All Aboard (Part 5)
Last Time:
The rescue squad took Bo and Nora to the local area hospital.
Bo received a few stitches to close up the gash on his forehead.
Nora needed surgery to remove some glass from her shoulder.
Nora thought Bo needed to return to Llanview earlier than she
would be able to.
********
After Bo made the necessary calls back home, he found a "comfortable" couch at the hospital to crash on over night. There was absolutely NO way he was leaving Nora alone… Not again… Not ever… He arranged to have someone else escort the prisoner from Llanview to Statesville. Honestly, he wasn't looking forward to the extra train ride back and forth anyway. He made a major blunder by not handling this earlier instead of implying to Nora that he might have to go home early on another train, instead of waiting for her. Sometimes he just wished he thought first and spoke later. It might have helped if she had let him get a word in edgewise, but the look on her face told him he had messed up… again.
It was the morning shift change and the new group getting coffee that caused him to rouse from his restless nights sleep. As he tried to sit up, he grabbed his sore neck and grimaced as he swung his legs off the couch. Squinting as he tried to make out the time on the wall clock, he stretched and looked out at the morning sky. Slowly rising, he walked out of the waiting room and over to Nora's hospital room door and slowly pushed it open. He was shocked to find her bed empty.
Bo: (Panicked and rushing to the nurses station) Where's Ms. Buchanan?
Nurse: (Looking up from her charts) Who?
Bo: (Frowning and pointing toward her room) Ms. Buchanan, Rm 315. She's not in the room. Where is she?
Nurse: (Trying to calm him down) Just a minute, Sir. I'll check. I just came on duty. (She rises and walks to the charts on the wall and pulls Nora's. Returning to the counter) She went for some final tests this morning. The Doctor ordered a few more X-rays before he considers releasing her. (Glancing at her watch) She should be back in about an hour.
Bo: (Hearing his stomach growl, he remembers that he hadn't eaten since yesterday's snack on the train. An hour would give him plenty of time to grab breakfast and get back to see her. Bo forced a smile) Thank you. Could you point me in the direction of the hospital cafeteria?
Nurse: (Smiling) Sure… Go down the elevator to the lower level. You'll see the signs. (Bo smiles and thanks her as he turns to leave) Oh! You should try the walnut cake if they have any. It's to DIE for…
Bo: (Smiling and chuckling) Really?? (Smirking) Probably not the best sales pitch for a hospital, ya think? (The nurse laughs as Bo continues down the hallway.)
As the doors closed to Bo's elevator, the elevator across the hallway opened and an Orderly wheeled Nora out and down the hallway to her room. Nora was exhausted. She got absolutely no sleep. All she could think about was Bo. Barely looking up at the door as the Orderly pushed the wheelchair out of her room, she settled into her bed. Why did Bo's having to leave so early hurt her so deeply. Lying back on the pillow and staring at the ceiling. It's not like he was responsible for her. She could take care of herself and had been doing so just fine for the last several years. It was just the flood of old feelings that came back to her when he took her hand on that train ride. Why couldn't she shake these old feelings and move on. It was obvious Bo was not having a problem separating his feelings for her as a friend from their past relationship.
Trying to control the quiver in her chin, she quickly wiped at the moisture in her eyes as her room door opened.
Nora: (Forcing a smile) Well, good morning, good Doctor.
Doctor: (Smiling and holding her charts) Good morning to you too. (Walking over to her bedside and noticing that she had been crying. Frowning) Are you in pain, Nora?
Nora: (Trying to laugh off the tears and turning off the television.) Nah! I'm feeling fine, it's just all those damn Hallmark commercials they show this time of year. (Smiling) I'm just an old softy.
Doctor: (Buying her story and laughing) I know, I know. My wife cries at everyone one of those too. If it's not the Hallmark commercials then it's the Kodak commercials. (Laughing)
Nora: (Smiling and wanting to change the subject) So…. What's the report? Are you letting me out of this joint??
