X-Kid (Sequel to "Little Boy Named Train")

Sympathy

2 days later...

Despite the painful dreams he had been plagued with, Train was determined to get the job at The Facility. Earlier that day, he had called in to see if he could re-try the interview, apologizing incessantly for his inability to do it on the original set date. Now, he was driving there on the quickest route he knew. No time to be late.

He took a deep breath as he pulled into the parking lot. He looked in the mirror, fidgeting with his clothes to make sure he looked neat. Thank god that Mistress Lenora helped him find something nice, otherwise he probably would've been stuck with clothes stained from his work on the railroads. It did feel strange, though...being in such a dressy outfit. He'd never worn anything like this in his life. The collar felt almost suffocating. Oh well, he thought, there are more important things to worry about.

He was a bit nervous. What if he didn't make the cut? There'd be no way to get the money for him and Ace to see Green Day. Unless... Train nodded to himself. He would have to work twice as long at the railroad if he didn't get the job at The Facility.

"Damn...I hope I'm not late," Train murmured as he walked inside.

A few people were browsing through the store, but Train was focused on finding the manager or at least someone who would know where to find them. While walking through the hip-hop section, he bumped into someone, knocking them over.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Train said, reaching out his hand. The woman looked up at him and awkwardly smiled.

"You're alright," she said, taking Train's hand. He helped to her feet.

"Do you need help with something?" She asked.

"Uhm, yea, I actually do..." Train scratched the back of his neck. "Do you think you can direct me to the manager..? Or wherever I need to go for the interview?"

"Follow me." The woman started walking towards the back of the building. Train stared at the back of her head. This woman gave of an air of independence to him. Strangely enough, it intrigued him. Train could only imagine who this woman was...and what she would be like. He started drifting off into his own world, but the opening of a door jolted him out of it. The woman walked inside. After a little while, she poked her head back out.

"What was your name again, sweetie?" She asked.

"Train. I filled out an application the other day..." The woman nodded and went back in. After a few small noises, she stepped out and pulled the door open for Train.

"Alright, the boss is ready to see you," the girl stated. "Good luck."

Train gave a small nod. "Thank you for you help, uhm..."

"Ashley," she said with a small smile, "My name is Ashley."

*******

Train let out a deep sigh and practically tore his tie off from around his neck. He opened the door to his room and unbuttoned his shirt, throwing it aside. Ace ran over to him excitedly.

"How'd it go?" he asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"Fine, I think..." Train muttered, "Im kinda tired now." He took his dress pants off, then folded them and the shirt. "Hey, Ace, will you do me a favor and take these clothes down to the washing machine? I need them clean to give to Mistress Lenora later...I'm sorry to ask you to do this, but I'm exhausted."

Ace was staring at the scars on Train's back. He still hasn't quite gotten used to how they looked, and he felt bad when he imagined whatever agony he had gone through to get those scars.

"...Ace?"

"Huh? Oh...yea, sure." Ace took the clothes from Train's hands and ran downstairs to the washer and dryer. Train lied on the bed and closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep.

******

Ace measured out the fabric softener and the detergent, then threw everything in the washer, kicking it on and shutting the lid. He slightly frowned and leaned against the washer.

"I can only imagine what he went through to get those scars..." Ace mumbled to himself. "Poor guy..."

Ace took a deep breath and headed back upstairs. He quietly got into bed and decided that he would work on the laundry tomorrow morning for his pay.