(A/N) I was able to get to my computer! YAY! Here's Heather's POV!
As I walked out the door, a cold blast of autumn air hit my face. I was really grateful that I had bought the thick turtle necks at the store.
I decided to get a fast head start, so I decided to go to the one place people go for fast and free transport.
It took a long time to get there, but I finally was able to get myself to the train tracks. When I felt the cold metal of the tracks on my finger tips, I quickly backed off as to not get accidentally get run over. Then I stood still and listened.
Hmm. No voices. That must mean I'm quite a ways away from the station. I thought.
Suddenly a loud sound broke the silence.
The cargo train was coming quickly, so I had to move fast.
Once I felt the train running by me I started running. The tennis shoes I bought helped me run fast. As I ran alongside, I felt the side of the train, looking for an open boxcar door. Suddenly, my hand fell onto a dusty wooden floor. Bingo!
I threw my suitcase inside and then felt around the door for some sort of railing to hold onto. The train was gaining speed, and I was running out of time. Just as the train was about to leave me, I felt a hand grab mine and pull me inside.
"Phew! That was close! You okay, kid?" asked the voice of a man. He sounded young, yet older than me. I think he was in his mid to late twenties, but I couldn't be sure.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks!" I replied. I got down on my hands and knees and felt around for my suitcase. As I rubbed my hands around the wooden floor, my hand became covered in dust and splinters.
Suddenly there was a tap on my shoulders. As I stood on my knees, my suitcase was placed in my hands.
"So you can't see, huh?" asked the man.
"Yeah. Blindness is a little new to me." I answered as I stood up and felt around for a place to sit. I found a plastic crate that suited me fine.
"And I'm guessing that train hopping is new to you too?"
I chuckled. "Is it that obvious?"
"Well, actually, you did pretty well for a first timer. I was just asking because you seem a little young, is all."
"I'm sure I did so well, seeing as the train almost left me stranded without my suitcase." I laughed.
The man gave a big laugh and said, "Hey, you're alright, kid! Name's Hunter."
"I'm Heather." I said quietly.
"Heather, now that's a familiar name!"
Oh, c'mon! Don't tell me that hobos have T.V. too!
"That was my wife's name." said the man.
Phew!
"So what brings you o the rails, Heather?" asked Hunter.
"Well," I said, "I did a few things that I'm not too proud of. After a while, I just couldn't put up with it anymore. You ever feel like that, Hunter?"
"Why do you think I'm riding the rails? I'm not proud to say this, but a few years ago, I cheated on my wife, and when she found out, I just ran. I didn't even wait for a response! I was just so afraid of being that close to all the lies and guilt." Hunter sighed. "So, what did you do?"
"I think it would be quicker to tell you what I didn't do." I admitted.
Hunter gave a whistle and replied, "That bad, huh?"
I nodded. "I lied to people, cheated, and stole people's things. I insulted people to their faces and behind their back. I used people for my own personal gain, stabbed people who trusted me in the back, and I did it all in the greedy pursuit of money. People found out all the awful things I did, and they never let it go. One thing lead to another and here I am." I was careful not to bring up the actual T.V show. Hunter didn't recognize me, but that didn't mean he never saw TDI. Although the chances were slim, I wasn't about to take chances.
Me and Hunter talked for a while. We talked about our lives, our homes, and our experiences. Hunter also gave me some helpful tips on jumping on and off a moving train, for which I was eager to learn.
Finally, Hunter said, "Looks like this is my stop. I hope you get to where you're going, Heather."
"It was really nice meeting you Hunter." I said, holding up my hand.
I felt Hunter turn her in the opposite direction than which I was facing and shake my hand, "Until our paths cross again." And with that, Hunter jumped off the train.
I sat back down and waited for a while. After about twenty minutes or so, I felt the train gradually slowing down. This was my cue.
I rose to her feet and slowly made my way to the open door with my suitcase in hand. When I arrived, I waited for a few more minutes until the train reached a speed with which I was comfortable enough to jump.
"Alright. One… two… three!" When I said three, I leapt off the train and tucked in my body and covered my head so I would roll onto the ground. Luckily, there was grass wear I landed, so I didn't get hurt.
I stood up, picked up my suitcase and quickly made my way across the tracks. I felt slight warmth coming from I believed to be the east. That meant that I had been on that train all night and that it was early in the morning. I was in a brand new town, and maybe even another state. I was surrounded by brand new places and I was in a place with a million brand new people.
Well, 999,999 brand new people and 1 old friend.
(A/N) This is gonna be good, you'll see. I know that it's been a little while, but I had a concert last night and I was busy all day today. Any way! Hope you enjoyed it.
