Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 2)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 2)

 

CHAPTER 2

Pavel

Alexander rubbed his eyes. How long had he slept? He glanced at his watch, the only valuable thing he had. She gave him his grandma for her eighth birthday. It's a miracle that his father didn't take it away from him at the time.

It was 8 p.m. Only now did he notice that Andrei had disappeared! He must have been waiting for customers in his district long ago. It was never his way to say goodbye. As quickly as he came, he was gone as quickly. He slowly straightened up and only now did he feel his head. The stuff was still working. Oh man! Still, he didn't want to spend the night here. It didn't seem to be raining anymore, an advantage for him. He had to make money again and customers rarely came when it rained. Just as he was about to leave the room, the cutlery fell into his perspective. He almost forgot. He quickly stowed it in his back pocket. Then he made his way to the Presnensky district. The first destination that night would be the subway station. Then he could freshen up something

He had arrived at Kitai-Gorod station at about ten o'clock. There was still lively activity everywhere. Many people visited cinemas or bars in the evening. Others were on their way to shift work. Others came home from work.

The public toilets were also well attended. He went to one of the sinks, let some soap out of the soap dispenser and rubbed his face. An elderly gentleman standing by the sink next to him looked him up and down, then made a derogatory comment. >> Always these lousy hustlers, a shame for Russia. <<

If he had been Andrej now, he would show the guy. But he was not Andrej, no, he was too cowardly to defend himself. How much did he have to listen to? Sometimes he was close to tears. You could also finish a person with words. Indeed, some of the words hurt even more than the blows he had to take to his old man. Then he gathered courage and turned to the man. The latter no longer paid attention to him, but was busy washing his hands.

 

"I know I'm the last one for you," he said only in a low, sad tone. Then turned and left the toilet. The man watched him in amazement. But Alexander didn't notice this for a long time. When he was outside again, an icy draft blew towards him.

A couple ran past him. The woman said it was going to snow soon and looked up at the sky. Yes, she would probably be right, it smelled of snow. Winter would soon be coming in and encase everything in a white snow coat. There was no other opportunity to think about it.

A car came to a stop just in front of him. He knew the car, it was a Jaguar and it belonged to Pavel. This was a big animal in the city administration. More specifically in the building authority. If you paid him enough, you got practically every building permit. Many were bribed in Moscow, everything was all about coal. Pavel was one of his regular customers. He heard the whir of the electric window regulator and a bald man stuck his head out. "Hello Alexander!" He greeted kindly.

Alexander also greeted them kindly.

>> We haven't seen each other for a long time, unfortunately I was very busy. Today, however, I have time for you. << He paused to ask his question. >> I hope you have time for me too? <<

Alexander just nodded.

>> Come on in! <<

He did not have to be asked twice. First, it was pretty cold outside, and second, Pavel paid well. The jaguar started. Everything inside the car was luxury. Leather seats that were electrically adjustable. Air conditioning, but you wouldn't need one now in winter. The window opened slowly. Pavel had to stop, the traffic light was red. Now he had some time to take a closer look at Alexander. The hand slid from the steering wheel to Alexander's thigh. >> You look battered from my dear Alexander <<, he said.

>> When we are in my house, you can take a shower first. You only need to put on a pair of panties, you know how I like it. <<

He was just about to stroke his thighs when the traffic light turned green again. He quickly let go of Alexander and turned back to the steering wheel.

Pavel lived outside of Moscow, beautifully in the green. His house was surrounded by a large electric fence that was two meters high. He pushed a button and the electric gate slid aside. The garage door could also be opened electrically. When the vehicle was lost, it closed again. You could get into the house directly through a connecting door. "We're here!" Said Pavel.

It was just as luxurious inside as in his car. Expensive marble adorned the floor. All rooms were fully air-conditioned. This was especially pleasant in summer, because it could get quite hot in Moscow.

Pavel ran towards the living room, Alexander followed. While offering him a seat, he went to the bar. "Would you like a scotch too?" He asked gently as he poured himself out.

>> I would prefer a cola, << said Alexander shyly.

