story continues...

The day arrives, eventually. We have geared up and are heading our way to the train station located southeast of our resident. Penelope will not be around. We are escorted by our sixty-five-years-old ex-chauffeur, Mr. Davis Brown, to the station.

When we arrived there, it has already packed with different ethnic groups from different society levels. Dickens and Jaclyn can’t wait to see our new home at Charleston furthermore this was our first opportunity riding on a train.

But, things weren’t as simple as mom has told us earlier. I just can sense it, somehow. I steal glances of mom now and then. She seems to be frowning, puzzling about something beyond words. Then I heard of whistles blowing, indicating its’ time for abroad. We managed to find ourselves a compartment next to the window, just right in front of the entrance of the 1^st class cabin.

I looked out through the window panes, as the engine rumbles, admiring gorgeous countryside scenery. The brisk wind, softly puffed my facial hair and fringe leaving behind a tiny hint of morning dew from the green forest. I witnessed gaurs plough the field whilst young kids fooling around with their Sheppard Dog and cows licking its’ calves.

My attentions turned to my siblings. Dickens and Jaclyn were busy whispering to themselves – too indulged in their fantasies, I guessed, while Chuck has fast fallen asleep, with the pacifier dangling loosely on his half opened lips, in mom’s loving care.

When I steered my attention back to the outside scene, I saw an army of militants jogging along the river bank with echoes of command as we were passing through a valley. They were smartly dressed in tracksuits; looked tough and macho. It must be really something being a militant, I thought.

Craig simply slips into the picture, unnoticeably.

He has been nice and gentle all this while, at least, from the first impression. I couldn’t figure it out why I haven’t got the courage to ring him up upon my arrival home the other day.

“Have I doubted his sincerity or is it due to some other reasons?” I reminded myself.

Why would a guy entertain a total stranger? He didn’t even know what my last name is. And, must I border to ring him up at the first place; furthermore he is a million miles away from me.

“No, it wasn’t true,” I doubted.

“One thing for sure is I am missing him constantly,” I frowned, adding some wrinkles to my face.

“Since this is the case, how should I start my teleconversation? And, what if he couldn’t recall a single incident at the beach nor the café? Perhaps, he could have ‘deleted’ me from his database, after all these years.”

A long screeching sound was then heard when the engine pulls up indicating we have arrived at the exchange station. We take this opportunity to freshen ourselves up. It only reaches our turn after a long, extensive queue. We had some bread and tit-bits for luncheon, at the cafeteria, which mom has prepared earlier.

We only headed-off our second half journey when the sound of horn was blown. As more passengers entered into the Economic Class compartment, the train bustled with charters, mixed with the sound of luggage being stowed.

Despite the restricted space, I have heard Chuck complaining of pins and needles over his left leg. The naggings were very irritating however mom was very patience and ingenious of thinking ways to persuade him.

(to be continued)