Ice & Iron (Titanic)

Chapter 2

We had almost collided with another boat leaving the docks. I didn't see what happened, but I later heard that the mooring lines of another ship snapped due to turbulence from Titanic's massive propellers, drawing it closer to Titanic. Only a few feet had separated the two ships before the tugs bought both the Titanic and the other ship under control.

It was a close call, but after a delay of an hour we were finally on our way.

This ship was massive! It was a lot larger than I expected it to be, White Star Line really outdid themselves building and designing this ship. There was constant publicity and headlines surrounding the voyage ever since it left Belfast and docked in Southampton a few days to ready for her maiden voyage.

Once the excitement had semi died down, Mother and I went back to our cabin to unpack and make it feel more like home. After that, we would probably go up onto the deck.

As Mother and I left to go back to the cabin, I glanced over and saw First Officer Murdoch standing outside on the bridge, looking over the bow of the ship at the view ahead. Many people were still standing on the bow. He was joined by a man with a white beard, whom I assumed was the captain of the Titanic, Captain Smith. This was the first time I had seen my stepfather at work. He'd worked hard to move up the ranks and become the First Officer. This wasn't his first voyage as the First Officer. Last year in 1911 he was First Officer aboard the RMS Olympic, Titanic's sister ship. From stories he told us when he was at home and not working, he often worked with the same officers on most voyages.

"He's so professional," Mother commented, following my gaze. "When he's not so busy again, we'll talk to him."

Mother and I walked back down below and back into the First Class headquarters. Only this time we were in an even larger area with a glass dome above our heads. "The Grand Staircase," I said.

"We'll spend our nights here," said Mother. "Tonight for dinner as the first night aboard the Titanic, we'll need to dress our best. We're going to the Captain's table."

My mouth dropped open. "What?" I asked. "Are any of the officers coming?"

"The Chief and First Officers also will accompany the Captain to dinner tonight," Mother explained, smiling. "Plus a few other guests."

"So Father will be eating dinner with us tonight?"

"Yes."

I was already excited for dinner. This was going to be one of the best experiences ever! Even though we weren't related, I still called him Father around home. He was the only male figure I'd had in my life. I'd spent seven years growing up without a man in my life. And for the past nine, I have. The scale didn't weigh up. It wouldn't feel right if I didn't call him Father. I think it also made him feel more special in our family since he came into it.

Walking along the corridors, I accidentally bumped into a person who was exiting their cabin.

"I'm sorry," I apologised. "I was deep in thought and didn't see where I was walking."

"No problem," the person said- a boy who looked to be my age, or maybe even older. He was taller than me and had dark brown hair cut close to his head and the brightest blue eyes I had seen. When he spoke, I recognised an accent, but I couldn't tell from where. He was also dressed in a fancy black suit. Maybe for dinner? I looked down at the floor awkwardly. The male department I had never been good in. Except for my stepfather. But that was different. He was an adult. This was a boy.

"I'll see you around?" I asked, unsure of what to say. That sounded good enough to say.

"Definitely," said the boy, looking slightly pleased. He then held out his hand. "My name is Joseph Davis."