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| Strangers on a train...an exercise | ||||||
| Alison was sitting comfortably, minding her own business and reading her book, when her peace was rudely interrupted by the opening and slamming of the carriage door. She looked up and there he was, this stranger. She glanced at him briefly before returning her gaze to her book. He had what she could only describe as 'presence,' and she found herself drawn to him, unable to concentrate on her reading. | ||||||
| She noticed that he had to stoop slightly to avoid bumping his head on the luggage rack as he effortlessly threw his tatty brown bag to rest there. He shrugged himself out of his damp coat and shook it, before folding it neatly and placing it too on the rack beside his bag. He looked around for a second before making his choice and lowering himself into the seat across from her, his legs splayed out in front of him, almost touching hers. | ||||||
| He noticed her watching him and smiled the briefest of smiles, his mouth barely turning at the corners. Alison felt the hot flush of embarrassment begin rising from her chest and flaming upwards and outwards across her face. She quickly dropped her gaze to the page in front of her and pretended to read. | ||||||
| Martin had already slammed the door and let out a small sigh of relief when he noticed the girl sitting by the far window. Annoyance flashed across his face for a second, furrowing his brow and dancing darkly in his eyes, as he realised he would have company for this part of his journey .He glanced at her, performing a perfunctory assessment, before registering his disinterest and setting about making himself comfortable. Once he had stowed his rather soggy coat and cumbersome bag, he looked around for a place to sit. It seemed to him a ridiculous thing to do in a carriage with only one other occupant, and he felt rather foolish as he took his seat opposite her. Stretching his legs out in front of him, he took a more leisurely look at his travelling companion. | ||||||
| Alison could feel his eyes boring into her. He was probably undressing her, feasting on her flesh in his imagination...She shivered slightly, a frisson of excitement travelling the length of her spine, spreading goose pimples along the way. She knew she was being ridiculous. Her mouth felt dry and she licked her lips. | ||||||
| Mousey. That was the only way to describe her Martin decided. A noble looking woman, wearing the uniform of the librarian or nanny perhaps. Dark skirt, thick stockings and sensible shoes, the kind with laces. His eyes travelled upwards to note her grey woollen coat, undone to show a navy blue cardigan with buttons all the way to the starched collar of her white blouse. Travelling further still, he took in her slightly bent head with fine features , but most of all her noticed her hair. It was tied tightly in a kind of knot on the top of her head but it glinted and glowed like fire in the light from the window. She was not mousey at all. As he continued to stare at her hair, she looked up and caught him. | ||||||
| Alison stared straight into the eyes of the stranger and was shocked to see how cold they were, glassy grey and empty. He didn't seem to register her presence and she flustered , reaching in her handbag for a handkerchief to cover her embarrassment. As she put it to her face, the scent of lavender filled the carriage and she breathed deeply, inhaling the relaxing perfume. | ||||||
| The scent of lavender assailed his nostrils and he looked up to find her gazing levelly at him over the top of the handkerchief she held to her face. Her eyes were warm bowls of amber liquid and he could feel himself falling..... | ||||||
| She dropped her gaze to the floor between their feet, trying to concentrate but finding herself distracted by his proximity. He smelled of fresh air and she found herself wanting to kiss him. Horrified she felt another flush rising.... | ||||||
| Martin closed his eyes. He couldn't look at her a minute longer. He could drown in those eyes. He had this uncontrollable urge to stroke her hair. Whatever was happening to him? | ||||||
| Alison shifted in her seat. Her shivers had turned to unbearable heat and she felt faint. She stood to try to open the window, but train jolted slightly and she lost her balance. She could feel herself falling.... | ||||||
| Martin saw her coming towards him and instinctively held out his arms to catch her. He wasn't sure if she had fallen or had fainted, but there she was in his arms. He looked down at her and as she opened her eyes, he fell.... | ||||||
| Alison yielded to his lips and the kiss seemed to last forever. The heat from her body melding with the coldness from his. Warmth spread through them both and they each knew that their journey was over. They had come home. | ||||||
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