The Train Journey - Part 2
Ellie arrived 45 minutes late to work. Sneaking through the back entrance, she stealthily made her way to her office - the encounter with the soldier on the train still fresh in her mind.
Struggling to process the morning's events, she didn't move from her desk until a colleague came to retrieve her for a client meeting.
She walked alongside Tom, feeling as if all eyes were on her. Everyone knows, she thought. They can see it written all over me, they can see where he touched me.
Ellie wasn't even listening as Andrew ran through the list of men arriving from the local garrison for their meeting. They ascended the stairs and entered the main conference room. Ellie glanced up, all she saw was men standing around in MTP. Her mind flashed to earlier and she faltered.
"You ok, Ellie?" Tom asked looking concerned. "You don't look so good."
Ellie slowed her step, trying to come up with a quick excuse to leave....it was them. He was here! Her stomach lurched.
Turning to Andrew, she muttered, "I forgot, I need to..."
"Ellie, may I introduce you to Major Johnson." She smiled and politely shook his hand realising her escape was now impossible.
The other soldiers turned her way. Ellie thought she would faint if they met face to face here in public but the blue eyes she sought were not in this group. Her disappointment at not finding him in the room shocked her.
Trying to recover, she greeted the men and her fellow peers before focusing on the upcoming project.
Back in her office, Ellie stared at the wall trying to process today's events. Her phone rang. "Ellie, there's a Sergeant Edwards to see you."
She faltered slightly. "Erm, ok, send him down." She replied, her heart racing.
A sharp knock made her stand but before she reached the door, it swung open revealing her soldier from the train.
Ellie froze. He looked her up and down, closing the door gently behind him. She swore she heard the click of the lock but couldn't see past his muscular frame.