Ways To Go

Way 4.0

Joe Evans

I couldn't even tell how I exactly feel right now, at this moment.

I walked past the art gallery where everything happened. I took a small glance at the crowd; it sure got smaller than how it was in the morning. I sighed as I keep walking towards the football field. Isn't this ironic? I am going to the football field because it's most likely the only quiet place right now. All I want is to just sit down and process what has just happened.

I sit down as the scene from before keeps flashing through my eyes.

"Joe, I know it's not your fault," he used my first name and said as he sighed "but you were the event's director and that is all what Mr. Aust sees." Mr. Collins said and he patted my shoulder, he then signed me to enter Mr. Aust's office. 

I saw Mr. Aust sitting on the leather chair talking in the phone. He nodded when he saw me, telling me to wait for him. I sat down the chair near his big desk, the chair felt uncomfortable; I adjusted my glasses with my now cold hands.

"Mr. Evans, I can't really express how much I am disappointed of you," He said as he stood up "Aside from the fact that this has never happened in the history of the department, we had really important friends coming," He said as he reached the chair in front of me and sat down "You know, the studios and all the materials is too much for the department to take, they were willing to help us with generous gifts." My tongue was tied I kept avoiding any eye contact with him.

"Of course, you are just a student Mr. Evans, although this would have been important for you too, we were supposed to have Mr. Lee," he paused and added "You know, companies these days are looking for talented and young people." I clenched my hands at the mention of Mr. Lee's name, he is the CEO of an important games development company, their graphics and backgrounds have always amazed me.

"I am sorry, I disappointed you Mr. Aust." I said, finally letting my eyes meet his, he nodded slowly.

I swallowed and said "But what will happen now? Did you tell the police? After all it's a .." He cut my sentence and said "Of course no, Mr. Evans," he softened his voice and added "What will people say about us, Mr. Evans? And about our security?" he added "We will handle this privately."

Now that I think about this, I clearly realize how funny that sentence was. What security? Their non-existent security? If I thought about this I think that honestly anyone could have been behind this, but this department keeps feeding of student's money without doing much to the department. I sigh looking at the football field.

"Hey Joe!" I heard a voice coming from behind; I look towards the voice's direction. I say "Oh!" then I raise my eyebrow recognizing her face, "Mia, right?"

I didn't really know how much I needed that conversation with Mia or literally anyone after all of this. The responsibility is really hunting me. That was really nice of Mia.

I smile looking out of the bus's window, that's heading towards Álvaro's place. He lives in a shared house two stations away from the campus. I know all the guys there, they are really nice. I sleep over a lot with Álvaro. I check my phone looking at what people are saying online but I lock my phone, once again. It only makes me feel bad about this. I don't know, maybe I am just overreacting, but after all it's my responsibility. Ruining the event –which has never happened before- and now the students have lost their paintings. They were working hard through the summer break, but they are nowhere to be seen now.

I greet Sam -with a big smile- who has opened me the door. I didn't come recently, I somehow really missed him. I sat at the shared living room; it's in the middle connecting the rooms together. I go to the kitchen, which is right in front of the living room and drink a glass of water. I didn't realize how thirsty I was. Sam has already went to his room. I keep waiting for Álvaro; he is in his part time job right now. He works in a bookshop near the shared house.