It wasn't the sound of the train whistle that woke him, but the sounds of the people who were scrambling to get off, while others were scrambling to get on. His eyes flew open when he realized what was happening and, although much more hygienic than the bus (if that was possible), he found himself in the middle of chaos once again. People stepping on his feet and pushing him this way and that. Had he not been so tired he might have been tempted to say something. But he decided against it. He was just grateful that he was almost home.
Wearily he made his way off of the train and wandered around the train station. The transit center was just on the other side, but walking there was an absolute nightmare. Still, he repeatedly told himself that each step he took was a step closer to Daphne.
Daphne… God he wished he could call her. Surely there was a pay phone around and he could-no… He decided it was better to go on home. No sense in prolonging his absence any further.
Once he reached the transit center he searched for a bus that would take him to Seattle. Fortunately there were plenty but which one to choose? He looked around for someone to help him but of course he saw not one person wearing a Sound Transit uniform. Didn't anyone work around here?
"Excuse me?" He patted a stranger on the back and almost jumped out of his skin when the girl turned around. Her face had so many piercings that he recoiled in horror.
"What's the matter?" She asked, flinging her hair (which was streaked in a hideous shade of blue) from side to side.
"Um, nothing. How do I get to Seattle?"
She looked him up and down. "You homeless?"
His mouth fell open in horror. "What?"
She reached into her pocket and removed a dollar bill. "Here. It's not much but it's all I've got. What part of Seattle?"
"I um… downtown area…"
"512".
"The next bus is at five twelve? That's-."
"No! The bus number is 512! It'll be here any minute. Stops right over there. Should be coming in a few minutes. "
"Oh… I-." He looked at his hand where she'd placed the dollar bill. He knew that he should give it back to her-he certainly wasn't a charity case-but she looked so sincere that he didn't have the heart. He wished there was a way to thank her and he chided himself for berating her appearance if only in his mind. Their eyes locked and he smiled. He decided then and there that if David ever brought home a girl who wore multiple piercings, ripped blue jeans and a much too big shirt, he would welcome her with open arms.
"Thank you so much, really. Your kindness is overwhelming."
She rolled her eyes and nodded. "Whatevs."
Perhaps he'd rethink that last thought.