Back and Forth •A short story•

Part 2: Idle

"Bro, stop it! You still have a concert tomorrow. They didn't know what you're doing right now."

A hand attempted to grab the bottle of whiskey from my grasp. Even so, I didn't let him steal it away. Instead, I gave him a middle finger sign.

Imagine the three year relationship you've stayed loyal for will only go down because of one's dishonesty.

Yes, I've always been faithful. And what did I get in return?

A breakup, my ass.

"Don't interfere!" I shouted. Still longing for the tasty liquid to burn my throat, I snatched another bottle of whiskey barely on the table. We filled the loud and dark VIP room in an exclusive bar. The only meeting plan changed into a "my drinking session" by the moment I thought of her again.

I'll admit, I'm drunk as hell right now. So what? I want more. I want her. Those harsh words she shamelessly let go sounds as if it's not so important. How blunt she said it, with the despising look on her face.

"She's amazing." I sarcastically said with an eye roll as I slowly put down the almost empty liquor on the table.

"You piece of--bro! You already drank four bottles of liquor! That's enough!" The lead guitarist in my band, Frouse shouted.

"I'll drink more then." I answered, drunkenly reaching my other hand for another bottle but was stopped by my band members.

"You know we wouldn't hesitate to join you drink the night away but we still got a concert to attend to? You'll get hangover tomorrow if you keep this up." Mike the drummer pleaded, shooting a begging expression. The others agree.

The tension in my left hand looses up from holding the bottle, causing it to fall and splash all over on the marble floor. They shouted in disgust but abruptly stopped when they saw tears starting to fall down to my cheeks.

Henry, the pianist quickly patted my back like a rock, making me almost choke on my saliva. He softly said, "It's going to be okay."

All of us mindlessly gasp together. Surprise and confusion are written on Henry's face.

"Bro..." Tristan, the bassist cooed. "Our baby is now man! Daddy is so proud of you." He hugs Henry like a proud father, followed by everyone except me. "How did you say that again? Please, can you say it again? Please? Gosh he grows up so fast."

"Guys? I'm the one who needs attention and care right now?" I scratched my head but they still continue. I only chuckled.

The guys are singing in the karaoke while Henry is sleeping on the couch like a baby and I'm still here with my beloved wine.

The night is still alive yet I still feel dead inside. Light in neon colors surround the room yet it looks pretty dull to me. Countless of bottle scatter everywhere but none of them tasted anything.

Chad, another guitarist in my band sat beside me handing a bag of chips. I ignored his offer and now his eyes are locked on the bottle I have. He groaned with a slight pout. "Come on Jadd, you're seriously choosing a bottle of liquor over us?"

"Obviously no—actually, yes. You guys are son of bitches for not comforting me earlier." I rolled my eyes, scooting farther from him.

Chad awed, "What a cute child of mine. Come on man, we were just amazed seeing our baby talk like a man like that, you know he's a shy being-"

"So, this is what breakup feels like." I interrupted him, staring blankly.

"Look, I know it's probably cliche to tell you this but life is like riding a subway train. You'll meet different kind of people in that part of train. You're too focus to them that you forgot that there are still people you met in the restroom, station and on your way to that part of the train."