#8 Concorde (English Version)

Freedom is an illusory feeling, a simple reflection in a puddle full of thoughts about what we are and what we want to become. A puddle, that illuminated by the moonlight, show us the image we have in the deepest of our mind and what we once had yearned for. However, when the rain drops start to fall, the image begins to fade until our memories are finally lost in the darkness.

Thomas was looking at the small puddle of rain water under his feet. It had begun to rain but he had not realized it yet. It seemed like if he was trying to see through the water to find the infinity. Unfortunately for him, he just could not.

During the last two weeks, he barely spoke and all the words that came out of his mouth were strictly necessary, for example when he was obligated to answer. He wondered whether people could really be consumed in life, and if this was the case, how could they survive year after year. He slowly realized that he had lost his dreams, projects and desires. Someone had ripped them off 6 years ago: he had no longer will to live.

The truth about Chloé was pregnant cost him a lot of time to assimilate. That evening, he had travelled from the heaven to the hell in a couple of hours. For a moment, he had felt that he could get their memories that never lived back; he thought that they could live together again even if she was having a relationship with another man; he knew that they could start a new project together again. But at the end he was completely wrong. Just like the drops were beating his coat, rain was beginning to flood the bottom of his damaged heart.

“If only she believed on me…”

But no, she had no intention to do it.

He started to walk near the Seine embankment. Unconsciously, their feet were driving him to the places and memories that his mind was automatically classified as a myth. He doubted that he had once been walking near the Seine taking the hand of his beloved girl. The Eiffel Tower was shining at his back, sparkling like if it wanted to tell him that the countdown was arriving to an end: at that point, he did not know what to think or do.

A few minutes later, he arrived to the Concorde square where it was standing a Ferris wheel which its big eye looked after the Champs-Élysées avenue. Beneath it, a young couple were kissing and for the first time of his life, he felt repugnance. It was completely unfair all what was going through. He was tired of all the hypocrisy surrounding him. After all, maybe it was not a bad idea to put a full stop to his miserable existence…

***

The National Assembly building was erected in front of the Concorde square. Illuminated by potent flashlights, it witnessed all the movements of the area acting as a fortress’ keeper. For any reason, Olivier enjoyed walking around that area: that made him feel tinny and big at the same time.

“What are you thinking about? I mean when you look at the building.”  Claire asked him by his side. Oliver stopped walking and stared at her.

“I don’t really know. It’s a feeling that I can’t describe. It’s kind and peaceful simultaneously.”

“You think that you’re nothing, but even so you know that you are the most special person that have been here.”

“Why can you think this?”

“I’m starting to know you better than you expect Olvier. I know you’re proud of yourself and inside of you there’s something that makes you feel important. I don’t know what, but I’m sure about this.”

“Sounds pretentious what you’ve said…”

“So it would be if it wasn’t for…”

“If it wasn’t for what?”

“You aren’t an egoist or conceited person. You do feel important, but every time you can, you try to help the others in exchange for nothing. You work hard and selflessly. You try to help the other without asking them anything in exchange. You have goals in this life. And even though I don’t understand you a lot of times, I know you wouldn’t never hurt or do something dangerous to the other people.”

Olivier approached Claire and hugged her. For a moment, he thought that they were just one. He was not wrong for choosing her: he was happy and life smiled him. Maybe he should turn the page of his old adventure days and start from the scratch to figure out the things by himself. He doubted he could ever use the silver object again: he had already done a lot of good things and it seemed that life was giving him a reward for all his contributions.

“Thank you Clarie. Thank you for being by my side all along even though sometime I don’t express it. I’m also happy about all we are living those last days. Maybe it is all going too fast, but I don’t care… I’m sure about my feeling and all I want is to spend a lot of time with you.”

“You will never change Olivier…”

He smiled and her could not resist kissing him. She felt the same: she knew he was the boy she had been waiting for.

However, something attracted her attention. A large shape was staying on the edge of the Concorde’s bridge looking at the Seine river. Someone with a black coat was outlined by the flashlights of the Parisian night. What she believed that was a young man was contemplating the course of the river as if he wanted to jump into and finish his days, but for any reason, he hesitated to do it. Firghtened, she decided to ask for help to her angel.

“Olivier, look at there. On the overhang of the bridge. There is someone staring at the water.” Olivier contemplated the bridge. It was indeed someone about to fall. “You must do something!”

“But, are you sure that he wants to jump?” As soon as he pronounced the question, he realized how stupid it was.

“Who the hell walks near the edge of a bridge? You have to help him, you will know what to say him. I believe in you please…”

“Ok, I will try it…”

Maybe he had no longer the time machine, but he would not renounce to be the keeper. Never.

***

Thomas was looking at the course of the river without caring about the rain. From the top of his pedestal, he started to realize that the time was passing slowly. He was like in another different dimension as if nothing was surrounding him. His desire of ending his own life was strong. He wanted to stop that was eating him away and skewer for once at all the spear that was bleeding him in the center of his heart.

But for any reason, he did not dare to do it.

He was a coward.

He knew he would not deserve it.

He did not have the right to put an end in that way. He could not do it. It had no sense. He had been dead for the last six years and this fact invalidated his argument to commit suicide: his friends had their own life, his former love had forgotten all about him and people got over his loss. What would it change this time? Nothing. Maybe some months of sorrow and that is all. It was useless to die after all. He knew that people did not need him but he owed them his life: dead people cannot pass away two times.

Therefore, he did not saw him. He approached and when Thomas realized it was too late. A man grabbed his arm and made him fall to the ground.

“I’m sorry but I had no other choice. You were gone and you didn’t react to my calls.”

The stranger helped him to stand up. His voice sounded familiar but the pain in his heat did not let him to think with clarity. Whilst falling down his head hit the asphalt.

“Let me see if you’re ok.”

Who was him? He remembered that voice from somewhere but he could not remember him. Suddenly, Thomas realized that he had already lived that situation in the past. A girl also came to join them.

“Olivier, is he ok? We are lucky that you’ve arrived on time.” The girl, spoke to Thomas. “What were you doing? We were worried about you! You shouldn’t be near to the edge of the bridge!”

“Keep calm, Claire. The guy’s ok. Please, let us know your name.”

