The Titanic: A New Life

Chapter 19

I gawked. The resemblance was uncanny, with their similar blue eyes that saw through to your soul in the same way. But Joy, Jillian's cousin, had silvery blonde hair, almost platinum blonde. It was a beautiful color, and I knew it was natural and not from growing old. Joy couldn't have been older than twenty five.
"It's very nice to meet you, Joy," I greeted. "I'd extend a hand but-" I bounced Hazel on my back to show her why I couldn't.
"Oh, that's alright," Joy laughed passively with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I understand."
"Are these your children, Jillian?" Joy questioned curiously, looking at me the most often out of the other children, who kept silent and remained as close to me as possible.
"Oh no," she explained quickly. "They were on the Titanic with me. Four of the few surviving orphans, and this one needs help."
There was a tone in her voice I couldn't quite decipher when she said that first sentence. Longing?
No, I thought to myself. She wouldn't want four orphans with no money.
"Oh," Joy breathed grimly, her voice lowered, as were her eyes. "I am sorry for all of you. What can I do for you?"
"Hazel needs a doctor," I answered hurriedly as she started coughing once more, holding on weakly to my back. "I think she's getting worse."
When we reached the doctor's office, they told me I would have to hand Hazel over and stay outside.
"No, momma!" Hazel screamed. "I want my momma!"
"Shh," I soothed, so similarly to the night on the rickety raft. "I will be right outside."
"Promise you won't leave, momma?" Hazel pleaded. I was shocked she even thought there was a remote chance of me leaving.
I handed her off to Jillian before I grabbed her hand, looked her straight in the eye, and swore, "I will never leave you."
Hazel calmed down after she heard this, seemingly satisfied with the words that had escaped my mouth, and she went with Jillian without a fuss as the door shut behind her.