Research
Unit
At JEJ Moore Middle School in Prince George County, Virginia, Ms. Ginther, the media specialist, and Ms. White, the Hurricane 7th grade English teacher, worked
cooperatively to teach research skills to the Hurricane English students during
the month of April and May. The research unit incorporated
"best practices for research" using the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic Disaster to
capture student interest. Students selected topics, which fell into one
of the following categories: The People of the Titanic, The Mighty Ship,
The Disaster Strikes, Discovery: Finding the Titanic, and Historical
Fiction. Students then used their research to create original short
stories, essays, PowerPoint presentations, and three dimensional models.
Over the next few weeks, I will share several short stories written by my seventh grade students in my advanced English Class. They are simply amazing...The first in the series is by Rhiannon.
All
Beginning With “I Do.”
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Adelaide
Livingston is a woman living in England in the early 20th century. After
marrying a man named Edward Haines she embarks on her journey upon the
magnificent Titanic, then lives to tell the spell-binding story of her
experiences.
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Excerpt from the fictional story of
Adelaide Livingston
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Foreword
My mother, Adelaide Haines,
boarded the Titanic not knowing of what was to come. For some, the telling of
their night spent in terror is impossible, whether it awakens the demons known
as nightmares, or they are not with us presently. For my mother, however, she
is willing to reflect on both her journey prior to striking the iceberg and
her actions while trying to survive the sinking. Most of what this book is
composed of are her actual diary entries, but there will be parts where she
explains what more she is able to remember in further detail.
Her willingness to speak of the
tragedy is what inspired me to document the event by way of someone who
experienced it firsthand. Her traumatic story truly pulls at the heart-strings
of everyone she’s told it to, and I’m hoping that those of you who are
privileged enough to read it feel the same.
This book was written in loving
memory of my father, Edward Haines, whose soul was saved on April 15, 1912,
but taken later on. He will forever be a hero.
-Jack Haines
April 10th,
1912
Today
was quite the day! Edward and I boarded the Titanic at Southampton, England in quite the cold weather; I, of
course, had my second favorite wedding gift draped around my shoulders, my
wool shawl that Edward’s mother placed in my care. Edward later told me that
it was a family heirloom. My favorite wedding gift, however, was the
incredulous chance to embark on a journey aboard this magnificent vessel.
Edward had clutched my arm to
make sure that we stayed near each other, but I managed to wriggle my right
arm free so that I could wave farewell to my mother and his parents. Tears
played at my cheeks and, from what I could see, my mother was also beginning
to turn red like she does when she cries. Edward took one look at me, smiled,
then cupped my face in his hands and swept the tears away with his thumbs.
This made me giggle as my heart pounded straight out of my chest- this was the
first sign of affection since the wedding. I sighed as I took his hand, his
fingers slightly damp from wiping away my tears. This was my chance to break
the deafening silence.
“You may want to become
accustomed to wiping away my tears. I am a very emotional woman.” I said as I
nervously smiled. He gave a slight tri-toned laugh then fit his long,
masculine arm in the small of my back as I curled into his embrace.
As we jolted to a start,
passengers of all sorts scurried about the deck, eager to find someone to lead
them to their cabins. Edward and I patiently waited for a steward to come to
our aid as we waltzed around the deck taking in the lavish décor and color
scheme of the marvelous ship. We both agreed that seeing our cabin could wait
and that we should explore more, Edward secretly wanting to meet other people
involved in booming business, yet not so secretly wanting to flaunt his new,
blushing bride.
I complied with his requests, as I
too wanted to meet the famous Strauss couple, rumoured to be aboard. After
all, they do own Macey’s Department Store. Quite the life they must live, with
money piling to their throats to where they’re swimming in it. How could one
tire of being able to go anywhere they wanted, whenever they wished it so? I
know that now I may live a semi-luxurious life, seeing as though Edward comes
from a wealthy family and has his own riches. But knowing this will make me no
different than the woman I was before marriage.
As we strolled the length of the
dashing promenade deck, we ran into the flamboyant Margaret Brown and chatted
briskly with her. She has quite the ostentatious personality! Talking with her
made me enraged; as she decided that I no longer existed and that she would
like nothing more than to be flirtatious with my husband! I was not going to
stand by as my husband became mesmerized by her audacious behaviour. So I
quickly spoke up, though tentatively. My words were brash yet fitting of the
situation at hand. I said something along the lines of, “Ahem, Mrs. Brown, I
should like to explore the vessel with my husband.” She was thoroughly
taken aback at the slightly rude tone of my words; though I could care less.
