Creating a haven for sobriety.

Submitted into Contest #233 in response to: Set your story in a bar that doesn’t serve alcohol.... view prompt

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Fiction

This story contains themes or mentions of substance abuse.

Jacklyn O’Neil had always been a woman who knew exactly what she wanted in life. From an early age, she set her sights on achieving success and nothing could stop her. She worked tirelessly to get into Oxford, where she graduated with top honours. After that, she landed a job at a prestigious law firm and quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the youngest partners in the firm's history.

However, little did anyone know that behind the facade of her perfect life, Jacklyn was struggling with a secret addiction - alcoholism. It started innocently enough, with a glass of wine after a long day at work. But soon, one glass turned into two, and two turned into a bottle. Before she knew it, she was drinking every day, using alcohol to cope with the stress of her demanding job.

As her addiction grew, Jacklyn's life began to spiral out of control. She missed important meetings, made mistakes at work, and her relationships suffered. It was not until she hit rock bottom that she realized she needed to make a change. With the support of her family and friends, Jacklyn checked herself into the famous Emissory Rehab and began the journey to sobriety. Emissory Rehab was a popular destination for top sportsmen and women who had had their careers ruined due to alcoholism.   During her recovery, Jacklyn had a lot of time to reflect on her life and the role alcohol had played in it. She realized that there were very few options for people who wanted to socialize without drinking. Most bars and restaurants only served alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic options were limited to sugary mocktails or bland sodas. This sparked an idea in Jacklyn's mind - what if she opened a bar solely dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages? This brave and calculated decision led to the birth of a unique establishment - a bar solely dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages. She wanted to create a safe and inclusive space for people who chose not to drink, whether it was for health reasons or personal beliefs.

Gone were the days of feeling left out or succumbing to social pressure. The bar offered a wide range of inventive and delicious mocktails, ensuring that there was a drink to suit every palate. From fruity concoctions to sophisticated blends, Jacklyn's bar became a hub of creativity, innovation, and inclusivity.

The New Haven Sobriety was launched with fanfare and razzmatazz in the heart of a highbrow Soho City Centre. The neon sign outside proudly proclaimed “You are about to enter an Alcohol-Free Zone,” a concept that had raised many eyebrows in the vicinity that is packed with well-known Public Houses. But for those who were looking for a different kind of nightlife experience, The New Haven Sobriety was the place to be. I was not disappointed with my first accidental encounter, which ultimately changed my life too. In less than a year in operation, The New Haven Sobriety has become a hunting joint for recovering alcoholics of all shapes and sizes.

As one stepped into the lobby precinct the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. The dimly lit bar was filled with people, chatting, and laughing over glasses of fruit smoothies and mocktails. The walls were adorned with motivational quotes and photographs of famous non-drinkers, creating a positive and welcoming vibe. One eye-catching motivational quote read” Excessive Alcohol Can Accelerate Your Journey to Meet Your Creator.” …….” (Don’t Do It)”

At the centre of the bar stood the owner, Jacklyn a gorgeous, average-height blue-eye blond, with a revolving waist to turn heads. As she made her way around the bar, checking on her customers and ensuring their satisfaction, she could not help but feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. The New Haven Sobriety had become more than just a business to her, it was a mission to change the way society viewed alcohol and to provide a space for those who wanted to socialize without the pressure of drinking.

As the night went on, the bar got livelier. A group of friends gathered around a table, playing a game of Truth or Dare and laughing hysterically. A couple sat in a cozy corner, sipping on their non-alcoholic cocktails, and lost in deep conversation. And at the bar, a young man named Elvis sat alone, nursing a Pomegranate smoothie, and staring into space.

Jacklyn noticed Elvis and approached him with a warm smile. “Is everything okay?” she asked, sensing that he needed someone to talk to.

Elvis hesitated for a moment before opening to Emily. He had recently decided to quit drinking and was struggling to find a place where he could still socialize without being tempted. Just like myself, Elvis had stumbled upon the New Haven Sobriety by chance and was grateful to have found a place where he could feel comfortable and supported.

Jacklyn listened attentively and shared her own story with Elvis. She had overcome her battles with alcohol and understood the challenges he was facing. She introduced him to some of the regulars at the bar, who welcomed him with open arms and shared their inspiring journeys of sobriety. It was turning into an impromptu “Alcohol Anonymous,” quipped another “recoveree.” It was clear that everybody in the New Haven Sobriety tonight was rediscovering a new lease of life, with a feeling that they were all in it together.

As the night ended, Elvis thanked Jacklyn for creating a bar that had helped him feel like he was a part of something. He left with a renewed sense of hope and determination to continue his path to sobriety and so did so many others who visited for the first time.

The New Haven Sobriety may not have served alcohol, but it served something much more valuable – a sense of community, support, and a reminder that you do not need to drink to have an enjoyable time. Jacklyn’s mission had come full circle, and she knew that The New Haven Sobriety was more than just a bar, it was a place of healing and empowerment.

January 18, 2024 23:25

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