Not Just Another Number

Not So Great Party

Sarah's POV

Steve quickly ushers us to his backyard. Tommy H and Carol were already outside and sitting together on a lounge chair. I rush over to a free lounge chair and lie down. Nancy and Barb awkwardly follow. Steve walks over and grabs a beer from the cooler. He tosses it to me and I barely catch it.

"Dude, you know I don't drink." I say, giving him a confused glance.

"C'mon Byers, lighten up. Live a little." He says, giving me his famous smirk. I roll my eyes and place the beer on the ground next to me. He grabs another and starts to dig through his pocket. He pulls out an x-acto knife and starts to cut the can of beer.

He makes a small hole and tips the entire beer back into his mouth. Fairly quickly, he finishes the beer and tosses the can away. He smirks at Nancy, making me fake gag. Barb laughs and pushes me. "Was that supposed to impress me?" Nancy asks, rolling her eyes. I chuckle and look away, avoiding Steve's playful glare.

"What, you're not? C'mon, how about you try?" He says, handing her a beer. She starts to reject it, but Steve still tries. "Please! Sarah will do it if you do." He says.

"I did not agree to that!" I yell, raising my hand. He sends me a pleading look that just melts my heart. Come on, Sarah! Just resist those puppy dog eyes! Sadly, I just can't resist. I groan and grab the beer. I walk over to them and hold my hand out. "Fine, but one beer." I say. He puts the knife in my hand, a small smirk on his features, knowing he's won.

I make a hole in my can and hand the knife to Nancy. Once she's done making a hole, we both look at each other. I count down and we drink. I let the beer flow into my mouth as I chug the drink. Some of it spills onto my cheek. The beer sends a warm feeling through my body. I finish the drink and crush the can. Nancy finishes a second later. I could hear the boys cheering as I wipe my mouth.

I drop the can of beer and walk back over to my chair. Barb is still standing next to it. "Hey Barb, you should try." Nancy says, pointing the knife at Barb.

"No, I think I'm good." Barb says, putting her hands out. Tommy and Carol start to boo her and I send them a glare. Nancy gives her a pleading look, making Barb break. "Barb, you don't have to if you don't want to." I whisper before she walks over to Nancy. She gives me a thankful smile, but shakes her head.

She walks over to the cooler and pulls out a beer. Nancy hands her the knife, giving her a thankful smile. "It can't be that hard." She mumbles as she tries to cut the can. She starts to struggle with it, putting more pressure on the knife.

I stand up and walk over to her. "That's not a good idea, Barb. Let me help y-" I say, but I'm too late. Barb puts too much pressure on the knife and it slips. It cuts her palm, making her drop the knife. "Shit!" I say as I grab her hand. Blood blooms from the cut.

"Are you okay?" Nancy asks, standing up.

"I'm fine. Where's your bathroom?" Barb says, putting pressure on her hand. "Oh, it's down past the kitchen, to the left." Steve says standing up, but I put my hand out. "I-I'll show her." I say.

I help lead Barb as she thanks both of us. "You didn't have to help me." She whispers. "What are friends for?" I say, walking into the bathroom. She sits down on the bathtub as I look for the first aid kit. I dig through Steve's cupboard, laughing as I see his hairspray. I knew it!

"You like him, don't you?" Barb says out of the blue. I look at her, eyes wide. "What? What do you mean?" I ask, putting my hair behind my ear. I straighten up as I fully face her. She smirks at me. "You heard me. It's kind of obvious." She laughs. I close the cupboard and gulp.