John and Miriam - Chapter 11
Written by Anne Blair
Rated PG
© 1999 Anne Blair @
ehulstrom@my-dejanews.com
based on some characters
and situations originated by James Cameron
Late that afternoon, Miriam was walking near the stern with Mary and Nadia. John was inside, playing poker out of sight of the stewards, while Kiran had taken advantage of the opportunity to take a nap.
Mary and Nadia ran ahead of Miriam, giggling in delight. Miriam hurried to catch up, grabbing Nadia just as she attempted to climb the railing.
Holding one child in each arm, Miriam held them up so that they could look out over the ocean. The sun was setting, and the water reflected the brilliant colors.
Miriam set the girls down. They scurried over to a bench and began playing. Miriam stared down at the water.
The sunset on the water was a beautiful sight, but Miriam could not shake her worry. More rumors of icebergs had been reported that afternoon. A steward had assured her that the rumors were only that--rumors, but Miriam wasn't so sure. She had been on ships before, in iceberg-infected waters before, and it seemed to her to be perfect conditions for icebergs--cold, early spring weather.
Miriam was wrested from her contemplation by the sound of approaching footsteps. She turned to see Rose Dewitt Bukator coming toward her.
Rose looked rather nervous, and Miriam was about to ask her what was wrong when Rose spoke.
"Have you seen Jack Dawson?"
Miriam thought for a moment, then remembered that Jack had left the poker game shortly after John had joined it, saying something about the bow.
"He said something about the bow. He might be there," Miriam suggested.
"Thank you," Rose replied, turning to leave. She stopped,
turning back around to face Miriam. "How did you wind up in
steerage?"
Miriam would have snapped back a reply to most people asking that question, but Rose seemed genuinely curious. "I got married shortly before my parents sent for me to come back to the United States. They only sent enough money for one first-class ticket. I wasn't about to leave my husband or step-daughter behind, so I bought three steerage tickets." She grinned. "Besides, steerage is more fun anyway."
Rose smiled. "After experiencing both first class and steerage, I have to agree with you." She glanced in the direction of the bow. "It was good seeing you again, Miriam. Perhaps you can come to call sometime after we get back to America."
"Perhaps," Miriam agreed.
Rose nodded, then, glancing towards the bow again, she turned and hurried away.
Miriam watched her go, then turned to watch the two children playing beside the bench. She thought about Rose for a moment, and then smiled. Hockley would have his hands full with her--if the marriage ever actually happened. From the way Rose spoke of Jack, Miriam felt that it was quite possible that Caledon Hockley would soon be losing another girlfriend.
Taking the two little girls by the hands, Miriam headed back inside. The weather had grown considerably colder, and as they reached the door, Miriam turned back once more to look at the ocean. She saw no icebergs, but the calm, flat sea seemed to her to be waiting.
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