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Chapter 2

My everything was sore, especially my feet. I stuck to the railroads, knowing I at least had some type of path. I traveled until there was nothing but forest on both sides of me. I had been traveling for hours it seemed. The skies had grown dark along with my path. There seemed to be no point in continuing the dreaded walk now with no light to lead me. I ventured slightly off the rails, just enough to find a small creek to dip my feet in.

The cool sensation spreading through my aching feet felt amazing after such a long walk. I looked up at the dark blue sky and the outline of the trees, their silhouettes moving with the breeze that swept through. The crickets sang with the swaying of the trees in a beautiful melody of nature that could calm anyone's nerves. The hoot owl added to the sounds around me, putting in his low notes.

Music. Another thing that reminded me of my parents. They loved to sing and did break into song often. When I was little, I remember my mother would sing to me every night and she would always sing the same song. It wasn't long, but I have never forgotten, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, forever and always, my baby you'll be." My mother had such a beautiful voice, and I always wanted to sing just like her. I used to become upset because I didn't sound like her and she would always say to me, "Well, of course you don't sing like me, you sing like you, and I love the way you sing." I started tearing up at the memory. I didn't want to cry, I didn't want to feel the pain. Being hurt felt like being weak, and I told myself to never be weak, but my mind likes to take over and just let all the pain in, and I hate it.

As I sat on the log with my feet under the water surrounded by darkness, I heard something in the distance. It sounded like...a train? A train?! I quickly grabbed my shoes and slipped them back on. I grabbed my suitcase and made my way back to the rails, waiting for it. Within the black forest a light gleamed in the distance. Closer and closer the train approached me and my heart felt like it would burst from both excitement and fear. A quick get away from the darkness. The first car passed me and I observed the cars, looking for one I could jump on. There! I started running, I ran as fast as my long legs could take me. My suitcase seemed to grow heavier with every step so I just dropped it. I didn't care, I had to get on this train, it was now or never. I got close enough to grab onto a rail and with all the strength I had I pulled myself up and over the side. I panted, my lungs desperately searching for air as I lay on the platform. But just as I caught my breath, rough hands caught my shirt collar, yanking me up and pushing me up against the inside wall. His arm had me pinned by my neck, a feeling my lungs didn't enjoy. I squirmed desperately in any hopes of him loosening his grip.

"We don't need no bums on this train, boy" He snarled in my face, the unpleasant smell of his breath fanning across me.

"Easy, Red" A man behind Red spoke up, "We don't need no trouble" They spoke with such improper grammar. And as I observed them closer, they didn't look like much either. They were dressed in rags, a monotone wardrobe of either black or brown.

"I said we don't need no bums" Red growled back at the man.

"He ain't no bum, I mean, look at 'tem clothes" They looked me up and down at my nicer, yet dirty attire. The arm suffocating me was removed after he angrily yanked it way, dropping me to the hay covered floor. I gasped for air and clutched my chest, my dark, chestnut curls falling around my face as I sat on my knees hunched over. I felt a rough patting on my back. "You alright, boy?" The man helped me up and I got a better look at him, he was an elderly man, probably old enough to be my grandfather. He held the lantern closer to his face and I took note of a scar stretched down his right cheek. His eyes were soft, not threatening at all as he spoke, unlike Red. "Hey, don't get any hard feelings. Throwing men off of trains is pretty much a reflex for Red. I'm Joe" He extended his hand for me to shake and I accepted it.

"I'm Harry" I breathed out and he let go of my hand.

"Well, Harry, you don't seem like the type to be on the rails. You runnin' from something?" I quickly shook my head.

"No, no, nothing like that" I replied.

"You hungry? Lookin' for work? You need a place to sleep? You must be awful tired." I was weary of what I should tell him. This man was a stranger to me, but some odd part of me said to trust him. I hesitantly nodded my head. "Well, there's no shame in that, son. I'll find ya a place to sleep for the night. Here, you look like you could use it" He held a bottle of whiskey in front of me. I wasn't sure if I really wanted it, but I accepted anyway. The burn spread down my throat, but it also settled me down. I handed it back to him and he slipped it in his pocket.

"That there's Liam and Zayn, they'll treat ya well and get ya some food" Joe pointed to a couple of men who looked around my age, sitting against the wall. I gave them a nod which they returned. "Now, you boys'll be good to 'im now, won't ya?"

"Of course, Joe. It's like you don't know us at all." The one with black hair said, making the brunette laugh. They both wore the same type clothing as Joe did and sported whiskers. Joe walked away, leaving me alone with these two. "I'm Zayn, he's Liam. Where you from, Curly?"

"I-It's Harry and I'm originally from England" I stammered a little as I walked over and sat beside them.

"Oh, us too. What part?" Liam asked excitedly.

"Cheshire, it's near London" Liam nodded.

"I'm from Wolverhampton and Zayn here is from Bradford. What are you doing on the rails? You look too decent." I chuckled as he looked at my clothes.

"It's...kind of a long story" Not really, I just didn't want to talk about it, especially to a couple of strangers.

"Well, we've got time" Zayn said. I looked at both of them, I needed to give them some type of answer, but I didn't want to tell them the truth.

"I don't really have a home, so I left, searching for work" I explained, I didn't lie, I just didn't tell the whole truth.

"Oh mate, I'm sorry to hear that. But I can say both Liam and I can relate. We were both kicked out at young ages and we both ended up on this train. Before the circus was moved to America that is."

"Circus?" I asked, not sure if I heard correctly.

"Yeah, you're riding on the Tomlinson Circus train." I had only been to one circus in my life and I remember the acts being absolutely magnificent.

"This is a circus train?" They both nodded.

"You're in for the ride of your life, Curly" Zayn smirked. I didn't quite know how to process the situation, but for now I might as well make the best of it.

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