Doctor: (Smiling) Well, quite frankly… We need the bed space! (Laughing) Your X-rays look great, the damage to your shoulder should heal fine with some physical therapy. (Looking at his watch) So it looks like you'll be getting out of here earlier than we thought. How does that sound?
Nora: (Elated) Really?? Earlier? Like how early? (Suddenly hoping that she could catch the earlier train back to Llanview)
Doctor: Well… You let me file these reports at the desk outside, I'll alert the nurse to your status, and she'll start pulling together your release forms. How's about 30-45 minutes.
Nora: (Looking at her watch) It was 9:00. If she could get out of there by 9:45 at the latest, she could certainly make the 10:30 train before it left. She was sure this was the train Bo would be on. The 7:30 train that departed would have been way too early for Bo. Looking back at the doctor and smiling. Sighing) That would be wonderful!! (Pretending to frown at him.) So… What are you waiting for!! Get me out of here, will ya?
Doctor: (Smiling and standing at attention) Yes Ma'am!! (Leaning over close to her) I don't think I'd want to take care of you more than a day, Nora. You are quite the challenge?
Nora: (Smiling at the compliment) Gee, thanks Doc? (Pointing at the door) Now GET OUT! (They both laugh as he leaves the room and she starts searching for something to wear.)
Nora picked up the telephone and arranged for a ticket on the 10:30 train. The Doctor was right on the money. In 30 minutes she had signed the necessary forms and was on her way out of the hospital.
About 45 minutes after he left the nurses station, Bo was standing back at the counter. Still wondering where Nora was. A different nurse was now manning the station.
Bo: (Becoming concerned) Excuse me. I've been waiting for Ms. Buchanan to return from her tests. Do you have any idea when she might be back in her room?
Nurse: (Frowning) Ms. Buchanan? (Looking down at her folder and then looking back up at Bo.) Ms. Buchanan was just released from the hospital. (Looking at her watch) About 15 minutes ago.
Bo: (Shocked) What??? You're kidding me! I thought she was going to stay until later tonight. (Turning and then turning back to the counter) Do you know where she went??
Nurse: (Shrugging her shoulders) No, Sir. I'm sorry, I don't know.
Bo: (Turning to run down the hallway. Where would she go?? Why wouldn't she wait for him? He finally makes it to the outside curb and hails a taxi. The only possible place she might head is the train station. Looking at his watch and then cursing) Damn watch!! (Seeing the clock on the dash and remembering that there was a 10:30 train leaving the station. Yelling at the taxi driver.) Get me to the train station… And Fast!! (The taxi pulls away from the curb and heads down the highway. He didn't think he'd make it to the station in time, but he just had to try.)
Bo threw the money at the driver as he bolted out of the car and ran through the station. As he ran out onto the landing, the train was pulling out of the station. He contemplated jumping once again, but it was too far down the track. Cursing his rotten luck, he turned away from the tracks looking totally lost. He slowly walked over to the ticket booth and checked on the status of the next train leaving for Llanview. It wasn't until 5:30 that evening.
Bo: (Handing over his credit card to purchase the ticket and frowning. Talking to himself) Damn it Nora! I wanted to be there… I wanted to be with you…
Nora sat sipping her coffee looking out the window as the train moved down the tracks. It had happened again. Even the thought of Bo being on the train couldn't make her take the final step to board the train. Oh, she was close. So very close. He was on that train, she just knew it. But the thought of throwing herself at him, made her think twice about boarding. It was obvious to her that he didn't want to travel back to Llanview with her. Even though she raced to the train station, and had plenty of time to board, she just couldn't make herself take that last step. If he wanted to be with her, he'd have to make the effort. She wasn't going to chase him down like some schoolgirl.
She turned away from the train as it started moving down the track, wiping at the tear falling down her cheek. She found out that the next train didn't depart until 5:30 that evening. She purchased her ticket and looked for someplace to go to kill time. Laughing to herself. Here she was again, sitting in the train station restaurant staring out the window at the train moving down the tracks, waiting to board yet another train.
