Beast

Chapter 33

The sound of crashing waves seemed to cloud her senses. She knew where she was and why she was there but just like all the other times she refused to face it. She doesn't remember how many times this has happened, but it sure seemed like a a lot. So just to get it over with, she opened her eyes and stared at her bloody-shaky hands holding the revolver, then looked up and fired; and just like the other times the soft whispered words reached her ears and she forced herself to choke back a sob as her love fell down the cliff and to the crashing waves below. Quickly sitting up she looked around the dark room and to the sleeping blob on the bed at the far end of hers. She then got up stretched and walked into their closet and changed into light blue jeans a white dress shirt the reached her butt and white converse high tops. She then grabbed her oversized jacket and shoved it on grabbed her keys and left the house. Once she opened the door she was met with cold night air that made her sigh in pleasure, it felt nice. She looked up at the stars that hung up above and smiled. Nights were always so beautiful she thought.

She made her way to a near by pub and walked inside, and despite it being two in the morning their were still many people drinking and dancing. She looked at the dancing people and shook her head then made her way to the bar when she saw a familiar face.

"Hey Joe!"

The said man looked up from his whiskey and rolled his eyes when he saw who it was.

"Hello."

Ash smiled softly, the old fart, and made her way to him. 

"So how's it going? Is business going smoothly?"

Joe ran a local fishing port down by the Strip Beach, despite his hatred for young youthful people who to him had way too much energy.

"Fine."

"That's good. Are the people still annoying you?"

Joe nodded and took a sip of whiskey.

"Why are you here so late at night drinking?"

Joe shrugged.

"Wife's been nagging me to fix her somethin' that I don't want to do."

Ash nodded, she knew his wife, Linda, she was a really nice lady. She worked at the port but also at a local flower shop, she would always invite Ash in when she was around and the two would chat.

Ash just nodded and looked around, she watched the bartender clean glasses thoroughly and skillfully then set them to the side.

"Why are you here?"

Ash didn't look over to him, just continued to watch the bartender.

"No real reason, my legs just kinda carried me I guess."

Joe nodded.

"Aki?"

Ash smiled and nodded.

"Yes, Aki."

Joe finished his drink and turned to her.

"Listen, I may not know all the details of your tragic story involving that boy, but I sure as Hell know enough to yell you this."

Ash once again didn't look towards him, just listened.

"You need to let him go."

Ash closed her eyes briefly and nodded. She then stood up and turned back to Joe and smiled.

"Thanks, Joe, but the thing about Aki is he is my one regret and the one object that keeps me tethered and knowing that forgiving someone, even being yourself, isn't easy."

She then walked out of the bar and back towards her house taking the longer route.

Joe still sitting there smiled to himself.

"Damn kid, give yourself a break once in a while."

Ash didn't hear what he said, and even if she did she probably wouldn't have. You see being your oneself's biggest critic, taking a break is difficult and takes a lot of effort to accept ones mistakes and faults.