𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇; 𝘴. 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘰𝘯

two

y/n

The sight of Jonathan Byers looking so devastated sent a pang in my heart. His head was hung low and in his hands were some posters asking for help in finding his brother. He looked like he had not slept in ages which is most likely true.

Instead of walking by him and having to feel the guilt of not acknowledging his presence, I turned around and decided to go to class the long way. Yet, this action definitely did not go unnoticed as I could see Jonathan watching me from the corner of my eye.

By the time I had gotten down to the first floor, ready to take a left and walk into biology, I notice Steve, Tommy, Carol, and Nancy waving me over. I also happen to notice Barb standing off to the side, looking like a dear in front of headlights.

To my right, I caught a glimpse of one of Jonathan's posters. Will's smile and eyes flooded with charisma mocked and ridiculed me for not expressing my condolences to his brother.

"Winston, get your ass over here!" Tommy shouted, catching the attention of many students in the halls.

"I'm coming!" I began to walk faster noticing that the group was getting impatient, "Look, I have 5 minutes before class starts and I can not be late. What is it?"

Steve reached out for my hand, taking it and swinging it along with his, "My parents are out of town this weekend."

"Which means a party!" Carol butted in, enthusiasm laced in her voice.

Barb and Nancy both gave me confused looks, "But it's a Tuesday." Nancy said, earning chuckles from Tommy and Carol.

"C'mon it won't be big! Just us, I promise. We'll have a couple of drinks, take a little swim, it'll be fun!" Steve was now tilting his head down and he looked at me endearingly.

I quirked an eyebrow, ''A couple of drinks always means a lot more than a couple of drinks.''

In response to my words, Carol began to boo, ''You are no fun, princess.''

My eyes traveled back to Steve as he got ahold of my other hand as well. He was trying his hardest to give me his best pleading look: widened eyes and a pouty frown.

"Fine, we'll come."

Going to Steve Harrington's parent-less house on a school night was never a good idea, especially when alcohol was involved. Just under a year ago, Steve had hosted a party where I had gotten exceedingly drunk even though I had a math test the following day. I woke up feeling nauseous and with a pounding headache. Consequently, I did horrible on the test and when my mom found out what had happened, she did not let me see Steve for a month.

''Oh god, look,'' Carol murmured, pointing behind me.

I turned around to see Jonathan, once again, placing the posters. This time it was on the bulletin board right at the entrance of the school.

''That's depressing.''

The agony from avoiding Jonathan earlier rushed back into me. I bit my lip then sighed, ''Should we say something?''

''I don't think he speaks.''

Tommy smirked and shook his head, ''How much do you want to bet he killed him?''

I shook my head at his comment and Steve shoved Tommy, telling him to shut up.

The guilt boiling inside of me was nearing its tipping point. It rose with every second that went by and when it finally reached its limit, I dug out the courage to consult Jonathan.

I made my way down the hall to where Jonathan stood, Nancy following close behind me. ''Hey, I just,'' I paused, ''We just wanted to say that we are sorry about everything.''