Journey

JOURNEY

The Future Starts with a Choice

by Linzé Brandon, et al

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2016 (c) Muses and Broomsticks (Pty) Ltd

Facebook: @MusesandBroomsticks

email: muses.brooms@gmail.com

ISBN 9781370252060

Cover

Design: Lizette de Vries-Venter

Photograph: Francois A. Venter

Layout: Francois A. Venter

Copyright Notice, Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Muses and Broomsticks (Pty) Ltd retains the copyright of the JOURNEY short story anthology.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of these authors.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Break Away by Andrea Vermaak

The Wars of Men by Charmain Lines

I was just Hungry by Melissa Adendorff

Lonely by Michelle Kemp

Destiny by René van Dalen

Galen’s Hope by Linzé Brandon

Foreword

The Pretoria writers have done it again. Choosing a theme that wasn't bound by genre or gender preference always makes it a challenge, especially after the success of the STORM anthology in 2014. Then one hot Saturday afternoon in November 2015, the idea for JOURNEY was born.

Authors I knew jumped in. The word spread fast and furious and before long I got emails from people I have never met. The stories that made the final submission made me twice as happy for choosing journey as the theme.

A special thank you goes to our editor, Andrea Vermaak, who stepped up to mentor one of the authors over and above waving her magic pen to fix the shortcomings in our words.

I trust you will enjoy reading this special compilation of short stories that are guaranteed to stay with you long after you finished reading.

Until next time!

Lizette de Vries-Venter

writing as Linzé Brandon

Project leader: JOURNEY

CEO: Muses and Broomsticks (Pty) Ltd

Break Away

By Andrea Vermaak

Synopsis

When Jenna, an overworked journalist, can eventually afford to get away for a while, she finds herself on a train journey least expected: her overbearing boss is not only on board, he’s a few rows away from her, and he won’t let her forget about work.

With the help of a kind old man and his nephew, who just happens to be a dashing young porter, Jenna finds the courage to face her problems head-on.

Jenna checked her ticket for the umpteenth time. Coach C, seat 42. A backwards-facing seat. She liked to travel backwards on trains. She believed she could somehow see more out the window. This time, though, she had an aisle seat. She didn’t mind. The sky was hidden by a thick blanket of dark clouds, threatening heavy rain. She’d probably sleep most of the way. She also could leave the train quicker from her aisle seat, and not have to shimmy past anyone if she needed to get up for anything.

She lugged her giant suitcase behind her. She was grateful it had wheels. When she reached the door of coach C, a young man dressed in a porter’s uniform gave her a warm smile and helped her to lift the load onto the train.

A butterfly that happened to hitch a ride on her suitcase, fluttered away as she heaved the suitcase with both hands as high as she could off the ground. They followed its flight along the length of the train.

Painted lady, said the porter. They head north every year; a bit like we’re doing, I guess. They’re a bit early this year though.

It’s pretty, said Jenna as she watched it flutter away. I guess I’m heading north a bit early this year too. I usually go away in August, not April.

As Jenna stepped onto the train after her suitcase, the porter looked at all the locks on her suitcase with interest. There were three locks; two key locks on both side latches and a dial lock on the front latch.

Money or a body? he asked.

Both, she replied. Her face and dark eyes were so deadpan that it was not until she gave a giggle, that the porter cracked a nervous smile. She was a better actress than she thought.

You really had me there for a second. You should be careful. You could get arrested for the weirdest things these days. He had a twinkle in his green eyes that meant mischief.

I just want to know my stuff is safe. She frowned at her suitcase, concerned. If it were up to me, half the stuff in there would be left at home.

Fair enough. It will be safe, don’t worry. Here, let me show you where you can store it. The young man wheeled her suitcase to a luggage rack and pushed it under the first shelf. Before she could ask, he reassured her, It will be fine there, really. Don’t worry. We have hidden cameras. He placed his index finger on his lips and gave Jenna a wink.

Thanks. She was not entirely convinced, but she knew it would be in the way if she kept it with her. She looked from her suitcase to the porter. She could see he was waiting for something. Oh, I’m sorry, she said as she dug in her jeans pocket.

Oh, no; don’t worry about a tip. He gestured towards her backpack. May I store your backpack for you too, or would you like to keep it with you?

Oh, I’ll keep it with me, thanks. Not enough locks on it, she said with a nervous giggle.

The porter tugged on his cap in an old fashioned kind of way that Jenna found endearing, smiled and turned to help the next traveller onto the train with their luggage.

Odd. He’s so young and friendly. Porters are usually boring, old men.

Jenna entered the coach from the gangway and made her way down the aisle, searching for her seat. When she found it, she was more than halfway down the aisle.

Typical. I always store my luggage on the wrong side of the coach. I really hope it will be fine. I wouldn’t have to worry about it if it weren’t for…She rolled her eyes before she looked back to be sure her suitcase was safe, but couldn’t see anything, only the porter and other passengers boarding the train.

