Chapter Text
Veronica Walsh was the kind of girl who held everything together. Right up until the moment she couldn’t. Her house was never stable, and when it was, it was when her parents weren’t home.
Veronica stood in the kitchen, washing dishes as the sun rose in the windows. Her parents were up late, arguing about who knows what, so she took it upon herself to help everyone in the morning. She laid two plates out on the table. One plate for her, another for her brother, Troy. Turning the stove on and lighting the burner of the stove, she quickly put a pan over the orange flame.
The house was quiet now. Too quiet. No footsteps upstairs. No muffled voices. Not even the creak of floorboards. Just the low hum of the refrigerator and the soft hiss of the burner. Veronica sighed as she flipped an omelet as she looked over to the stairs. “I swear all that kid does is sleep.” she muttered as she plated the food and put the plate back on the small table. “Troy!” She called, walking over to the stairs.
Loud footsteps thudded down the stairs. “Jesus, I was getting up!” Troy muttered, moving around her to the table. “Happy to see someone acting normal in this house.” Veronica joked. They sat down at the table together. For a moment, it almost felt… okay.
Troy grabbed his fork, already digging into the food. “You didn’t have to make breakfast,” he said through a mouthful, though he didn’t slow down. “I know,” Veronica replied, resting her elbows lightly on the table. “But if I didn’t, you’d probably eat a Pop-Tart and call it a balanced meal.”
“Hey,” Troy shot back, pointing his fork at her. “Strawberries count as fruit.” Veronica huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “I’m taking you to school today, so we can get a snack on the way. How’s that sound?” Veronica tilted her head, giving him an annoyed smile. “Like bribery,” Troy said immediately, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “You’re bribing me.” “It’s called being a good sister.” She muttered, smirking.
Veronica got up from the table. “I’m gonna change, alright?” She walked down the hall to her room. Shutting the door behind her, she sighed. Veronica frowned slightly as she crossed the room. She pulled open her closet and yanked out an old polo shirt and a pair of jeans, tossing them onto her bed.
After quickly undressing and putting her closed on, she drew on some eyeliner and pulled her shoes on. “Troy! Are you ready to leave?” She called as she pulled her bag over her shoulder and closing her room door behind her.
“Took you long enough,” Troy called back, his voice echoing faintly from the kitchen. “I’m starving again.” “You just ate,” Veronica muttered, walking down the hall and toward the front door. “Yeah, like ten minutes ago.” She rolled her eyes, grabbing her keys from the small hook by the door. The metal jingled softly in her hand as she tugged her jacket on.
“C’mon, let's get going before you’re late another day.” She muttered, hopping in the driver’s seat of her 1980 AMC Eagle. Troy climbed in the front seat next to her. Troy climbed into the passenger seat beside her, slamming the door a little harder than necessary. “I’m not late that often.”
“You were late three times last week.” “Okay, well. Those don’t count.” Veronica huffed quietly, turning the key in the ignition. The engine rumbled to life, low and steady. She shifted the car into reverse, backing out of the driveway while Troy leaned his head back against the seat, staring up at the ceiling like he might fall asleep again.
“You better not pass out,” Veronica said, glancing at him. “I’m resting my eyes.” “You’re sleeping.” “I’m thinking.” “About what?” “…food.”
She rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at her mouth as she pulled onto the road. “I’m not gonna get you food if you’re over there sleeping.” She chuckled. “Who would you get food with, those kids you hang out with? Tommy H and Carol something?” Troy joked, sitting up.
Veronica snorted softly, shaking her head. “Carol Perkins, and yes, probably. But I don’t ‘hang out’ with them all the time.” She said, turning down the road in the direction of the Hawkins Middle parking lot. “Be ready to get out, kid.”
Troy scoffed. “Don’t call me that.” “You are a kid,” Veronica shot back, easing the car toward the curb. “Now grab your stuff.” “I have stuff?” he muttered, but reached down anyway, shoving his bag over his shoulder. Veronica slowed to a stop near the front of the parking lot, the building looming ahead in that dull, early-morning quiet. A few scattered kids were already there, but not many.
“Alright,” she said, glancing over at him. “Try not to get detention today.” “No promises.” Troy opened the door, running inside the building. Veronica shifted the car out of park and drove to the Hawkins High parking lot. She slowly backed up into her parking spot, sighing as she pulled her car key out of the ignition.
