I'll never let go..| A titanic inspired story 🚢

Before we board (chapter 2)

James and I decided to visit my friend's boutique before we boarded the ship. We left the house at midday and walked down to the hustle and bustle of the high street. It was abundantly clear that many other people were waiting to board the titanic as it was much busier than usual. Clutching to James' hand, he lead me to Abi's boutique. There was a clear contrast in the types of people that were boarding the Titanic. Many men in stylish suits and top hats greeted me pleasantly, a few women waved with a gloved hand at us as their elegant ruffled dresses brushed past the cobblestone floor. However, many lower class citizens were waiting to board the boat. Young men getting drunk inside a bar as we passed, young children playing tag in their dungarees and flat caps, a small girl with blonde pigtails holding a raggedy old doll. It was rather strange to see all of these people in a similar space, yet they didn't communicate and only acknowledged each other's existence.

We eventually made it to Abi's boutique and the bell jingled it's familiar tune as we entered. As always, the boutique was stocked full with a variety of beautiful dresses and corsets on display. I had always loved Abi's boutique and James often bought her products to surprise me with on special occasions. The corset that I was wearing currently had actually been made by Abi.

"Welcome! Hey Izzy, how've you been?" Abi called out, her face wasn't visible as she was carrying a large box full of clothing to put out on display. I could just see her red high heels clacking on the wooden floor as she walked out from the back room.
"I've been good. How've you been, Abi?" I said in a polite tone whilst taking a seat on the white fluffy ottoman beside James.
"Pretty good. Just a little stressed out from all this work." She chuckled a little as she set down the box. It revealed her rosy cheeks (probably powered with blusher) and rouge red lips. "How are you feeling about going on the Titanic? I've heard that it is the most magnificent ship there is. Apparently it is unsinkable!" She started to undress the Mannequin that was displayed in the window and dressed it with a more in fashion dress.

"Well.. I'm very excited, I'm sure James is too, isn't that right?" I nudged him a little as he had been quiet since we arrived. He probably felt a little uncomfortable because he had a romantic history with Abi before we met.
"Oh yes. Very excited." He mumbled a little whilst staring at the mannequin. A scowl had started to appear across his face. He unexpectedly turned his attention to me and whispered "I think I should go get a drink before we leave to calm my nerves. I'll see you soon, my treasure." Without a second thought he turned an left.

I felt vulnerable when James wasn't around. Even though my company was my best friend, it felt strange to be without him.

"What an idiot. Why on Earth would he leave you? You honestly deserve better than that... Bimbo!" Abi exclaimed as he left. She obviously didn't mean what she said, she was just caught up in her hatred for James. She had made it abundantly clear that she was happy for me and there were no hard feelings.

"He's not that bad. Really. He probably just felt a little.. awkward being in here with you." I swallowed hard. I wasn't sure if what I was saying was right or what James would want me to say. I started to bite my nails anxiously because that's what I was accustomed to doing when I was nervous. Suddenly, a voice shouted in my ear "Stop that at once! You don't want to ruin your nails and look like the homeless do you? It's a disgusting habit, Isobel." My fathers voice rung in my ears and I instantly snatched my hand away.

"You are probably right..Do you think these outfits look nice?" Abi thankfully interrupted my memory of my father.
"Of course they do. You made them." I nodded my head in agreement and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear that had been blown by the harsh wind.

We talked for a few hours, just a catch up on each others lives before I left for New York. I also decided to help Abi dress the mannequins whilst we spoke.

"It's been lovely talking to you Abi, but I'm afraid I've got to go. Goodbye!" I rose from the ottoman and waved to Abi. Although I was more than thrilled to be getting away, I felt quite disappointed that Abi wasn't able to join me on the trip. She worked in the boutique full time with her husband and simply couldn't afford to leave the shop. I was going to miss her, I thought to myself whilst I grabbed the golden handle to the door and exited the boutique. The familiar jingle of the bell signalled it's farewell as I left and walked onto the high street.

Despite being busy when I first arrived, it was much more busy now. Hundreds of people were crowded in the streets, awaiting the boarding of the ship. I weaved my way between the people and entered 'The Jockey' (the local pub).

As I entered the Jockey, a well known scent filled my nostrils. The scent was unpleasant and wreaked of regret and shame. Alcohol. James was sat at the bar, unclassified drink in hand, sipping his troubles away. He must've spotted me from the corner of his eye because his face just lit up. I approached the bar and rested my elbow on the counter.

"Isobel! How's my girl? Hm?" James drunkenly put his arm around me and wobbled a little on his chair.

"I'm fine. Come on. We'd better get going." I brushed him off and took a step back. I hated when he got like this. I should've never left him alone.

"NoOo. You've just got heeeree! Have a drink." He picked up his drink and sloshed it around the glass. Small bubbles started to form in the top section of the beverage.

I scoffed, took his drink from him and slammed it onto the bar. I would normally never act like this but I simply felt frustrated in the moment. He knew this was one of the biggest days of our lives and he had ruined it already by getting pissed out of his mind. He probably wouldn't remember this anyways.

"You're joking? Just get up. We have to board the ship soon." I muttered bluntly, pulling on his arm to bring him to his feet.

"Get off me woman! You know fully well we don't have to board for another hour." James said in a slurred voice. He pushed me away a little too harshly and I almost toppled over. Thankfully, I was able to regain my balance. That was it. Rage filled my entire body and it took everything in me from smacking him around the face.

"You devilish fiend! You've ruined both of our days! How could you?" Tears started to flow down my red angered face. James held one hand to his face and his face washed over with guilt. This was greatly surprising because he would usually retaliate with violence. People stared and whispered at this point

"I'm sorry.." He gripped onto my arm weakly. No tears fell from his face but I could tell he looked just as guilty as I felt.

"Just meet me there in twenty minutes. Or don't." I spat. Turned. And left.