Brian’s PoV

“What’ll it be, Gates?” The bartender asked.

I looked up, wiped a tear from my eye, and cleared my throat. “A shot of whiskey, Alex.” Alex was the best bartender here at Johnny’s, and also a good friend.

“Jack Daniel’s?” Alex asked. I nodded. He poured me the shot and set it down in front of me. I grabbed the glass and looked at it for a second before downing it. I exhaled sharply as the alcohol burned the back of my throat.

“You don’t look so good, Syn.” Alex said. I looked back up.

“Yeah. I did a really dick move.” Alex was silent, cuing me to continue. I sighed. “I pushed my girl into a wall.”

“Well, why’d you do that?” Alex asked in a that-was-a-bad-idea tone of voice.

“It was the heat of the moment. Michelle was being a bitch again and I got pissed. Ash was only trying to help and I just fucking threw her into the wall.” I said, flinging my arm angrily. I motioned for another shot. Alex nodded and filled my empty glass again. I downed that shot in no time flat.

“Who’s Ash?” Alex asked, continuing the conversation.

“Ashlynn. My girlfriend.” I explained.

Alex clapped me on the shoulder. “Hey, congrats, dude.”

My face twitched into a smile. “Thanks. I just feel like such a dick, man. I shouldn’t have done that.”

Alex’s face suddenly shifted. “Listen to me, Brian. You aren’t gonna fix things by just getting fucking hammered. She’s gonna think you left her, and then she’ll probably try to get with one of your friends or something.”

The sudden realization hit me like the whiskey. “Shit. Zacky.” I muttered. Who knows what they’re doing right now? I suddenly felt the familiar anger rise up. The same anger that made me push Ashlynn into the wall. Only this time, it was ten times stronger and it was directed at Zacky. I’m gonna kill him. I thought over and over.

“Gates? What’s goin’ on?” Alex asked.

“Zack’s in love with Ash, too.” I spat, flicking my hand for another shot. Alex hesitated at first, but filled the glass. “I need to go.” I said after I took the shot.

“Syn, sit down.” Alex said.

“I need to confront that fucker.” I said, the anger becoming uncontrollable at this point. I stood up a little too quickly. I gripped my head and groaned.

“You’re angry and drunk. Not a good idea.” Alex warned.

“So what, I just stay here and get even more angry and drunk?” I said, my voice raising a little. I stopped and thought for a second. That’s the reason I’m here, right? I sighed and sat back on the bar stool.

“Another shot?” Alex asked. I nodded. After taking that shot, I felt my anger slowly starting to ebb. “Just try to calm down. You know what happens when you get mad.”

“Shut up, I know.” I snapped.

“Those anger management classes didn’t really help, did they?” Alex asked.

“Anger management classes can go suck it, that’s what I say.” I said, pushing my shot glass towards him again. “How many will this be?”

“Five.”

“Damn. I’m on a roll.” I smirked, swaying slightly.

“Yeah, just be careful, though. Angry and drunk don’t mix that well.” Alex warned again.

“I fucking know, okay! I don’t give a shit!” I yelled, downing another shot. “I came here to forget, dipshit.” I added.

Alex’s face suddenly turned dark. “Shut the fuck up, Gates. You’re gonna piss off the wrong people.”

“Oh, I’m so scared!” I said loudly, holding up my hands in mock fear. “Do your worst, Alex.”

Suddenly, I felt a fist connect to my jaw. I flew off the barstool and landed with a thud onto the hardwood floor. “What now, bitch?” Alex taunted, holding up his middle finger to my face.

“You motherfucker!” I yelled, jumping to my feet and swinging my right arm, aiming for his nose. I heard a sickening crunch, and Alex clutched his nose, blood seeping from his fingers.

Suddenly, there were about six drunk guys crowded around us, yelling and cheering. I rolled my eyes. Out of my peripheral vision, I saw Alex throw another punch at my face. I ducked just in time, his fist slicing the air where my head used to be. I smirked and smashed my fist into his stomach, making him double over. Alex wasn't getting up anytime soon. I turned around to leave. I’m tired, and I don’t want to deal with this shit anymore. I thought.

“Hey, Brian.” I heard behind me. I whirled around. “Fuck you.” Alex yelled, thrusting a small pocket knife towards my heart.

Notes

Yeah, finals have been kicking my ass, so no time to update... but here's the next one nevertheless. I know it's short, but I will have the next one up soon. Lots more drama and tragedy in the near future ;)