25 Rules to Surviving a Hopeless Drug Addict

Chapter 8

8. If brought to party with a drug addict, do not drink and secure a safe ride home.

 

“Okay.” I dragged out the word awkwardly. “I'm here, what did you do, Stevie?” I glanced around the empty street. It was deserted and cold. The movie theater was closing early, like it only would in a small town like this. Okay, so no free movie. I noticed how creepy it was standing alone under a deserted building. I quieted down immediately. I’d been here for about five minutes, but I still didn’t know what I was waiting for. Why was I still here? Was it because I trusted Stevie or because I wanted a present from someone other than my mom this year?

“Hannah!” I voice called from down the street. I leaped to my feet and stared down the street the voice had echoed from.

“What’s up?” I called cautiously.

A responding chuckle: “Come on, Hannah.”

“Stevie…?” I called weakly.

“Who else?” Stevie laughed. I walked around the circle cast off from the streetlight and peered into the street. Stevie was standing there waiting.

“Come on.” He said, walking down the street. I stood still.

“Stevie.” I said. He turned. “How the fuck did you get out?”

“I met Houdini. Are you ready for your surprise?” Stevie brushed off my question.

“Stevie! I'm serious. You have to be inside the clinic.” I said firmly. Stevie stopped and looked at me.

“Then how would I give you a present?” He asked simply. “Hannah, do you want to come or not?” I hesitated.

“Okay.” I said finally. It was just a present; I was overreacting. Stevie was just trying to do something nice for me and I was being a bitch about it. My opinion changed when Stevie led me to a riot of a house party.

“Stevie! This isn’t a present.” I said.

“Have some fun, Hannah. There’s nothing bad at this party.” He said, holding out a hand. He pushed open the door, ignoring the couples on the porch and loud music, to pull me through the house. He ducked through people, gently pulling me along when I was jostled or elbowed. He stopped in the kitchen.

“Happy birthday!” Stevie cheered. I glanced around.

“It’s not my party.” I said, smiling slightly.

“It is now. Just enjoy the company of other people having fun tonight.” Stevie grinned.

“Alright.” I smiled and Stevie let go of my hand to grab a can from the cooler under the table.

“Beer? I thought ‘nothing bad was at this party.’” I said flatly. Stevie nodded.

“Yeah, nothing bad. See? Just beer. Everything in moderation, right?” Stevie reasoned. I shook my head.

“What’s your definition of bad?” I asked.

“Oh. Um, heroin, definitely. Cops, fighting, weapons, spray paint, maybe Ecstasy…” Stevie trailed off. “Pot and shrooms are fine, but meth is bad.” I gaped at him.

“Are you crazy? Why do you think you got into the clinic in the first place? Goddamn parties like this!” I yelled. Stevie smiled slightly and shrugged.

“No, I was pushing drugs. Hannah, the bad stuff won’t jump at you if you avoid it. Just stay away from the beers or the drugs if you don’t want to get into the shit.” Stevie said. “You’re still worrying.”

“Fine.” I said, crossing my arms. “Thanks for bringing me, then. I appreciate it, Stevie.” I said as sincerely as I could. Stevie grinned.

“Of course.” He said, leaving with his open beer can. I sighed and went into the living room. The music was the loudest here, but the most wasted people were vomiting or upstairs. The living room was just people dancing…dirtily. I was relaxing, doing my best to enjoy the company of others albeit the drunken company. The DJ was really talented and I felt like dancing after a while. I started to dance, avoiding the worst of the moshpit. Some blonde guy wandered up and asked me to dance, but when a girl with him came back from the kitchen, he walked away obliviously. Ass. I shot his back a dirty look and went to the kitchen. Maybe I could have a beer. Not the whole thing, just half. I was definitely deserving considering the shit I was going through tonight. Dragged to house party by an addict, abandoned by dad, abandoned by Stevie (even if he’s not to blame for that), and hit on by a cheating ass. Hell, I deserved a whole beer.