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It was an unseasonably warm day at Hawkins High School. Still early spring, the temperature had spiked to over 80 degrees, and since it was a Friday, most of the students had trouble concentrating. The teachers had opened the double doors at the end of the hall, letting in the warm sunlight and faint smell of cherry blossoms from the trees outside. Already distracted by the weekend activities looming, the students had trouble focusing with the warm breeze blowing through the corridors. Nearly everyone was looking forward to the event of the year, the senior prom, which was scheduled to take place in a few days. Guys were gathering the courage to ask girls out; girls were fussing over last-minute preparations like hair and makeup. This was an important moment in their lives, one which they would cherish forever, and everything had to be perfect. Everyone was in good spirits this day, moving quickly from class to class, eager to get the day over with, except for Chrissy Cunningham.
After a meager lunch of only a few over ripe grapes, she excused herself from the table where her friends all chattered about their dresses and went to meet Jason her boyfriend at the football field. For some odd reason, she was feeling incredibly anxious and couldn’t take anymore of her friend’s constant chatter. Jason would make her feel better and chase this nagging feeling of nervousness away.
Arriving at the outdoor basketball court, she watched the young men practice, taking note of each one of them, her eyes searching for her man. Her eyes darted back and forth, looking for his familiar face, but it was no where to be seen. The coach called for a water break and the group gathered near the fence. Spotting one of Jason’s friends, Patrick, a underclassmen, she waved him down and he came running over to her.
Taking off his helmet, he gulped down a bottle of water. “Hey Chrissy, what’s up?”
Leaning against the fence, Chrissy lightly rested her hands on the metal bar it was warm with the midday sun. “Patrick, where’s Jason? I wanted to say hi to him before lunch break was over…and make some plans for tonight.”
Patrick crudely wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his arm. “Oh uh, he told coach that he was going to skip this practice and take a early lunch. We all thought he was going to be with you.” Patrick gave her a concerned look. “Is everything alright?”
Chrissy smiled. “Hmm? Oh yeah, I am sure that I must have missed him in the lunch room. You know how crowded it gets in there.” She took a few steps away from the fence. “I bet that he decided to eat outside since the weather is so nice. I guess I better hurry back, I don’t want to miss him!” She waved to Patrick. “Thanks though. I’d wish you good luck with the game tonight, but since Hawkins High is undefeated, I don’t think I have to.”
Patrick raised his half empty water bottle to her. “You and the girls keep cheering for us, and we’re sure to win! See you tonight, Chrissy!”
“Bye!” Waving cheerfully, Chrissy walked away, her pristine white sneakers crunching loudly on the gravel. Her stomach churned and rumbled. Was it from not eating enough for lunch, or was it this nagging sensation that something was wrong that wouldn’t go away? She couldn’t tell which. It wasn’t like Jason not to be at practice, and if he had plans with her, he always stuck to them, he was good like that. Practice was very important to him, and for him to skip it was very out of character. She wondered if she had done or said something wrong in homeroom this morning that upset him. Her mind raced, trying to think of their brief conversation before the bell rang and they went their separate ways. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. They spoke of the plans for Prom, what flowers he was to get, what time he was going to pick her up, she asked about the opposing team that they were playing against at the game later that night. Nothing out of the ordinary. Why hadn’t he been at practice? Did she just miss him in the cafeteria after all? Did he get sick and have to go home? What could it possibly be? Did she upset him in someway ? She had to know, it was killing her.
Deciding to take a short cut through the bleachers, Chrissy ducked underneath the steel beams, and heard a soft voice speaking quietly. Curious, she took a sharp turn and headed for the far side to where the early afternoon sunlight had still not touched. The ground was wet and damp, and it was shrouded in shadows. Following the sound of the whispers, her eyes caught sight of a green and white letter man jacket peeking out from a small cubby hole in the back of the bleachers. Before she could get a better look, it vanished, ducking into the darkness. She stopped walking for a moment and listened. The breeze blew the green ribbon in her pony tail over her shoulder. The whispers stopped, and were followed by a distinct female giggling. Chrissy’s stomach churned. Biting her bottom lip, she took a deep breath and looked into the shadowy corner of the building. There she found Jason, leaning up against a wall, with one of the underclassmen girls pressed up against him.
Chrissy felt tears welling up in her eyes. “Jason! What are you doing?”
At the sound of her voice, the young girl pulled away from him and retreated as far back in the corner as she could, hiding her face. Jason stepped forward, adjusting his jacket. “Chrissy, this… this isn’t what it looks like.”
Her throat closing off, Chrissy struggled to find her voice. “Yes it is Jason. Don’t lie to me!”
Jason took a step toward her, and she instantly pulled back. “She doesn’t mean anything to me, honestly, I… I.. just…”
Chrissy shook her head. Her heart was breaking, tears were streaming down her eyes, smearing her make up. “I wish she did mean something to you, Jason, that way I could have still found it in my heart to forgive you! I.. I gave you everything and yet want you more! I am sorry, I can’t be with a cheater like you.”
Reaching out, Jason tried to grab her arm, but she quickly pulled it back. “Chrissy, don’t be like this. Come on. Let’s talk this out. There’s no need for dramatics. You’re my girl, the one and only. Look, I made a mistake.” Jason shrugged. “All guys do at some point! You have to find it in your heart to forgive me. We’re the power couple here at Hawkins, if we break up now, it’s going to mess everything up. Can’t you just pretend that you didn’t see this? We can go back to lunch together, we can talk about the prom this weekend… you know that we are going to be crowned King and Queen, and all the other students are going to be so jealous of us. We’re going to get the spotlight dance, and the team is going to win the division champs tonight. If you walk away now, you’re going to be walking away from all of that. Don’t you want to look back on your time at Hawkins and see how great it was?”
Chrissy’s hand clenched into a fist at her side. “Not if it means being with you.” Reaching down, she slid his class ring off her finger and threw it at his feet. “I don’t care what I lose, not anymore.” Turning on her heel, she started to walk away and heard Jason call after her.
“I love you Chrissy.”
Sobbing, Chrissy could do nothing but walk. One foot in front of the other. Count the steps, don’t turn around, don’t look back, just keep going. She and Jason had grown up together, their families both well off and prominent, it was always assumed that they end up as a couple. Chrissy didn’t know anything else but the feeling of his strong, athletic arms around her, and the smell of his overpowering sports deodorant on his skin. He made her feel safe, protected, and swore to her that he would never hurt her in any way. Now all that was gone, leaving a gaping hole in her heart, filled with nothing but pain, self loathing and doubt.
