So What Now? | TSLOCG

parties (fb)

-- SPECNE, JUNIOR YEAR --
                    --     FLASHBACK    --

I waited up all night for a text from Leighton telling me she was sick of stupid other friends, and just wanted to be with me. As I was about to give up hope and head to bed, my phone rang.

"Hello? Leight?"

"Maddy!" I could hardly hear her over the noise in the background. "Maddy, can you come get me? Pretty please?"

I huffed a sigh, and slid out from under my covers to grab a jacket. "Yeah. Send me the address."

"Okay! Come quick, I miss you."

I slid a coat on over my hoodie and sweatpants and tied my converse before sliding out my window and onto the fire escape. I climbed down, and plugged the address Leighton had texted me into google maps. It was a 7 minute walk, and I spent all 7 minutes praying to whatever God was out there that all the sketchy men were elsewhere. It wasn't the first time I'd had to go get Leighton from a party; it was becoming a weekly occurrence. Still, it didn't become any less of a bother.

"There she is!" I heard Leighton exclaim as I stepped out of the elevator and into the penthouse full of my class mates and loud music. "I knew she'd come."

She ran over and gave me a hug. She reeked of alcohol. "Are you ready to go home?" I whispered into her ear, as I was already receiving dirty looks from her boyfriend's friends.

She shook her head, pulling away from the hug. "Won't you stay for a bit? Esme and Francesca are here too! It'll be fun!"

"Leight, it's like three in the morning, and I'm wearing sweats," I replied, more than a bit embarrassed by my current appearance. "Maybe some other time."

"Nonsense! I'm not leaving til you've at least had a drink with me," She said in response, grabbing my hand and dragging me a few steps further inside. "What do you want? A White Claw? A shot?"

I shook my head, dropping her hand. She was so stubborn when she'd been drinking. "Leighton, I don't want to get drunk with you and your stupid friends, okay?"

She shot me a hurt look. "They're your friends too. And I was just trying to get you to loosen up a little."

"That's very sweet of you, but I think you'll have more fun drinking with your boyfriend." I emphasized the last word, and she frowned, glancing over to where he was doing a keg stand.

"You're being mean, Maddy," She mumbled.

I sighed. Seeing her look so sad made me feel guilty, so I gave in. "I'll have one drink with you, alright?"

Her face lit up, and she nodded eagerly, passing me a White Claw. "Let's go find the others!"

As soon as Esme and Francesca spotted me, a look of distaste flashed over their expressions. "Interesting outfit choice," Esme commented.

I rolled my eyes, plopping down on the couch next to Leighton, who'd been instructed to drink a cup of water, but had switched it out for a cup of beer. "I think she looks cute," She retorted, as she took a gulp of it.

"Thanks," I replied flatly, taking a sip of my seltzer. I'd never been fond of drinking, as I liked to be in control, especially of myself.

"There you are, Murray," Nate said as he made his way over. "Oh. Hey, Maddy."

"Hi Nate," I forced a smiled up in his direction.

"You mind if I steal my girlfriend from you for a while?" He asked, giving her a suggestive look. Leighton shot me a queasy look.

"Not right now! Maddy just got here," Leighton exclaimed, placing her head on my shoulder.

"She'll be fine. She can hang out with everyone else," He gestured towards the rest of the friend group seated on the sofas and chairs.

Leighton shook her head so vigorously her beer splashed onto my shirt.

Nate walked over and sat down next to us. "Don't cause a scene, Leigh, come on," He whispered in her ear.

"We were just about to head out, actually," I declared, standing up from the couch, pulling Leighton up with me. "We've got, uhm, breakfast reservations. Gotta be up early."

I shot Nate another forced smile, and helped Leighton along to the elevator. "Thanks," She mumbled, once we were out onto the street. She slid her heels off, and I offered to carry them for her.

"Can I stay at your place?" She asked, her arm linked in mine as I scanned the sidewalk ahead.

"Sure, Leight," I replied, hoping my parents wouldn't mind.

When we made it back to my apartment building, I had to practically carry her up the fire escape, and slide her in the window. She immediately flopped down onto my bed, and threw up over the edge.

"Lovely," I mumbled, as I dragged a trash can over, which she puked into instantly. I took her contacts out for her and made her drink a glass of water, then slid into bed next to her. I placed a pillow between us, for good measure, but she was already asleep anyways.

By the time I woke up she was gone.

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