The train was crowded as usual. I hate staying late at work, but sometimes there is just no way around it. It's even worse on a Monday night. Everyone must feel guilty about having two days away from the race, and decide to give that company that they really don't like a little bit more of their time. This combined with the fact that the transit company runs fewer cars after rush hour usually makes for a cramped ride.
Today was the same as every Monday. The train was packed, but the conductors' area is always open. I slipped into the conductors' area and played my normal trick. I sat my bag down on the floor in front of me. This keeps anyone else from standing in the same area. There really is only room for one, but you would be surprised how many people will still try and wedge inside. I pulled a book from my bag and leaned back against the wall to read.
Two stops out and the damn light flickers. It flickers again, and then goes out. So much for reading my book. Oh well, I can at least relax in peace. I bent down to stuff my book bag into my bag, and almost get knocked over. I can't believe that someone is going to try and squeeze in hear anyway. I grunted with displeasure and stood up. My soon to be traveling partner must have took this as a sign of admittance. I felt the body push past me, then wedge inside the compartment.
I looked at my new companion. Under normal circumstances I would have been pleased. It was a woman, possibly in her thirties. She had a nice shape from what I could tell maybe a bit heavy in the hips. Short black hair framed her face, and she looked about as happy to be with me as I was to be with her. Tough luck. I was here first. The frown on my face should have spoke volumes. I know the one on hers did.
The train started moving again, but still no lights. Fine with me. I leaned back against the wall and glanced out the window. It had started raining, and the windows were fogging up quickly. Oh well. I turned my attention back to the woman. She was busy staring at the window, even though I knew she couldn't see a thing. I looked her up and down, my eyes having adjusted to the dark. My earlier assessment had been right. Mid thirties working mom. She did look pretty good. I continued to stare at her, trying to imagine what she looked like underneath the skirt and blouse.
"Can I help you with anything?" her icy voice said, cutting through my thoughts.
"Unless you can clear the train and turn on the lights, I doubt you can." I replied. I didn't care if she caught my looking. She should have stood somewhere else.
"Well you apparently must see something you like."
"I guess anything will do in a pinch." I said sarcastically. Yeah, I know, I wasn't helping matters, but I'm tired of the general attitude out in the world. People are rude with no reason, and I tired of being the exception.
"I doubt if you're that lucky." She said, keeping things going.