Thomas opened his eyes and he slowly recovered all his senses. He did not know that girl, however, when he saw the face of the guy he remembered all: the hit, the course of water, the fact of knowing nothing, the loss of memories. He had lived the same situation years ago, even though this time, he was still in the present.

“You…”

“Yes, do you feel better? Do you want us to help you?”

“Stay away of me! Don’t touch me anymore! Disappear of my life for once all and leave me alone forever!”

“Listen stanger, Olivier has helped you! He has saved you! You shouldn’t talk like this.”

Thomas observed with anger to Olivier that was petrified. He wanted revenge but he wasn’t sure about him. He did not expect the things went in that way. It would not end there. Thomas finally decided to talk.

“I’m… I’m sorry for pushing you back, but I had to help you…”

The fact of hearing that voice made him feel worse. He had to get away from there as fast as he could. Olivier started to approach him and he finally reacted and he ran away towards the streets surrounding the National Assembly.

“Did you know him Olivier? He was so annoyed.”

“No” Olivier lied. “I guess that he was in shock.  Come on, let’s go home. We’ve had enough for today.”

“I didn’t understand why people try to commit suicide.”

“It’s complicated to explain…”

In the distance, Thomas stopped. He was gasping and he could not continue running anymore. He looked at the ground where a puddle was shining beneath their feet: it did not rain anymore. Finally, he understood that freedom did not exist for him: that guy took his away. 

#8 Concorde (Spanish Version)

La libertad era un sentimiento ilusorio, un simple reflejo en un charco de lo que pensamos que somos y queremos llegar a ser. Un charco que, a la luz de la luna, emite una imagen idílica de lo que nos hemos imaginado en nuestra mente, de lo que tenemos o alguna vez pudimos anhelar. Sin embargo, cuando las gotas de tormenta empiezan a caer, la imagen se va emborrando hasta perder en la oscuridad recuerdo que una vez tuvimos dentro.

Thomas observaba un charco de lluvia en el suelo con la mirada pedida. Había empezado a llover, pero ni siquiera se había dado cuenta. Tenía la vista hundida en el suelo, como si quisiera traspasar el agua y ver más allá del infinito, aunque muy a su pesar, no podía.

Llevaba apenas un par de semanas prácticamente sin hablar y cuando lo hacía era por pura obligación. Se preguntaba si de verdad la gente podía ser consumida en vida y, sí así lo era, cómo podían sobrellevar aquella existencia año tras año. Poco a poco se había dado cuenta de que no tenía sueños, ilusiones o incluso ganas de emprender nuevos proyectos. Todo se lo habían arrebatado bruscamente 6 años atrás: había perdido las ganas de vivir.

La revelación de que Chloé iba a tener un hijo con otra persona le había supuesto un varapalo difícil de asimilar. Aquella tarde había pasado del cielo al infierno en pocas horas. Por un momento había sentido que podía recuperarla, que podían volver a estar juntos y recuperar aquellos momentos robados que nunca habían existido. Volvía a estar equivocado. Así como las gotas golpeaban su abrigo, la lluvia estaba inundando lo más profundo de su maltrecho corazón.

–Si al menos me creyese…

Pero no, no lo iba a hacer.

Empezó a caminar por el borde del Sena. Inconscientemente sus pasos le llevaban por los lugares y recuerdos como su mente había arrinconado a la temática de mitos. Empezaba a dudar que un día había paseado feliz por las orillas del Sena de la mano de la persona más especial del mundo. La Torre Eiffel brillaba a sus espaldas, emitiendo centelleos como si quisiera anunciarse como una cuenta atrás: ya no sabía ni que pensar ni qué hacer.

Unos minutos más tarde llegó a la plaza de la Concordia donde se alzaba provisionalmente una gran noria la cual vigilaba constantemente los Campos Elíseos. Se quedó un rato observando como en la lejanía, una joven pareja compartía un beso y por primera vez en su vida sintió asco. Era totalmente injusto lo que le estaba pasando y sin embargo no podía hacer absolutamente nada. Empezaba a estar cansado de toda la hipocresía de su alrededor. Quizás después de todo no era tan mal ponerle un final a su mísera existencia…

***

El edificio de la Asamblea Nacional se alzaba imponente delante de la plaza de la Concordia. Iluminado a la luz de los grandes focos, presenciaba todo lo que ocurría en la plaza cual guardián en la entrada de su fortaleza. A decir verdad, a Olivier siempre le había gustado pasearse por aquella zona, aquello le hacía sentir a su vez grande y pequeño a la vez.

–¿En qué piensas cuando miras el edificio? –le preguntó Claire que iba a su lado. Olivier se giró y la miró fijamente.

–No sé. Es un sentimiento que no puedo describir. Es algo cálido y agradable a la vez.

–Piensas que no eres nadie, pero aun así sabes que eres la persona más especial que ha pasado por aquí.

–¿Pero cómo puedes saber eso?

–Te empiezo a conocer Olivier. Sé que eres muy orgulloso y que dentro de ti hay algo que te impulsa a sentirte importante.

–Suena bastante pedante lo que acabas de decir…

–Y en cierto modo lo sería, de no ser por…

–¿De no ser por qué?

–No eres para nada egoísta o vanidoso. Crees que eres importante sí, pero siempre que puedes ayudas a los demás sin esperar nada a cambio. Trabajas duro para conseguir lo que quieres: tienes objetivos en la vida. Y aunque muchas veces no sepa lo que de verdad piensas, sé que nunca harías daño o algo que pudiese poner en peligro la integridad de una persona.

Olivier se acercó a Claire y la abrazó. Por un momento sintió que se fundían en una sola persona. No se había equivocado al elegirla: era feliz y la vida le sonreía. Quizás debía dejar de un lado sus días de aventura y comenzar a hacer las cosas por sí mismo. En aquel momento dudaba del hecho de poder volver a utilizar el objeto plateado: había realizado muchas cosas buenas y parecía que la vida le estaba compensando de algún modo. No podía pedir más.

–Claire, gracias. Gracias por estar a mi lado todo este tiempo aunque a veces no lo exprese. Yo también estoy feliz de todo esto que estamos viviendo los dos juntos. Puede que vaya algo rápido, pero lo que tengo claro es que quiero pasar todo el tiempo que pueda contigo.

