Unsinkable

April 12th

I've woken up early. My book is still resting in my hand, my thumb bookmarking the last page I'd read before I'd dozed off. Glancing up at the clock I see that it's nearing 6:00am. I had also neglected to turn off the lamp next to me. I reach up and switch it off. Feeling the heat I pull my hand away and let my eyes adjust for just a moment. 

I move my way to my door and feel for the light switch. Illuminating my room with the light overhead I then go to my washbin and let the refreshing water run over my face. I would have to ask for a bath to be drawn tomorrow morning. Looking around my room and back at my clock I deduce that the ship won't be awake for at least another hour. Hopefully Rob was still planning on bringing my breakfast. I drape my robe over my shoulders and plan on settling back with my book but there's a gentle tap at my door. It couldn't possibly be Rob already? I look out the peephole and see it is in fact Rob and that he has brought my breakfast on a tray. I open the door to him quickly. He wheels in the cart and places the tray of biscuits and an assortment of fruits and jams on the table next to my chair. "I hope I didn't wake you." He says looking back at me for a moment as he unloads the tea and sugar.

"No not at all." I say sinking into the chair. "I woke up a few minutes ago. Not usually one for sleeping in anyway." I bring my knees up underneath me bringing me up higher, and reach for a cup. Rob pours it for me and pushes the sugar towards me. He steps back and it seems that he plans on leaving. My shoulders drop in disappointment. "Well surely you have a few moments before anyone else wakes? Please stay, I can't eat all these biscuits by myself."

"I really shouldn't." He says with a kind smile.

"I insist." I say removing the lid from the sugar. He sighs and reluctantly turns back. He leans against the wall making no moves for the food. I roll my eyes and spread some strawberry jam across a split biscuit and hand it to him. He begrudgingly takes it and settles back once again. He gradually opens up and we speak about life for nearly half an hour. I ask him all about the ship and he answers in every way that he can. He's an intriguing man who's experienced much of life and has travelled the world working on many different ships and docks. Near the end of our little conversation he pulls out a piece of paper.

"I nearly forgot to give you this." I look at it. F-34 Berth 2. It was clearly Nellie's information. "Deck F Aft."

"Aft would be..."

"The rear of the ship."He says finishing my sentence. I nod. "You won't get lost?"

I laugh and meet his gaze. "I'll find my way." 

He pushes himself away from the wall. "Well Ms. I will leave you to it. I have my own duties to attend to. I set my cup on its saucer and stand to bid him a goodbye.  

Upon his departure I go about getting dressed. Nelly would undoubtedly be up early as well. I'm ready rather quickly, probably spurred by the excitement of exploring the decks below me.The fact that I might be able to experience all three classes excites me, because this is all it's about... The experience.

When I exit into the hallway the ship's passengers are finally starting to come to life. Looking down to the right I see no sign of the Walsh family. Today's adventure belongs to me and me only I suppose. I take my time, working my way to the rear of the ship. I absorb all the pristine beauty that I can, hoping to engrain it all into my memory.

I had expected the quality and the elegance to fade away as I descended to the lower decks but on the contrary it's still gorgeous. The halls below are a lot more confusing than those above it and a little smaller as well.  I make sure to take special attention to how I got down here. Maneuvering my way to F deck I start to move further towards the stern. The ship's passengers have come to life. People, mostly families, wander to breakfast. Knowing Nellie I'm sure she was up even before I was to get breakfast and to begin her day.