Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

❝ In him I found solace. I found peace like I had never known before. He was a strange boy , but damn if he didn't make my whole world light up with just a glance.❞

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦⠀⠀♥︎⠀ ꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦

一緒⠀ BRIEF INTRODUCTION ♡!

hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to stumble upon this book and looking into it. I have brought a book today that I've been wanting to write for a long time, but circumstances have prevented me from writing. I hope to update this book as often as I can, and to provide something fun for you guys to read. My name is Aelin and I'm an adult. I've been writing since I was 14 years old, and I've been on Wattpad for more than 6 years now, but recently I transitioned to A03.

This book will be an OC reader, meaning height and appearance and name have already been chosen, though if you'd like you can insert your name into the story if you wish. If this isn't your book , then unfortunately you might want to find another book to read. This book is a slice of life, wholesome story about Eddie Munson trying to adapt to repeating his senior year for the second time in a row, while juggling his feelings for the new girl in Hawkins. Through high school drama and teenage love problems, Eddie must come to terms with his feelings and take a chance on the new girl. This is a slow burn, very detailed book , and later will contain some slightly mature content. Both my OC and Eddie are 18 or over.

Canon age for Eddie will remain 20 years old. My OC will be 18 years old and a senior in high school. There will be spoilers for Eddie's backstory that come from the book 'Flight of Icarus' by Caitlin Schneiderhan. If you have not read that book and don't plan on it, then feel free to continue. This is a spin off from the original Stranger Things season 4 plot! This means that there will be no canon season 4 plot, but rather this is just a separate spin off story, if Vecna didn't happen, or the events in ST didn't happen. With that being said please enjoy the book!

Chapter Text

┆ ⤿ 💌 ⌗ Eddie "The Freak" Munson

:: spends most of his time playing Dungeons and Dragons , his guitar, or hanging out with his band. Seen as a troublemaker (on occasion) , and deals harmless drugs like weed on the down low for some extra cash. Has a troubled past thanks to one deadbeat father, and a multitude of expectations thrown his way. Loves metal music, and being non conforming. He's loud, obnoxious, and intimidating, but a total sweetheart underneath the metal persona he gives off. He'll let himself ramble about Lord of the Rings and elfish politics in Tolkien world if you let him. He's not dumb in the slightest, but chooses not to apply himself in high school. Two time super senior with a bad reputation going onto his name, but he tries to pass school with troubles. Loves horror movies and Star Wars. Loves Metallica, Black Sabbath, Motorhead, WASP, Ratt, Whitesnakes, Scorpions, Megadeath, DIO, Motley Crue.

┆ ⤿ 💌 ⌗  Elizabeth Johnston

:: a good girl with absolutely zero motivation to step outside of the box. She considers herself a saint, simply because she stays out of trouble and doesn't partake in things teens these days do. She doesn't smoke, doesn't drink, doesn't do drugs. She's introverted and loves to spend her evenings reading. she swears on occasion, but even then she feels guilty about it. Good two shoes with the softest voice and the kindest personality in Hawkins. She's seen as naive most of the time and stupid by her peers, but she wears her heart on her sleeve. She's never done anything rebellious in her life -- she was a total angel and she plans to keep it that way (for now). Loves reading, Billy Idol, Bowie, Bananarama, Hall & Oates, Tears for Fears. She loves movies like the Labyrinth, Grease, Sixteen Candles, Footloose, and Flashdance, but she will occasionally branch out and rewatch Return of the Living Dead, even if it terrifies her. 

Chapter Text

THERE WERE ALMOST TWO THINGS I was positive of: One, Hawkins fucking sucked and it was lame. The second being I was also really fucking late for school. When the sun coming from my small window shot me in the eyes, I had sat up in bed, and it took all but 2 seconds to realize I had missed my alarm.

 It was an olympic race -- here I was, swearing up a storm using words that no 20 year old should be saying, throwing on clothes as I went. I stumbled out of my tangled sheets, tripping and falling face first on the carpet. 

A groan left my lips, but I didn't falter. I was late! If I showed up any later, my ass was grass. It didn't help that the teachers and staff in that godforsaken school already expected me to be trouble, but I didn't want to feed into it. 

My hair wasn't brushed. It never was. I made a mad dash for the door -- all but bidding my barely awake uncle a goodbye and got to my van. I haphazardly tossed my bag with my books into the passenger seat and quickly started the van. It was quick work -- I pulled out of the trailer park and headed down the street in record time. 

I knew I should slow down. The last thing I needed was another run in with the cops. I tried not to make it a habit, seeing the police officers. They seem to follow me just for breathing though, and I knew it was because of my troubled youth -- so to say. 

The windows rolled down welcomed the cool crisp autumn air that Hawkins provided. The smell of pumpkins and spice was already so close. I could smell it -- then again it was probably just a phantom smell. My radio was blasting my cassette tape -- Rainbow in the Dark by DIO. 

I was so fucked. First day after Fall break and I was already floundering . . . hard. I barely managed to park in the parking spot at the high school legally as I turned off my car and hopped out. 

My van was parked slightly crooked -- not quite in the lines, but not out either. It didn't matter. No one wanted to park next to me, the freak of Hawkins. They were all afraid that I was gonna corrupt them with my satanism ways. I didn't care about them either. 

When you've lived with a fucked up childhood and a deadbeat father who was more interested in when his next big money grab scheme was gonna happen, you tend to stop caring about what other people thought. Look at me: I was a fucking freak. The long brown messy hair, the silver rings, the white shirt with my logo of the Hellfire Club in the front. 

I wasn't exactly what the respectable adults called 'approachable', but damn was I sure of myself and confident. The Munson confidence, as my father used to say. He used to tell me that if I didn't have any to fake it until I was fooling everyone. He also told me that it didn't matter what happened in my life, but rather it was how I rise from the ashes after the destruction. It was a piece of advice that stuck with me -- lodged deep in my soul. 

It was about how I rose from the ashes after the destruction. My father wasn't stupid, even if people made him out to be. Occasionally he'd be wise, like fucking Gandalf. 

I tried to play it cool -- strolling leisurely into the school, my hands shoved into the pockets of my jeans. I pretended to just be heading to class -- no trouble -- no suspicion. I was doing a great job so far. No Principal Higgens, no Mrs. Shelby. I was home free. 

"Mr. Munson!" 

...

almost home free. Fuck me and my shitty luck. 

I turned on my Munson charm -- another trait I inherited from my deadbeat father -- as I faced Mrs. Greene. 

"Wow Mrs. Greene you look lovely today. Is that a new haircut? It's fantastic," I respond, shooting her my best 'Al Munson' smile that I tried to mimic from my father. 

Mrs. Greene shot me a look -- one that said she didn't buy it. I knew the exasperated look in her eyes told me that I was NOT gonna get let off without a lecture. 

"You're 15 minutes late. Class has started already," She started, shoving up her black glasses. "Do tell me why you're not in class?" 

I sighed, knowing I was fucked either way. 

"I missed my alarm unfortunately. I swear I wasn't trying to cut class on purpose. I just slept in late, and my alarm didn't go off -- and then my bedsheets were attacking me," I commented, coming up with the most honest excuse I could find. 

Mrs Greene stopped me with a sigh. "You're treading on thin ice Mr. Munson. This is your second year repeating senior year. The rest of us want you out of this school finally, so it would be wise if you were a little more punctual," She insisted. 

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Yeah she didn't need to remind me that I was a fucking loser -- repeating senior year again for the second time. I was 20 fucking years old and still here in this shitty school, in this shitty town, with shitty people. 

"I understand it won't happen again," I respond, not finding it in me to scoff or give attitude. I was not in the mood this morning. 

"good. I'll let you off with a warning. Get to class before the principal sees you," Mrs. Greene stated. 

She didn't have to tell me fucking twice. I gave her a two finger salute with my charming smile and left, heading to my first class of the day : Science. 

Mrs. Greene was about as annoying as can be, but I would be lying if I didn't say she didn't sort of have my back. She was the only one that sort of? looked out for me. She didn't want me to get in trouble with Higgins -- and more often than not she lectured me. I tried to let it go into one ear and out the other, but after the 4th lecture I stopped listening. 

I ignored the way the people in the classroom were scowling and staring at me like I was absolutely horrible to be around. 

"Sorry I'm late. I got caught up in things," I respond and slid into my seat. I didn't miss the way Mr. Johnson rolled his eyes, and I found myself grinning. I loved pissing off the teachers whenever I could -- just for own sick satisfaction. If I couldn't get into serious trouble, the least I could do was just be a nuisance. 

I was just glad I made it without serious consequences, but this time was the only time I'd probably ever be lucky for awhile. 

Chapter Text

I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK. Moving to a new place was always unsettling the first time. The anxiety that came with it was something I didn't want to think about, despite me feeling it. It was after Fall break, so just after August. 

It was a new school year -- and I was a senior this year. I was in the asscrack of Indiana. Before my mom even mentioned it, I never even knew that Indiana existed. I was used to the beaches in California -- the waves rolling in, the business if the city -- and the salt air that came from the ocean that we lived along the coast of. 

It was such a downgrade from where our old place was. I didn't complain though. I couldn't. My mother was doing her best acclimating and taking care of me. She was always taking care of me first, and I was always grateful. This new job was something she was excited for. She told me that California was getting too overwhelming for her. 

I knew it was because of my father.

My father wasn't the best man. He wasn't a deadbeat -- not exactly -- but he also wasn't a saint. That's what happened when a man cheats on his wife -- effectively destroying the family he had. I didn't complain during then either. I knew I had to be there for my mom, and I was. Of course she needed my support, so when she told me she got a new job in Indiana and we were moving, I didn't say anything. 

I packed up all of my belongings that could fit in the back of the moving van -- and in our own truck -- and we were off. It was a very long drive -- my mom refused to fly. She was scared of planes, and she couldn't afford the ticket cost, so we drove. It took a couple of days -- burning rubber day in and day out. 

I didn't mind road trips. I loved listening to my cassettes -- sharing food with my mom -- and stopping to sightsee occasionally. It was a good bonding moment for us. In this instance we needed it. We were both betrayed by my father -- both hurt deeply by his actions. "We only have each other now sweetheart," My mom told me when I asked. "Remember that." 

My mom was the only one that was in my corner, and I was in hers. 

After about a few days of driving nonstop -- we finally pulled up to the place that my mom had bought. I tried not to grimace - but god damn was it disappointing. I felt my heart drop, though my expression remained neutral. We went from a nice house on the beach . . .to a trailer park. 

I was fucking trailer park trash -- that's what the kids would call me. I could hear them now : Trailer park girl..

I sighed and sucked it up. I knew this was for the best. My mom just needed some time to herself, and some time to adjust. Our father took everything from us, money included. The trailer we had ended up buying was . . decent. 

"It's not bad,"I reply, carrying my boxes out of the truck bed and to the trailer. "It's spacious for a trailer." 

"Sorry sweetheart I know you're disappointed. I can read it in your demeanor," my mom -- Alice -- stated. 

"Don't be sorry mom. I never complain you know that, and I know money is tight right now,"I state, wanting to make her feel better. I stop and turn towards her. "You told me once that a home wasn't the foundation or the bricks -- it was where the heart and the people were. You're here with me -- so this is home for me." 

My mother smiled, and kissed the side of my head in a motherly way. "You're too kind for this town sweetheart. Never lose that kindness to you it's beautiful," She replied, and sidestepped me to head inside. 

I sighed internally, taking her words to heart and headed inside as well. 

We didn't have much. The moving van with all of our stuff would be here tomorrow. For now we both took the time to look around and get acclimated. The trailer was pretty spacious . . for a trailer home. It was about just under 1,300 square feet, small for the two of us but we were both pretty small girls. It had a living area -- with windows on the back wall where the TV was going to go. 

I walked out of the living space and headed to the east side -- seeing the kitchen. The kitchen was connected to the living room area. It had a counter, a table, chairs, and the basic kitchen cooking essentials, and a small window overlooking the sink. I walked out of the kitchen, turned right and headed down the narrow hallway to where the spare two rooms were. We had a bathroom -- it was small too, and had enough space for our stuff. 

My room was on the left -- while my mother's was on the right. My room was big -- with one window on the right side of where I stood in the doorway. I had a closet on the far left side. There was a desk sitting across from the doorway that was off center to it. The bed itself was a twin size bed - big enough for me. I also had a dresser and a side table with a lamp. It was pretty basic, but spacious. 

"So what do you think?" My mom asked, coming into my room. 

I didn't want to disappoint her. "I think it'll be nice," I say honestly. "When the rest of my stuff gets here I think it'll be even better. We're just two people after all. How much space do we need?" I asked, which made my mother smile. 

"Come on, let's finish unpacking and then we can order pizza for dinner," My mother declared. 

"With Mountain Dew!" I call back, and my mother agreed with a call back. I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. New year, new life, new me. This would be a good thing.

I think. 

-------------------------------------------

The high school wasn't too different than the one in California. However it was smaller, which meant everyone knew everyone. I felt like an outsider -- in my head and internally. Outside I blended in.

