Echoes of Us

Chapter 2

Jamie was in his car heading to the train station immediately after the meeting when his mind began racing. The warning in the note felt personal—it was someone who knew him well enough to play on his insecurities. Perhaps it was someone from his past, someone embittered by his success. He couldn't pinpoint who could be unto him

“Sir, we are here,” the driver announced. He got down and opened the door, picked up his backpack, and stepped out. He then went into the train, having already changed into something casual.

Sofia boarded the train just in time before its departure. She hurriedly searched for her seat and flopped down onto it, trying to catch her breath after running to avoid missing the train. She noticed Jamie sitting in front of her.

“Hello,” she greeted him with a warm smile.

“Hey,” he responded coldly without looking her way. Sofia felt disappointed by his rudeness, but she ultimately didn’t care that much. Jamie had his head buried in his laptop, going through the security footage of the days preceding the incident, hoping to find something or someone suspicious.

Bored, Sofia pulled a book from her bag to read and sipped the soda she had bought on her way to the train station.

The sound she made while sipping the soda caught Jamie's attention. He looked up at her with the intention of scolding her, but he was taken aback by Sofia's beauty.

“I can't concentrate if you keep staring,” she said after noticing Jamie's gaze.

“Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to distract you. The sound you made while sipping the soda reminded me of an old friend.” Sofia kept a straight face, still focused on her book. Jamie felt an unusual urge to strike up a conversation; he needed to take his mind off the incident at the office.

“That's an interesting read you have there. It's unfortunate that the book has a tragic end, and—”

“No!!!” she yelled. “Why would you do that?” Feeling disgusted.

“Do what?” Jamie said, looking confused.

“I haven't gotten through half the book, and you intend to spoil it. You don’t do that!” She closed the book and put it back in her bag.

“I'm genuinely sorry; I didn't mean to be a spoiler.” When she looked into his blue, teary eyes, something about his apology sounded sincere.

“You should never do that again.”

“Noted. Permit me to recommend a better book.”

“Okay…”

“The Flower That Blooms All Day by Saurin Soul. I promise you, that book will change your perspective on love.”

“Really? Now you sound like someone trying to pitch me to read his book.” He chuckled. “Are you certain your name isn't Saurin Soul?” Jamie laughed hard, which was unlike him. The sound of his laughter made Sofia giggle. “Alright, I will check it out. You’ve convinced me, which is very rare. I usually don’t like book recommendations.”

“And why is that?”

“Mostly, I'm usually not impressed because the recommendations are usually better than the book.”

“Oh, I see. But I promise you this book will meet your expectations. I'll pause there; let me not over-recommend.” They both laughed.

“You know, it's surprising. You don't look like a romantic guy. I mean, someone who reads romance novels.”

“Really?” Jamie said with a surprised look.

“Yeah, you give off the vibe of an introverted computer geek.”

“Wow…” They both laughed.

“I'm sorry; I didn't mean to sound offensive.”

“It's okay. A computer geek shouldn't be that bad.” He smiled at her, and she responded with a genuine smile.

“Honestly, you look extremely beautiful.”

“Thanks.” She smiled back.

“I love your smile,” he grinned, causing Sofia to giggle.

“I think that's enough flattery for now.”

“Actually, I just got started.”

“Hmm… I know your type. You guys say things you don’t mean just to get into a lady's pants, and once you do… Boom!! Mission accomplished.” Jamie smiled and nodded in disagreement.

“You may be right and wrong. Individuals differ; some may want to get into your pants and stay there forever.”

“Hmm… really? That’s new.” She smiled and sipped her soda. “But seriously, what do you do?” she probed.

“Well, I’m a businessman.”

“Hmm, I see what you’re doing there. Trying to be vague. It’s cool; I’m a stranger. You probably don’t want me probing into your business.” He nodded in agreement.

“So what about you?”

“I’m a nurse.”

“Hmm, that's nice. You…”

PAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH…!!!

A loud sound echoed in the air, followed by screams from the passengers on board. Panic filled the train. Sofia closed her eyes and placed her left hand on her chest, trying to calm herself down from the shock. Jamie felt confused but curious to know what had happened. He reached out to her hand on the table and held it tightly, noticing how frightened she was. Jamie's cold hand brought her a sense of calm. They noticed the speed of the train receding, this prompted him to stand up and go check out what was wrong.

“Please be careful,” Sofia said, offering a reassuring nod. Sofia peered out the window, searching for any signs of trouble, but nothing seemed amiss. The atmosphere in the train was tense, filled with murmurs of uncertainty and fear. Moments later, Jamie returned. By then, the train had come to a complete halt.