How to Change the World

Chapter 10

Paul hadn't the slightest idea why he was going back to France. Well, that's a lie, he was meeting his friend Mal there, but he wasn't sure why he had accepted. They had fancied beginning a road trip throughout the country, even if it was November and it was freezing. But, he liked Mal's presence. He made good company, and it was better than wallowing alone at home in solitude.

At the moment, he was traveling to Saint-Eloi Church located in none other than Bordeaux. There was nothing Paul could think of as to what they were going to do driving around, but hopefully they'll have some sort of adventure. Despite his less than adequate state, courtesy of last night, Paul was driving his Aston Martin DB5, which was a pretty fantastic car. And about last night, it was not fun. He was alone in a club talking to a bunch of strange men. Usually, an adventure, but last night... not so much. But enough about what he had done last night today was a new day to do even crazier shit with his lad Mal.

He was approaching the church, his marvelous car turning the heads of every bystander. Luckily, none of the passerbyers noticed who was driving the car. Now, near the church, he parked in a remote corner, as he saw his friend under the church clock, as planned.

"Mal!" Paul said coming out of his car. There was no one around, so there no need to be discreet.

"Paul," Mal said cheerily, "ready to get this show on the road?"

"Definitely. Like the ride?"

"Splendid," his friend said, nodding his head in approval.

Paul took Mal's suitcase, throwing in harshly it in the boot of the car. Mal brought his camera to take pictures along the way. Perhaps a memory or two could be made.

Both men settled into the front, ready to begin. And it began as soon as Paul put the key in and drove out into the street.

~*~

Paul was taken by how green France was, especially in the winter. Their road trip had taken them into some of the more obscure parts of the country. Instead of the flashing lights and constant rumbling of a more urban setting, this was a place where quiet was the norm.

Mal, who at the moment was sitting in the passenger seat, was enjoying the view, taking a snapshot every now and then. In addition, he tried striking up conversation to keep their ten hour drive entertaining.

"So about what I was saying," Mal began, "we follow the Loire River and end up in Seville, or somewhere in Spain. We can see some sites, get pissed. Your choice."

Paul nodded, "Great, sounds brilliant."

"Also, might as well, while we're in Spain. Maybe go see John, y'know? He's still shootin' his picture there, so might as well." Paul's face visibly fell at that.

Noticing Paul's expression, Mal said, "Hey, what's wrong, mate?"

"I just don't think that's the best idea."

Mal's face crumpled in confusion. "Aww, c'mon Paulie. We can get pissed in whatever pub John is near, and relax. He's loads of fun. What city is he in, again?"

"No, Mal. We can't do that," Paul said, his voice getting harsher with every word.

Mal scoffed and looked at the map, "No listen, I think it's Alameda or... Almeria. I think that's it. We can also hire some bloke to drive us; I brought some extra quid-"

Paul banged the wheel of the car, now looking visibly distressed, "Mal, Goddamn it, I said I don't want to go!"

The passenger's mouth was now agape and eyes wide, unable to comprehend Paul's contempt for seeing John.