 My copper red curls that were bordering on intense auburn were tamed today -- pinned back with my banana clip. 1986 -- this was my senior year. I looked the part too. I tried not to showcase my nervousness on my face as I walked down the hallway,  crumbled up schedule in hand. My Jansport dark red backpack sat on my shoulders. 

I chose to wear something inconspicuous today. I settled for a pale blue and white sweater with some flower patterns and my whitewashed denim jeans. I coupled it with my white slouch socks and my reeboks that my mother saved money for. My makeup was simple : blue eyeshadow, mascara, blush and lip tint. I wore pink hoops in my ears. 

I looked back down at the schedule -- seeing my classes. Fucking hell -- I was lost. I knew I was lost when I stopped in the hallway and stared helplessly at the paper, wondering where the fuck I was at. It was too late anyways. 

The bell ringing indicated lunch time -- and the doors opened. Kids from all over poured out in waves, heading to the lunch room or leaving for lunch. I pushed past the crowds and groaned -- realizing that I just needed to find the lunch room. I wanted to ask someone, but my social anxiety said no. 

"Where the fuck is the lunch room?" I asked out loud. "and how the fuck do I read this schedule?!" 

I tried again, heading in a general direction while looking at the schedule, hoping it would give me a guide, when I ran into a solid body. 

I stumbled back - dazed, but a pair of rough calloused hands grabbed my arms and stopped me from face planting in the middle of the hallway and embarassing myself. 

I groaned and looked up -- once my initial faze wore off. 

I was looking into the most brown doe eyes in the world. They were like a warm chocolate brown, and wide -- innocent -- at least that's what I thought. All I saw was mischief and amusement in them. 

"Keep yelling at that schedule and it'll magically give you directions," He replied. His voice was smooth -- boyish -- and he had that charm there , underlying it all. 

I blinked and then got ahold of myself. I stepped back from him and fixed my sweater. It was then that I got a good look at him. He was . . intimidating to say the least. I felt my heart racing in my chest, picking up speed. 

He had long messy brown hair -- that looked like he had a natural curl pattern, but he refused to let it shine through. It was more frizzy than anything else, like he was brushing out his curls instead of taking care of them. 

He wore a black leather jacket -- one of the zippers broken on his left wrist I noticed. It was held together by chains. Over the jacket was his denim vest. The left pocket on the front held a few pins : WASP, Motorhead..

He had a white shirt on with the words HELLFIRE CLUB across the front, and there was a scary looking red demon head with what looked like a mace on side and a dice on the other. 

Those were bands I assumed. On the right side -- on his side -- held a Megadeath patch. On the left held a weird triangle patch with some symbol I didn't know. My eyes looked and noticed that he had a weird belt. It was a normal belt, but .. were those handcuffs on the front? 

Chunky silver rings, a chain on the side of his pants...

Oh fuck this guy was trouble. 

I could tell from the get go that he radiated trouble. My mother would freak the hell out if she found out I was with a delinquent like him. 

The mystery boy seemed to notice my staring, my thoughts even. 

He grinned. 

"Are you done staring at me sweetheart or do you need directions?" He asked. He was friendly, gentle. He wasn't showing his true colors yet. 

I cleared my throat and found my voice. 

"I'm fucking lost," I admit with defeat -- I was earned a laugh from him. It was warm, boyish like his voice, and full of amusement. 

"I was heading to lunch anyways. I can let you follow me, and help you with the rest of your classes," The boy stated.

He was nice, despite the delinquent vibes I was getting from him. 

I tried not to let the flush on my cheeks show as I nodded. "Thanks." 

"I'm Eddie," the boy replied, holding out his hand. 

"Eddie.." I parroted. "I'm Elizabeth." 

I took his hand to shake and then we let go. 

"Well elizabeth consider this your lucky day. You get the tour guide -- the Munson tour guide," He responded and grinned. 

I huffed at that and followed him. 

Chapter Text

I WASN'T EXPECTING ANYTHING EXCITING to happen today. After I got on a bad foot with Mrs. Greene , and sitting through the morning classes, I was finally free for lunch. 

I never wanted to get up so bad. The teachers just droned on and on and wouldn't shut up. Maybe it was just my patience finally wearing thin, but I knew that I needed to get out of there. I grabbed my bag, shoving my papers into the backpack and left, strutting down the hallway. I had two types of reactions when I walked down the hallway : Fear, and disgust. 

Yeah I was a freak. Yes I ran a dungeons and dragons club called Hellfire Club. DnD wasn't very popular right now. Hawkins and the rest of the world was going through what the newscasters were calling a 'satanic panic' -- which is just propaganda and paranoia. It was hard running a club that was feared and looked down upon. 

I didn't expect anything to happen today. I pushed past people -- not that I had to try. They fell out of my way when I walked down the hallway. As I walked, I just so happened to look down for a second. 

That was all it took before I ran into something -- or rather someone. 

I didn't stumble back as much as she did. I automatically reached out to steady her, so she didn't fall. That's when I looked at her. 

Holy fuck she was beautiful. 

She was the type of beauty that one looked, but didn't touch. Admire, but don't possess. She was naturally beautiful, even underneath that makeup. I could tell that much with how her cheeks flushed and how she looked at me. She was dressed cutely too. 

Okay so I was either A: fucking oblivious, or B: She was new here. From the swearing she was doing and glaring at her schedule, I chose to settle for option B. If she was here before I'd definitely would've run into her. 

As I looked at her again, I could feel her naiveness. It wasn't a bad thing -- but she was radiating pure energy. It was just the vibes I got. I could tell this girl hadn't done a single bad thing in her life. 

She was like a fresh deer learning to walk -- completely untouched by the world. She was an angel -- an angel that I definitely didn't deserve touching. She was so beautiful , yet too pure for me. She was too angelic for me that I felt guilty for touching someone as lovely as her. 

"Keep yelling at the schedule and maybe it'll give you directions," I joke, watching as she took me in. The longer she stared at me, the more I could see her intimidation. 

Oh fuck she was intimidated by me. Any other person and I would've played the part, but with her, I felt like I didn't need to. 

No. 

I didn't want to. 

I wanted her to see that I wasn't scary, so I put on my best smile. It seemed to ease her a little. The last thing I needed was for this angel faced new girl to assume I was a delinquent. I liked to think I was -- but as far as trouble goes, I only dealt weed to people here and vandalized every once in awhile, and definitely broke speeding laws. 

Not like my earlier youth where I got into some deep shit that left a mark on my record, but I didn't really want to dwell on those memories. Those memories consisted of the ones Al was involved in. 

"I'm Eddie," I respond, sticking my hand out for her to take. I straightened up - and watched as she tentatively reciprocated the gesture. 

"Eddie. I'm Elizabeth," She replied with a small smile, looking up at me. 

I felt a pang in my heart. 

Elizabeth. 

That was my mother's name. 

Though I was a small baby when she died, I still mourned the mother I never had. It was a loss that I hold with me. Everyone who didn't have a mother mourned or felt the loss. Still though I didn't let it dwell. Elizabeth was a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. 

My mother was a beautiful woman , or I'd  had like to hope, and so was this girl in front of me. 

I offered her to follow me to lunch and she agreed. Though I was calm on the outside , inside I was panicking. There was no way this baby face angel was following me willingly -- completely pure while I was . . not. 

I tried not to let the giddiness show. A girl was talking to me. ME. 

The only girls that talked to me ever was Ronnie, my best friend from freshman year, who was also part of my band -- or was before she left for college. 

Then there was Paige -- Paige. The name still made me roll my eyes. Paige was an intern working for some record company I got caught up with. We had a fling briefly -- and she was my first crush -- but ultimately it didn't end well and we never spoke again. 

Now Elizabeth was here, looking up at me shyly, and I felt like the king of the fucking world. I still had time to try to win her over. Maybe there was a chance to get to her and sink my claws into her before the populars got a hold of her and told her I was a freak and I was dangerous. 

It would be nice to have someone -- another friend -- who didn't call me a freak. Bonus points because she was beautiful beyond belief -- and she smelled like vanilla. It was so nice. 

I shoved my hands into my pocket and looked down at her. Play it cool Munson. Charm her. 

"So," I started. "you're new here obviously. Where are you from exactly? I mean where was your origin?" I asked. 

Damn I sounded stupid. 

I was earned a smile, and I hated how my heart did a somersault in my body. 

"California - San Fran," Elizabeth replied in that smooth soft voice of hers. I hummed in response, and I couldn't help but scoff. 

"San Fran? The big city. You're a city girl huh? So why the hell would you move to a shitty place like Hawkins?" I asked, unable to stop myself. 

I knew that I should've tried to be welcoming, to spout bullshit about how nice everyone was here, but fuck no. No one was ever nice to me outside of my buddies and my uncle Wayne. 

She sighed softly, and I could tell something weighed on her. 

"My mom got a job here. She said that Cali was too overwhelming for her so we made the move," she replied. I nodded. 

That was fair. I couldn't help but wonder why as I opened the door to the cafeteria for her. I ignored the way everyone was scowling and shooting my filthy looks, and looks of surprise and confusion at Elizabeth. 

It was because she was hanging with me, the freak. Yeah I didn't care about that either. 

"Overwhelming huh?" I asked. I was so inquisitive -- and curious about this girl surprisingly. I told myself it was because she was new, and she was beautiful : both traits that made me notice. 

"Yeah that's it," She replied, going through the lunch line and getting her oddly concerning food that the ladies handed out.

 I would never touch the cafeteria food -- it was probably a biohazard, but I didn't say anything as I trailed behind her. 

"So what, your mom just takes a job in the middle of the US and boom you're all packed and leaving?" I asked, wanting to know more. 

She shot me a look, a scowl , my I immediately regretted my words. Great job Munson. 

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry. I'm just curious about you pretty girl," I respond -- the pet name falling from my lips before I could stop and think. 

I was rewarded with her cheeks flaming up and she looked shy. Internally I smirked. 

This girl was too innocent. A simple pet name like that had her turning redder than a strawberry. It was endearing and I wanted to make her blush again. 

"It's alright," she responds finally. She followed me like a lost puppy. She probably didn't know where to sit. I didn't want to take her to our Hellfire table. 

I felt like I wasn't ready to throw her into the table full of guys who talked about nerdy DnD shit, so I did what the others were surprised to see : 

I sat at an empty table across from her -- and placed my hands underneath my chin. 

"So what really happened? If I was in California I'd probably stay there. There's more opportunities there than there are in Hawkins," I state. 

Elizabeth pushed her hair back from her face and rubbed her hands together underneath the table. 

Anxiety. Those were small tell tell signs of anxiety. She must be an introvert. 

"My father and my mother had a falling out," she finally revealed. "It's called my father went behind our backs and had an affair. It broke my mom and our family apart, so she took a job as far away as possible and we made the move," She replied casually. 

Ah yes, the classic cheating story. Infidelity wasn't uncommon, especially in marriages. My home life was certainly no walk in the park. With a dead mom, a felon for a father, and an uncle who worked overnights at a factory, I understood what it was like. 

"That must suck for your mom. Sorry for her I hope she's gonna get through this," I respond. 

Elizabeth waved me off with her perfectly manicured fingers. "It's alright we're dealing with it." 

I paused, trying to think about what else I wanted to tell her, or rather ask of her. 

"How are you liking it so far?" I asked. I chose the safe route. 

She looked at me -- for a moment or two -- long enough to blink twice and then answered. 

"Not . . .horrible," she responded. "I didn't get out much. I just moved in the other day. It was over the weekend actually, so I haven't explored Hawkins yet." 

It was my turn to blink now and stare. 

"No exploring huh? Well what if I showed you around?" I asked, before I could stop myself. "I know all the best spots in Hawkins -- good diners, arcades. We can look around if you want." 

I could see her hesitation. It made me tilt my head and stare. 

I knew what she was thinking. I was a delinquent. 

I sighed and grinned. "No worries sweetheart it was only a suggestion. Wouldn't want a pretty face like you being seen hanging with a freak like me. You'll find that this town hates me. I'm what the adults call trouble," I joke. 

I didn't get a laugh, but I got cute furrowed brows and a look of contemplation. 

"Why are you a freak and hated on?" she asked finally. 

The big question. 

Oh boy I could have a field day with this. Good old trauma dumping on the new girl if I wanted to. I wasn't gonna do that though. Instead I leaned back and placed my hands behind my head. 

"Oh you know , just the fact that I play Dungeons and Dragons and listen to metal music. I'm loud and obnoxious and dress like a metalhead, so I'm automatically called a freak," I state. 

Elizabeth scrunched up her nose -- and she paused. "There's nothing wrong with that," She finally stated. "You like what you like. DnD is an RPG board game right? That's not scary or freaky, and metal music is a genre that's nice," She added. 

I paused, surprised by her take on this stuff. She knew DnD was a board game. She wasn't judging though. 

God this girl was pure -- she was so kind and wore her heart on her sleeve. 

"You're the only one outside my circle to think so pretty girl," I respond. 

Another blush. 

"I'm not one to judge. You like what you like and if it makes you happy don't apologize for it. You should never apologize for being yourself," She stated, spitting wisdom like fucking Gandalf. 

