Did we really end like that?
Chapter 5.
It didn't take long to pack up his personal belongings. His clothing went in one bag while his art supplies went in another. His clothes stank from lack of washing but Gerard didn't care anymore. He knew his mum would fix that. All he had to do now was work out how to get out of the apartment with his stuff without his landlord seeing him. He decided that he would leave in the middle of the night.
It was a Wednesday night when he finally found the nerve to leave. He had already given in is notice at work, and though Mr Lee was sad to see him go, he knew it was for the best. He had had too many complaints about the smell in his shop in regards to Gerard's body odour and it was getting worse.
It was 10:30pm when he slipped out of his apartment. No one was around as he raced off in the direction of the tube station. He wished he had been able to tell his mum that he was on his way, but as he had been without electric for a while, he couldn't charge his cellphone. He was now far enough from his apartment by a few blocks so slowed down his pace. Needing some cigarettes, he stopped at a shop and also brought a diet coke.
He carried on walking towards the tube station. It was a clear night and he wished he could see the stars better. He cursed being in a city with so many lights. As he went around a corner, and stopped. The area where The Twin Towers had stood was in front of him and he felt a tightening in his chest. His mind wondered back to the day it happened. It was as if it was happening again as he startedto hear the screams and could clearly see the bodies falling from the burning buildings. He was amazed that he could even remember what he was wearing. Even now, he still had nightmares about 9/11, though he had never admitted that to anyone. Gerard whispered a prayer as he stood there. The tears were burning his eyes and he quickly blinked them away. After doing the sign of the cross on himself, he dragged his ass away from the site.
The tube station came into view. He took his time going down the steps. It wasn't too busy at that time of the night. He brought his ticket then stood on the platform. Gerard glanced at his watch and knew it wouldn't be long before his train came in.
He watched as a guard and a gentleman in a suit started having an argument. The guard noticed Gerard watching them, grabbed the gentleman's arm and pulled him away. The man yanked his arm away from the guard and started shaking his finger in the guard's face. Gerard watched as the guard's face paled and wondered what was going on.
"As far as I am concerned, there are no problems with anything. You do your job and keep everything running as normal. I am not gonna lose money cos of some stupid guard thinking he knows everything. Do I make myself clear?" Hissed the man.
"But Mr Young, that piece of track is not ….."
"Look Mr Grey, get on with your job. There is no problems ok?"
Mr Young walked away, leaving a very flustered Mr Grey.
Gerard lit up a cigarette and frowned slightly. Was there something wrong with the track? He shrugged his shoulders as he took a long drag. If there had been a problem, surely there would have been an announcement over the tannoy. By the time he finished his cigarette, he heard the rumble of the train coming through and thought no more of it.
People, including Gerard, poured onto the train. He managed to grab a seat in the back carriage and dumped his bags in front of him. A voice over the tannoy welcomed them aboard, announced where they were and what the next station would be. Gerard had to get off at the third stop then it was a two mile hike to his mum's house. The doors closed then the train sped off.
The carriage stank of body odour, piss, alcohol and coffee, making Gerard wrinkle his nose. He quickly realised that most of the body odour smell came from him, and he was disgusted with himself.
The train stopped at the next station. The usual hustle of people got off and on, then the doors closed again.
As the train went around a tight bend, something didn't feel right.
Gerard watched in horror as the carriages in front of him seemed to disappear. The last thing he remembered was the darkness surrounding him and hearing himself screaming.