Misfits

Chapter 2

            The moved considerably smoothly and quietly, considering she had heard how loud the trains were when she came close to the tracks. The train seats were quite comfy, if a bit stiff. They were set in pairs with an aisle down the middle. Dusk had a pair to herself, so she had her bag sitting in the other seat. The cell phone still sat in her lap, silent. She checked it every few minutes, making sure it was still on. She had surfed through it enough to see that she only had one number in it, which she guessed was her fathers.

            She continually gazed out the dark window, seeing only her own reflection as well as the people opposite the aisle, who were sleeping. Most of the train was dark, but she had the light above her head on, giving her enough light to shift through what her father had packed for her, which was surprisingly efficient. In addition to clothes, he had packed some power-bars, a bottle of water, and a book that she had started a while back. Dusk had noted that it was a library book, due yesterday. She guessed her dad would pick up the tab.

            Dusk heard footsteps, and looking in the window, she saw the reflection of an employee stepping down the aisle. She removed her book, opened to her marked page, and began to read. The employee stopped when she got to Dusk’s row. Dusk looked up.

            “Mind if I sit?” she asked kindly. Dusk moved her bag to her feet. The woman sat next to her. She had a kind looking face with long black hair, though some of it was covered with a cap reading the name of the train.

            Dusk was suddenly aware of her good being up and yesterday’s dress that she was still wearing, as well as the packed backpack with clothes and small snacks. It crossed her mind that to this woman she may look like runaway.

            “Why aren’t you sleeping?” she asked quietly and kindly.

            “I’m not tired,” Dusk whispered back. She read the employee’s name badge. It red Monica Sanders.

            “Can I ask where you’re going?” Monica smiled. Dusk hesitated, wondering if she should tell her. She decided there was nothing to be gained by lying.

            “I’m on my way to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. My uncle lives there,” She said. “The train was the cheapest way to get there,” she added. The attendant nodded.

            “Do you have any parents with you?” Monica ventured, and Dusk suddenly realized that the woman did think she was a runaway.

            “Not with me,” Dusk assured her, “My dad’s the one that bought the ticket.”

            “Ah,” said Monica, nodding slightly. Dusk could tell that the woman still had her doubts. Dusk decided to throw caution to the wind.

            “Look, I know what you think. Don’t worry, I’m not a runaway. My Uncle John lives in Glenwood, and my dad’s sending me there for a while until he’s able to get back on his feet.” She smiled sincerely to the woman. Monica looked Dusk strait in the eyes, then nodded.

            “Sorry,” she said. “Just trying to be helpful,” She got to her feet.

            “Thanks for, er, being concerned,” Dusk said quickly. Monica nodded, then continued down the aisle. Dusk sighed, then picked up her bag and placed it back in the seat. Only then did she notice a piece of paper in the side pocket, folded tightly in the pocket that usually was reserved for holding a drink. Curious, she plucked the paper from the pocket, opened it, then read.

 

Dusk,

 

I have gone through countless papers trying to figure out how to write this. You mean the world to me, and you deserve an explanation for why I’m doing this. You are different. Despite what your mother wanted, I continued to talk to the doctor who examined you. I was able to deliver him a sample of your blood when you came home from school with a bloody nose. He ran more tests and found that you aren’t human. You have canine blood, but with human DNA. When he ran tests on some of your cells, he found that they can change fully into animal cells. Shortly after this, he requested to give your cells to different scientists for more explanation. I told him it was okay.