Alerrie: His Son

Twenty-Six.

Last Chapter: "I grabbed it from the bedside table and, slinging the bag over my shoulder, ran back downstairs and stormed out of the house..."

Jordie's POV:

It was cold and dark outside but I couldn't have cared less. I just wanted to get as far away as possible from that house and my horrible, drunk mother. Marching away from my street, I pulled out my phone. The first thing I saw was the battery. 15%. Fuck. I would just have to conserve it. As I needed a place to stay, I opened messages and texted the only person whose parents would let me stay.

Jordie: hey man, I know it's late but I really need a place to stay tonight. My mum and Mike are doing my head in and I can't stay, any chance I could doss at yours?

As usual, he replied almost immediately.

Toby🤘🏽: so sorry man, you know I'd normally be up for it but my parents read my report and it was shittttt. They're so pissed at me right now I'm grounded and sent to my room and I'm pretty sure they'd murder me if I asked. Is it urgent or are you good?

I groaned out loud. Now what was I going to do? Firstly, I decided to text Toby back. Knowing that I didn't really have a plan, I lied and told him I was good.

Jordie: na it's fine, dw I'll just deal with them haha

I guess I'd have to go back. I turned round and looked at the house. My mum's words and the things Mike had said to Ky ran through my brain. No, there was no way I was going back there tonight. Sleeping on the streets would be better than being in that hellhole. Sighing, I ran through my options. Number one, go back. Number two, sleep on the streets. Or number four... go to Alex's. Right, that was it. I'd do that.

Forgetting all my fears, I began to march towards the station. The cold seeped through my clothing and I shivered as I walked, but the constant movement eventually warmed me up and distracted me from this incredibly dangerous idea.

I arrived at the station not too long after 9:30. It was quite empty, so I put my hood up so I didn't stick out. I knew I could pass for a fifteen year old, even a sixteen year old at a push, so I hopefully didn't look too suspicious. I checked the overhead screens for outgoing trains to Liverpool and I was in luck - there was one leaving in ten minutes. Finding my way to the ticket machine, I pulled out my wallet and paid for a ticket, one way. It was a quick transaction, but I was on a tight schedule so hurried through the ticket barriers and to the platform. I arrived with a few minutes to spare, allowing me to check I had all my belongings so I didn't make the same mistake as last time. All my things were with me and I boarded the train.

I could've easily fallen asleep during the journey. For some reason, I was really tired. Maybe it was the mix of adrenaline and fear coursing through me, burning all my energy. When the train pulled into the right station, I had to blink the drowsiness out of my eyes and heave myself out of the seat. Stepping out onto the platform, I felt a little nervous. All around me were adults, tall and unfriendly. Some were businessmen, who looked serious and some were drunks, who scared me. Trying to avoid everyone, I sped to the exit and escaped outside. Fresh air welcomed me and I was glad for it, but the cold also met me outside, which I wasn't so happy about. Rubbing my hands together, I set off in the direction of Alex's house.

It was much scarier outside. Here, I didn't have the protection of the indoors, staff and good lighting. Outside, drunk partygoers filled the streets, looking ever so dangerous as they laughed and yelled loudly and swung their bottles. I tried to sink into the shadows and I was so distracted by my eagerness to hide that it was a while before I realised that I didn't know where I was going. Cursing at myself, I pulled out my phone, only to be greeted with a flashing battery on its screen - it was dead.