Chapter 2

Kate had taken a cap to the station in Des Moines and was now on the train platform. She would only break her journey to change for another train. That way she could be in L.A tomorrow. Kate felt very nervous when she bought her ticket and entered the train. After being a fugitive for three years Kate wasn't used to the thought that none of all the people around was after her. She was glad to find a relatively empty cabin.

After driving for the whole night and changing trains two times Kate finally stood in front of the train that would bring her to L.A and hopefully to Jack. This train would run from Carson City non-stop to L.A. Kate bought some biscuits for breakfast and entered the train. This train was quite crowded and Kate had to search a while before she found a seat in front of a nice looking middle aged woman. Her smile reminded Kate of Rose, although she had no outward resemblance with her.

Kate smiled back briefly, but then looked out of the window losing herself in thoughts again. Would Jack really be waiting for her? After the way she had acted towards him no one could resent him, if he would never want to see Kate again. It had been three years since she last saw him. How likely was it that he man like Jack didn't have a wife or girlfriend after three years? And even if he wasn't with someone, would Jack want to be together with Kate? They had been close on the island, but was Jack's love for her strong enough to endure three years of separation? Looking out of the window, Kate saw her reflection in the glass. She was thinner than she had been on the island, her hair was dull and the sleepless night had caused dark shadows under her eyes.

"Don't worry, you are beautiful. You just look a little tired and very worried."

Kate, who had absentminded tried to straighten her hair, looked at the woman in front of her.

"I'm not going to interfere, just thought you could use a little cheering up."

"Thank you. I don't feel offended, I was just in thought and am not really used to company anymore. My name is Kate," Kate introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you, Kate. I'm Alicia."

"Do you really think I'm beautiful?" Kate asked.

"Absolutely. Am I assuming right that you're worried about a man?" Alicia asked smiling.

"Is it that so obvious? Yes, it is about a man, a very special man. We haven't seen each other for three years. I couldn't be with him. I knew that I would be away for a long time and I kind of told him to find someone else. Three weeks ago I wrote him a letter explaining how I feel for him and asking him to meet me at the station in L.A, if he reciprocates my feelings."

Kate didn't know why she was so open with a woman she had just met, but she had something that made Kate feel comfortable around her.

"And now you are worried that he is with someone else," Alicia replied understanding.

"Yes, I think so. He is such a great man; I'm sure there are a lot of women who would be thrilled to be with him."

"And you don't think he feels for you the same way you feel for him?"

"I know he did at that time, but three years are a long time. And I did my best to push him away. It would be natural for him to find a woman of whom he knows that she loves him back. And if Jack is in a committed relationship with someone else, he would never leave her, no matter how he feels for me. "

Kate and Alicia talked during the whole journey. Kate told Alicia more about Jack and Alicia talked about her daughter whom she was visiting. The time passed surprisingly fast and Kate was startled when she heard the announcement that they would reach L.A. in ten minutes. Kate did her best to straighten her hair and clothing, although Alicia kept telling her that she looked fine.

When the train reached the station Kate didn't dare to look out of the window, afraid that Jack wasn't there.