The Train To Nowhere

chapter 27 - the last good day

The next day was the last peaceful day. The last day that I can remember from that journey, where there wasn't a care in the world, and everything was better than alright, and everyone felt safe and happy. It was Croatia we came to the next day - March 1st. The air was chilly but still and serene, the clearest blue.

"Rosie said she loves you."

"Yeah, I know," I responded to Noah.

"She loves you."

"I know."

We were getting changed in our bedroom to gather in the main lounge as the train would be stopping in twenty minutes. Isaac and Ahmed were already in the lounge and were having breakfast. I pulled on my t-shirt and slung my hoodie on over it.

"But doesn't that freak you out?"

"Um, let me think... no," I said, dripping with sarcasm.

"Why?"

"Because I love her too. I've always loved her, even when we were just friends. I just never realised it until recently." Noah grinned happily from ear to ear.

"Awe, my two best friends are in love!" he exclaimed cheerily.

"Shut up, Noah!" I responded, but couldn't help grinning a little and ducking my head sheepishly.

So slowly we walked down the train to get breakfast and then go to the lounge. I just picked up an apple and Noah a bowl of cornflakes he had to bring with him, because we didn't have much time. Most of the Year Twelves were already gathered in the lounge, spread out on the chairs and sofas, or standing in little groups. There was a quiet, slow hubbub of tired-sounding teenagers (everyone was slower at nine in the morning) and out of habit, my eyes searched for Rosie. She wasn't there yet, but Nina and her girlfriend Ruby were. Only two of the six teachers were in the lounge and lobby area where we were yet.

"Hey, Natasha!" Noah whispered loudly, signalling at her to come join him. "Natasha!" Natasha caught Noah's eye, and she made a face that signalled she was telling him to shut up. Noah stopped calling her but instead looked a bit surprised at Natasha's reluctance to resist. Clearly she didn't want their relationship public as of yet, probably because it wasn't really a relationship. I kind of felt a bit sorry for Noah then, but then I remembered what he'd told me about how he didn't mind it just being casual and nothing serious. Nevertheless, that didn't mean he wasn't lying.

Isaac was talking with Ahmed, Phil and Priya on the other side of the room. I decided to stay at the back and wait, because it would only be five more minutes before we got off this bloody train. What felt like only half a minute later, and someone had slipped up behind me and locked their fingers in mine. I turned around and there she was.

"Hey," she barely whispered, but I could read her lips.

"Hi." Not even caring if anyone saw now, I placed my hand on her cheek and planted a gentle kiss on her smiling lips.

"Get one last good look at this," she said, taking some of her long blue hair in her other hand. "I'm dying it back to brown today."

"Really?" I faked being surprised pretty well. Clearly she hadn't known we'd heard their conversation, which gave me utter relief.

"Yep. I'm also thinking of cutting it. But that's too expensive to do all at once. I'll probably get it done in Oslo, just before we go back."

"Well, you always look beautiful, no matter what kind of hair you have. Although, I must say, I kind of miss you being brunette."

"Me too," she grinned. "Oh yeah," a thought suddenly lit up her eyes, "I was also thinking that - um... maybe, in our free time this evening we could go somewhere quiet and be alone, just the two of us... if you know what I mean. Do you mind?"