His Salvation [Eddie Munson]

Chapter Seven

*A/N: Please check the updated trigger warnings under Authors Notes before reading this chapter.

I chug the rest of my beer and pull my feet from the water. I regret putting my feet in the water now that it's slowing me down from my escape. I roll down my jeans and pick up my shoes.

I casually walk back into the house as Eddie continues his conversation with the girl on the pool deck. I avoid eye contact with him, but I can feel his eyes on me. It's taking everything in me to not look his way.

I'm embraced by the warmth of the room as I make my way to the kitchen. Everywhere I look someone is either dancing or shouting in conversation. There isn't one inch of this house that's not occupied by a body.

Fuck. I need another drink.

Scanning the kitchen I don't see any beer. It's all gone? What the hell. I guess I'll settle for that god-awful liquor. I grab the half-empty bottle on the counter and an unopened soda can. This will have to do. I mix both in a cup, feeling generous with my pour.

I brace myself and chug it down. The soda helps and I'm not completely repulsed. I look around to see if I can find Nancy or Robin. The lights are dim and it's so crowded that it's impossible to make out every face.

I pour myself another drink. I'm instantly nauseated by my bare damp feet on the sticky kitchen floor. I need to find a bathroom. I need to clean off my feet and pee, then I'll find Robin so we can leave.

I hold my drink up as I push past a couple groping each other in the hallway. I notice four people standing against the wall leading to a shut door. It must be the bathroom. I groan and stand in line behind a girl with butterflies clipped in her black hair.

It's been ten minutes and the line hasn't budged. I'm starting to feel self-conscious holding my shoes in my hands. Where the hell is Nancy and Robin? I look down the hall that opens up to the large living room full of dancing bodies. What if Eddie comes inside? I don't want to run into him.

"Are you good?" A voice says in my direction.

I turn and face a tall, muscled, blonde-haired boy. I've never seen him before. I stare back into his green eyes. He looks like a senior that plays some type of sport. I don't know anyone else that is that fit or toned and doesn't play a sport.

He points at my bare feet and waits for my response. I try to hide my red face by lifting my cup to my lips.

"Blisters. You know, new shoes." I lie and take a sip.

He chuckles and leans in closer to whisper, "I know of another bathroom that's not occupied."

The mention of an available bathroom causes me to notice how bad I need to go, and I need to get my shoes back on for god's sake. His smile is kind and welcoming.