She Was...

Invited

After what felt like seconds, Abeline was stuffing Xavier's wallet into her bag, and stepping out of the taxi. Before her loomed the enlarged building of the city's train station. Abeline was almost free; free to find her new family. She just needed to move forward, just one little step. 

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Abeline took that first step and entered through the ever busy rotating doors. 

The station was a hub of activity. People were dragging luggage behind them, mothers were trying to keep their children within acceptable behavior, and others were trying to get to the right platform as last calls were announced over the various speakers that hung over head. It took a few moments for Abeline to adjust to the new surroundings. This place was easily the most crowded place she has ever been; it was hard to adjust quickly like any other place she's been. Abeline was quickly aware that standing in the entrance way wasn't a good idea, making her push forward towards the line to purchase a ticket.

"Next!" yelled a counter-attendant to her left.

Abeline jerked back to reality and took hesitant steps to the person that beckoned her forward. Feeling their bored eyes on her, Abeline thought it would be easy to get where she needed. But where did one go to look for a family? "Hello, I'd like a ticket please. I need to get away. I need to get to my mom." she requested in her most grown-up way. Abeline didn't have very many proper role models, so she hoped she sounded okay; at the very least, as someone who knew what they were doing.

The attendant looked at her with skepticism. He knew something wasn't right. Before deciding to whether or not to go through training protocol, he asked "And why would a young lady such as yourself need to get away?"

Taken aback, Abeline knew she had to lie, fast, and make it believable. Almost with out skipping a beat, she said "Well, my dad is abusive and I need to get to my mom's in Tulsa. Will you help me?"

The attendant was perplexed. He can tell she has had it rough, and needed to get away; but something wasn't right. It was so wrong, that it might just fit in with what he needed for his side hustle. "Well little lady, we have 2 trains leaving today for Tulsa. But I'll need an adults signature in order to get you a ticket. Do you have anybody?" he asked in the kindest way he could muster. Containing too fast growing excitement, was almost too much. 

"There is nobody. I just - I just really need to go to my moms. Please, is there anyway you can help me? A way for me to not have an adults signature?" she pleaded. Her plan was slowly falling apart. If she couldn't get out of this city, how can she find a family? Tears started to well up in Abeline's eyes as she started to feel defeat while looking at the ticket attendant. "Is there another way I can get to Tulsa?"

A lightbulb appeared within the attendants sight. Truly and figuratively. He saw the light above and to his left briefly blink on as the rare opportunity rose. Keeping himself in check, the attendant decided to ignore the protocols he was trained to do, and turn this situation into his favor. Without looking away from the girl in front of him, the attendant gave a brief but discreet  hand signal before responding "Well young lady, if you're willing to wait, I can drive you to Tulsa to get you to your mother. Meet me out back in six hours. We'll discuss payment then. But i suggest you leave, since my manager is coming now. See you then" the man rushed as he stood up straight and began to push buttons at his desk. It was a rushed dismissal, but he couldn't have people suspecting him of anything.

Abeline blinked in shock as she took an involuntary step back from the counter. She didn't want to be questioned by the approaching adult. She turned around and started to walk away as the information given to her was tryinng to process itself. She had a ride out of here, but had to wait six hours. And what did the man mean they could discuss payment? Did she have cash to be driven? Perhaps she should hide somewhere and see what she had left of Xavier's money. Was he trustworthy? It was all confusing for Abeline. She wasn't sure on what to do, or how to handle the situation. She most definately needed to take a moment and process and make sure she had enough for the journey ahead.