The Other ME

It had seemed a normal day, at first. Anna had experienced a hectic schedule at work, but the sun was shining, and at last she was on her way home. As she stepped onto the station escalator, finally she could relax.

‘Jessica! Jessica!’

Anna looked down. A blonde woman coming towards her up the adjacent escalator was waving madly.

‘Hi, Jess!’ she called. ‘How are you?’

Anna glanced over her shoulder, but there was no one behind her. The woman drew closer. She was definitely looking at her.

‘I’m sorry,’ Anna began, ‘I’m not…’

‘No, I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch!’ said the woman, reaching into her handbag as she drew parallel to Anna. ‘My mobile was stolen. Here…’

But the woman was still fumbling in her bag as the escalators now carried them away from each other. Anna shook her head and had reached the bottom and was just strolling along her platform when she heard more shouting.

‘Jessica! Wait!’

It was her again. Anna turned as the woman hurried towards her, her blonde hair flying behind her.

‘Here you go!’ she panted, thrusting a rainbow-coloured card into Anna’s hand. ‘Here’s my new mobile number. Ring me!’

‘Sorry…’ Anna began, looking bewildered.

‘Can’t stop!’ the woman panted. ‘My train’s about to arrive at the platform over there. But I had to make contact. We must get together to celebrate your