[Jade]
It was just one Sunday when we met. You were sitting there, staring out the window as the buildings pass us by. It was so serene. It was as if you were at peace. I had my own smile then as I stood in front of you. I couldn't hide my fondness for how you looked. So calm. I wish I was too. For a moment, at least, I was. Thanks to you.
"Have a seat, miss." Your deep and husky tone brought me out of my trance. I stared at you, paling as I realized I must've looked dumb with a smile on.
"Oh! Uhm. Thanks." I stuttered back as I sat in your place, my head down, eyes on your shoes.
I couldn't raise my head up, still shy and stunned. Also because my anxiety started to creep back in as people stared when I sat. It was too much. Why is sitting down such a big deal? Should it be? What's wrong with me? But then I hear you again and everything just melts inside me. Your laugh was so cute. It made the smile creep back up my face.
My eyes still trained on your feet, I noticed how they kept on moving. You might be having a hard time balancing? The train ride is not a smooth one especially now that the trail kept making zigzags.
"Have a seat, mister." I patted the now empty space beside me, hoping that you would take the seat beside mine. You smiled down at me as you occupied the seat. Your smile is so blinding. It leaves me breathless. How can one train ride make you smile? Is it the view? Is it the fact that it's a Sunday, families buzzing on the ride as they make small talk of their one-day vacation?
How I wish I could smile genuinely like you.
__________
[Ace]
It was so embarrassing how I kept missing my balance. Her eyes were always on my feet. I feel like I'm being judged. Is it too obvious that this was my first train ride ever? I must look so pathetic.
"Are you okay?" The girl asked me after some moments of silence between us. I laughed awkwardly, my sweaty palms hidden behind my neck.
"That obvious, huh?"
"Obvious?" Her eyes, my favorite shade of green that I can't put a name on, stare at me. Question marks all over her face.
"Yeah. Obvious that this was my first train ride?" My voice so low, not wanting anyone else to hear me.
"Oh, it is?" She covers her mouth as she giggles quietly. "Don't worry. It's our secret then."
She smiles so sweetly. No judgement in her voice and eyes. Why couldn't I have met her sooner? Why now when everything is-
"Hey? Don't think too much about it. Everyone has their own first experience on train rides. I did too."
Warm. So warm. The sun from the window feels so warm as she talks about her first train ride when she was in high school. She was fun to talk to. No awkward silence once she remembers another story in the middle of her current one.
"So, where's your stop?" She takes a breath as she finishes her story.
"Nowhere. I mean-" I couldn't stop the laugh that escaped me. Her face was priceless. And she even dare ask if I was homeless or if I ran away. She was willing to take me in, a total stranger, in her home.
Why did I have to meet her? Why just now? The year has what? More than 300 days and I had to meet her at the most unconventional time of my life.
I told her how I just wanted a look at the city from a different view since my hotel window, although better than any paintings in my hotel room, was getting too repetitive for me. Always the same view of the same city. I told her how suffocated I felt even if I was free to leave anytime. I told her how I wanted to have my windows change views every time I wake up.
"I hate routines." The train arrived at it's next stop. People come and go. "So, your stop?" I added quietly, my eyes passing by her own green ones before coming back to the train windows.
"I get down at the last station. That's where my school is. Just a few minutes of walking after this long ride."
"Last station it is, then."
