Write a romance story, with Charlston Railroad Tavern mentioned... A Challenge
It was 7:00 a.m. when my friend took me to Charlston Train Station. After getting my tickets we went into the Charlston Railroad Tavern I would have an espresso, with sambuco. I had an hour to wait. My friend Cheryl only had a few minutes with me as she had other appointments. When she left I sat pondering what had happened in the past twenty four hours. I was leaving what I had thought would be the love of my life that would last forever. Yet, after only 5 months together and only a week before our wedding he was seen with another woman.
He who had told me I was his forever flame, that he could never again live without me. yada, yada yada....I didn't just take the word of the party who told me, I followed him and saw for myself. He went into an apartment which I assumed was hers, and both came out two hours later, only she stayed after he kissed her goodnight, several times, with her pulling him closer each time. I was devastated. I never told him, I just made a quick decision to leave and go stay for awhile with my sister.
On the train I settled in for the overnignt trip. At that time it took about 28 hours to get to Chicago. There was one change-over that took place in Pennsylvania. So I settled in and had a seat to myself next to the window and empty across from me so I could put my feet up and get comfy if I wanted to. I didn't want to take a plane, a train trip suited my mood. My thoughts turned to Brian and how he would be reacting to the news. I wrote him a note explaining everything. I did not tell him where I was going.
All of a sudden I was tired from not being able to sleep the night before, and sat back to take a nap. When I awoke it was time for lunch. I decided to go to the dining car I was very hungry and couldn't remember when I had last eaten. I had just ordered a Fishermans platter, and a gentleman asked if he could share my table as the car was full. I looked around and there was only one or two places available , so I said that would be fine. I do enjoy good conversation, and I had lucked out, he was a Marine biologist. I didn't understand much at that time about his work, so it was very interesting to me. I was glad for the diversion. I wasn't going to spend my trip in tears.
After dinner , he asked if I would have a drink with him in the lounge car, to continue our conversation. I accepted and we spoke for several hours on every subject you can think of and it was most enjoyable. In fact it was almost time for dinner before I left and we had planned to have it together. I was only back in my seat for about an hour and a half before dinner. I sat there with mixed thoughts about Brian and what he would be doing now, and my new friend David, and our conversation.
He was about 10 years older than me, and perhaps married, but I didn't ask and he didn't mention it. We were just strangers in passing. He was going to Chicago on business, He lived in Massachusets. I had told him part of what had happened , but couldn't continue, and he was very nice about it and didn't press me for the whole story. He had said I could tell him when I was ready. I thought that was nice, since it assumed that I would tell and he would listen. Which he did during a superb dinner we shared.
We wound up back in the lounge after dinner, and over some Irish coffee, we talked the night away. We found we had many things in common and he wasn't married. Since we were both getting off in Chicago, we had the entire night together, and it was very interesting and enjoyable. We wound up taking a nap through the morning until noon. He had moved to the seat next to mine. It doesn't seem possible that you can become so familiar that quickly, but we did. When we got off the train I had already accepted his invitation to stay at the same hotel and spend a few days in Chicago so we could get better aquainted.
I had almost forgotten Brian, until I was settled in a room which we were able to get on the same floor just a few doors from David (full name David Winsall, age 44, handsome and very sweet). When I was alone I began to think of Brian, but I had to phone my sister and tell her of my change of plans. I knew she would be disappointed , but she would get over it. It would only be a few day's delay.
The few days turned into a whirlwind in which David and I got married and it was 6 days before I got to see my sister, and I shocked her by having a husband with me. Later we discussed my having to go back to Charleston and settle things there, before I moved to Massechusets with my husband. Since he had work that couldn't wait any longer, we agreed that I would go home and do whatever had to be done and he would join me to help when I was ready to leave.
When I got to Charlston I was very excited, but thoughts of Brian came flooding over me and I wondered what he would say when I told him . It was a shock to see him at the train station, waiting for me. I had told my friend Cheryl, and she had told Brian everything, including what train I would be on, since she was supposed to pick me up. So here I was faced with having to defend my actions with Brian. He said " Let's go into the tavern, I need a drink before I talk with you." When we got settled and had ordered drinks, he asked, "How could you have done this to us? Why didn't you wait for an explanation?" I answered, "Please Brian, No lies, I followed you and waited outside of her apartment and saw you kissing her."
He looked so downcast, then said, " I'm sorry you saw that, she was my ex-wife, I never told you about her, but she is re-married and has been for 5 years. I went over to help her with a problem she was having, and she got carried away when I was leaving, I swear to you Gina, I did nothing with her or against you, I love you and still do, and I'm devastated that you could have done this to us, and to marry on the spur of the moment like this , I'm simply aghast and don't know what to say."
I was having a hard time grasping the fact that he had been married before, and never told me. I also thought that I really knew very little about him and wondered how many other times he went to his ex-wife. I realized that in the short time I spent with David I had more conversations with him and knew more of him, than I did of Brian.
"Brian, I'm sorry, but you should have told me you had been married, and also if you had been honest and discussed things with me, this may not have happened. "Yet, I continued, I think it was for the best, because I really have much more in common with David, and I believe things happen for a reason, and this turned out to be right for me. I hope it will turn out right for you too, but do yourself a favor and with your next girl, remember honesty is the best policy. I wish you all the best , and I know you'll get over me, so please let's part friends." He got up and without a word, walked away without looking back. I was very surprised by his actions. Feeling sad I took a cab to my apartment.
It took only 10 days for me to do all that had to be done. David came with a small truck and we put my few things in, and we were on our way. When he first came, and I opened the door for him I knew immediately that I had made the right decision to marry him. It may have been spontaneous but it was not on the rebound. I knew I was going to love him a lot, even though it happened so quickly, no one would ever believe it, but David did , because my actions proved it. Sometimes things happen for the best. We are very happy.
Wonderful story! That spontaneity you wrote of is true to life, too. My husband and I hit it off "spontaneously" and still it lasts to this day--31 years later....
Reviewed by Kate Clifford
4/17/2002
Great write. I had a feeling as I read it how some of it would end but it kept me spellbound all the way through. Its interesting how life has it turns and twists but I loved the way you showed that everything works out.
Wonderful story. My second wife and I got married within a few months, but had known each other for 30 years and had been friends with each others spouse's. We had both lost our firstmates before getting married and have been for over 10 years now. Again a good write. Samdavid1
Reviewed by VJ Kruger
3/25/2002
Wonderful story. Interesting & well written. Kept me pulled in & wanting to read more...VJ Kruger
Reviewed by Shelly Hollar
3/21/2002
I keep telling my son the same thing. Life has a way of working in our favor even if we can't see it at the present moment. Hugs, Shelly
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