Charlie's Story

CHARLIE'S STORY

Daniel Yeh

...the most perfect creature on the face of the earth. She had lovely flowing blond hair, rosy blush cheeks, an exquisitely sculpted figure that even Michaelangelo would have called his own creation, the prettiest Parisian dress and a face that would have even made Helen of Troy jealous. In an instant our eyes met, her azure-blue eyes were riveting and her image was seared on my mind. I was transfixed !!

But my forward momentum was still in progress and my shoe caught the straps of a suitcase. At that moment, I was struggling for balance while my eyes were still fixed upon her and my brain had succumbed to the effects of 4 shots of Absolut Vodka. My frame came crashing down on the aisle and my stomach bore the brunt of the impact as it met a hard briefcase. The 6 to 1 ratio of alcohol to food within my stomach did not react well to the jolt and it found its way the gastric sphincter, up the esophagus, through the back of my throat and into the cavity of my mouth. Only the gnashing of teeth and firm pressure of my lips held back the foul tasting and acidic tide.

I rushed to the nearest window, elbowing aside several passengers and ejected the contents that had earlier been my breakfast. What about that gorgeous girl ??? I spun around expecting to see her face in an expression of disgust and repulsion....but she was nowhere in the that carriage. My stares only met with that of the other astonished passengers who were looking at traces of white fluid dripping down the side of my mouth.

Damn....where had she gone ?? At least she didn't see me rush to the window to puke and see the traces drip out of my mouth. I could still find her....she had to be somewhere on this train. Damn the Swedes...couldn't they export something better other than terrible Saab coaches and crappy vodka !!!

I cleaned myself up in the lavatory and washed away that horrible aftertaste. As I stepped out, I was startled by "Where have you been...." shreiked Sally, "I've been looking all over for you....". I wanted to leave her at that minute and begin my quest for the mystery girl...but what could I do ? I couldn't just leave Sally there....and I didn't want to talk about Cassie(who had just been demoted to a distant No.2 on my female list)....and I certainly didn't want to hear Sally go on hear mindless babble about Dr. Ginko...

"Sally, I'm hungry..aren't you ? We should eat....now !!" "Err....I guess I could start on something small" she replied. At the lounge carriage, I ordered at quarter loaf of rye bread and the complimentary water. And then she ordered: a serving of crumpets, English scones, glazed waffers, 4 scottish shortbread biscuits, a jelly donut, Irish coffee and earl grey tea. I had expected Sally to pay for her own meal since we weren't dating or anything...but she never even feinted a move for her handbag. The waiter was getting impatient so I grudgingly forked over the 10 pence for my meal and 3 pounds for hers...

No doubt she was accustomed to lavish meals from her Ginko boyfriend but did she have to be so cheap ? Damned women, they never pay for anything these days !!!! At least with all that food she wouldn't be able to talk for hours.... But I was wrong... she took a small bite from each plate and she was done before I had even finished the bread. Two pigeons could have eaten more than her....and I paid for it !!!!

"So you were going to tell me about Cassie...??" she led off....Something had to be done now !! There was no way I could make it through this trip on my 10 pound budget and I should be spending time with that mystery girl...

"Urr....Sally....I left something in the compartment back there...it's something very small...and important....I have to find it but I'm not sure....where it is but I have to find it." "I'll help you find it..." she answered but I cut her off "no I couldn't ask that of you....it's probably on the floor and you'd get your dress dirty. You stay here...I'll be back later....." and with that...I left her sitting at the table in the lounge carriage.

I felt a sense of relief as I walked down the aisles through the carriages. Not having to put up with her babbling and questions was indeed a break but a hint of guilt remained from lying to her and just leaving her there. While walking through the first class carriage.....I was struck by the radiant beauty that I had seen earlier. She was engaged in a conversation with the conductor...but I managed to overhear some words "Madame....do you have your ticket ? Thank you er...Ms. Nastassia Armand. I hope you enjoy your trip to Chicago. But please stay awhile and enjoy Kamloops when you make your connecting train."

I sat down in an empty seat not far from her. I wanted to be with this Nastassia Armand but she was going to Chicago. But wait.....there were trains from Chicago to Toronto and I could still make it to Oshawa later....The conductor was making his way down the aisle in the first class carriage, collecting the tickets and talking with the well-to-do passengers that comprised the elite first class. His was getting close and I reach into my pocket and pulled out 7 pounds....this was not enough for a fare to Chicago and certainly nowhere near a first-class ticket price. What could I do...? I couldn't spend another minute with Sally and I just had to pursue Nastassia....... I got up, thought intensely for a brief minute, stared at her and walked boldly towards her and the conductor. "Excuse madame, conductor, I....

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