Could Have, Should Have, Didn't - A Narnia Fanfiction

Chapter Two: Train Ride

The hissing and slamming, booming of machinery, and engines slowing and racing brought Edmund's attention back to the long line of people they stood in. He glanced around, making sure their visas and tickets were accounted for, if they lost those, their trip would be cut short.

"My feet are starting to hurt." Edith frowned. "Why did I decide to wear heels?"

Lucy patted her arm. "I'm sorry. We can't be in line for much longer."

"Or- we could be." Timothy scowled, then grinned as they all looked his way. "We could be stuck here for hours. Your feet will probably fall off Edith."

Edith crossed her arms. "That doesn't happen." But she looked a bit worried now.

Rita sighed, ignoring Timothy. "It's going to be strange away from home, and it's not only a trip. It's forever." Tears filled her eyes. "I'm going to really miss Jill..."

"So am I," Lucy agreed, "She is a good friend."

He'd miss her too. 

Not Uncle Harold. All that man did was read the newspaper, he hadn't even bothered to be home to say goodbye, he had wanted to be out so he didn't have to deal with them once more. The same with Aunt Alberta, she only ever shrieked and demanded. He knew he should be grateful for the fact that his aunt and uncle even let them stay at their house, yet, if he had to live with any other family, even a random one, it might've been a more enjoyable time.

Poor Eustace had Aunt Alberta and Uncle Harold as parents; that had to be truly awful! He couldn't imagine living with them his entire life like his cousin had. A few years was bad enough. Though, it still weighed on him to be leaving it all- possibly for forever as Rita said.
To be leaving the house he had spent so many years in felt odd. He had learned so many things, fell in love, even if it was unfortunate; figured out all the tricks to play on his aunt and uncle, he'd... felt a little at home.

Crazily, he might really miss this place.

The only people he would honestly miss here in London would be Jill and Eustace. The rest of the kids, the bullies, his "friends"- who honestly weren't a very good influence, and Mr. Booker, his school principal, he would never feel a heavy heart for- never miss. He hadn't even said goodbye.

While they waited endlessly for the train to arrive, he counted the minutes away in his head, seconds passing like years.

The rest drummed their fingers against their suitcases, yawning in boredom, tired eyes inspecting each passing person.

Lucy hung by Rita's side, a smidge of worry pinched in her features. She was worried about everything, he could tell, or, at least he assumed. And he also assumed that if his sister was worried, she was worried about Jill and Eustace, about never going back to Narnia, about leaving friends she'd made in school. About leaving her homeland.

A feeling of sorrow washed through him, he wanted to make her feel better, but what he could he say?- the worries she had, he had too, and he had no answers for them.

Holding her chin high, standing tall, Rita seemed ready to confront anything. Climb any mountain. Cross any ocean. Ride aboard any boat. Travel to any new country.

Almost ready.

Ed knew how hard it was going to be; all this traveling, all this change. Soon, she wouldn't be so strong and hopeful. Her smile would fade, her strength would fall and her wishful spirits would tumble down along with it.

Across from him, Timothy hugged his coat to himself, cold already. The journey ahead couldn't be much warmer, or more inviting. They should enjoy the warmth coming from the many people scurrying around while it lasted.