Page 53

The Railway Station

My heels click on the stone, and my fingers bleed with the effort of carrying two heavy cases. There’s a chill in the air and as it closes around me, I relish the way it cools my heated blood.

There are a few other people on the platform. An old man, wizened from many years of living. If I had to guess, I’d say he was mid-eighties. What must it be like to live with eighty years of memory? I wonder if I’ll reach it that far and be able to live with mine.

A woman is holding a child as they stand too close to the edge. The imminent train a hazard that will play heavily on her mind.

I stare at the track and shiver inside, picturing a moment of desperation as I fall in front of the train. Ending it all, delivering me from evil. Would it have that effect or send me on a direct route to hell?

It would be no different to living, anyway.

My ankles ache and my back is shot. I could murder a cup of coffee, but there is no place to ease that craving here. It’s doubtful I will until I reach my destination. It’s a long road ahead and I wonder if I’ll make it that far.

A young man catches my eye and holds my gaze a little too long. I’m used to that and I smile as I take the vacant seat beside him on the bench.

We say nothing but the air crackles between us with sexual tension and I smile inside.

He holds his phone and I note it lights up with the picture of a young woman who is calling him.

His finger hovers over the green button, but then he ends it in a moment of decision.

I settle back, wondering if life will ever change.

The platform fills up as the train is imminent and my thoughts turn to my destination.

I wonder what to expect when I get there. More of the same I’m guessing and the depraved part of me can’t wait, however, the weary part of me wishes I could be done and bring an end to the situation on the track before me.

The guy moves and his leg brushes against mine and it was no accident. He shifts up to allow an older woman to join us on the bench, and I smile to myself. Why do they make it so easy? Young men are ripe for the picking and I harvest—a lot.

The pressure of his thigh against mine stirs my lust, and I close my eyes and picture a more enjoyable journey than I anticipated.

The noise of the train in the distance is a comforting one as it signifies the resumption of my journey. The destination is certain but the journey there is not and as I make to stand as it rolls into the station, the young man says in a deep voice, “Please may I help you with your cases, Miss–”

I flash him a blinding smile, one that never fails. A mixture of sweetness and innocence, with the underlying promise of depravity. He gets the message, they always do and as he lifts one of my cases, he says huskily, “My name is Drew. It would be good to have company on the trip.”

“Thanks, Drew, I’d appreciate that.” I smile into his lust-filled eyes and say huskily. “I’m Jenna. Jenna Sloane.”

He nods, his eyes beating a trail to the swell of my breasts against my low buttoned blouse and whispers, “It’s my pleasure, Jenna.”

“No Drew.” I smile suggestively. “The pleasure will be all mine.”

Rockwell Academy has closed for the summer and soon a new set of students will take up residence.

Our friends will be back to continue their journey and as expected it will not be an easy one.