He has not pledged his faithfulness to her, but to me, so I shall defend him
at all costs. As we walked off, she decided that she was not done talking to him;
she shouted at after him, “You can call me Molly!” At the outburst, Edward
turned to face her and see if she caused a disturbance and she had the nerve
to wink at him! She, a married woman, winked at Edward, a married man! She
cooks my clams in the most flamboyant of steam.
Putting her in the past, we walked
on in silence. I simply sighed every now and again, hinting at my displeasure.
He finally realized, after the fifth sigh, that I was mad at Margaret Brown.
He turned to me and said,
“Please don’t become cross
with me. You know that my heart belongs to you and that I’d do anything in
this world to keep you by my side! Adelaide, when I said ‘I Do.’ I meant it.
Dear, don’t let this ruin our time aboard.”
Of course, being the emotional
woman that I am, I began crying yet again. He saw the tears and nudged my chin
with his forefinger and smiled at me to where it was impossible for me not to
smile at him. There’s no way to stay mad at him, he’s just so sweet and knows
exactly how to make someone feel better. I giggled slightly, mainly because I
was crying over something so small. Just when I thought he was done
complimenting me he shoots another statement my way.
“Darling, your smile could light
the darkest of alleys. When you giggle, my heart jumps. I’m guessing this
feeling is none other than love. Love in the most profound of stages.”
As long as I live, so long as I
breathe, and as long as I am capable of thinking this quote will be etched in
my mind. I’ve replayed that moment over and over, hour after hour in my head
but it still seems like a daydream.
When I returned to reality, I
tugged lightly on his arm and, once again, he fit his arm around my waist. We
walked on and on for what seemed like hours when we finally became lost. My
sense of direction is no better than his, so we pulled aside what we believed
to be a stewardess. From behind the only thing we could see was her
intricately woven hair, a braid that started at the middle of her head and
fell to her waist.
Upon further investigation we
found that she was a passenger. The words Edward and her exchanged were brief
and went something like this-
Edward, “Hello, my wife and I are
looking for the first class cabins. Do you have the slightest idea of where we
could find them?”
Woman, “Pardon you, sir, but I am
not part of the crew. I am none other than Genevieve Fret, actress
extraordinaire. Now if you’ll excuse me, I should like to find my servant.
Ta-ta!”
And with that she walked off. I
then turned to Edward with the most inquiring of faces and he simply shrugged.
Neither of us wanted to speak of the pish-posh Ms. Fret again.
Since it is getting quite late and
I am tiring of writing, I will simply state that we eventually found a steward
who helped us find our cabin.
Tired
as Ever,
Adelaide
Haines
April 11th, 1912
Life simply
couldn’t get any more divine that it is! On this glorious day Edward and I
basked in the loveliness of each others’ company as we visited several popular
places aboard. We spoke of past times, reflected on how we met, and shared a
heartfelt moment atop the grand staircase. My marriage is off without a hitch!
Edward has thus far blessed me with wedded happiness.
This
morning I awoke to a vase of beautiful flowers on my nightstand, and
accompanying it was a note scrawled in Edward’s chicken-scratch hand. The note
read:
“To
the love of my life: cheers to one week. And I wish for many, many more.”
After admiring the vast array of
flowers, I dressed in my attire for the day. I chose my powder blue dress with
a lace collar and lace cuffs, then pinned my family heirloom broach to the
collar. As I walked out of the room I came quite close to forgetting to snatch
my wool shawl, but abruptly turned back to fetch it. After I carefully draped
the shawl across my scrawny shoulders, I found Edward sipping on his usual cup
of morning coffee while he looked out over the ocean. He seemed to be
mesmerized by the bobbing of waves and the jumping of fish… that is until I
walked over and tapped him upon the shoulder. As he realized it was his wife
that caught him off-guard, he quickly regained composure and took in my
appearance. He lightly complimented me and said that I would be receiving a
pleasant surprise shortly, which both intrigued and perplexed me. I had not the
slightest clue as to what my surprise could be.
