The Bar

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22 years later

Droplets of rain poured down on me as my shoes clicked down the wet side walk. My feet ached, sending piercing pains up my calves. I clenched my jaw as I proceeded down the dark alley. Music and laughter echoed  along the alleyway, letting me know I was getting close. I continued to trudge down the  walkway until I saw the silhouette of a crowded, run down bar. Definitely a hick bar. I quickly jogged to the entrance as a cadet held the door open.

 I grabbed onto the door while I took of my jacket with my free hand. As I walked in, I scanned the room for any familiar faces.  The bar was filled with cadets wearing burgundy uniforms. For a bar in the middle of no where, it sure was crowded. 

I made my way through the sliding doors to the bar, passing by students of Star Fleet Academy. As I approached the table, the bartender made eye contact with me, smiling wide. "Aria! What can I get for you?"

"Hey Chris, just the usual please." I replied as I checked to see if my hair got wet. Thankfully, it didn't.

"Rough day?" He asked as he retrieved an ice cold beer from the cooler.

"How'd you know?" I gave him a smirk. "people are just exhausting to deal with."

Right before he could respond, a pudgy brown alien yelled his order at him, spitting in the process. "I know right." He grumbled. I let out a small chuckle as he handed me the beer. I quickly thanked him and took a big gulp, letting the liquid slowly go down my throat. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the lingering burning sensation in my chest. I needed this. The whole day, I had been waiting on ungrateful Iowans, asking what type of bread they wanted to start off with, or recommending what type of wine went well with the steak. If I had to stay at that restaurant for one more second, I swear I would've actually took a wine bottle and smashed it on one of the uptight diners' heads. I took another sip of my drink, allowing it to sit in my mouth, savoring it. I swallowed it, as a small smile grew on my face. As I was about to drink a little more, laughter snapped me out of my trance. I turned around seeing a bunch of cadets smiling and fooling around. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Chris.

"Can i also get a shot of the strongest thing you got?" I asked him. He raised his eyebrow, but gave a short nod and got out a shot glass. He poured a clear liquid into it and slid it to me. I caught it and started whirling it in my hand, preparing myself for the strength of the drink. As I brought it up to my mouth, I felt someone breathing on the back of my neck, sending a chill down my spine.

"Hello beautiful, what's your name?" He slurred. 

"Oh god." I muttered and took the shot, crunching my face in the process. It was so strong, it made me tear up. I wiped my eyes and turned to the flirt to my right. I looked him up and down. He was a dirty blonde with piercing blue eyes and a smug smile. I turned back around and took a sip of my beer.

"Move along pretty boy, not interested." I stated as I took another gulp. He stood there for a minute, shocked.

"But--," He tried replying but I shook my head.

"I won't say it again." 

Chris stared at us giggling. I shot him a glare as I finished my drink.

"Fine." He angrily mumbled as he stumbled back to his seat.

"I'm going to the bathroom." I announced to Chris. "Save my seat." He nodded as I stood up from my seat and made my way to the bathroom stalls, leaving my jacket to reserve my spot.

•g r a v i t y • ~ jim kirkWhere stories live. Discover now