Heading back in the direction of the cafeteria doors, Chrissy tried her best to compose herself. She couldn’t let on what had happened, at least not yet. Her 'friends' would surely know something happened, just one look at her and you could tell. She barely had time to cope with the betrayal herself, and any unnecessary drama right now might push her over the edge. Maybe....maybe it would best to do as Jason said and remain quiet. After all, she was the Queen of Hawkins high... tomorrow night, the crown would be hers. It was something she had wanted ever since she was a little girl. It mean so much to her parents to see her succeed. They were the ones that pushed her to be the very best that she should be. She couldn't let them down. Her mother and father had been Hawkins royalty, and she had to carry on the tradition...she just had to be. Maybe she had been wrong to overreact to the situation. her heart was breaking, she and Jason would to the prom together, finish high school and then go their separate ways. It wouldn't be so bad. At least this way, she wouldn’t have to deal with the accusing stares and harsh words from her classmates. She was getting good at pretending and hiding the pain, what’s a few more days?
Deciding to take the long way around the school, Chrissy skirted the edge of the massive line of trees that separated the basketball court from the rest of the buildings. Fussing with the bow in her hair, she spotted two figures standing underneath a large oak tree. A slight breeze picked up, sending the sweet scented blossoms of the cherry tree swirling into the air. just underneath that fragrance there was a sharp scent of something else, the unmistakable scent of pot. Turning her head slightly, she noticed one of the two boys staring back at her. It was Eddie Munson, the freak, as everyone called him. He had a reputation for being into some disturbing things, including worshiping Satan and illicit drug use. He looked right at her, his eyes set right onto her, making her feel uncomfortable and Chrissy quickened her pace, walking as fast as her small feet could carry her, hoping that he wouldn’t see the tears in her red rimmed eyes.
The moment she stepped into her first class after lunch, Chrissy knew something was wrong. Arriving late, everyone looked up at her as she entered and slipped into her seat. Her fellow cheerleaders glared at her, their eyes sharp and their lips turned down in gruesome painted frowns. Taking her seat, she tried her best to ignore the feeling of dread and concentrate on her algebra equations, until she felt a tap on her shoulder. A note then dropped onto the desk. With slightly shaking hands, she opened it carefully and began to read.
Jason told us everything. You’re a rotten person for cheating on him. How could you do this before the big game, and before prom? We always knew you were a little slut and this proves it. Don’t bother showing up at the game tonight, we don’t need or want you there. Go home and die bitch.
Chrissy dropped the note. It slowly fluttered down to the floor. “But I didn’t…. it wasn’t…”
At the front of the class, the teacher scowled. “Chrissy, is there something that you want to say?”
Sitting back in her chair, her eyes wide with disbelief, she looked to her friends, all of whom refused to make eye contact with her. She lowered her head. How could have things gotten this bad? Why would Jason lie? Was it to protect his own reputation? It had to be. He needed to safe face. “No sir. I am sorry.” She mumbled.
Satisfied, the teacher resumed his lesson, leaving Chrissy in a state of complete devastation. The 45 minute class felt like it lasted a lifetime. She could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, searing into her with with false accusations. It was everyone against her. Jason had told his side of the story, filled to the brim with lies and they all fell for it, hook, line and sinker. He was so popular, so well liked by everyone that they had no reason to doubt. Chrissy wondered if it all could be fixed, if they could go back to the way things were, but deep inside, she knew that it was too late. The damage had been done.
The class ended and Chrissy remained in her seat, waiting for the room to empty out. Only after the last person left did she gather up her books and leave. Walking down the halls, she could feel everyone looking at her. Once the most popular girl in school, she was used to being the center of attention, the one that everyone looks up to and respects, but now all of that was gone. She could hear the names and terrible words they said to her as she passed by, each one more obscene than the last, making her want to crawl away, out of sight and away from everything. Two more classes followed, and Chrissy sat through them, lost in a haze of self doubt and loathing.
The final bell rang, and the day was done. Chrissy slowly walked through the halls, not quite sure what to do. There was a game tonight, but she couldn’t go to it. Not now. Prom was Saturday, but she couldn’t go to that either. Once her parents found out about the rumors going around, her life would be ruined. They would be so ashamed of her. What would she tell them to make it better, what could she tell them to make it right? Nothing. Slowly, she made her way to her locker, one single step at a time, keeping her head low. The warm breeze from the open doors wafted in, and she could hear the cheering voices outside, from the basketball players and the rest of the students getting ready for the big game tonight. Everything was perfect for them, but not for her, not anymore. It never would be.
The hall soon cleared out, and Chrissy slowly dialed the numbers on the combination lock and pulled on it. It didn’t open. Wrong combination. Slightly irritated, she dialed them again and pulled hard on the metal clasp, it still didn’t open. A third time she tried it, but it didn’t work. She let out a scream and pounded her fists against the metal, hitting it as hard as she could. The metallic bangs echoed loudly in the empty hall. Frustrated, she started to cry again. Turning around, she pressed her back against the cool steel of the locker and slid down to the ground lowering her head. Why was this happening to her? She had been good all her life, doing exactly as her parents expected, always doing as she was told, being the perfect little daughter. What had she done to deserve this treatment by those she thought were her friends? Was it all some sort of sick joke that she wasn't in on? The most important question was… what was left for her? Was there anything worth living for now?
Almost if on cue, Chrissy heard footsteps. Scuffed up, dirty white Reebok sneakers and ripped up blue jeans stood in front of her. Slightly lifting her head up, she saw Eddie Munson, standing over her, holding onto his lunchbox. “I don’t want to buy any drugs, Eddie. Get away from me.”
Without being invited, Eddie sat down next to her. His metal lunch box rattled as he sat it down on the overly waxed concrete floor. “Well that’s fortunate, because I am all out at the moment.” He smiled and leaned his head back against the locker. “I can’t help but to wonder, why the prettiest girl in school is sitting here, after everyone else has left, all by herself with tears in her eyes?”
Chrissy sniffled. “Don’t play dumb Eddie. The entire school knows the lies that Jason’s been spreading about me. I am sure that they got to your little click too.”
Eddie pulled out a packet of cigarettes from his back pocket and offered her one. Chrissy shook her head. He fumbled with the pack, flipping it over and over in his hands. “Yeah I heard something, but honestly I don't pay attention to rumors.” He shrugged. “But I still want to know why you are here.”
Chrissy looked at the cigarettes in his hand. “You can’t smoke in here. It’s against the rules.”
Eddie grinned. “ If you hadn’t noticed, I am bit of a rule breaker.” Taking out his lighter, he lit one up and took a long drag off it, letting the nicotine hit his lungs. “So, you didn’t answer my question. Why are you here and not out there cheering with your pom poms? The whole school is at the game.”
