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Strangers on a Train
By Emma

It was the last seat in the carriage, but she'd made it. Nina pushed past the rucksacks and briefcases, the tangle of business suited limbs, and sat down heavily. Her feet were killing her. She dropped her bag on the floor and leaned her head back against the seat. She closed her eyes as a distorted voice rattled from the speakers, announcing the list of station-stops. With a gentle rumble the train began to move, swaying a little as it picked up speed. Sighing heavily, Nina lowered her head, opened her eyes. She stared at the floor, the trampling of autumn mud and leaves, discarded chewing gum, the jumble of shoes.

Her eye was caught by something out of place. She gazed at the boots of the person sitting opposite her; they stood out amongst the sensible shoes nearby. Casually she let her eyes follow the patent black curves that stopped just short of the man's knees. A simple long black skirt, slashed to the thigh, clung to his lower body, flowed over the boots. A single silver chain glinted at the neck of his dark red shirt and a scuffed black jacket hung on his shoulders. There was a weary look on his face; complex blue eyes gazed listlessly out of the window. A smudge of silver emphasised the depth of their colour.

Nina hadn't realised she was staring until he turned his gaze back into the carriage. He glanced at her face and they locked eyes for a split second. Instinctively, she turned her head away, watched the blur of trees and fields and fences shuttle past outside. For a few minutes she didn't dare look back at him. She tried to get a grip, telling herself she was just being silly. Taking a deep breath, she turned her head back towards him. Even before their eyes met, she could feel his gaze upon her. She had to force herself not to look away; her heart was racing. There was a slight smile on his lips. They stayed like that for a little while, watching each other cautiously. Nina could hear the soft buzz of other people's conversations, the clatter of the wheels on the track. All the time, her eyes never left his. Then he broke the gaze by running a slow lingering look the length of her body. He met her eyes again, his smile widening just for a second. She felt a blush colour her cheeks. He shifted in his seat, exposing a little more of the soft flesh of his thigh, almost daring her to look. The man in the seat next to him fidgeted uncomfortably; they both noticed it, shared an astute smile. Nina gave in to her feelings then, let her eyes trail slowly down his body, longing to run her hands over the dark fabrics, feel the soft skin beneath them. She realised she was breathing a little harder and dragged her gaze back up to his face. He was toying with the necklace, twisting the chain between his fingers; their nails painted deep ruby red. His fingertips brushed gently against his neck and all the time he was watching her.

Suddenly, with a shudder, the train drew to a stop. The spell was broken. Nina looked out of the window; it was her stop. Blindly she grabbed her bag and hurried to the door. It was cooler on the platform, the sky darkening with the promise of rain. She paused at that moment; her bag clutched against her chest, and turned back to face the train. She heard the whistle and it slowly began to move. Her eyes scanned the carriage, found him. As the train picked up speed she saw him press his fingertips against the window and his eyes met hers once more.  She stayed frozen on the platform as he disappeared from view.