Gravity

Chapter 15 - March 2014

The pub was literally bouncing.

People were packed into the Foundry bar like sardines in a shaking can, yet they were not going to turn anyone away at the door. Not tonight.

This particular bar was well known for allowing people inside to proudly display their football tops and jackets, whereas most others didn't, citing the violence or trouble it often led to. But today, even the angriest football fan would have been hard pressed to cause any problems.

Earlier in the afternoon, Aberdeen had beaten Inverness 4-2 on penalties in the league cup final to win their first trophy for nineteen years.

Now, despite it being a Sunday night, the whole city was in a celebratory mood. Even those who weren't particularly interested in football had likely watched the game and were thrilled that the weeks of anticipation around the town had not been in vain.

As an advert for Scottish football, it wasn't a great example for a newcomer. Aberdeen's star player had gotten injured just five minutes into the match and there wasn't any further excitement for the entire ninety minutes. Or in the thirty minutes extra time that had been played. This led to the penalty shoot out and when Aberdeen's final spot kick went into the net, everyone immediately forgot about the disappointing quality of the match.

Over forty-three-thousand Aberdeen fans had flocked to Glasgow for the game, including Michael Ashford and Joe McDonald. After getting a train back to Aberdeen, they were now jammed into the bar, just like everyone else.

"There's Evie!" Joe cried, pointing over the hundreds of heads in front of them.

Mike looked over to see their friend slowly edging towards them, carrying three pints between her clenched hands. He couldn't help but smile as he noticed she was wearing the white Aberdeen top he'd let her borrow for the day. Though the team's primary colour was red, their away kit was often either white or black.

"You made it!" Mike cried excitedly when she finally arrived at the corner where they were standing.

"Yes, and I feel like a minority. Everyone is wearing red. Why did you give me this one?" She moaned, handing them the beers. "There must only be like two teams that we'd need to change for right?"

"Hey, they've got to make money somehow right?" joked Joe. "Why are you drinking beer? We've been on the vodka for ages now!"

"Well not all of us have been drinking all day!" she snapped back. "And besides, the barman looked like he wasn't really listening to anyone so I gave him an easy order. Are you really complaining about alcohol of any kind?"

"No we are not," Mike answered for his friend. "The top looks good on you though! It's almost as tight as those jeans!"

"Thanks. I think."

"Did you watch the game?" Joe asked, louder this time as the music around them suddenly felt more piercing.

"Yeah with my dad! He loved it, though he screamed at the TV a lot. I bet the atmosphere was insane! Was it at Hampden?" she asked, referring to the country's national stadium that often held the biggest events.

"No, this was at Celtic Park. Hampden is closed while they fix it up for the Commonwealth Games. Arseholes," Michael answered.

Mike, Joe and every other Aberdeen fan hated Celtic, one of their rival teams. But they couldn't deny that it felt good to have a decent experience at their stadium for once.

"Did you cry when they won?" Evelyn teased.

"Mike did. I was fine," Joe quickly chimed in.

"Real men show their emotions, ok!" Michael laughed, though he had to admit he was a little embarrassed.