We then started on our journey to
my surprise. At first I thought that he was just going to take me around to
tour the ship again, but when we started down the first class hallway I was
again at a dead end. After we walked past our own cabin I began to grow weary
and, I admit, started to complain. But just as I thought my feet could no
longer bear walking, we arrived in front of a foreboding door. Though it was an
exact replica of any other door, it seemed eerie and strange, almost as if the
door hinted at what was tucked intently behind it. As Edward reached up to
knock on the door, it opened with a slight creak and none other than Mrs. Astor
stuck her head into the hallway. She piped in a shaky, high-pitched voice, “Who
are you?” followed by “Are you here for business?” but just as she finished
speaking she realized that it was Edward and me who had crept down the hallway.
Her voice took on a livelier tone
and she called out to Mr. Astor, “Dear? Edward and whom I presume to be his
wife have arrived!”
After being welcomed into their
equally lavish cabin I began to marvel at the expensive taste of both Mr. and
Mrs. Astor. She had the finest bottles of perfumes and he had many extravagant
flasks which I assumed were filled with many gins and liquors. To my surprise
another couple was also of the Astors’ company. Isador and Ida Strauss were in
the cabin sitting near each other, chatting lightly. Edward made proper
introductions to those who were unfamiliar with me, as he had previously
conversed with everyone.
After introductions the women and
men split into two separate groups so that the men could talk business and we
could talk of whatever we pleased. Seeing as though Mrs. Strauss is many years
our senior, Mrs. Astor and I carried on lively conversation most of the time
while Mrs. Strauss occasionally gave her input on the subject matter. At one
point a statement from Mrs. Astor threw me into a fit of uncontrollable
laughter; I believe we were talking of things we said as children, but I do not
quite remember the exacts.
The men brought out their bold
sides when Mr. Astor brought out his brandy. I must admit, Edward sure can
drink! Within twenty minutes of the bottle being opened, over half of it had
been consumed. Edward later confided in me that he had at least four reasonable
glasses of brandy. Currently he is lying in bed, awaiting sleep. I dread seeing
him as ill as he seems, but he brought it upon himself.
Two hours and an empty brandy
bottle later, Edward started feeling sickly so I decided we were going back to
our cabin where I would spend the rest of the day lounging and reading while
Edward occasionally awoke in need of a glass of water.
After reading my fill of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, I
decided to document my day in my diary. I believe later I may go watch the sun
set out on the deck; it is one thing I promised myself I would not miss.
Also: Becoming used to signing
everything with “Haines” instead of “Livingston” is quite the task.
Quite
the Worried,
Adelaide
Haines
April
13th, 1912
Yesterday I was too busy and in
the midst of everything I forgot to write and today Edward granted me another
day of rest and relaxation. So, of course, I decided against doing nothing all
day. I have no interest in being lazy all day.
Yesterday
Edward treated me to yet another day of exploring this vast expanse of a
vessel. Though we had no intention of actually exercising, we visited the gym
and simply looked at what sort of equipment they had managed to bring aboard. I
was astounded by the electric horse and the cycles! It is simply incredible
that a ship could have many things that you wouldn’t expect to see. Edward
jokingly sat down at the rowing machine and started to practice rowing. He
said, “At least if I ever have to row a lifeboat I’ll know how to.” His
statement made me feel uneasy, I just felt like it would be bad luck for
someone to joke about that happening on a ship’s maiden voyage.
After we
left the gymnasium, we headed straight for the Lounge Room so that Edward could
see who he could interact with and introduce to me. When we arrived, Edward
managed to spot millionaire Benjamin Guggenheim who immediately invited him to
play a round of cards. Edward accepted with my consent, though I don’t know why
he would think that I am not okay with him playing cards. While Edward enjoyed
his game of cards with Benjamin, I sat in a nice armchair and enjoyed the time
to rest. My relief was short-lived as Edward waltzed over to tell me that
Benjamin invited us to accompany him to dinner. He of course accepted the
polite offer.
At the time
of our departure from the lounge room it was only 1:00 pm which gave us a
couple of hours to ourselves. We decided that around 4:00 we would go back to
our cabin to put on our best for dinner.
