Falling

11

Carson Hughes

I didn't want to go to Darren Sanderson's party when Hadley suggested it, I really didn't. The thought of socializing with the likes of the football team left a disgusting taste in my mouth. But there I was, standing in the corner of the crowded living room with Logan and Isaac while the rest of our friends were off partying.

Logan, Isaac, and I stood up against the wall, each of us with a drink in our hands. None of us were enjoying this. My comfort level was on the floor, feeling like I was trapped up against this wall with the amount of people packed into the small living room.

The musty air flowing through the room along with the close proximity of sweaty bodies made it hard to not want to gag. The lights were dimmed with a multicolored light shining on the walls, going along to the beat of the music.

"I'm so fucking sick of this," Logan shouted over the music from between Isaac and me. "I'm going to find Dana."

With that he left us, pushing and dodging people to get through the room.

Not that I wanted Logan to leave, but it was nice to have a bit more space in the crowded room. Isaac sipped on his drink, staring off into space and looking about as thrilled as I must have. We stood there for a little while longer before Darren Sanderson made his way over to us.

"Come on guys!" he shouted, getting too close to my face for my liking. I could smell the alcohol on his breath, feeling like it burned my skin as he spoke. "Everyone is in the kitchen. We're doing shots!"

By "everyone" I sincerely hoped he just meant our friends, but of course that was just wishful thinking. Isaac and I shoved our way through the crowd to follow Darren into the kitchen. All of our friends were there when we arrived, but unfortunately, so were some of the football guys. Including Seth who looked like he should have stopped drinking hours ago.

Seth couldn't even stand up straight, his eyes hazy and glazed over as he wobbled on his feet with a bottle in his hands. Darren made his way to his best friend and took the bottle from him, taking a long swig before passing it off to Hadley who did the same. Darren put his arm around Hadley's shoulders and she clung onto his waist like her life depended on it. He grabbed the bottle from her and started pouring shots with his free hand.

"I'm going to tell you guys what I told him!" Dana shouted at Isaac and me, pointing a finger back at Logan who seemed to have loosened up since he left us. "We never do this! Have a good night and stop being so miserable!"

Isaac and I shared apprehensive looks before he shrugged and took a shot off the table in front of us. Dana nudged his shoulder and motioned towards a girl in the corner of the room who was staring right at us.

"She thinks you're hot!" Dana told him. "Go talk to her!'

Isaac just shrugged again and took another shot, sending a smirk our way before heading over to the girl.

"I can find you a girl too," Dana said in my ear, resting her hand on my shoulder.

I shook my head. "No thanks. I don't need one."

"Have some fun!" she urged just as Archie stumbled over to us.

"Listen to her, man," Archie slurred, nearly spilling his drink on me as he leaned into my side. "Get drunk, make out with a hot girl, do something!"

The smell of alcohol on his breath caused me to recoil from his touch. Archie didn't seem to mind, using the table to lean on instead. The kitchen was a lot less crowded with the living room, but it still felt like it was too cramped in here. I felt like I needed to go outside to get some fresh air.