CHARLIE'S STORY

Donna Fung

"Excuse me, madame, conductor, I was wondering if you could help me find my friend," I said as I saw Miles enter the car, still tailing his Barbie doll like a puppy dog.

"What is your friend's name?" the conductor asked, whipping out his copy of the passenger list.

"Miles, Miles Johnson," I replied, trying to keep him occupied while searching my brain, hoping to come up with an excuse to talk to Nastassia.

"I don't see him on my list. Is he supposed to be in this car?" he asked.

Before I could answer, I heard Sally's shrill voice "There you are, Charlie! Hiding from me again? What are you doing in this car? And look, there's Miles too! You hoo! Miles, over here!" She waved her arm madly to catch his attention. Miles waved back, and as he and his 19th century Pamela Anderson made their way over, she suddenly noticed Nastassia. "Oh my heavens, if it isn't Miss Tashi Armand! We met at the Calgary stampede last year. Dr. Ginko introduced us. It's Sally, Sally Harper, remember?"

"Why yes! I do remember you, Sally. It's so lovely to see you again. I'd like to introduce my sister Delilah, and Mr.?..." Nastassia said as Miles and Miss I-Bet-It-Took-Three-People-To-Lace-Up-Your-Corset reached us.

Giving Nastassia a peck on each cheek, Delilah gave us a breathless "Pleased to meet you. This is Mr. Johnson." She gave Sally and me each a long once over, taking in Sally's overdone hair and make up, and my tousled hair and clothes.

"Well, if this is your Mr. Miles Johnson, I'll be off. Enjoy your trips, ladies and gentlemen." The conductor left us. After all the introductions were completed, Nastassia suggested we all get acquainted over a cup of tea. "Charlie and I just ate not too long ago. Maybe we'll just excuse ourselves," Sally said.

Not to miss out on this opportunity to get to know Nastassia, I quickly jumped in with a "But you ate so little, Sally. Surely you could take a cup of tea." I almost regret saying this; what if I had to pay for her again? This is 1897 after all, ladies are not expected to have to pay. But I was not going to lose my chance. I just hope everyone eats (and orders) light.

"Yes, do come Sally. 'Lilah, would you leave a note for William please? Tell him to meet us in the dining car.

© Copyright 1998 Writer's Very Limited

On to Chapter 8

Back to Charlie's Index

Back to Main

This page is hosted by Get your free homepage