Chapter 56: Chapter Fifty-Six

How I found myself here, I could not tell. I just kept walking after my stop at the bench after I met a creepy-looking man who would not stop staring strangely at me around the premises.

I walked as fast as my legs could carry me until there was a public spot in sight, and that was where I made my stop.

The bar was dim, just the way I needed it. I hated bright lights especially at night, just a faintly lit room always did it for me.

A flickering neon sign buzzed faintly above the door, throwing a pinkish glow on the wet pavement.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of aged whiskey, citrus peel, and the low hum of jazz that curled through the room like smoke.

For a second, I paused to think of my aunt and how helpful she was. If it wasn't for her, I could never have the freedom for some away time, like this one right here.

Besides, I knew I would be greatly judged and crucified if I brought my nine-month-old baby to the bar to drink.

What mother would do that anyways?

I was so glad that though my daughter was away from me, she was in safe arms and I didn't have to bother about her.

I observed the environment around me and I beheld a few scattered patrons nursing their drinks in silence, lost in their own stories. The bartender, a woman with tired eyes and a voice like gravel, poured out the drinks without judgment.

I took my seat at the far end of the counter, away from the soft laughter and clinking glasses. If it wasn't for the fact that I was in a public space, I just wanted to be on my own.

“Gin and tonic,” I said to her, my face as stern as that of a judge in court.

She poured me my drink in seconds and I took a sip.

The first one burned. I took a second one and it numbed me. By the third, my thoughts began to drift toward Drew, Sheena, and the betrayal that had hollowed me out.

I stared into my glass like it might offer answers, but all it gave me was a warped reflection and the bitter taste of regret.

I hissed at what my life had now become. Everyone had moved on towards a great future but here I was holding onto my past and living in the consequences of it.

Life was dealing cruelly with me while letting the ones who did me dirty go Scot free.

I gulped the leftover drink in an attempt to drown my thoughts and escape reality. Then I ordered another glass.

The music slowed, and gradually the crowd thinned. One by one, the patrons left until the bar was nearly empty.

At the opposite end of the counter, there sat a man whom I hadn’t noticed before.

He was quiet and had his drink untouched. His gaze was steady but unreadable.

Midnight crept closer and the bartender announced last call and I knew that my time here was up, I had to leave and find my way home, I thought.

I tried to stand, but the room tilted. I did a second attempt but this time, my legs wobbled beneath me, and I gripped the edge of the counter for balance.

Just then, the man approached me.

“You shouldn’t be alone like this,” he said gently but I ignored him, trying to gain my balance on the ground.

I reached for my bag and tried to squeeze out some cash with which I would pay for the drinks that I had earlier.

“It's okay, I got you. Let me cover your tab” he spoke again, this time persistently.

I blinked at him, my vision swimming.

I could not understand why this stranger was being nice, he could have just paid for his drinks and left me the hell alone! I thought.

“I can drive you home,” he added. “You’re not in any shape to walk, you've had too much to drink.”

I hesitated, my instincts flickering, dulled by alcohol and exhaustion.

My body felt heavy and so did my legs, also my thoughts scattered making me give in to his request before he would have a change of mind and leave me stranded.

I nodded, realizing that I needed the help more than anything right now.

I grabbed my bag and slung it across my shoulders and then he held my hands and aided my walk out of the bar.

Outside, the night was cool and quiet. There were no cars and the street was dead and void of any creatures. I was grateful that I did not decline his help, I'd have been stranded by now, heavily drunk.

He held the door for me and helped me get in after which he closed it and walked over to the driver’s seat.

His car was sleek, dark, and smelled faintly of mint. I lolled my head against the window as he drove into the tarred road.

He drove in silence, focusing on his path like he would sway if he looked away for even a second.

“Thank you for the ride, I needed it,” I muttered, my voice very faint and my eyes heavy with sleep.

“I knew you did and I'm glad you realized,” he replied and went silent again.

As he drove down the road, I tried to stay awake, fighting the wind of sleep that blew strongly against my face but I couldn't.

I was tired and could not cheat nature, not at this moment.

“What's the time?” I asked him, shaking my legs slightly.

“It's midnight.”

“Oh my goodness! It is late, I complained bitterly.

“I knew it was not your intention to stay out late but it happens like that sometimes. Thankfully, tomorrow is the weekend and you don't have to work so you can rest for as long as you wish.”

“Don't worry, I will get you home safely, just relax and enjoy the ride,” he said, assuring me.

“Yeah, I'm trying so hard not to sleep off so you don't drive past my place. I have to get home safely.”

“I will wake you up just in case you get carried away with sleep.”

After our short conversation, we both went silent, and sooner than I had thought, I lost the battle to sleep as it took me swiftly, without permission.