"Marie! Get over here!" shouted my mother, Madame Elisa.
"But where is Papa?" I asked.
"You know the Count, your father, is always late. But he should be here soon," Mother stated calmly.
"He's late! Mama, I'm going to America. Over the ocean! How can he be late?" Just then, I noticed my father walking down the docks toward us and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Marie! Elisa!" he called. "I've been looking all over for you!"
"Charles, you do know that the Titanic is boarding in a few moments?" my mother questioned, sounding stern. My father did not answer.
"Good-bye, Mama! Good-bye, Papa!" I said to them, kissing them both on the cheek.
As I prepared to board the massive ship, I heard a voice behind me. "Hello, Count, Countess." I turned around, startled, and saw a young man. He looked to be around eighteen, the same age as me.
"Greetings, Nicolas," my parents responded.
"Marie, this young man works for me," Papa told me.
"Hello, Mr. Nicolas. Are you boarding the Titanic as well? I've heard that it is unsinkable!" I babbled.
"Why, yes, I am, Miss—"
"Mademoiselle to you, young man," my mother interrupted.
"Mother!" I cried.
"My apologies, Countess. Indeed, Madame Elisa, I will be boarding the mighty R.M.S. Titanic."
I suddenly noticed that the crowd was thinning, as the masses of people who had been waiting to board the ship were finally allowed on. I bade my parents a final good-bye and marched along with the crowd onto the Titanic. As my feet made contact with the deck of the ship, I paused and simply stood there for a moment, filled with awe. Soon, though, I heard someone behind me yell at me to move, and I scuttled away, embarrassed. I needed to share my amazement with someone, and so I ran over to a nearby railing and gazed down at the dock for a few moments, searching for my parents. When I finally spotted them, I waved my arms wildly to get their attention and yelled down at them.
"Mama! Papa! This ship is enormous! I'll surely get lost!"
My mother laughed. "Well, be careful, and wait up by the front before you get to your cabin."
This time I laughed. "Good-bye, Mother," I said, rolling my eyes.
Nicolas started to read names off a list. Nicolas? Clearing his throat, he started to read. "Miss Marie Eliza Countess Elsa. Please step forward." I slowly walked forward. "Now, tell this nice group of first class people about this voyage."
"First off, please just call me Countess, or just Marie. Now, this ship will be taking us to America." After I stood there for a good hour, I went to my quarters.
Later That Day
"Hello, Countess Marie...would you...like to have luncheon with me?"
I noticed that Nicolas said the last part in a rush. Knowing this, I felt embarrassed. I felt my cheeks redden. "Nicolas, why don't you ask Maria Tonys? She is a wonderful young lady."
"Oh. I...never mind." Then Nicolas, saddened by my words, left.
I looked after him. Something unfamiliar bubbled up in my heart. "Nicolas, wait." He turned around. "I'd love to go with you to the first class gala tonight." His face shone with radiant happiness.
During the luncheon, I figured out what the unfamiliar thing was.
This was what I learned. It was thrilling. I just made it look like I was having a good time with Nicolas. I think he loves me. I have no love for him. My heart chases after Mr. Brady.