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.
YOU ARE READING
•g r a v i t y • ~ jim kirk
أدب الهواةJames T. Kirk. A narcissistic, playboy with a tragic past. Ariana Hebel. A girl who lost her way after her parents' death and trying to find her place in the world. A couple decades ago, the U.S.S. Kelvin had an encounter with the Romulans, led by...