Troubled (Norman Reedus Time Increment Short Story)

Troubled Part One

8:17 P.M.

I'm standing behind the bar, wiping down the counter as someone leaves and filling glasses as more people roll into the bar.

8:24 P.M.

The bell above the door rings and I notice someone I've never seen walk in. He seats himself down on a bar stool, pulling his dark Ray Ban's off his face and revealing his piercing blue eyes.

8:26 P.M.

I finished wiping the counter in front of me and placed the rag down in the sink. Walking towards the new and unfamiliar customer, I noticed something off about him.

"Beer?" I ask him, not wanting to make conversation. He nods, pulling his phone out at the same time.

8:27 P.M.

As I filled a glass with the cool beverage, I looked back at the man as he slammed his phone down in anger, balling his fists.

8:29 P.M.

I set the glass down in front of him, careful to keep it from spilling. His phone was still on, the screen showing recent text messages. I took a quick glance, seeing that he lost some big job opportunity.

"Rough day?" I asked, keeping it short and simple.

He grunted, spinning his phone towards me to read as he took a long sip of his drink.

8:31 P.M.

He didn't get the part in a movie and he was upset. He must have chosen this bar because his audition was nearby. He came to drink his feelings away, something I see too often here.

8:32-8:47 P.M.

He checked his phone constantly, as if the messages will somehow change to what he wanted to see. After each check of his phone, he nodded his head in my direction, silently asking for another drink.

I kept a count in my head, not wanting him to drink more than he could handle. I tried to slow him down by taking care of other customers first, but that just seemed to make him crave the alcohol even more.

8:52 P.M.

Beer number 6. I had to stop him, help him realize he is just digging himself deeper in disappointment and anger. On a normal day and with a different person, I could care less but I felt something different. He was intriguing. Even in his current mental state, I couldn't help but think how attractive he actually was.

8:55 P.M.

He nodded towards me again. Pretending I didn't see, I continued filling other glasses, hoping he would get the hint.

"Hey, get me another beer." He demanded. His voice surprised me. It was raspy, maybe from constant smoking.

I thought he would just get up and leave or wait for me to look his way but he seemed to have become impatient.

He tapped his glass on the counter, "I said get me another."

I sighed and walked over to him. "I think you've had enough, okay?"

"Don't tell me when I've had enough. Get me another." I stared at him, unsure if I should listen or put up a fight to stop him.

8:57 P.M.

I walked away to tend to another customer. He probably assumed I was getting his drink, I wonder how long it will take for him to realize I'm not giving him what he wants.

As I filled another glass, I saw him look up at me with a small smirk on his face. I ignored him, instead handing the now full glass to another waiting drinker.

"Was I not clear enough the first time or are you just plain stupid?" Although he was looking at his phone, it was obvious who his question was directed at.

I sighed and walked back over, stopping in front of him. "I really think you should stop drinking. Think about what you're doing to yourself right now." I said gently.

"If you think you know me so well, what am I doing to myself?"

"You're burying yourself deeper in emotion. Look, I understand you're upset about the audition but drinking isn't going to help."

He stared at me, a look of defeat on his face.

"Maybe you're right but it's helping me forget now." He plainly stated.

"Yeah, now! What about tomorrow? It's going to all come back and you'll be back where you started! The next thing you know, you'll be back in here drowning yourself in alcohol again!"

I noticed my voice rose, I was angry. Everyday, people "fix" their problems in bars. Why couldn't he see what I saw in him? He definitely has the looks and if only he had more confidence in himself, he could get to where he wants to be!

9:00 P.M.

I walked away before I exploded on him again. I wanted to help him, not make him feel worse. I stood on the opposite end of the counter, my elbow propped up and holding my face in my hands.

My mind was running wild with thoughts. He wasn't drinking as of now, but who knows what he'll do in his state. I also couldn't stop feeling intrigued by him. He was mysterious at first glance, hiding behind his Ray Ban's. And he was handsome, it was a pleasure to look at him. His blue eyes and long, dark hair pulled me into a deep trance.