–Nunca cambiarás Olivier…

El chico le sonrió y ella no pudo resistir el darle un beso rodeándolo del cuello. Ella también sentía lo mismo que él: sabía perfectamente que era su chico.

Sin embargo, algo la interrumpió. Una silueta alargada se situaba sobre el borde del puente de la Concorde mirando al río Sena. Alguien con una gabardina oscura se perfilaba a la luz de los focos en la noche parisina. Lo que creyó que era un joven, miraba desafiante el cauce del río como si quisiera saltar y poner fin a sus días, pero por algún motivo, dudaba en hacerlo. Alarmada, decidió advertir a su ángel.

–Olivier, mira allí. En la cornisa del puente. Hay alguien que mira fijamente el agua– el chico miró en dirección el puente. Efectivamente allí había alguien mirando en dirección al río–. ¡Tienes que hacer algo!

–¿Pero estás segura de que se quiere tirar? –Tan pronto como pronunció la frase, Olivier se dio cuenta de lo estúpida que era su pregunta.

–¿Es que acaso no lo ves? Intenta ayudarle, tú sabes convencer a la gente. Por favor…

–Lo intentaré.

No tenía la máquina ya. Sin embargo no iba a dejar de ser el guardián.

***

Thomas miraba el corriente del río sin importarle la lluvia que empezaba a arreciar contra él. Desde lo alto de su pedestal, el tiempo adquirió otra dimensión y dejó de percibir lo que pasaba a su alrededor. Deseaba con todas sus fuerzas poner punto y final a aquel sentimiento que lo carcomía por dentro. Quería ensartar en lo más profundo de su corazón la espina que lo hacía sangrar por dentro y así finiquitar para siempre sus días.

Pero por algún motivo no se atrevía a dar el paso.

Sabía que no lo merecía.

No tenía derecho de acabar de aquella manera. No podía hacerlo. ¿De qué iba a servir igualmente? El hecho de haber muerto durante 6 años invalidaba completamente su argumento de acabar con todo: sus amigos habían rehecho sus vidas sin él, su amor le había completamente olvidado y la gente había superado su pérdida. ¿Qué iba a cambiar aquella vez? Unos meses de dolor y ya está. Era inútil volver a morir después de todo. Al fin y al cabo, sabía que la gente no le necesitaba, aunque estaba en deuda con todos ellos: los revividos no tenían derecho a volver a morir.

Es por ello que no vio como alguien se aproximaba, le agarraba y le hacía caer al suelo.

–Lo siento, lo siento. Pero no tenía alternativa. No respondías a mis llamadas.

El desconocido lo ayudó al levantarse. Por algún extraño motivo aquella voz le sonó familiar. Se llevó una mano a la cabeza y notó que había recibido un fuerte golpe.

–Déjame que vea tu cabeza para ver si estás bien.

¿De qué le sonaba aquella voz? Thomas no lograba entenderlo. Sabía que ya había vivido aquella situación en algún lugar. Alguien más se acercó.

–Olivier, ¿se encuentra bien? Qué suerte que hayas llegado a tiempo– la chica se dirigió a Thomas–. ¡Nos has tenido muy preocupados! No deberías haberte colocado encima del borde.

–Tranquila Claire. El chico está bien, solo ha recibido un golpe en la cabeza, eso es todo. Dinos, por favor, ¿cómo te llamas?

Thomas fue abriendo los ojos y poco a poco recobró sus sentidos. No conocía a aquella chica, sin embargo, cuando posó su mirada sobre los ojos marrones del chico lo comprendió todo: el golpe, el estar al lado de un cauce de agua, el no entender nada, la pérdida de recuerdos. Había vivido la misma situación hacía 6 años, solo que esta vez, el tiempo no había cambiado.

–Tú…

–Sí dime, ¿te encuentras bien? ¿Quieres que te ayudemos en algo?

–¡Apártate de mí inmediatamente! ¡No me toques! ¡Aléjate de mí de una vez por todas y déjame en paz para siempre!

–Escucha. Olivier te ha ayudado, es más: ¡Te ha salvado! No deberías hablarle así.

Thomas observó con ira a Olivier que se había quedado petrificado. Sentía miedo y deseo de venganza a la vez, pero no estaba seguro de que fuera él. Visualizó su cara y todos sus rasgos. Aquello no quedaría así.

–Siento haberte empujado, pero si no lo hacía…

El oír aquella voz le nublaba la vista y los recuerdos. Debía salir en cuanto antes de allí. Olivier se empezó a acercarse, por un segundo dudó pero sus piernas reaccionaron y salió corriendo dirección las calles que rodeaban la asamblea.

–¿Es que sabías quien era Olivier? Estaba muy alterado.

–No –mintió Olivier–. Supongo que estaría en estado de shock. Vamos a casa, creo que por hoy ambos hemos tenido suficiente.

–No entiendo cómo puede haber gente que llegue a esos extremos.

–Es difícil de explicar supongo…

Unos metros más allá Thomas se paró en seco. Jadeando, puso sus manos sobre sus rodillas para recuperar el aliento. Miró al suelo y vio su reflejo en un charco bajo sus pies: había dejado de llover. Por fin comprendió que la libertad no existía: aquella persona se la había arrebatado.

#7 The Station (English Version)

(For the spanish version see below)

Olivier was looking the Paris’ skyline thinking about all and nothing at the same time. From his apartment, he had a perfect view of the city. He used to sit there to enjoy the view of the city of lights especially during the sunsets. The mountain of Montmartre was illuminated and the Sacré-Coeur was shining as usual. Night had come and he did not even realize it.

He opened the palm of his hand where it was lying his silver talisman. Its screen was broken and he was not even able to read the numbers that used to appear. Life was sending him a warning or maybe it all was a metaphor about his behavior of last months. He had been playing with fire and he had finally been burned.

He whispered and laid down looking the deep sky. Moon was in its full phase and he could not see the stars above. He wondered what Claire was doing in that moment. He knew that she was about to go out with her friends and despite of they were not living together, he started to feel that he knew a lot of things about her. Was he falling in love? He had no answer.

The breach on the screen was shining illuminated by the moon’s light as it was a scar reminding him how lost he would be from this point onward. He knew, but did not want to admit, that the object will never ever show any numbers again: it all was over…

***

“Come on Olivier! We’re late as usual...”

