On the train she sat by the window, scrolling through Alice’s phone. She had watched her unlock it enough times to know the code; it was the same as the PIN she had used to withdraw money the first night they had gone to the pub.

She read through her emails and messages, familiarizing herself with the conversations she and her friends had had and cross-referencing them to photos in her photo roll. She imagined Alice replying to them, hearing her voice in her head, perfecting her tone. Over time – but soon – she would need to phase these friends out. Reply to fewer of their messages, ignore their invitations, not react to their social media posts.

In a week or so, she’d tell a few of them she was going away on her own for a month or two, travelling in Europe. They’d assume she was busy, or had met someone, and gradually she would drift from their consciousness. It was surprising how flimsy friendships could be, how easily jobs and boyfriends and other people replaced the friends you thought were so important. Very few relationships survived one person neglecting them; the other party had to be very committed.

Like Ned. He’d already sent four messages since she’d boarded the train.

HI. Are you home today?

You’re booked on the train this evening, right?

Did you get the train?

I could meet you at Nottingham station and take you to your house, if you like?

She had been planning to ignore him, but she had to stop this happening, so she typed a reply.

It’s fine. I have a taxi booked. And I need some alone time

Tomorrow, then? We need to talk.

We don’t. I said everything I wanted to, Ned.

No. This is too important to throw away. I’ll come tomorrow. I’m at my house in Nottingham, clearing out my stuff. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes. I have to see you.

Shit. It was clear this guy was not going to leave her alone. Obviously she couldn’t see him, which left only one way to deal with the situation.

So soon after Alice. Her pulse quickened in anticipation.

OK. But not at the house. We can meet somewhere neutral.

Where? And when?

In the evening. I have things to do in the day. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.

She sent the text and sat back in her seat, looking out of the window. They pulled into a station and a handful of people boarded the train. One, a young man in a blue cap and loose-fitting jeans, sat next to her.

‘OK if I sit here?’ he said.

She was about to reply No worries, mate, but then she remembered.

She’d been working on her English accent for a reason.

‘Of course,’ she said. ‘Feel free.’

Sunday, 29 August 2021

Roland