Watching the wisps of smoke stream up through the air and disappear, Chrissy sighed. “I can’t face them. Not anymore. I caught Jason sucking face with a freshman and now I am the slut of the school. It’s seriously messed up. When my parents find out, they are going to be so mad. There goes college.” Chrissy felt herself getting emotional again. She pinched the gold ’86 necklace pendant between her fingers. It was a gift from Jason. The cold metal felt good in her hands, it was something solid, something secure she could hold onto. She looked away from Eddie, staring down the empty hall. “I... feel like I am not good enough…anymore.. My entire life has been a lie, a cover up, a masquerade to hide who I really am. I don’t know if I want to go on pretending like this anymore.” Chrissy squeezed the charm on the necklace tightly. “I feel like I am falling into a black hole, one that never ends. No matter what I do, I try to fight my way out of it, but everyone is there, at the top, stepping on my fingers, crushing them, pushing me back down.” Chrissy brought her knees up to her chest. “I can’t live like this. I don’t want to. I want it all to be over.” She lifted her head slightly and rested it on her knees. “Maybe you can help me, Eddie. You can get me something that will take all of this away. Make me go to sleep and not wake up….”
Eddie frowned. “You know this is my third time repeating my senior year? I’ve had three senior yearbook photos taken, none of them were good by the way, three fittings for caps and gowns, and three yearbooks. You’d think that I’d give up and be done with it, but nah. I stick around, because that’s what everyone expects me to do. They want me to say ‘screw it’ and throw in the towel, be a failure like my old man, maybe end up in jail or whatever… but I can’t let that happen, because that’s not me. I refuse to become him.” Eddie looked down at the cigarette in his hand. It was mostly ash now. “Granted, I do suffer some of the same addictions as he does, but I won’t let them take control of me. I am who I am, and there’s no way that I would ever let someone’s opinion of me dictate how I feel about myself.” Crushing the butt out, Eddie flicked the spent cigarette into the hall. “I get called a freak by those assholes on a daily basis and I just blow it off. I have to. I know deep down inside, I live my life the way that I want, and so should you. Don’t let anyone take away your own happiness. You gotta find yourself. This… bullshit is temporary. It will pass, you’ll see. Your life isn’t over, don’t go thinking it is. There are people who really do care about you, and value who you are as a person, not as a school icon.”
Taking a deep breath, Chrissy pushed the hair out of her eyes and looked toward Eddie. There was sincerity in his voice and a somber honesty in his eyes that spoke to her. It surprised her. “Eddie, I didn’t know that you were so deep.
Eddie smiled at her. “I’m a dungeon master, a storyteller. I know a few good words from time to time.”
Feeling incredibly tired, Chrissy leaned over and rested her head on Eddie’s shoulder. She could detect the strong scent of smoke and leather coming from him. She stretched her legs out in front of her and pointed her toes up. “For what it’s worth, I never thought you were a freak, Eddie. Maybe a bit misunderstood, but never a freak. The same thing goes for those underclassmen you hang out with. It’s a pity that the year Is almost over. I think that I would have liked to get to know you all better.”
As she leaned against him, the delicate, soft strands of her ponytail fell across Eddie’s chest. He wanted to reach out and touch her hand but held back. “The year isn’t over yet. You are always welcome at Hellfire. You can sit in on one of our sessions, maybe roll the dice a bit, whatever you like. We’re an equal opportunity gaming club.”
Chrissy giggled. It felt good to laugh. Eddie made her feel good. “I don’t think I am ready for that yet, but I will certainly keep that in mind.”
“Our dungeon doors are always open. Six PM every Friday night.” Eddie gestured grandly.
“Maybe you shouldn’t advertise it like that” Chrissy smiled. “It does sound a little bit suggestive.”
Eddie scratched his head. “Yeah I guess it can be taken the wrong way.”
Chrissy sat up. “Wait a moment…that’s why you are still here. It’s time for your club! Oh why did you stay here with me? The others must be waiting on you.”
Tilting his head to the side, the pools of Eddie’s deep, dark brown eyes set upon her. A flicker of light caught on the silver pick he wore around his neck. “Someone else needed me, more than my little sheep. They will be fine….as long as Henderson doesn’t eat all the Doritos…since he got those new teeth, he’s been gnawing through anything that isn’t nailed down. We had to take the futon away from him before he did irreparable damage to it.”
The mood lightened a bit and Chrissy sat back against the locker. She knew she would eventually have to leave Eddie and go back home, back to the harsh reality that was waiting for her. “Right now, I’d be at the basketball game, cheering, trying my best to make a good impression…and then tomorrow. Tomorrow I’d spend all day getting my nails and hair done, ready for prom. I found the most perfect dress…. it’s red and black, my mother absolutely HATES, but I insisted. It’s so beautiful. I felt like I was a princess wearing it. The fabric is satin and taffeta. It swished when I moved… and I bought the cutest little pair of red shoes too, they remind me of the ruby slippers from the wizard of Oz....oh why am I telling you this? It's silly.” Chrissy’s voice trailed off. “Hmm I wonder if I can return all that. I could probably get a decent down payment on a car for what I spent just to look pretty for that stupid jerk.”
“Why would you have to return it?” Eddie asked quietly. “Is there something wrong with it?”
Chrissy wrapped her arms around her legs. “I can’t go. It would be too weird now… and… I don’t have a date. It’s kinda funny, ya know? This morning I woke up, feeling like I had it all, and now… well, just look at me. I am sitting on the dirty floor, hair and make up a mess, talking to the high school drug dealer about feelings.” Next to her, Eddie shifted slightly. She noticed that he lowered is head a bit and went quiet. She had inadvertently insulted him, and felt terrible about it. Gently, she rested her hand on his arm. “Eddie, I am sorry I didn’t mean for it to sound that way.”
Slipping away from Chrissy, Eddie stood up, the metal chain from his leather wallet jingling loudly in the empty corridor. He faced away from her and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Eddie. Honestly, I didn’t mean anything by it. Please talk to me.” Chrissy bit her lower lip. Her casual insult had obviously hurt him deeply, and she wished that she could take it back. After all the trauma and heartbreak that she had gone through today, Eddie was the only one who offered her any sort of comfort. They were worlds apart, not even friends, but for some reason, he had taken time out of his day to spend with her, offering her kind words and companionship when she needed it most, and she repayed him with a brash off the cuff insult that had just escaped her lips without thought. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean it.” Chrissy repeated, her voice barely a whisper.
Eddie turned around. He tilted his head to the side and looked down at her, at the small, frightened girl curled into a ball on the floor. “Chrissy Cunningham, would you like to go to the prom with me?”
Chrissy’s eyes widened, her jaw fell open. She couldn’t believe the words he had just spoken. “What?”
Eddie took a few steps closer to her, his old and worn sneakers carrying him across the shiny floor with ease. “You know, prom? It’s the place where all the popular kids get all dressed up and hang out, maybe listen to some music, drink some terrible punch, take awkward photos…that kinda thing.”
Chrissy felt a bit of color rising to her cheeks. She couldn’t quite process what he was asking. “I know what prom is. But… what I don’t understand is why you want to go.”
Eddie squatted down right in front of her. “Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t ask you out of pity or anything, I just figured that since I am free on Saturday night, and a spot opened up in your calendar, we might as well make a night of it. After all, you did buy this fantastic princess dress, and I happen to know that every princess needs a escort to the ball….and this could be my last year in high school, so why not make it memorable and do something exciting and unexpected?” Eddie hesitated for a moment. “Unless you wouldn’t want to be seen with the most kick ass, awesome dungeon master in the state.” Standing back up, Eddie stretched his back and pretended to be disinterested.
