RMS Holly

September 24th, 1901

I still cannot believe I am leaving Ireland. I have never stepped one foot off the Ireland earth. Well I have but not to live somewhere other than here.

Mother says going to school with Abigail, in America, was best for me and will ensure my future endeavors. Father wants me to be in the medical field but I would like to pursue my writing and one day be a great screen writer for the big time pictures in America or even write a New York’s Bestselling book. There is no better place to do so other than America. He and Abigail will be fine without me.

My close lads, Marcello and Patrick, also understand this is best for me. We will send letters and pictures to hold weight until we see one another again.

I have been seeing Lilian a year and 3 months now and I still do not think I love her. Her parents were rushing me to marry her. I believe it was because of my Family fortune. My Father, Dr. Allen Anderson, is the greatest brain surgeon in the country. I, as well as others, are very aware of our wealth. This makes it very difficult to place my trust in many. I know another woman will come along as well as friends. I just have to be patient and-”

“James, put that damn journal down and grab your luggage. They are boarding the ship now.”, Father demanded. I sat in the back of the car reading the last page I wrote in my journal exactly 1 month ago. Today is actually September 24, 1901, noon.

“All have you know I was reading, not writing.”, I murmured. He let out a hard sigh and rolled his eyes like a woman. If there was anything I will not miss, it was his terrible attitude and short temper.

“Did you not hear me? They are boarding James; on with it boy!”, he yelled, holding the car door open.

The most popular and grandest luxury ship, they called the RMS Holly, stood over us like the tall sky scrapers they show us in the history books. She stretched so far down the dock I couldn’t see her stern, especially with the thick fog lurking about. I had read, in the newsletter, that this ship had only taken 3 voyages. She is the largest ship every made in Ireland. Any time she sailed off, and people came just to see her beauty.

Many people, from all walks of life, crowded the dock in all directions. Some were workers, some boarding the ship, and others saying their farewells. I almost feel like I am in a dream because of what was happening. I’m traveling alone and to America. I must admit, I hate that I am not leaving on a bright sunny afternoon like every other time I have traveled. I will just have to manage.

Mother kept her head turned away trying to avoid looking at me. I knew she had to be crying and was just trying to hide it from us.

“Mother, I will be fine. All will be well and I will be seeing you for Christmas. That is only a few months away.” Mother was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. In my opinion my Father did not tell her that enough. She would always have this sadness in her smile like she was pushing through sorrow. I hope she finds peace one day and her and Father gain some sort of newly found Romance in their marriage.

I gave her a hug. For some odd reason I had a memory of when she hugged me when I first took off for grade school. She gave me the same look, with those same tears filling her eyes as she hugged me with a soft and warm grip.

“My beautiful baby boy. You will be such a great man. I know this for a fact.”, she said still holding on to me.

“They are about to send for second class James, let’s move son.”, Father rushed.

“I think he is dealing with his sadness another way. Your Father loves you James. Even if he does not know how to show it.”, she whispered to me. She gave me one last hug and kiss on the cheek before she went and sat back in the car. I tried to hold back my tears as my face got hot and I couldn’t swallow my saliva. I did not turn to see her face. Gentlemen do not cry. Or at least not in public for others to view.

Father carried my two suitcases as I carried the larger one and my satchel packed down with my personal belongings. The only things I cared to have with me at all times was my satchel that obtained my journal, pencils, a photo of the family, a hip flask I took from Father with some of his fine whiskey in it, and mothers handkerchief she hands stitched for me for my 16th birthday.

With all the commotion, I hardly noticed the sky getting darker. Light rain started falling out of the misty sky.

“We had better be on the way. I love you and want you to be careful. Phone your Mother and I when you make it on campus.” He started fixing my collar and dusted my shoulders off. He reached out to shake my hand, I hesitated then we shook hands. He turned away slowly walking back toward the car and I headed for the gangplank.

I may never see my Father again. I hate to think like that but I have to consider reality.

“Father wait!” I ran to him and gave him a hug. I know he has this gentlemen persona he lives his life by but I could care less at the moment. He broke character for a minute and hugged me tighter than Mother did. I could feel a hot tear coming from my face. I haven’t hugged my Father since I was a child. It felt nice to know he loved me and I can physically feel it.

“Take care son.” He said. We walked in opposite directions and that was that. The line near the gangplank, for boarding, was thinning. I got in line and waited for my turn to give my ticket.

I raced to the very top of the ship near the bow, to see if I could see the car or possibly Mother and Father waving goodbye. They were very smaller yet I could see them both waving and smiling clear as day.

“Goodbye Mother! Goodbye Father!”

