For Fuck's Sake! (Mat Nicholls)

one

"Bye," I hugged my mom as quickly as possible before I excitedly turned around and raced towards my airplane gate. I didn't even look back as I climbed onto the escalator, jittering slightly as I smiled to myself.

I finally managed to get into a university in the UK, and the chance to move away from Egypt. It's been my dream to move to the UK since I was 15. My family and life back in Egypt was depressing and I think that this was a chance for a fresh start and a chance for me to finally find myself.

I got into a small university in Maltby, South Yorkshire. I managed to buy an apartment that's close to university grounds for about £1000. I was surprised at the price but I was supposed to meet the person who's renting it out to me when I arrived.

I made it to the gate just as the boarding started. I eagerly got into line and gave the worker my ticket. I watched them scan it as they returned it with a smile, welcoming me onto the plane. I forced myself to walk normally as I was practically breaking out into a sprint, too excited to finally be leaving. I stepped onto the plane as I held on my backpack straps, my small carry-on clutched in my hands as the flight attendant told me where my seat was located.

I made it to my seat which was located by the window. I stowed my carry-on away in the spaces above the seats and I stuffed my backpack under the seat in front of me. I pulled out my headphones as I sat down, plugging them into my phone as I clicked onto my playlist. Linkin Park filled my ears as I leaned my head against the wall of the plane, sighing happily as I watched the workers outside prepare the airplane. Nobody else sat next to me which I was happy about, it meant I could lay and stretch comfortably. The pilot began to speak as the plane backed out of its space. I lay down and settled myself as I shut my eyes, excitement coursing through my veins as I thought about my new life, away from the misery of my old one.

•

"Thank you," I nodded at the taxi driver who dropped me off in front of my apartment building. I handed him five quid as I shut the door to the taxi, turning around and facing my soon-to-be home. I tugged my carry-on behind me as I entered it, climbing into the elevator. I pushed the button for the third floor as I tapped my foot, impatient to finally get to relax.

The elevator chimed as I rushed out the partially-opened door, spotting the renter as he stood outside the door to my apartment. I greeted him with a wave as he put his phone away, taking a pair of keys from his pocket.

"Hey, how are you?" I smiled as I sighed, stuffing my hand in my jean pockets.

"It'll be £1000 please, and you have to sign this contract," he bluntly said, the pair of shades covering his eyes making him seem more ominous.

I faltered slightly as I blinked, "Oh...okay."

I handed him an envelope with the money as he eagerly took it, stuffing it inside his jacket. He pulled out a contract and a small pen. He extended them towards me. I raised my eyebrows as I noticed that the contract was about 10 pages long. I shrugged it off as I quickly signed my signature at the bottom, I couldn't be bothered with reading all of that. I quickly snapped a photo of the page so I had photo evidence that I signed it.

"Here are the keys, enjoy," he nodded with a blank face as he quickly shoved them in my hands.

He then took off, climbing inside the elevator, and disappearing within seconds.

I stood like an idiot in front of the door, the keys to the apartment cupped in my hands. I sighed softly, what the fuck was that all about? I tried to cheer up as I convinced myself that I was finally on my own and that my life would be better now. I unlocked the apartment as I walked in and shut the door behind me. I was surprised at how well furnished the apartment was.