This girl was gonna kill me. I grinned . She was like a breath of fresh air in this conservative town. 

"You're really kind sweetheart. It's like a rare thing around here," I state. 

"Kindness can go a long way. I don't judge until I get to know them," She responded. 

That was the fucking truth. Those were the ideal thoughts and behavior I wish more people had. 

"I wish everyone thought like you," I say simply. 

Chapter Text

MY MOTHER USED TO TELL ME to not judge a book by its cover. Some of the most scary and boring books could hold the most beautiful contents. It's what made me take a courageous step and talk to the boy in front of me. 

He looked older than me - older than the other high schoolers. Then again all of the high school boys were tall and mature looking. Once my initial intimidation over him ceased, I realized how fucking cute he was. 

He stared at me with brown doe eyes that had to be illegal -- and when he smile he had dimples on the sides of his cheeks -- his white teeth with slightly pointed canines. It was cute. 

He was cute. 

What the hell was going on with me? Why did I find him so cute? Why did I flush when he calls me pretty girl and sweetheart? My taste in men weren't him that was for sure. I would go for guys that look like Tom Cruise -- or Billy Idol. Not Eddie. 

Yet that didn't matter. I knew looks were temporary. Everyone on this moving rock born and died -and life moved on. One day all of us would be in the sky -- gone from this earth. It was a depressing thought to think about, but I was a realist. There was no point in trying to deny the inevitable. 

Maybe this new life would help me branch out and meet new people -- more specifically Eddie. I looked him over and bit the inside of my cheek. 

"Do you always welcome new kids with this much attention?" I asked. 

I was earned a grin. "Fuck no I don't. My motto in life is to pretty much shut up and stay out of trouble -- though I struggle with both," He responds, which made me smile. 

"You're getting special treatment sweetheart. I treat all the women with respect," He stated. 

It was nice to know that his mother raised him right. 

"Rare these days among our youth," I joked. 

"Super rare. I guess I'm pretty special huh?" He asked back and his tone was of lighthearted humor. 

"Let's not go that far," I shoot back. 

"You wound me princess and here I thought we were being friends." 

I huffed. "Not a chance -- not yet at least." 

Eddie shrugged. "Fair enough. I shall impress the young maiden. I got all the time in the world," He declared, making me grin. He was goofy -- he had humor, and I liked that in a boy.  

"So what's that on your shirt?" I inquire. 

Eddie looked down and beamed. "It's for my club. We're pretty awesome. We play DnD every Thursday in the band room. We were kicked from the auditorium. It's not popular among the conservatives," Eddie stated. "It's just a bunch of nerds who sit around and role play essentially and roll dice." 

"Sounds geeky," I respond. 

"We're fun geeks though. You should check us out," He declared. 

I faltered. "I don't know . . . I don't know anything about the game, and I'm still settling in. It's my first week here. besides I'm not very social," I respond, rubbing my arm. 

He could probably pick up my unease vibes, so he backed off. "No worries sweetheart. I run it every Thursday so when you finally get settled you should stop by. I make a great DM," he boasted. 

It made me smile. "You look like you'd be into theatrics," I respond. 

"On the nose. Of course every game needs a theatric DM," Eddie stated. 

I chuckled at that. 

Eddie smirked, and looked me over, and I felt ...timid under his gaze. It was like he was picking me apart with his gaze alone. It both made me nervous and made my stomach flutter with an unknown feeling. 

"You look like a goody two shoes," He finally replied. 

I blinked, and my first reaction was to take offense, but I couldn't. It was fucking true. I really was a goody two shoes. Instead of getting offended I groaned. 

"What gave it away?" I asked. 

Eddie grinned. "Oh nothing crazy...just the way you dress and how you look. I can tell you haven't caused trouble a day in your life," He stated. 

"That's not true," I rebuke, though it was true. I always kept to myself. I didn't smoke, didn't drink, didn't party. I didn't run off with friends, didn't socialize much, didn't cause trouble. 

"Really?" He asked. "I bet you've never so much as touched alcohol either. Never smoked or partied too hard you ended up retching in the bushes?" He joked. 

My nose scrunched up involuntarily -- and he laughed -- a warm and inviting one. 

"I knew it. You're so pure sweetheart," He responded. 

I scowled now. "I don't like the condescension in your tone," I respond. 

Eddie smiled, and shook his head. "That's not a bad thing sweetheart. Hell it's a good thing. You know how many girls here are like you? None. you're a breath of fresh air. I feel like flowers should grow behind you wherever you walk," he joked. 

My cheeks colored. 

"Don't be so dramatic. I can be troublesome if I wish," I state, and even then the words felt foreign on my tongue. 

Eddie looked me over. "Sure thing pretty girl -- and I'm a saint." 

We were both lying and we knew that. The bell rang, indicating lunch was over. I hadn't even touched it. 

"You probably shouldn't eat the school lunch anyways. It's like one step away from being a biohazard," Eddie responded. 

I found myself laughing slightly at the joke, and he smile down at me. I tossed my tray and then followed him out. 

"You said you'd help me with my classes," I reminded. 

Eddie pretended to forget. 

"I did?" He asked -- and then laughed. "Just kidding of course I did. Yeah I can help you out." 

I was thankful that he was kind enough to show me where my classes were. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

"How was your first day of school sweetheart?" My mother asked me when I entered the small trailer that was starting to grow on me. I closed the door behind me and hung my bag and jacket up on the hanger next to the door. 

"It was good. It wasn't horrible, and I met a friend today," I respond casually, heading to the counter where my mother was making dinner. It was the start of one though. I coudl tell we were limited on food options, and I felt guilty. We were struggling. 

"A friend? Do tell what are they like?" My mom asked, cutting up some celery on the cutting board. I watched the knife go up and down in a rocking motion back and forth for a few seconds before answering. 

"He's . . . nice," I state, placing my hands in front of me. "He's tall, and slightly intimidating at first glance, but he helped me find my classes and sat with me at lunch. We talked about our interests," I state. 

My mom paused. "Who's this boy?" She asked. 

I sighed. "Someone named Eddie," I state. 

My mom paused. I could feel the pause, and the knife stilled. I wondered why. 

"Is his last name Munson?" My mother asked. 

I shrugged. "I guess so. I never asked for a last name, but there's not many Eddies in Hawkins, so I think." 

"I would pick a different friend sweetheart," My mother replied. "Some of the women at work say he's a troubled kid. Heard his father did some fucked up shit and Eddie went to Juvy for awhile." 

I frowned. My mother always told me not to judge a book by its cover. Eddie going to Juvy though? I wanted to laugh and immediately rebuke it. 

"You told me not to judge a book by its cover. He's nice. He made me feel less lonely," I reply. 

My mother sighed. "Generally that's true sweetheart, but you'll come to realize that sometimes you can tell what the contents of the book are just by looking at the cover," she declared. 

It made me fall silent. 

"Come on wash up for dinner. I'm making chicken soup," My mom stated and turned her back. 

I didn't say anything, but I did as she asked. 

Chapter Text

"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU CHATTING UP THE NEW GIRL?" 

Gareth's words were quick in my ear as both he and Jeff found me leaning against my van, enjoying a cigarette. I didn't usually smoke unless I felt like it, and today just seemed like the day to smoke. I took my time, taking a drag from the stick and sighed, the smoke coming out with it. "Why not?" I asked, as if that was a good enough answer. "She's cute -- too cute and way too damn naive and nice for her own good." 

"And out of our circle," Jeff states, reminding me what circle we were in. In high school there were cliques -- we called them circles.

 First there were the popular kids circle : Those typically held cheerleaders and basketball players. There were the party circles, which included the kids that partied hard on the weekends and were hung over the next day. There was the science circle, and the drama circle, the band circle, and finally the freak circle. 

I fell into the last category. The freak circle was for the non conformists whom society didn't want to interact with. If you didn't look a certain way, acted a certain way, and were into odd things, you were labeled as a freak in that circle. 

"She's new she hasn't established a circle yet," I respond, holding my cigarette in between my fingers. 

"Yet is the key word," Gareth replied, shoving his hands into his pockets. "She's pure man. She's like pure as snow, and beautiful. It's like someone sent an angel down with a baby face called Elizabeth. I don't think she'll fit into our circle. I saw Jason and Patrick already eyeing her like candy at lunch," He commented. 

My jaw clenched. Fucking Jason Carver. I called him Jason 'the douche' Carver in my head. He's always been plotting my downfall. It was in freshman year that he was trailing behind a young Tommy H and Carol and a couple of other older kids. They bullied me relentlessly, and when Tommy H and Caro graduated Jason stepped up and bullied me. It's a never ending cycle. 

Still though, to know someone like Jason was eyeing Elizabeth - -it left my stomach feeling nauseous and made my heart falter. 

"She won't go that way," I state, realizing that I hadn't said anything in awhile. "She's the type to not judge until she knows a person, and I guarantee that as soon as Jason shows his colors, she'll be disgusted by him." 

At least I hoped. 

"Yeah just like how Chrissy was -- but they're still together," Gareth stated. 

Chrissy. She was the head cheerleader. She was another popular -- one I was familiar with. There was once upon a time where I sort of liked her. She was cute, and she had it going on for her. I watched her in the middle school talent show doing her cheerleading routine and I liked her then. Now I don't, but Chrissy was still nice. 

"The poor girl doesn't deserve Jason. She's looking at him with rose colored glasses on," I comment, finally putting out my cigarette. It was ruined anyways. 

"Yeah and how do you know Elizabeth won't end up the same way?" Gareth asked. "All I'm asking is that you be careful. You know what happened last time with-" He stopped. 

I knew he was going to say Paige -- mention her name. I released a sigh. Elizabeth wasn't like that. Then again there was once a time when I thought Paige wasn't like that either, but I was wrong. 

"Just trust me guys. She's not bad. I'd like to get to know her a little more before I make the final verdict on her," I declare. 

"If you say so boss man," Gareth joked, which made me elbow him playfully. 

"Get the hell out of here. We'll get in trouble by Higgens for loitering," I joke, pulling open my van door. Both of the boys left. I climbed into my van and started it. It came to life, and I pulled out of the parking lot to go home for the day. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wayne wasn't home when I pulled into the lot. Of course he wasn't home. He worked overnight shifts at the factory. That man was pushing past 55, and he was still working. I didn't blame him. He was working to keep us financially 'ok' -- I didn't complain.

 Wayne was like the father I never had. He stepped up and shoved Al away from me when my father didn't do shit to take care of me. I owed Wayne everything for being the man I was today. 

I headed to the fridge, opened it up and was happy to see that there was a Mt. Dew waiting for me. I grabbed it without thinking -- along with a bag of chips, and headed to my room to fuck around and work on my guitar. 

I was so desperately trying to finish the Master of Puppets solo. It was such a good track, and I longed to play it front to back without screwing up. I was so close to doing it too -- I just fumbled here and there. 

I'll do it in a few minutes is what I told myself as I turned on my little FM radio -- tuning into the metalhead channel where they played all of my music. With that playing I threw myself on my bed and kicked off my shoes before I cracked open my drink. It was cool and refreshing from this heat. 

Leisurely I flipped open a magazine I was looking at before I left for school. It was just a rock magazine, showcasing all the new looks and instruments I couldn't afford as well as bands that I was into. I listened to some Ozzy they were playing, flipping through the magazine. 

The radio was low enough that I could hear stuff outside. I heard a door across from me slam shut -- followed by a dog barking and some swearing. 

Curiosity got the best of me - so I dropped my magazine and poked my head out of the little curtain that was on my window. It was a small 8 x 8 window, but I could still see. I saw a car -- a familiar car. 

huh. 

For as long as I could remember, there was one trailer that remained vacant for a few years. No one was interested in buying it. It was because no one liked to be seen living in a trailer park. 

Except for me of course, and my uncle. We were both over the judgements, and everyone had a different living situation, so why be embarrassed? Still though it surprised me that someone bought the trailer. 

There was a joke going around the trailer park that a long time ago, some girl there got butchered by a psycho, and her ghost along with the psycho's haunted that trailer. There were rumors that late at night they'd hear the windows rattle and cabinets closing. 

I laughed it off. It was just a rumor, but 12 year old me at the time was scared shitless. I knew it wasn't real though. I know because I had personally looked into the trailer history, and found it clean. It was built maybe 15 years ago -- and a nice couple had owned it before they moved out. 

I set my drink down and walked out of my room to the living room -- where there was a bigger window. NOW I could see outside clearly. I poked my head out of the curtains -- like any nosey neighbor would. 

There was no way. I faltered, and rubbed my eyes comically as I looked again. Elizabeth was moving in across from me?? I looked -- stared so hard I thought I was seeing things, but not a chance. Elizabeth came out of the trailer -- carrying her bag, and she was waving her mother off -- probably to her job. 

My heart raced. 

Pretty girl angel face was a trailer park girl. I wasn't meaning it in a trashy or demeaning way. No, I saw this as an opportunity. It was like fate was handing her to me. What were the odds that she was talking to me earlier, and now she was my neighbor? 