“I won’t ever understand why you need to be on time Paul. The lesson of today really sucks…”

“Don’t be angry. It’s always you who asks me to go together. Furthermore, we need to do some stuff before starting the class.”

“Doing stuff… Like what?”

“For example, I have to deliver the homework that we had to do for today.”

“Ah, yes… I completely forgot that today was the last day.”

“What’s going on? Haven’t you done it?”

“Oh, yes! But, I gave it to the professor last Tuesday.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? You cannot be so fast. You’ve been laying on your bed the whole week watching stuff on internet. If what you’re saying is true, you have to tell me your secret of where you’ve got the time to work.”

Paul was looking at him completely lost. He knew nothing at all. Olivier overtook him; he did not only have all the time in the world, he could control it at his will. He turned back and replied to his mate.

“Sure! I have all the time in the world Paul so I can afford spending my time on internet. Come on, we’re late! The train is about to arrive.”

They both entered inside a wagon of the Paris RER train line B. It was the rush hour in the morning and the train was crowded as usual. Olivier was starting to think that maybe going with his friend at that time was not a good idea at all, but it was an effective method to wake up early. He told himself that he had to keep a normal life in order to not to raise suspicious among his friends.

Five minutes later, the train got into the Châtelet-Les Halles station where they had to alight. That station, built on the seventies, was a completely world apart: there 4 subway and 3 train lines converging and people was always moving by instinct like if they were ants working inside their nest.

In order to get to their next train, Olivier and Paul had to climb the stairs to get into a lobby which was situated just above the rails. Once there, they only had to walk towards the opposite direction and descend to take the line A train on the platform in front where they alighted.

As usual, the lobby was completely madness. People was going walking in all the possible directions towards the subway lines or entering on the train platforms. The lobby also had a lot of semicircular columns, that supported the structure, stopping people that were walking in a straight line.  Get lost there was an easy task unless you read the information panels, at least for Olivier.

Paul was heading towards the other platform crossing the lobby as fast as he could and Olivier was following him as fast as he could. He knew that his friend hated that place and he always wanted to catch the first train, even if it was impossible to enter.

“Hurry up Olivier! The train is about to come. Two minutes!”

“Okay… I follow you. Don’t you see that there are so many people…”

But before he could finish his sentence, a man rushed up to him and beat them onto the ground. That dude was holding something into his arms and he soon disappeared towards the subway gates.

“What an asshole! He could just avoid me.”

“What a way to start a new day Olivier. Give me your hand; I will help you to stand up.”

While Paul was trying to help Olivier, two security men of the Parisian subway ran toward the same direction where the guy had disappeared.

“I wonder if they are chasing him.”

“I don’t know Paul. Let’s move!”

They went downstairs as fast as they could. The train was coming into the station and people crowded together on the edge of the platform. However, a small group of people were gathering around someone. Olivier looked out of the corner of his eye; it seemed that a girl was lying on the floor crying. The doors opened and the train ejected a crowd as usual. Paul and Olivier did their best to get inside the train and they luckily found some seats on the top floor of the train. Olivier sat next to the window and then he was able to see what was going on the platform.

A young girl was being help to sand up. She was crying and shouting at the same time. Her hair was messy and her jacket was partially torn. The train slowly started to enter into the tunnel and soon they lost the view of the station. Paul was also witnessing the situation.

“It seems that someone has stolen her bag or wallet.”

“Yes, I agree with you, Paul. It must have been the dude that pushed me away on the lobby. He has to be the thief. Two security agents were chasing him…”

“I don’t think they have chased it. He was far away from them.”

“It’s a shame, poor girl…”

“What I don’t understand is why, as crowded as it was the station, nobody helped her…”

Olivier thought about that feeling during the whole journey and the rest of the day. It was unfair that nobody helped her. He hated this kind of situations. If only he had been there 5 minutes earlier…

“Hey! Are you OK? You haven’t paid attention during the whole morning. You’re like gone…”

“Paul, you know that I don’t usually pay attention during the classes.”

“Yes, but today’s different. You are in your own world.”

“Yes, well…”

“Are you still thinking about what happened this morning in the station? Come on, you can’t empathize with everyone. That happens every day.”

“Yes, but it makes my blood boil. I hate those kinds of people.”

“Anyway, you can’t help the girl now.”

Paul realized that Olivier was smiling.

“What’s going on? Why are you so happy? Two minutes ago you were angry…”

“Nothing Paul, let’s grab something to eat.”

As usual, Olivier did not pay attention again during the next class after the lunch. He had a brilliant idea in mind. He had been travelling to the past during the last few weeks just for funny. Now, he had a good idea about he wanted to do with his power.

He spent the rest of the day creating a plan: unique and without fissures. He knew exactly when he had to execute it and he even drew a map of the station. He did not want to have any loose ends.

That evening, when they were coming home, he told Paul he had to go to buy some stuff. As soon as Paul went downstairs to take the train, he remained on the lobby and started to walk towards the subway gates. He hid himself behind a column and grabbed the silver object. He activated it and pushed the buttons until the time displayed on the screen was 8:30 AM. He looked at both sides and check that nobody was watching him. He then pressed the button and closed his eyes.

Someone pushed him away and staggered falling down. He stand up as fast as he could, he had no time to waste. At that moment, the subway exchanger was infested by people moving around like lost souls trying to find their path without even realizing if they were colliding with the others. He watched over the horizon, he was a bit nervous but at the same time he kept calm. He was sure about what was going to happen and it gave confidence on himself. He checked the time again. Will he appear? He wanted to think that yes. He had to try it.

And then he saw him. A man who was wearing a leather jacket and denim trousers was passing through the gates of the RER lines towards the subway. He was tall and dark haired. His eyes were brown and he had a way of looking dead. Despite of wearing a bag in his arms, he was moving fast keeping an eye on his back. Olivier had no doubts, he was the thief.

It was time to attack.

He raised his leg at the moment were the man was passing by his side. The thief did not see it and he rush over him falling down onto the ground. The blow was so hard that the bag flied a few meters away from them.

