Insanity

|5|

CHAPTER FIVE

I stand outside of Mike Wheeler's home, waiting with the boys for Jonathan and Will to get there. I turn my head when I hear the familiar screech of tires, smiling when his car turns the corner and heads towards us.

Jonathan gives me a bright smile when the car comes to a halt before turning to speak with Will, who seems upset about something.

"Hey, so I think it's safe to let them trick or treat on their own." Jonathan says after rolling down his window, giving me a look. "Don't you think so?"

I nod my head quickly. "Y—yeah, sounds great." I agree before turning to look at Henry.

"You better be careful, all of you." I say, earning a few groans in response before walking around to the passenger side of the car. "Mike's mom said she'll take you home, Henry. Don't be out late." I add before getting in.

As Jonathan drives off he looks over at me. "We won't tell my mom about this. Deal?"

    "Deal," I say quickly. "So where are we going?"

    He pulls a yellow piece of paper out of his pocket and hands it to me. "Interested in a party?" he asks as I read what it says.

I remember what Billy had said earlier, and my heart begins to race. Should I go? I've never been to a party so things could go completely wrong.

"Sure," I say, going against my better judgement, "sounds great."

    I enter the crowded home, the music on full blast and everyone in attendance either hammered or not far behind. I barely avoid being knocked over as Jonathan pulls me into the kitchen.

"This is insane. I don't even know most of these people." I say with a nervous laugh as he hands me a drink.

    I take a sip, nearly choking when I realize it's been spiked. Jonathan gives me an amused look, and I quickly hold up a finger.

    "They need to warn people," I say before taking another sip.

    I hear cheering, and when I turn to look out in the yard I see Billy surrounded by a group of people. I can tell he's drunk by the way he weaves and sways pass people, nearly stumbling when he steps into the house.

He looks my way, and when he moves to get closer a girl calls out his name, directing his attention towards her.

I turn away, taking a large gulp of my drink as I listen to Jonathan talk about something involving his photography.

    As the night progresses, I start to feel the effects of the alcohol. I lean against a wall, looking around in hopes to find Jonathan. He had mentioned going to the bathroom but never showed up again, and even though I'm worried I just can't find the will to use my legs.

    "Hey, you're Emma, right?" I hear a voice call out over the music, and I turn to see a boy a few inches taller grinning down at me. I squint, recognizing him from my English class.

    "Right. And you're... it starts with a 'C'," I slur, snapping my fingers as I try to remember his name.

    "Cameron." he says with a chuckle, and I give him a small smile nodding my head.

    "You having a good time?" he asks, placing his hand on the wall, closing me in. If I weren't so drunk, this would've been a red flag.

    "Oh, um, yeah." I say as I try to straighten up, feeling a bit nauseous. "It's been a while since I've partied...." I lie, keeping the fact that I've never been drunk before a secret. I don't want to seem lame and it follow me throughout the rest of my high school experience.

"You need some air?" he asks, furrowing his brow as he places his free hand on my waist to steady me. I quickly nod and allow him to lead me outside.

"You're pretty cute, you know? I've noticed you before, but didn't think you'd talk to someone like me." he admits once we're alone. I listen, hugging myself as a cool breeze hits my skin.

"That's really sweet." I say, not used to getting compliments. I usually stay away from the dating scene, as I see how it affects my friends, so when it happens it tends to throw me off guard.

I feel his hand on my lower back and I stop, turning to look at him curiously. He eyes me up and down before licking his lips and stepping closer.

"W—what are you doing?" I ask, stumbling back and hitting the siding of the house as I frown. My heart is racing, my skin becoming clammy. Oh how I wish I knew where Jonathan was.

"Oh, come on." he encourages, leaning against me. I try to push him off, but my body doesn't want to work the way it should.

"S—stop it!" I yelp when he begins to push up my dress, hitting at his chest as hard as I possibly can but to no affect.

"Hey, asshole!" I turn my head a bit and see Billy. His hands are balled into tight fists, eyes narrowed and filled with a rage I've not seen before.

Cameron stops and pulls back quickly, mumbling something along the lines of an apology, obviously intimidated by Billy.

"Leave. Now." Billy hisses through gritted teeth, and I watch as Cameron does his best to avoid stepping close to him as he walks back inside.

"Billy," I start to say as he walks over, holding my stomach as I let out a small groan, "I don't feel so good."

"Come on... let's get you home." he whispers, and I feel his hand grip my arm to keep me from falling over. I look up at him, trying to smile.

"Thank you—" My words are interrupted as I bend over, throwing up all over his shoes.

I hear him groan as he quickly holds my hair out of my face.

"Well... this is great."