Rose's POV

Another night of working late. What a surprise. How is it that I'm always the one that gets screwed over? Working 'till closing meant that I missed my usual train, and now I'm waiting for the next one. It was super late, which meant the train I now had to catch would have the dreaded drunken hooligans that everyone hopes to avoid. But, it also means it won't be that busy and I would be guaranteed a seat.

It was only a half hour train ride to get home. So it wasn't so bad.

Looking around at my surroundings, it was less busy than normal, hardly any people, which was odd but nice. Just a small group of teenagers and an elderly lady, but they were sat close to the front, where as I was all the way in the back.

Sitting back, relaxing, the familiar "Bing-Bong" sound cut through the quiet and the conductor made an announcement;

"Ladies and gentlemen, due to a problem on the line above, we will need to make a quick emergency stop at the next station. We apologize for any delays to your journey. There will be shelters on the platform, of alternatively, head over to platform 4 where the 22.47 train will be leaving from, diverting through Holly-mead. We once again apologize for any delays. Thank you."

Oh, thats just bloody perfect.

Staring out the window, I couldn't help but wonder, 'what else could go wrong?'. Just then, it seemed like the heavens opened up, and down came the rain. I was so distracted by the sudden change in weather, that I didn't even notice the little girl who came and sat down in the seat next to me.

I almost jumped out of my skin when I turned and finally saw her.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you mind if I sit here?" I looked over the seats quickly and took a glance around, seeing if there was anybody looking for her, but there was no one around that looked like they were minus a little girl.

"Um, sure. Where are your parents?"

"They'll be meeting me at the end of the line.". I nodded but still thought it was strange. There was something not quiet right, why would a little girl be out this late, alone? On a train heading basically nowhere? But, I didn't see any harm in letting her sit by me.

"I'm Parker. What's your name?" It took me a moment to realize she was talking to me, which seemed silly when I thought about it, who else would she be talking to? When I turned to look at her, she smiled.

"Parker? That's a nice name. Mines Rose".

"Rose, like the flower?" I returned her innocent smile.

"Indeed like the flower. How old are you?"

"I'm 11, but I'll be 12 very soon! How old are you? You don't look very old". That made me smile again.

"I'm 17 and Wow! I hope you're going to be having a big party!" I over exaggerated my words, hoping to make her feel more comfortable, although she seemed to be pretty comfortable and confident talking to a complete stranger already.

"My brothers 17 too! And my other brother has promised me a massive party!"

"Aww, well, that's good then". Out of nowhere she suddenly looked up, confusion clear on her small face.

"We'll be stopping soon". I looked up. There wasn't an announcement, the train hadn't even started slowing down yet, but she was right. Not even three minutes later the train started to slow down, and we were all told to get off.

The conductor once again reminded us of the alternative train on platform 4 before disappearing off somewhere out of sight. I pulled my jacket up over my head, trying to shield myself from the rain as I ran over to the small shelter.

The elderly woman and teenagers walked over towards the stairs, clearly to the other platform. I on the other hand, decided to stick it out and wait for whatever problem they had to clear. I leaned back and rested my head on the cold brick wall, letting out a big sigh. Listening to the rain hit the floor, it was quiet relaxing honestly.

It wasn't until the train conductor called an announcement letting us know we were allowed back on the train again, that I realized, it was just me waiting. I had seen everyone else leave, except the young girl, but now oddly, she was nowhere to be found. I called out for her a few times, but still nothing.

Strange.

"Last call for all passengers. Please board."

I felt so guilty leaving without making sure she was okay. But for all I knew, her family could've come and got her while we waited. We weren't that far from our original destination, so nothing a quick phone call to her parents wouldn't have solved.

Taking one last look around quickly, making sure she definitely wasn't there anymore, I climbed back on the train taking the same seat as before. Soon after, the train engines started and we made our slow exit from the station.

By the time the train actually arrived at my station it was rather late. The delay had put me a good 45 minutes or so later than the time I was originally meant to be getting in at. I didn't live that far from the train station, which was actually a perk of living in such a small, secluded town.

Wondering up the path and leaving though the main exit, I started my short walk home. A couple of streets and I'd be there. No big deal.

Due to the fact that 85 percent of the population of my town were elderly residents, the streets were completely deserted by this hour. As I stepped onto the street that leads into my cul-de-sac a massive burst of wind blew past me, almost knocking me clean off my feet. I regained my balance and pulled my jacket tightly closed, holding myself and picked up my pace. Between wind like that and this bloody rain I just wanted to get home as soon as possible!

Suddenly, completely out of nowhere, an uneasy feeling washed over me. I couldn't quite explain it. I was fully aware that it was most likely my mind playing tricks on me, I've definitely watched my fair share of horror movies over the years. But...I just couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling of being watched.

"Don't be stupid Rose, you're just scaring yourself" I told myslef.

I tried to shake it off again as I continued to walk down the path, but it was almost impossible. The feeling was just too strong. Eventually, I gave in and turned quickly. If anyone was following me or watching me, it was too quick for them to hide. But...no one was there.

Sighing loudly and rolling my eyes at my obvious paranoia, I turned back again and carried on my way. A little quicker. The path I was walking down now had houses lined down either side, and my own home was now in sight. I finally managed to relax a little and slowed down.

Next time, just get a bloody lift.

I dug into my pocket and pulled out my phone. Finding my mother's number in my contacts, I rung her. Doubtful she would still be awake at this time though. Sure enough, it rung straight through to her voicemail. Hanging up without saying a word, I sighed heavily and pulled my backpack off my shoulders.

I'd need to find my keys and let myself in since she was clearly in bed. I started rummaging around through my things, trying to find them. But I couldn't locate them. Damn it. I ran up to my porch and dropped to my knees. We had two motion activated lamps on either side of our front door, so with that helpful bit of light I started emptying my bags contents out onto the floor.

Typical, right at the bottom of the bag. Of course, where else would they be?

"Are you okay?" I jumped up and slammed my head on the doorknob when someone, out of nowhere, appeared.

"Where the hell did you come from?" I questioned. "Were you the one following me?".

"Ha, no. I'm not a stalker, I was taking a walk and sae you. Thought I'd say hey". She explained. "Didn't mean to scare you".

"No, it's fine, come in". I unlocked the door and headed inside, with my best friend following close behind.

I dropped my bag down on the sofa, the room was pitch black.

"What are you doing out anyway? It's pretty late".

"I couldn't sleep. Certain people were keeping me awake." She joked, putting her hand over her large, swollen stomach. It made me smile.

"Aww, well, I'm sure Lorna will let you relax soon."

"Ha! Fat chance. She's been kicking me from the inside out. I can't believe she's due in two weeks already."

"I know, it's gone so fast. You really shouldn't be out though. Come on, I'll walk you home."

Climbing into bed, I welcomed the warm sheets. Today had been such a nightmare! But being sure tomorrow wouldn't be much better, I closed my eyes slowly. I could still hear the rain outside my window, occasionally hitting the glass. I've always found the rain so romantic.

I opened my eyes again and turned over, looking out the window. I had curtains but rarely closed them, especially on nights like this.

I started drifting off, my eyelids felt heavy, and eventually I fell asleep.