I didn't want to bother her, but I couldn't pass the opportunity. I nervously fixed myself in the TV's reflection, preening and making sure I didn't look like a mess -- before I walked out of my trailer. 

"Hey pretty girl," I greet from across the lot, leaning against the unstable metal pole that held up part of my trailer overhang. 

Elizabeth jumped -- and when she looked at me I could tell she was puzzled and equally as surprised. 

"Eddie? What the hell are you doing here?" She asked. 

I grinned. "I could ask you the same thing. I swore a girl like you had a cozy home at the end of the Cul De Sack -- but here you are, slumming it with degenerates like me," I joke. 

Elizabeth laughed at that, and she grinned. "Yeah that's about right. I am slumming it here aren't I?" She asked. "Nah I just moved. Looks like we're neighbors," She stated. 

"looks like it. Hey don't come knocking on my door when my guitar bothers you," I comment. 

She looked at me then, and she seemed surprised. "Oh of course you play guitar. What are you, like the designated peace destroyer of the trailer park?" She asked. 

she had humor, just like me. 

"I wear it as a fucking badge of honor," I state. 

She smiled. "I'm sure you do. I got homework to do -- I reckon so do you. Don't be a degenerate and do it," She responded teasingly and headed inside. 

I scoffed, and grinned. "not a chance sweetheart. With a girl like you next door I bet you'll remind me to be good every day!" I call out. 

I was earned the middle finger from her, which made me laugh. I shook my head and headed inside again with the biggest smile on my face. 

Chapter Text

WHAT WERE THE ODDS? Eddie being my neighbor when I just met him today. It was funny to me, but also not at the same time. Of course he would be my neighbor. It was like this place was trying to give me a friend. I tried not to dwell on it for too long. 

I just turned over in my bed -- turned up my record player -- and listened to Journey playing. Wheel in the Sky by Journey was playing.

 It was one of my mom and I's favorite. I turned it up all the way and closed my eyes, just listening to the music -- to the lyrics and how they made me feel. 

I remember back when I was a kid, my mother would sing it all the time. She would take my hand and dance with me spinning me around as she sang. It was a good memory for me, and it was my favorite song -- one of them at least. It held good memories. 

Wheel in the sky keeps on turning. I don't know where I'll be tomorrow

My entire childhood I remember being happy. How much of that was my father deceiving us? How many years has he been seeing his side piece? 

While my mother was home with me, cleaning and doing everything, my father was off cheating. It made my heart hurt. I tried not to dwell on it for too long. 

The familiar stinging of my eyes told me I was about to cry. I pressed my heels of my hands to my eyes and tried to stop myself. The fucker didn't deserve my tears. My bastard father didn't deserve my mother or myself either. 

I sat up and listened intently to the song. It was something I held close. The lyrics were true too -- I don't know where I'll be tomorrow, or the next day, but the wheel in the sky never stopped turning. 

I lowered the volume to the album I was listening to and got up. I needed fresh air. I shoved my hands in my pockets and walked outside of the trailer, moving to sit down on the steps. It was dark out now -- the sun was gone, and the moon was full.

 The sky held stars -- so many. I looked up at it. I wondered if my father was looking at the same stars and regretting what he did -- maybe he regretted getting caught. 

The stars were always beautiful to me. They were so pretty to look at -- but so far away. The concept of space always fascinated me. There was a whole universe -- galaxies even -- that made us look like ants, and I was fascinated with it. 

"Can't sleep?" I heard a familiar voice ask. 

I looked down at the voice -- and I saw Eddie standing there -- with his messy brown hair, his faded DIO shirt on. He had no rings on -- no chains. He was just simple and plain. I liked it. 

"Nah couldn't. Could you?" I asked softly. 

Eddie smiled and shook his head. "I'm what you'd call a night own sweetheart. My bedtime is 2 AM at the earliest," He joked. I smiled at that, and moved over, letting him take a seat next to me. It was silent for awhile. 

"Do you do it too?" Eddie asked. 

"Do what?" 

"Stargaze when you're upset or in a bad mood," Eddie stated. 

I frown at that. "How'd you know?" I asked. 

Eddie shrugged, and he looked sheepish now. "Because my life is full of bad hands dealt, so I know a thing or two about decompressing," He stated. "Usually I'd smoke -- but I'm sure you'd tell me to turn to God if I pull one out now," He added. 

I chuckled -- because it was so absurd, yet not at the same time. 

"You're making me out to be this bible loving nun in training," I state. 

Eddie grinned. "Can't help it sweet girl. You're just too easy to tease." 

I roll my eyes at that. Eddie nudged me. "So are you gonna tell me why you're out here? You know it's not safe for girls -- especially beautiful ones -- to be all alone, ripe for the picking," He stated. 

I huffed and found myself smiling. "Are you saying that there's a chance I'll be kidnapped?" I asked. 

"Oh yeah definitely. Snatched right up. You should watch your back. Anyone could kidnap you," He joked. 

"So maybe I shouldn't be with you then," I comment. "You know stranger danger and all that. I only knew you for one day," I added. 

"Hey we bonded over lunch. I'm not that dangerous," He stated with a smirk. "On occasion I'll speed so it's best not to get in the car with me, but I haven't killed anyone yet." 

I nudged him and then sighed. 

"Nope not gonna tell you why I'm out here just yet," I respond. 

Eddie hummed. "Fair enough." 

He pulled out a cigarette pack and placed one in between his lips. It was automatic. I grimaced, scrunching up my nose. 

I took it from him and threw it on the ground before he could light it up. "You'll get cancer and die from those," I comment. 

Eddie grinned like a cheshire cat at me. "Are you worried for my wellbeing princess?" He asked. 

I huffed at that. "No I'm just worried you'll contribute to the cigarette youth death count,"I state, which made him laugh, his dimples showing. 

"Oh I see, just for a number then. I'm surprised you touched that sweetheart. Bet that was your first time touching one," He joked. 

I huffed. "so what if it is?" I asked. "I don't smoke. I don't drink. I don't make a habit of doing things that'll get my mom upset,"I admit. 

"My mom would probably be the same way -- if she was around," Eddie huffed. He didn't elaborate, and I didn't ask either. 

There was a mutual agreement between us that we wouldn't pry into each other's lives -- not yet at least. 

Maybe it was the peacefulness of the night, or something else, but I spoke up. "My mother's friends said you went to Juvy when you were a kid. Is that true?" I asked. 

I could see the look in Eddie's eyes change. It was like his demeanor shifted, and I regretted asking. "sorry I was just curious-" I started. 

"Would you still hang out with me if I gave the honest answer?" He asked finally, which made my words falter. I stare at him -- wide eyed. 

He was asking me with seriousness. 

"I don't think . . that your actions necessarily define your morals or your character," I reply finally. 

He paused, and then smiled slightly. "Do you want the truth sweetheart?" He asked. 

I didn't say anything. I didn't want to, because a part of me was scared to find out, and another wanted me not to pry. I was scared he'd say yes -- that my mother would stop our friendship before it can even start, but I also wanted honesty. 

"Only if you're comfortable with it," I reply finally. 

Eddie huffed at that. "You're too kind for this place." 

I've heard that before -- from my mom. 

"To answer your question, no I didn't go to juvy," Eddie replied, and I found myself releasing a breath I didn't realize I was holding. He looked down and tugged at some grass sheepishly. 

"I did a lot of things -- petty things -- but I never went to Juvy. Hopper stopped me from going. Said I was a good kid and I didn't need to fill the expectations people were wanting me to, so I didn't." 

I frowned. "What expectations are those?" I asked. 

Eddie looked up at me. He grinned. "That I'd live up to my bad last name. I told you I'm not exactly a saint -- and it's true. Then again neither was my father. Ask anyone and they'll tell you my father was a no good man." 

I sighed. "I understand in the father department," I state. "My father was harboring a side piece -- a mistress for years while deceiving my mom , so yeah I understand having deadbeats." 

Eddie tilted his head. "I never understood infidelity. If you love a woman -- a person -- you should treat them like they're priceless. I don't understand how someone would cheat on someone they claim to love." 

I shrugged. "I don't have the answer either," I state. 

Eddie sighed. "Well . . . here's to us then : Two trailer park kids, slumming it out here, with deadbeat dads. Different social circles-" He comments. 

"Shared trauma?" I asked, finishing his sentence. Eddie grinned at that. 

"Fuck yeah we have shared trauma. That's good bonding material right there," He remarked. 

I grinned at that, and continued to sit with him in silence for a few more hours. 

Chapter Text

I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH HER. I wasn't usually a very perceptive guy. hell it took Dustin about 4 times to say the same thing before I caught on. With her however, I caught on too quick. I could see the way she frowned -- the way she looked at the sky, and I knew something bugged her. It was why I went out and bothered her to begin with. 

The night ended in my favor. I don't know -- I felt like I was bonding with her. It was only the first day of hanging with her, no more like the second -- and I felt like she could see me.

 Not the freak, not Al Munson's son, not the troublemaker, but as me , Eddie. The same Eddie that liked playing guitar, that holed himself up in his room, working on DnD stuff, playing guitar, or reading Lord of the Rings. It was nice being seen as just Eddie. 

I felt like this was the first time I was actually coming back for more with a girl. With Paige it was more out of convenience, and right place right time, but recently I found myself looking out of my window constantly -- waiting around for her. Instead of her approaching me, I was actively seeking her out -- even in school. 

I saw her all week. I tried to keep her away from the populars, but then Sarah and a few cheerleaders were talking to her -- crowding her in the lunchroom, and my gaze fell short. My shoulders drop. 

Ah fuck. 

The wolves got her and were eating her whole right now. I tried at least to keep her away. I was so sure she was gonna go off with them --- to sit at their table. 

I tried not to let it bother me as I listened to Jeff, Gareth, and Mike stress about this test they didn't study for, and how their mothers were gonna rip them a new one if they failed. 

The table fell silent -- and I felt a chair being pulled out and sitting next to me. I looked up from my pretzels, and saw Elizabeth sitting next to me -- at the freaks table --  my  table.

 It felt good. Fuck I felt like a peacock fluffing my feathers trying to get her attention and flying when it worked. The boys at the table fell silent, staring at her like she was foreign. 

It bothered me. "Guys she's just a girl, she's not a monster. Have some manners,"I spoke up. It seemed to snap the boys out their surprises.

 Slowly they went back to talking about their mundane things -- but I was focused on her. I always was these days. 

"Thought the wolves have gotten you," I joke, unable to resist. 

"Almost," She responds. "I didn't like the vibes they were giving off. It's like groupies -- I don't like bullies," she commented. 

Of course she didn't. She was too kind, too pure for me, and for my freak circle, but maybe that's why I wanted her to stay. I was latching onto something wholly good when nothing in my life was good. 

"You have good intuition," I respond as I opened mylunchbox and pulled out my drink. She side eyed it -- and her nose scrunched up playfully when she saw the suspicious sack of what I dealt. 

"It's clearly falling short lately I fear," she joked, and I closed the box, my cheeks heating up. She was just joking I knew that, but I still felt guilty. Maybe it was because I didn't want to disappoint her. 

She seemed to catch my vibes. 

"i was joking," she responded. "I don't care what you do. Anything to make money yeah?" she asked, nudging me. I sighed in relief and nodded slowly. 

"yeah," I respond. 

She smiled at that -- and opened up her water. "I came by to ask you if maybe you'd like to give me that tour of Hawkins this weekend?" She asked. 

I faltered in my tracks. She was asking me to hang out with her outside of school? I stared at her, trying to weigh if she was serious or not. she stared back at me, and I knew she was. 

I gulped, and tried to contain my boyish fluttering nerves. "Really? You'll take me up on my offer? Wow I'm offered to be joined by a fair maiden like yourself this weekend," I commented. 

She chuckled at that, and I wanted to be the only thing she smiled  and laughed at. Hell I'd be her jester if she let me. 

As pathetic as that sounded, I knew it was true. This girl was changing me -- I still didn't know if it was for better or for worse, but right now I wasn't mad at the progress being made between us. 

"So how does Saturday sound?" I ask casually, trying to be subtle about the hope I felt when she asked. I didn't let it show on my face, but I also wanted to see if she was gonna agree. 

She gave me a hum. "Saturday works," she responds finally. 

I smirked. I knew all the good hang out spots that she would love, so Saturday was gonna be easy for me. It would also be the first time I've hung out with a girl outside of Paige and Ronnie. 

"Great I'll pick up at around 10," I respond, hoping that this wasn't too early of a time, but too late either. 

She didn't complain, and I sighed in relief. 

----------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do you know what you're doing?" 

The question came from Jeff, who was more than a little concerned about the friendship between Elizabeth and I. I gave him a look. I wasn't exactly annoyed, but it was slowly creeping up there. "Of course I do." 

"Really? the new girl is hitting you up and asking to hang out with you already? How do you do it?" he asked. 

"Do what?" 

"Get a girl to like you," Jeff replied. 

