❝YOU'RE SCREWED UP AND BRILLIANT❞
"i do not know how to be loved if it is soft and kind. i am not soft. i am not kind. love me in your desperation. obsessively and hopelessly. love me fiercely, or do not love me at all"
Vanessa Gri...
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+18 ahead feel free to skip [ no plot just... ] ꧁꧂
Vanessa looked at her reflection and sighed, adjusting her dress one last time before heading downstairs.
Rick was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, already dressed and looking the part. He gave her a reassuring smile. "You look great, Vanessa."
She rolled her eyes. "I look like somebodies mom. Why do I have to go?"
"Deanna wants us all there," Rick said. "We need to show that we're trying to fit in."
"Fine," Vanessa muttered, following him out of the house. "But I'm not staying long."
At the party, Vanessa scanned the room, hoping to spot Daryl, but he was nowhere to be seen. She sighed, feeling more out of place with each passing minute. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the constant tension they had been living under.
As she made her way to the edge of the room, trying to blend into the background, a tall, handsome man approached her. "Hey there," he said with a friendly smile. "I'm Spencer, Deanna's son. You look like you need a beer."
"Uh, no thanks," she said, shifting uncomfortably.
"There's wine if you're not a beer person," he told her.
"Oh, no I definitely am. I just have this thing with moderation and restraint where I don't really have any" she told him.
Spencer laughed at her bluntness. "Understood. Parties like this can be overwhelming, especially with everything you've been through."
"Yeah," Vanessa agreed, glancing around the room again. "It's a bit surreal."
"Well, if you change your mind or just need someone to talk to, I'll be around," Spencer said, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Thanks," Vanessa said. "I appreciate it."
As Spencer moved on, Vanessa sighed and took a deep breath. She scanned the room one more time, still hoping to see Daryl. Not spotting him, she decided to step outside for some fresh air.
The cool night air hit her face as she stepped out, the sounds of the party muffled behind her. She looked around, hoping to see Daryl, but he was nowhere in sight. The noise, the people, and the temptation of alcohol inside were too much for her. After so long without it, the mere thought of a drink was almost unbearable.
Feeling more out of place than ever, Vanessa decided to head home. The walk back was quiet, giving her time to clear her head. When she reached the house, she quickly changed into a large t-shirt, grateful for the comfort of her own space. Rick had allowed everyone their own rooms, but Vanessa felt a sense of unease she couldn't shake.
Seeking comfort, she headed down to the basement. She found Daryl in his room, sitting on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. He looked up as she entered.