Olivier stayed petrified during a second. His plan had been a success but it was not over yet. He had to finish his work. Without thinking and following his instincts, Olivier jumped on the thief at the moment when he was trying to raise up. He put his knee against the back of his enemy and grabbed his arm as hard as he could. The thief, completely immobilized, started to shout in pain.

“Leave me… please.”

“Shut up, stupid asshole! You’re just scum!”

“As soon as I see your face, I’m gonna break it!”

Olivier did not reply, he just squeezed harder the thief’s arm while he started to yell again. He then realized that a group of people were watching them as if it was a movie or something. Among the crowd, two security agents appeared: they were gasping and surprised.

“But how have you stopped him?” One agent asked him. Then, he moved him away and proceeded to immobilize the subject with handcuffs.

“How do you know so fast he was the thief?” The other questioned him.

Olivier did not answer. He just simply went to recover the bag.

“This belongs to the girl on the platform. I hope you can return it to its owner.” Olivier handed the bag over. “You guys should be careful the next time.”

“What the fuck? Explain us guy! How did you know it? It’s impossible that you saw it downstairs and then you stopped it here.”

“I saw him this morning. That’s all you need to know.”

Olivier started to walk and he got lost among the people.

“Wait young man! You have to tell us who you are!”

The agent went to stop him but he could not. Olivier had been vanished.

As soon as Olivier entered into his room on the residence he was overjoyed. He had made it!

“Can you tell me what’s wrong with you today? This morning you were depressed and now you’re happy. Have you been with a girl or what?”

“No, I haven’t. It’s something much better. Paul, I will never ever thank you enough about all you have done for me.” Paul did not understand a word. “I mean, for the economy homework of course.”

“You’re un idiot! You have only copied it and you are celebrating! Stop being so lazy and work more!”

Olivier smiled to his friend whilst he was grabbing in his pocket that silver object full of power.

#7 La estación (Spanish Version)

Olivier tenía la mirada perdida en el horizonte. Desde el balcón de su casa tenía una vista perfecta de toda la ciudad, pero aquel día no le hacía ni el más mínimo caso. Normalmente se sentaba allí a pensar y disfrutaba enormemente viendo el atardecer. Montmartre brillaba en la lejanía; ya era de noche y no se había dado ni siquiera cuenta.

Abrió la palma de su mano y contempló su talismán plateado. La pantalla estaba rota y apenas se podía leer en ella los números que algún día habían brillado. Aquello parecía una señal que la vida le estaba marcando. Una metáfora del comportamiento que había tenido durante los últimos meses. Había estado jugando con fuego y finalmente se había quemado.

Suspiró profundamente y se tumbó contemplando el cielo. La luna llena brillaba aunque a duras penas se podían ver las estrellas. Intentó imaginar qué estaría haciendo Claire en aquel momento. Aquella noche había salido con sus amigas y a pesar de no vivir juntos, Olivier se daba cuenta que cada vez pasaba más tiempo en su casa que fuera de ella. Extendió su mano y contempló el objeto plateado que tenía agarrado junto a la intensidad del cielo. La brecha que había en la pantalla resplandecía iluminada por la luna como si de una cicatriz se tratase. Muy a su pesar, sabía que difícilmente aquella pantalla volvería a mostrar horas y fechas: se había terminado todo.

***

–¡Vamos Olivier! Ya llegamos tarde como siempre...

–Nunca entenderé por qué tienes tanta prisa en llegar puntual Paul. Si total la clase de hoy es un coñazo

–No te enfades. Eres tú el que has querido venir conmigo. Además, tengo que hacer varias cosas antes de llegar.

–¿Cómo qué?

–Como entregar el trabajo que teníamos para hoy por ejemplo.

–Ah, sí ya lo había olvidado...

–¿Pero qué pasa, si tú también lo tienes que entregar?

–Ah, sí. Pero ya se lo di el martes al profesor.

–¡Venga va! No seas fantasma. Has estado toda la semana en la habitación sin hacer nada. Ya me dirás de dónde has sacado el tiempo para hacerlo.

–Bueno sí, pero de hecho me sobra todo el tiempo del mundo así que me lo puedo permitir.

Paul lo miró sin entender nada. Olivier pasó a su lado riendo en silencio. No solo no tenía todo el tiempo del mundo, sino que además lo podía controlar a su antojo. Se giró y miró a su compañero.

–Venga date prisa Paul que el tren está a punto de llegar.

Ambos entraron en un vagón de la línea B del RER de París. Era hora punta en la mañana e iban completamente apretados. Olivier se preguntaba por qué tenía que seguir yendo a aquella hora pero se decía a si mismo que no quería levantar demasiadas sospechas entre sus amigos y que debía seguir llevando una vida similar.

Cinco minutos después, el tren llegaba a Châtelet-Les Halles. En aquella estación construida en los años 70 confluían varias líneas de metro así como de tren. La gente se movía por instinto en aquella como si de hormigas se tratara. Por suerte para Olivier y Paul, su transbordo no estaba lejos. Simplemente tenían que cruzar al otro andén para coger la línea A y continuar el viaje hasta su escuela.

Para llegar al otro lado, tenían que subir por las escaleras hasta llegar a un vestíbulo que se situaba justo encima de los andenes y atravesarlo hasta el otro extremo. Normalmente estaba infestado de gente caminando en todas las direcciones ya que la disposición de las vías del tren era transversalmente opuesta al sentido del intercambiador del metro. Además, numerosas columnas de forma semicircular, que sustentaban la estructura, estaba situadas en el centro del vestíbulo impidiendo que los transeúntes caminasen de forma recta. A decir verdad, Olivier siempre se sentía perdido en aquél sitio si no miraba las indicaciones.

Paul descendió del vagón y fue a coger las escaleras mecánicas para subir al vestíbulo. Olivier lo seguía unos metros más atrás debido a la cantidad de gente que había. Ambos subieron al vestíbulo y avanzaron en la otra dirección para coger el tren.

–Vamos Olivier que el tren pasa en dos minutos, date prisa.
–¡Ya voy! No ves que hay demasiada...

Pero antes de que pudiese acabar su réplica, un hombre pasó corriendo a su lado y Olivier se tuvo que apartar para no ser atropellado cayéndose al suelo. Aquel tipo parecía llevar algo en las manos y pronto se perdió dirección al intercambiador del metro.