I shrugged and looked down at the parking lot pavement. "I don't know. Up until recently I didn't think I was likable to anyone in this school. The last girl that ever gotten involved with me was-" 

"Paige I know, but even then I hated her. She was too stuck up for her own good, just because she was an intern for a big shot company," Jeff stated, and I had to agree.

 Then again it was when I was at my lowest : I was making a gig with my father, and shit was hitting the fan when I was with her. 

"Elizabeth is better than Paige you know this -- although she's a little on the innocent naive side," Jeff commented. 

I huffed. "That's not a bad thing. If anything I think it's great that a girl like her isn't getting involved in all the crazy shit we do these days," I state. 

"You just gotta be careful around her. I don't mean that she's gonna hurt you, I mean since she's new and all maybe you should , I don't know , shield her from some thing," Jeff suggested. 

"Shield?" I asked. 

Jeff nodded. "Yeah. You know how the high school boys get. Hell even the popular basketball boys are looking at her. You know what happens when guys see a beautiful innocent girl like her? Two things run through their minds: They want to dominate and control. I'm just saying that if Jason gets ahold of Elizabeth, he'll probably see her as some sort of challenge to conquer -- like how fast can he ruin that naive and innocence to her," Jeff pointed out. 

It left a bad taste in my mouth. The crazy part is? He was right. When guys my age saw a girl like Elizabeth -- who was kind and wore her heart on her sleeve, who was pretty and innocent, they wanted to corrupt and control.

 It was just a male thing. I for one, never had that urge in my entire life. I guess my mom instilled her good morals inside of me, even if I didn't know her for very long. I've always grown up respecting women though. 

Wayne would slap the shit out of me I were to ever disrespect one. 

"Women run this world Eddie my boy. You may not know it yet, but without women this world would probably go to shit. They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and kindness. You should never ever hit a woman either. Don't yell at them or demean them. Remember to be kind. They're strong, but not strong enough to fend off some of the shit they deal with every day," 

That's what Wayne told me when I was a teen -- around 16. It stuck with me ever since. 

"Jason is with Chrissy," I respond finally. "Look Jason may be a douche and a grade A asshole, but he would never cheat on Chrissy. That much I'm certain of, even if it gags me," I state. 

"You're right about that, but what about the other boys on the basketball team? Or just the popular boys in general? What if someone like Billy Hargrove got ahold of Elizabeth?" Jeff asked. 

Billy. I vaguely knew him, but I was just entering high school when he came around. He was an asshole too, and often treated women like they were just bodies to accumulate. He called women bitches, and it always made me annoyed. 

"That's never gonna happen," I state. 

"Why not?" 

I sighed. 

"Because I would beat the hell out of anyone who ever dare to disrespect Elizabeth," I state, and honestly that was the most truthful statement that I ever said before. 

Chapter Text

I'VE NEVER GIVEN MUCH THOUGHT ON HOW TO TALK TO A BOY. I just open my mouth and speak usually, when I have the courage. That creeping anxiety in me always makes me feel like I'm losing control, like I'm being swallowed.

 Some days it's so extreme my chest feels tight and I can't breathe. Other times it makes me nauseous even though I'm not sick. For me, my anxiety has the same feeling that one gets when they're forced to speak in a public crowd. It's that static nerves, that turning stomach, like you're a junkie on Adderall. 

With Eddie I still feel that. It's still there, but it's not as extreme. 

When I asked him to show me around Saturday I didn't think much of it. Eddie had this demeanor to him, this presence. It was this type of presence that made someone feel comfortable, like you didn't need to do or say anything that would be awkward.

 He didn't make it awkward. It was a calming and relaxing presence, so when Saturday rolled around I didn't think much of it. 

Eddie showed up at around 10, just like he said he would. It wasn't hard, because he was quite literally my neighbor. I had to laugh when he just crossed the lot in the trailer park and showed up at my trailer. 

I didn't know what to wear today, so I just settled for the standard  whitewashed jeans and a simple beige shirt with a black neckline that had The Smiths logo on it. I grabbed my dark red jacket and threw it on as Eddie showed up. 

"Hey, you ready?" Eddie asked. 

"Yeah," I reply. 

"Who's at the door dear?" My mom asked, walking towards the front. 

"Eddie. He's here to show me around Hawkins," I respond. 

My mom's reaction wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't pleasing either. My mother looked him over with what I could only call reluctance. I could tell that her friends from work were corrupting her on Eddie, but she still tried to remain optimistic. 

"Hi," Eddie greeted. "i'm just gonna hang out with her today, if that's fine," Eddie replied, giving my mom one of his charming smiles he perfected. 

"Sure," My mom replied, and she seemed more inclined to welcome Eddie now. "Just make sure she's home before 10." 

"Of course," Eddie states. I looked back at my mom before following Eddie to his van. He opened the passenger door and held out his hand for me to take. I took it like he offered and got into the passenger seat of the van. 

It was all very him. There were cassettes scattered throughout the van, some band equipment in the back with some busted amps. There was the shoe box full of just metal cassettes, some DnD books, his school bag, and papers everywhere. It was a chaotic yet organized mess. 

"Sorry for the mess. Didn't really think this through," Eddie responds as he started the van. 

"It's alright I don't mind it," I reply, reassuring him. 

I looked through his cassettes while he drove out of the trailer park. He had so many metal cassettes that I never listened to, not really. Eddie looked over at me, and smiled. 

"Not a fan of metal huh? Figures. You look like the type to listen to Madonna," He comments. 

I huffed at that. "Actually I don't really listen to Madonna much,"I state. 

It made Eddie raise an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What do you listen to then?" He asked. 

"Billy Idol, Bowie, Hall and Oates, Tears for Fears...but I will listen to Bananarama occasionally," I state. 

"Billy Idol? The one that always  gets freaky on stage?" Eddie asked, and laughed now. It made my cheeks flush. Yeah it was funny. 

"He has good music," I rebuke. "And he's attractive." 

Eddie grinned. "Oh I see your type now. You like the conventionally attractive guys that are confident and have a nice voice huh?" He asked. 

I cleared my throat and rolled my eyes. "No,"I deny, and he knew I was bullshitting him. 

"Still though -- Billy I can get behind. Everyone else is questionable," Eddie states. "Then again you like what you like -- to quote you." 

He was quoting me. 

"So where are we going?" I asked. 

That got Eddie back on track. "Well sweetheart I figure I'd take you to one of the best diners around for breakfast, and then we can scout out the arcades. Those are important to know. We can also hit up the vinyl store to look around. There's a couple of other spots I can show you in Hawkins too that aren't full of kids," Eddie states. 

"Sure," I respond. I didn't have any complaints. I liked being with Eddie, and talking to him. I feel like we were good enough to be called friends now. 

I just didn't like his driving. 

"You should slow down," I comment, before I could stop myself. 

Eddie laughed, and shot me a smirk. "Oh is my driving habits scaring you sweetheart? My bad."

He slowed down like I asked, and I felt better. "I can see why the cops are always on your ass. How many marks do you have on your license?" I asked. 

"Uhh let's not go there right now," Eddie replies. "For the record, I'm like 4 away from getting it suspended." 

I scowled playfully. "Aren't you just a rebel?" 

"I try to be," He responds. "Better act the part since I look the part." 

I smiled at that. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The diner we ended up going to was a little deep in town. It was just off the road, down in the city center. It wasn't too busy, but it wasn't dead either. Eddie opened the door for me as I walked in, and we took a seat in the pastel colored booth. I looked around and noticed. 

"This look like it hasn't been changed since the 50's,"I respond. 

"Yeah it's the only diner that's not up to date with the current interior looks. This is the only 1950's style diner. I thought you'd like it. It's neat," Eddie responds as he looked at me. 

One of the waitresses came up, handed us the menus and pulled out her pad. "What can I get you kids?" The waitress asked. 

"Oh just a Mt. Dew for now," Eddie responds. 

I never had that before. "Me too," I respond, making Eddie smile. 

"You drink that?" He asked. 

"I've never exactly had it, but I might as well try it," I comment. It made Eddie laugh. 

"I'm just rubbing off on you huh sweetheart?" He asked. 

He opened his menu and I did the same. I didn't want anything special -- and I didn't want anything expensive either. I looked for the cheapest option available. Money was always tight on my end. I always felt guilty spending it, even more when it was someone else spending it on me. 

When the waitress came back and took our orders, I settled for some toast and some eggs. It was the bare basic, and it was cheap. 

Eddie frowned, like I had displeased him. I didn't look at him, because I knew what he was gonna say. He probably knew I was tight on money. 

"I'll just have the bacon egg and cheese omelet," Eddie states. "And she'll have it too." 

I looked up at him now, as he shot the waitress a smile. The waitress nodded and left. 

"I'm not that hungry," I respond finally, looking at him. 

"Don't bullshit me sweetheart," Eddie states. "Look I may not know your situation, but I know that you don't have to worry with me. You should eat something proper and don't worry about money issues," He states. 

I frowned at that. He was too nice to me. "It's just a little scarce right now. My father didn't exactly leave my mother and I with much. I get all my clothes second hand or thrifted, and we get the bare minimum for ingredients," I respond. 

Eddie frowned. I knew he was displeased with my living situation. "That's bullshit sweetheart you  shouldn't be struggling like that. Tell your mom to go down to the market out of town it's so much cheaper there," He comments. 

"Yeah I'll tell her," I reply, giving him a small smile though it didn't reach my eyes. 

Chapter Text

I KNEW WHAT IT WAS LIKE not having money, or rather, had little of it. Growing up my father kept looking for get rich quick schemes instead of getting a real stable job. 

Now granted he did have jobs, but he either lasted a few days, or a few weeks if he was lucky. They always fired him, as he could never seem to keep a job when it was handed to him. the money I had now came from what Wayne provided, as well as my little dealings that I gave and made to students and people in Hawkins. 

It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep me going with food and the occasional cassette. Right now, it was the thing that helped Elizabeth. Even if she claimed she wasn't hungry, I knew she was, so I re ordered something more fulfilling for her, and paid for it myself. 

I knew her home life probably wasn't the best -- but then again she was suffering from a broken family -- she was a divorce child. Those never ended well. 

Elizabeth tried to thank me, but I waved her off. I didn't need to be thanked. I just wanted her to eat healthy, even if it was brief. 

When we finished with breakfast I just spent the time I had walking around with her , showing her the works of Hawkins -- or at least what the hell it provided, which was very little. It was mostly conversation that I was after. 

"Is it all you could ever dream?" I found myself asking, walking around one of the parks that  Hawkins had.

 It was one of the nicer ones, if one can call it that. We were both eating a pretzel that I had picked up for us. My main goal was to get to know Elizabeth -- or Beth, as I called her in my mind. 

Elizabeth sighed softly, and I could tell she was trying to remain optimistic. "It's no beaches in California, but it has his rural charm I guess," she commented with a small smile, looking at him.

 I could tell she wasn't really liking it here, but shit I didn't blame her. I lived here my while life, and I hated it here still. If it wasn't for my friends, and my club I'd be out of here -- with Wayne of course. 

"Sorry. It's just that I've sort of believed that I would still be in California , going to some big shot college with a full ride, and being pretty happy," Elizabeth admitted. "Clearly that's not gonna happen. Maybe if my father hadn't broken apart our family." 

"That can still happen," I spoke up before I could stop myself. "I mean, sure we don't have beaches, and we're not in California, but you can still go to some big shot college." 

She smiled at me. "I hope so, but with what money?" She asked. 

Right I forgot about her financial situation, but something told me she was smart -- really smart just as she was beautiful. 

"You've got the brains sweetheart. I can tell you're incredibly smart. Someone will offer you a scholarship," I reassure. "If anyone can make it out of here it's you." 

I wanted to make her feel better, because I was starting to care for her -- just a little bit for now. 

The smile I had gotten in return was worth what I said. All I wanted was to see her smile. It bugged me that she was worried about her life, about her financial incomes and whatnot. 

"Thanks," Elizabeth responded. "You know you're not what I thought you were," she remarked. 

"Mean and scary?" I asked with a huff. I stopped and leaned against the set of swings now. "Well you know what? I kind of thought you were mean and scary too," I joke. 

"You did not," she chuckled. 

I smirked. "I swear it scout's honor," I stated. "I mean, you're pretty, smart, and you seem to be pretty popular. I just thought that maybe you wouldn't be hanging out with a guy like me," I added, pulling at my hair slightly, a habit that I did whenever I was shy or nervous. 

She frowned at that. "I told you that I typically don't judge anyone until I get to know them," She replied. 

I knew that. She told me twice now, but it was still a worry of mine. "I know sorry. It's just a habit." 

she shook her head. "It's alright. I understand why you think so." 

We continued to walk --- she was shorter than me. She had to take twice as many steps as I did to walk the same speed with me, which I thought was pretty endearing. I slowed down though and let her catch up. 

"So I showed you around Hawkins --- but I'd like to know more about you," I spoke up, which got her attention. It seemed like she was surprised, because she offered me a look. 

"Me?" she asked. 

I nodded. "Yeah you sweetheart, unless I'm talking to a ghost that tagged along." 

