Off Track

Part 1: Keeley

There was something in the air today. Something...off. Maybe it was the biting cold winds that came out of nowhere or the strange fog that settled around the city at three in the afternoon, but whatever it was, I didn't have a good feeling.

Of course, it could be the guilt that plagued me. It hung around my neck like a noose. Not only was I lying to my best friend and brother, but I was also lying to my boyfriend, Talon. I knew he'd be pissed when he found out, especially after everything we'd been through. Secrets had driven us apart before and we swore never to repeat those same mistakes. I hated breaking that promise.

Don't get me wrong. It wasn't an easy decision. I'd debated with myself for weeks, agonizing over what to do. Every time I came close to telling him, something stopped me. Fear, perhaps. I knew how he would react. I suppose I could have told Nicky, my best friend, or Zach, my twin brother, but if they knew what I was doing, they would try and talk me out of it. Sure, they'd package it as friendly "advice" but come on, let's be real. It would be what they want, not what I want.

I walked through the door of the station and stopped in front of the board flashing the schedule of all the trains. I wasn't the most seasoned traveller so I stood there for a while, trying to figure out which train would take me back home to Edgewood.

I thought I saw it when a guy with headphones stepped in front of me, blocking my view. Frustrated and slightly annoyed, I moved around him and gave him the stink eye. Not that he noticed. He was too busy staring at his phone. Whatever was on there had to be fascinating because he didn't lift his head for one second.

I looked back at the board, my nose scrunching as I searched for my hometown, but I couldn't find it. I waited a couple more minutes, hoping it would pop up, but nothing. It was like it had vanished or something.

I glanced around, hoping to find someone who could help. Several people passed by, but each time I tried talking to them, they brushed me off. Finally, I saw an older man with a daily rail pass and a rather large potbelly kneel down to tie his shoe laces, which had come undone. Perfect.

Hurrying over, I said, "Excuse me, but I'm trying to get to Edgewood."

The lines on his weathered face deepened as his head popped up. He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Edgewood?"

I noticed a slight tremor to his hands. Reminded me of Aunt Karen who jumped at the smallest sound. We always had to be extra quiet around her. "Edgewood," I repeated softly. "Do you know what train I should—"

"Six," he mumbled. "Train six."

I was impressed that knew it off the top of his head. Less impressed by his manners. Maybe he just didn't like kids. Not that I was that young or anything. I was a senior in high school after all. "Do you know what platform—"

"Twelve."

"Oh. Thanks. I really appreciate—"

"Sure," he said, cutting me off for the third time. He struggled to get to his feet. I bent forward to give him a hand, but he jerked back like he thought I was infectious. What was wrong with this guy? Maybe he was a germophobe. Would explain why he was so eager to get away from me. Either that or I had forgotten to put deodorant on again.

The man finally stood. He gave me a quick nod, then paled as he looked over my shoulder. I turned around, curious to see what had frightened the man. It was another guy—an extremely tall guy dressed in all black.

I wasn't going to lie. He scared me. Something about the leather pants and the way he held himself screamed danger. I prayed he wasn't on my train.

He slowly smirked like he saw something amusing. Then he winked.

I blinked. Was that for me?

A strangled sound came from the man behind me. Worried, I turned back but he was already scurrying away. What on Earth was going on?

As I watch him leave, I couldn't help but notice the jacket he wore was a size too small. When he stuffed his hands in his pocket, his elbows stuck out, making him look like a bird trying to flap its wings. I would have thought it funny if it hadn't been for the awkward gait to his step. It looked like he had a stiff back or something. Poor guy. Clearly, he was having a rough day.

I felt my phone vibrate and pulled it out of my purse. It was a text from my boyfriend, Talon.

Talon: Are we still on for tonight?

Crap. We were supposed to be going to the movies with some of his friends, but I really didn't want to go. What if he asked where I was today or what I was doing? I was already feeling guilty. Telling more lies would only make it worse.

Me: I don't know. I'm not feeling too well.

Talon: We can just stay in and watch a movie. Keep it low key.

Me: Let's do that tomorrow night instead.

Talon: What's going? You've been avoiding me for the past month.

So he did notice. I hadn't been sure. He'd been making little comments here and there but they seemed innocent enough. Knowing him, he was probably waiting for me to speak up. I re-read his text. Seemed he was done waiting. My time had officially run out.

I typed in several excuses, but each one sounded lamer than the last. How did I tell my boyfriend that I had a change of heart?

I couldn't think of a good response so I put my phone away without replying. I'd answer when I was closer to home. Maybe by then I would have the courage to tell him the truth.

As I headed to the platform, my mind was so focused on my problem with Talon that I wasn't paying attention. My heel caught on something black and I stumbled. Throwing my arms out, I braced for the ground, already preparing myself for broken bones and bruised skin. But just as I was about to hit someone grabbed my arm and yanked me upright. 

*****

I worked with two other Wattpad writers to create a story inspired by the upcoming film, The Girl on the Train in theaters October 7. 

This story, Off Track, is about three people whose lives intersect while on a train. My chapter is from Keeley Brewer's point of view. She's the main character from my story, The Cell Phone Swap. You'll also see Elliot Fintry from Saving Elliot by Rose North and Death from Katarina Tonks' Death Is My BFF series.

Smiles,

Lindsey