The Aftermath

Epilogue

April 17th 1912  At 3:30 PM

The reporter to who James told his story was waiting outside their room.  James had been staying with Bridget under the supervision of the woman he had met when he was reunited with Bridget.  Finally the reporter summoned his courage to knock on the door.  James opened it, and motioned for the reporter to come inside the cabin.  

"What brings you down here to our cabin?"

"Well, since I have your story written down I was wondering if I might have Bridget's version of the sinking. "

Both men turned to look at Bridget.  She nodded her head yes, after contemplating it.  

April 14th 1912  At 11:40 PM

I was in my cabin holding Jack.  He had been crying, and I was trying to comfort him.  My sister never held him when he had been crying, she always handed him off to me.  Then all of a sudden, my brother-in-law; Lloyd came in with a mad look in his eyes.  

"Where's the money!?"

I tried to play it with nonchalance.  

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes you do!  Don't lie to me!"

He lunged at me.  I moved to the side, and he hit the bunk.  Slowly he got up and tried again.  I couldn't fight back because I had Jack in my arms.  I was a sitting duck.  Once again I dodged him.  I was closer to the door this time, and used his disorientation to escape.  I made it out into the hall when a low groan echoed throughout the corridor.  I looked all around me to try and figure out what it was.  Nothing stood out or appeared to make that noise.  But then I remembered that Lloyd would try to find me, and then 'punish' me.  I had to get far away, so Lloyd couldn't do that.  I raced up and down corridors that lead to the stairs to the top deck.  That would be far enough for now.  I was halfway up my second flight of stairs when I bumped into someone.  

"Oi! You alright Miss?"

"Yes.  I am so sorry."

The man looked at me, and recognition filled his face.  

"You're James' girl."

I tilted my head.  After the fight earlier this evening, I didn't know if I even wanted to see him again.  

"You need to come with me."

Now I was confused.  Who was this man?  I remembered him from someplace but I couldn't remember what.  

"Why?  Who are you to take me anywhere?"

"The ship's been hit by an iceberg.  We need to get the lifeboats ready for the women and children to board first.  And I am one of James' friends.  My name's Sam."

"Bridget."

April 15th 1912  At 12:05 AM

I followed the man to the upper deck where the lifeboats were stored.  He went over to one that was already uncovered and stood by it.  Other people were on the deck.  Most of them appeared to be from First Class.  I could tell this because of the fancy clothing that some of the people were still wearing.  The officer next to Sam suddenly shouted out.

"All women and children first!"

Nobody really moved.  If it was as serious as Sam said, I did not want to be on the boat when it went down.  I stepped forward, cradling Jack close to me.  The officer who shouted out the warning, ignored me and looked past me to the women still on the arms of their men.  

"All First Class women and children."

Sam stepped forward and grabbed my arm to take me closer to the lifeboat.