2002

The Excitement At The Bar-1

Emily POV:

I stared at the glass of whiskey sitting in front of me. As I picked it up and swirled it around, I stared into it with satisfaction as the gleaming liquid inside of it made a mini tornado. I looked around the room, envious of everyone dancing to the thumping beat of the music, having a good time. Kanye West 'Stronger' was deafening in my ears. The base of the song thumped in my chest. I sighed as my eyes flickered back to the tempting glass of whisky clutched in my clammy hands. Don't do it...put it down...

I'd been trying to kick my alcohol addiction for a long time now, but it wasn't working. Well, I shouldn't say that. I was being stubborn. I could kick it into the gutter if I wanted to, but I wasn't committed. God dammit Emily, why are you so mulish? Suddenly the music came to an abrupt stop. I looked around the bar in confusion and immediately I knew why the room had suddenly burst into an excited and energy fueled atmosphere. Everyone instantly started yelling and screaming and they all floated towards the doors of the bar. They started whooping and cheering as D12 made their entrance.

Eminem strode into the room first. Of course everyone got louder. If I squinted enough, I could make out the two security guards beside him, staunch and unfaltering. More and more people flocked towards the doors. Eminem high-fived a few screaming girls. Before the screaming fans prevented me from seeing him anymore, I snatched a quick look at the rest of the group; Proof, Bizzare, Kon Artis, Kuniza and Fuzz. I think I saw Ondre too, better known as Dr. dre.

I turned back to my drink, sitting there screaming at me to take a sip. As the sound around me threatened to burst my eardrums, I contemplated on going over to the screeching fans and joining in. But I had to remind myself that I'd never been a fan of Hip Hop or Rap. But then again, anything to get away from the compulsive urge to drink myself into oblivion. I was about to stand up to go and blend in with the crowd, when a smooth voice from behind me stopped me.

I spun around, surprised, and stared up at the tall man. He had dark hair and a sly grin on his unshaven face. I blinked twice.
"What's a pretty lady like you doing here, drinking all by herself?" As he said this he leaned on the bench beside me. I sighed quietly and rolled my eyes.
"I'm waiting for someone." I said bluntly. I hoped he couldn't tell I was lying. I'd been too straight forward hadn't I? I looked around the room. The noise had died down a bit and the crowd wasn't as large. Maybe everyone had gotten their autographs and gone home?
"Oh really?" The man said and took a step towards me. I backed away.
"Look, I'm not interested okay?" I placed my arms out in front of me.
"Maybe we could have a few drinks before your boyfriend gets here-"
"Is this guy causing you trouble miss?" I jumped and turned around. I couldn't believe who was standing there.
"Call me." The man said and I turned and glared at him.
"Piss off." I spat and he looked at Eminem as if he had ruined his chance with me.

"Men always giving you a hard time?" I turned back around to face him.
"No, not really. Thank you." I said and smiled, taking in the muscly security guard standing behind him, obviously trying not to be noticed.
"No problem." He said before three short girls ambushed him, waving pieces of paper in front of his face.
"Hey!" He smiled at them and took a ballpoint pen out of his pants pocket, which I must say were almost two sizes too big for him. I took in his black and white puma t-shirt and the white Nike beanie.
"Thank you, oh my god, we love you!" One of the girls threw her arms around him as the other two stood by, jealous and snarky looks plastered to their faces. I laughed under my breath.
"Why don't you guys go and piss off my friends. Denuan has been acting a bit of a prick lately. I'm sure they wouldn't mind signing a few autographs for you." He winked at them and beamed, giving the sour-faced girls a high five.
"Sorry about that." He said to me as the girls ran off.
"Nah, I understand. Being a huge celebrity and all." He stuck his hands in his pockets.
"It can get quite chaotic at times."
"I can't even imagine." I said and looked at my drink sitting innocently in front of me. I could just imagine the taste...
"I'm Marshall by the way." He put his hand out. Don't mess this up...you're about to shake Eminem's hand. I shook his hand briefly and smiled.
"I'm Emily." My eyes flickered back to my drink.
"You want a red bull?" He said as he pulled out a crumpled up $2.00.
"Um, thanks but no thanks." I looked at my glass of whiskey.
"Oh, sorry, you're already hooked up there." He nodded towards the whiskey.
"Nah," I said. "I wasn't planning on drinking it." I looked down at my feet. You're being so rude. Come on, you're talking to freaking Eminem!
"I know those eyes." I looked up at Marshall, startled.
"Sorry?" I glanced at his security guard. He had an unreadable expression on his face.
"You trying to kick an addiction?" He leaned on the bench smoothly and ordered one red bull, handed the money over to the smiling bartender.
"Yeah, trying." I sat down in my seat.
"It's hard aye. You feel like you're on top and then-"
"Then the wheels fall off. You just need that succulent taste of beer or bourbon-" The bartender handed Marshall his drink.
"Why don't you come and sit with me and my boys? We can talk properly?"
"Oh, I shouldn't. I don't want to ruin your night. Plus I'm not really the type of girl you'd wanna hang out with."
"Come on Emily! You look like the life of the party! The way you told that creep to piss off, 10 out of 10. Plus I feel like I need someone to talk you. You know, my boys know all about my problems already," he smiled, his blue eyes twinkling. "Plus, I don't think that guy will bother you if you're hanging with us."