–¡Será imbécil!
–Qué manera de empezar el día Olivier. Vamos que te ayudo a levantarte.

Mientras Paul le ayudaba a incorporarse, dos hombre de la seguridad del metro pasaron por su lado corriendo.

–Me preguntó si tendrán alguna relación con el tipo aquel.
–No sé Paul, vamos que perdemos el metro.

Ambos bajaron por las escaleras y esperaron en el andén. El tren estaba entrando en la estación y la gente se apresuraba a para cogerlo. Sin embargo, una pequeña muchedumbre se amontonaba en un rincón. Olivier miró de reojo. Parecía que había una chica en el suelo, pero no llegó a distinguir bien ya que las puertas se abrieron y el tren expulsó una bocanada de gente. Ambos entraron y tuvieron la suerte de encontrar un par de asientos libres en la planta superior del tren. Olivier se sentó en la ventada y entonces lo pudo ver bien.

Una chica joven era ayudada a incorporarse. Se la vería alterada y no dejaba de lloriquear. Tenía el pelo alborotado y la chaqueta y parte del vestido desgarrado por el cuello. El tren empezó a moverse y a salir de la estación perdiéndola de vista. Paul también estaba mirando por la ventana.

–Creo que le han robado o algo así.
–Eso parece ser Paul. El tipo que se ha cruzado con nosotros debía ser el ladrón y los seguratas lo debían estar persiguiendo.
–No creo que pudieran dar con él. Les sacaba ventaja.
–Pobre mujer...
–Lo que no entiendo, es como estando la estación abarrotada de gente, nadie la ha ayudado.

Olivier quedó pensativo durante todo el trayecto y el resto del día. No estaba bien que aquella mujer hubiese sido agredida sin que nadie hubiese podido hacer nada. Si hubiera llegado a estar 5 minutos antes...

–¿Hey, te pasa algo? Llevas como ido desde esta mañana.
–Sabes que no atiendo mucho en clases.
–Ya pero hoy estás diferente. Como en tu propio mundo.
–Sí bueno...
–¿Todavía piensas en lo de esta mañana? Vamos, no empatices tanto con la gente. Eso pasa todos los días.
–Ya pero me da rabia no haber podido hacer nada.
–Da igual ahora eso ya, no vas a poder volver atrás y ayudar a la chica–. Paul observó que Olivier sonreía por primera vez. –¿Qué pasa, qué he dicho ahora?
–Nada Paul, vayamos a clase.

Como era habitual, Olivier ni prestó la más mínima atención a la clase de gestión de proyectos. Tenía asuntos más importantes en la cabeza. Había estado viajando al pasado durante semanas sin motivo aparente, simplemente por diversión. Ahora tenía algo en mente y quería hacer algo bueno con su poder.

Pasó el resto de la tarde diseñando un plan único y sin fisuras. Sabía perfectamente cuándo lo debía ejecutar y el lugar e incluso llegó a diseñar un mapa de la zona. No quería dejar ningún detalle suelto.

Aquella tarde, al volver a casa le dijo a Paul que tenía que comprar varias cosas y que se fuera avanzando. Tan pronto como Paul desapareció escaleras abajo fue en dirección del intercambiador del metro y se puso detrás de una columna. Acto seguido sacó el objeto plateado y fue pulsando botones hasta que una de las pantallas reflejó la fecha del día. La otra marcaba las 8:30 de la mañana. Miró a ambos lados y comprobó que no se acercaba nadie. Pulsó el botón y cerró los ojos.

Alguien le empujó y cayó al suelo. Se incorporó rápido: no tenía tiempo que perder. En aquel momento la estación estaba infestada de gente que iba y venía como almas en pena sin ni siquiera importarle con quien se cruzaban. Olivier oteó el horizonte, se sentía nervioso pero a la vez tenía la cabeza fría. Estaba casi convencido de lo que iba a pasar y eso le daba una cierta seguridad. Volvió a consultar su reloj. ¿Aparecería? No lo sabía a ciencia cierta ya que lo había visto fugazmente, pero debía intentarlo.

Fue entonces cuando lo vio. Un hombre con una chaqueta de cuero y pantalones vaqueros, acababa de pasar por el torno de la entrada de RER a toda prisa. Era de complexión alta y de tez muy morena. Tenía los ojos rasgados y una mirada sin vida. Se movía rápidamente pero con dificultad en su dirección; llevaba entre sus manos un bolso y miraba intermitentemente a sus espaldas. Era él, no tenía ninguna duda.

Era el momento de atacar.

Levantó su pierna rápidamente y el hombre cayó de bruces al suelo al pasar por su lado, el bolso salió rodando unos metros más allá. El golpe fue tan duro que el hombre quedó completamente aturdido.

Por un instante Olivier quedó paralizado. Su plan había tenido éxito pero todavía no había terminado el trabajo. Sin pensar y guiado completamente por su instinto se abalanzó contra aquel malnacido mientras intentaba ponerse de pie. Apoyó su rodilla contra su espalda y le agarró del brazo hacia atrás. El ladrón, completamente inmovilizado, ahogó un grito de dolor.

–Suéltame... por favor.
–Cállate imbécil. Eres simplemente escoria.
–En cuanto te vea, te las voy a hacer pagar bien caras.

Olivier no lo respondió y estiró más el brazo del carterista hacia él mientras volvía a gritar. Rápidamente se dio cuenta que un grupo de gente les rodeaba y les miraba con curiosidad sin querer acercarse. ¿Por qué la gente se comportaba siempre como meros especataores? Entre la multitud vio emerger un par de personas; eran dos guardias de la seguridad del metro que acudían jadeando. Al verle, se quedaron sorprendidos.

–¿Pero, cómo lo has hecho? –le preguntó uno de ellos. Acto seguido le apartó y procedió a esposar al sujeto.
–¿Cómo has sabido que era un carterista? –inquirió el otro.

Olivier no respondió, simplemente se levantó. Vio el bolso caído unos metros más allá y lo fue a recoger.

