Pency Prep: A Short Story

Finally, the train arrived with the breaks screeching to a stop. I hopped on the train as soon as the door opened. I starting looking for a seat for my long ride up to Newark. I’m a very chatty person, so I like to have conversation partners for my trips. Usually, at this time of night, there’s no one worth talking to. I almost gave up my search, but then I say this little boy by himself at the front of the car. I gave him a little head nod greeting and sat down. As I got myself comfortable, I noticed his baggage had a familiar symbol on it. It was Pency Prep. I was sure that was it since I had just received a postcard from Ernie earlier in the day.
“Excuse me, but isn’t that a Pency Prep sticker?” I asked.
“Yes, it is,” he said. The boy didn’t
He refused.... Boy, he’s really shy,” he added. Nothing of what Rudolf said sounded like word from the bird. Either my Ernie really has changed or Rudolf’s smog in the noggin. More likely the latter.
Loud footsteps sounded from the doorway behind us. I eyeballed the room and saw the conductor coming down the aisle. Even with his cap on you could tell he was a greaser. The man came up to our seats, took our stubs and was on his way to the next car. He must have had a poor sense of smell as he didn’t even question us about the smoke scent. Little did Rudolf know, if he would’ve smelt it, I would’ve copped a breeze.
“Would you care for a cocktail? We can go in the club car,” he asked.
“Dear, are you allowed to order drinks?” I replied. He did look a few years older than he was, but he was still as young as my Ernie.
“I can usually get them on account of my height and I have quite a bit of grey hair.” It was true, he had more than Mr. Morrow.
I respectfully declined his offer for drinks, as the club’s car was closed anyway at this time of night. Where is he headed to at this time anyway, doesn’t he still have class? I thought. Right when I asked him, I immediately regretted