‘What’s your mission?’ Antony asked as we sat waiting for the train.
I had kicked up such a fuss about my freedom that Father had taken away all privileges, including a lift back to London. Letting the others know I was alive and well was my first job. I also had to tell them that my mission had started and Father was no longer a threat as mother implied.
I often wondered why our parents had been so vague about what it was we were supposed to be doing. Antony’s question had triggered me. Why had they told us that we had to achieve something but not given us any clues as to what and how? Father’s excuse that we needed to find our own way didn’t cut it with me.
‘It’s none of your business,’ I replied, looking at the people that waited with us.
It was cold but I didn’t take any notice. I was excited about the future, regardless of my clueless state of mind. Would my soulmate be tall and dark like Aries, or blond like Leo?
‘You’re fascinating.’
‘I’m not so sure,’ I said, not able to look away as he leaned in closer to me.
‘I think there’s much more under that arrogant exterior.’
My mouth dropped open as the train pulled into the station. Antony got up and climbed on as soon as it stopped, leaving me on the bench. At the sound of the doors closing, I jumped up and hopped on. I walked straight past the seat he sat in and moved down the carriage. There was a small table with six seats around it so I settled there. It was the middle of the day. I was grateful that the train wasn’t full.
‘I deserved that,’ Antony said as he sat opposite me.
I stared out the window, choosing to ignore him.
‘Excuse me, I can’t help but notice your bracelet.’
The voice belonged to an average sized man with a wicked smile. He sat next to me, causing me to freeze. I glanced at Antony and caught the glare he threw at the stranger.
‘My sister loves anything to do with astrology and it’s her birthday soon. Your bracelet has a little charm on it. She would love something like that. Where did you get it?’
The man was friendly so I smiled back. ‘I’ve had it since I was young. I don’t remember where my parents got it from,’ I replied, offering my arm when he gestured for me to show him. He took my hand and goose bumps sprung up over my skin. I suddenly had the urge to rip my arm away but I didn’t want to be rude.
‘That’s my girlfriend, mate,’ Antony said.
My gaze shot to him as heat flushed over me. His eyes were narrowed on our joined hands. The stranger was stroking my thumb. I pulled away. It didn’t feel right.
‘Sorry, I didn’t realise you were together…you didn’t look it,’ the man said, winking at me.
Antony leant forward and took my other hand. A different type of goose bumps rose up on my arms and I fought the urge to shiver.
‘I get your point, mate, don’t worry. I was genuinely interested in the bracelet.’
Looking into the man’s eyes, I felt fear bubble in my stomach. Father’s warning came into my head. I wondered if the man knew about my mission. He stood up suddenly and sat in one of the opposite chairs. Antony let go of my hand and came to sit next to me. The electronic voice announced the next stop over the speakers so a few people stood to get off. Our stranger friend watched me closely. I felt exposed and squirmed in my seat.
‘Are you okay?’ Antony whispered in my ear.
I shivered as his breath hit my sensitive skin. My heightened senses were good for some things. Our eyes met. He leant into me. I had been so worried about the stranger, I hadn’t even noticed how close he had come.
Chuckling as I went cross-eyed, he pulled back slightly so I could focus on his face. His nose almost touched mine. It was slightly bigger than normal but it suited him.
‘What are you doing?’ I whispered.
‘Just play along,’ he whispered back, bringing his hand up to cup my jaw. His thumb stroked my cheek as his fingers caressed the hair behind my ear.
I became lost in his gaze, unsure of what I should do. This wasn’t how I was going to find my soulmate but he was just warning the stranger away.
When his lips brushed mine, my eyes closed. The kiss was so gentle I barely felt it. His tongue flicked out and traced my lips. I held my breath as a rich sensation flowed through me and something snapped inside. I wanted to reach up and grab his head. I wanted to force him to kiss me properly, instead of teasing with tiny touches of his lips.
The electronic voice announced our stop and we pulled apart. The stranger was gone. I put my hand to my chest as Antony smiled at me. He looked cool and calm but his gaze wouldn’t meet mine. He stood and went to wait by the door. Taking a deep breath, I joined him. He looked straight ahead, ignoring me as the train rolled to a stop at the platform.
‘You’ll be okay from here, won’t you?’ he asked as I got off the train.
Clapham junction was busy. I wasn’t far from home. I nodded so he stayed on the train. Confusion overtook me as he waved. Wasn’t he supposed to be keeping an eye on me? Why were the doors to the train now closing with him still inside? After he had kissed me like that, he should still be with me!
I plunged into the crowd at an attempt to get off the platform quickly. Gulping, I tried to pull air into my lungs. Black spots danced across my eyes. I recognised the feeling of being overwhelmed and forced myself to breathe deeply to calm my senses. The last thing I needed was to faint in front of so many people.
‘Are you okay?’ someone asked me as I stopped for a second.
Black mist started to creep in at the corner of my eyes. I sat on the ground and leant against the station wall. I had to normalise my senses before they escalated into overdrive and I passed out. I nodded at the person who had asked the question and they left me alone. After a while, the crowd thinned out and I felt safe enough to make my way back to my siblings.