The Train Station Ghost

Nine

  "When autumn darkness falls, what we will remember are the small acts of kindness: a cake, a hug, an invitation to talk, and every single rose. These are all expressions of a nation coming together and caring about its people. "

- Jens Stoltenberg

Several weeks had passed since Cora last talked to Xavier. Her life was back how it used to be. School, Work, Home. There were no more 4th block sessions in the library or anymore thirty minute drives to the train station to talk to a ghost but every since she first stopped talking to Xavier, Cora had been seeing more and morenghosts everyday. Sometimes the same ones on a daily basis or a new one.

Jacky had finally let go of who Xavier was and returned to her somewhat normal state. Cora had other things to worry about, like her brother Trevor. She hadn't honestly heard from him in a month and Cora's praying that nothing bad has happened to him. It would be a huge impact on her family and her brother's wife and their son.

Cora was off work today and was on her way to town park. More and more leaves continued to fall as the weather got colder. It was her favorite season. Cora always loved to wear her sweaters and her fall boots or wedges, it made her feel amazing but she still couldn't get over the fact girls were still wearing crop tops. It's fall, not summer. Move onnn already.

"Ember, Hey." Cora grinned, when her brother's fiancé picked up.

"Hi, It's been a long time. How are you?"

She could hear shuffling in the background and the light cries of two year old, Draven.

"I'm alright, I've just had a lot of things on my mind. I should've called sooner. How's Draven?"

"Yeah you should've." Ember joked. "He's good, healthy. Draven just really misses his dad."

"We both do. Things must be rough, have you heard anything?" 

"I'm managing and nope but I'm hoping too soon."

Cora shifted the phone to her left ear, making a right turn at Rutland City's park.

"Well tell me when you do..Are you coming up for thanksgiving?"

"Yes I am." Ember told her.

"Is your mom and dad coming?"

"They're going to try. Hey, I'm sorry but can I call you back later? I have to give Draven a bath."

"Of course Em, I understand. I love you."

"I love you too Cora the explorer." Ember teased.

Cora laughed softly. "Well bye." Then she hung up.

Cora turned off the ignition of her car and got out to walk around the park. The leaves crunched as she walked which made her smile. Fall was probably her favorite season next to Summer.

There were people out and about. Some simply just enjoying the weather like she was, a few were on their daily jog and others; the little kids were playing on the playground. A place her and her brother used to do and sometimes play dates she had with Rocky, Isaac, and Quinn.

The park was a place everyone loved especially the inner circle it had. There were trees and paths that surrounded a fountain in the middle. The fountain was filled with pennies of hopeful people who had wished upon this huge fountain.

Cora made her way over and stopped in front of it. She reached down into her jean pockets, pulling out a penny.

Cora rolled it around with her fingers before closing her eyes.

'I wish my brother would return home safe and sound.' She wished, opening her eyes and throwing the penny into the fountain.

"A penny for your thoughts?" A voice asked beside her. Cora jumped, turning to the face unknown man.

The man smirked. "Did I scare you?"

"A little."

She turned away from the man and started walking away. The man jogged towards her. "Hey Wait, I didn't get your name."

Cora bit her lip. "Cora." She had to admit he was a little cute.

The man grinned, stretching out his hand for her to shake."Simon but my friends call me Si for short."

Cora shook his hand lightly and they both began to walk with each other.

Simon turned his head towards her. "So, whats a pretty girl like you doing walking alone. Did your boyfriend not want to walk with you?"

"Oh, I don't have a boyfriend and just enjoying the weather. November is my favorite month to be honest."

"No boyfriend huh? I'm single too." Simon ran a hand through his black hair. "I like Winter. February is probably my favorite in this town. I have always been a fan of it because of the snow. It's just so fun to snowboard down."

"Oh you snowboard, where at?" Cora asked. They both took a seat on a bench facing the kids playground to finish their talk.

"Mammoth Mountain in California." He answered. "My family is from there originally."

"California wow. I've always wanted to go. Well I've went but that was when I was six and I can barely remember it. I just remember seeing a girl getting carried out of the water with a bloody arm. A shark attacked the women, and bit her arm off. Probably not the best beach experience I've ever had."

"Ouch, did she live?"

"Actually she did. Which I'm thankful for, I heard she's still surfing to this day."

The two of them kept with the small for over an hour until Simon had to go to work. They exchanged numbers and promised to talk again.

Something faded in and out in front of Cora's eyes before fading completely in and falling right in front of her.

It was Xavier but then again it wasn't, He looked different. Deathly Pale. Xavier's cheek bones were sucked in, Xavier had dark bags under his eyes, and he was bleeding from his nose.

"He-Help me." He begged, and passed out.

Abby appeared beside him, giving Cora a look and and stroking Xavier's cheek all at the same time. "I don't know what's wrong with him." Abby cried out. "He's been getting worse and worse since the last time you two argued."

Cora crouched beside the two. "I don't know what to do! I'm not a ghost doctor." She panicked.

"Just do something!"

"Like what?!" Cora asked frustrated. "I can't be seen talking to myself in a public place like this. Can you get him to my bedroom at home?"

"I can try."

She stood up. "Well meet me at my house, i'll try to hurry."

Abby nodded, placing her hands over Xavier. They both began to shimmer then they disappeared.

Cora let out a sigh, running a hand through her hair before running to her car.