Religious fanaticism begins...

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.