She took off her backpack and saw an old man seated in number 41 by the window. They exchanged polite ‘hellos’ and smiles as she heaved her backpack over her head to store it in the compartment above their seats. She plonked down in her seat, took out her phone and earphones from her jacket pocket, and sighed.

I hope that’s a sigh of contentment, love, and not one that means you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Jenna turned her face towards the old man, a little startled at his forwardness. A bit of both, to be honest. She wasn’t really annoyed, but she wasn’t in the mood to chat to a stranger the entire journey either. All she really wanted was to be left alone to enjoy her time away.

Let me guess. You’re a twenty-something, overworked, underpaid and exhausted woman. You could eventually afford to get away from the office for a bit, but you’re not quite relaxed yet, and you’re not quite sure you will be.

Jenna raised an eyebrow at the old man, but tried not to frown. She tried to sound as casual and joking as possible when she asked, How do you know so much? Have we met before?

No, laughed the old man. I’ve just lived a very long time and seen many people go through the same thing. Hurry up to slow down. The problem is, no one actually ever slows down. You may have saved some money from working so hard, but you never seem to have more time.

Wise words. Jenna extended her hand as she made a conscious effort to relax a little and be polite. The old man was right. She was still quite tense from the past few months at work. I’m Jenna. Pleased to meet you, Sir.

The old man shook Jenna’s hand. Even though he looked like he was almost about to break, his handshake was strong and firm. No please, I’m Wilfred, but you can call me Wil.

Good to meet you, Wil.

Pleased to meet you too, Jenna. So, where is your final stop?

Edinburgh, to visit some friends. It’s been too long since I last saw them.

Ah, good Auld Reekie. The very place feels like a dear old friend to me.

I know what you mean. It kinda gets into your bones.

"Indeed, indeed. I’m on my way to York to stay with my son. I’m getting too old to look after myself now. Oh, I’m not afraid to admit, no, no. So he’s invited me to stay with him and my lovely daughter-in-law.

What an odd little old man. Odd in an interesting sort of way. Where did you stay? Here in London?

Yes, in Kensington. My big old house is now far too big for this old man. Wil thrust his thumb at his chest with gusto.

But you seem well enough to look after yourself. I mean, if I may say so myself. Your handshake is strong and you seem to have a lot of…what is the word? Gumption!

Wil gave a hearty chuckle from his rounded belly. It’s not every day that I hear a young person say the word ‘gumption’!

Well, it’s true. I mean, I’ve only known you for a few minutes, but trust me, I can tell. There’s lots of life left in you yet. Well, he certainly isn’t a boring old man like an old porter, that’s for sure!

Thank you, love, you are very kind.

Jenna smiled. I don’t mean to be rude, but you won’t mind if I listen to my music for a bit? It helps me relax; get into the mood.

Not at all, love. Please, don’t mind me, Wil said with a wave of his hand and a shake of his head. I’ve got my paper to keep me busy. Sometimes the bad news makes me remember that I’ve had a good run and should be grateful. He pulled a newspaper from the chair pocket in front of him and unfolded it with a smile.

Just as Jenna placed her earphones in her ears and scrolled to find her favourite album, the train’s engine grumbled into action. Jenna felt a surge of excitement in her belly and her heart beat a little faster than usual. She leant back in her seat, took a deep breath and pressed play as the train rolled slowly out of the station. This was it. She was finally on holiday. No work, no stress; only her and her own time to do the things she enjoyed doing most.

Except maybe Monday or Tuesday when I have to do just a half day’s worth of…No, I’m on holiday. I’m not going to think about it until I have to. Full stop.

She closed her eyes for what seemed mere seconds, but were in fact the length of three songs. She had just begun to relax with the steady motion of the train, becoming lost in the music and thoughts of Scotland, when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Tickets please.

Jenna turned to look up at the young porter who had helped her with her suitcase. His eyes still sparkled full of mischief and his smile broadened when she looked up at him with wide eyes.

Jenna paused her music, and pulled out her earphones as she asked, Oh, sorry, I didn’t hear. Tickets?

Yes, please. I like chocolate too, if you have any, said the porter, trying with all his might to be serious.

Jenna laughed and reached into her jacket pocket to produce her ticket. It was a bit crumpled from all the times she had checked it with her anxious, sweaty hands.

Remember I told you earlier to be careful? asked the young man casually as he punched Jenna’s ticket. Jenna looked at him a little puzzled. Well, you should be careful of Uncle Wil here. You may come away with your head buzzing with more ideas than you’d like. A headache even. He’s a real chatterbox.

Jenna turned to Wil, who shrugged his shoulders and threw up his hands. Guilty as charged.

He’s full of one-liners and words of wisdom, continued the porter. "Some things he says are seriously clichéd, but he’s so good at it, you may not notice. It’s as if he swallowed The Little Book of Calm or something. He’s something of a…magician; with words, of course."

Jenna looked from the porter to Wil. How often do you commute on this route? she asked Wil.

