A New Beginning

Chapter 2: Something Different

Chapter 2: Something Different

This chapter is in honour of Father Francis Browne who is the man who recorded the only known pictures of life on Titanic. Although his interactions with my character are fictional, he was, in fact, a real person and a lucky man to have survived the disaster. He spent the rest of his life doing Titanic-themed talks and was also a war hero. The message he got in this chapter from his superiors was real, I just exaggerated the timeline so it could give an ominous feeling for my character. RIP Father Browne and thank you for sharing yours and all the passengers' stories through your photos.

The cabin is small, but snug, perfect for a family of three. The couple comes in from the chilly upper deck. Emma puts Sybil in her cradle and gives her some toys to play with as they settle in. Peter opens his suitcase and opens the new chest of drawers to put his things in.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Peter says.

Emma smiles. "Just perfect."

"And we'll be the first ones to sleep in this cabin!"

The room is quite beautiful, two beds stacked on top of each other to create bunks on one side of the cabin with a curtain to separate the beds and the rest of the room for privacy. Despite being provided with two beds, Emma and Peter preferred to share; despite how scandalous it sounded by not being married. There is a couch stuffed with what felt like feathers along the opposite wall, with small porthole windows behind it to show the vast horizon on the starboard side of the ship. There is a small cradle next to a beautifully carved wooden desk, something that might come in handy when Emma has to do paperwork. There are double sinks and a washtub between the bed and couch and a screen for changing behind. It wasn't home, but it would be okay.

Emma sits at the desk, opening her sketchbook, she begins outlining the room in pencil, trying hard to concentrate. Peter comes over, kisses her and then lays down on the bed.

"Feels so new and fresh," he says with excitement. He stretches out on the bed, over the clean sheets and hand knitted quilt and sighs with content.

Emma sighs and tries to smile. She kicks her bag over, trying to concentrate and ends up feeling more distressed and unhappy than before.

Peter rolls over, ready for a nap.

"I'm going up on deck for some fresh air," Emma says. She takes her notepad and pencils with her.

"Okay." Peter murmurs. "Be careful."

Emma shuts the door and starts heading in the direction from which they had come earlier from the send-off. The place looks so new and clean, she's afraid her sadness will taint the welcoming and warm environment.

She passes a few people walking along to who knows where their excitement clearly expressed all over their faces. Emma wishes she felt that way right now, but her dream still haunts her. A sudden flash of the entire hall being underwater caused her to jolt and search frantically for open air. The halls seem to be closing in on her, filling with seawater and she begins to run to escape. She passes a few people who look at her like she's insane, but at this point, she just needs fresh air.

Emma comes out on deck and sighs with some relief. That nightmare has really gotten to her, too much it seems.

It's just a stupid dream. Emma groans. But then why does it seem so real?

She walks along the lower-class deck, passing some of the lifeboats as she goes.

Many other people are on deck by now, exploring the magnificent ship and enjoying the afternoon air. Some of the passengers sit on deck chairs with rugs over their legs to prevent the chilled air from ruining their leisure time. Several children run along the deck, playing with their toys as their parents chase after them. Emma can't help but smile at the little ones laughing and playing. She tries to imagine when Sybil was going to be like at that age. Her tiny feet beating along the ground, her small skirt and blonde locks flowing behind her as she ran to catch up to whatever she was after.