Well hear we are again. So are you sitting comfortably? Good then I'll begin.
So here I'm bringing to you, my loyal follower, the sixth part of the flash fiction collection. Yes, it really is Part 6! Which given that it originally wasn't going to go beyond the first one is rather impressive I think. But you, yes you, my dear readers, wanted, nay, demanded that I carried on. So now we get to here: the penultimate episode. Thoughts always welcome on this as well
ta ta for now
**
Like Ships That Pass In The Night
Part 6
“Correction”
Anthony sits on the bench on the platform. He remembers the moment. He was kissing his sister goodbye when the woman with the shy smile and skinny latte walked by with a look of sadness on her face. He had wanted to go after her and see if she had been alright. He sits staring at the floor, the cracks on the pavement and the lone piece of discarded chewing gum mere inches from his right foot.
The words of his sister come back to him, telling him to go full out for this woman. To take that chance and maybe, just maybe to grab his chance at happiness instead of watching it float away down the river of life to become just another missed opportunity. To see if she wanted that cup of coffee after all. He smiles slightly at that. She can have the coffee, he’ll have tea.
He hears the announcement that his train will be arriving at the platform followed by the motion of people jostling for position, all trying to the first on to the train thus ensuring they get an all important seat. He remembers helping her on to the train that first time and it was because they were both standing that he helped her from the train with her heavy suitcase.
The train pulls into the station and the doors slowly open. Before anyone can get on though the passengers coming here have to alight so gaps appear in the waiting crowd. It’s now that Anthony stands up and surveys the scene. People walking passed him as they make their way to the exit. He sees her walking with them. He knows he has to do it. It’s now or never. He moves over to her. She stops right in front of him and for a moment there is silence as they both look for permission to proceed.
“Hello again.” He says
“Hello” she replies
“I was going to see if you wanted that coffee but I haven’t seen you”
“I was on the night shift this week. At the hospital.”
“Oh right. Maybe some other time?”
“I’m not sure your wife would approve.”
Anthony’s brow furrows in confusion.
“My wife?” he asks
“I saw you getting out of the taxi with her and the wedding ring on her finger.”
“She’s not my wife. She’s my sister.”
Her eyes widen at the realisation of her error and she feels her face going warn through embarrassment. She breaks eye contact and looks around for anything to divert her from the mistake, to look anywhere but at him. She begins to move away from him hoping he won’t say anything.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I’m not married if that’s any help,” He says gently.
She looks up at his smiling face and feels herself relax. She doesn’t say anything but merely nods in understanding.
“So, maybe next week then?” He asks
“Maybe,” She replies
“I’m Anthony,” He says
“I’m Charlotte,” She replies.
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