Edward told
me that I was welcome to decide where we would go next, so I told him that I
wanted to go to the Café Parisian to eat a slight meal that was satisfy my
hunger without over-filling me. As we arrived I took in the breath-taking view of
the sea. I found myself spending more time looking out of the windows than I
did speaking, and apparently I made Edward start to worry that he’d maybe done
something wrong. Later I assured him that he never did anything that would
upset me, but that I was just astounded by the magnificent view. After my light
meal of salmon and greens we sat and chatted lightly, discussing things we’d
like to do on board and what we’re going to do after we get to New York. I
suggested that we settle in New York for business purposes for at least a year,
and then maybe if we’re willing we would move back to England to find a
permanent home.
Before we
knew it, it was 3:30 and we were supposed to be on our way back to our cabin
already. We complimented the waitress and told her to pass the compliment on to
the chef, the waitress then thanked us for dining at Café Parisian. As we
walked back to our cabin we exchanged quick Hello’s and Good Evening’s, as we
were on a tight schedule. Edward was just as eager to join Benjamin at the
dinner table as I was; we were to dine at A La Cart restaurant. Edward was told
not to bring money as Benjamin would pay in full for all of his guests, which
was thoroughly surprising to me.
I dressed
in my peach evening gown that was decorated with loose hanging fabric and
adorned with a single fabric rose held to a pink sash that fit around my waist.
As I stepped out into plain view, to where Edward could take in my appearance,
he said I looked “ravishing” and that my dress was stunning. My hair took
little to no time, as I just secured it up again.
As we
walked arm in arm to A La Carte, many passengers stared at Edward and me. I
didn’t mind the staring, but it seemed to bother Edward as his hands became
clammy like they do when he feels uncomfortable. Sensing his discomfort I took
his hand in mine and discretely told him that it was nothing to worry about,
and that people had just never seen such a good looking couple before. He gave
a slight chuckle and the tension in his muscles relaxed. He held his head a
little higher and kept me a little closer as we came within 50 feet of fine
dining with an incredibly wealthy man. For good measure, I asked him to pinch
me just to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming. My life at this time felt too
lovely to even possibly be real.
The steps
into the restaurant felt surreal; as we walked in the room quieted as if they
were all expecting us, though I only knew that we were dining with Benjamin. As
Benjamin politely welcomed the both of us, people returned to eating and
conversing as usual. We took our seats and Edward quietly lamented at how
comfortable the seats were, we are both used to the average wicker chairs that
accompanied the tables back home. It was then that I explained to Benjamin and
our other table guests that Edward and I are fascinated by the delicacies and
delights aboard and that neither of us have had the slightest discrepancies or
complaints thus far. Benjamin nodded his head fervently and declared that it is
an honor to be aboard such a marvelous ship. After this statement he proposed a
toast to all of his dinner companions, the ship, and to the food about to be
served, he also asked the Lord that we prosper from this food. As everyone
raised their glasses, the reality of it all sank in.
I was on a
magnificent ship, with my husband, on my way to America. We were dining with a
millionaire, I had met many other wealthy people, and my name was becoming more
and more known. This voyage marked the starting of a new life, a life filled
with complete and utter happiness that nothing else could ever measure up to.
But most importantly, I found the love of my life, the person I could tell my
secrets to, the man who could share pain with me, a man who could make light of
the darkest situations, my so called “prince charming”, my Edward Haines.
With the
revelation fresh in my mind, I carried on with my lively dinner conversations
that consisted of tales of humor, sadness, and celebration. Edward occasionally
threw in a story about the both of us that was very humorous or heartfelt and
they all gained positive feedback.
After an
hour or so of socializing, we finally started to eat the mouth-watering dishes
presented before us. Benjamin had ordered before we arrived, but thankfully neither
Edward nor I am choosy. We started off the first course with oysters, and then
progressed to the second course which consisted of cream of barley which I did
not eat since I do not care much for it. The third course was poached salmon,
which I had earlier in the day, so I did not eat but one-third of the small
filet I was given. The meal carried on for seven more courses, which is ten
courses in total. Ten courses! When I can barely eat four! Needless to say I
will be able to survive without heavy eating for the next few days.
With full
stomachs and a new appreciation for friends, we sluggishly walked back to our
cabin to retire for the night. But as we got up from the table we had the whole
room’s attention yet again, which made me nervous. I felt as though the crowd
was criticizing my every move, so I was careful and more aware of the steps I
took. I thought twice before I did everything until I walked out of the room.
After leaving the room I shed my shoes because my feet were throbbing, this
action caused two people to look at me wide-eyed. I guess people aren’t
supposed to take their shoes off whenever and wherever they please, but if I’m
in pain I will try to rid the source.
