Anthony, depressed and inebriated.

After the talk he had had with his brother Tim, Anthony couldn’t go home. He drove around for a while and decided to stop at the club across the street from his restaurant. He felt the need for a beverage before going home. He didn’t usually go to the Lu Lu Lounge, but it looked pretty quiet and he needed some time to think at a place where he wouldn’t bump into anyone he knew. As he walked in the music was loud and the atmosphere was dark. He could remain anonymous and clear his head. He sat at the bar and ordered a drink and just sat quietly thinking over the conversation that had taken place earlier.

He thought about Monica and the kids. He didn’t realize things had become so terrible between them and couldn’t figure a way to fix them without completely compromising his own needs. He loved Monica but the last few years seemed to change the both of them, both going in opposite directions. Anthony had always felt that he had the ability to be like his father but as it was turning out it seemed as if his mother had influenced him more. He couldn’t help feeling the way he felt about marriage and family. He wanted a family but didn’t want his whole life to revolve around them. He couldn’t help but feel ashamed at his selfish attitude.

While deep in thought and his drink, he felt a presence sidling up next to him. When he saw who it was he was even more annoyed. Mrs. Crumplebottom had seen him from outside and had come in to bother him as she did most days at the restaurant. He could never get away from this woman. She stood over him with her knitting and Anthony knew he would have to get up and move away. He was in no mood for Mrs. Crumplebottom.

 

After a few hours of silent contemplation and a few more drinks, Tim walked up to Anthony glad to have finally found him. Monica had called him frantically worried, so Tim set out to find his brother. He knew Anthony never really patronized these types of establishments, so he was surprised when he drove by and saw his car in the lot.

As he sat down next to him he realized that his brother may have had a few too many drinks. He was way too happy to see him.

“Anthony, how long have you been here? I’ve been looking for you.” Tim asked.

“I guess long enough for you to find me.” He answered with a big grin.

“Maybe we should get you home. Monica is worried about you.” Tim said as he rose up from the bar, guiding his brother to standing position.

“I don’t want to go home. I’m having fun here. Look Mrs. Crumplebottom is here too.” he said in a loud laugh. “I think she likes me.”

“Anthony, we need to go. If you don’t want to go home then lets go get some food and talk.” Tim suggested. 

“Not until we see if you can take a punch!” Anthony said as he leaped to get into a punching position.

“Didn’t we do this earlier? My arm is still sore.” Tim answered as he prepared for Anthony’s favorite game.

“I’m sorry Tim. I won’t hit you. Thanks for being my brother. You are the best brother a guy could have. Let’s have a drink.” Anthony slurred as he hugged his brother affectionately.

“No, I am not thirsty, but I am hungry so let’s get out of here and go eat.” Tim answered trying desperately to get Anthony out of the lounge. One more drink and he was  afraid Anthony wouldn’t be able to walk.

After some coffee to sober Anthony up, Tim put his brother in a taxi to head for home. Anthony wasn’t in the mood to talk any further about his problems, so Tim thought the best place for him was with Monica. 

 Monica didn’t wait for him to come in the door. She was so happy to see him that she ran outside and hugged him fiercely. She was certain that he was angry with her for talking to his brother about  their problems. Anthony was a private man, but Monica didn’t know what else to do.  She could tell at once that he had been drinking and wouldn’t be in the mood to talk. Anthony hugged Monica back but knew he needed to lie down as soon as possible.

 

She helped him upstairs and as she prepared for bed he fell into a deep sleep. She knew he would be quite sick in the morning since he rarely ever drank. She was only hoping that they could talk about everything tomorrow and no longer ignore the issues. She loved Anthony more than anything and would do everything she had to do to save their marriage.