Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder.

I didn't think I was too unwell when I first woke up. That was because, I realised later, I was still drunk. I managed to stagger to the kitchen and make myself a strong cup of black coffee before I was violently sick. You know, the sort of ungodly heaving even when you have nothing left for your body to reject.

I clambered back into bed as preciously as I could, groaning from the agony of my pulsating forehead. Never again, I thought to myself. Along with a distinct loss of memory from the night before, I had that horrible feeling in my gut that only drunks experience. I ignored the nagging feeling of unknown guilt and continued to focus on my immediate problems. My throat was so dry I couldn't swallow. I decided that my tap and paracetamol were at that moment my most prized possessions, but how to get at them? For a while I debated the pros and cons about getting up, but when I finally decided to try and brave the arduous trek my body refused to cooperate. So I did what any other man would do. I made up my mind to phone my lover for help.

I winced from the movement as I reached for the phone on the bedside table and dialled the number from memory. I held the receiver a good distance from my ear as the ringing simply exacerbated my already raging headache.
"Hello?" Lara's dulcet tones were very welcomed.

Gritting my teeth and rubbing my temple, I put on a cheery voice. "Hey there gorgeous, it's me. Listen, I was wondering if you...hello?" The line was dead. Puzzled, I redialled the number. A minute later, I was still listening to the ringing. I frowned as I hung up the receiver. The sick feeling in my stomach was back. What did I do last night exactly?

Despite my brain feeling like it wanted to explode, I tried to cast my mind back. I remembered the bar, my braying friends and the drinks. Definitely whiskey, followed by absinthe. I sighed. Never a good idea. I remembered... not very much after that. My eyes caught sight of my crumpled jacket lying on the chair at the foot of my bed. I became aware that I was still wearing my shirt and pleated trousers. I crawled towards my jacket and dragged it onto the bed, squinting through the bright daylight pouring through the gap in the curtains.

Rummaging through my pockets, I discovered I no longer was in possession of my wallet. Great. I found a pack of cigarettes (half smoked from the ashy taste in my mouth), a receipt for $20 with an x beneath and a... I stopped as I realised a pink laced thong was draped over my right hand. In utter disbelief I stared at it, rubbing my confused head. How the hell? A flashback of a strip bar flickered vaguely into my memory. I rolled my eyes in spite of myself. Not again, you idiot! Did Lara know? Of course she must know. Who would have told her? David, obviously. Bloody David!

Forgetting the blinding pain throbbing across my eyes for a moment, I jumped up and raced to the phone, dialling the same number as before. A million thoughts and excuses flashed through my head as I tried to calm the panic rising in my throat. I swallowed dryly as the ringing stopped and Lara's voice emerged. I spoke so quickly I could barely keep up with my own thought process. "Darling, I have to apologise for last night. I had no idea. I had so much to drink and David's such a bad influence, I..." My voice trailed off. What could I say?
"Yes well, I never expect to be called at 3 in the morning ever again. And you were smashed. You know how I feel about your drinking." Her voice was stern.
"I know sweetheart. I'm suffering for it now. I truly feel awful."
"Well sort yourself out. I expect for you to pick me up at 6.30 for the Silverman's dinner party tonight. No excuses, no drunken behaviour. Is that clear?" She didn't know! I did as much of a dance of joy as my hangover would allow.
"Of course darling, I'll be at yours promptly later."

Lucky, lucky man. That was another fine mess I had managed to escape. One day I might get caught, but today was not the day.

Reviews

[Justine]

Absinthe is liquid evil :) You describe the effects and after effects so vividly, reviving all manner of horrible memories for me. The character came over as credible and flawed, so I liked him instantly. The scenario is something many could relate to. The dialogue is typical, a mix of guilt, remorse and penance. You have a nice, easy writing style which kept my attention and which I enjoyed. Justine

[Ania L]

These are stunning comments, I am thrilled! Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review x

[funflirting]

This made me chuckle. I'm sure we can all relate to something like this at some point.

"I decided that my tap and paracetamol were at that moment my most prized possessions, but how to get at them?" This was so funny.

You describe the sensations of the hangover very well, and also the thoughts that go through people's heads.

Then the ending; he'd got away with it! All that worrying for nothing lol hilarious! A great read.

[Ania L]

Thank you for the kind words, they are very much appreciated. Got to be honest, I've suffered enough hangovers so I have the life experience!
Happy New Year x

[Maham A]

This is a really well thought and well executed piece of writing. I love the way you describe the character's inability to do anything. Well done!

[Ania L]

Thank you very much, I tried to read it through a few times before posting just to make sure it read ok so it is lovely to get comments like yours x

[Maham A]

You're welcome

[R. L. Hill]

Brilliant. I want to keep reading! Your character is well thought and snip-its of information are handing to the reader at the precise time. I feel as though the fog is lifting for the reader in the same moments that it is for the character itself. Well executed dear. Bravo!

[Ania L]

What wonderfully kind words, thank you. All my short stories tie together, I'm working on expanding the character so this comment means a lot x