Hawkins, Indiana.
Winter.
Stacy Graham was truly a jewel, and a big part of her knew that.
With the recent fights between River and Mike regarding her change in attitude ever since the events at the Creel house, they hadn't really been on speaking terms.
It's been 3 days without talking, and now, River was attending a party in Loch Nora once again, hosted by Stacy Graham. Her brother was said to throw ragers, so this wouldn't be so different. It was cold out, River could see her breath when she walked in and she hugged herself, fixing her denim shepherd jacket, along with her skirt.
She wore a black top, and as she walked in, alone, she looked around, awaiting someone to greet her. "Harrington!" Stacy came over, her hands grabbing River's wrists, earning a small wince out of the girl.
"Oh this is gonna be great." Stacy assured, leading her into the other room.
Parties were different than what River was used to. She was used to campaigns and slow nights at the Wheeler residence. Here, it was loud. Couples made out, it was humid inside and most importantly - packed. The only think River truly enjoyed was the music, and the drinks.
She left her jacket somewhere in the living room where people danced, chugging their beer cans, and drinks. River did the same, she was in kitchen, pouring herself another drink and smiling down at it.
This was the correct way to cope, right?
With the recent fights with Steve, the lack of her parents talking to her, Max being brain dead, her friend group falling apart, and Mike getting mad at her for acting so different, this was what she needed.
So 1 drink turned into 5, 5 turned into 10. They played Billy Idol on the stereos, River wasn't scared of dancing so she gained some respect from that, she ignored Bethany who always made fun of the bandages on her wrists at school - and she was enjoying herself.
Suddenly talking turned into slurring, and she forced herself into the bathroom, waving off the line as they yelled at her.
The music was muffled now, knocks at the door were heard and River leaned against the counter, looking herself in the eye.
What kind of loser has she become. What kind of shit friend was she, letting that happen to Max. What kind of sister, what kind of girlfriend, what kind of daughter. Her mouth twitched, and she began to squint.
River burped, and she hiccuped, shaking her head as her mind went crazy. Not now, please.
Now, I'm supposed to forget.
She shut her eyes, wincing at the feeling of her head banging, and with that, she took another swig of her drink. River stumbled to grab onto the doorknob, she opened it, glancing to the others who actually waited, and she slowly looked away.
"Right here." Stacy's hand left Mike's shoulder, and he stared at this mess River brought herself too. She looked tired, and he studied her until her eyes met his.
Suddenly she was quiet, her eyes narrowing before she looked down to his left hand that held her jacket. "What are you doing here?" She asked, and just by her words, Mike knew. She was wasted.
