Diary of a 21st Century nobody - Whoops! Too clever

I believe I am a 'whizz' on public transport! It does not faze me at all. Hop on a bus, hail a taxi, catch a plane - no problem, but I really come into my own with trains! It could be to do with spending many years using them to commute to work ( a task that I, thankfully, no longer have to perform), but I am organised, efficient, and quick at reading destination boards, platform allocations and departure times.So, when Shelly and I had to attend a function some distance away and neither of us really wished to drive there, I suggested we take the train. Shelly wasn't particularly keen because, in her words, "I go into a flat spin. I'm bound to get the wrong one." "Not a problem", I boasted, "It's easy"

The fears she had were exacerbated by the fact that we would have to board the train at different stations, and Shelly was certain that one of us ( for 'one of us' ,read 'her'!) might miss the train and leave us seperated.To help her feel better, I told her that I would travel to her station and meet her there so that we could board our train at the same station. Problem solved!

My train was only 3 minutes late getting in, but I could tell immediately that Shelly was beginning to panic. "Come along", I encouraged her "this should be fun! We will be fine, honestly. Follow me, I'm a dab-hand at this", and I strode out confidently to the allotted platform. Shelly followed in my wake.

On arriving at the platform we found the train already waiting, and I called on her to hurry up. I hadn't expected the train to be ready for departure, I must have arrived later than I thought.

"Just wait" called Shelly, "I'm not sure...." Turning to her, I flung open a carriage door and shouted to her "Come on, missus, let's get on". "Are you?... I mean, just let's.." she began

"No! Come on, it''s going to leave." I replied, and Shelly took a final look toward the departure board, and then trotted to the carriage, climbed aboard and joined me in the carriage.

"See? Easy" I gloated as the train began it's slow movement from the platform. We sat quietly for a few moments until Shelly, having now caught her breath, finally asked "Are you certain about this train?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be? Trust me!"

"I do" she replied, "usually. But if it is the correct train".....and she gazed out of the window, "why are we going in entirely the wrong direction??".......

What can I say? I was rushed; it's been a long time since I commuted daily....!!