CHAPTER FOUR
Kyo had been through a lot that day. He had a lot on his mind, making it hard to sleep. He woke up at around ten at night, and found he couldn't quite fall back asleep. That's when he remembered that the bar should still be open.
*~* My View *~*
I had fallen asleep with my clothes on, so after I woke up that night I just headed out the door. It was an enjoyable walk to the bar, listening to the crickets and watching the moon. I passed Elli's house and could see her through the window playing with her brother. The mayor's door was open, and I could hear a quiet discussion going on inside the house. When I reached the supermarket, Karen was just heading out on her way to the bar.
"Hey Karen, on your way to the bar?" I called to her, though I already knew she was. Her trip there was almost like clockwork.
Karen turned toward me, and a nasty look came to her face. "Just because I'm leaving the house doesn't mean I'm going to the bar! I do other things you know! It's not like I have a drinking problem," she exploded at me, not far from giving me a black eye.
I took a few steps back. I had had enough trouble tonight. I didn't need to fight Karen. "I-I'm sorry. I wasn't saying…" I trailed off.
You could see by her face she calmed down in an instant. "I'm sorry Kyo. My parents have been on my case a lot lately. I've been having a bad day. A bad week…"
"Yeah, I know what that's like," I said, half to myself. We started heading toward the bar together.
"Why, what happened to you?" she asked and turned her head toward me.
"Let's just say Mary's not marrying me, so now I'm off to the bar."
"Oh, I uh… sorry to hear that," she said, obviously caught off guard. "What do you say I buy you a drink?"
"Well I don't drink, but I suppose tonight is a special occasion of sorts."
I opened the doors of the inn and let Karen in before me. We took two stools at the bar right beside each other. Ann's father spotted us and walked over. "Well, evenin' you two. What can I getcha?"
"I'll take the usual, and get Kyo here a beer. Put it on my tab," Karen said with such ease, you could tell she was used to ordering drinks.
"Karen, Kyo don't drink. I'm surprised you don't know that," he said and turned to me. "Should I getcha the usual soda?"
I sighed. "Just get me whatever it was she ordered me. I need it tonight."
"Whatever you say…" he said before walking off to get our drinks. After a minute or two, Ann returned with our drinks.
"Here's your special, Karen," Ann paused. She put down my drink carefully. "And a beer for you, Kyo. Just don't go overboard, ok? I know you're bummed tonight, but promise me you won't over do it."
"Yeah, ok. I promise," I said to her. I meant it too. I wasn't even sure about the drink I now held in my hand.
Ann turned her attention to Karen and eyed her suspiciously. "Don't you go getting him into any bad habbits, Karen."
"Shut yer trap," was Karen's response, before she took a large swig of her drink.
After an hour or so, I had finished my drink, and Karen had finished five. We had been venting our problems to each other the entire time. Neither of us had really listened to the other, but it was still nice to have someone to talk to.
"Well, I'd better be goin'. It was fun Kyo," Karen said as she clumsily laid her arm on my shoulder. "You 'ave a good night."
I waved her goodbye and stood up. I was the only customer left. I knew it was time I should head home and get some sleep. When I had gotten to the door I heard footsteps behind me. Ann called out to me.
"Hold it, Kyo. Let me walk you home."
We walked side by side in silence for a while. It was a nice night, and the town square was empty. Ann took a breath as if she was going to say something, but then stopped. Finally she turned her head toward me.
"Don't let Karen get you into any bad habits. You know she's an alcoholic, no matter how much she says she isn't."
"Don't worry. I was just having a bad day. I needed to come to the bar to unwind," I said, then added with a chuckle, "Besides, I really didn't care for that drink. I think I'll stick to listening to music for stress relief."
Ann smiled at that. I noticed then how nice her smile was. "I didn't expect to see you at the bar tonight though. I figured you'd just stay at home."
"Couldn't sleep," I replied.
"You dope, you were suppose to say you came so you could see me," she said laughing, but I couldn't help but wonder if she meant that's what she had really hoped.
We continued our walk quietly from there. When we arrived at my house we turned to each other to say our goodnights.
"I'd like to hang out some more, but a farmer's schedule doesn't exactly provide time for late nights," I explained.
"I understand. Besides, I haven't swept the floor in the inn yet. If my father wakes up and sees a dirty floor, he'll flip. Sweet dreams!" Ann pecked me on the cheek after saying this. It took me by surprise. Afterward, she ran off to the inn.
When I opened the door, Galahad came bolting out. I left the door open so he could come back in when he was done his "business". First thing I did once I was inside my house was grab a soda from the refrigerator to get the nasty taste of that drink out of my mouth. I got ready for bed, knowing all the while I wouldn't get much sleep. It was going on 11:30 and I had to be awake by 6:00. Perhaps I'll take a little break tomorrow.
I went to the door before I hit the hay. "Galahad! Get in here!"
Climbing into bed, I began thinking about Ann. When my thoughts slipped toward how cute I thought she was, I almost scolded myself. I shouldn't think of her like that. She's just a friend. Just a friend…