She chuckled at that. "Ahh I've never had anyone ask me about me before. Alright let's see..." She paused, as if she was trying to think about something. "I like ..." She stopped. 

"I promise I won't judge," I reassured. 

"I like crocheting in my free time," she finally replied, which made me raise my eyebrows. Either this girl was an old soul, or she just liked the mundane things -- it wasn't bad though. Crocheting took skill. 

She walked alongside me and finished her pretzel. "I like writing in my free time, and collecting books. I read more often than not, and when I'm not reading I'm writing," She stated. 

"What do you read?" I asked finally, wondering what kind of books she was into. I had a feeling she was into the classic romances, like pride and prejudice -- or Romeo and Juliet. 

"Fantasy mostly -- fiction, like dragons and happy endings. I guess I like the whimsical books and fairy tales," She commented. 

I smirked. "Fairy tails aren't meant for freaks like me pretty girl. They're fairy tales for a reason," I stated. 

She shrugged, and crossed her arms. "Maybe, but all fairy tales come from one's desires and hopes -- what they want to see and experience. You're all that I desire and hope for," She responded. 

I stopped walking at that -- and stared at her for a long moment, trying to decipher in what context she was referring to. I felt my heart race though -- in a way when one was looking at someone they like, or rather they're attracted to. I knew I kind of found this girl attractive -- and yeah she was nice to look at -- but the more I got to know her , the more my attraction came from deep within. 

Suddenly I wasn't lookin at her outward appearance, I was looking at her personality, and everything that made her her. She was too good for this world. She was nice, kind, but strong and funny. 

She saw the world in the way that no one else did -- with such optimism and hope. It was refreshing for a shitty town like this, and she was something new that I was starting to admire and care for. 

"I mean in a friend way," Elizabeth responded quickly, when she realized I had stopped walking. I saw the coloring of her cheeks and her nonchalance in trying to play it off. 

I didn't know what context she was referring to originally -- if she was just meaning it in a platonic way or not, or if she was lying , but I didn't care. Whatever context worked for me. 

"No worries sweetheart I get what you're saying," I respond with a grin. "I'm glad to be a friend to you, for what it's worth. You're not lame like the other girls in this town," I comment, shoving my hands into my pockets as I picked back up my walking pace. 

I didn't know if that context in her statement would chance, but for now? I'd accept friends. I would accept being a good friend to her and hanging out. I was in no rush to escalate things, for once in my life. It was a nice change of pace for me. 

Chapter Text

I KNEW I FUCKED UP when I told him that he was all I desired and hoped for. In a way it was true, and yes it was in a platonic way. The one good thing going in my life right now was the fact that I wasn't alone in this godforsaken city, with no friends. 

Eddie was the only person I talked to -- and the fact that he was my neighbor only solidified that fact. We could literally go across from one another to our own trailers. 

I guess I was also looking for a way out. I wanted to forget about my financial issues. I want to forget about my father who cheated, and my shitty life so far. 

Even worse, I didn't know when my mom was gonna divorce. She never told me that she was gonna divorce, but I hoped they did.

 It was for the best, and I hoped that money would come our way, if only so we could eat without having to worry about what came next. 

Eddie knew parts of my home life. I had told him everything, from the good memories to the current ones. He listened intently and joked with me. 

He always did though, and I was grateful that he had my back -- that I had a shoulder to lean on so to speak. He was the only one that really listened to me when I needed it. 

I had no other friends, and my mom wouldn't understand either. I didn't want to bother her, knowing she too was adjusting and acclimating. 

I may have lost a father, but my mother lost her husband. Husbands were supposed to be the ones you loved -- the ones you wanted to marry and get old with.

 The love of your life. At one point until recently, my father was my mother's whole world. Surely they loved one another deeply -- at least my mom did -- to get married and have a child together.

 I just didn't realize that sometimes you weren't enough. My mother wasn't enough for him. 

I am naive yes. I understood that. I knew I was naive the moment I had assumed that my dad loved my mom and would never cheat on her, that no one really did, or meant it.

 I was wrong, and I was getting a really bad awakening. To this moment I still don't know what drives someone to cheat.

 If I had a boy I loved deeply and wanted to spend the rest of my life with, I wouldn't cheat. I wouldn't have gotten married if my feelings were gonna change. 

That's where my naiveness also came into play. I forgot that feelings could change. They weren't permanent. 

There was always a chance that the person you loved was no longer the person you loved, or rather your feelings weren't as strong. I didn't get it though. I tried not to think about it. I still had growing up to do, despite being 18 years old. 

"I know you have mediocre music choices sweetheart so I'm gonna rub off on you for a bit," Eddie spoke up as he dragged me into a vinyl and cassette store. 

I smiled, and followed him inside. There were rows of vinyls and cassettes -- all in alphabetical order in crates with labels on what genre there were. 

I wanted to go to the section where Bowie and the others were, but decided against it. I wanted to see what music Eddie was into.

 I knew it was metal, but I didn't know what metal specifically. I hovered, watching him look through the good metal section. 

There were bands like WASP, Cinderella, KISS, Motorhead, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Whitesnakes, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden...

Fuck I didn't know any of this shit. It all went over my head. "I literally have no clue who any of these people are," I commented, which made Eddie grin. 

"No worries sweetheart that's why I'm here. Gotta pick something out to start your journey into the metal world," Eddie commented. 

I huffed and wanted to tell him that I would never ever listen to that, but I decided not to. 

Eddie pulled out a vinyl. Def Leppard with the words Pyromania on the front. It had graphic art of what looked like a building being on fire. I grimaced before I could stop myself. 

"Hey don't knock it until you try it. There's a few title tracks you might like on here, and they're a good rock band to get started on," Eddie replied. 

He grabbed my hand without thinking and dragged me to the listening booth that was in the back. 

I flushed, cheeks heating up, heart racing. His hand was bigger than mine, just barely, and it was warm. I could tell he played the guitar -- his fingers had those rough textures to them, but it wasn't unpleasant. I didn't think much of it as he placed me in the booth. 

"I don't know," I started, watching as Eddie placed the vinyl onto the record player. There were little lines grooved into there, which helped with choosing what song on the track you wanted to hear. Eddie placed the needle onto a certain groove and gave me the headphones. 

I sighed and placed them over my ears as the song started to play. 

"You'll like Photograph .Trust me I'm an expert," Eddie responded. I smiled and turned my attention to the music.

 It was definitely something I wasn't used to. It had nice guitar in it. Whoever was singing had a good voice. 

The more I listened, the more I realized that this wasn't bad -- I actually liked this. I raised my eyebrows as I tilted my head. 

Holy shit I liked it. I really liked it. 

I pulled off the headphones and smiled. "It's not bad. Okay I'll admit I like this track," I respond, which made Eddie smirk. 

"What did I tell you? Expert. This is how you'll get started into the metal world, and hey if you get used to this I can show you the more heavy ones," Eddie declared. 

"Sure," I respond with a grin. I was looking forward with having Eddie show me his music choices. I stopped and pulled the vinyl off, placing it back in the sleeve.

 Eddie showed me a couple more that I might like. He was only getting me into the rock and not the metal portion. 

I listened to a song called You Shook Me All Night Long by some band called AC/DC. Eddie and I laughed at it because the lyrics were funny, but very catchy. I liked that album too. 

I loved something slower, and I fell into the comfort that was Faithfully by Journey. The album Frontiers was always my favorite. Faithfully and Wheel in the Sky along with Open Arms were my top 3. 

"You're into the sappy songs huh?" Eddie teased. "No judgement here you got good taste sweetheart." 

I flushed, but I knew he was teasing. Eddie was kind enough to get me the vinyls that we listened to -- even though I told him no. 

He didn't listen and I felt guilty, but he told me that he really didn't mind. He was glad to share his music choices and stay in the sound booth to listen to songs. 

By the time we were finished it was nearing evening. Eddie and I stopped and got some quick cheap dinner with some good burgers and fries. 

"Thanks for hanging out with me today," I spoke up, sitting in the back of his van -- the doors opened as we ate. 

"It's no problem. It's nice hanging out with someone that's NOT my band geeks," Eddie joked. 

I chuckled. "You play often?" 

"Every Friday at a bar called The Hideout," Eddie responded. "We actually get a crowd . . . of about five ...  drunks," Eddie added. 

I snorted, and I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous it was, and Eddie grinned. I missed the way he looked at me -- with something akin to amusement and underlying affection. 

"5 drunks is better than no crowd," I spoke up. 

"I'm not complaining. Even the best bands have trouble getting recognized," Eddie stated. 

I paused, and picked up my drink. "Is that what you wanna do? Make it big in the musician world I mean?" 

Eddie looked at me, and he really considered it. "I'd like to say yes," Eddie responded. "Truthfully that's all I want to do. I'm passionate about it -- and there was once a time where I was almost offered the chance. I met someone awhile back -- about two almost three years ago that interned at this music company. She said the manager wanted my band, but when I showed up, he only wanted me." 

Eddie shook his head. "I told them no. If I was gonna do this, I'd do it with my band or not at all. That was it, so now I'm back to playing for the drunks." 

I could tell he was upset by this. "I think you can do it," I finally replied. "If I can get into college, you can make it big." 

Eddie huffed. "You have more optimism than me sweetheart." 

"You're right, so let's share," I added. "I'll share some of my optimism with you -- I have enough of it to go around." 

Eddie grinned at me. "Alright I'll play along and accept. I'll try to pursue my dream how about that?" He asked. 

I nodded. "You'll make it somewhere I'm sure of it. Besides, you still need to play for me anyways," I added. 

"Sometime soon. I can assure you I'm good enough to show off for you," Eddie stated. 

"I believe you. You don't need to show off for me to be impressed." 

Chapter Text

SHE ACTUALLY BELIEVED IN ME. I never found anyone besides Wayne who believed in me for anything. There was no one -- not even Dustin knew what I was going through. She did though. She knew I was a two time super senior when I told her earlier, and she didn't mind. 

"the schoolwork and grades don't define your intelligence. You're incredibly smart Eddie you just need to apply yourself properly. I can help you if you need it." 

Her words still sat with me, even as I drove us back to the trailer park. I dared to sneak a glance at her, just to see.

 The  street lights highlighted her features whenever we passed under them, and she really was beautiful. She was too beautiful for someone like me. I knew that. 

I knew that she deserved more than me -- if she were to date anyone it would be someone who wasn't me. I didn't exactly deserve a woman like her, and I knew that any girlfriend I did have would inevitably see me for what I see in myself: A total fuck up.

 I tried not to let it show. I tried not to let the town get to me when they say that I'm Al's son. It's in my genes to follow him. 

But it hurt. Even someone like me could feel -- but I put a strong game up that everyone assumes I could care less. I do though -- I care more than I want to admit. I just don't show it. I don't need more hate coming my way. 

I gripped the steering wheel tightly, focusing on the road in front of me, instead of on the beautiful girl that was next to me. It took all of my willpower not to openly admire and stare. 

I think I had terrible luck. I knew I did, because I wasn't even doing anything. I was actually going below the speed limit (55) -- when the familiar red and blue lights lit up behind me. Elizabeth frowned. 

"You weren't doing anything wrong," She pointed out. 

I sighed. I knew this play : It was the mandatory sweep and search whenever I'm on the road. It was like every cop in town were trying to get one on me -- they were waiting for me to fuck up. 

"I never am. They're only pulling me over because it's me," I told her. I pulled over regardless, and tried to brace myself for the usual questions. 

"That is such bullshit."  Elizabeth spoke up next to me, and she was genuinely upset. I frowned, but I replaced it with a small smile when officer Charles knocked on my window. I rolled it down using the old crank. 

"Hey nice evening isn't it?" I asked, playing it cool. 

"Nice enough. You staying out of trouble Munson?" Charles asked, looking me over. His flashlight also swept over the van -- probably trying to find weed or drugs. I was smarter than that. I didn't carry it in my van. 

"Trying to," I respond. "Look I wasn't doing anything. I was just taking my friend home," I state, gesturing to Elizabeth. Elizabeth tried not to glare at the cop. 

Charles looked at Elizabeth, flashing her with the light, which she scowled at. "That's all? Straight home?" Charles asked. "You know you were going under the speed limit." 

I rolled my eyes internally. This was such bullshit. 

"He was doing it for me," Elizabeth spoke up, leaning forward. "I'm in no rush to get home and I felt better if he went slower. He's not doing anything wrong," She stated. Her tone was kind and compliant, but I could tell she was annoyed. 

"You must be new in town. Clearly you are since you don't know who you're hanging out with," Charles responded. "I hope you pick your choices wisely Miss," Charles added. 

It stung me. I gripped the wheel tightly trying to control my temper. 

"You got anything in the van I should be worried about?" Charles asked. 

"No, but maybe you should check anyway since you're keen on wasting my time," I respond and shot him a smile. 

"Don't be smartass with me boy it'll get you nowhere. Look how your father ended up," Charles stated, and I scoffed now. 

"There's nothing in the van," Elizabeth stated. "Other than me, who's now bitchy because you're being unnecessarily prejudiced against Eddie." 

She leaned forward.

