Stanley Barber

Stanley Barber was the type of person to give zero fucks about the opinions of those who didn't matter to him. That was the easiest way to go through life; to have thick skin. To not let people get close or get your hopes up. Because they will always let you down. As much as you don't want them to.

At one point he thought it'd been a mistake getting close to Syd - the only person who'd ever willingly hung out with him. His heart couldn't take it. He fell for her. But he'd been too blind to see her love for Dina. The love she'd never have for him. He was happy for her, for them both, of course he was. But he felt like such a third wheel. Back to square one.

"Just talk to someone, Stan, you're good at that," Dina smiled encouragingly as the trio entered the party. It was one of the last before the summer break and college, though Stanley had no plan on how to get out of this boring hellhole. And it was killing him.

Stanley smiled at Dina, grateful for her unwavering support and endless optimism, though his heart clenched as he watched her and Syd go and dance to some lame '90s song. He put his sunglasses over his eyes. It was easier that way. Hide the tears.

He decided he couldn't face people yet, so began to wander the house, purposefully avoiding the bathroom where he knew all the cheerleaders would be getting high. He itched to join them before shaking that thought away. He was trying to quit. Trying. He'd never resort to alcohol, that was his rule.

Making his way to Ricky's parents' room, he poked his head inside, just because he was curious. It was the biggest room in the house, as expected, with a huge plush bed and ornate patterned wallpaper. Not really to his taste, but he respected them for making it their space, not that he knew them. Softly closing the door behind him, he could feel the soft, squidgy carpet beneath his sneakers, feeling like he was walking on a cloud. It felt nice. To actually be away from loud for once, to only hear the dull