Nora: (Talking to herself) It just wasn't meant to be. (Looking down at her coffee cup) It was a fun ride while it lasted, Bo, but it's time to move on. (Frowning) I mean, it must be, right?? All the signs are telling me to get on with my life. Why can't I just do it.
The ticket clerk was passing Bo's credit card back to him when he noticed the name.
Clerk: (Chuckling) Another Buchanan?
Bo: (Looking puzzled) Huh?
Clerk: (Smiling) It's just odd that I'd issue two tickets for the 5:30 train to two Buchanan's. (Laughing) I mean, what are the odds??
Bo: (Looking around the station and then looking back at the clerk) Another Buchanan bought a ticket on the 5:30 train? The 5:30 train? You're sure??
Clerk: (Nodding) Yep, just issued it to her about 20 minutes ago. (Laughing) She missed her 10:30 train so I traded her ticket for the later one.
Bo: (Feeling the hair stand up on the back of his neck. A broad smile growing across his face. He leans in closer to the clerk) You've gotta do me a favor…
[Author's note: OK, this would be a GREAT place to stop this chapter, but I'm feeling generous… Go potty, get some coffee, a comfortable seat, and enjoy the ride! LOL!]
Nora's shoulder was starting to throb and she took the pain medication they gave her at the hospital. It made her a little drowsy, so she decided to get up and walk around. Perhaps there were some stores close by where she could kill some time. The day was beautiful and the sun warmed her face as she exited the train station. What a glorious day. She would love to be sharing her walk down the street with Bo.
While walking down the street and looking in the shop windows, she caught a glimpse of herself in the glass and realized how badly her clothes were soiled from last night's accident. In an attempt to pick up her spirits, she decided to splurge on a new outfit. This would be her recovery gift to herself!! Laughing to herself, "Beats flowers any day!"
The afternoon passed slowly and she didn't think that the time to depart would ever arrive. Oh, she felt better about her looks. It's amazing what a new outfit can do for your self-esteem! She also took the extra time to have her hair done. Glancing back in the store windows as she made her way back to the train station. She paused to admire the transition.
Nora: (Smiling and yet feeling sad) That's much better. Too bad Bo won't see… (Looking away and chastising herself for thinking about him) This is just for you, Nora. Just for YOU! (She threw back her shoulders and held her head up high as she continued her walk to the train station.)
The train was sitting at the platform waiting to be boarded. She didn't hesitate, as she took the step from the platform to the train. The porter met her at the top of the steps and took her ticket. He glanced at her name and frowned.
Porter: (Frowning) Um… Excuse me, Ms. Buchanan. There's been a slight change in your ticket.
Nora: (Confused) A slight change? What kind of change.
Porter: If you'll follow me, please. We've had to make some changes to seating assignments. Seems someone reserved an entire car and we had to move some people around.
Nora: (Raising her eyebrows) An entire car, huh? Wow!
Nora followed the porter as he made his way through the passenger cars. Finally he stood there, holding the sliding door back for her to enter. When she stepped through the portal, her breath caught in her throat. The porter smiled broadly as he stepped outside and wished her a pleasant trip, sliding the door closed on his way out.
Nora swallowed hard as she looked around the train car. It had been totally transformed. There were flowers and candles. A table set for two. She raised her hand to her chest as she let his name escape with a smile. "Bo…" As if on cue, Bo stepped into the car from the opposite end. He looked incredibly handsome. Seems she wasn't the only one who went shopping. He stood there, looking better than she could ever remember. Even with the small bandage on his forehead, his warm smile lit up his face and made his eyes sparkle. They stood there just caught in one another's gaze. He began moving toward her, their eyes never leaving the other. Her heart began to race as his heart beat so loud in his chest he was sure she could hear it, if not see it. She seemed to be frozen in place as he closed the distance between them.
