Afterglow | S. Harrington

5| Drunk words are sober thoughts

"I heard Steve's parents are out of town."

I look at Carol. We're not really friends but kind of. We're in the same group of friends. I don't hate her but I don't really like her either.

She can be a real fucking bitch for absolutely no reason. Her and Tommy have been dating since middle school. They both get on my nerves for their own reasons.

"Yeah?"

"You need to come." She says. "But I forgot you and Nate.."

"We're not officially broken up."

I told my dad I broke up with him. And I should. I really should. Part of me just feels guilty because I am. I kissed Steve, he didn't kiss me. Although he did kiss back it is on me. I initiated it.

"I heard your dad flipped out on him."

"He did."

"I wish I would've seen it. Your dad's so hot."

"Gross."

We walk towards Steve and Tommy. Things have been relatively normal between us. Not that I was expecting it to be awkward.

"Harrington."

"Betty."

Nancy walks up to us. I look away as Steve kisses her. They talk about the party Steve is throwing.

It's barely a party. It's literally just us and Nancy. I would try and get Sophia to come but I doubt she would.

"Oh, God.. that's depressing."

I turn my head and look at Jonathan Byers. He's the schools weirdo. He's a loner. He doesn't really have any friends. He keeps to himself.

I've never had any issues with him. He's nice enough. I feel for him though. All of this has to be hard on him and Joyce. They struggle. My dad offered Joyce a job at the dealership. She refused because she didn't want handouts.

I don't know what I would do if it was Josie that went missing. I think I'd go crazy. I'd make life hell for everyone.

"He probably killed him."

I smack Tommy's head.

"Ow!"

"Grow up."

I take a step forward to talk to him but Nancy beats me to it. The bell rings. I walk right into Steve.

"Gotta watch where you're going, Betty."

"Whatever."

I start walking as my head starts pounding. I drop my books. Voices start talking over one another.

"Chaos. Destruction. Evil."

"The Scarlet Witch is our doom!"

"You will be our destruction!"

"Don't listen to them, Bee!"

I fall to my knees. I put my hands over my ears. The voices start getting louder. I've always had control over the voices. It's like I'm losing my mind.

Steve drops to his knees in front of me. He's talking but I can't hear it. My ears are buzzing. He puts his hands on my face and everything becomes clear again.