Between the Bars

Chapter 2.

This is Kora's father's prospective. AKA the person she is looking for...

     "Son of a bitch!" I clapped wildly and laughed. "Mate, we could be champs! Keep it up, and don't forget about the ol' foot on the lever!" Dan was hysterical. We were either high, drunk...Probably both. I inserted another coin into the slot. "Big money, baby! Big money! Come on, Come on!" I stamped the lever with my foot. "Three cherries, honey! Hell yeah, were doing good tonight, boys!" I hollered as money flew out of the small hole and into my bucket. "Who wants drinks, on me?" Xavier laughed. "We have enough to flood the place, I think I pissed through my shorts!" Dan laughed. The arena was full of rich, poor, and homeless people. I'm somewhere in that mix. 

          Ever since Clara kicked me out, I've been in poverty. Switching from city to city, gambling my money away with my mates. I'm not originally from Australia, but I've picked up the accent rather fast. I never said I was happy 'bout leaving my family. Suzanne and Kora barely knew me at all... Suzzie only being three years old when I left, it has to be hard. I didn't have a choice. The woman I fell in love with so quickly, rushed me away so mindlessly, carelessly. I loved her for who she was, but I guess she didn't see that. Boy, I miss them. I remember the look on Kora's face when Clara whisked me away. Horrified. Scarred. My little angel, scarred.  

    I know somewhere out there one of the women in my life miss me. Even if it's Suzanne, who barely remembers me. I bet she has a locket with my picture in it. I know Kora hates me... She's said it before. But I can't help but to love her. Fathers never forget how to love their children. Maybe one day, my family will take a trip to Australia and see me sitting in the park. I know it's nearly impossible, but a man can hope. 

       "Are you 'ight, Steve?" Xavier breaks my blank fantasy. "What? Wha..Oh, yes. Yep, I'm fine! To the bar, you say?" "There's the Stevie I know!"