Bo: (Standing only a foot away, he took a deep breath and smiled. Reaching up to move a stray hair behind her ear. Glancing at her own bandaged forehead. Speaking quietly) You're a hard woman to catch up with.
Nora: (Leaning her head toward his hand as it caressed her cheek on the way down to his side) Really? (Smiling coyly) You've been trying to catch me?
Bo: (Shaking his head slowly at the amazement of it, sighing) All my life.
Nora: (Swallowing and fighting the moisture that wanted to overflow her eyes. She slowly glances behind her back at the closed door and turns and smiles) Seems I'm caught.
Bo: (Leaning in to place a kiss on her cheek) Not yet. (He steps back and smiles teasingly breaking the tension of the moment) Have you had anything to eat?
Nora: (Smiling and hearing her stomach growl) No and I'm starving. I think that hospital was trying to starve me. (Laughing)
Bo: (Turning to walk to the table) Good, because I've got a meal planned for you. (Nora walked up to the table, just standing inches from him when the train started to move. The initial motion caught her off guard and she lost her balance, falling into Bo's arms. Their faces just inches apart, her hands resting on his shoulders, and his arms holding her at the waist, she nervously smiles into his face, his eyes scanning over her features and longing to touch her lips. With all his resolve, he sets her upright and takes a deep breath and a slight cough to regain control) Um… Well… Ms. Buchanan… (Lifting the silver lid off of the plates.) Dinner is served… (Nora's eyes sparkled as she licked her lips.)
He pulls out a chair for her and she takes a seat, slightly grimacing at the reminder of the pain in her shoulder.
Bo: (Seeing the pain cross her face.) Are you OK, Red? I tried finding you after your tests this morning, but…
Nora: (Frowning) You were at the hospital? (Bo nodded and Nora glanced away) I didn't know…
Bo: (Taking his seat across the table and smiling, rubbing his neck at the reminder of how it felt that morning) Yes I was, and I had the stiff neck this morning to prove it.
Nora: (Shaking her head) I didn't know, Bo. I thought…
Bo: (Reaching over to take her hand) I would never leave you, Red. (Looking at her intently, trying to emphasize his words) EVER… (Nora looked away as she slowly pulled her hand out of his and placed her napkin in her lap.)
Bo smiled as he served up their dinner and they ate and talked of old times.
********
Meanwhile…
Steve used his connections in Las Vegas to track down his wife. It had been a long journey across the country, but his need for revenge egged him on. She had relocated and changed her name, but after giving his contacts her description, it was easy to track her down. He stood out on the street, looking at the light in her apartment window. He kept seeing her shadow pass by the window and each time his eyes narrowed. He had found out quite a bit of information in his quest to locate his wife. It was all hearsay, but he would make her talk.
Seems she was having an affair with one of the casino dealers. As it happened, however, the casino dealer was cheating on her. It was more than she could take and getting rid of both men in her life was gonna be easy as pie. She convinced them both to take a little trip to Llanview, PA. Seems she had some old friends she knew in the area and that made her all the more familiar with the layout of the city. What they didn't know, however, was that she had hired a hitman to take care of her friendly card dealing cheating stud. Framing Steve for the murder just seemed to fit in perfectly. There was no way to tie the dealer back to her and this way she'd never have to lay eyes on her husband again. Oh, how many times she had laughed to herself at the brilliance of her plan. Providing the baseball bat to the hitman just worked out perfectly.
Steve finally worked up the courage to confront her. He would make her confess. There was no way they were gonna take him back to prison. No way!!
Gathering up all his resolve, Steve finally knocked down the door. She stood there, leaning against the fireplace with a smug grin on her face. She didn't even seem surprised to see him. Her dark hair flowing over her shoulders, her grin grows as he stands in the living room, fighting to control his rising anger.
Steve: (Sneering) Hello, T.
T: (Smiling) Well, well. What a surprise.
It was the click of about 10 guns that caused Steve's breath to freeze in his chest. He glanced around the room and found it full of Las Vegas police with their weapons drawn and aimed at him.
