the place we have without him. I've had to really rely on him."

"What was it like before?" I was intrigued. I wanted to know her side of things, wondering if it would give some insight into how things would be with Tommy and I on our own.

"I got a job as a domestic worker for an extremely wealthy family. They lived in the kind of magnificent home you would only dream about, and had a full staff to maintain it. It was comfortable, but the family was absolutely awful to work for. They threatened to fire you constantly, hover over you to make sure the dishes were completely spotless, I could go on for hours about it. The days dragged on horribly but I stayed there for years. It paid better than factory work, and I knew I wouldn't have any better options when it came to finding a place to stay. But I didn't come to America just to live in someone else's home, so I saved every penny I made until I could afford my own place and get out," she explained, "So when I finally got out, all I could honestly afford was a place in the slums but at the time, I just wanted my own place. I was at my wits end at that point."

"I'm so sorry you had to work for a family like that," I had a bitter taste in my mouth, thinking my own family was just like the one she described. She brushed it off.

"It made me a stronger person, as did living in the slums. Ellie, it was awful there. So many sick people crowding the halls of the building, rats making homes in your kitchen cabinets," she shuddered, "I took on a job as a maid for multiple homes which demanded long hours. Many offered me a live in position, but I wasn't going to deal with that abuse again."

"That's understandable."

"I met John through a horrible circumstance honestly. I never told Thomas' mother about this," she sighed, "I was on my way home from a very long days work. It was already dark, and right across the street from my building, I saw this man getting beaten in the street by a group of three men. And I mean really beaten, Ellie, I could barely make out his face. There was so much blood. But I knew he was Irish because they were shouting horrible slurs."

"My god."

"He lived, thankfully. I didn't know what I was thinking, but I just screamed my head off when I saw what was happening. Guess it was enough to scare them off."

"You're lucky they didn't come after you next."

"You're telling me. Of course he then pressed charges, and they somehow managed to bring in a few suspects. John was just getting his start as a lawyer and he took on his case for a low rate. I ended up being his star witness for trial."

"You're kidding."

"Horrible way to meet, right?" She let out an awkward laugh, "I fell for him so fast. I never saw an American defend an Irishman like he did. He was so...passionate. He really cared. After trial, we continued to find reasons to see each other and our relationship just grew. John put me through school, got me a job as a teacher and out of the slums, and now here we are."

"Wow. That's quite a story."

"I could write a novel about it," she smirked, "I guess I'm telling you all of this because...I don't know," she paused, "I never told Tommy's mother about it because I didn't want her to regret sending her son here. I couldn't scare her. There are opportunities here, it's just not going to be easy."

"I can gather that."

"You're both welcome to stay with us for as long as you need. Honestly. Don't feel like you're overstaying your welcome. If Tommy is anything like his father, he's going to be stubborn about wanting his own place but I don't want you both living in the slums."

"I understand." I nodded.

"Things already started out pretty rough for the both of you. But if you can handle a traumatic event like Titanic, I'm confident the both of you can handle anything."

I took a sip of my tea, my mind going in circles thinking of Tommy ending up in a horrible situation like Sarah described. I felt so naive. My world had sheltered me for so many years from the outside, I honestly had no idea things like this were going on. I mean, I was aware of the mistreatment but a man getting beaten to the edge of death was more than I could imagine. I was disgusted, and so worried for what Tommy would have to deal with. I looked up at Sarah after setting my tea down.

"I sure hope you're right."