Painhurst Station

I sat at the old station, waiting for my perpetually late 18:00 train, the early summer sunbathed Painhurst in a caramel, golden light. The windows twinkled with light.The dirt and empty food packets danced and tickled the floor around my toes. The station, usually quiet and devoid of many people echoed with the sounds of departing footsteps and closing shutters as the nearby cafe wrapped up for the day. The lingering scents of brewed coffee beans and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, mingling with the floral notes of the season, it definitely made me hungry. Despite the delay, I didn't mind the wait, I found a gentle peace in the tranquillity of the moment, watching the world pass by in a hazy, dreamlike state, I couldn't wait to get home. I waited peacefully for the arrival of my train. I think I was still half asleep, yawning and stretching every couple minutes that ticked by. Emma sat on the worn wooden bench, her right foot tapping anxiously on the floor as the minutes ticked by. Sniffing the air, her mouth ready for breakfast, she waits. Her long chocolate brown hair cascaded over her shoulders and her bright brown eyes reflected the remainder of the sunlight. Emma inhaled a sense of quiet anticipation, she was eager to return home after a long day's work, thoughts of dinner dancing in her mind, the tempting aroma of bacon from the nearby cafe fuelling her hunger and ideas for dinner. Finally, as the train pulled in, Emma stood, brushed her palms off her navy work trousers and boarded. Emma found a window seat to watch the sunset stain the sky in hues of soft oranges and pinks, sitting down gently, feeling her hands and fingers ache, she stretched and sighed in relief as her bum touched the seat, feeling the warmth of the flickering sunlight through the trees on her cheeks as the train started it's journey. Emma laid her head back, eyes on the window, sunlight blinding her eyes almost, squinting she was simply watching the world from her very own front seat. The train journey was silent, it was never usually lively and the rhythmic sound of the tracks lulled her into a peaceful state of reflection as she looked forward to a cosy evening with a delicious bacon butty. I finally arrived back, feeling exhausted and with aching hands, I unbuttoned my sticky, worn uniform. With each button I took a deep inhale and exhale, my white shirt stained from drops of coffee I had on break, my finger tips tingled and ached from all my hard work. I jumped into the shower quickly with such grace I almost slipped and knocked my favourite sweet peach and strawberry body scrub into the tub. I was always a clumsy one. I soaped up my arms, legs and everything else. Running my hands through my hair and massaging my scalp, I was so ready to crash for the evening. Squirting the last big blob of shower gel into my palms, I washed my feet and massaged between my toes softly pushing placing pressure on all my little achy bits. I washed off the stress of the day, washing my tired body slowly, the warm water running over me felt like a safety blanket, head tilted back, I wondered what tomorrow would bring, I didn't want it to stop. With deep breaths and a big sigh, I stood for a little while, holding myself, my soft soapy skin, toasty and relaxed, feeling better, I took another deep breath, switched off the shower and stepped out, one foot at a time. I got round to making that lovely bacon butty, the smoke drowned my kitchen in an oily aroma, I felt proud not to waste my money in the cafe, when I could clearly make a delicious butty myself. I headed to bed after that, I was exhausted and needed to get up early. Another day done. Emma glances at her alarm clock, noting the date as Thursday 8th of May. With a sense of routine, she carefully places her uniform on, fastening each button over her chest, feeling the snug familiarity of her work attire squeeze her breasts together. Despite her weariness, Emma's walk to the train station was pleasant, the early cool air adding a refreshing touch to the morning. The slight chill yet warmth in the air serves as a soft reminder of the changing season as she makes her way to catch her train. It was a short walk, just past the post office and the local bakery. I always had a cheeky whiff as walking by... then down the hill, round to the right and just past the petrol station sat Painhurst station. I always preferred walking, I owned a poor excuse for a car, which I only ever drove when picking up my groceries. I rather liked the walk to work. As I boarded the train, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks on the opposite platform beneath put me into a sense of calm again. I arrived at the station, I stepped off onto Platform 3, greeted by the hustle and bustle of commuters rushing to their destinations and running to loved ones. This morning was a bit busier than usual. Seeking a moment of respite, I made my way into the nearby cafe, I had enough time and I sure was hungry, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was enticing me as always, my legs yet to waken, I felt super lazy.. I just couldn't function without a latte or even a flat white, f**k it, I'm not that picky when it comes to coffee but I do love nothing more before work. The barista handed me the most perfect hot, foamy steaming cup of coffee, the warmth seeping into my palms and invigorating my senses, I felt goosebumps all down my arms and chest. I thanked her and gave her a fimilar smile. As I pinched my lips to the cup for a sip, I looked out of the dirty, greased-up cafe window, the condensation creating a hazy view of the station beyond. My eyes locked with those of a dark-haired man standing on the platform, his gaze intense and captivating, yet odd. Time seemed to stand still for a moment, we shared a fleeting moment of connection before the train whistle blew, signaling its departure, knocking my eyes off the gaze and back onto my coffee. I sipped again, searching for a seat. He's still watching me, I sensed it, felt it, looking from the corner of my eye, I felt his stare. Does he always stare at people like this? Did I get dressed in the dark? I looked down at my uniform and investigated for any sign of old coffee stains or something. I shrugged it off. Maybe he wasn't looking at me. I pulled out a chair and wiggled my bum into my seat, avoiding my gaze from the window as much as possible. I pushed my bum back into my chair comfortably and tried to relax. As I sat in the cosy confines of Painhurst cafe, I was trying to avoid my attention which was drawn to this dark-haired, tall man in a navy suit. Yes he was still staring. Yes I had no idea what to do! I glanced. "f**k" I murmured under my breath. He saw me look. Oh god, oh god. A faint smile played on his lips before he turned and walked past the window, I felt a mix of curiosity and unease and a passing thought of feeling confused. I squeezed my thighs together tightly. I was determined to shake off the strange encounter, no one smiled at me like that before.