>> You can get one from the kitchen, you know where everything is. I released the maid today so we have to do everything ourselves. <<

When Alexander came back with the Coke, Pavel had already made himself comfortable on the leather sofa. His customer made an inviting gesture. >> Come on, sit next to me and let's make it comfortable. << As soon as the invitation was given, the doorbell rang. Pavel pulled a cell phone out of his expensive bespoke suit. The conversation did not last long, just a yes and a no, he said nothing more. Then he got up. >> My dear Alexander, I have to go again. Make yourself comfortable here for so long. There are still steaks in the fridge, you just need to warm them up quickly in the microwave. Then you can take a shower. As soon as I am back, we will have some fun. <<

"Thank you!" Replied Alexander. As soon as his regular customer had disappeared, he ran into the kitchen. "Finally something clever to eat again!", He heard himself say. "But I also earned it," he added. While the steak was making its rounds on the turntable of the microwave, Alexander got a plate and cutlery. He preferred to eat in the kitchen for fear of getting dirty in the expensive living room. Although he didn't have good parents, he knew what should be. Most of the people who lived on the street didn't give a damn about good behavior and cleanliness. He always paid attention to good behavior and tried. Also on cleanliness. There were enough public toilets. You didn't have to walk around like the last piglet.

The microwave emitted three tones, which was a warm sign that her work was over, to emphasize this, the light in it went out. The steaks were done. Alexander beamed all over his face. It must have been half a year since he got something so good in his stomach. You had to take the opportunity, who knew when there would be something so fine again. For him it was just a day of celebration. Good days in his life were rare. The steak tasted fantastic, nice and soft. Right through. Yes, Pavel did not allow himself to be ragged when eating. All of the best. Suddenly he had to think of Andrej again. This was now safely in the cold and waiting for customers. He felt sorry for him somehow. He only called him a friend, but he still liked him. It was easy to explain why he couldn't call him a friend. He was too unreliable, drank too often and too much. He drank one every now and then about thirst, but not every day. Andrej was already an alcoholic, he just didn't know or didn't want to know. But as I said, he still liked him. Hopefully he got a nice customer today, he wished him. After dinner, Alexander washed the plate and cutlery. Pavel always said that this could be done by the maid, but he would pay her well for it. But he thought that one shouldn't leave any dirt, that should not be appropriate. While he was washing the dishes, a funny thought occurred to him and he had to laugh out loud. Andrej would certainly let the gold-plated cutlery go with him.

After everything was back where it belonged, Alexander made his way to the bathroom. This was on the second floor, right next to Pavel's bedroom. It went without saying, the bathroom was just as classy as everything else in the house. Expensive plates, a shower, a whirlpool with bubble bath. Alexander poured water while he undressed. A few minutes later, he was in the hot tub, lathering himself with a fragrant shampoo. That was good ! A pleasant feeling ran through his body. It was as if he was just dreaming all of this. Still, he became thoughtful again. He would never live that way, he knew that and it made him sad. A roof over his head and a warm meal every day would be enough for him, but even that, for people like him, was already an impossible dream. Andrej once said: >> As long as you are young everyone wants your body. Unfortunately, nobody stays young forever. Believe me, the older you get, the fewer customers. The customers who will come will also pay you less. In the end you beg on some street corner and hang on the bottle. But comfort yourself, it affects not only you, but also me! <<

He never wanted to hang on the bottle and he did not want to beg benefalls. In truth, however, he knew Andrei would end up being right. It was clear to everyone who lived on the street. Society didn't want people like him and Andrej. Pavel was nice, but officially, in front of friends, he refused the scum. Nevertheless, he was happy to use their services. What a contradiction in terms!

At that moment the door opened and Pavel stuck his head in. >> You are bathing, fine. I'll be right back, stay in the tub, I'll just get a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate the day. <<

Before Alexander could say anything, Pavel was gone. He set the shampoo aside. The host was quickly back. This time naked and with a tray in his hands on which stood a bottle of sparkling wine and two glasses. If Pavel celebrated like this, some builder would give bribes again. Surely he met with one before. Pavel only took cash, so nothing could be traced.

"You know, today is a good day!" He said, smiling. Then he filled the glasses and handed one to Alexander.

He stroked Alexander's face gently. >> You are still so young. <<

Again he had to think about Andrej's testimony. You are only asked as long as you are young. In a year or two, Pavel would look for someone else and he was written off. This would not only happen to him, but to many of his current regular customers.

"You stay all night tonight. Tomorrow I'll drop you off in the city again. "

Alexander nodded.