Thinking back to all the things that Eddie said to her, Chrissy couldn’t help but to smile. Maybe breaking up with Jason was the catalyst that she needed to get her life back on track, to make things right and show the world that she didn't need to surround herself with fake people anymore. Eddie didn’t come from a rich family, he had very little friends, and he had failed his senior year many times, but there was still something so real, so genuine about him, that she couldn’t resist. She felt as though her life was about to take a change in the right direction, and it all started with the school freak, the one everyone ridiculed and hated, Eddie Munson. Chrissy tried her best not to sound anxious. “Ok! Let’s do it!”
Clapping his hands, Eddie applauded loudly and then helped Chrissy to her feet. Standing next to him for what felt like the first time, she noticed how relaxed and at ease with himself he was, almost…charming. For a moment, she had forgot about Jason and all the others who ridiculed her today. She was living in the moment, and loving every second of it.
“I’ll pick you up around 7 then?” Eddie asked, his eyes sparkling with a joyful radiance.
“I didn’t know you had a car.” Chrissy blurted out. “I mean… I always see you walking through the woods to get here.”
“I don’t have a car, but I can steal one for the night.” Eddie chuckled. Chrissy’s face instantly turned white. He playfully punched her arm. “I am just messing with you, I’ll borrow my uncle’s truck.” He noticed her smile fading a bit. “Unless, um… you’d rather prefer that I find alternate arrangements? I can probably….”
“No!” Chrissy cut him off. “Your uncle’s truck will be just perfect.” Pushing the hair away from her face, Chrissy turned around and dialed the combination on her locker. She didn't want him to see her blushing. It opened first try this time. Grabbing her books, she slammed it shut and turned to face him again. “Eddie. Thank you, for everything today… I am sorry that you missed the Hellfire Club tonight, but I am not sorry you’re here with me…I really needed a friend today.”
Now it was Eddie’s turn to blush. “You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, that you get what you need.” He smiled warmly at her and winked. “Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones lyrics.” Turning on his heel, Eddie walked away from her, heading down the hall and out the door.
Chrissy stood still for a few moments after he left, her feet seemingly glued in place. Had he really just asked her to the prom? The most formal dance in their young lives? Did he realize that Jason and the others would be there? The more she thought about it, the worse Chrissy began to feel. He had flattered and shocked her with the invitation, but obviously did not think of the consequences. She immediately had regrets about accepting, she was putting both of them in danger, certain that Jason and the others would find a way to humiliate the both of them somehow. “No.” Chrissy whispered to herself. “I can’t let this happen. EDDIE!” Clutching her books tightly against her chest, she ran to the doors, only to find Eddie Munson long gone.
Wayne Munson sat in the small living room of the trailer he shared with his nephew Eddie finishing off a bottle of already room temperature beer. Next to him was a small end table filled with assorted bottles of medicine and a sizable stack of bills. He had just finished his fifth 12 hour shift for the week and was exhausted. “Tell me again why you are doing this Eddie?” He called into the back of the trailer.
Standing in the small, cramped bathroom, Eddie took a deep breath and looked into the mirror. Gone was the shredded blue jeans, band t-shirt and denim vest that he always wore, and in their place, a cheap, but well made faded black suit with a knock off satin tye draped loosely around his neck. This wasn’t his usual style of clothing, but for tonight, he would make it work. Grabbing his trusty skull and crossbones banana, he placed it on his head, gave the ends a quick yank and stepped out. “Because I want to, that’s why.”
Slowly pushing himself up from his chair, his old bones complaining as he moved, Wayne walked over to Eddie and looked him up and down. “Hmm.” He reached up and grabbed the banana off Eddie’s head, tossing it aside .“You aren’t wearing that.” He took a step back. “Let me get a good look at you. Eddie that tie is all wrong, come here boy, let me fix it for you.”
Eddie stood in front of his uncle, still as a statue as the old man slid the material around Eddie’s neck and tied it perfectly. “Well. That’s the best I can do for you kid.” He took a long deep breath. “You look better in my suit than I ever did.” Wayne muttered. “The last time I wore that suit was to your mother’s funeral, god rest her soul.”
Eddie’s eyes rolled. “Can we please not talk about that?” He ducked back into the bathroom to check the results of his uncle’s work.
“Why not? She was a good woman. It’s a damn shame that your father turned out to be the son of a bitch that he was. She didn’t deserve to be treated like that, no one does.” Wayne shuffled his way back over to his chair, and flopped down in it. “I know you think you’re doing the right thing here son, taking this girl to the prom just cause her man dumped her, but…I dunno Eddie. That’s not the kind of place for people like us. We’re not exactly outstanding members of the community. I’d watch my back if I were you.”
Peeking his head out of the bathroom, Eddie frowned. “I am so sick of them stereotyping us! Just because we’ve had our share of bad luck, doesn’t make us bad people Wayne. Chrissy… she isn’t like that, she doesn’t judge people so quickly…and right now she needs a friend. I am all that she has. 86 is finally my year, I am going to graduate and get the hell out of Hawkins, leave all this behind. Can’t you be happy for me for once?”
“I thought I raised you better than that Eddie.” Wayne shot back. “You might not be book smart, but I know you’re clever in other ways, why can you not see that this whole prom thing is wrong? It’s not the place for you. Even just going seems absurd, but the fact that you’re taking the queen of Hawkins is completely ludicrous. Eddie, call her. Tell her that you can’t make it. Don’t let them make a fool of you.”
Hearing his uncle’s words, Eddie walked away and went into his bedroom. Only large enough for a single bed and a tiny dresser which had a dual cassette deck on it, it was more than enough for him. Piles and piles of audio tapes lined the floor, along with assorted pieces of both washed and unwashed clothing, and a few dungeons and dragons books. Slipping each of his silver rings on his fingers, Eddie’s eyes fixed on the one thing he loved most in his life, his red and black guitar. He ran his fingers lightly over the strings. “You’re wrong, old man. People can change, I can change.” He thought about the first moment he saw Chrissy run away from the bleachers. Her long blonde hair flowing in the breeze, her eyes filled with tears and her heart aching. Being no stranger to ridicule and the subject of constant teasing when he was younger, Eddie had found a way to shut everything out, to escape from reality, and that was music. Chrissy was the darling of the school since a young age, they had grown up together, but their paths had never crossed, until that moment when Eddie felt her heart break. Something stirred inside of him, and he knew that he wanted to be there for her. No matter who she was, or how she ranked on the bizarre Hawkins High school social scale, Eddie had to reach out to her. Something was drawing him to her, and he was helpless to resist it.
No longer hearing Wayne’s ranting, Eddie made his way through the trailer back to the living room, adjusting the uncomfortable black suit coat which kept slipping down his slender shoulders. “Wayne. I need the truck keys, please.”
