CHAPTER FIVE, good impressions at dinner

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April 13, 1912

When they got done exploring, Mckenna and Jack spent some time hanging out with Fabrizio. Mckenna had a great time getting to know Fabrizio more and he seemed like a great guy. She could see why Jack was friends with him. They had a similar carefree attitude and enjoyed the thrill of adventure. Soon it was time to get ready for dinner with Mckenna and her family. Mckenna had caught up with David, who had been spending the day with Rose, and let him know they would be having a dinner with Jack coming up soon. And that night got here quickly. After a day of exploring and sharing sweet kisses and intimate moments with Jack, they had to part ways to get ready for dinner. 

David then informed her that had been changed with having a dinner with Rose's family too after their parents had caught up with each other. Mckenna was now nervous for it, but she couldn't imagine how Jack must feel. Jack usually displayed such confidence that she envied him, but he also didn't have to worry about being the perfect daughter or son. He didn't have the expectations placed on him that she did. He was free to be himself and live his life on his terms. Though being in the Third Class, she also understood the struggles he had gone through.

Mckenna was now getting ready for dinner, but more so getting forced into a dress. She had tried convincing her parents just to let her wear what she wanted. But they were insistent that she needed to look her best for such a special occasion. She had never liked dressing up, and her mother was always trying to get her to wear dresses and be a proper lady. But Mckenna had always been more interested in her studies and learning about the world around her. She wanted to be independent and free to do as she pleased. But her mother always expected her to behave a certain way.

"Mckenna, please don't make things difficult." Her mother scolds. She was helping her daughter get ready, and Mckenna was not making it easy. "Your father and I have put a lot of effort into this dinner. We need you to cooperate and not cause a scene." She helps her with getting her dress on, first pulling up the petticoat and then the corset. "Now, breathe in and hold your arms up."

"But mother, why can't I just wear my own clothes? I feel uncomfortable in these clothes." Mckenna complains, her tone pleading as she reluctantly does what her mom told her to. "Do I really need to wear a corset? It's so restrictive and hard to breathe in. Can't I at least wear a skirt and blouse?"

"You are going to look presentable and you will behave yourself, Mckenna." Her mother scolds again. She tightens the laces of the corset, earning a gasp from her daughter. "It is only for a few hours, then you can go back to wearing those boyish clothes of yours."

Mckenna bit her lip, trying not to wince in pain as the corset tightens further. Her mom's words hurt, but she knows it's not her intention. She was just trying to uphold the family's reputation and expectations. Mckenna took a deep breath, trying to calm herself despite the discomfort. She could understand the importance of making a good impression, especially with both families coming together for the dinner. But the idea of being confined in a dress and corset felt like a harsh contrast to the freedom she usually enjoyed. She wished she could just be herself without having to conform to societal expectations.

It wasn't easy being a woman in their society, especially being in First Class. Everything had to be perfect, and there was a lot of pressure to live up to certain expectations. She knew her mother loves her and just wanted what was best for her, but sometimes she couldn't help but feel resentful toward her. She didn't understand why her mother was so insistent on her being the perfect daughter. And it wasn't just her mother. It was her father, too. He was always pushing her to succeed and do her best. They both had high hopes she would achieve great things and uphold the family's status, but it often felt like their expectations overshadowed her own desires and ambitions. 

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