withdrawals/withdrawals

chapter 1

My heels clicked on the pavement as I made my way across the street to the dimly lit bar. The neon sign read "The Abbey", but the last letter flickered in and out, emitting a loud buzz. I clutched my coat tight around me in an attempt to shield myself from the pouring rain. The streets were eerily empty, save for a small group of what looked like young men down the block. Their rowdy yells echoed across the buildings. They were clearly drunk. Better get inside before they see me.

I stepped into the lounge, smiling as a familiar face rushed to greet me.

"Mae!" My best friend said with a grin, throwing the cloth he was using to clean up over his shoulder.

"Hey, Sam," I giggled while he pulled me into a tight hug. When I started to move away, I noticed a man watching me carefully from one of the bar stools. I shot him what I hoped was an intimidating look before turning back to Sam.

"Busy night?" I questioned, attempting to relax into my booth but still feeling the man's eyes on me.

Sam didn't seem to notice, and, as always, jumped at the chance to tell me all about his day. "Dude, you have no idea. This group of kids came in earlier and tried to start a fight. I broke them up though. And then this lady came in and tried to negotiate the prices of shots with me. I could NOT get her to leave. Can you believe that? And THEN..."

I sounded out my typical "Mhmm"s and "Aaah"s as he continued on, doing my best to remember the details of each topic he was talking about in case he caught me zoning out. I loved Sam and we'd been close friends for five years now, but shit, was he a talker. My gaze shifted over to the sketchy man's spot at the bar once more, only to realize he was gone. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Anyway, I've talked enough. What have you been up to, Mae?"

I met Sam's warm, brown eyes again and shrugged. "Same old, same old. I have work soon and then I'll sleep all day and come back here at night just like I do every day, Sam."

He gave me a mocking pouty face and pinched my cheek. "Well someone doesn't sound very happy. You need a drink?"

"Please," I nodded eagerly, and he patted my back before heading behind the bar. I knew I sounded more pessimistic than normal and how that bothers him. I just didn't have the energy to fake it today. Or any day recently.

He returned swiftly with a gin and tonic in one hand and a basket of fries in the other, setting it in front of me with a toothy grin.

"You'll feel better after this, I promise," he insisted, nudging my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile at his optimism. If there was a poster child for 'childlike enthusiasm', he would be it.

I thanked him and sipped my drink, scrunching my nose at the bitter taste. He wasn't the best bartender, but it's the thought that counts.

"Oh, god damn it!" He yelled suddenly, causing me to jump out of my seat.

"What?!"

"Those fucking kids are back," He barked, marching out of the bar entrance.

I turned my head to peek out the window. I couldn't help but giggle at the sight of Sam screaming his head off at this group of presumably 16-18 year olds like a grumpy old man. He was the least intimidating person I knew, but he had some vocal chords on him.

"Fucks goin' on?" An unfamiliar voice bellowed beside me.

I whipped around to see the man who was watching me earlier now standing inches away from me, his blue eyes peering out from behind thick dreads. He watched me carefully and took a puff of a cigarette as he awaited my answer.