Hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's!
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Chapter Fourteen: Make a Choice
Amy sat at the bar with Rocco sitting close to her. The man took a long drag from the small bit of his cigarette; discarding what was left of the butt in the ashtray, Rocco sighed and patted Amy on the back. The feeling of his hand made Amy want to cry again.
"What do I do Rocco?"
"What you mean kiddo?"
She rubbed her temples with both hands. Amy: "My head keeps spinning. I'm so confused."
Rocco nodded and laughed gently. "I did warn you."
"This is just a dream, right? I mean… my own subconscious is psychoanalyzing, well, me?"
"Maybe. Or maybe my ghost – or some shit – is trying to give ya some good advice."
"Advice?"
"Where do you go from here…"
Amy stared into the man's face – she wished he would remove the sunglasses.
"I miss you, Rocco."
"I'm here with you babe," Rocco whispered gently. He leaned in close to Amy's face. "Always."
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A lemony smell forced Amy back to consciousness. Duh, it is a lemon. Amy's eyes opened to see a lemon slice touching the tip of her nose.
"Doc," Amy whined. She brushed off the old man's arm.
"Oh thank God," Doc sighed.
She heard him laugh and Doc removed the lemon from her face.
Her head spun as her eyes adjusted to the light. Amy noticed she was lying uncomfortably on the bar counter. The leather jacket, which had been removed, was used as a pillow.
Amy touched her forehead and found a cold, moist bar rag resting on her head.
"Ye alright love?" Doc asked. Amy felt his hand touch her cheek. "You were out for a good two hours."
Her vision repaired itself as Amy slowly sat up.
Amy stared around the bar, confused, and understood what had happened recently was not a dream.
After all, Doc's not strong enough to carry me downstairs then put me on the bar counter…
"Listen carefully d-d-deary," Doc instructed. Amy rubbed her face and met the man's serious glare. "Listen: you got t-two choices. Either FUCK! ASS! leave now and forget about dis place…forget about what you've seen. Go back to yer normal life. Or…" Doc's hand rested tenderly on Amy's shoulder. "Go upstairs. And say 'hullo'…"
Her throat turned dry and Amy's eyes went to the direction of the stairs.
Amy's glance then turned to the ring on her finger…
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