(Halloween is a week later lads)

Halloween was coming up quickly. The talk of the party had spread almost to everyone in the school. I was planning on going, but I had to get a costume. Thankfully, Nancy gave me a great idea to dress up as Countess Dracula from the 1971 movie.

She took me shopping around and we talked about school, boys, and other things. It reminded me of back home when I'd go with my friends to our usual hangout spots. I miss my friends, but I think everything will be better now that I'm in Hawkins.

Right after school on Wednesday, Nancy came over and helped me get ready. She got the costume and styled it on me. She also did my makeup and curled my hair. "Wow," she said. "You look really good."

"I probably don't, but thanks," I responded.

"No, you really do. I look pathetic compared to you. Here, look for yourself," she said showing me to the mirror in my room.

She wasn't wrong. I looked stunning, and I for once, felt so stunning as well. The dark blue dress hugged my figure perfectly and it was covered with lace all the way to the bottom. The top revealed some of my cleavage, but not as much as in the movie. She finished my costume by adding fake blood to my mouth and neck.

She wasn't able to go with me or take me to the party because Steve was taking her. A soft feeling of jealousy hit as she talked of him and their perfect relationship. I couldn't help envying the two so much. I never had that dream relationship that they obtain. 

I drove to the address that was on the orange flyer. When I arrived, I could hear music . As I got out of my car, Steve and Nancy pulled up. I saw them. They were talking, and Nancy looked nervous. When Steve noticed me, he stopped talking and stared at me with his mouth slightly open. Nancy noticed him staring at something and turned to the source. She smiled and began waving at me. I waved back and mouthed 'see you inside', as I got out of my car and locked it.

Loud metal music coursed through my nerves as I stepped into the house. The party felt like a fever dream. Teenagers dancing and moving against each other's sweaty bodies.

 Tina was talking with a group of girls and boys when she spotted me walking past. "Oh my God, Byers?  You look fucking awesome" she said.

"Thank you, Tina. You look great too," I replied.

"Well, I heard from a little birdie, that you met Hargrove, and I also heard you two kinda hit it off," Tina said quietly, but not so quiet to where the group couldn't hear.

"Sort of," I began. "Is he here?"

"I think so. But I think he's trying to beat the keg record outside," Tina said motioning to the door to outside.

"Okay, thanks," I said walking away.

Sure enough, Tina was right. I stood at the door to watch as the boy made of pure muscle and sweat was held by Tommy and some other boys. The crowd counted his gulps. "Forty, forty-one, forty-two!"

"Yeah! Forty-two!" Tommy announced. "Just got yourselves a new keg king!"

Everyone began chanting Billy's name. Billy reinserted a cigarette into his mouth. I watched him as he came in. He was encircled by multiple boys. I decided that talking with him should wait. I instantly remembered Nancy. I spotted her and pushed through the group of people. "Hey, Nance," I said approaching to her and Steve.

The two were awkwardly standing in the corner together. Her expression changed as I came over, a smile instantly coming to her face. "Hey," she said. "How's the party?"

"I honestly don't know how I feel bout it," I admitted. "Then again, haven't done anything yet."

Nancy chuckled a little. 

Steve watched me as Nancy and I chatted. I glanced over now and then, and his gaze did not falter. His gaze made my cheeks heat up, thankfully, Nancy didn't notice. 

The ruckus of Tommy yelling Billy's name ringed out still. The two walked up to us. "We have a new keg king, Harrington," Tommy said pointing to Billy.

He looked at Steve, then Nancy, and then me. He took a double-take to see me. He looked me up and down. "Wow, Byers. Didn't know you could get any sexier."

His smirk made my stomach churn, then I saw Billy noticed me. His mouth opened as he slowly looked me up and down. He reached out and began touching my hair. He pushed a bit of it behind my ear. "He's right, you know. You can." He had a loss of words.

Steve glared at Billy, his eyes narrowing at the leather-cladded boy. Nancy sighed and walked away. "Got a problem, Harrington?" Billy smirked and asked in a teasing tone, noticing his stare. "You know, your girlfriend just walked away. You might want to go see where she is going," he emphasized his words

Steve scoffed and walked off. Tommy got distracted and walked over to a group of girls in the opposite corner of the room. With that, me and Billy were left. "Want a drink?" he motioned to the make-shift bar on the kitchen island.

