AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘We’re just having a bit of fun with her,’ says Popeye.
‘We saw her first,’ says Droopy.
They seem to be arguing, but I can’t make out the words because their accents are so heavy. Suddenly, the blue-eyed man swings his fist from low down and Popeye doesn’t see it coming. It slams into his stomach and I hear the breath leave his lungs. He doubles over and has to be held up and lowered into a chair.
‘It was just a wee dance, Sean. No harm intended,’ says Droopy, raising his hands.
Within moments the entire incident is over. Does one punch count as a brawl? Was it even a fight?
The blue-eyed man takes the seat next to me. His hands are large and uncalloused and one set of knuckles is red from where he landed the punch.
‘I believe ye’ve met mah daughter, Addie.’
‘I saw you almost hit her.’
He doesn’t react. ‘My name is Sean, what’s yours?’
‘Snow White.’
‘You look more like Little Red Riding Hood. And ye’re a long way from yer grandma’s hoose. You shouldn’t be here. Not by yerself.’
Droopy and Popeye are watching from the far end of the bar, muttering darkly to one another.
‘They don’t like you,’ I say.
‘This is mah pub. They can always drink somewhere else.’
‘Are you going to buy me a drink?’
‘Nae, lass, yer’ve had enough.’
He’s right, but I don’t want to admit that. I feel drunk and stoned and nauseous.
‘Where is the bathroom?’ I ask.
‘Through there. Second door on the left.’
Standing up, I try to walk as though I’m sober, but I feel like a puppet being controlled by strings, lifting each leg in exaggerated steps. Inside the Ladies, I lean over the sink and scoop water into my mouth, splashing my face and trying to stop the room from turning. The door opens. Addie slips inside. She’s holding a large glass of orange juice mixed with soda water and has two small white tablets. Paracetamol.
‘Auntie Isla says you should drink this,’ she says. ‘For the hangover.’
‘I don’t have a hangover.’
‘You will.’ She smiles, one dimple showing, and leans towards the mirror, checking out her pink hair where the roots are beginning to grow out.
‘Does your dad hit you?’ I ask.
‘Nah. He’s all bark and no bite.’
‘Why was he angry?’
‘The supermarket called the police, and the police called him.’
‘Are you in a lot of trouble?’
‘No more than usual.’ She looks back at the door. ‘I can’t stay. Auntie Isla is waiting for me.’
When I return to the bar, Sean is safeguarding my phone.
