The trees flew by, the last bit of sun throwing its light onto the vibrant leaves. Delicious wind kissed my skin, streaming through my hair and letting me fly. The evening air smelled earthy as it rushed through me, lifting my very soul to the heavens as I slipped swiftly between the shadowy trunks. My feet could barely feel the rugged terrain beneath them. I laughed, loving the way the sound bounced off the trees, its divine reverb filling the forest with hopeful jubilee. I was free.
As the world faded slowly to black, I realized that straying so far from the road may not have been the best idea. Everything looked alike bathed in the deep blue hues of a quickly approaching night, and I began to feel the reality of my situation.
Once numbed by my euphoria, the skin on my feet began to twinge with pain at each step. Darkness fell gently, the suddenly sinister trees casting ghoulish shadows that reached out to seize me as I passed. Crickets chirped away, and an overhead bird sent me tumbling to the ground with a frightened yelp.
At last, I could see the dim glow of a street lamp wavering up ahead, a strip of yellow streaked pavement winding through the night like a velvet ribbon. Sweet relief indulged my senses as my feet kissed the smooth surface with gratitude.
I recognized the area; it was only a few blocks from my house. Ariel would most likely be home at this point, and if I could get to the next town over it would be easy to hitch a ride. The decision remained to be made as I stood, bathing in the wavering light of the lamp as it spilled dimly onto the road.
A car sped around the corner and I had to jump back, drawing in a breath as the rush of air swept over me. My nerves were strung as tight as could be, and I had never felt more alone as I followed the dirty road signs to the nearest town.
Dalton NH. Population 866. I knew my Aunt lived somewhere in the area and figured that in a town of only 866 people, someone must know her.
I roamed what was presumably the town center - just a bunch of strip malls, scattered restaurants and various other town necessities such as a post office and a pharmacy – with my arms wrapped around myself. Couples and groups of teens passed by, all laughing happily, carefree and worriless. Their seemingly wonderful lives depressed me, and I had the sudden craving for a drink.
Being the daughter of an alcoholic, I generally stayed away from the drinking scene. Now, however, I found myself wandering towards a dumpy looking bar next to what looked to be a Laundromat.
The place smelled like sweat and whiskey, but I was used to it. Having no money whatsoever, I realized it was time to turn on the small amount of charm I possessed and try for a sponsor. A cute looking guy with shaggy blonde hair sat alone at the bar, so I took a deep breath and plopped next to him.
“Oh shit.” I muttered, feeling my pockets and running my hands through my hair. The guy turned.
“Are you okay?”
He was taking the bait. I tried to keep a satisfied smile off my face, looking exasperated.
“Forgot my wallet. God I’m such a scatterbrain. And all I wanted was a drink!” I ran my hands through my hair again, sighing. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have made such a big deal out of it. I’m just really tired.” I started to hop off the stool but he placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Hey, it’s alright. I’m sure I could spot you a drink or two.”
Hook, line, and sinker. I smiled. “Really? Oh, my god that’s so nice! But I couldn’t, really.”
“No, no! I insist. You look like you’re having a rough day.”
“Ugh, you don’t even know the half of it.” It vaguely occurred to me to go to the police, but as a classic Screwdriver came sliding over the counter, I didn’t care.
“Vodka and OJ? Nice choice.” He held up his rum and coke, also a classic. “To fate.”
I had already taken a gulp of mine and had to hold back a cough. “What?”
“Well, it’s gotta be fate that you, a beautiful woman, would just happen to choose to sit next to next to me in this exact bar at this exact time and pretend to forget her wallet to get a free drink, right?” He winked, taking a sip while I sat there bumbling like an idiot.
“I – I did not!”
He shrugged. “It’s okay…at least I get to talk to you. And also watch you try to recover your dignity, which is quite amusing if I do say so myself.”
“Well, you clearly weren’t drunk enough for this yet.”
“Thank goodness. I would much rather see you clearly than through an intoxicated stupor.”
I laughed. “You’re vocabulary is very incongruous for this setting.”
“Ah, and a scholar too. Well, I seem to have acquired the whole package, haven’t I?” His smile was nice and I went along with it, trying my hardest to push the image of Ben away so I could really see this man’s face.
“Not so fast, there. I’m only on my first drink.”
“If you’re desperate enough to put on that pitiful show, I think I can spare enough to get you a few more.” He winked.
I smiled, taking another sip and wincing as the alcohol kicked the back of my throat. The image of Ben wasn’t going away, and I could almost hear his disapproving scold.
Bridget, get out of there right now. You don’t know this guy.
Oh yeah Ben? Well I didn’t know you and you were just such a peach, weren’t you? I remained at the table, already a little tipsy due to my lack of previous alcohol tolerance buildup. My mind softened slightly and I liked the way it made me feel; numb and carefree.
Bridget! Get out of there!
“Shut up, Ben. You’re not my conscience.”
The boy tilted his head, looking at me curiously. “Umm…what? My name’s Jason.”
“Oh!” My cheeks flushed, unaware that I had been thinking aloud. “Sorry…”
“Who’s Ben?” Jason inquired, attempting to be casual. I blinked, twirling my hair.
“Just my…my ex-boyfriend. He was a real jerk.”
“Ah. I’m sorry. Did he do all this to you?” He gestured to my fading wounds and I waved my hand in the air.
“Nah that was my stepmother.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” He looked at me sympathetically…I think. My vision was becoming murkier by the second. I swigged another drink, loving the burn it created in my mouth.
“It’s okay, she’s dead now.” He blanched, sending a less-than-furtive glance in the direction of my bloody feet. “Oh! No, I didn’t kill her or anything…she overdosed. This is just from…uh…well I ran away, but I forgot shoes, and the ground sliced up my feet and stuff. Yeah. Hey are you gonna finish that?” I reached over, not hearing his startled reply and taking a sip of his drink.
“Bridget, slow down. I think you’ve had enough.”
“Oh yeaaha?” I slurred. “Well I think, I think you’re wrong. But you’re cute, though. What?”
“I didn’t say anything.” His words echoed through my ears and his figure blurred in my vision.
“Hey! Don’t get, don’t get smart with me Mason.”
“It’s Jason.”
“Tomato, tomaaato.” I slumped onto the counter, and he put a hand under my chin.
“Here,” A sigh. “I’ll get you home.”
“No! Wait! I need to find my…aw what, what do I need? Wow,” I paused, staring up at him. “you have soooooo many eyes.”
“Okay! We’re leaving.” He tossed some money onto the counter, lifting me off the stool and helping me out into the parking lot.
“It’s dark out hereeee….” My head spun slightly and suddenly I couldn’t process anything but blackness.
I could really see how her judgement was slipping away from her as the alcohol takes effect. These scenes always pass by too quickly because I eat them up.
