AUTHOR'S NOTE : This is what I'm hoping is the final version of a story idea I conceived several years ago, having been through several rewrites and changes. My older versions seemed a tad predictable - Heather falls in love with an officer to her father's disapproval. I'm sure you can guess what I had planned - in my opinion it was far too cliched, and was always going to lead to the typical happy ending. I wasn't happy with it, and didn't see much point in keeping it up. I've already written ahead, and I'm much happier with the way events are turning out. Restoring the time period to 1912 and tweaking Heather's character has helped a great deal. Doesn't mean that romance might not happen, it just won't be the sickly-sweet kind where people fall in love after a few days and obviously declaring their love as she ship sinks. I'm going to shut up now, because I won't stop otherwise. Apologies to those who enjoyed my older version, I do have the original chapters still on my laptop, so who knows ... I hope you enjoy the story!

* Haven't deleted the orginal chapter two, just ran it along with chapter one, it seemed to work better this way.

I own the character of Heather Murdoch, along with her friend Lily and family. The officers and crew are based off of their appearances in James Cameron's Titanic, of which I own nothing. I mean no disrespect to the real crew, passengers and their families, obviously, I've added my own fictional elements to real life for story purposes.

Chapter One

"Charlie!"

I ran forward to give the man a brief hug. One of my father's friends and colleagues, Charles Lightoller, was there to greet myself, my friend and her family onto the Titanic. Into First Class, no less. My friend Lily was born into an extremely wealthy family, and as such could afford luxuries. For myself, I lived a more modest life, so all of the extravagance was overwhelming. I'm not jealous or anything, especially when I see how miserable a lot of these people really are, behind their fake smiles and proper etiquette. It made me glad of my upbringing.

Breaking from the hug, Charlie smiled down at me. The man has one of the warmest and friendliest smiles, and never fails to get others to smile in return. "And how are we today Heather?"

"A bit nervous actually," I smiled sweetly in reply, glancing around as a woman stepped on with two large dogs. Not just any dogs, pedigree dogs of course. Just another statement of social class. I'm much happier with my little ginger cat Mimi, a stray I took in a few years ago.

Charlie chuckled, quickly taking me aside so other passengers could board, "Heavens, why?"

I lowered my voice and nodded towards some rather snobbish passengers, "I have to spend the best part of a week with those people."

"You have Lily to distract you," Charles grinned, trying not to laugh at my admission. "Besides, once a few of my colleagues find out what a troublemaker you can be ..."

"I doubt my father would appreciate that," I insisted matter-of-factly.

"Who do you think dared me to spike your grandma's coffee with Irish cream?"

"My father wouldn't do such a thing!"

Charles winked at me, "You'll soon see dear. You'd better run along with Lily now, I'm sure I'll see you again at some point today, no doubt."

After exchanging friendly farewells, I caught up with Lily on one of the many B-Deck corridors. I quickly smoothed out my pale yellow sundress, and fixed the pins holding my chocolate brown locks in place. Turning around to smile at me, her green eyes seemed to radiate almost as much as her blonde hair that was piled high on her head.

"Heather Murdoch, you have a way with men," She smirked, leading me further down the corridor.

I playfully tugged at one of her loose blonde curls and sighed, "You know he's my father's friend. And married. And considerably older."

"I'm assuming not all of the men on this ship are!"

"Father would die if I ever found out I was courting a sailor," I shrugged, stopping briefly to admire a vase adorned with delicate roses. "A bit hypocritical if you ask me."

Lily smiled gently, "I think he is one of those fathers who believes that no-one is ever good enough for their daughter."

Walking on, I had to chuckle a little, "My father? Really?"

"Of course!" She insisted as we reached the stateroom we would be sharing with each other. Her parents were fortunate enough to afford two suites, with them and her little brother Matthew in the other. She flashed me a wide grin and added, "Good luck to your future husband!"

My father? Over-protective? Hmm ... I really can't see it, although perhaps it's because I'm looking at him through his daughter's eyes. I just see the same kind man who raised me, and according to Charlie, a bit of a secret joker as well. Don't blame the man for wanting to keep it a secret, probably would get a severe telling off from my mother if he ever encouraged mischief.

"Oh, stop!" I scoffed, looking around the room. The rich colours, gold everywhere, fine details, even finer materials ... I hate it. Such audacious displays of wealth and luxury left me quite sickened. I would have been more than happy to travel with the Third Class passengers. At least they value more important things in life than money and social status. I loved the sense of community throughout the working class, everyone all helped one another and looked for for each other too. First Class is every man for themselves, their survival hanging on riches and how their peers saw them.

