As a reminder (expo) (standard:Suspense, 1630 words)
Author: Kinslayer	Added: Jul 29 2003	Views/Reads: 3604/2231	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Some story, Little edits, new page

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story


“Its Ervin, Alex Ervin.” I lied. 

Checking around the house I had made sure that no light was coming in.
There was no cause for mistakes so I shut every door and pulled every 
blind. Walking into the kitchen and pulling a bottle of developer from 
under the sink, I started to wonder if Holly even remembered who I was. 
Standing in my bedroom, I was careful to shut the door behind me and 
stuff a towel in the crack. Stumbling through the room and working my 
way into the closet, I Clicked on the overhead light and a dim red glow 
illuminated the room. 

Pictures hung everywhere, each one of Holly. Some had been blackened
around the edges, creating a framed effect, although it was done on 
purpose. Trying to cover up the shots taken where, unfortunately, her 
ex boyfriend had snuck into the frame. He infuriated me and to think 
that I introduced them. The next time we met was a week later. Again 
she wanted to share a cab and I accepted. 

“How have you been?” she asked. 

“Pretty good, just had a meeting with an author to revise his story.” 

“Really? Anyone I would know?” 

“Maybe? Ever hear of Robert Judge.” 

“Remember,” she said grinning, “He's my favorite author!” 

“I think I remember you saying something about that.” I remembered all
right and was looking for a way to drop his name into the conversation 
hoping it might help me to see her again. 

“What book is he working on now?” 

“It's the third book in the peasant girl saga.” 

“Wow! That's great. Do you like his books?" “Yeah, he's a great author.”
Saying it made my mouth feel sour, like I was chewing on a battery. How 
could someone so wonderful like that atrocious man? 

“So what is he like?” 

He is vulgar, foul, not an ounce of talent. “Oh, he's a nice guy I
guess.” Thinking it through very carefully I told her. “You know, I 
could introduce you.” 

“Would you!” She was exited and seemed to jump from her seat. 

“Of course, I'll talk it over with him first, but he's always glad to
meet a fan.” 

“That would be wonderful. Thank you so much.” 

“Not a problem, just remember to bring any books you want signed.” 

“I will.” As we arrived at her apartment I received a hug and a kiss on
the cheek. 

“Here's my card,” I said “give me a call sometime next week. I should
know when he'd be available then.” 

“OK.” She waved goodbye 

As we drove away I came to a conclusion an apartment was needed in the
north end of town. I couldn't afford the rides home much longer. 

Grabbing my coat, I ran out the door, leaving my photo's to rinse a few
hours while I headed to Sonnies Tavern. As I opened the door a plume of 
smoke billowed out. The few habitual drunkards were there along with my 
friend Miles Farris. OK, so we were habitual drunkards as too. 

“How are you Miles.” 

“Hey Derek! Let me buy you a beer.” He told the truth. I was Derek Hall.


“I'll have a stout.” I told the bartender. “So, how is the world of
banking?” 

“Tell you what man, the best investment these days would be comic
books.” 

“Oh yeah? Variant covers?” 

“Of course, or ones that already have value.” 

“Its not like they will ever depreciate.” 

“Exactly.” Miles and I had been friends in college; we would spend hours
going on about nothing. The bartender came back with a beer and Miles 
had it charged to his tab. 

“How can you drink that stuff?” He said. 

“Batman drinks stout.” I said mockingly 

“Batman would not drink stout!” He said, almost yelling. “He would drink
brandy, if he drank at all.” 

“Listen, I'm just saying that if batman had to drink a stout to save
someone's life he would.” 

“Well yeah, but that would never happen.” 

“Why not?” Our voices had been rising steadily since the debate began
and I noticed people watching the argument escalate. 

“Like the Joker is going to force Batman to drink beer to save a life.” 

“You never know he is crazy.” I said, “I bet he would.” 

“I bet you thirty dollars he wouldn't.” He said smiling. 

“How would you prove he wouldn't?” once again, Miles, in the middle of a
public and me place arguing over the ridicules. 

“You started it, its up to you to prove to me he would!” 

“Would you two shut up?” It came from down the bar where a large man was
sitting. I ignored him, but Miles was confrontational. 

“Mind your own business.” he replied. The man stood up. He was about a
foot taller then Miles and much larger. 

“What did you say?” The man tried to muscle his way over Miles. I
watched stunned. 

“We were having a conversation and you interrupted. We can talk about
Batman as long as we want.” Miles stood his ground. 

“Batman's a queer.” Like a flash, Miles yelled and had the man pinned to
the ground. I never knew where that strength came from, but he always 
was a good fighter. The bartender yelled that they needed to get out of 
the bar so I walked over to the scrap. In the few seconds that the 
fight took place Miles had managed to pummel the man into submission. 

“He called Batman a queer.” He said breathing hard. 

“I know but we have to go now.” We walked out of the bar and to his car.


“So want to go out drinking this weekend?” 

“Sure” I replied. As he drove away I couldn't help but smile. I wish I
could be that antagonistic. 


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