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“Erica, Erica, Erica, Erica.” A boy was yanking on her hair every single time he said her name.
“Enough!” She pushed against him.
“What, are you going to cry? Like you always do?”
“I was eight. No, I’m not going to cry over some stupid annoyance, why can’t you leave me alone?”
“Ever think there’s a reason I want annoy you?”
“Because you’re dumb?”
“No, it’s because you don’t belong here.” She looked over to him, side eye the entire way. She knew what he meant and she didn’t like it.
“I belong here just as much as you do.”
“Really? Then why is there more me than you?” He had a cocky attitude. Erica glared harder somehow.
“Every heard of rarity? Typically means I’m better than you.”
“No,” he got close to her face, “you aren’t. My dad says people like you shouldn’t even live in Hawkins.”
“Your dad sounds like a real idiot.”
“No, he sounds smart because I have to agree.”
“You agree? Is that why you’re constantly here gawking?”
“No, it’s because I’m trying to figure out how to get rid of pests like you.” Her entire spine shivered, which is exactly when Steve came in.
“Pests like her? What do you mean?” Steve came and sat next to her in the table she currently was residing in.
“Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” She asked him.
“I took ten, it’s been over an hour since I saw you.” He responded quietly to her before looking at the boy who was pestering her. “Now, what was it you were saying?” The boy had a bold face one, while Steve remained calm. Erica thought about telling Steve to go away she could handle herself, but part of her was just thankful someone on her side was here.
“She needs to leave, they all do.”
“Now, here’s where you lose me. Who is they?”
“You’ll have to explain it slow, he’s stupid.” Erica quirked her lip up.
“You know.”
“No, actually I don’t.” Steve responded.
“People like her.”
“More specific.” Steve responded.
“Don’t make me say it.” The boy lost all bravado in his voice.
“Then don’t say it, but don’t mess with her or anyone else either.”
“Or what?”
“I don’t think Chief Hopper takes to people being a racist asshole very well, at any age. Your dad included, you’re making threats. I don’t give a shit if you intent to keep them. Also, don’t touch her.”
“What?”
“I saw you pulling on her hair, don’t touch her. Keep your hands to yourself, you aren’t in kindergarten, you should know that by now I’d hope.”
“I don’t know, he’s real stupid.” Erica glared some.
“What I said stands, don’t touch her. Her friends. Her family. Anyone. Got it?” Steve is standing as he says it, offering his hand to her, she looks at him suspiciously before taking it.
“Yes… sir.” He isn’t sure what to call Steve apparently.
“That’s what I thought.” Steve seemed to be even more annoyed with the asshole somehow as him and Erica walked away.
“I didn’t need your help.” Erica says as they approach Scoops Ahoy!.
“I know you didn’t. You can handle yourself.” Steve agreed.
"So why did you help."
"I wanted too."
“Why did you come looking for me?”
“Toni said some kid was bothering you. Wanted to check it out.”
“Toni told you?”
“Yeah, and guess what, I can’t stand kids like that.”
“Lucas said you were like the biggest bully in high school.”
“I’m different now.”
“Why do some of them want me to leave?”
“You said it yourself, they’re stupid.”
“Steve, I’m not stupid and I’m not eight anymore.” Steve sighed.
“Racism.” Steve said to her as they walked into the ice cream shop, Erica already knew that, but it was the first time a grown up flat out said it to her. Or rather a grown up other than her parents or her uncle once he had one too many drinks.
“Thank you.” She said as Steve walked to the counter.
“For what?”
“Being honest. Now, can I get some ice cream because of the awful encounter I just had?” Erica smiled at him a little bit.
“Of course, two scoops of chocolate?”
“Please.” She smiled at him, she would yell at Toni later saying she could handle the asshole herself, but for now, she was cool with getting free ice cream.