Taking a long gulp of his bottle of beer, Wayne shook his head and sighed. “Eddie. I am sorry, I don’t mean to be so negative.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew the keys handing them over. “Maybe I am a bit jealous that you’re the only Munson that gets to go to their prom. I dunno. Just be careful son and come back home. That’s all I ask.”
Eddie bent down in front of his uncle. He took both of the old man’s hands in his and held them tightly. He could feel every wrinkle every inch of weathered skin that was the result of him working every single day to make a good life for them. He never had planned on children, and Eddie coming into his life was one that he was completely unprepared for, but ended up being the best thing in his life.
“It’s just a high school dance, Wayne. A stupid, adolescent dance. Chrissy needs this to make her forget about everything bad that has happened… just like you did for me after mom died. You took me in, and we listened to music together. You could have turned me away, let the county take care of me, but you didn’t. You took a chance on me, just like I am doing with Chrissy.” Eddie’s eyes glanced around the trailer, at their meager furnishings and sparse belongings. This was all he had known in his life. A dingy trailer, filled with the scent of cigarettes and burnt TV dinners. No matter how bad it was, it was home to him. “I know that I don't fit in her world, but I have a chance to bring her happiness, when no one else can...and that's why I am going.”
Wayne Munson reached forward and placed his hand alongside Eddie’s cheek. Even though his uncle had been distant from him, he was always a kind, hard working man, who had little time to show physical affection. He had never hugged young Eddie, nor did he ever place a hand on him to scold the boy. Eddie was slightly surprised by this unexpected display of emotion. Why was he being so protective and sentimental tonight? It felt odd. Eddie leaned into his hand. “Uncle Wayne, it’s just a dance. Nothing is going to happen. Trust me.”
Chrissy crossed the dining room, her red and black gown shifting layers of fabric around her as she made her way to the front window to look out for the 12th time that night. A light ran had settled in, covering the perfectly manicured lawn in a fine layer of mist. Eddie was late. Her mother and father, who should have been fussing over her and taking an endless amount of Polaroids were no where to be seen, choosing to retreat to their country club this evening after hearing the news of the identity of Chrissy’s date. After hearing news of the previous day’s events, they begged Chrissy to stay home to save face, at least until she could put things right with Jason again, but finding new found strength in her freedom, she insisted that she be allowed to go to the prom, she couldn’t let Eddie down. Even though she had a bad feeling about what was going to happen, she would make the most of it.
It wasn’t long before an old, rusted truck pulled into their driveway. The motor roaring loudly, it caused several of the neighbors to peek out from their silk curtained windows and stare in horror at the sight before them. Chrissy ran to the door and hurried outside, just as Eddie was exiting the truck. “Don’t I have to go in there for photos and stuff?” He asked, pointing at the door. “Meet the parents maybe? I dunno, I've never done this before.”
“No. It’s fine. We don’t need all that hassle.” Chrissy smiled.
“Okay.” Eddie returned her smile with one of his own and took a step back, taking in the full view of her. Dressed in a modern, yet classic fairy tale ballgown, of black and red, Chrissy was every bit a princess. She wore her hair down in soft waves that fell over her bare shoulders, and just touched the tip of the silk shawl which was draped around her small frame. Gemstones of ruby hung from her ears and her neck in grand fashion, sparkling brightly in the dim headlights from the truck. Gone was the satin bows in high school colors tying up a teenage girl ponytail. Knee socks were replaced by sheer stockings and high heels. “Wow, Chrissy, you look beautiful.”
Giggling, Chrissy absentmindedly ran her fingers through her hair. She had been called beautiful many times before, and knew how to take a compliment well, but from him, it felt different. Chrissy took a step back. “Well let’s take a look at you… hmm, black tie, white shirt, black suit, very dapper Mr. Munson.” Her eyes went to his feet. Eddie still wore his threadbare white sneakers. He shrugged and she smiled. “They suit you well.” There was a roll of thunder far off in the distance, and Chrissy looked up to the sky. “I think we’d better get going before it starts to pour.”
Racing over to the passenger side door, Eddie pulled it open for her. A few empty beer cans rolled out and clattered onto the pavement. Chrissy paid them no mind. Carefully, she gathered up the skirts from her dress and pulled herself inside. Gently, Eddie closed the door and hopped into the passengers seat. As he turned the key, and the truck came to life, loud, raucous heavy metal music began playing over the speakers. More neighbors gawked. Chrissy rolled down one of the windows and flipped them the bird as they drove off. Eddie didn’t say a word, but grinned in delight.
It was nearly a downpour by the time that they arrived at the school gym. Eddie circled around with the truck, trying to find a place near to park, but every single space had been filled. As he passed by the entrance, he noticed Jason and his small group of lackeys standing at the doors, just out of the rain watching everyone who entered. Chrissy also noticed this, and flashed him a nervous smile. Deciding it was best just to park and wait out the worst of the rain, Eddie pulled the truck into a spot in the side lot and sat in a nervous silence.
“I am sorry you have to go through with this.” Chrissy said quietly. “It’s all my fault that you’re here.”
“What? No! Don’t think that way. I want to be here. I mean, sure Jason and his goons are gonna give us a nasty side eye for the whole night, but it’s a small price to pay to spend time with you. We can ignore them, can't we? ” Eddie’s hand clutched onto the steering wheel. “I want to be with you, Chrissy.”
Chrissy knotted her fingers together in her lap. Why was she feeling so anxious? “Eddie… what happens after tonight? Do we go back to how things were, being friends or….”
Eddie could feel his heart pounding in his chest. This was not a situation he was prepared for. He should have been at home, listening to music, playing his guitar or preparing the next Hellfire campaign. What was he doing? “I don’t know… I guess that depends on what you want to happen.”
Chrissy’s voice trembled. “I think we should…”
The quiet pattering of rain on the roof was interrupted by a loud, whining creak of metal and a boom of thunder. The skies opened, and the rain came down in sheets all at once. The driver’s side door of the truck was thrown open and Eddie was grabbed by the shoulder and pulled out of the vehicle. Startled, Chrissy looked over to her door, and saw Jason at the window. Panicking, she went for the lock, but it was too late. He got the door open and pulled her out into the pouring rain as well. Holding her against his chest, she struggled against him, kicking and screaming as loud as she could, but he was much to strong for her, and she was helpless in his arms.
“Now, now now, Chrissy, don’t struggle, you’re going to only make this worse!” Jason snarled at her. “Just calm down so we can finally talk this through like adults.”
“I have nothing to say to you! Let me go!” Chrissy shouted, trying to make her voice hear over the loud booms of thunder. “You cheated on me, and made up lies to cover your own ass. I am done with you.” Between the thunder, Chrissy could hear the sound of footsteps splashing in the deep puddles on the other side of the truck, follow by a few low grunts. “Eddie! Where’s Eddie?”
