The rhythmic clacking of the train wheels against the tracks provided a soothing backdrop to the boring daily ride, and almost hypnotized Emily as she sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery, book open on her lap, lost in her own thoughts. She was a shy girl, quiet and uncertain in social situations, preferring the comfort of solitude and the company of books. It didn't mean she didn't notice others around her, just that she rarely knew what to say or how to talk to people. Today she had definitely noticed someone else, and despite her awkwardness, she couldn't stop looking at the girl seated across the train.
She stole another glance across the train car, her eyes again falling upon the girl with the cute skirt sitting a few seats away. Emily's heart fluttered slightly as she admired the girl's style, the way her outfit seemed to have been effortlessly assembled, and the way it seemed to imply a vibrant personality. The girl's hair was a cascade of curls framing a pretty face with porcelain skin, and her eyes sparkled as she scrolled through her phone. Emily couldn't help but steal glances, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and admiration. She had always been drawn to beauty, not just in outward appearance but in the way people carried themselves, in the expressions and gestures that spoke volumes about who they were.
Every time the girl looked up from her phone, Emily quickly averted her gaze, pretending to be engrossed in her own book. She felt a rush of excitement and nervousness whenever their eyes briefly met, but never held the girl's gaze for too long. There was no way she was noticing Emily with quite the same interest, she was certain of it. Emily wasn't the kind of girl to draw attention.
Minutes turned into what felt like an eternity as the train continued its journey, and Emily found herself unable to read her book, lost in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She wanted to say something, to compliment the girl on her outfit or strike up a conversation about something, but fear held her back. Instead, she continued to steal glances, hoping against hope that the girl would notice her too and be the brave one to start up a conversation. She imagined scenarios in her mind, a playful banter or a shared smile that would break the ice between them. But each time their eyes met, Emily's gaze darted away, her heart racing with uncertainty.
The sound of the brakes indicated that they were nearing her stop, and Emily knew that this fleeting moment would soon come to an end. She couldn't shake off the regret building within her, the missed opportunity to connect with someone who had unknowingly captured her attention and curiosity. That face would appear in her dreams, and like every other girl who had caught her attention before, she would need to accept that dream version of the girl as the one she would get to know. Her own awkwardness would mean that no one would ever notice her as a possible romantic partner. She had resigned herself to that a long time ago, but for a brief moment across a crowded train, she imagined it might have been otherwise.