Sanctuary of the Odd

Chapter 49: Pulling into Station

We cuddled until the train was in station. As soon as the train had screeched to a stop, Lexine climbed up the ladder.

"Alright love birds, time to get off!"

I'm so glad we weren't still kissing when she came up here.

The vampire gave us a sly look. "Ooh la la! Sounds like someone took my advice!"

DAMN NARRATION!

She chuckled, but mercifully climbed back down leaving us alone again. I was about to get up, but Raina instead pulled me in for another kiss. After a moment, she pulled away, looking me deep in the eyes. "I love you, Anne."

"I love you too, Raina."

"YOU TWO BETTER NOT BE GETTING FRISKY UP THERE!" Shouted Lexine. "IT'S TIME TO GO!"

Eventually we climbed down. The two of us were practically glowing.

Foxman approached us. "Looks like you two had a good train ride!"

Lexine chuckled under her breath. Hush you!

"It was a wonderful time! Thank you for inviting all of us!" Raina said, being way more polite than I was.

I decided to follow her lead. "Yes, thank you!"

"Oh, it was a given to have the local leadership along for the founding of a city! Honestly, the honor was with all us."

"Welp, I'm heading off." Stated Panchi. "Gotta touch base with the SSD."

"Thank you for coming with us Panchi! Sorry our romance surely tempered your experience a bit." Raina said, bowing to her apologetically.

"Eh, it's fine. You two are background noise at this point." She commented. "Nothing but two birds mating in a tree nearby."

What a flattering way to describe us. I thought. Panchi left us.

Foxman bows. "Thank you again for traveling with us! I've got to help out with the train!" He said, running off.

"I have business to attend to myself. Or more like," Lexine grabs Raina by the wrist, "WE have business to attend to!"

Raina gulped heavily. "Huh? What do you need me for?"

"Your curtsy was off when you greeted Elodia on the first day. We've gotta review."

"You weren't even there for that! How would you know?!?"

"A lady has her ways." She said with a smirk. "I'll see you later, Anne!"

Lexine dragged Raina away. She reached out for me for help, but I didn't know what I could do for her.

With those two gone, I was alone on the platform... Wait, no, Granny Sota was standing there. She was looking at Sanctuary, but her eyes were shaking as if she wasn't even registering what was right in front of her. She was transfixed.

"Granny Sota?"

Her lips quivered. "Yes! Yes, I promise!"

"Promise what?"

Then suddenly, tears started to run down her face. I've never seen her cry before. She finally broke her gaze and stared at the ground. Under her breath, she says, "I don't deserve it... Not one bit..."

"Granny?" I reached out and laid my arm on her shoulder. My touch sent a chain reaction through her whole body that spread until it connected with her head. She turned to look at me, tear soaked cheeks and all. "Are you okay?"