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

My saviour (chapter 8)

Boat deck
11am
Tears streaming down my face, I ran out of the restaurant and out onto the outside deck of titanic. The wind rushed violently in my face and my tears traveled like rain droplets down my powdered cheeks. I sobbed uncontrollably and I was starting to find it difficult to breathe because of all the snot and tears in my throat and face.

I continued to run but in no particular direction. Just away from James and my Father. I reached the end of the boat and the place was barren. No one was around the top deck of the boat as people were feasting on their meals. My stomach growled, I hadn't had chance to eat since breakfast.

I rested my hands on the railing on the end of the boat and peered over the edge. I wasn't sure exactly where the boat was but we were sailing in the Atlantic Ocean because I had earlier heard James and my Father discussing it. The ocean was deep and probably very cold. I couldn't spot any sea life but I was sure there were some animals down there. Carefully, I lifted one leg over the railing. Then the other until I was leaning off the outside of titanic. I was going to end it all. I had nothing left to live for really. Inhaling deeply, and the fresh salt from the sea relaxed me. At least my death wouldn't be that painful. However, I was interrupted, by a voice.

"Don't do it. Don't jump."
James? No. It couldn't be.. it was... AMERICAN!

I quickly swivelled my head around. My light hair blew wildly in my face but it was Joel. It was difficult to see him but I knew that he looked so handsome over there.

"Don't come any closer.. or I might jump." I shut my eyes, I was actually starting to become terrified. I gripped onto the rail for dear life and started contemplating my decision. But this is what I wanted? There was no hope for me..

The sound of the flick of a lighter startled me. He was smoking?

"Well, if I were you.. I wouldn't jump. Because if you jump...I'm jumping too." Joel untied his shoelace and took of his shoes, throwing them aside, and took off his waistcoat. He said calmly as he came closer. He lent over the railing and stared into the sea. His dark bangs covering his eyes. He was truly dreamy.

"No you wouldn't....would you?" I often found myself asking questions to myself and others. I was unsure of everything including what he had just said.

"Yep. And I'm more concerned about the temperature down there since it's probably like -1000 degrees or something." He said and paused.

"It's like a 1000 knives as soon as you hit the water. Yeesh." He bit his lip and it was then I realised he wasn't lying. I said nothing.

"When I was 14, my sister accidentally knocked me into an ice cold lake. It was the worst pain I'd ever felt in my life and I'm sure it's much worse in winter." He smacked his lips, not taking his eyes off mine.

"Actually, you would probably be killed by the propellers first. They'll chop you up into little pieces and you'll be bait for the hungry sharks." Joel added.

"Really? But you'd be killed too?"

"Sure will. But I'm willing to risk that. So I think it'd be best if you climbed back over the rail. To save us both from our inevitable deaths."

I stared down at the deep blue ocean and back at him. His sparkling blue eyes matched the ocean perfectly and that's all I needed to see.

"Oh alright. Just help me back over, please?"Joel outstretched his hand for me to take. Without a second thought, I took his hand. It was rough and strong, I guessed he was used to manual labour.

I turned around and faced him properly. A lone tear rolled down my cheek and his stunning face came into focus. His complexion was like out of a story book; his hair was radiant and brunette and his bangs rested just above his mesmerising blue eyes that were glimmering stars that rested on his face.His lips twitched upwards and indicated that he was relieved I had decided to turn back around.

"The name is Joel. Joel Davies. You are?"

"I already know! I'm Isobel. Isobel Graham." I couldn't help but beam at him. Something about him was just so compelling.

"Suits you. You look like an Isobel." He said whilst pulling me up. Eagerly, I climbed over the railing to unite with Joel but my foot slipped and I was sent into a deep plunge towards the ocean. However, Joel reacted quickly and held tightly to my arm, his harsh grip hurt my arm but that was the least of my troubles now. A scream erupted from my lungs and I stared up at Joel. His face contorted into a shocked and strained look. I was dangling over the edge of the titanic.

"HELP! JOEL PULL ME UP." I didn't dare look down. Fear over came me like a bad fog on a winters night. Wet, chilling and frightening.

"I've got you, Isobel! I WON'T let go!" With one swift movement of his arm, Joel managed to pull me up onto Titanic. He fell backwards and pulled me with him. He held me tightly in my arms as if he would never let go. Breathing heavily, I laid on his chest for a moment to regain my breath. I had never been so terrified in my life.

Loud footsteps could be heard and a group of men in uniforms crowded around. Their faces changed into a shocked look. I was still breathing heavily and so was Joel and it became apparent to me. He had started to undress, I had started screaming and now I was laid on top of him? Kind of looked as if he had tried to r*pe me.

"Woah, woah. It's not what it looks like!" Joel put his hands defensively in the air, I was still panting and couldn't speak.

All of a sudden, James stomped up the stairs and his jaw dropped when he saw up. He pointed his index finger at him accusingly.

"YOU DIRTY BIRDY, How DARE you." He stared at me with an angry face as if to say it was my fault for leaving the table.

"I didn't! Honest!" Joel looked at me, pleading for me to say something.

As the policmen started to seize his arm, I whispered breathlessly,

"Stop. He didn't. It's a misunderstanding."

The policemen looked at me uncertainly but didn't let go of his arms, not yet at least.

"Well I was leaning over the railing to get a better view and I just slipped. Joel didn't attack me, he saved me." I smiled tightly and James looked even more horrified than he did before. I figured he was jealous or something.

"Well then. I suppose I must thank you then. Let go of him."

The policemen did as they were told and let go of Joel. He brushed himself off and stood straight up and I did the same. James held out his hand and Joel reluctantly took it. James shook it and smiled bitterly. Joel's face didn't change.

"Why don't you join us, tonight from, for dinner?" James proposed for reasons unknown to me.

"Sure. I'll make sure to be there. What time?" Joel said as he tilted his head.

"5 o'clock. Be there." He cocked his head to face me and clenched his jaw angrily. Reaching out his hand, he seized my arm and led me back to the dining room.