But it’s not.
She drew me in, but in a different way.
What I’m craving is the source of this feeling.
The one.
I’m looking for the storm itself now, and I know I’m close.
That’s what’s got me stalking the train. I just know it.
I’m asked by the few staff I come across if I need any help. If I’m okay. The man in my reflection has an almost crazed look by the time I get back to my suite.
My knees feel like they’re around my ears as I sit hunched down, head in my hands.
The world outside rattles gently under me and speeds by like a blur out the window once the train starts to really move.
I’ve left my door open, and looking up with a start I almost expect to see her.
To recognize whoever it is that is causing this feeling.
But it’s just some kid. A girl.
Maybe the daughter of the woman I saw earlier?
Nah. She’s completely different with blonde hair.
I smile and try to look not so preoccupied when I hear what sounds like someone else with her. Out of sight but not out of earshot.
Before I know it, she’s gone, and whoever was with her too.
I don’t think much of it, not until I remember I need to account for every person on this train if I’m gonna get to the bottom of this feeling.
Lurching for the doorway, I grip the frame and crane my neck around. It’s just long enough to see an empty passage.
Just the sound of the door to the other compartments closing with a strange sucking sound.
It takes some effort, but I ease myself back down into the chair and take some deep breaths.
It’s a long trip and I don’t want to spend all my time chasing shadows.
Maybe it’s just wishful thinking?
But no, thinking has nothing to do with it, I know what I feel.
There’s something… someone on this train and I’m destined to meet her, I know it.
A steward happens by, asking if I need anything before he moves to close the door.
“Leave that open…Thanks,” I almost shout, suddenly realizing just how on edge I am.
I don’t relax once he’s gone either.
I wait.
Like I’ve waited for over twenty years. Waiting.
Waiting for her.
Just. Let it happen big guy. Don’t force things by acting all gung ho, getting what you want all the time.
Then just as suddenly as the feeling has me so wound up, it relaxes me.
I sink back into my seat, almost smug in the knowledge that if I’m right (and I always am), then all I really have to do is to wait right here or just do what I need to on the train. The rest will take care of itself.
A watched pot never boils, they say. And likewise, waiting for something as strong as destiny will be a long wait indeed.
I decide to bide my time.
The train’s going places, the people on it aren’t. So when it’s time for me to get to the source of this feeling, I know it’ll be there.
She’ll be there.
Fortunately for me, while I’m an impatient person, I don’t have too long to wait.
The blonde haired girl I saw before returns, only this time she has a friend with her.
A friend she has to reach for and drag into the open doorway so I can see her.
Shy.
At first glance, I can tell this is the daughter of the woman I saw earlier.
As my glance transforms into a fixed stare, my eyes meet hers for the first time, and I know it’s her that I’ve been looking for since boarding.
It’s her I’ve been waiting for. Not just today, but my whole life has led up to this moment.
I’ve just found the one. I know I have.
Chapter Three
Natasha
I’ve never seen Suzanna so worked up, not for a long time. Especially over a stupid dare.
Even my mom sounds concerned as she asks what’s going on.
Suzanna fills my mom in quietly even though I’ve already agreed to her dare, which bugs me a little.
They’ve had plenty of time to get close on the way to meet me for the trip back, and it shows.
My jealousy doesn’t last long, changing to curiosity once she tells her tale.
“There’s a freakin’ god on the train,” Suze whispers, looking around like she’s revealing the world’s biggest secret.
“A man,” she explains, looking at me like I need to have it spelled out for me.
Mom leans back in her seat, chuckling quietly.
“I think I saw him too,” she confides, reddening just a little and sighing to herself as she looks out the window.
“So?” I ask, not meaning to sound so snappy.
“So… I think you should come and take a look,” Suze says, narrowing her eyes again, making a low sound that reeks of a challenge.
Reeks of the dare I know she has coming for me.
The one I haven’t heard yet but already know it just has something to do with this new and exciting stranger on board.