Drunk (a short story)

Hello Again

Another morning in the streets of new york. The cabs are honking, the cars are speeding, and the people crossing the sidewalk are not giving a single fuck. I live in an apartment along the streets of manhattan. Along with most struggling musicians that live here, i have almost lost hope. In inspiration, love, family. Pretty sad life i got.. nothing exciting going on. I go through my normal routine. As i walk down my buildings steps to retrieve bills from my mailbox i bump into him.

His name is Frank and i have known him since the 1st grade. I guess you can say we grew up together until i moved down here to go to college and somehow we crossed paths again in class. We tried dating but it didnt go as planned. Our goup of friends were just completely different and we parted ways. Now we live in yard distance once again somehow. By coincidence? I doubt it.. but he must have followed me because I had no idea he lived here until last month. Now i see him around, here and there, saying hi. I have always wanted to ask him out for coffee or something but i never had the courage. Maybe now is my chance!

"Hey Frank.." I smiled at him. He had a light beard and sparkling blueish greenish eyes that i could never resist. "Mornin' Ash, just getting the mail." He smiled back "Haha same.. Umm i was wondering if you ever wanted to catch up. You know like old times over coffee maybe?" "Oh, umm that would be great! I can do today.. how about around 3?" I nodded and we waved then parted ways once again.. God how i have missed him.

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Later on i waited near the window of our local coffee shop. It is a small shop that serves coffee and mini pastries right across from our apartment building. There was a ding above the glass door of the shop and i looked up to see his eyes meet with mine. He gave a wide smile and sat across from me. The first thing i noticed about him was how good he smelled, like apples. I like apples.

"Hey Ash! Lemme' guess.. Vanilla bean frappuccino?" He winked pointing to my drink. "Yeah, How did you know?" I smiled, a little shocked how he knew what i had already ordered. "I never forgot," He smirked at me. "So what have you been up to these days?" He asked me, his face full of interest. I guess he genuinely is curious about my boring life. "Well i am a pianist-" before i could finish he interrupted me with wide eyes and a grinny smile to match. "Thats awesome!! You always wanted to be a professional pianist!!" I nodded. "You really remember a lot about me." I leaned back in my chair and sipped on my frappuccino. "How could i forget my first love?" I almost spit up my drink but covered my mouth and gave him a confused look. He chuckled at my reaction, "I didnt know i was your first.. How special." He nodded and smirked in my direction "You have no idea.." He looked down, taking his beautiful eyes off of me for the first time since he walked in. I missed our eyes contact and was a little confused at why he was so shameful all of a sudden.

There was a small pause until i continued our small talk. "Well yeah, i work for a nearby record label and am on stand by for any upcoming bands who need a keyboardist. It is what i have always wanted, you are right about that, but it can get a bit.. lonely." I gave him a polite smile and in return he gave a slight sort of fake-ish smile in return. "Anyway enough about me.. What have you been up to these days?" He regained eye contact with me and bit his lip as if he was unsure what to say, or how to say it until he finally let it out.

"Im getting engaged."

There was an even longer pause as i held my mouth open. Now i was unsure what to say. "Oh.. Well congratulations.." He rubbed the back of his neck and looked down again. "Yeah, we arn't engaged yet but i was going to ask her this saturday. I just have had doubts you know? And-" I stopped him before he could continue. "No.. I wouldn't know." He had a saddish look on his face. "You would like her Ash. Her name is Anne and she is funny and sweet and has the prettiest smile. I have no idea what has been holding me back." I got up and said, "Well i hope you two are happy together," I said trying to put on a smile to hide how sad i really was. He looked sorry for me. "I have to go.." I said leaving my cup on the table and rushing out of there as quick as i could. I did not want him to see me cry. I walked down the sidewalk and heard him call out my name but ignored it and started to walk towards the studio.

When i get emotional i coupe with music. Might as well work while in the mood. "How could i have been so stupid.... How could i have been so dumb. I started writing down lyrics and melodies. The inspiration was coming at my head faster than trains on their tracks. I was working at a real good pace until i got a phone call from my friend Robo. Her real name was Robyn but i liked her nickname better. We have been friends for about 5 years now and she is probably the only person i trust. "Hello?" I answer the phone still with tears in my eyes. "Oh my gosh Ash are you ok?" She sounded worried. "Yeah why?" I lied. "You sound like shit." she knew. "I am shit." I chuckled at my own response. "Well i have the perfect medicine. Tonight!! We are!! Going!!! Clubbin'!!!!" She said shouting into my ear. I had to hold the phone away from my ear. I laughed at her attempt to make me feel better. "I don't know Robo, i have a lot of work to do.." "Pshhh no you dont! ill be over your house to pick you up in an hour." She hung up before i could respond.

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It was getting dark out. I got dressed in a short red dress and lipstick to match. After i finished putting on my makeup there was a knock on my door. "Come in!" i yelled from my bedroom knowing exactly who it was. Or atleast i thought i knew who it was. I heard the door creak open, "I'm in here." i said as i heard unusual footsteps. In stepped Frank. "Oh uhhm what are you doing here?" He was wearing a dress button up shirt and black skinny jeans. His hair was a casual messy style. He was looking so good my inner self just wanted to pounce. In the words of famous viner Rickey Thompson 'Quench my thirstyness with your sexyness please'. He stopped under my door frame and looked me up and down with wondering eyes. "Wow Ash... You look-" I stopped him before we both ended up saying things we did not want to. "Look Frank I have to-" Then he stopped me. "Wait! im in a rush too, Anne is waiting for me downstairs.." "Then you should probably go." I crossed my arms but had a friendly look on my face. He doesn't know that i still dream about him often. He dosnt know that he is the only guy that i can think about. He doesn't know... "I just had to make sure things were ok between us, you sort have rushed out before i got to tell you-" "Tell me what? You have said enough Frank, I have to lead my life and you have yours." He raised his hands as if in defeat. "Ash I just can't see why the hell you are so mad!!" He screamed. I was surprised at his outburst. He hasn't spoken to me like that since our last fight back when we were dating. He looked down at his shoes, he does that a lot, he let out a low sigh and walked closer to me. There was not even an inch between us before he whispered, "I don't want to lose you, and what we had. Can we atleast stay close?" Sweet baby jesus i almost fell to my knees at his minty breath across my face. No Ash he is about to get engaged! But he is just asking for my friendship :) no harm in that right? "Okay.." was all i managed to say back softly. He winked at me and gave me a peace sign before saying "Great! See you around." Then walked out the door passin Robo as she made her way in. "Hey Robot!" He said patting her back as he left and she entered. I never liked his nickname for her.. I just thought mine was better. She said hey with her eyebrows furrowed like a 'dafuq is he doin here?' look. I plumped down onto my bed and covered my face in my hands. She pointed to him and said, "Is he why you are all shook up?" She said swaying her hips like elvis in an attempt to make me smile. It worked. "Yeah.. He wants to be good friends like we were in college.. But i dont know if i can bare to see him with another girl." "Well there is only one thing we can do about that." Robo said as i looked up at her in surrender. "Lets get wasted."