never let go || juke au

XVI

Nick knew the ship was about to go down. He knew he had enough time for one more plan. One more chance for him to get off this god damned boat.

He pushed his way through the crowd when he almost tripped over a young girl sitting on the ground bawling her eyes out. Nick looked at her in distaste and continued to walk when an idea popped into his head like a light bulb being switched on.

"Women and children only!" He could hear being constantly yelled in his ear.

He turned around and lifted the child off the ground and into his arms, immediately scowling as her snot and tears dripped onto his shirt. He held her slightly away from his body and ran up to where the last boat he could see was being loaded.

"Sir, women and children only," The officer said to him in a calm tone as if he was seating a train car rather than a lifeboat on a sinking ship.

"Please, I'm the only person she has in the entire world," He begged, gesturing to the still sobbing child.

The officer looked behind him and looked back at Nick. "Fine. Get on, sir."

"Thank you, thank you," Nick said, giving the man a nod and climbing over the railing and onto the lifeboat. Once he was seated, they began lowering the boat into the water. He pushed the girl away from him and rubbed his hands together.

As their boat his the water and they began rowing away from the fateful Titanic, he looked back at the ship and for a moment, thought about Julie.

Would she make it off?

Would he be able to live with himself if she didn't?

He sucked in a breath and turned the other way, staring out into the darkness instead. The distant screams from the ship grew quieter as they moved deeper into the ocean.

~~~~~~~~~~

Luke and Julie held onto each other tightly as they ran up the deck, maneuvering their way through the chaos. Luke turned and held Julie's shoulders, looking her in the eyes. "We need to get as high up as we can! Okay?"

Julie nodded.

"The ships's gonna split in half and we want to stay out of the water as long as we can."

Julie nodded again. "Whatever you say, Luke. I trust you."

Luke smiled and kissed her forehead quickly before leading her up to the top of the ship. It was tilted out of the water at angle that seemed impossible for the ship to be at. Luke helped Julie climb up on top of the bow, following right after. He held her secure in his arms and let out a sigh, seeing his breath in the chilly air.

"You wanna know something funny," Julie whispered, shivering and trying to ignore the cold, "This is the same place we first met."

Luke couldn't help but laugh. "You're right. It is."

"I'm worried about Reggie and Alex."

"I know, baby," Luke mumbled.

"What if they don't get off the ship?"

"They will. They have to."

Julie stayed silent, leaning into Luke. He kissed the top of her head and tightened his grip around her. Suddenly, they were plunged into darkness as the lights began flickering before finally shutting off. You could barely see your own arms as the only light came from the moon and the distant stars.

"Julie. Hold on tight to me, okay."

"I will, Luke. I will."

It was like he somehow knew. Right after his words, the ear-splitting sound of the ship tearing in two echoed in the night. They held on as the part of the boat they were grasping began sinking into the water at a quickening pace.