“Eddie Munson? That freak!” Jason tightened his arms across Chrissy, squeezing her so hard that she thought her ribs would break. He leaned his face against hers and wiped the wet hair out of her eyes. “I’ll show you where he is.” Half dragging, half carrying Chrissy, Jason pulled her around the truck to where Patrick and several other of the players of the Hawkins High basketball team were taking turns kicking and punching Eddie. As Jason walked over, they ceased their assault and Eddie collapsed in a puddle, not moving. “See Chrissy? This is where he belongs, down there in the dirt with the rest of the scum. You’re too good for him.”
“EDDIE!” Chrissy screamed.
“Shhh, shhhh… Chrissy.” Jason cooed. “Listen to me, listen, listen, listen. We have a chance to fix this, make everything alright, but you need to calm down.” Soaking wet, sobbing, her tears mixing with the rain drops, Chrissy could do nothing but stare at Eddie’s prone form lying in the mud. Why wasn't he moving? Jason noticed her looking at him. “Did you really think that the two of you can be together? He lives in the trailer court on the edge of town with the rest of the garbage.” Jason nodded Patrick, who knelt down next to Eddie and grabbed him by the hair, yanking him up to his knees.
Eddie gasped for breath, the rain pouring down over his face, blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth.
Chrissy eyed the rest of the team that surrounded him, each of them dressed in their formal wear, now soaked and ruined with splashes of mud and Eddie’s blood. There was no way that they were going to let him go. She had to play along with Jason, at least for the moment. “Alright Jason. Let me go and I’ll listen to what you have to say.”
Leaning in, Jason brought his lips over Chrissy’s ear and whispered. “If you try to make a run for it, I’ll see to it that the freak suffers. Got it?”
Cringing, the smell of whiskey hot on the side of her face, Chrissy nodded and Jason let her go. As her feet hit the ground, her red satin heels instantly sank into the muck, and the hemline of the bottom of her princess dress became saturated in mud. She wanted to run over to Eddie’s side, to help him to his feet, but was wary of the danger of the other boys. They listened to whatever Jason said, and since he was intoxicated, there was no telling what he was capable of. Chrissy moved in front of Jason. “Let him go and I will do whatever you want, he doesn’t need to be a part of this.”
Jason loomed over the much smaller Chrissy, making her feel incredibly insecure. “Oh yes he does. And you only have yourself to blame for it, so in order to make things right, we’re going to tell a few little white lies, and you’re going to go along with them. If you do, then we all get to go home tonight. If you don’t, well then… let’s just say that Eddie has played his final encore.” Slowly Jason walked away from Chrissy and approached Eddie, who had pulled himself up to a kneeling position and was trying to clear his head. Jason grabbed a handful of his hair and yanked his head back. Eddie’s eyes flashed with rage and anger. It was easy to tell that he wanted to get his hands on Jason, but he was too badly injured from the surprise attack. to even move a muscle. The basketball team had done their work, effectively rendering Eddie completely helpless.
“So Chrissy here’s now it’s going to go down. The team and I are going to take you inside, and we’re going to call the cops. Once they arrive, you are going to tell them that Munson here tried to assault you in the parking lot. He was so sex starved and anxious to get into your pants that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Me and the team happened to come along at the right moment, and save you from this piece of shit. Police reports get filed, Eddie goes to jail and you and we get right back to where we belong. King and Queen of Hawkins high school.”
“That’s insane! They will never believe that story. I won’t lie to them, I will tell them them all the truth about what happened here tonight.” Chrissy blurted out.
Letting go of Eddie, Jason confronted Chrissy again. “My dad is friends with the police chief, do you seriously think that they will take your word over mine.” He pointed back to Eddie, who was struggling to stand now. “Look at him, Chrissy. He’s nothing more than a scumbag drug dealer who hangs out with the rest of the Hawkins freaks. His dad went to jail, his mother died of cancer. If he gets sent away who the fuck cares? His uncle? No. No one. NO ONE!”
“And if I say no? What happens then?”
“I’ll drag you inside myself and let the team finish him off… like I said. No one will miss him…and then you and I can have some ‘alone’ time to work things out.” Jason slid his hand up the side of Chrissy's thigh, pushing the rain soaked fabric out of the way and exposing her bare flesh. Behind him, the rest of the Hawkins High Tigers laughed.
“Like hell you will!” Standing up, Eddie shoved into his side where a few ribs had been broken, straightened his back and glared at Jason through the pouring rain.
Jason threw his head back and started to laugh. He stood in front of Eddie. “Whose gonna stop me? You Munson. Take a good look at yourself, you’re one step away from a trip to the emergency room right now.” He leaned in close and whispered into Eddie’s ear. “Let me tell you a little secret... Remember that little stunt you played in the lunch room, calling me out, and being a twat to me in front of the whole team? Well… this is payback for that, and for messing with MY girl.. Chrissy belongs to me, and if I can’t pound that idea into your head, then I can surely do it into hers.”
Letting out a loud yell, Eddie lunged at Jason, his feet kicking up mud and dirt, aiming for his chest, but Jason was faster than him and stepped out of the way, causing Eddie to collide with the front of the truck. The headlights rattled and flashed as his body made impact with the grill. Jason and the Tigers laughed loudly. Eddie looked over to Chrissy, who was trembling with fear. Wiping away the flecks of blood off his lips with the back of his hand, Eddie pulled off his uncle’s jacket and tossed it onto the ground. The pain in his side was throbbing at a constant rate now, making it hard to breathe. He could feel the bruises on his face swelling up under his eyes. Loosening the tie, he pulled it away from his neck, dropping it onto the ground and called to Jason. “Why don’t we settle this once and for all?”
Chrissy’s eyes went wide. She knew what Eddie was going to do. “Eddie! No! Don’t do this!”
Jason pulled out a flask from his pocket and chugged it. “What’s that freak? Are you challenging me?”
The rain soaking his clothing, the pain of his wounds setting his nerves on fire, Eddie stepped into the light. “I am…but just you and me. Leave your lackeys out of this!”
The Hawkins tigers mumbled among themselves. Jason held his hand out and they quieted. “Why would I want to fight a coward like you? You’ll just turn tail and run away like you always do. Run back into the woods, back to your piece of shit trailer and hide out with your stupid games and drugs.” Jason shook his head. “You’re not worth wasting my time on.”
“You’re the self proclaimed King of Hawkins High aren’t you? Well you certainly aren’t acting like it. You’re more of a coward than I ever could be… And each one of your stupid little minions here will see that you turned down a challenge, that you were too frightened to take me on. They might stay silent for the moment and do your dirty work, but they will always know… they will know how much of a hypocrite you really are.”
Jason also pulled off his jacket, tossing it to Patrick. “Fine, freak. If you want me to beat you senseless then I will.” He rolled up his sleeves.
“Jason stop this! I will go with you, please.. leave him alone!” Chrissy tugged on Jason’s arm, with all her strength, but he just pushed her away. Stumbling, she retreated to the far side of Eddie’s truck, terrified, while Jason advanced on Eddie.