A loud whistle let out a cry and the ship slowly started moving. The crew men raised the anchor out of the water. The ship slowly migrated away from the dock. A crack of thunder rolled in the back followed by a streak of lightening that lit up the entire sky. The rain began to pour harder and heavier.

“Do not fret lad. Rain on the first day of sailing means good fortune and luck.” An older man said as he watched me examine the sky.

I had better get to my room and get settled in.

***

Second class was not as bad as Mother perceived it. I had pictured much worse being as Mother made it sound like a prison. Many of the passengers were mid- aged lads, families of 4 and 5, and common middle class people. I had never traveled in second class before. Mother and Father always kept the best estate rooms when we traveled by ship. They had a terrible disagreement about me wanting a second class ticket. Father said it would be a great idea so I can get use to the surroundings of American life for a lad my age. He said he did not want to draw attention while I traveled alone. Our reasons differ because I simply wanted the ticket to have a different traveling experience and escape the mindless chatter and boring life in first class.

I passed the mail room and a room that had workers sitting drinking coffee and reading newspapers. That had to be some sort of a lounge for the crew. I believe I will find my room on the other side, further down.

From my observation, the second class floor was much different than first class. The halls were cramped and had very little décor. The walls were simply painted white with little detail. The crew was polite to the second class passengers but still handled first class passengers in a more delicate manner. I could only imagine the steerage surroundings and accommodating in their stature. I know to these people staring at me, I must look like a tourist looking around like I was lost with my expensive clothing and luggage.

I kept walking down the crowded halls as everyone made their way to their rooms. I pulled my ticket out of my pocket . E35. I was almost to my room as I passed rooms E30.

Finally, here I am. I opened the door to find a boy, who appeared to be my age, standing in front of a bed, arranging his belongings. I could tell he was from a poor background because of his clothing and small sack he carried. His boots looked like they were about to fall apart and his clothes looked filthy as well as torn in several places. Another single bed sat on the opposite side of the room. A small washbasin with a mirror , a sofa, and a wardrobe filled the room. We each had a few storage shelves and a window that revealed the sea on our sides of the room.

“Aye Mate. Desmond.” He said reaching out to shake my hand.

“James.” I replied.

I could feel Desmond stare me from head to toe as I unpacked my belongings.

“Excuse my manners when I say this but you do not look like you are in the right cabin mate.” He said.

“Do I appear that much of an outcast?” I looked at my clothing and shoes and then back at his. He must be talking about how I carry myself. My expensive clothing and my mannerisms were a lot different than his.

“No, well yes you kind of do lad.” We both laughed. A loud crack of thundered vibrated against the ship causing it to sway much heavier than normal. I have been on 5 different voyages since I have been alive. This would make my 6th. I have never traveled in weather conditions as such and this would be my first trip alone. Which is why I can see why mother was so worried. I will be fine. I am a young gentleman and I can travel alone if I must.

“You drink?” Desmond asked, pulling out an unmarked bottle of rum.

“Occasionally, yes of course.” I pulled by flask out of my coat pocket.

“Let us pass bottles and exchange backgrounds, aye?” he ask. I unbuttoned my shirt and traded my shoes out for my boots.

“Let’s.” I replied.

***

We had exchanged stories about where we were from, our families and what being in America would be like. With all the excitement of my new surroundings, traveling alone, and meeting a new lad, I had forgotten about the dark, murky skies filled with rain.

I looked out to examine the land and it disappeared long ago. I had never panicked about being on a ship before. This voyage felt different. I could feel it in my veins. My nerves must be getting to me. I must be nervous about going to America and starting college.

I forced down a mass amount of whiskey as we sat near the bridge close to the Captain and a few deck hands. Desmond had already started drinking some of his on the way up to the boat deck. A few people rested on benches near the lifeboats. No one seemed to be as bothered by the weather but me. Except for the Captain and his crew. I noticed the Captains face and how it showered with stress and weary instead of being at ease.

“Captain Francis, share board is up head, nearly 5 miles away. The storm does not seem to be letting up. I recommend we stay here and start back sailing in the morning at full speed. First lieutenant Mathews asked the Captain. I could over hear their conversation well enough to had been apart.

“After the share board passengers arrive we will remain at 23 notches and be on the way. I appreciate your concern. It would be best to sail tonight before the eye of the storm hits.” he said.

“I will not lie. I am very afraid to be on this ship right now. This is my first voyage and I only came to start a new life in America. I work as a coal-passer in the boilers during grave yard hours of the night. Before I came on the ship I worked construction almost a year to save up for this second class ticket. Here I am. If you ask me, for a lad of 18 years I sure have kept myself ahead since I was a young boy.” He sipped from my flask as I downed his mysterious back woods rum.

