“Where are you going?” Tina yelled after me as I grabbed my keys and stormed out of the house.

“The fuck away from you!” I yelled back as I slammed the door behind me. I heard her frustrated yell as I walked away from the house and to my car. I got in the car and drove away without giving it a second thought.

I parked my car at the familiar scene at ‘Hit,’ tonight was open mic night and I silently wished it was just a club night so I could just get wasted. I knew Helena wouldn’t let me drive. In any case, I would try not to go back home sober.

I went into the club and it didn’t take long for Helena to spot me.

“Hey Bette, what are you doing here?” Helena said confused when she realized I was alone.

“I need a drink,” I said simply.

Helena gave me a sympathetic look and motioned for me to follow her. We sat at the bar and she ordered us two drinks.

“Next up,” the emcee called calming down the cheering crowd of women, “we have a band called ‘The Finger Painters,’ so get ready to hit the dance floor!”

The club broke out into a cheer as the band of young rocker women took the stage. Music soon filled the room and the dance floor was immediately filled.

I looked back to Helena as she handed me the drink she had ordered. “So you wanna talk about it?” she said gently.

The music was loud, but at the bar we could hear each other much easier. “I just wanna forget,” I said downing my drink quickly, “give me another.”

Helena watched me as I downed the second drink and ordered a third, and said, “one thing is to forget, and another is to kill yourself. No more drinks, Larry.”

“No! Don’t cut me off,” I pleaded.

“Sorry Bette, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t,” Helena said extending her hand, “now give me your keys.”

I sighed and handed her the keys before grabbing my final drink of the night. I drank it slowly, savoring the taste and feeling the warmth envelop my body.

“Bette,” Helena said motioning her head to behind me.