Titanic Bound by Destiny

Chapter 15: The Irish Party

Date: April 13th, 1912. (8:35 AM)

Nicholas stood in his cabin, his reflection staring back at him from the modest mirror on the wall. His best suit, a sharp charcoal grey that he'd carefully chosen for this evening, felt like armour as he adjusted the fit and smoothed down the fabric. The suit was simple yet elegant, ideally suited for blending the lines between the classes aboard the Titanic. He straightened his tie, ensuring every detail was in place, his nerves tingling with anticipation. He was unsure what to expect; he had never ventured into third class. He had only briefly crossed into first class; second class was on his ticket, and it was where he stayed. He pondered if they were as rigid as a first class appeared to be; he wondered if they would care that people from other classes were attending this party. He looked at himself in the mirror and let out a smile. For once, the man looking back at him was not someone Nicholas felt ashamed of being; he was happy and looking forward to something for once. Today had been a ride of emotions, about to crescendo with what would hopefully be a fun party. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation about the party, wondering how it would unfold and what experiences it would bring.

The dinner he had attended earlier in the second-class dining saloon still lingered in his mind—a pleasant memory marked by laughter and spirited discussions. The dining room had been alive with the energy of diverse passengers sharing their journey stories and dreams. Fear had eaten him up on his first time in the second-class dining saloon. He had struggled to interact and had kept to himself. Still, now Nicholas found himself engaging more openly than usual, fuelled by the excitement of the upcoming party and the growing friendship among his new acquaintances. As always, the food was divine. The menu featured roasted chicken with a crisp, herbed skin, accompanied by buttery mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Nicholas had decided against dessert today; if he was going to a party, he did not want to do it with a packed stomach. That could only end badly for everyone involved. Dinner had been a reminder of the ship's luxury, even as his mind wandered to the less formal and undoubtedly livelier event awaiting in third class.

As he readied himself, Nicholas felt a surge of hopeful energy. He was keen to immerse himself in the infectious rhythms of Irish folk music, and the spirited dancing he had heard could last well into the night. More than anything, he looked forward to spending time with Sebastian outside the stiff framework of their daily interactions. Tonight, freed from them for the roles they had been bound to, a final act of liberation for Nicholas and Sebastian. It was a glimpse of what their future would be like when they did reach New York City, but for one night only, Nicholas refused to think about the future. He wanted to immerse himself in the now; the worries of the future could wait until tomorrow. Nicholas hoped the pair could enjoy each other's company as two individuals drawn together by genuine affection. Nicholas also eagerly anticipated strengthening the bonds he had formed with others like Connor and Lady Adelaide, who had become important figures in his journey on the Titanic. He knew others would also gather; Irene, Edward, Johanas, and Basil would likely be there. All his friends were in one place, together at last, and could let go of the rules the city expected them to follow. The thought of sharing laughs, dances, and perhaps a few drinks with them brought a genuine smile to his face.

With a final glance in the mirror, Nicholas felt ready. Stepping out of his cabin, he made his way towards the third class, his steps quick with anticipation. As he walked, Nicholas's heart was light, his mind filled with the possibilities of what the evening could bring, and his spirit uplifted by the promise of joyous, unrestrained celebration. His conversation with Lady Adelaide echoed in his thoughts—her words about taking risks and living without regrets had struck a deep chord. He hummed as he drew closer to third class and the awaited party.

Nicholas arrived at the third-class open space, the lively strains of a fiddle and the rhythmic tapping of spoons against bodhráns guiding him to the heart of the festivities. The area was alive with energy, the air thick with laughter and the earthy aroma of spilt beer and sweat. Titanic's lights cast a warm, inviting glow over the revellers. As he passed families and partners, he was greeted by warm, welcoming smiles, causing the warmth in his heart to expand tenfold. Nicholas immediately spotted Connor and Lady Adelaide, affectionately known as Addie, seated at a bustling table surrounded by a jovial crowd. They were caught up in laughter, their faces illuminated by the joyous ambience of the party. Catching sight of Nicholas, Connor waved him over with a broad, welcoming grin. Connor seemed to be more in his element than he ever had been. Well, Addie blended in almost perfectly despite being from another class. The boundaries between their worlds had been torn asunder for one night only.