On
entering the lights were turned down low and candles were burning in the
alcoves. Christ the Irish twat was pulling out all the stops here was he not.
Further investigation disclosed the three females sitting and chatting with Hank.
What no depravity? No nudity? Not even the board out for a game of naked
twister. Things had taken a strange twist this evening that was for sure. Not
only had he been on a mini journey of self discovery but he was now witnessing Hank
having a civilized conversation with three good looking mature women and
drinking expensive wine by the looks of things. This he had witness, so
grabbing a glass he accepted the invitation to join the party. The time passed
quickly and pleasantly and Bill felt that he had seen the future; how life
could be if he changed. OK so alcohol had been taken but he had a plan had he
not? He was sure that he had, but what was it? Sod it he would sleep on it and
think again in the morning.
Laughter
filtered into his consciousness along with the weak sunlight and an amazingly
loud dawn chorus. “Christ on bike” Bill thought,” what the hell is going on?”
Usually when Hank had trapped the mornings were tense; Hank trying to avoid his
conquest and trying even harder to avoid giving his phone number. On entering
the kitchen he was even more surprised. Hank and one of the women were cuddling
and cooking French toast. A cup of ground coffee was offered and taken and then
Hank declared that he needed a shower leaving Bill alone with; God what was her
name? Never mind. He eyed her uncertainly not knowing where his morning was
heading. Hanks voice sang from the shower room and Bills head throbbed.
“Did you have a good evening?” the good looking woman
asked.
“Yeah, I believe so” he replied “although my head is
hurting a bit, I will have to pop down to the coop for some brufen or maybe
even hair of the dog” he laughingly
said.
“We were’nt properly introduced last night. I
am Harriet and you I believe are Bill and from what Hank tells me I am pleased
to meet you.”
“Right then, hi, am, yeah I am Bill and you are
pleased to, sorry I am pleased to meet you…Harriet. Yep it was a good night
really I just drank a bit too much to be honest.”
“Oh “she said with a disarming smile. Christ she was
quite a catch. What the hell did she see in Hank. She appeared educated, well
spoken and even humourous. On further inspection her looks proved that she
needed further inspection. This was turning into a weird if interesting
morning.
“You did appear to have drank a few too many last
night, but you were really quite charming. Samantha actually took quite a shine
to you, it is just a shame that you got totally ratted and
did not notice but you never know there could be a chance of meeting her again.”
“Samantha” he thought. “Who the hell was she “he could
not remember for the life of him. All he could recall was that all three girls
had been good looking and good company. Yes things were definitely getting
interesting.
Interrupting
his thoughts Harriet spoke again.
“You left yourself this note last night, I am sorry
for reading it but Hank insisted. He is really worried about you and wants to
help. The thing is that you have made the biggest step of all by realizing and
admitting that you have a problem. I think that is tremendously brave of you;
and you have a good friend in Hank to back you up. Please get some help, we
will all be here for you.”
Dumbstruck
Bill needed time to take in what she had just said. The note, what note? Ah,
questioning whether he was an alcoholic or not. Now he did drink a lot and it
sometimes got him in trouble so there was cause to….hold on, who was she to
lecture him? And as to Hank being there for him, he would only be there for him
with a pint in one hand and a bottle of Jameson in the other. And just what did
she mean by “we will be here for you”.
He was not taking any of this shite from a complete stranger, so he
finished his coffee and went and got dressed. When he re entered the kitchen Hank
was out of the shower and planning a fucking picnic on the moors for
christsake, Hank and a fucking picnic. Now he had seen it all. A pint was
needed and needed quickly. “ I can sort my own fucking life out and need no
help from strangers or bad influences” he proclaimed sarcastically and set off
for the Stoke. It was only ten in the morning but Dave would be bottling up by
now and was sure to serve him.
And
serve him he did. At three o clock he could drink no more and was asked to
leave the pub as he was also skint. Wandering aimlessly to avoid having to go
home and face Hanks new found love and picnic eating ways. What a cheeky
bastard, to think that Hank would be there for him was a joke, Hank only ever
worried about Hank and life just treated him like a prince. The twat could do
no wrong, no matter what happened he always ended up better off. Fucking fat
Irish twat, well Bill would show him, yes he would. Just at that time he
realized he was outside the council education centre again so looked for the AA
card in the window. As luck would have it there was a meeting tonight at five.
Well fate was staring him in the face. This would be his first step on the road
to a better and more fulfilling life. All he had to do was sober up in the one
and a half hours before the meeting.