Often enough. I told you, I’ve lived a very long time. But Cullen here is actually my nephew, if you were wondering. Wil leant closer to Jenna to whisper. He gets great family discount for me on top of my pensioner’s discount. He placed a finger on his lips in much the same way Cullen had before. She saw the same mischievous glint in his eyes too.

Jenna smiled and looked at Cullen, who winked at her.

In any case, continued Wil, if you need to be careful of anyone, it’s Cul here. Wil looked at Cullen from the corner of his eyes as he told Jenna, just loud enough for Cullen to hear, He’s a bit of a lady’s man, if you know what I mean.

Jenna’s eyes widened and she nodded overdramatically while peering at Cullen, Oh, I see. Thank you, Wil. Note taken. I’ll be vigilant, I promise.

Run along now, sonny boy. You’ve done your duty by us, said Wil. Don’t keep the other passengers waiting.

Uncle. Miss. Cullen emphatically pulled down the rim of his cap as he bowed his head.

You know my nephew? asked Wil, intrigued.

Oh, no, said Jenna. Well, I mean I met him on the train earlier. He helped me with my suitcase like a real gentleman and we…joked around a bit.

Ah, I see. But he really is a good boy, nodded Wil. If his father were not my only brother, I’d have to pick and say he’s my favourite brother. Cul is certainly my favourite nephew, but don’t tell him that, please. It’ll give him a big head.

Jenna smiled. It was good to get away; to meet new people, see old friends, and not think about all her worries at work. In fact, she couldn’t believe she was still thinking about work. Her thoughts wondered back to her suitcase in the gangway.

Perhaps I should go and check on it…She leant out of her seat a little to look down the aisle. The gangway looked empty. It’s fine, Jenna. Stop worrying. Relax and enjoy your holiday.

Jenna was a journalist at a local independent newspaper in south London. Times were getting tougher and tougher at the paper, so she supplemented her salary cut with freelance work. This meant that she had to work when she got home at night, and sometimes over weekends.

When she was about to reach the centre point of the candle she burnt at both ends, she put her foot down and booked leave for a week. She felt a little bad, especially because her boss, Nathan, gave her a look when she asked for leave, but she knew that if she didn’t get away for a bit, she’d end up not being able to work at all for a while. A week away was better than nothing. It was certainly better than the look Nathan would’ve given her had she asked for two weeks.

She doubted though whether a week would be enough for her to recover from all the stress symptoms from which she suffered. In fact, it would leave her in debt, so she’d probably be left more stressed. But her choices were either take a break and be broke, or have a nervous breakdown and place her job in jeopardy. She decided that she could always make the money back if she still had a job; not that she wasn’t looking for another one. In fact, she’d even considered a change of career.

Now she was on a train to her favourite city to see some of her favourite people. They would have picnics in The Meadows, eat deep fried Mars bars and drink too much locally brewed beer. They would visit pubs to which they had never been, and frequent old favourites. She’d flirt with young bachelors in The Standing Room and dance with them at The Hive Inn.

When her friends were at work, she’d visit antique book shops, graphic novel shops, and shops with vintage clothing. She’d visit art galleries and buy cheap prints of the city skyline, before wondering off to write her journal under a large tree in Princes Street Gardens with a paper bag of Gregg’s custard fudge doughnuts in hand.

She looked forward to feeling herself again, to being…free; yes, free of all the knots in her back and the storm clouds in her mind.

It’s my right and I deserve to take a break. Plus, I have plenty of leave left this year. He can see his friends whenever he likes, so why can’t I? I need not justify my cause. If my suitcase goes missing, good riddance!

Jenna, what’s the matter, love?

Jenna jumped a little in her chair and tore her eyes away from the gangway in the distance to look at Wil. Sorry, I was just worried about my suitcase, that’s all. I’m sure it’s fine.

What’s in it?

Jenna looked at her hands, annoyed at herself. Way too much of my life, that’s what.

Do you mean to tell me that you brought way too much baggage with you?

Jenna laughed. Good one. You have no idea.

I know what you mean, more than you think, love. Take it from me, and I’ve lived a long time, remember, if you’re not happy, do something about it. Don’t let anyone hold you back from living the life you want to live. Before you know it, poof, your time is up and it’s too late.

Wow, give me a minute to soak that all in, laughed Jenna. I guess I’m just afraid, that’s all. What am I saying? He’s a stranger. You don’t have to tell him your whole life story. You especially don’t have to talk about work. Not now anyway. You’re on holiday! Change the subject.

Now listen carefully, love. You hear me? Never let your fears decide you fate. Never.

You really are full of wise one-liners, aren’t you? Cullen, Cul, is it? Anyway, he’s right about you, smiled Jenna.

At that moment, Cullen stopped at their row of seats with a trolley laden with snacks. What was I right about?

Oh, jumped Jenna. I really do need to relax. Your uncle and his one-liners.

Cullen smiled. "May I