>> You never speak much Alexander, I like that about you. << With these words, he approached him and kissed him. But Alexander didn't return the kiss, but Pavel didn't care. In a few minutes, Alexander would have sex with someone who could be his father. What didn't he do for a few rubles. Just as Pavel was for sale, everyone was for sale, even him!

So they spent the evening in the whirlpool and then in bed. Pavel's bed was big and his hunger for sex was even bigger.

That night he had the rare opportunity to sleep in a nice, soft bed. But he couldn't savor this opportunity. Pavel woke him up several times and wanted sex. This reminded Alexander that he was not here for his pleasure, but for Pavel's pleasure!

When Alexander woke up the next morning, Pavel was already dressed.

>> You have to hurry, I have to be in the office at eight o'clock! Breakfast is on the way. Then I'll be in the kitchen, << he said only.

"Good!" Replied Alexander, drowsy and rubbing the night dust out of his eyes as he did every morning. A habit he had kept from childhood. Then he went to the bathroom to freshen up. Unfortunately there was no time for a shower. A load of cold water had to be enough to wake him up. Briefs, jeans, undershirts and pullovers were quickly put on. At least there was still breakfast.

When he entered the kitchen, Pavel was already sitting at the table, breaking a soft egg. The maid, Maria's name, was from Brazil and was cheap. She also served Alexander an egg. Maria tried to be friendly even though she didn't like him. He sensed that. He was below her in the hierarchy. Far below her. So he hurried to breakfast. The looks from her made him uncomfortable. After he finished the egg, Pavel handed him an envelope. >> Here is your money, you earned it! <<

1He was embarrassed now. He had given him the envelope in front of her. Well, she knew before that he was a hustler, anyway. "Thank you!" Alexander replied quietly.

Then they went to the car and drove towards the city. The closer they got to the city, the denser the traffic. Many commuters where now went to work in the city. Pavel didn't speak, he was sure his thoughts were back at work. Half an hour later they had reached the street where Pavel had met him.

"Take care!" He said.

>> Yes, they too! << Alexander and slammed the door. When the car was out of sight, he opened the envelope. There were three thousand rubles (about 90 euros) in it. Now he was rich! At least that's how he felt. For him, three thousand rubles were a small fortune. For Pavel just a sandwich, he could finally afford the luxury of a decent meal. He was not yet hungry, but sooner or later it would come back again, that was certain. He quickly stowed the money in his inside pocket of the coat, it was safe. There were also many pickpockets on Moscow's street. Later he would go to a toilet and hide the money in his shoe. It was safest there. Maybe he could invite Andrej to eat at Mac Donalds. But this time no food from the trash can.

At that moment Dimitri came to meet him. This also lived on the street, but was not a hustler like him. He was too old for that. The Thirty Lenze had long been crossed. He was exactly what he would be someday if Andrej’s statements were true, a homeless person or, as the common people say, a bum! When he begged enough money, he went to the next shop to fill up with vodka. At this time he was still somewhat sober, but at lunchtime he was usually so closed that he was no longer accessible. He was also begging in Andrej’s district, so he wondered why he was here at this time. >> Good morning Dimitri! <<, he greeted him warmly.

Dimitri nodded. >> Do you already know the latest? <<

Alexander shook his head. >> No! <<

Dimitri paused a long time.

>> Now don't torture me like that. What's up? <<

The person opposite bowed his head. >> Andrej got on the rails tonight. <<

Despite the cold, Alexander's face went pale. He was shocked!

>> Why did he do it? I don't understand. <<

>> You know, life on the street is tough. For some it just gets too much and eventually they go crazy. You just don't want to go through the border anymore. Very few grow old on the street. I was already on that border. Most of them overcome it at some point and break up. <<

Alexander didn't want to be alone now. His mood was at zero and he was sad. >> Come on, I invite you to a hamburger. Mc Donalds is already open! <<

Dimitri shook her head. >> I'm sorry, I have to find my buddy. We'll make a record afterwards. <<

He continued to walk without worrying about Alexander. Andrej, with whom he was talking yesterday, no longer existed. Now his life would be a little lonely. He hadn't wanted Andrej to do that. Andrej once said that he had never been lucky in his life. Hopefully, where he was now, there was more luck for him. The first tears rolled down Alexander's cheeks and it was cold!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 3)