The Last Call

It was time for the last call. He hated it but he has to do it. Whenever he made it he could hear deep sighs in the air. Some mixed with pain of going back to the real world and some in disappointment for the end of the party. Being a bartender for last 10 years he was used to all this. But unlike other people for him last call meant the end of his world as it brings back the memory of the ruinous night ten years before which not only took away his hopes, dreams and love but also his life. And for him it was all because of that last call.

It was September of 1999. Life was on a roll for him. He has got a great job and it was time for him to express his love for his college best friend and his companion is all walks of life. She used to work part time as a waitress in a bar to support her education. He was happy as he was now capable enough to take care of her and get her away from the humiliating life of a bar waitress.

He reached the bar at 11 in the night. The time of last call was 12 and so waited in one corner of the bar watching her. She passed him a smile and continued working. He ordered vodka for himself and started preparing his lines. He wanted to tell her about how deeply he loved her. How she brings hope and purpose in his life. How he wants to take care of her all his life. How he wants to give her all that she deserved. He could see himself walking the altar holding her hands. He could imagine their lovely little house and beautiful kids. A smile flashed across his face, the dream world was so lovely.

He was brought back to reality by a loud shattering noise. He was startled not realizing that it was his dreams that were shattered. He looked at his watch. It was 12. He looked around to see what has happened. He could see few people gathered around a table. He looked around for her but couldn’t find her. Anxiously he walked towards the little crowd. Somehow he struggled to make his way to a sight which was horrendous. She was lying on the floor in a little pool of blood. Smears were present all over her head. Her eyes were closed, forever, but she still looked beautiful. He fell on his knees and took her in his arms for the last time. He was not crying, some part of him died with her. People around were talking about the whole incident on how a drunk rich brat banged a bottle on her head when she refused to serve drinks after The Last Call.