Gerald's Story

Chapter 14

"Oompa Loompas?! OOMPA LOOMPAS?!!!" Gerald cried in the streets of Seattle as he flew down them in a stolen car. "Take me to your leader!!"

This is the dumbest idea you've had yet, Gerald, his brain told him. He knew it. He didn't know how to drive worth a crap and was hitting everything. Plus running around provoking O.L. wasn't smart either, but he was exhausted and tired of trying to play catch up. He was either going to find Oompa Loompas or Wonka, whichever came first. "Hey Oompas!!" He screamed out his window. "George Washington called! He wants his hairstyle back!!"

He'd been glad to find an abandoned car on the outskirts of the city that fit the bill. Keys, gas, automatic, and most importantly—subwoofers.

"WOOOOOOO!" He cried as he cranked the speakers then, blaring Still Alive by RED.

Guess I found the Oompas! He thought as he came flying around one corner and saw a line of soldiers marching towards him. He gunned it and the soldier's screamed as they dived to the side to avoid him. But as he zoomed by them, he realized too late that the street made a 'Y' up ahead. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" He yanked the wheel and his rear end went slamming into the side of the building at the corner. His airbag went off as the car crashed through the wall, sending rubble flying.

"Frootie Tooties..." Gerald groaned as he came back to consciousness. He felt like he'd just gotten every bone in his body broken, his chest sending shocks of pain with every breath he took. Wheezing desperately, Gerald managed to raise his head and look out his windshield.

The troop of soldiers had reformed and were all running towards him as fast as their little legs could take them. Maybe if I just pretend I'm dead? Gerald thought as he watched them bring up their rifles as they approached. Shouldn't be hard, I think I'm almost already there...

BOOOOOOOMM!!

The Oompas directly ten feet away from the hood of Gerald's car suddenly exploded in a giant blast. Gerald gasped, partially blinded, as limbs, rubble, and powdered asphalt rained down on his windshield. He could barely hear, his ears ringing from the explosion, but thought he could make out more gunfire. Jackasses!! Someone's going to hit my gas tank and kill me!!

Gerald struggled to get his limbs to move and with numb fingers he undid his seatbelt. I got to get out of here. Groaning, he grabbed his Ijam5 and yanked it from the stereo, then grabbed his rifle before opening the car door and tumbling out.

He dragged himself across the rubble, coughing against the smoke and haze that was filling the area. The gunfire had stopped.

Suddenly a breeze came down the street and cleared all the smoke away. Gerald, still doubled over and clutching at his ribs, glanced at the carnage of O.L. bodies around him. Then he spotted a girl on top of one of the buildings across the street. Her long dark brunette hair was swinging in the breeze, and in her arms was an RPG.

She seemed to spot him and he thought he saw her speak into a walkie-talkie. Gerald wasn't sure what to do. Passing out seemed like a good enough option. His head was swimming but he struggled to stay upright. Suddenly a young man came running out of one of the buildings. He paused, then spotted Gerald and started jogging towards him.

"Hello." Gerald managed as he leaned against the wall behind him.

"Are you alright?" The young man asked seriously, his green eyes searching Gerald over. Suddenly his hands were on the side of Gerald's head and he was examining his face before taking a moment to stare into Gerald's eyes.

"I don't swing that way..." Gerald squeaked.

"You're half concussed and in shock," he said, letting go of Gerald's head and instead taking his arms. "Come on, we need to move."