𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 ✔

𝐓𝐰𝐨

𝐋𝐲𝐫𝐚

The platform was busy— people rushing by, trains arriving and departing, the distant echo of announcements over the PA system. I stood under the awning, waiting, watching as people hurried by with umbrellas and hastily wrapped scarves. My thoughts were still scattered, drifting back to the striking stranger from the train—his piercing blue eyes, the unexpected heat of his breath against my neck. I shook my head slightly, trying to dispel the image, but it lingered like the scent of rain on my skin.

I sighed, pulling out my black umbrella, shaking it out as I stepped into the drizzle. Just as I unfurled it, I caught sight of a familiar white BMW i4 parked not too far ahead. Jenifer Barlowe emerged from the driver's side, a wide grin spreading across her face as she popped open her own umbrella, striding toward me.

"Lyra!" she called out, her voice cutting through the rain as she waved me over. Her smile was warm, brightening the dreary day instantly.

I hurried toward her, the wheels of my trolley dragging slightly on the slick pavement. As I approached, Jenifer stepped forward, her own umbrella shielding her as she took the trolley from my hand. "Let me help you with that. You must be freezing!" she said, concern lacing her tone.

"Merci, Jen," I replied with a grateful smile, allowing her to take the heavier load. 

She quickly took one of my trolleys, and we made our way to the car. We loaded the bags into the trunk before slipping into the warm interior of the car, the sound of the rain now a distant patter against the roof. The moment the door closed behind us, Jenifer sighed in contentment and turned on the heater, a soft hum filling the air.

"Ugh, England and its rain," she muttered with a fond smile. "It's like it never stops."

"I do like it," I replied, my own smile matching hers as I buckled my seatbelt. "Though, I wouldn't mind some sun every now and then."

Jenifer hummed as she turned the steering wheel as she pulled into the road, "How was the trip? Not too terrible, I hope?"

"It was... interesting," I replied, buckling my seatbelt as I glanced out the window. The memory of the stranger's intense gaze flitted through my mind once more, but I pushed it aside, focusing on Jenifer instead.

She raised an eyebrow, catching the slight hesitation in my voice, her eyes still on the road. "Interesting? That's not a word I usually hear from you. Something happened?"

I hesitated as I tucked a stray strand of my brown hair behind my ear, "I did meet some interesting people here"

"Oh?" Jenifer shot me a curious glance as she eased the car merging onto the narrow, rain-slicked streets. "Anyone worth mentioning?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to describe the encounter. "Just someone on the train. We didn't talk much, but... he was... striking."

Jenifer raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Striking, huh? Tell me more."