“I should have done this a long time ago, Munson.” Without hesitation, Jason pulled his arm back and threw a punch toward Eddie’s face, it collided with his jaw with a sickening thud and knocked Eddie down to the ground. “This is ridiculous, you can’t fight me Eddie. Just like the rest of your family, you’re all useless! I hope that the little sardine can that you live in catches on fire, and your uncle dies that way Hawkins will be rid of all the rotting garbage.”
Eddie rushed Jason, this time catching him off guard and knocking him to the ground. His feet slipping in the mud, Jason didn’t have time to get back up before Eddie was on him pummeling his face with vicious closed fists of rage. High above, the thunder rolled from cloud to cloud, masking out the sickening wet sounds of Jason’s flesh being struck repeatedly by the brute for of Eddie's fists.
The rain pouring down in his eyes, his hair in his face, Eddie was aware of the Hawkins Tigers closing in on him, cautiously moving forward, their steps slow, unsure whether or not to help their leader. Hearing them approach, Eddie sprang up off Jason, grabbing him by the front of his shirt and dragged him to his feet, just like what had done to him. The front of his shirt was ripped open and flecked with bright red stains of splattered blood. His long dark hair fell in waves over his shoulders and his soft dark eyes reflected with a faint sinister hue of silver in the dim headlights. A loud crack of lightening arced across the black sky and Eddie let out a loud scream dropping the terrified Jason down to the ground. The wind picked up, and Eddie lifted his head, closing his eyes. He felt a inner power en-mating deep from within in, a strength flowing through his veins that made him feel immortal. As the storm raged on, he glared down at Jason, and on that night, what Jason saw was not Eddie Munson, it was something that took control of him and twisted him into something demon like, crazed and frenzied.
Eddie squatted down in front of Jason, who was now cowering against the front of the truck. “You think you know me, but you don’t really know anything about who I am.”
Swallowing a mouthful of blood and rainwater, Jason gulped. “What are you?”
In between the flashes of lightening and the ear splitting roar of thunder, Eddie Munson smiled at Jason, but it wasn’t his usual warm, open, kind hearted smile, it was one of sinister secrets, unholy transformations and jagged, sharp teeth. He dug one of his fingers into the center of Jason’s chest. “I’m the freak, the master of puppets…and you…you are nothing.” It was at that moment when the storm reached it’s peak and a massive bolt of lightening crashed down from the sky behind him, shaking the ground and splitting a nearby tree. Eddie’s eyes flashed a brilliant red color for a moment, and he slowly stepped away from Jason, who took that as his cue to leave.
Scrambling to his feet, Jason sprinted through the parking lot, the remainder of the Hawkins Tigers in tow behind him.
Hearing their footsteps fade, Chrissy stepped out from the opposite side of the truck, and spotted Eddie leaning against the front grill, leaning painfully to one side, his eyes closed looking incredibly pale and haggard. She dropped to her knees beside him. “Eddie! Eddie! Oh my god! Are you alright?” She lifted his head slightly, letting her hand rest along his jawline, careful not to aggravate any of the injures.
Slowly, he opened his eyes and placed his hand over hers. Something stirred inside of him. He very much wanted to kiss her at that moment. “I’m sorry Chrissy, they ruined your night.”
“Oh Eddie!” Leaning down, Chrissy wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. Even in the cold rain, she could feel the warmth from his skin through the over sized thin dress shirt that he was wearing. Before he could put his arms around her, Chrissy pulled away. “None of that matters…. You protected me from those assholes. You’re safe and that makes me the happiest girl in the world right now. I don’t need any of that, I just need you to be okay. Are you okay?”
Feeling her slip out of his grasp, Eddie leaned his head up against the truck. His head felt like it was about to split open and the cool metal comforted him. The rain had slowed down now, and he could see the lights of the Hawkins High School gym in the distance and hear the droning beats of music playing in muffled tones. Even though he didn’t really want to go to Prom, he knew that he missed an opportunity to experience something that he never had before, and that was to dance with Chrissy. Wincing, Eddie took hold of the grill and pulled himself up to his feet. He side throbbed painfully and he could taste blood in his mouth, but he was very much still in one piece. His mind wandered for a moment. How had he taken a beating by the entire Hawkins Tigers and Jason, and come through with only a few broken ribs and minor cuts? Looking down at his hands, he noticed that they were still slightly shaking. “Chrissy…what happened out there? What happened to… me?”
Holding onto his arm, Chrissy looked at Eddie with a worried look. “Eddie, you don’t know?” Eddie shook his head and Chrissy could see confusion in his eyes. “You’re seriously scaring me now. Maybe we should get you to a hospital.”
Waving his hand at her, Eddie frowned. “No, no doctors. I don’t like them… not since my mother… eh… anyway I don’t have insurance.” He chuckled.
Hearing his laughter made Chrissy feel a little better. “Jason hit you, pretty hard, but you managed to knock him off his feet and get the upper hand on him. I guess you scared him pretty bad because he just ran off. It was kinda strange, but then again, he’s a coward who hides behind the tigers.” Chrissy lightly rested her hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “You were my protected me, Eddie.”
Eddie smiled at her, but it was a false, deceptive smile, filled with confusion and fear. Something had come over him, taken control and wiped out his conscious thoughts. He didn’t know what it was, but he did know that it was dangerous, and had to be kept a secret at all costs.
Together, Eddie and Chrissy drove in silence. Eddie shut the radio off, and the storm had passed, leaving only the roaring engine of the old truck to comfort them as they traveled down the winding roads of Hawkins. Chrissy sat curled up in a ball, with a small smelly blanket that had once been used to cover the holes in the seat draped over her shoulders. It offered little warmth. She felt cold and empty inside, but it wasn’t from the rain that soaked into her gown and saturated her hair. Glancing over at Eddie, at the red stains on his shirt and the purple bruises already forming on his face, it was his sudden silence that scared her the most. After they left the school lot, he had not said a single word to her, and that only made things worse.
After a few minutes of driving the truck stopped on the road near Chrissy’s driveway. Eddie put it in park and sat in silence.
Chrissy looked up to her house, at the warm, inviting amber glow of the house lights on, all welcoming her home to food in her belly and a hot bath. She could put the entire night behind her but it wasn’t what she wanted. “Eddie?”
Still keeping his eyes focused on the road, she saw his shoulders move in a unspoken sigh. It was highly unusual for him to be so distant. Eddie had tried so hard to bring a smile to her face earlier, now he felt isolated and withdrawn, lost in his own world. He clearly wasn't himself. Feeling uncomfortable, Chrissy finally spoke up. “I don’t want the night to end like this. I need to know what you are thinking…talk to me please.”
“We can’t do this.” His dark eyes seemed to be filled with shadows. “I thought we could, but I was just lying to myself. It’s impossible.”
