Ghosts of War | CoD - MW

Chapter 8.

Kimberly and Phillip exited the cab, coming to a stop in front of the bar. It was eerily quiet outside, and it seemed like they had arrived just a bit earlier than people most. But Kimberly didn't really care. The bar was open, and perhaps that would help her with showing her face to the outside world. If there were a few people, then they wouldn't mind themselves about her sitting there. She looked up at the flashing lights from above the door, taking a deep breath.

-"You sure you're still on board with this? Christmas is coming up in less than two months. We can wait until then," Phillip said, glancing over at Kimberly. He didn't want her to feel forced, and he could see that she was composing herself.
-"I'm more than just on board with this. Come on, I'm drinking my sorrows away," Kimberly said, stepping towards the door before Phillip could react. She opened it, stepping aside for him. "Ladies first."

-"Haha, hilarious. I didn't know your time in captivity had made you into such a gentleman," Phillip said with a smirk as he walked past her and into the bar. Kimberly snickered as she followed him, looking around. A low music was playing, and there were a few people scattered around. Groups of two to five. The atmosphere inside was calm. She liked it. "You should find a spot. Eager on a whiskey or a vodka?" Phillip asked as he leaned closer to her ear.

-"Surprise me, since you're paying," Kimberly said with a grin. She walked over to a corner in the bar, settling down on the couch. She took her jacket off, placing it down beside herself. Kimberly looked down at her ring, wondering when she should just give it back to him. She knew for sure that their time together was over and done for as a couple. It felt wrong to carry this ring around.

A few minutes went by, and then Phillip came back with two glasses. He put one of them down in front of Kimberly before settling down beside her. A little bit too close for comfort, but she decided to keep quiet for now. She didn't want to make a scene. She grabbed the glass, taking a sip of it. She could barely taste the alcohol in the drink, which she guessed was because her body was recovering still.
-"Vodka, huh? Starting hard," Kimberly muttered, chugging the glass down in the next couple of sips. She made a grimace as she felt the alcohol sting slightly in her throat. She shivered quickly, pushing the glass away. Disgusting, as always.

-"You are certainly starting hard, I see. I don't want to have to carry you home, but... Another one?" Phillip asked, staring at the empty glass in front of her. Kimberly turned towards him, nodding her head. Phillip chuckled as he got back up, leaving her alone once again. At this rate he wouldn't have to worry about her remembering anything tomorrow.

Kimberly studied his back as he disappeared, and once she couldn't see him, she reached for his glass. She brought it to her lips and sipped from it as well, feeling disgusted. Red wine, far from her favorite. She shrugged for herself as she took a new sip, then another. Wine was disgusting compared to what she usually used to drink, but it didn't matter to her now. It was alcohol no matter the taste. Alcohol that could take her away. She just wanted to see if she could forget the last few years of her life, at least for one night.

Phillip returned once more with a new glass of vodka. As he approached Kimberly, he saw his glass empty as well now. Phillip scoffed as he put the drink down in front of her. He just shook his head, then went on to laughing at her.
-"Really, Kim? I'm just going to buy several drinks. Good god, girl," Phillip muttered, leaving once more. Kimberly laughed for herself as she grabbed the third glass, but this one didn't go down as easy. She could already feel the alcohol, which didn't surprise her. She was way too thin to drink like she used to. Heck, she knew she wasn't in the right mindset either. This was destructive drinking, not drinking for fun.

Some time went by until Phillip returned empty-handed. He settled down beside the girl, turning slightly towards her.
-"Tell me, how are you really doing?" Phillip asked, leaning his arm on the backrest behind Kimberly, careful not to touch her. At least not yet.