Not that Lily was like the others though, she and her family appeared to be the very rare exception. Don't get me wrong, they are obscenely rich, but if this trip to New York wasn't a twenty-first birthday present for Lily, I can guarantee we would have been travelling in Second Class. Her father wasn't born into money, instead he set up his own business when he was our age. If he hadn't have injured himself years ago he still would have owned it, instead of selling it to a highly competitive American tycoon who threw money around like it was infinite.

"You finally made it!" Lily's mother Sarah called from our private promenade deck. She strolled back inside, looking almost identical to her daughter. Even their navy blue sundresses coordinated as well!

"Oh, Charlie and I got to talking," I answered simply, peering into one of the bedrooms.

Sarah nodded and smiled at me, "He seems like a very nice man. Oh, and that is your room in there. Vincent's just through in our stateroom just now, I prefer to stay out of his way when unpacking."

"Nice," I remarked as I casually strode into the room to have a quick look. Still the same design as, what I'm now assuming, is the rest of the stateroom. With the exception of it being a bedroom with a large four-poster bed taking centre stage. I couldn't help myself. I had to take off my heels and leap onto the bed.

Standing in the doorway, Lily tossed my hat over. I had conveniently forgotten that in the back seat of the Renault. Pity that, I despise wearing hats. If I could, I would let my hair flow free. Down to my waist, it's my pride and joy.

"I see you've laid claim to your bed then!"

Prodding the mattress, I laughed, "But of course! I prefer sleeping on the right side of the bed, and it's closet to the door."

"Please don't tell me that monster story your father told us all those years ago still scares you!"

"I'm twenty years old! It's just habit now ..."

Lily cocked her head and sighed, "If you insist ..."

"I do!"

"Lily! Heather!" Came a young boy's voice from the sitting room. Sure enough, a five year old boy with messy strawberry blonde hair sprinted into the room and leapt onto my bed. "Aren't ships fun?"

Ruffling his hair so it looked even more messy, I wholeheartedly agreed with him. "Especially big ones like Titanic!"

"Mummy says we're going to go upstairs and wave to people when the ship leaves!"

"That's right Matthew, we are!" Lily chuckled, picking him up from my bed and tossing him back down on to it. Something he apparently enjoyed because he begged her to do it again.

Sliding off my bed, I scooped him up into my arms, "Let me have a go!"

"Again!" He clapped, after I repeated Lily's actions, looking excitedly between us. I can somehow picture him jumping up and down on his own bed tonight, too excited to sleep.

I looked to Lily and joked, "You know ... I think I would rather do this all week than socialise with the First Class!"

It was a couple of minutes past two when someone politely knocked at the stateroom door. I had hitched my dress up to my knees and was lounging somewhat lazily on the couch. Lily and I were tasked with looking after her little brother while her parents went to explore the ship. Not that we minded anyway, he's a sweet little boy. Young Matthew was busy informing me of his imaginary friend Pierre, who was French, no less.

"... And you have to speak loudly with Pierre, because he's half deaf."

I stared at the child following his revelation. I didn't realise imaginary friends could have impairments as such. Normally imaginary friends were almost like heroes or idols to children, someone they could look up to when they were sad or lonely. I had to admire his want for diversity though, and his brilliant imagination. "How in the world did that happen?"

His casual reply was, "An elephant ripped his left ear off with it's trunk."

"I see ..."

Turning to see who was at the door, I immediately sat bolt upright on the couch and pulled down the skirt of my dress. Blushing slightly, I could see my father grinning at me from the doorway, looking handsome in his uniform. He chuckled to himself as he watched me quickly fix my own appearance before I returned his grin.

"Aren't you going to give your old father a hug?"

"You're not that old!" I laughed as I practically rolled off the couch to greet him. Hugging him I sighed, "I missed you."

"I missed you too darling," My father replied before stepping back. "Fancy a walk around the ship with me?"

Nodding happily, I called to Matthew and Lily that I would be back soon before taking my father's arm as he escorted me through the corridors. I don't know how he could manage not to get lost, they all looked the same to me. I guess that's what happens when you've been on a ship for a few weeks, probably needed to learn the layout so he couldn't get lost as we sailed to New York.

"So how is your accommodation then?"

I pulled a face, "Disgustingly extravagant. It's all so rich and posh. I'm not trying to sound ungrateful father, but ..."