“This tastes like horse shit.” I said taking another sip. Give me my whiskey back.

“I think I may vomit on myself.” Desmond said. “I can drink like the fish in the sea but this ship is rocking back and forward making it hard to think.”

“You are a land lubber, yes you are.” I said.

Lights appeared ahead as we came to the boarding coast of Ireland to board the last few passengers before we headed to America. The fog was so thick I could no longer see the ocean we sailed on. The ship came to a halt. The horn the sounded for dinner, screamed over the smaller chatter and noises that lingered the ship.

“Anchor’s aweigh!” a crew member yelled.

“We had better head to the dining room for dinner.” Desmond stated.

“Are we not going to change our clothing?” He looked at me with a puzzled look. It had just accord to me that being in second class was a first time experience for the both of us.

“We can just head to the dining salon.” I said.

When we came to the entrance and I must admit I was appalled. The dining salon was not that much different from first class. The only difference was the first class area was a lot larger and far more luxurious. The fine French sculpted oak borders appeared new and I still could smell the fresh pine finishing. The beautiful chandeliers that gazed upon us accompanied the orchestra well. The evening glow of the lamps made me feel comfortable and stirred my thoughts away from the bad weather.

“Bloody hell, would ya’ look at that fine piece of work over there.” Desmond pointed in the direction of a table that seated a family of 5. One in which was a beautiful girl with long dark hair. Her clothes were not a familiar style to me. Her skin was brown like the finest sand in Egypt. Her eyes resembled a tiger or beautiful cat. She looked our way.

“My God man, you do not point! I think she may think we are mad men ready to stalk her the entire trip because of you.” I said. Desmond shook his head and headed for the table fairly close to hers.

For Christ sakes what is this man thinking going right beside her?

We sat at the table near hers that had other passengers chatting, waiting for their supper. There was a boy, about 9 or 10 years old; an older lady and man who seemed much too old to be her or the lad parents, and a smaller lad who’s chin barely made it over the table.

They all had long silky black hair tied into ribbon and leather ties. They were Indian and defiantly had no Irish blood yet carried themselves in a classy manner. Although they had ropes of hair and peculiar yet beautiful head dresses, their clothes were no different than mine or my family. I also noticed their table etiquette was not of a man living below their means but of a man of a stature like my Fathers.

The servant came over with his cart full of delicious entrées for the evening. The menu read Veal pot pie, lima beans, carrots, corn, baked apples , with cake and tea as the first choice. Stuffed quail, rosemary potatoes, pickled beets, eggplant, peaches and cream with tea.

Everything seemed so good I could hardly wait as he placed our platters in front of us.

“This food looks is rather good! The portions are a bit hasty but other than that, it is the best food I have ever eaten.” Desmond said, scarfing down his food. I could tell he was not use to these accommodations either. This must be quite an experience to him.

“She has not taken her eyes off of you since you came in the room mate.” He said. Desmond did not bother using the napkins or any of the utensils be for him.

“How would you know that?” I said pretending I did not see her looking at me from my peripheral vision.

“Unlike you Mr. Fancy pants, I have been paying attention.” He said. He snuck his bottle of unmarked rum out of his pocket and took a sip under the table.

“There’s no on here to impress mate. You can just be yourself.”

Desmond was right. Father was not here and neither was any of my friends. The only person I wanted to impress was the mystery girl over there. I have no idea when would be the right time to say something to her.

“Do not look to fast. She is walking over here.” He said.

“Sure she is.” I said looking in her direction to find she actually was walking this way. She walked right up to the table we were at, completely ignoring the others sitting around us.

“Are you going to eat that?” she asked. I was stuck by her beauty. She was even more perfect closer to me.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“You do speak English, yes?” She pointed at the dinner roll near my platter. I looked back at her table and saw she had plenty of rolls over there.

“Oh, Yes. You may have them.” I grabbed two dinner rolls, placed them in a napkin and handed them to her.

“Thank you kindly.” She smiled and walked back to her table.

***

We left right after dinner. The whiskey seemed to be getting to my head as I felt a tad faint. Desmond and I decided to head for the deck to check the weather and get some air before we retired for the remainder of the evening. The sky was still dark but the rain increased rapidly since earlier.

The storm seems to be clearing. I may not have to stress myself about this voyage after all.

My clock read a quarter til 10 o’clock. Desmond pulled out his smokes. The night air was cool and breezy. Even though stormed had cleared a bit it was still extremely foggy. The crew seemed to have calmed down a bit as well.

“As I expected the storm has simmered down. We can now be on the way.” Captain Frances ordered.

“I do not know what type of rum Captain is drinking but we can barely see the buttons on our trousers in this fog.”

