"I really want to kiss you right now."
"Then do it."
"I can't."
--
In which Gracie Abrams watches Stranger things and ends up stalking the newest cast member.
Or
In which August isn't ready and Gracie would wait a lifetime for her.
--
Social Media...
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August had been eagerly counting down the days to her 21st birthday party. She had meticulously planned every detail, from the decorations to the music, but most importantly, she couldn't wait to celebrate the milestone with her girlfriend, Gracie. They had been together for two years, and August couldn't imagine a better way to mark this special occasion than having Gracie by her side.
The day finally arrived, and August's heart swelled with excitement. She decorated the venue with vibrant balloons, adorned the tables with glittering centerpieces, and made sure everything was perfect for the evening. The room buzzed with anticipation as friends and loved ones started to arrive, their cheerful voices filling the air.
"Where's Gracie?" Mallory asked as she glanced around the room a few times.
August frowned as her eyes fluttered shut, eyelids acting as a barrier for her tears. She lifted her drink to her lips and shrugged gently, "She said she'd be here, I don't- I don't know."
"It's your birthday-"
"I know," August sniffled, looking back at the door, "But she promised, so she'll come."
As the hours ticked by, August's anticipation turned into worry. Gracie was nowhere to be seen. August checked her phone repeatedly, hoping for a message or a call explaining the delay. But as the minutes turned into an hour, and then two, August's anxiety intensified.
Unable to bear the uncertainty and questions any longer, August discreetly excused herself and sought refuge in the quiet sanctuary of the bathroom. Alone with her thoughts, the weight of disappointment settled heavily on her shoulders, tears welling up in her eyes. She leaned against the cold bathroom sink, feeling the sting of rejection and abandonment.
Her mind raced, replaying every moment of their relationship. Had she missed any signs? Did Gracie no longer care for her? August couldn't help but question their connection, her thoughts spiraling into a whirlwind of doubt. The echoes of laughter and celebration from beyond the bathroom door felt distant, as if the world had suddenly shifted on its axis.
Unbeknownst to August, her absence had not gone unnoticed by her friends. Sensing her distress, they exchanged concerned glances and shared silent nods of understanding. One by one, they excused themselves from the party and quietly made their way to the bathroom door, their footsteps muffled by the surrounding festivities.
Gently knocking on the door, their voices filled with empathy and love, they spoke August's name softly. Their words penetrated the bathroom's solitude, reminding August that she was not alone. Through the door, they offered words of comfort, assuring her of their unwavering support and reminding her of her worth.
August hesitated for a moment, the vulnerability within her warring with the fear of exposing her emotions. But the soothing voices of her friends, their love seeping through the bathroom door, finally broke down her defenses. She unlocked the door, revealing tear-stained cheeks and a heavy heart.
"She said she'd be here," August said hopelessly, makeup ruined and shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Conan pushed forward first, hugging August tightly, letting her cry into his shoulder. Next was Austin, hugging the two of them as he mentally cursed his best friend for leaving August in this state of betrayal. Then Sadie and Caleb, hugging her too, until she pushed them away.
Conan locked the bathroom door behind them as August, pulled at her dress.
"What is it?" Sadie asked knowingly.
"Hurts," August murmured, "Get it off, please."
Caleb rushed out of the bathroom to get some of August's pyjamas as Sadie carefully unzipped her dress. August sobbed in relief when she felt like she could breathe again as Austin and Conan looked away as she slipped out of her party dress, rubbing her ribs comfortingly.
Caleb rushed back in, holding up some pyjamas, "I got the silk ones."
"Thank you," August whimpered as she slipped them on. They sat in silence for a moment as August got her bearings back, looking at the floor in embarrassment. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," All of their voices overlapped. "What happened?"
They listened attentively as August poured out her frustrations, her disappointment, and her fears. Their presence created a safe space where August could express her emotions without judgment.
"Well, fuck her," Caleb shrugged.
"Caleb!" Sadie scolded.
"No, no. He's right," Conan said, "It's your birthday and she promised she'd be here. That's a total asshole thing to do."
August sighed, "I wish I could get drunk and forget about this in the morning."
Austin gave a weak smile, "Want us to kick everyone out and then have a sleepover?"
The actress sniffled, "Fine. But if you Teo even think about fucking in my house-"
"Jesus Christ."
They all laughed as Conan and Austin went to tell everyone that the party was over and Sadie and Caleb walked August to her bedroom. Twenty minutes later, after August's siblings had gone to give her hugs and say goodbye, Conan and Austin came back, holding bottles of fizzy.
An hour into the sleepover, August's phone rang. She almost didn't answer it, but ended up just slipping into her en-suite.
"Hey," Gracie said, voice heavy with guilt. August didn't offer her a response. "I didn't know if I should call you or not," She admitted.
"Well, why did you?" August asked bitterly.
"Wha... I don't understand?" Gracie gave a nervous chuckle.
The actress sighed, "I know you don't, Gracie," August held back her tears, but her voice wavered as she spoke. "I just wanted to be the one you chose. It hurts knowing that I won't be and it hurts all over again because I don't even know what the other option is."
Gracie swallowed her guilt and blinked rapidly, "I'm sorry."
"I forgive you," August sighed. "Bye, Gracie. Good luck with your next EP."
"Thank you. Good... Good luck with Stranger Things and getting your script out there," Gracie gave a weak smile. "I love you."
"I love you more."
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I see the look in your eye and I'm biting my tongue You'd be the love of my life when I was young When the night is over Don't call me up I'm already under I get a little bit alone sometimes and I miss you again I'll be the love of your life inside your head When the night is over Don't call me up I'm already under
I have the violent urge to dance to this song it's so GOOD