 "You may have a right to pull him over and search him to your heart's content, and you can have an opinion, but it's you being an asshole and choosing to outwardly make comments about his father knowing that Eddie will never live it down," She vented. 

"There's nothing in the van. I'm tired, in pain, and I want to go home stop wasting our time please," She added. 

The officer scowled, and he wanted to retort but decided against it. He couldn't get in a dispute with us anyway.

 I was shocked that Elizabeth had the balls to stand up for me -- to a cop. I didn't realize that she cared so much, but there was a flicker of pride and admiration. 

She stood up for me. Holy fuck no one's done that for a long time. 

The look on the cop's face was priceless too. 

"Just get out of here and stay outta trouble. You'd do better to shut your mouth and look pretty next time. It's better off and more appealing," The cop stated and left. 

I rolled up the window and drove off just as Elizabeth scowled. 

"Fuck you and your sexist entitled ass," Elizabeth snapped. I didn't know if the cop heard, but I did NOT want to get in trouble. I grinned, though I knew it wasn't the right time and drove off. I had never seen a woman get so fierce. 

Damn she was my kind of girl. 

Elizabeth released a sigh, trying to calm herself. "Are all the cops this fucking stupid?" she asked. 

I laughed. "Most of the time yeah," I state. I paused, driving in silence, and then spoke up. 

"You didn't have to do that for me. You could've gotten in trouble sweetheart. Sometimes it's easier to just comply with these fuckers," I stated. 

"No way in hell are you being a doormat," Elizabeth replied. "No I'm not gonna sit by and let them be mean towards you. You can't help who your father is." 

"You don't know what he did, what kind of man he was. The shit he did when he was younger, and when I was a kid would make you see why the cops and every adult in town are cautious around me," I reply. 

I never full told her about my past. I only told her about my one time slip up which earned a mark on my record. I never went into full detail of Al Munson, and I didn't want to. 

"Doesn't matter what he did it doesn't give anyone the right," Elizabeth replied softly, her voice low. 

I felt my cheeks heating up, my heart racing. I looked over at her, seeing how fierce she defended me. I turned back and kept driving. 

Finally I took my right hand off the wheel -- and very shyly, very subtly, slid it over Elizabeth's that was resting on the center console in the van. I felt her shift and straighten up, and for a second I thought she was gonna pull away. 

she didn't. She just turned her hand over, her fingers curling into mine and she held my hand back. I felt hot all of a sudden -- in a flustered way, so I used the vents to try and cool down, but my heart was pounding all the way to the trailer park. 

Chapter Text

SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I knew something was wrong when my mom took off work the morning after my weekend tryst with Eddie. She was sitting at the table, drinking coffee, and seemed to be contemplating something. 

When she heard me walk out of the room and the floorboards creak, she looked up at me. "Elizabeth sweetheart we need to talk," She commented. That was usually never a good sign. I didn't know what to think. 

I just nodded and sat across from her. "What is this about mom?" I asked, wondering what got her in such a thinking mood. I knew it was something bad. 

"Your father," My mother finally replied. "He called the landline here and wanted to talk." 

I scoffed now. There was no way in hell my father wanted to talk. "How did he find out where we were? He's still in California," I pointed out. 

"Yes he wants to come here so we can have an adult discussion," My mother added, looking at me seriously. 

I frowned now. "Wants to or is?" I asked. I knew it was the latter. "And what do you mean, adults? I'm 18," I added. 

"Of course you are sweetheart. You're an adult. I was merely saying adult conversation as in our marriage," My mom clarified. "He'll be here in 2 days and he'll he staying for a week to try and see if we can make peace -- if only for closure-" 

"You're not taking him back right?" I asked now. "Mom you're not serious? He cheated. He'll do it again he's not sorry he did it, he's sorry he got caught," I replied. 

My mother knew this. "We'll discuss more later. I'll take your words into consideration but please let me handle this alone," She replied, and her tone was the end of discussion. I just shook my head and left. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My father coming back wasn't something I was interested in. The first day he came over, he tried to hug me. I did so back -- stiffly though. I didn't want to be there. I knew my father wasn't a good person in the way he treated my mom. 

Their marriage always had ups and downs, and now that I looked back at it, I was slowly realizing how troubled their marriage was. How many arguments and fights they got into. My kid brain was just blinding me from seeing it, because I was once a daddy's girl. I'm not anymore. 

"Where is she going?" I heard my father asking my mother. I knew she was gonna tell him about Eddie, but I didn't care. I just left and headed across the lot to where Eddie's trailer was. This was my first time ever really stepping into it, but I just needed to be somewhere that wasn't at home. 

When I knocked on the door -- it was only a few minutes that the door opened, and a swearing Eddie appeared, with his hair a mess. He looked like he was in the middle of doing some exercising or whatever he was doing. He seemed to flush when he saw me. 

"Beth hey! What are you doing?" Eddie asked casually giving me a small smile. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, but didn't say anything about his state of presence. 

"Nothing much. I needed to get out of the trailer for awhile. My father is visiting frmo California and he'll be staying for a week," I explained, looking up at Eddie. 

Eddie frowned, and he could probably tell this wasn't good for me. "Do you want to come in here for awhile?" Eddie asked. 

"Yeah if you don't mind," I respond. Eddie shook his head. 

"Nah if you don't mind the mess," Eddie joked and let me inside. His trailer was just a little bit bigger than mine. It was also more comfortable. His kitchen and living area had rows of mugs lining the walls and hats. There were papers everywhere and a bunch of stuff that was just Eddie's and his uncle's. 

"Wayne collects hats and cups," Eddie explained with a huff when I looked at them. 

"I think it's nice," I respond giving him a reassuring smile. Eddie nodded in return and straightened his hair anxiously. 

"What the hell were you doing before I came over? You look tired from it," I joke. 

I swore Eddie's cheeks heated up again and he seemed shy about the question. "Nothing much. It's just hot in here and I was working on my guitar," He responded casually. "I'll be back I gotta straighten some things out." 

I didn't know what things those were. I just shrugged as he disappeared -- probably to his room -- which gave me time to look around. I finally sat on the couch and waited for him to get back. It was nice here -- and it was quieter. 

I had briefly wondered what my parents were talking about. I wondered if my mother was going to accept my father back, if they'd work it out. If they did, what the hell did it mean for me? For Eddie? For our situation? My stomach turned just thinking about it, and my anxiety rose again. 

Before I could get deep into it, Eddie came back and sighed. "Okay we're all good. If you want to hang out in my room," Eddie replied, clearing his throat. 

I huffed and followed him inside. His room was just as messy, but it was in a chaotically organized way. There were band posters of his metal groups on the walls. A giant hand made banner with the words 'Corroded Coffin' hung on the far wall. It must have been Eddie's band. He had his red and black warlock guitar hanging up as well, which made me pause. It was rather nice looking -- the nicest guitar I've seen. 

He had DnD stuff scattered everywhere on his shelves and desk. There were books, dice, papers, sketches, and even some homework there. 

"Sorry I didn't expect company," Eddie responded. 

"It's alright you know I'm not one to judge,"  I reassure. It was perfect like him. 

I took a seat on his bed and sighed, glad to be away and somewhere where I felt comfortable. 

Chapter Text

I HAD NO EXCUSES. I really didn't -- at least none that were exactly appropriate and not perverted. I was just a teenage boy keep in mind. Yes I was 20 -- but I was just barely an adult, and I naturally had to deal with feelings and thoughts that normal boys experience all the time. 

There was nothing wrong with me, and it's not like I did this often. I swear I didn't, but last night was just pushing it for me. When I had held Elizabeth's hand last night it felt good.

 I felt my heart racing, my cheeks flushing , the whole flustered act. I swear I had no intention of doing this , but shit happened, and I couldn't control my body's natural response when I'm around a beautiful woman. 

It was an accident. I swear it was. When I drove Elizabeth back home to her trailer last night, I let go of her hand, and she got out of the van and bent over to grab her bag from the passenger seat. 

She had just so happened to lean over too much -- and I blame that loose shirt she was wearing. It just fell open -- the neckline dipping forward, and I accidentally had gotten a whole lot of cleavage and chest briefly. 

It was a quick flash, but fuck did it do things to me. I swear I didn't want to do this, and I had no intentions of being perverted, but I've hardly seen a girl's body.

 Yeah there was Paige -- and we hooked up, but I had never seen her shirtless, or braless before. I also felt too guilty and dirty to own any of those pin up magazines. The last thing I needed was for Wayne to see them and make things awkward. 

So seeing Elizabeth's chest -- even if it was covered and all I got was cleavage - well it made my body react before I could stop it. 

She also wore a blue bra that complimented her skin. I couldn't get that image out of my mind no matter how hard I fought. 

I went home and slept straight away, but this morning the image hit me full force of Elizabeth's chest and her cleavage, and my body reacted before I could stop it. 

It was instant: One moment I was trying to wake up (while combatting morning wood to my shame) -- and the next my brain was flashing it across my mind. I felt my pajama pants tighten even more than they were.  

This was not good. I was supposed to be stronger than this, but here I was -- getting off to just an image. I felt like a victorian man seeing a woman's ankle for the first time that's how shameful it was, but the body wanted what it wanted. It was too early to take a cold shower, so I took care of it the old fashioned way. 

I was embarrassed. Was I ashamed? Most definitely. Was it natural? Yes sadly. 

As if my luck couldn't get worse -- the door was knocked on, so I had all but maybe 2 minutes to get myself cleaned up, a shirt on, and pretend like I didn't just get off to the most beautiful innocent girl that I was starting to see as more than a friend. 

I knew Elizabeth didn't deserve to be the subject of such base desires and fantasies. She deserved more than that, but again, my body reacted and I couldn't get it down in time, so I did what I had to do. That didn't diminish my respect for her or anything. I would never do anything to make her uncomfortable. 

Now she showed up -- and her father was in town for a few days. I saw it in the lot -- I was a nosey boy when it came to Elizabeth, so when I saw a shiny new car sitting in the trailer lot, I scowled. 

"He has THAT car and yet you and your mother are barely scraping by?" I found myself asking before I could stop it. Elizabeth nodded with a frown. 

"That's fucking selfish! That's absolute bullshit family should always come first before whores what a self entitled prick," I replied harshly. I knew what it was like to have a fucked up father. I was sad for Elizabeth. She couldn't even afford a full meal, her clothes were thrifted, and she was having to walk to school while her father had a shiny car and a nice job probably. 

She wasn't walking to school anymore. I had taken it upon myself to personally be her driver -- her knight in metal armor -- squeaky rusty armor, but armor nonetheless. 

"Don't  Eddie," Elizabeth spoke up softly, and when I looked at her I could tell she was upset -- heavily upset. He was still her father, and I knew that she still loved him. Of course she would. He was her FATHER -- and she probably had decent memories, so this was a real turning point for her. 

"Sorry pretty girl I didn't mean to insult him," I respond, taking a seat next to her on my bed. I reached out and placed a hand on her back, rubbing it slightly. Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. 

"I don't know where this is going Eds -- I really don't. What if they make up? what would that mean for us?" She asked. 

I didn't have an answer for that. I really didn't, because what was I supposed to say? They won't? Come here I'll make you feel better? 

I was never good at emotions. Hell I couldn't even communicate myself without struggling. I wanted to help her though, but I had to ask the big question. 

"Will you go back?" I asked finally, and I was scared of the answer. Elizabeth paused, and she looked up at me. I could tell she didn't want to answer or come to the same decision or thoughts. 

"That's a possibility," She replied finally. "Either they make up -- and we leave to California again. He comes here, which I doubt, or in my hopes, they stay apart, and I can continue living here." 

Those were our options. I knew it wasn't appropriate, but I wanted her father to screw up so badly and stay away. It meant i'd have more time with Elizabeth, and we just got started in establishing something that was creeping beyond friendship. 

"I hope you don't. I like you here," I respond softly. 

she smiled at that. "I like being here, with you." 

So did I, and I didn't need to tell her that for her to know. 

Chapter Text

"YOU'RE REALLY GOOD" I manage to say as I watched Eddie play his guitar. He was trying to finish up learning the last few chords to Master of Puppets. He had told me the guitar solo was giving him issues, and no matter what he did, he always fumbled the second half, or stumbled on a fret. 

"Yeah I've been playing for a long time now, but there's always room for improvement," Eddie responds, looking up at me. "My uncle gave me this guitar. After my father left -- and shit hit the fan, I was pretty upset and depressed. My uncle saw it, and he knew how much I loved music. He saved up all the money he had working at the plant, and surprised me on my birthday with this guitar. It's my baby." 

That was nice. I knew his uncle was really nice. Eddie was a good kid -- a good guy.  "Is he home now?" I asked. 

Eddie nodded. "He sleeps in until noon. It's because he works overnight at the plant. He says it pays more -- gets home all the time around 3 AM -- and sleeps till noon to do it all over again." 

Eddie stopped strumming the guitar. "I want a job to help him out, so he didn't have to work every day, but I'm barely passing school," He remarked with a huff. "Seriously sweetheart I am army crawling  my way towards a D in O'Donnell's class -- I just need to pass that class and math and I'm graduating this year," He states. 

