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

The hardest things are sometimes necessary (chapter 16)

After that, I vowed to be loyal to James no matter how much I hated the idea of being his wife.

For the next few hours, I hid in my room, avoiding the whole world and soaking my pillow with a mix of angry and sad tears. I stared at my reflection in the mirror hours later and I looked tired and unflattering. I figured Joel would have given up looking for me now so I decided to make my way up to the boat deck.

I wore a shawl over my head to look unrecognisable and it kinda worked. I was on the look out for James until I felt a sharp tug on my hand and I got quickly pulled into the gymnasium.

"What the-" I turned around expecting to seem so weirdo but all I saw were a pair of diamond eyes staring back at me. Joel.

"Isobel! I'm so happy to see you." He went to kiss me but I turned my head. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.

"Im sorry Joel but I can't see you any more.." I couldn't look him directly in the eyes, it made my heart ache too much.

"What? Is it your stupid Fiancé? James or whatever his name is." I could see the embers of anger burn in his eyes. I knew it wasn't directed toward me but James.

"Well yes.. I mean, no. And he isn't stupid.. he is generous and kind. And I love him." Here I was again trying to convince myself that he was a good person. I had sort of convinced myself that was until Joel butted in.

" I don't believe it for some second. Don't you see what he is doing to you? He is manipulating you. I can tell you aren't happy Isobel. That's all I want." I heard a twinge of sadness in his voice this made me second guess what I was doing.

"I'm very happy. James makes me happy."

"But I know that's not true. Look, I know I have nothing to offer you. I have no money, no manners, no fancy pants upbringing like James but I know that doesn't make you happy Isobel. Talking, having close bonds, adventure, jokes and love.. that's what truly makes you happy."

"That isn't you place to say that." I tried to walk away but he stopped me.

"I know that! I just... I need to know you'll be okay. I couldn't possibly live with myself if I knew you weren't going to get treated like the princess I know you are.."

"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. I've got to go. Don't talk to me again." I slipped passed him, tears filling my eyes. I walked back out onto the boat deck and sobbed silently. I knew my chance of breaking free from this life was completely over now because I wanted to prove to my father that I was worthy.

I walked along the boat deck, constantly looking around for Joel to apologise but I knew he had gone. I considered throwing myself from the boat again but I knew that wasn't what Joel would want.

Eventually, James found me teary-eyed and snotty. He pulled a face in disgust and pulled me back to our suite.

"Pathetic. Walking around like that showing me up. It's not right. Do you think about anyone but yourself? I hope you haven't been speaking to Joel?"

I shook my head vigorously.

"Good. That's what I thought."