Part 3 – A Smooth Ride
The train was almost full, and the platform outside was starting to thin out. Looking at his watch, Pete proclaimed it was just about time to depart. His new friend sitting across from him, nervous but ever so determined, would not be backing out now; if anything, she was in for the ride regardless.
“Your ticket will be validated soon. And when you’re caught up here, the porter will direct you to where you should be instead.”
She just looked at him. Sure enough, at that moment she heard the voice of the grim reaper himself. He was calling for tickets not too far away, and he was approaching their section.
Thinking about hiding, she frantically looked around for somewhere to disappear, as that seemed to be her specialty. The only place was behind the bar, but that was not going to be wellwell -managed, and if caught there, she feared an even worse punishment.
“Pete,” the conductor said with a comfortable level of familiarity, “Are you making this trip again? What is this? The fifth time now for you? They should get you a punch card.”
“If they gave me a punch card, you’d be going out of business, my friend.”
As she sat there watching this incredible scene unfold, it would appeared apparent that these two knew each other.
“And who’s this with you? Is that your niece you’ve told me about?”
Seeing an opportunity, she held out her hand.
“Hello, yes. Pleased to meet you, I thought it was about time I went on this trip, too.”
“Ah, yes indeed. Well, it’s nice to meet you, Selena.”
She just smiled and then sat back in her seat. Pete and the conductor exchanged a few more words, and then he was gone. Pete, sitting back in his seat now also, looked at “Selena,” and chuckled.
“How did you know he hadn’t seen a picture of my niece already?”
“Well if that were the case, why did he ask if it was me? We must look somewhat alike if he had seen a picture.”
“Well -played, ‘“Selena.’” He hasn’t seen a photo, but I have talked about her coming on this trip a lot. And you probably noticed he didn’t even check our tickets.”
“I did notice. I also saw that I could have saved myself a chunk of change and gotten on for free,.” sShe gruffed at this, and Pete just laughed.
Title: Seven Threads
Author: Jason Atkinson
Genre: Short Story Collection
Seven Threads is a book of 7 short stories full of twists and turns. A girl on the run, a man accused of murder, a homeless man who finds his way, and much more. While each story is unique, they all offer the same human compassion that is sometimes lacking in today’s world. The reader is sure to find each story a page turner full of emotions, and left wanting more!
Author Bio
Jason Atkinson is a 32 year old, married man with one adorable toddler. With Seven Threads being his third book, he certainly enjoys writing and also spending time getting to know new people.
Links
www.alifeofheart.com
Mascot Books