I grinned. "I can help you. O'Donnell teaches history right? It's just about memorization. Let me help you graduate this year," I add. I was still a senior myself -- I was set to graduate this year with him too. 

"You'll really help?" Eddie asked, a flush to his cheeks. 

I nodded. "Yeah I can. We can study together and such. I want to graduate with you, and I know you want to get the fuck out of here -- so let's help each other out." 

Eddie seemed pleased at this. He smiled, and I saw that he had hope. "Fuck yeah let's get the hell out of here. I can't wait to leave this hellhole," He replied, sitting upright now. 

I hummed. "Do you know much about cars?" I asked suddenly. It made Eddie pause, as if he was surprised  I asked this. 

"Unfortunately," He speaks up. He sighed and set his guitar to the side. "Back when kids were learning to throw a ball and play soccer, my dad was teaching me how to hotwire and jump cars. I did that for awhile when he needed it, and everything I learned was through him." 

He didn't like talking about this. I knew he didn't. I frowned, and placed my hand on top of his -- his silver rings cold against my skin. 

"Don't let it be a negative thing. How about you take the skills your deadbeat dad gave you and apply for a part time job at the autshop in town?" I asked. "I saw an ad in their window for help wanted. If you're good with cars -- or at least know what part is the carburetor , then they'd probably hire you," I suggest. 

Eddie stayed silent, as if he was seriously considering it. Finally he looked at me with his brown doe eyes. "Sure. Thanks a lot Beth you're a real one," He remarked, giving me his dimple smile, and my cheeks colored. He called me Beth. 

At this point , I accepted any pet name and nickname he came up for me. I just nodded and went back to skimming his Lord of the Rings book. It was really good so far. I couldn't believe I hadn't picked up this series, since I love reading so much. 

The floorboards creaked and the door opened. An older man -- in his 50s or so, with greying hair and wrinkles walked in. I had to assume it was Wayne. 

Wayne seemed surprised that I was in there. He blinked, as if trying to see if I was real. 

"Hey Wayne. This is Elizabeth, my friend," Eddie replied, looking at his uncle. I waved at Wayne, silently greeting him. It seemed to give Wayne some peace. 

He grunted. "you kids behaving in here?" He asked with a small huff. 

"You mean are we keeping our hands to ourselves? Yeah we are," Eddie remarks. 

I frowned. "In what way?" I asked him, confused. I didn't know what he was saying. Keeping hands to ourselves? 

Wayne's eyebrows shot to the hairline -- and he looked at Eddie. Eddie seemed to share the same reaction. 

"Wait hold on you don't know what he's eluding to?" Eddie asked. 

I shook my head. "No not a clue. What's going on?" I asked. 

Wayne and Eddie shared a look. "It's nothing kid, I was just making sure Eddie was treating you right is all," Wayne commented with a smile. "It's nice to have someone over that's not another freaking teenage boy." 

Eddie chuckled at that, and Wayne closed the door again, leaving us alone. I thought back hard and long. Okay so I was naive and innocent, but I didn't want to be THAT naive and innocent. I shot a look at Eddie. 

"Don't worry about it, really," Eddie reassures. "Wayne just wants to make sure I'm not making you uncomfortable. Obviously I'm not. You'd tell me though if I was?" Eddie asked. 

"Yeah," I respond. Of course I would tell  him. "You're not though, so don't worry," 

That seemed to put Eddie's mind at ease, and he went back to strumming his guitar. 

Chapter Text

I DIDN'T REALIZE SHE WAS THIS INNOCENT. I mean, I knew that she didn't smoke. She didn't drink, do drugs, party, do illegal things, or even cause trouble. However when it came to sex and innuendos to it? This girl was as pure as can be.

I was appalled that she didn't know what Wayne was talking about. She was so sincere too that I genuinely realized she was being for real. Elizabeth was innocent when it came down to more mature, inappropriate things. 

And I just got off to her. Yeah I felt like a total asshole, and my shame came back in full swing -- so much that I dipped my head down and let my stupid brown hair fall over my face. I was never doing that again -- not if I could help it.

I was in no way ready to have Elizabeth get exposed to that, let alone be aware. She deserved some protection and shielding, so until she asked me straight up, I was gonna let it slide. 

The commotion outside of the window was heard. Elizabeth picked her head up from where she was reading my worn out copy of Lord of the Rings. She got up and looked out of the small window that  was in my room, and frowned. I looked too -- and saw her mom shoving her father out. They looked like they were getting into it pretty badly. Elizabeth groaned next to me. 

"We're gonna be those loud neighbors that carry drama to the trailer park," She commented. I frowned at this, and finally closed the window. I drew the curtains closed and shook my head. 

"Don't listen to them," I respond. I didn't want Elizabeth to watch her parents get into it, especially when they were making a scene. I had to watch Al and my uncle get into it a couple of times, and it was never pretty each time. 

It was hard to ignore though, when they carried across the lot. 

"You're not even doing a good job now! Barely any food, and you're letting our teen daughter run off with some, some freaky delinquent!" 

I've been here long enough to no longer care what I was called. I smirked though at the choice of wards used. Freaky delinquent? that's not entirely true. I behaved for the most part. 

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I wish they would just shut up," She commented, going back to her book where she picked up where she left off on her chapter. 

I chuckled at that. "Looks like he's leaving thank god. I assume he's just going away entirely." 

That was good. I sort of felt anxious at the thought of Elizabeth moving back to California where I'd never see her again. I was slowly coming to terms with the fact that I was crushing mad hard on Elizabeth now. I just wanted her to crush on me back, but I knew that was a long shot. 

"Good riddance," Elizabeth remarked, flipping the book page. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was around 6 PM when we called in pizza and decided to just hang out some more. Elizabeth watched a movie with me. We bickered over which movie to watch. I wanted to watch Nightmare of Elm Street. Elizabeth scoffed and told me that she didn't want to get nightmares and that we should watch Grease. 

I gave into her, obviously -- and let her watch it. I had to sit through the cliche movie, which made me groan internally, but in all actuality I didn't mind it. It was pretty good, and I watched it with her -- my arm slung over the couch from behind her back. I would never admit that I liked a girly movie such as Grease though. 

I couldn't help but snort when I saw that Elizabeth fell asleep against my shoulder. She was out like a light when the movie was ending. She had her eyes closed, her head laying on my shoulder. I couldn't bring myself to move -- not yet, but I also didn't want her to strain her neck. 

"Alright sweetheart let's get you to bed," I reply. It was too late to take her back over to her trailer, so I just decided to let her sleep in my bed and I'd take the couch. I slowly maneuvered myself out from underneath her and then slid my arms underneath her legs and back and lifted her up. 

She groaned, but otherwise didn't wake. She was pretty light too -- but that was a concern. I was gonna make her eat a whole ass lunch tomorrow to make up for her not eating. 

I made it to my room, and I laid her down on the bed. I did the gentleman thing and removed her shoes and her jacket so she was more comfortable, setting them down and then pulled the blanket over her. 

As I turned to leave, she grabbed onto my arm and tugged me down. "Where are you going?" She asked tiredly, still asleep, but awake enough to talk. 

I chuckled. "Sleeping on the couch." 

"No you can sleep here." 

She rolled over and made room for me, and my heart skipped a beat. She was asking me to sleep with her, on the same bed. I flushed -- and tugged at the ends of my hair, like I always did when I was anxious. I could trust myself to stay appropriate that wasn't an issue. It was cuddling that was an issue. 

I wanted to , so badly, but I didn't know how she'd feel in the morning. I didn't have time to think about it more closely when she tugged me down, and I fell half assed onto the bed. 

"Alright alright sweetheart you're so clingy and demanding," I joke, removing my jacket and shoes. I took off my rings and slid into the space behind her. Elizabeth scooted back until she was pressed against my chest. I stiffened -- the feeling of her body against mine and the body heat made me feel warm. 

She smelled so nice, like vanilla and pumpkin spice. She felt good, and right in my arms. I never wanted her to wake up if it meant I could hold her like this and pretend we were a couple. 

I cleared my throat -- and shyly slid my arm around her waist. I tugged her back so she was more snug against me, and closed my eyes. Cuddling her was nice. I allowed myself to relax and bury my face against her neck and fell asleep. 

Chapter Text

I REMEMBERED THE MOVIE NIGHT. I remember sitting through Grease, with Eddie grumbling every once in awhile about how cheesy Danny was. 

I remember getting to the prom dance scene and then nothing. I must have fell asleep because when I woke back up I was in a bed. Not only that, but there were arms wrapped around me . I opened my eyes, feeling Eddie shift behind me -- his face pressed against my neck. 

He smelled like something distinct. I couldn't describe it, but it was very him. His warm body pressed against mine, and suddenly I wasn't feeling cold anymore. 

I was rather hot. My cheeks were heating up, and the temperature rose in the room by 30 degrees it felt like I stayed absolutely still as best as I could, trying not to wake him. 

He must have sensed that I was awake though, because he shifted again and pulled away from me. "Sorry," He responded tiredly, his voice still full of sleep. I just shook my head. 

"It's alright I wasn't complaining," I reply, and when he went to pull his arm away I stopped him. I placed my hand on top of him -- our arms overlapping and held him in place. 

My heart was racing the whole time, and my cheeks were flushed, but I didn't want him to leave. I wanted him to stay. 

I had never actually cuddled with a boy before, but it was nice. It was also probably because it was Eddie and not some random boy.

 Eddie paused, as if he was surprised. He settled back down though behind me and stayed in place, and I briefly wondered for a moment if he was feeling it too. 

This rush of warmth, heart racing. I wondered if he was experiencing this as well. I couldn't tell though -- and I didn't ask.

 I was too awkward to do so. I closed my eyes again to try and get some more sleep , but then I sighed. "Shit I gotta go over back to my place," I state. 

I had to check up on my mom - to make sure she was doing alright. Eddie sighed behind me, and he let me go. "Yeah okay," He responded, rolling over and I finally sat up.

 I ran my fingers through my copper red curls, gathering them before before I slid over Eddie to get off the bed. There was too little space to get off on the other side of the bed, so I had to crawl over Eddie to get off. 

He flushed -- and I felt him slide his hands around my hips to steady me as I crawled over him and got off. 

The contact and the brief second of me straddling him was enough to warm my cheeks. I didn't say anything though, instead grabbing my shoes and leaving. 

Eddie let me go. 

Tugging on my shoes, I left the trailer and crossed the lot to where my trailer was. The grass was damp from the morning dew, wetting my shoes.

 As I opened the trailer door my mom was sitting in the kitchen, drinking her coffee and dressed for work. 

"Hey," I greet with a frown, closing the door behind me. 

My mother looked up at me, and sighed. "Hey sweetheart. I reckon you were sleeping over at Eddie's?" She asked. 

I nodded. "Yeah I'm just across the lot, if you ever wanted to check up on me," I replied. My mom just shook her head. 

"I trust you. You're 18 you're old enough to behave and do whatever you want," My mom commented. 

I was glad she had that trust in me and wasn't telling me to stay away from Eddie. "Things didn't go well with dad?" I decided to ask. I knew why she was here, looking dejected. 

"No but that's to be expected," My mom stated, standing up. "Your father and I got into a disagreement. He didn't like the fact we moved across the states to get away from him. I told him we were doing fine, and things escalated." 

I frowned. "I know. I heard you across the lot. He called Eddie a delinquent," I pointed out. 

My mother looked at me. "Sweetheart you gotta understand. Boys like him don't really....have anywhere else to go after high school," She spoke up.

 "You're destined for a good college and a life out of here. I just don't see that boy making it very far, and quite frankly I don't really like you wasting your time on him." 

The need to defend Eddie was strong. I couldn't help it. I didn't want my mom to be like all the other women in the town, and everyone claiming Eddie will end up killing someone. Worse, become his father. 

"He's not like that," I declare. "Eddie has plans! he's just figuring things out right now same as I. He's not a bad person he doesn't do anything besides play a board game. I know because I hang out with him all the time," I comment. 

My mother took a long look at me, as if she was deciding something. 

"You like him," she finally replied. 

I hated how my cheeks flushed my heart skipped a beat when she said those three words. I looked sheepish now, shoving my hands into my pockets. 

"I mean . . yeah as a friend-" I start. 

"I'm not stupid sweetheart," My mom cuts me off. "I can tell you like him as more than a friend." 

She was right. I was just denying the truth for so long now. 

"That's not a bad thing. He's probably a sweetheart," My mom commented. "I think it's nice you're so infatuated with this boy. He's rather cute -- but I just want you to be careful." 

"I will," I respond. She wasn't telling me to stop seeing him, but she wasn't exactly telling me to go confess. 

"As long as you're careful. . . and it doesn't distract you from your studies. I also want you to stay out of trouble and don't let him rope you into anything that'll get you into said trouble," My mom replied, setting down the foundations. "If you can do that, then I don't see why you can't keep seeing him -- whatever you two are." 

I sighed in relief. My mom understood -- and I was grateful. 

"Yeah we're just friends right now, but I like where we're at," I state.