Saved By Steven (the first story)

5. The party spins on

Back inside the party was still buzzing, the lights pulsed in sync with the beat as Lauren, Tom, and Mick found themselves back on the dance floor. A bass-heavy song switched tracks, and Mick slipped away toward the bar, promising to grab drinks for everyone.
The moment he left, Lauren and Tom drifted closer, too close. Their bodies moved in sync, melting into the rhythm. Their hands intertwined backs, their faces just inches apart, lips grazing without quite kissing. Legs tangled, hips aligned. Around them, the crowd thinned. Conversations hushed.
No one else was dancing like that.
In fact, most weren't dancing at all anymore. A few students exchanged glances. A teacher coughed into his sleeve. But Lauren and Tom didn't notice. The music surged and Tom spun Lauren around, pulling her back against him. His hand stayed on her hip. Her head leaned back on his shoulder, eyes half-lidded, dazed but smiling.
Then came the shift. A slower song, unexpected and mellow. Tom turned her to face him, sliding his hands onto her waist. Lauren wrapped her arms around his neck, her body melting into his. He rested his forehead gently against hers."You look incredible," he murmured."That's a lie," she whispered, though she smiled."No, I mean it. You look... different. Are you feeling calmer now?""Calm. High. Not hungover," Lauren said, her voice soft and dreamy."You know everyone's watching us, right?"

"I noticed. Maybe we shouldn't have taken that second
"I'm fine," Tom said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "I don't think they know."
Lauren's eyes darkened. "Well, I took more than that. Before you came, I did coke. And heroin."Tom stiffened. "What? Lauren—are you serious?"
"I didn't want to feel the hangover. I just... needed to get through the day."
"Are you okay?"
"I don't know. Let's just dance," she said, cutting off the moment with a kiss.

Tom hesitated, then returned it, deeper this time, and pressed his lips to her neck. She pulled him closer, her fingers locking behind his back.

"I'm so into you right now," he murmured."Same," Lauren whispered back. "Although maybe that's just the drugs talking."
The slow song faded into something faster, more upbeat. The dance floor filled again, and the couple slipped away, rejoining Mick who had returned with drinks. Lauren slid easily into Mick's lap, threw an arm around his neck, and kissed his cheek."You're a great friend," she said."I'll drink to that," Mick replied with a grin. They clinked glasses—strong drinks for Tom and Lauren, just soda for Mick.After a few minutes, Mick leaned over. "Wanna dance?"
She grabbed Mick's hand and tugged him back onto the floor. Lauren was wild now—reckless and loose, moving like the music was inside her skin. Mick, more reserved, tried to keep pace, but mostly he just let her move, catching her when she spun too hard or lost her balance."Honey, take it easy," he said, gently gripping her arm."Why? We don't dance like this every day!""Why so... intense?"
Lauren leaned in, voice slurred but confident. "Because I took a lot.""I figured. What did you take?""All of it," she laughed. "And I'm going to find Tom and take more."Mick tensed. "I think you've had enough, baby.""I decide for myself.""I know. I just want to keep you from doing something you'll regret.""Like what?""Like this. Like falling apart in front of everyone. They'll see, Lauren."

Before she could answer, the music cut out and the DJ's voice filled the room. "Alright, folks, last dance of the night." It was 7 p.m. The party had stretched way past its intended end, but no one wanted to leave. The final track started, a nostalgic, familiar tune. Everyone flooded the floor. Tom returned, looking paler than before. "How's it going?" Mick looked him over. "I think you've had enough, too.""What?""The drugs, man."Tom shrugged. "Let's go, Lauren." He shot Mick a hard look and took her hand."Sorry," Lauren said, avoiding Mick's eyes. "I just... can't."
Mick nodded and watched them disappear into the crowd. He sank onto a bench near the exit, running his hands over his face. Tom was gone, his pupils dilated, his steps uneven. He had probably shot up again. Lauren wasn't far behind. Her face was flushed, her eyes unfocused. She was past the point of pretending.Mick looked out at the dance floor. Tom and Lauren were grinding again, bodies too close, too raw, too desperate. No one else moved like them. No one else dared.The music ended.They wandered over to Mick, still buzzing. Lauren straddled his lap again like nothing was wrong, cupping his face between her hands."You okay?" she asked sweetly."I'm good," Mick said carefully."Great." She kissed him on the lips, slow and deliberate. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need the bathroom."Once she was gone, Mick turned to Tom."What did she take?"Tom looked defensive. "Nothing.""Tom.""She took it. I didn't give her anything.""What did she take?"Tom sighed. "Xanax. Ritalin.""And?""Coke. And heroin."Mick swore under his breath. A few nearby students turned toward him, and he lowered his voice. "How long has this been going on?""I don't know," Tom admitted. "Not long. I think.""You're crashing, aren't you?""Yeah.""You can't go home like this. Come stay with me."Tom leaned back, exhausted, eyes heavy. "Thanks."Mick stood. "I'll be back. I'm going to get Lauren and then we're leaving."Tom gave a tired nod. "Mick?""Yeah?""I'm sorry.""I know," Mick said. "Just hold on a little longer."