"Sure," I sucked in a breath and looked up at him to lead the way.

He led me over to Tina's kitchen. His hand slid up my back and held it there as we walked. My skin burned where he touched. He slightly rubbed his thumb in soft motions, sending chills down my spine.

He released his touch on me and began pouring me a drink. The red solo cup was given to me. I brought the cup to my lips, the scent of alcohol stung my nose. I tilted my head and the liquid slid down my throat. Some of the drink ran down my chin. Billy's finger came up and wiped the liquid off of my chin. I licked my lips to get the remainder off, an he smiled. 

"Taste good?" He asked and wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to him, our bodies touching. I nodded and smiled as my eyes found his.

"Good, good," he leaned forward slowly and his lips hovered over mine.

His breath fanned softly on my face, our eyes held contact. He pulled me into a hallway near the kitchen and pushed me against the wall, continuing the kiss. I shut my eyes and felt his hand come up and grab my jaw as he deepened the kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he began kissing down my neck. My eyes fluttered open as a small gasp escaped my lips.

My eyes wandered and I saw Steve watching me. He took off his sunglasses and gave me a look of almost disgust. I just ignored and looked away. Billy moved up back to my lips and I put my hands in his hair. My fingers raked underneath his head.

 Our moment was cut off when I hear a fuss in the kitchen. "No! Steve, stop!" I pulled away to look what it was to see Nancy slurring and stumbling.

"Nance, I'm serious-" Steve reached for cup in the drunk girl's hand. The drink spilled all over her. Everything stopped and everyone stared as she gasped and grumbled. 

Nancy began speed-walking to the bathroom. Steve followed close behind her and shut the door. "What was that all about?" Billy asked still holding my waist.

"I have no clue," I responded.

Moments later, Steve could be seen storming out. "I'll be back," I told Billy as I pulled away and walked out, following after Steve.

"Steve!" I yelled when I had made it to the door.

"What?" he sternly said, whipping around at the door of his car as he was about to get in.

I trotted over to him. "What just happened? "

He scoffed and placed his hands on his hips. "Basically: Nancy just called me bullshit, called our entire relationship bullshit, and oh, everything's bullshit too." Sarcasm dripped from his tongue and fell into my mind

I wasn't able to wrap my mind around the fact that she actually said that. "Really? That- that's horrible."

"Yeah, I know. That's why I'm leaving," he looked at the ground and then proceeded to try to open his car. He fumbled with the keys.

"Steve, hey," he didn't turn. "Steve, look," I said grabbing his face. His brown eyes rose and looked into my soft blue eyes. "You... You are not bullshit, and don't argue that I've only known you for like a week, because that doesn't matter. You're worth so much more than her words. You're a person and you deserved to be respected. And if she's gonna say that, drunk or not, she needs to sort out her priorities because you are more than that," I stopped for air. "So much more."

He swallowed and nodded shakily. "I gotta go," is all he said as he slid into his car.

My heart sank at the response I received. I expected something more than that.

He pulled out of the driveway. I walked back inside. Billy was at the door waiting for me. "What's got his dick in a knot?"

"I guess there is unresolved problems between the two," I shrugged.

"Damn," Billy responded.

As we were standing on the porch, Jonathan walked through the door. I waved at him. He didn't notice me, and kept walking around, looking for someone. I watched as he asked someone something and they pointed to the bathroom. We watched as he went in and helped Nancy out. i ran to his side. "Well, she actually got  sheet-faced," I remarked as I slid an arm under Nancy to help her out alongside him.

"Yeah, I'm gonna try and take her to her house," he commented as he opened his car door to insert her into it.

Once she was secure, Jonathan got in his car. "Hey Jonathan?" he looked up at me. "Be safe please."

He smiled and nodded. I turned and walked away back to Billy. He was standing at the porch still smoking.

"Jesus, you should try not talking to everyone," he said, catching my attention. "Now, where were we."