We arrived
back to our cabin with heavy eye-lids, as our beds beckoned and called to us.
In my state I was far too tired to even change into my night clothes, so I did
fall asleep in my evening attire. I slept quite peacefully and awoke feeling
renewed.
This
morning Edward told me that he’d be home in spurts throughout the day; he was
going to “talk business” with Mr. Astor and Mr. Strauss. I don’t think that he will
honestly talk any business; I think he just wanted to have more of that brandy that
made him ill the other day, but now that he knows what will happen he will
hopefully act accordingly and responsibly.
As for me,
I’ve been lounging about, playing with trinkets, and writing all day. I’ve
mainly focused on poetry, iambic pentameter to be exact. Ten syllables per
line, each ending word rhyming; sort of like a couplet, but more complex. I’ll
write what I have come up with so far:
Gather quickly in thine own hands
flowers,
Cherish the sweet, tangy smell for
hours.
All sorts of colors that one could
discuss,
All available in the earth’s
brown crust.
That’s the
extent of my work thus far, but I hope to progress as the afternoon goes on.
Currently it is 2:00 pm, and I’m hoping that Edward returns home shortly so
that we may make plans for dinner. But knowing him, he will come home quite
late. Mrs. Astor came by today to ask if I would be willing to join her on her
trip to the Writing Room, but I politely declined. All women do there is gossip
nonstop, and I’d rather sit in my lovely cabin than part-take in talk of the
ship. I’m afraid I’d hear too much about me that is untrue.
For now,
I’m finished writing in here as I’d love nothing more than to finish my iambic
pentameter poem.
Feeling Talented,
Adelaide Haines
What should have been documented for
the 14th of April
My mother
shared with me that she would document what the day was filled with when she
was settling in for bed, but since they struck the iceberg on the night of the
14th she was left no time. I will write, in her words, what went on
that day and that hectic night.
“Well we, Edward and I, started off the day
with a pleasant morning cup of coffee and him telling me of his talk with Mr.
Astor, I believe. It’s all fuzzy right now, I’ll remember when I tell more of
my tale. Anyway, after we finished our coffee we started off in the direction
of the gymnasium where he wanted to try out the mechanical horse, either that
or the mechanical camel. But I think in the end he tried both. He was whooping
and hollering when he was on the camel, claiming that it was “terrifying to even
think about being on an animal like that!” After he came off the camel, his
face was beet red and he was drenched in sweat. Even through the sheen of
perspiration he looked dashing.
“He asked me if I wanted to try the
horse since he remembered that I took horseback riding when I was little, and I
replied shyly with an acceptance of his offer. He promised that he’d be right
there to catch me if I were to fall off, even though we both knew that it
wasn’t quite that rigorous. As I slightly lifted my skirt so that I could mount
the imposter horse, I became “weak” in the arms. Edward realized my struggle
and lifted me the rest of the way up. It was as if I was a kid again, riding my
precious Diamond. It was effortless, like my body knew just what to do without
me having to command it.
“I soon grew tired and
wanted to do something else, so I asked Edward if he had brought anything he
could use for the swimming pool. He replied that he had, and I confirmed that I
had as well. Our next move was to go and test the pool; I secretly hoped that
it would be heated.
“After we went home and changed, we journeyed
on in the direction of the pool. And just when I thought things were going
great, I saw that none other than Mrs. Margaret Brown was at the pool, too. I
vocally expressed my displeasure at her presence, and Edward vowed that he
wouldn’t talk to her in a manner other than friend-like, which did set me at
ease.
“We ended up spending close to three
hours at that pool, simply because it was heated and it felt nice to exercise.
I must admit I didn’t want to leave, but I did become tired and hungry. Edward
suggested that we go home, freshen up, then go to lunch, and I happily
complied. After showering, I dressed in a casual dress and, again, did my hair
up to keep it out of my face. For the second time we dined at Café Parisian and
again I got the salmon with greens, because I was satisfied with it the first
time and I don’t like taking risks on something that may not be of satisfactory
taste.
“What we did after we finished our
meal, I’m sorry to say, I do not remember. All I remember is thinking that I’d
just write about the 14th and the 15th together so that I
could get more sleep. Little did I know that fate had other plans in store.”
The Giver by Lois Lowry
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