A Chance Encounter

The wheels of Emma's suitcase clicked against the tile floor as she sped through the busy train station. She was running late for her train to Paris, her new life and career about to start. She stumbled after a collision with someone's shoulder as she hurried past the ticket barriers.

A deep voice said, "I'm so sorry!" Emma was held by strong hands and met the most stunning green eyes she had ever seen.

"No, it's my fault," she stumbled as a blush began to appear on her cheeks. "I wasn't looking where I was going."

Emma's heart skipped a beat as she saw the stranger's smile. His brown hair was ruffled, his face was pleasant. He was tall. With concern in his voice, he inquired, "Are you alright?"

Emma answered, "Yes, I'm fine," but then she noticed that his hands were still on her arms. "But I'm about to miss my train."

Swiftly, "What platform?" he inquired.

"Seven," Emma stated, taking a quick look at her watch.

With a "come on," he grabbed her suitcase. "I know a shortcut."

He was guiding her through the station and deftly navigating the crowds before she had a chance to object. The train was drawing in when they got to the station.

Breathlessly, Emma murmured, "Thank you," and took her suitcase from him.

"My pleasure," he grinned in response. "I'm Jack, by the way."

"Emma," she gave him a shake of his extended hand. Upon touching, there seemed to be a sudden surge of energy between them.

The train driver let out a whistle. "I have to go," Emma grudgingly stated.

With a tinge of disappointment, Jack nodded. "Have a safe trip, Emma."

Emma couldn't stop thinking about Jack's sweet grin and the sound of her name on his lips as she boarded the train and found her seat. With her head full of hypothetical scenarios and lost chances, she settled in for the ride.

After traveling for an hour, the train unexpectedly stopped. They would be delayed for at least two hours due to a technical fault, the conductor announced. Emma sighed, knowing that she would have to wait a while.

She heard a knock on her compartment door a few minutes later. She raised her head, and her heart almost stopped. Jack was standing at the doorway, looking sheepishly happy.

"I hope you don't mind," he replied, "but I couldn't let you leave without at least asking for your number."

Emma's smile spread widely across her face. "You got on the train?"

Jack ran a hand through his hair and nodded. "I realize it's repulsive. However, something told me that if I let you go without trying, I would regret it."

A sensation of warmth coursed through Emma's chest. She pointed to the chair across the room. It appears that we will have a few hours. Jack, why don't you tell me more about yourself?

Emma and Jack chatted and joked while the train stood still. They exchanged anecdotes and found a connection that seemed both new and comfortable. Emma realized that her new life in Paris would be even more remarkable than she had anticipated by the time the train began to move again.

And it all began with a fortuitous meeting in a crowded train station.