The 777 (A Historical Fiction Novella) by Quincy CJ

Author:Quincy, CJ [Quincy, CJ]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-04-20T04:30:00+00:00

Chapter VIII

Penny hitched up her skirt and broke into a jog when she saw the last of the blasters file onto the mining train ahead of Samuel and Benjamin. The last thing she wanted to do was miss the chance to see this blasting. Not only did she immensely enjoy the blasting experience, but she wanted to see the state of this mine for herself.

Her lungs burned and she felt her braid loosening as she called out to Samuel to hold the train one more moment. He turned at the platform and gave her a bemused look.

“Can I go with you?” She huffed, leaning on her knees.

“To the blast?” Samuel asked, incredulous.

“Yes!” She looked up and smoothed her hair. “I love blasting day. And would like to experience it just one more time.”

Samuel cocked an eyebrow, and she knew he was surprised by her sudden friendliness. “Um, okay. Hop on board.” He said. He held out a hand to help her board, but to save face and dignity she stood straight looked him square in the eyes as she grasped the handle herself waltzed into the train car.

Penny avoided lifting her hand to her ear when the whistle blew and turned her back to the wall to hide the dark spot of sweat she felt seeping through her lilac dress. Silence, thick as smoke and equally as choking, filled the car, and Penny noticed most of the blasters and Benjamin avoiding her gaze.

Samuel, however, locked his eyes on the passenger cars resting just past the train as they whizzed by the windows.

“If I’d known we'd have a lady on board, I could have arranged to add a passenger car for you.” He looked at his feet and wrung his hands. If he weren’t so smug all the time, he’d almost be endearing.

Penny considered just looking ahead and ignoring the comment, but she softened. “Oh, you won't ever catch me on one of those passenger cars.”

Samuel glanced up at her. “Why might that be?”

“It’s a story for another time, Samuel.” She smiled softly and turned her attention to the blur of trees, flowers, and fields out the window. Samuel did the same, and the two quietly watched the passing beauty until the train finally rolled to a stop.

*

Penny could hardly contain her excitement when the train reached the top of the mountain and she saw the mine in the distance. The loud clatter of the blasting crew as they exited the train sent adrenaline coursing through her body.

This time, however, there was no attendant with comfortable chairs and a table. No delicate glass full of a refreshing drink, and that was, honestly, how Penny liked it. She bent down and slipped off her constraining shoes, letting her feet stretch in the dusty soil.

Benjamin cleared his throat. “Sam, I’m going to head in and monitor the placements of the charges. You know, make sure there are no mistakes.”

Penny watched, amused, as Samuel’s face became etched in panic.

“I should go with you, Ben. Four eyes are better than two in that dark mine…”

“You stay out here, Sam.

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