Leaps

2 - Sydney

My parents walk as far as they can without a ticket. I wish they could walk me all the way to my compartment, though. I'm only going on this trip because they wanted me to. I hope my roommate is at least nice.

Stopping at my compartment door, I steel myself, and put a brave face on, before knocking. A sleepy "hello?" floats back to me before the door swings wide. Tentatively, I step through. "Hi, I'm Cameron, who are you?" the girl standing there greets me.

"Sydney" I shakily reply.

As Cameron helps me put my suitcase on the upper bunk, as she is the taller of the two of us, I realize that this trip might not be so bad. I just have to hope everyone is as nice as Cam.

"Cam? Can I call you that?"

"Sure, I like the sound. What's up?"

"I really don't want to go out there," I have to force out the next part. "I don't really want to be here, either."

"Well, we don't have to leave the compartment just yet. But, can I ask why you don't want to be here? I'm not that bad, am I?"

The gentle humor relaxes my nerves a little. "Sorry, I wasn't clear. I'd appreciate if we stayed in here for a while though. I just meant I don't really want to be on this trip at all."

"Oh, well, why not? If I may?"

"Of course, just, my parents forced me to go, and honestly, I would rather go straight to college."

"Wait, you're on your gap year too? Cool!" Cameron is momentarily distracted by the coincidence, then shakes her head, and focuses. "I feel the parent issues, believe me. But something I've learned is that just because they forced you to do something, doesn't necessarily mean you'll hate it. Just, give it a chance. Plus, you're free now. Make this trip your own. I'd even come with you if you want! Wait, was that too forward? I try to tell, but it's hard."

"First, you're fine. Second, that really helped. And, I appreciate the offer, but lets see if we even get along first. But I'm not saying no." Although ambiguous, my answer seems to satisfy her.

"Well, I'm glad it helped. Do you-" The train jerking to life cuts her off.

Thoughts swirl as I try to figure out what she was going to say. After a long minute, I work up the courage to ask.

"Oh, umm, just that I'm not really looking forward to going out there either, but we have to do it eventually. Maybe start with just one car for now, so it isn't overwhelming?"

I agree with her plan, and go to knock on the door to the next compartment. I here "come in" called to us. I look to Cameron, who is standing close behind me, for confirmation, before pushing the door. As it swings open, I hear Cameron's breath catch in her throat and I briefly wonder if it is for the same reason mine did, although I doubt. Forever a pessimist, I guess. Trying not to stare at the gorgeous girl in front of me, I take a shaky breath. Cameron recovers faster, and compensates for my sudden muteness. Maybe bringing her along wouldn't be such a bad idea.