Emma

Trains. An Ocean of People

"Hi Ms. Frasier. This is Patrick Dawson. I know our interview got interrupted by some circumstances. Will you be available tomorrow to talk about your compensation and working conditions for your internship?" He asked through the other line.

Emma was a bit confused of what Patrick told him. "D-Does that mean I got accepted Mr. Dawson?" Emma stuttered and surpised as to what she was hearing. "If you meant it the other way, it is still fine by me Ms. Frasier." Patrick was smiling on the line. "Oh no Mr. Dawson. I am very much glad. Thank you very much. I will be coming by your office tomorrow. Thank you again, sir!" "Alright. Come by my office the same time." The line went dead.

It has been 3 days since Emma had a weird encounter with Patrick and she's been uneasy and nervous with her interview. There were times she was daydreaming during class thinking of him. She was even caught by Professor Hobbs staring in the oblivion. Professor Hobbs would then close a book in front of her so loud she stood up and everyone laughed at her.

She's also been having weird dreams since that day. It would always start out Patrick staring at her until he's about to kiss her. At the moment when their lips are about to lock, Patrick disappears and Emma runs endlessly in a vast black space being chased by someone until she's grabbed by the hand. She suddenly wakes up catching her breath and sweaty. It has been the same dream for the last three days. Nonetheless, she thought she was just nervous with the outcome of the interview. "I hope it wouldn't be awkward after what happened between us." Emma thought to herself.

Emma's class with Prof. Hobbs just ended when she was called out. "Ms. Frasier. I'd like to have a word with you." Professor Hobbs said. "Will you be able to handle it? I mean, being an intern and finishing your program at the same time?" Professor Hobbs asked with a worried tone. "Yes professor. I can handle it. Besides, I am almost finished with the program and can give it a go with Craft & Dawson." Emma said sternly. "I also have my personal reasons for entering in Craft & Dawson." "I really need to do this professor." Emma whispered to herself. "Alright. Give yourself some time to rest, Emma." Emma left the room smiling at Professor Hobbs.

It was a drizzling afternoon in the city. The road was a bit slippery on her way to the train station and raindrops were touching her skin that gave her a sweet chill. As she was drawing near, she got off the bike, grabbed her satchel and walked to a nearby hydrant where she locked it. She crossed the street seeing the vintage looking Springfield Train Station. It was like a mini Grand Central Station minus the massive arcs as it is rustic. She pushed the copper rotating door and was welcomed by an ocean of people.

"Shoot. It's a Friday." Emma thought. The station was full of people; from teens going downtown to party in the Osiris; adults coming home from work or with friends for a dinner in some fancy restaurant downtown; you can also see gypsies performing to earn some coins from passers-by. They stare back at you with grim and evil intent if you fail to toss a couple of quarters after watching. The station was really tight but so long as you're going with the tide, there won't be any problem in arriving to your destination.

It took Emma a couple of minutes to reach the waiting area for downtown Springfield. Tired and a bit dizzy, she leaned on a wall and took a deep breath. As she brushed her hair with her hand, she realized something was off and missing. "My ring! Wha-where is it?! I have to get it back!" She looked at her hand then stared down on the floor but saw nothing but shoes. "My dad will kill me if I lose it." Emma told herself.

As she was walking against a tide of people while looking down, she accidentally stumbled upon a girl. "I'm sorry miss. I wasn't looking." She said as she offered her hand to the girl.

The girl was a petite brunette probably in her teens and had pale skin and eyes that were wide awake. She had a blank stare that was almost scary. Emma was getting painful chills as she was looking in her eyes. It was like a void that you could not stop looking at.