T: (Smiling broader) Steve…, Honey, if you are nothing, you are predictable! (Laughing loudly. Steve makes a last desperate effort to jump at her when he's caught in the grasp of the police officers. She continues laughing as they pull him out of the apartment. Her laugh just seemed to follow him down the hallway as he continued to scream.)
Steve: (Screaming and kicking) I didn't do it!! I didn't do it!! She did!! She did!!!!…
T: (Smiling as she closed her apartment door and speaking to herself) Enjoy your trip back to Statesville, suck-er! (Laughing)
********
The problems of the previous evening were miles away for Bo and Nora. They were lost in a world of their own. The ease at which they could talk amazed them both. They had missed so much having one another to talk to. The porter entered the car and took away the dirty dishes and removed the table. Nora walked to look out of the window at the passing countryside. The sun was setting and it was getting increasingly darker, as the lights inside the train slowly dimmed. She turned from the window to find Bo standing by the switch with a smile on his face. With a nod of his head toward the door, music started playing inside their car. The look of love and desire flooded Nora's face before she could hide it. Bo saw the familiar look and smiled.
He slowly walked up to her as she leaned back against the window. His arms outstretched as he placed both hands on either side of her head, pressing his palms against the wall of the train car and leaning close.
Bo: (His breath just inches from Nora's face, her eyes scan down to his lips and return to his eyes.) Would you like to dance or is your shoulder too sore?
Nora: (Mesmerized by his nearness, it took a minute for his words to sink in. He continued to stare into her eyes as she remembered to breathe.) My shoulder??… (Continuing to look into his eyes.) Um… No… My shoulder's just fine. Can't feel a thing, actually. (Nora held her breath as Bo came nearer.)
Bo: (Speaking quietly) Good… (He leans back and takes her hand in his as he pulls her with him until they are standing in the middle of the floor. Taking her hand in his and placing his other hand at her back.) Then dance with me…
They fit together perfectly. Initially they kept their distance and maintained a stiffness that was unnatural for them. Eventually, as the song continued, they became more comfortable, and the world passing by them outside the train was lost to them. They were alone and they were dancing. It was perfect. As they continued to move slowly around the floor, Bo turned his head to meet hers and their lips finally touched. The railroad warning light that passed outside their window flashed inside the car just as their kiss began and they both stopped and looked at one another. It seemed like an electric charge ignited inside as they both smiled at one another and started kissing again. It felt so right, so warm, so comforting, so… familiar.
The kiss became more and more passionate as neither wanted to part. It was like old times.--times when just a simple, small kiss would ignite into a roaring fire of desire and love. They were being consumed and they didn't want it to ever end. As their kissing continued, Bo started backing up, taking Nora with him, until he was against one of the cushion seats. He sat down, taking her down with him, straddling his lap. Their kissing continued as Bo locked his fingers behind her neck, just under her hair, holding her lips to his. Finally Nora turned slightly, needing to catch her breath, her cheek nestling next to his and her breath warm in his ear.
Nora: (Breathless) Bo… (He didn't allow her to finish, he turned her head and again consumed her mouth with his. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.)
The train car went dark again as they entered the tunnel that had helped them make such a connection on their earlier trip. They parted briefly, unable to see one another in the darkness. Nora felt Bo's hands go to the buttons at her blouse and his fingers nimbly began unbuttoning the garment. Nora's fingers rose to caress Bo's hair as his breathing became more and more labored. She could feel the desire building inside of him.
The motion of the train as it continued out of the tunnel and down the track was matched only by the rhythm of the lovemaking in the first class car. Nora couldn't believe how much she was enjoying this "train" ride.
Bo: (Separating briefly and smiling at Nora, the look of love and desire still on her face. He reaches up and caresses her face and then kisses her, whispering quietly into her lips.) All…. Aboard…. (They both laugh as Bo's hold on her tightens)
Nora: (Smiling) Whoo!!… Whoo!!…
The End!!
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