A Dream...Chapter 3

Violet figured this was be a good time to journal and get a draft to-do list of the things she would handle her first week in the new city. She was certain that the train was the optimal choice for traveling as she sat legs crossed on the bench style seat. Her belongings were sprawled out on the little two person table; cocoa in hand, she lifted the mug to her lips. Violet was caught in a daze as the scenery whisked by. There were so many full green trees and little shanty houses tucked in the midst of nothingness. The thought crossed her mind that she had no idea where the train was or the time of day for that matter. It was nice for a change to be free of life’s constraints, even if it was for just a few moments. No appointments, no one to answer to, no bills for that matter. Heck, if it weren’t for Toby needing to get a text message or two, she would shut off her phone altogether.

Violet was startled by the knock on her door; she went up close to it “yes, what can I do for you?”
The male voice on the other side responded, “Ma’am I have a message for you, this is the car attendant Mel. I helped you with your belongings earlier.”
“Oh yes, one second,” as she unlatched the door and slide it halfway open, blocking it with her body. He handed her a small note card sized envelope.
“A gentleman requested that I deliver this to you, he is another passenger on the train. I hope you do not mind the interruption.”
“No, not a problem Mel,” it took Violet a few seconds to get her bearings and realize what gentleman he might be referring to. “Yes, thank you.” As she took the envelope, there was an awkward pause while Mel stood there without anything more to say. It was almost as if he was waiting for her to open the envelope. “Is that all Mel?”
“Yes Ma’am, I will be on duty until midnight if you need anything and then the other attendant comes on shift.”
“Thank you, good to know. Please, no need to call me Ma’am; I’ve hardly lived long enough to earn that title.” She extended her delicate un-manicured hand outside the confines of her cabin “call me Violet.” He took hold and she firmly shook, immediately letting go. She knew from experience that her energy was just too strong to pass it for a moment more through contact. She nodded her head as if to say good bye and with a half-smile, pulled the door shut ensuring to latch the lock.

Walking back to the table she slid her finger under the opening of the envelope to look at its contents. There was embossed lettering on the outside of the flap that appeared to be initials. Taking out the folded stationary there was legible writing almost a cross between cursive and print. “Dining car 44 @ 7.”

“How presumptuous and exciting,” she thought. Now she was forced to be cognizant of the time. It was 3:30, she wasn’t sure if she even felt up to this. She remembered his scent from the hallway. She still had time to think about her next move. Was this going down an all too familiar path? This was a train with many destinations, how likely could it be that he was getting off in Oxford. And if he was, what are the chances he lived there. What could one meal hurt? She sat back down at the table but journaling was the farthest thing from her mind now. In fact, she was getting antsy and beginning to second guess the whole train thing.

She lay down across the makeshift bed that was more like a bunk with her head facing toward the window. She could make out only the very top of high trees and some of the scenery, mostly skyline. There was a hint of scotch on her tongue…no it was the taste of the mouth she was exploring. It was a sweet scent on the breath of this masculine figure with a full bottom lip that she playfully tugged and nibbled at between her teeth. His hand was full of her breast and then his mouth. He tugged at her nipple between his teeth, first gentle then the pain increased. “This hurts. Is he biting me too hard? Should I make him stop?” Violet pinched his back then pulled away. With a loud thud she hit the floor and opened her eyes. This unfamiliar space was the train car but she was confused. Her upper lip was moist and she wiped beads of sweat from her head.

“I’m in the train car; I wonder how much time has passed?” She felt around for something to grab and hoist up to her feet. She felt along the wall for the lamp and pulled the string illuminating her car. It was twilight, almost completely dark outside. Her belongings were still spread out and she noticed the note. “What time is it?” she thought grabbing for her phone - 6:35.

She had been out much longer than she realized. Exhausted by the scenario, it took her a moment to realize she had a man’s business shirt on, completely unbuttoned. Her pants were scrunched down with one leg on and one leg out. Her left breast was soar and a there appeared to be some bruising. She touched her nipple and a little spot of blood was on her finger tip. “Maybe I should get out of this car for a little bit.” She hurriedly started to prepare herself for the 7 o’clock rendezvous.