Chrissy pulled the blanket tighter around her arms. “Do what, Eddie? What can’t we do?”
Eddie looked over at Chrissy. The dress that she had been so proud of was now destroyed, stained and ripped beyond repair. The soft, loose curls of her once soft hair had all matted together, tangled and clumped in tight knots that would take hours to remove. Even in all her disheveled glory, Eddie couldn’t help but to notice how utterly radiant and beautiful she was. He took a deep breath and smiled at her. “I don’t think I am ready to call it a night yet. How about you?”
Before she could say anything, Eddie switched on the radio to where a metal station was tuned, dropped the truck in drive and sped off, squealing the wheels loudly.
It was well into the small hours of the morning when they arrived at Eddie’s trailer. Eddie hopped out first as Chrissy hesitated, opening the door a crack and looking around. “Eddie… I don’t think..”
“It’s alright, I got this.” Opening the door for her, Eddie gestured grandly and helped her out. “Trust me.” He said and walked toward the small trailer.
More than a little hesitant, Chrissy followed, and as he approached the door he held up his hand. “Wait one second.”
Chrissy could hear Eddie rummaging around, knocking a few things over as he rushed through the trailer. Standing alone, Chrissy wrapped her arms around herself and looked up at the sky. All the clouds had passed by, leaving a beautiful silver star filled sky overhead. The temperature had also risen a bit, and a warm, soothing breeze began to weave it’s way in and out through the rusty trailers. Eddie soon reappeared with his guitar strapped to his back, and fumbling with a ladder, which he slammed up against the side of the trailer. It made a loud bang, and Chrissy winced. “Eddie, what are you doing?”
Turning to smile at her, Eddie quickly scrambled up the rickety rungs and made it to the top of the trailer and gestured for her to follow. “Come on, join me?”
Approaching the ladder, Chrissy laughed. “Eddie, we should be quiet, what about your neighbors and isn’t your uncle in there sleeping?”
“Nah, he works two jobs. He isn’t even home, and the closest neighbors that way are completely deaf, and the one over there is Max Mayfield and she’s cool, come on, climb up!”
Putting a hand on the ladder, Chrissy tested it for stability. “What am I even doing?” She mumbled to herself. Kicking off her heels, she started to ascend, taking one step at a time. Upon reaching the top, Eddie reached out his hand for her and she took it, noticing how soft and smooth his skin was. Sitting on top of the trailer, Eddie sprawled out a blanket and sat down, motioning for her to join him. He slung his guitar around and started to strum a few random chords.
Sitting down next to him, Chrissy fanned her dress out and instinctively tried to fix her messy hair. She saw Eddie glance over at her and she immediately stopped. “That thing isn’t even plugged in, you don't have a amp.” She said quietly. “How will we hear the music?”
“It doesn’t have to be loud to be heard.” Eddie said in a low voice. He looked away from her for a moment, the moonlight washing over his face, bringing out the brilliant purple hues of his bruises. “My dad wasn’t exactly the nicest person. He used his fists the way that others used words. From the first moment he laid a hand on me, I swore that I’d never become him. I’d do whatever I could to make sure I never chose violence. It terrifies me to think that one day, I might become him.” Eddie stopped speaking for a moment, and just let his fingers strum over the strings of his guitar. “I like music," he said slowly, "Because when I hear it, I…I lose myself within myself …if that makes any sense. I become empty and full all at once, and I can feel the whole earth moving around me. When I play, I'm not… I'm not destroying anything, or screwing anything up. I'm creating.”
Lost in his words, Chrissy didn’t realize she was staring. “That’s beautiful.” She whispered, gently swaying back and forth. Listening to the notes carried on the breeze, she rested her head on his shoulder. Unlike back in the hall, she wasn’t filled with sadness and sorrow, but instead a sense of complacent and serenity. “I can’t quite place that song, what is it that you are playing?”
“It doesn’t have a name yet.” His fingers glided over the strings.
“You wrote it yourself?” Chrissy asked, watching him, mesmerized.
“Writing.” Eddie corrected her. “I am still writing it. I started it yesterday, after school… I guess you could say that divine intervention hit me and I was inspired by someone. It's going to be Corroded Coffin's first power ballad.”
“Eddie.” Chrissy’s voice quivered. She reached out and placed her hand over his, stopping him from playing. He turned to look at her. She looked into his beautiful brown eyes and leaned in, resting her forehead against his.
Eddie felt her small fingers curl around, slipping between the silver rings he wore on his hand. The pick he had in his hand dropped out of his fingers and fell onto the roof of the trailer. He could smell the sweet scent of her lilac scented perfume lingering on her skin, and the trembling touch of her body close to his. He watched her close her eyes. His heart racing inside his chest, it felt like it was going to explode. High above them, a single star shot through the sky, leaving a silver trail of shimmering stardust behind it. “Do you still feel like the queen of Hawkins High?” Eddie whispered to her.
“No.” She said softly. “I know that it sounds stupid, but tonight, I feel like a princess… and you’re the knight the protected me… I am glad that I got to know Eddie Munson, the real Eddie, not the one that everyone else knows.” Chrissy shifted slightly. “Eddie.... I don't want this night to end... because I don't want to say goodbye to you....I don't want to live my life...without you.”
Pushing his guitar to the side, Eddie placed his lips against hers and took her into his arms. The darkness that crept inside of him seemed to fade away, taking with it all the doubt and fear he had felt earlier. Here, on the rooftop of his trailer, Eddie Munson kissed Chrissy under the bright silver rays of the moonlight.
Huddled securely in the safety of his arms and the folds of her shredded satin gown, Chrissy felt her heart soaring. This wasn’t the ending to the Prom night of her dreams, but it was more than enough for her. She had discovered something more precious than any fake gold crown that could ever be placed on her head….she discovered the undeniable, overpowering joy of true love.
Far down below, near the damp, rotting recesses of the shadowy corners in the trailer park, thick, twisting vines began to slither their way over the empty roads. They nestled in small nooks and corners where they would be nearly invisible to the casual observer. Evil begun to spread into Hawkins, creeping in underneath their sleeping bodies, eating away, and rotting everything it touched.
Lost in a moment of ecstasy, Eddie's body suddenly went numb. His throat closed and his chest ached terribly. He pulled away from Chrissy and held his head in his hands, groaning.
Chrissy pulled herself over to him, resting her hand on his arched back and then instantly pulled it away. His skin was burning up with fever. A sudden seizure wracked his body, twisting his spine and causing his limps to flail about. Eddie's feet collided with his guitar and sent it spiraling down off the roof of the trailer. Chrissy lunged for it, but her fingertips just grazed the side and it slide down and collided with the ground below. Returning to Eddie, she pulled him into her arms. “Eddie! What's wrong? What's happening to you?”
A flutter of wings raced across the moon.
A distant voice echoed in Eddie’s head, rattling his brain.
“Eddie… It’s time…Time to....Obey your master.” His eyes shot open and were consumed with a blood red radiance.