Duskwood: after episode 10

Chapter 6

As I walk towards the entrance, my eyes wander around the bar.

The shelves must have a hundred bottles. I wonder how they are still standing.
Whichever drink you would like, it's certain that you will find it.

Aurora has vintage vibes, which I am in love with.
We don't really have these kinds of "places of entertainment" back in my hometown. Not like these at least..

There are vinyls hanging on the wall in random places and also posters of famous artists.
Mostly the old time favourites, like Rolling Stones, Queen and Billie Jean.

Well there is that. Phil actually has taste. I love him already.

Besides that, Phil and his staff seem to be really hardworking.
Phil is behind the counter waiting for his customers' orders, and his staff has to handle the payments.
The most exciting part is that certain nights, a band is invited to play live music.
Also, every Tuesday, ladies are allowed one song request and a welcome shot.
I mean, how great is that?

The prices are extremely low, which is why I am certainly going to visit again.

"Woah." I exclaim like I'm under a spell
"Phil's has done a great job in here.
This place is really cool."

We walk further till we find a table, and sit.

"It's been a long time since I saw my brother." Jessy sighs worried
"Do you think he is going to be mad at me too?"

"I don't think so Jessy. But, even if he is mad, he must forgive you.
You are his sister after all." Cleo reminds her

Dan and Thomas also seem to be nervous, but they try to hide it.

After a few minutes, Phil gives us a warm welcome, and hugging each one of us.

"No hard feelings?" Dan asks holding out his hand

"No hard feelings bud." Phil shakes his hand smiling

Finally. Something had been sorted out.

"And you must be Y/N." he takes my hand and kisses it gently

"Finally!" he sighs exhausted
"That drink I had promised you?
Today must be the day." he continues with a wide smile

"How about drink-s?" I laugh

"Oh?" he questions whether he heard me correctly

"Shots? I'd really like to get wasted tonight." I whisper to him like it's a secret

"On it.
You know what? I like you already."

>>>>>

"Wanna bet?" I ask Phil
"Whoever reaches 10 shots, wins." he replies already drunk
Which could be used to my advantage.
Noone beats me at my own challenges.

"1"
"2"
"3"
"4"
"5"

We both are dizzy but there is no way I'm giving up.
And Phil insists.

"9" I say
"9" he shouts
We both try to look each other straight in the eyes, but the alcohol makes it rather hard.

"Man this shit is strong." Phil says exhausted
"I told you Phil." I exhale deeply
"You can't beat me.
Not on my own challenges."

He holds the glass in his hand and questions whether he should drink it or not.
But, before he even makes up his mind, I already have drunk mine.

I hit it on the table wanting to make it sound.
Wanting to show that I am the winner.

"Aha!" I throw myself up ftom my seat

"I won!"

But, by the time I stand up, my head is spinning, and my legs start to tremble.
Phil notices immediately, and tries to help me.

"Woah." Phil says
"Sit down, sit down."
He then grabs my waist and places me on the chair so I don't fall.

"Ow.."
My head hurts a lot and I can't really see clearly.

"I think you should go home, Y/N." he warns

He really looks concerned.
His puppy eyes.
I am dying.

"Well, I'm hella not driving, so I guess I'll take a taxi."

"Nah. I'll drive you home." he says confidently

"Oh no thanks. We're definitely going to crash." I burst out laughing

"I'm not that drunk, Y/N." he smiles at me

"Well, you lost the challenge." I remind him full of pride

He then locks his eyes on mine.

"And what makes you think that you actually won?" he asks silently

"What's that supposed to mean?" I reply offended

"Come on. I'm the bloody owner of the bar, Y/N.
I do these kinds of challenges almost everyday." he smirks

"Liar.
No, no. I don't believe you." I fold my hands in disbelief

"You want a rematch?"

"Bold. But no. Seriously no." I decline laughing

"Because you know you are going to lose."

"You know what? I decline your offer because I want to wake up in my bed next morning, not at the hospital."

He immediately laughs out loud and I do too.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"I think.. I think I'll go outside for a bit. Getting some fresh air would do me good." I sigh holding my head

"You sure you can walk out of my bar without falling?" he says jokingly

"Haha." I fake a laugh
"I'm better now, thanks for your concern."

And with that I head to the exit.

But, by the time I open the door there it is again...
The black figure I had been seeing the past few months.
I was so done with it.
I knew it was real.
And I had to face it.