Porkynose

Chapter 1: The auction

The sound of the clock had just synced with Jerry's right shoe, which he kept insistently tapping on the cement floor of the motel. He could feel desperation climbing up his throat with every twist of his ankle, as the ocean of vain and pointless reasons that could be keeping his wife from meeting him at the front door seemed to drown him.

-Amara!!! Move it woman!!! We are going to miss it, for fucks sake... - those last words came out in a bitter whisper, as he approached the stairs, clutching the railing in desperation.

-Almost done! – was Amara's response, in a soft and child-like voice.

Jerry had already started the car and was ready to leave without his wife, almost forgetting there would be no deal without her. Amara finally came downstairs when Jerry's face was as fuming as the engine.

-Could you not go so fast? – she said, in a voice so pitchy it could cut right through the tension in the car, while Jerry plunged his shoe on the throttle - We could have an accident; there is no point in you rushing like that, we are going to make it on time as long as we are meant to, which we are. I know we are.

Jerry's sweaty hands grabbed the wheel even tighter, just as his teeth did the same with his tongue, stopping him from answering back, as his mind recalled how much he hated it when Amara brought her esoteric crap about destiny to their everyday activities.

However, his blinding anger disappeared as soon as they got there, transforming into a piercing anxiety, as the place turned out to be crowded with bidders.

The event had already started, but in perfect accordance with Amara's predictions in the car, they happened to be right on time for the auction of the house.

They found an empty spot somewhere between the entrance and the auctioneer. Jerry peeked at Amara, who stood a few centimeters ahead of him, looking just as peaceful as if she was standing in front of the most relaxing sunset. She blindly trusted they were going to get the house. It was, after all, what her cup of coffee read this morning.

Jerry took a quick glance through the mass of bidders surrounding them and shook his head in disapproval. They were so many, and all of them looked wealthier than this unfortunate couple, who were making miracles to raise a kid in a prefabricated motel lost somewhere along the highway.

-And finally, our most awaited item, a Victorian two-story home at the outskirts of the city, the Porchester Manor!

The auctioneer stared proudly at the crowd, showing an ear-to-ear smile, just as if he was about to announce the Oscar for best picture.

-I have good news for all of you, dear attendees. However, if you have gone this far through the auction, I'm sure you already know more about this than I do. The National Financial Bank has released a programme that holds the key to your dreams, literally. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Pride and Property Social Programme! Granting people who are currently struggling to put a roof over their heads with the opportunity to hold the keys to a dignified life and, well, putting old properties in circulation again, but that's not really important – He said, letting out a boastful giggle, while fanning his face with his skinny hand - What is important is that the bank will assume eighty percent of the property value and leave the rest for auction! Claps everyone!!!

The over enthusiastic crowd made the walls tremble with a wild round of applause and cheers.

-Social programs like this are certainly not available every day, so you are all very wise for being here. There is no better investment for your future and your family's! The starting price left to assume by the lucky winner is sixty thousand dollars.