The Finer Arts

* Scene: VIII * Hubbly Bubbly

Narrator:

Strewn about Nova and Jacob's bedroom floor

were clothes she had never seen before. The sheets are dishevelled. The pillows are stuffed between the headboard and the seafoam colored enclosure. The reek of sweat and s*x clings to the air like a looming monstrosity. The shower turns off, exposing subtle giggles that struck like daggers.

Nova:

I didn't know if I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry, or if I should break her neck.

To start, they weren't going to see me cry. He would be stepping out any minute now. If she was smart she would stay in the bathroom. Alright, Nova, let's get the hell out of here. Just for tonight I can crash at Sierra's and give us time to cool down by morning. I kept thinking about what I need to do as I pack an overnight bag. Just the basics, toothbrush, hairbrush, change of clothes. I was ready to get the hell out of here. I threw my bag over my shoulder when I made eye contact with him. His side piece behind him, sheepishly staring at the ground.

"What the f**k are you doing?" I growled, hatred and anger engulfing my body in one fatal blow. I step up, chest to chest with Jacob. His hair is still wet and dripping onto his shoulders. I was so close I could watch the water run down his pectorals. The same breast I used to lay my head on. My heart's throbbing, yearning for this to be a f****d up joke. But it isn't. It was all too real. I felt it as I pushed Jacob, knocking him into his plaything. She yelped as her ass hit the wet tile. I sneered, looking down at her. "You can have him. If he's willing to cheat with you, he'll cheat on you. Stupid bitch." I moved my cold glare to Jacob who was trying to help her up. "We're over. We'll talk more tomorrow, but she better not be here. In the meantime, f**k you." I didn't give him a chance to say anything and try to manipulate me. I stormed out, grabbed my muffins and the bag full of heavy ass books. Not once did I look back.

First, I need to figure out where I'm staying tonight. Right now though, I need to get as far away as possible from that asshole. It takes me a minute to think of where I should go, but without thinking I'm parking at the Hubbly Bubbly. Jazz, rhythm and blues, indie, rock, and pop bands play live here throughout the week. They welcome anyone in this hole in the wall dive bar. There's three simple rules: don't cause any trouble, keep your nose out of others' business, and tip the help. No one and everyone knew about this old speakeasy styled bar. The Hubbly Bubbly has been around for ages and isn't going down anytime soon. I stop on my way to the entrance to look at the main sign.

For a minute it felt like it started to shimmer. I wiped off my glasses and refocused my eyes. Nothing happened, except realizing I've been in my own head for too long. I must have really been on autopilot on my way here. Warm grey clouds are rolling in with a freezing gale. That's right, it is in the middle of a tornado season. I shrug everything off and head inside. I've survived my fair share of storms, this one will be no different.

I casually crash into one of the bar stools, my bags taking up the seat next to me. I zoned into my phone completely from that point on. Sierra, where is your contact. I'm scrolling in a mindless daze until a familiar voice breaks my fixation. "Woah, Nova, haven't seen you around here in a while. How have you been?" Hearing Charlie's deep brassy voice makes my day better already. When I see his big smile, framed from his years of experience and wisdom dusted with his neatly groomed grey hair, it brings my heart peace. This man has pulled my head out of my ass while being a shoulder to lean on multiple times now. He's been a good father figure when I needed one. "Charlie! I'm so thankful you're working tonight. You're just the person I want to see." I may have been a little too pouty. His face drops as if he was ready for blood, "Who hurt you? Jacob? Do I need to talk to him again?"

I really don't feel like crying in public so I used one of our passwords. "May I have a double whiskey and a draft?" I couldn't peel my eyes off the stained oak bar top, but I could feel Charlie's mouth fall open. "You have only ordered a double whiskey when... " His heart was breaking with mine too right now. I quietly nodded and looked back to my phone. "Thank you, let me figure out where I'm going to stay tonight and calm my nerves. I'll talk to you then, promise." I sadly bat my eyes up to him, a tear finally breaking free and running down my red face. He puts two glasses in front of me, "Take your time, I've got an eye out for you. Just don't do anything stupid, kid. Come find me when you're ready, first round is on me." I picked up the shot glass, held my head high and cheered out towards Charlie. The warmth of the mellow oak and cinnamon flavors bring warmth back to my cheeks. In one swift move it was gone, along with years of sobriety.

I finally find Sierra's number and give her a call. It feels like it's been ringing for hours now. Straight to voicemail. I dial her number again. A few more hours go by. Voicemail, again. I type up a text asking her to call me as soon as possible. I slammed my phone down, frustrated and overwhelmed. I take the first sip of my beer. It's a soothing feeling I didn't know I missed until now. I don't have to worry about Jacob complaining about how much I reek of alcohol, I can let loose and have some fun. You know what, let's make this into a good thing. What's the worst that could happen? I chug down my first beer and motion for Charlie's attention.

With another round of Irish gold in my system I'm ready to give Charlie all the details. He's sympathetic as he listens, chiming in with the right things to say every time. I come to the conclusion of my story about Jacob; I didn't share the whole Finer Arts and density thing, poor old man's heart might die from laughing. Charlie is standing there, studying my face intently before speaking. "Okay so here's what we're going to do. We're going to start by cheering to losing a lousy good for nothing boyfriend," I didn't hesitate at all when he scooted another shot in front of me. He exhaled as he let his shot settle before going on.

"I'll cover fifty percent of your tab and cover your admission fee to the live performance tonight. New guy from out of town, I think he's up your alley. However, do you have a place to stay besides your apartment?" I shook my head no. "I'll uphold my end of the bargain if you get a hotel room next door at Cathy's and you stay here all night. Nova I know what you're like when you start drinking. You're just like your mothe-" I shot my hand up and glared at Charlie, he knew better than to cross that line. "Sorry, when you start it's really hard to get you to stop. So I don't want you bar hopping. I also know to stop your attitude before it becomes a problem. Also, if you don't agree at this point I will refuse to serve you any more alcohol." Honestly, that didn't sound like a bad idea. Cathy's Inn isn't too bad for the price. I feel safe here and sure as hell don't want to go back to the apartment. It's when Charlie brought up something about a new kid performing tonight is what sold me however.