"I know," He smiled, as we arrived on deck. The sea air felt refreshing, and almost seemed to welcome me. I felt more at home up here than I did down below. I simply wanted nothing more than to whip the pins out of my hair and let it flow free, but I decided not to face the scorn of the privileged and wealthy. And I didn't want to give my father a showing up, even though he wouldn't have minded.

"I love the air up here!" I exclaimed, taking in a deep breath which caused my father to laugh heartily.

"Just like me!"

Smiling, I noticed that we were headed towards the bridge of the ship. Can only mean one thing - his 'proud father' act in front of the other officers. Well, not really an act, per se, because I can see the pride in his eyes and hear it in his voice when he talks. But I find it slightly embarrassing Yes, it was cute ten years ago when I was a child, but not so much now. I'm a grown woman, but I guess to him, I'll always be daddy's little girl.

"You're taking me to meet the other officers, aren't you?"

My father nodded hurriedly and replied with enthusiasm. "They're all very keen to meet you darling!"

Rolling my eyes, I muttered, "I wonder why ..."

"If you must know, Lights has been regaling them with tales of your mischief!"

I had to laugh at my father's statement, "Oh really?"

"I believe he has," He chuckled, turning to me. "And it's not just my fellow officers that are impressed!"

"Lord, what stories has he told?" I groaned, casting my mind back over all the times I've caused trouble and mischief. Which is a lot.

"Hmmm ... The incident with Mister Hoskins' butler, for one. That actually went down pretty well with the men."

I slowly nodded, trying to hide the obvious smirk on my face. "Mister Hoskins deserved what he got!"

"Ah, but did his butler deserve being rushed to hospital for a broken tailbone?" My father gently reminded me, a twinkle in his eyes I had seen many times before. Always when mischief occurs. I often wondered if I had the same tell ...

We arrived at the bridge to be greeted by Charlie, who linked his arm with my spare one. He whispered in my ear, "So, how bad is the First Class?"

"Atrocious," I whispered back as we were led down towards the Mess Hall, where a couple of officers were enjoying some tea. Both of them looked at me with mild surprise, until they could see the resemblance between my father and myself. Our blue eyes certainly helped with that connection.

"Mister Pitman, Mister Moody, this is Heather. My pride and joy," My father introduced me, as he and Charles simultaneously let go of my arms.

"It's very lovely to meet you Heather," Pitman grinned, taking my hand and kissing it delicately. "Third Officer Herbert Pitman - But you can just call me Herb."

Reflecting the kind expression on his face, I nodded politely, "I will do Herb, thank you."

Moody was next, doing the exact same as his fellow colleague. "Sixth Officer James Moody. So you're the infamous troublemaker?"

I blushed slightly, glancing quickly at my father who merely smiled. Charlie on the other hand, could be heard sniggering right next to me.

"That's me!" I announced, receiving approving looks from the officers. Well, that was always reassuring. I've been on ships before where I've been dismissed because I was Officer Murdoch's daughter. But they looked at me like I was equal to them, which was refreshing, I have to say.

Herb looked to my father and winked, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?"

"Indeed it does not Herb," James smirked, watching my closely. "I don't suppose you heard the lastest about your father then?"

"No! Oh, please tell me!"

I heard my father groan next to me, "You do that James. In the mean time, some of us have work to do."

I quickly turned to my father, "You're going?"

"Regrettably," He sighed, shooting me an apologetic look. "I'm sure the men will take good care of you, unless you'd rather I'd escort you back?"

"No, I'll stay, thank you," I smiled sweetly. Meanwhile, my mind was racing through all sorts of ideas for mischief. Suddenly, this voyage didn't seem as soulless and dull after all.

After waving to my father, Charlie and I joined the men at the table. James graciously poured us some tea and offered me a slice of cake, which I obviously took. I can never say no to anything sweet.

Looking at James eagerly, I asked, "So ... What did he do?"

"He decided to wax the floor of the Wireless room ... Excessively," James grinned as Charlie and Herb laughed merrily. "So naturally, when Sparks appeared this morning for his shift ... On his arse he went!"

"Fantastic!" I laughed, decidedly impressed with my father's antics. "Was he okay?"

James shrugged, "I think so ... He keeps grumbling about his sore arse right enough ..."

"Well," Charlie began, looking at me. "It appears as though we have just welcomed another troublemaker into our midst."

Winking at them, I proudly declared, "Yes you have!"