This story continues where the "L" left off...
Collapsing in each others arms exhausted as the train came to a stop. Looking up I realize we were at the end of the line Albany Park we had rode through 27 stops. We exited the train and crossed to the other platform to catch the train back downtown. Waiting for the morning train into the city with people headed to work, Men in business suits carrying brief cases, reading newspapers, drinking coffee. I realized I didn't know her name "I'm Cheryle, nice to meet you." extending my hand.
Taking my hand she smiled "Carrie, very nice to meet you."
The train pulled into the station and we boarded grabbing seats near the back of the train. I put my arm around her pulling her close and Carrie responded by laying her head onto my chest. I stroked her blonde hair softly watching the sun come up out the window. She drifted off to sleep, so peaceful, so beautiful, oblivious to the suburbanite commuters surrounding us. Sunrise on the the Chicago river, I called and left a brief message I be a little late this morning and went back to stroking Carrie's hair.
Just before the Belmont station I woke her those beautiful green eyes looking up at me. "Honey, we are almost there." We exited the train holding hands through the station and out to street. "I have to get home get a quick shower and get ready for work." I said not really wanting to part company.
"Give me your phone I'll put my number in it."
Handing her my phone I watched as she put her number in my phone she was so beautiful standing there in the early morning sun. Handing me back my phone, we hugged, I kissed her soft cheek lingering in the moment. Finally parting we headed in different directions not sure I would ever see her again. I knew nothing about her, why was she crying last night, where had she come from, where was she going? No time for such thoughts I need to get to work.
Days passed, weeks, months I was busy at work still getting over Lisa. Still going to meetings, still seeing Carol I had almost forgot that night on the train altogether.