Unsinkable

Part 1

"Wow" Dec exclaimed to himself,as he stared up in awe at the massive ship in front of him "the Titanic...look at the size of it,that's bloody amazing"

He stood rooted to the spot for a good few minutes,still absolutely dumbfounded by the journey he was about to embark on aboard this impressive piece of machinery.

After watching people excitedly board the ship...the rich and the poor,he knew it was now time to join them.

But he was then startled out of his thoughts by two strong hands pressing down firmly,but gently on his shoulders from behind.

"Here you go lad" Fonsey said and Dec turned around and smiled at his father.

"What's this?" Dec asked curiously,as Fonsey took something out of his pocket and pressed it into Dec's hand.

He looked down at the shiny coin that was laying in the centre of his palm.

"Dad?" Dec frowned "a shilling?I can't take this,you can't afford it"

"I've been saving for this day" Fonsey beamed "as soon as you told me of your plan,I put a little bit aside each week"

"But you and Mam need this more than I do" Dec protested "you need to buy food"

"We'll manage lad" Fonsey smiled "I want to do whatever I can to help you get settled once you arrive in America,I just wish it could be more"

"Thanks Dad" Dec replied gratefully.

"Don't lose it now will you?" Fonsey warned "keep it in your wallet"

"I haven't got a wallet" Dec frowned "you know that"

"Well,just keep it somewhere safe then" Fonsey advised.

"I will" Dec smiled,while taking his shoe off and placing the coin securely inside one of his socks.

He stared down at the threadbare garment that he'd had for God knows how long,his big toe poking through a hole for all to see.

"Do you know what the first thing I'm gonna do once I get to America and start earning some money Dad?" Dec grinned.

"What's that?" Fonsey asked curiously.

"Buy some new socks" Dec announced proudly.

"I'm sure you will" Fonsey laughed "America eh?land of the free?"

"Yep" Dec smiled "where the streets are paved with gold"

"Let's hope so Declan" Fonsey replied "let's hope so"

"I'm gonna send for you and Mam as soon as I'm settled" Dec announced "I promise"

"Don't you worry about that" Fonsey smiled "we're fine where we are"

"No,you're not" Dec frowned "you work your fingers to the bone and for what?you can still barely afford to put bread on the table,I want you with me"

"Ok lad" Fonsey replied "we'll sort it out,but you've got a long voyage ahead of you first"

"Yeah" Dec nodded before he was made to practically jump out of his skin by the ship's horn.

"Jesus,that was loud" he frowned "scared the life out of me,guess I'd better be going,where's Mam?"

"Probably crying into her handkerchief somewhere" Fonsey replied fondly "ah,here she comes"

Anne was indeed dabbing at her eyes as she approached her husband and son.

"It's time for me to go now Mam" Dec smiled sadly.

"Oh Declan" Anne replied "I'm going to miss you so much"