Unrequited Love
The sun glares through the dusty train window. Casting a blind spot onto my glasses. The train roars as it speeds along the tracks, something about it causes my hands to sweat. As I sit with notepad and pen in hand, I cannot find the words my mind wishes to write. Taking the pen against the notepad hoping somehow the words would write itself. Suddenly the train comes to a quick halt and everyone jolts forward. I catch myself before flying completely forward into the next seat. I peer out the window, we have stopped on a bridge. People start to whisper.
“Sorry folks but it looks like we have to stop here for a while.”
The loudspeaker muffled the last few words but it was pretty easy to hear. I didn’t understand; stop here for a while? Why? And for how long?
It’s important I get to Brookhaven, I know he’s waiting for me there. He sent me a letter; priority mail. I leaned over to look down the rusty red colored aisle to find the conductor. He is talking with a family and the mother seems extremely concerned. I flag him down, he signals ‘one minute’ to me. I lean back in my seat, nervously I start to tug at my dress; ruffles… how I despise them. It’s the only dress I owned. Thanks to my mother it had to have ruffles. “Kacey ruffles are fun and cute,” she says. I never wanted to give off the impression of being cute or whatever is her version of fun. I sigh and tug at one of the ruffles hoping it’ll come right off. As I look up I am startled by the conductor.
“Yes, Miss?”
“Goodness, you startled me” I place my hand on my chest.
“Sorry Miss, you had a question I’m assuming.”
“Yes, why did we stop?”
“Some train maintenance, we are sorry for the delay. We should arrive a few minutes after the estimated time.”
“Okay because I have somebody waiting for me at the station.”
“Of course. Please stay in your seat.”
He walks away to tell the same story to the people a few seats down from me. They don’t seem satisfied with that answer either. I pick up my pen and paper again, write a few random words then nothing. I let out another sigh. Unfortunately, I am startled again but by a stranger.
“Hey”
I jump a bit, “Hello”.
A guy in what looks to be a very expensive suit sits across from me.
“Can I help you?”
“No, I just thought you’d like some company.”
“I’m actually fine, thanks.”
“What are you writing?”
“Nothing of interest or concern to you.”
He laughs.
“Relax, I'm not a threat.”
“You’re an unknown man who doesn’t understand that I said no to your company.”
“I just thought I’d talk to the pretty woman who keeps deadly sighing. Thought maybe you were bored.”
“Oh… well no. Not bored, just trying to write.”
“Writer’s block! Oh, I know it all too well.”
“You write?”
He smiles softly.
“Of course. Well first off I’m Ezra, you are?”
“Kacey… with a k.”
“Nice to meet you Kacey with a k. What are you writing about? Poetry, science fiction, love letter?”
“Poetry… I’m working on a book.”
“Beautiful. You seem like a poetess.”
Weirdly that made me smile a bit. He puts both hands in his pockets.
“You think we’ll move anytime soon?”
“I hope so, I can’t be late.”
“Somewhere special you got to be? Or someone special you need to see?”
“Mmmm…”
Before I could answer he says, “Someone special of course!”
“Of course? Why of course?”
“Pretty woman like you of course you have someone special to see. I hope he’s kind to you.”
“He’s just a friend.”
“Friends should be kind too.”
“He is…”
“But?”
I smile and look in disbelief. How did he know there was more?
“Well…”
He stares at me ready to hear my response.
“Well… he.. I… I might have… we’ve known each other for a while.”
“Mhm and?”
“He’s like family in a way sorta…”
“And you are in love with him?”
I sit in silence. I swallow my words in my throat like I’ve just been caught doing something I shouldn't. We stare at each other for a bit until I break my gaze and turn my attention back out the window. Suddenly the train starts moving.
“Finally we’re moving.” I try to steer the conversation away.
“There is no shame in loving him.”
I say nothing, just stare out the window.
“The only shame in it is you don’t think he loves you back do you?”
Why is this man still talking? Didn’t he get the hint already? Why does he seem like he’s reading my mind?
“You’re too beautiful to not be loved back. You deserve love.”
“Okay, thanks you can go now you’re creeping me out.”
I stare intensely out the window trying to process the words he said without overthinking, but his words eat at me. Was I being a fool? One that comes running whenever he requests? After a few minutes of pondering. I turned to Ezra but he wasn’t there.
“Ezra?”
The loudspeaker had a few muffled sounds before it could be understood clearly.
“Coming up to Brookhaven station.”
My stop… finally. I flagged the conductor once more. He came quickly.
“Yes, Miss?”
“Have you seen a man in a suit with a navy blue handkerchief tucked in his coat pocket? His name is Ezra?”
The conductor pulled out a small notepad and skimmed over a few times.
“Miss, I’m sorry but there is no Ezra on this train today.”
Confusion was written all over my face as the conductor grabbed my bag from the overhead compartment and handed it to me.
“So sorry Miss.”
“That can’t be right, he was sitting right here. Just a few minutes ago, talking to me. Didn’t you see him?”
“No”
My mind draws a blank. Did he lie about his name?
“Eastwood station!”
I sat my bag in my lap and waited for the train to come to a complete stop. I stand up to fix my dress then the conductor assists me to the door. Once I step down onto the platform I see nothing but trees and grass.
“Kacey!”I hear my name being called.
I look around holding my bag tightly. I take a few more steps forward into the station itself and see him. Axel walks up to me smelling of sandalwood. I try to take it all in while he hugs me. I close my eyes and immerse myself in it. Once I feel his arms loosen I open my eyes only to be surprised by Ezra waving at me just inches away.
“Ezra?”
Axel lets me go but holds my shoulders.
“Who is Ezra?”
“A guy I met on the train, right there.”
I point directly behind him but Axel looks confused.
“Kacey there is nobody there. Are you feeling okay?”