“Anything happens, it will be blood on his hands.” I overheard two officers conversating.

***

On the way to the elevator we saw the girl from supper. She was walking alone and appeared to have something on her mind.

“There she is again mate.”, Desmond said loudly.

“I can see her Desmond.” She stared me in the eyes as she walked up to me. She was about 5’7 approaching me with her beautiful yet firm fitting dress, different from earlier. Her hair was taken down from the braids she had and flowed on her shoulders like leaves on a tree.

“Come with me.”, she said grabbing my arm gently. Desmond looked at me bucking his eyes as he entered the elevator without me.

“I am James. Can you at least tell me your name?”, I asked following her lead, casually walking as if we boarded the ship together. She stopped and looked me in my eyes.

“My name is Galilani Smith.

Chapter II

The Great Galilani

“As much as my Father disapproves, I think being a writer is the best career path I should take. I have never felt so taken by anything other than my writing. I get trapped in a dream world of limitless imagination and happiness. Sure I understand that is not reality but that is what I find most beautiful about it. It is like my own escape from everything.”

The night sky seemed clear as the stars twinkled above us. The fog was not budging as it appeared to be just as thick as earlier.

Galilani had taken me to the stern of the ship. We walked nearly 20 minutes to get here as we rambled on about our lives. The sign read DO NOT ENTER when we came to a small door that latched from the opposite side near the edge of the ship.

“What are you and your family doing here?”

My Father owns a couple of merchant transporting businesses in Ireland. We are heading back to our home in Manhattan. We were supposed to be booked in first class but my Father purchased the tickets at the last minute, miscalculating his schedule.”, she said pulling her hair behind her ear.

She seems merely perfect. I can not find one flaw in her. Or maybe I am just possessed by her beauty and intrigued by her abnormality. I wrote in my journal.

“Being in second class is a concern to you?”, I asked.

“Well the accommodations are only slightly different from first class on this ship. It is quite grand. I actually mentioned that hoping it would impress you. What is that you have with you?”

“Oh this old thing? My journal. This is my 7th one. I write everything I find interesting down. Anything I would like to keep and read later, I write it down. I consider these great moments I want to cherish and reminisce in my last days when I look back on life.”

“Do you believe in love James?”

“Yes I do.” The wind started to pick up and the boat started rocking back and forward.

“Sit here I want to tell you something.” She insisted we sit near the edge of the ship while it swayed harder. We both ignored the wind and light rain starting to fall again as we crossed our legs like children on the deck.

“My great grandparents came from a very hard life living in Nebraska in the 1800s. There were many white men looked at Indians as beasts. They saw us as scavenged dangerous beings equivalent to wild animals. They had their share of killing and taking from our people.

My grandmother was born in a small village of the red clay tribe. My family never told us the real names of the tribes so they called them red clay and blue clay tribe. I hear she was the most beautiful creature that walked the lands. Her mother and father were great people that had her in the Spring in the valley one year on what seemed to be the most perfect day they have encountered living. They called her Falguni, which means beautiful.

My grandfather on the other end was from a much richer civilization. He was born with much more privilege and a better livelihood than my grandmother being as he was a Prince. His parents were the King and Queen of the blue clay tribe. They had mines filled with diamonds and rivers that had billions of dollars’ worth of gold. They already had his life made out for him the day he was born. The King demanded he be named Saachi, meant truth. No one knew why they named him that until he grew to become a great man who never lied and always kept his word.

The year they met they both turned 16. This would be the most tragic yet beautiful mistake either of them ever made.

One day while grandfather was training, far beyond the grounds they were instructed to practice on, with his platoons, he spotted her bathing in the lake. He could not take his eyes off of her and described her to be the most enticing beauty he had ever laid eyes upon. She noticed him watching and did not shy away from the thought of continuing.

They spoke few words as they approached each other. They spoke different languages but they did not care. She had on nothing but approached him like he was her husband of many years. They both were virgins yet seeing her naked and her being naked did not startle them. They kissed and fell in love instantly, almost like it was destine for them to meet.

Every night they would sneak out and meet at this spot to simply stare at each other for hours or just hold hands. They would make love right there on the ground for hours. Nothing bothered them or existed when they were together.

I am very sure they knew nothing good would come from this. His clothing and royal gestures let her know he was from a rich background. He showed her his crown before. It was very apparent that they would never stop seeing each other.

***

Several months had gone by and his mother started to notice his disappearance at the same time each day no matter what the day possessed.

“Do you think Saachi is seeing a girl?”, she said to the King as they retired for the evening.

“He is a young boy. I am sure he is.”, the King mumbled.

“I will have a servant see after him when he goes off again. I will see for myself.”, she thought to herself.