–Tengan. Esto le pertenece a la víctima. Espero que se lo devuelvan–. Olivier le tendió el bolso a uno de los agentes que lo aceptó con incredulidad. –Espero que la próxima vez tengan más cuidado.
–Pero chaval, ¿cómo lo has sabido? Es completamente imposible que lo hubieras visto robar y al mismo tiempo detenerlo.
– Ya lo había visto esta mañana. No necesitan saber más–. Se dio la vuelta y avanzó entre la multitud.
–Espera chico. ¡Dinos al menos tu nombre!

El agente se levantó y fue tras él pero muy a su pesar ya había desaparecido entre la muchedumbre curiosa que se agolpaba para ver el espectáculo. No lo pudo encontrar: se había esfumado completamente.

Cuando Olivier llegó a la residencia aquella tarde estaba exultante. ¡Lo había conseguido!

–¿Se puede saber qué te pasa? Llegas dando botes de alegría, ¿has estado con alguna chica?
–¡Qué va! Mucho mejor. Paul, nunca podré agradecerte lo que has hecho por mí–. Su compañero lo miró incrédulo sin entender nada. –Me refiero a los apuntes de economía claro.
–¡Menudo capullo! Has debido ir a fotocopiar lo que te dejé y vienes celebrándolo. Serás vago...

Olivier sonrió a su amigo mientras tocaba aquel objeto plateado lleno de poder.

#6 The Wall (English Version)

(For the Spanish version see below)

Thomas lighted a cigarette and took a long puff. Smoking helped him to calm down when he was anxious. He still had ten minutes before she arrived. He grabbed from his cell phone from his pocket and took a look to her message. After reading it for the thousandth time, he took a long breath and stayed watching the smoke disappearing in the dark sky of Paris. It was a cold day and was starting to rain, however he thought, that in those moments, the city was shinier than ever.

The Moulin Rouge was gleaming at his back and while hundreds of tourists were taking pictures and selfies, he was just smiling: he had planned that night in detail. He knew perfectly what he should do and nothing could go wrong. He indeed had a chance to demonstrate his feelings again to Chloé and take her back forever. He knew her a lot and in consequence, he had already decided what to do that night. As always, he enjoyed to surprise her and this time he could not fail. He would not fail.

Fifteen minutes later Chloé was late as she used to be. He finished his cigarette and he threw the fag-end away. Thomas started to think that she would not come and in his mind he was afraid that in the last minute she had canceled the meeting. He tried to find her in the middle of the crowd and finally he saw her. She was as stunning as he remembered her: she was wearing a red coat with a black hat. Her curly blond hair was waving with the wind. As soon as he saw her she smiled, that made him to stay petrified. He believed that he was completely ready for their meeting, but in that moment he realized that he did not know what to do or say her.

As she was walking towards him his heart beat faster and faster. He soon saw that she was crying in silence. He tried to approach her but he could not move:  she was in front of him. Her green eyes were filled of tears and when he look into them he realized that she needed to meet him during all those 6 years.

“Chloé, I’m…”

Despite he tried to talk to her he was not able to say anything else. Chloé slapped him and immediately after she hugged him. Thomas behaved like a robot and took her into his arms as he kissed her in her cheek. Some seconds later, they separate. Thomas turned red.

“I still don’t believe it Thomas. I don’t know but I still think that it’s a dream you’re here. How long has it been: 6 years? You look like the last time I saw you…”

Thomas stared at her. He felt how her eyes were shining: she was telling the truth and was happy to see him again after so many years. In spite of that, he still was paralyzed without being able to articulate a sentence: he was in fact hopelessly in love.

“Come on Thomas. You’re not going to remain in silence. You haven’t been back for nothing. I’m sure you have a lot of things to explain.”

Chloé was trying to remain clam. She spoke with an intermittent and melancholy voice. If the whole situation was enough difficult for him, he could not imagine how it was being for her.

“I’m sorry… It has been a while since I left and I think that I was completely shocked.”

“So, don’t let me wait! Let’s move, I’m starting to freeze.”

“Yes, of course. I have reserved a table in a restaurant at the end of the street. Would you like to come with me? I think that we will be more comfortable if we speak whilst taking a glass of wine.”

Both started to walk towards the Rue Lepic. That street started in the Blanche square where the Moulin Rouge was and went up into the heart of Montmartre district. There were a lot of restaurants and cafés and Thomas enjoyed getting lost in the middle of those streets. In somehow, the Montmartre district was a small town inside the city of Paris.

They started to talk about trivial things. Chloé ask him how was his job going, if his family and friends were alright and finally if he still had his old apartment. Thomas thought that it was a stupid conversation. In other times they understood each other only exchanging looks. Now, they look like two completely strangers meeting for the first time. However, talking to her again made feel him better and was gaining confidence in him again.

After 5 minutes walking they reached the restaurant. It was not the first time they were in that place. Thomas remembered with all details that Chloé loved that place. That is why he had not hesitated to choose it.

“I remember the first time we came here. It was one of the first days we started to meet alone.”

“So you remember it?”

“How could I forget it? You know I have a good memory…”

The waiter arrived and Thomas asked for a red wine. It would be good for both.

“So how is it going your back to reality?” Chloé asked him whilst they started eating.

“Well, at the beginning it was a bit difficult. Even if a month has gone, it is still difficult for me to adapt to my new situation. But I believe it’s going better those days.”

“I understand. It cannot be easy to come back to your old life when you have been 6 years gone.” Thomas was starting to think whether if Chloé was sarcastic or not. He doubted a second but he knew that Chloé was not like this. “Don’t worry Thomas. I’m serious. I asked myself so many times what I did wrong to you when you disappeared.”

“I’m so sorry Chloé. You cannot imagine how bad I feel. It wasn’t my intention to hurt you. You know I was in love, but…”

“And…? I’m still waiting for an answer. I need to know what you have been doing all those 6 years. Mathieu told me that you met and talked him and you were amnesiac or you had a memory loss. But I don’t know, I had faith you could explain to me as I was your girlfriend.”

Chloé was staring at him with her green eyes. Thomas choked with the food. He was burdened for the question, but he could not avoid answering her. He must find explanations to his mental block whether he wanted to get her back.

“I don’t know Chloé…  I have so many memory lapses that I’m starting to believe that I still live in that day of 2010. I remember all the details of that night. It was the most important of my life: how could I forget it? We had to go to life together and afterwards I found myself alone trying to justify my behavior without remembering anything.”

“That doesn’t help me Thomas. You know I still appreciate you. I loved you so much and I’m sure your family had already explained you what happened next.

“Yes, they told me… And that’s exactly why it’s difficult to give you a proper answer.”

Thomas looked into her eyes. She did not believe him and things were going wrong. Despite of being the same age, she seemed much older and more mature than him. Time had changed her but he still was the same kid.

“If I told you that time hasn’t passed for me since that night, you wouldn’t believe me.”

“Thomas you know that this cannot be true. But don’t you worry, I’m sure that one day you will recover your memories and you would be able to explain what happened.

“Not, it’s not like this. I don’t believe I have a memory loss. There’s something else. Something I’m not able to understand. Something that escapes from my knowledge and it can’t be described with words.”

“Thomas. You don’t need to justify your actions. But don’t lie anymore.”

“I’ve never lied to you! Anyway, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Tell me about you. That’s what I only care now.”

“As straightforward as always, Thomas. Years may have passed and you might not remember the things. But, at least, I still know you were the same boy I fell in love. I know you haven’t changed at all and this makes me happy.”

From that point onwards, the meeting began to be much better than before and they started talking more relaxed and happier. Chloé explained him everything that happened to her after he left and she was more confortable. It all went extremely well and Thomas was convinced that they would be able to have a relationship again. Listening her while she was laughing made him to be in the seven heavens.

Thomas had dreamed a lot of days with that moment. The fact that he would be able to hug her, kiss her and recover the things they used to do was simply amazing. However, there was one thing and he wanted to forget forever: the guy that opened her door the day he reappeared. He told himself that he would be just a random guy she had met and she would forget him as soon as he reentered into her life. However, he was not as courageous as he thought: he did not dare to ask her about it.

They finished their meal and they go out in the street. Thomas suggested going for a walk around Montmartre and she accepted with pleasure. Sky was covered but it stopped raining so the atmosphere was perfect as it was not cold at all. They came across Abbesses square and sat in the nearest bench.

“Thomas, this place… We’ve been here before.”

“I knew you’d remember it. You’ve always had a good memory and that’s why I brought you here.”

“You haven’t changed at all…”

Chloé took a sad look to her left: a blue wall was illuminated by the streetlights. On the wall, there was written in withe I love you in different languages. She nodded, in some way she was sure that situation could happen.

“I know what you’re thinking Thomas, but this is not possible…”

Thomas was petrified. However, he did not want to give up so easy.

“You liked this place so much that I thought it was a good idea bringing you here.”

“I know you better than anyone and you remember well that this place was where we kissed for the first time.”

“As I said you remember all…” Thomas came closer, hugged her and he whispered to her ear. “What I say you that night has never changed. My feelings are the same. I still love you as the first day…”

Thomas started kissing her neck as he was caressing her hair. Then, he began to kiss her cheeks, he needed to kiss her lips, he wanted her. But when he tried, Chloé grabbed his chin and stared into his eyes. Smiling in sadness she moved her face away.

“Thomas, you are still the same. But what you want isn’t possible. I regret telling it to you in that way but our relationship was over a long time ago.”

Thomas did not react. She had smashed hard his heart and this one was about to crack. What could have gone wrong? He was still in love…

“Chloé, maybe 6 years have been gone. Maybe I’m not able to remember anything. Maybe I was gone without any explanation… But you must know that I still love you! I always loved you!”

“Thomas, stop it please. Don’t make it harder…”

“Even if the sky fell down, even if time stopped forever, you will always be in my heart!”

Without realizing it, he was shouting. Chloé started to cry and he made him feel worse.

“I just only want you to know that I’ve never forgotten you Chloé.”

“Me neither Thomas... I waited for you during a long time. You cannot imagine how I was…”

“So why is it not possible? Maybe someone has stolen 6 years of my life, but we are still young. We can recover our time lost. We can be happy together again!”

“You don’t understand Thomas… You think that you can disappear during 6 years and then came back from the shadows and get back your old life. Things move on and nothing is the same.”

“And why does this matter now? The important is that I’m here with you. I will tell you what it matters: that we are here toghether!”

“You’re just a stupid egoist Thomas! Do you really think that you can reappear whenever you want? That I will always wait for you? That my feelings would be the same? No Thomas. Things are not as easy as you may think.”

“But Chloé…”

“You abandoned me! And I had to rebuild my own life, not yours! Are you able to understand this?”

Cholé was crying in front of him. Thomas was pallid and he did not know what to do.

“I’m sorry Chloé. I’m so sorry…”

Thomas came closer to her and hugged her. Then he desperately kissed her. As soon as he touched her lips, she pushed him away and she slammed him as hard as she could. Thomas touched his cheek: it hurt and his heart was completely broken. He began to cry.

“What are you doing Thomas? Why are you trying to kiss me? Do you think that a stupid kiss can repair all the shit you’ve done? I asked you to respect me and you’ve not even been able to do it. Go to the hell Thomas!”

Cholé stood up and she began to walk towards the Metro station. However, Thomas hold her hand and stopped her.

“I love you Chloé. I’m sure that there’s something I could do…”

She furiously get away of him and she showed her left hand opened. She was wearing a silver ring.

“Do you see this? This is the proof that someone loves me and he won’t disappear without telling me as a rat. This ring was given to me by someone that I’m completely sure that will never ever abandon me, not like you. This means that I have someone that I’d give my life for.

“This cannot be true… Are you married?”

“Yes, Thomas. I married my husband 4 months ago. You saw him the day you selfishly decided to reappear knocking my door. But apparently, you have decided to live in your own perfect world without realizing the truth. You didn’t even dare to ask me, you were just busy trying to kiss me. You’re just an idiot.”

Thomas, fell down onto his knees. That girl was not her Chloé… He stayed there, just watching how she was walking again. He could not do anything. He was already dead. Before entering on the Metro, Chloé turned back and looked for the last time to the boy she once loved.

“Don’t contact me anymore Thomas. I beg you: forget me forever. In a few month we will be one more in my family and if you’re still insisting to see me, my husband will denounce you. Goodbye Thomas.”

Thomas saw her disappearing on the ground. This was the end, his own end. Rain began to beat him and he felt that someone was spying on him before collapsing on the floor.