Veronica shut the door and locked it, the sharp click grounding her a little as she started toward the school. A couple of familiar faces walked towards her. “Hey, Veronica.” “Hey, Carol. Where’s Tommy, cheating on you again?” Veronica joked, putting her arm around Carol’s shoulder. Carol groaned. “Shut up, would you? He’s not like that.”
Veronica laughed softly, letting go of Carol’s shoulder as they walked toward the school entrance. “Relax. I’m just teasing. You two are like a soap opera sometimes.” Carol rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her annoyance. “Yeah, well, just don’t spread lies, okay?”
“Sure, don’t worry.” Veronica smirked. Carol turned to her. “Oh! Did you hear? Apparently Steve’s dating Nancy Wheeler now.” Carol laughed. “Nancy Wheeler? Why’s Steve dating a priss?” Veronica snorted. “You’ll have to ask him.” Carol said, pulling the door to the school open.
Veronica followed her inside, the familiar smell of linoleum and locker polish filling the air. “I mean… Nancy’s not exactly scary,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Steve’s probably just trying to impress someone who actually does her homework.” Carol snorted, bumping her shoulder against Veronica’s lightly. “Or maybe he just likes being dramatic. You know Steve.”
“I guess I do, jeez.” Veronica joked. “Speaking of Steve, are we meeting him and Tommy at his locker or yours?” Carol shrugged, glancing down the bustling hallway. “Steve’s locker, obviously. Tommy’ll probably be there already, pretending to look busy or something.” “Ugh, seriously. Tommy’s a dick, Carol. Why are you even with him?” Veronica snorted, not asking for an answer.
They weaved through the crowd of students, lockers clanging, sneakers squeaking against the tile. Veronica’s eyes flicked briefly toward the end of the hallway, where Steve’s locker stood. Steve was there, leaning casually, chatting with a couple of guys, hair perfectly tousled. Tommy H. was next to him, arms crossed, looking like he owned the hallway.
Veronica muttered under her breath, “Ugh… they really think they run this place.” Carol sauntered up to Tommy, and Veronica watched him wrap his arm around Carol’s shoulder. “Ew.” Veronica said, setting her back down at her feet. Steve smirked. “You’re just jealous, Ronnie.” “Hell no.” Veronica spat.
Steve laughed, the kind of loud, confident laugh that made everyone glance their way for a second. “Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that.” Veronica rolled her eyes, shifting her bag a little on her shoulder. “I’m definitely not jealous. Just… disgusted, that’s all.”
Tommy snorted, clearly amused, leaning back slightly from Carol. “Wow, you’re feisty this morning,” he said, smirking at her. “Feisty? More like sick of you idiots,” Veronica shot back, her voice low enough that only they could hear.
Carol laughed, shaking her head. “Relax, Ronnie. It’s harmless fun.” Veronica muttered under her breath, “Harmless my ass… I gotta go, can’t be late to a single class in this hell hole of a school.” She picked her bag back up and shoved Steve playfully. “Don’t overdose on hairspray, dipshit.” She chuckled while walking down the hall.
Steve laughed loudly, tossing his head back like he hadn’t even heard the insult. “Don’t worry about me, Ronnie! I’m perfect!” Veronica rolled her eyes, smirking as she weaved through the crowd of students. “Yeah, perfect at being obnoxious,” she muttered under her breath.
The bell rang as school was let out. Veronica leaned against her locker, watching people walk by, but someone caught her eye. Jonathan Byers, the guy who barely talked. He looked distant as he stapled something to the bulletin board. Veronica raised her eyebrow and cautiously walked over. “Hey, uh..” She mumbled. “You don’t seem too great, is everything all right?”
Jonathan jumped slightly at her voice, glancing up with a wary expression. His dark eyes met hers for a moment before flicking away, focused again on the stapler in his hands. “Oh, uh,” he mumbled, his voice low and uneven. “Will didn’t come home last night.” “Will.. Your brother, Will?” Veronica asked, her voice softening.
Jonathan nodded, his fingers tightening briefly on the stapler. “Yeah… he’s been missing since last night. Mom’s freaking out…” He trailed off, shaking his head. Veronica felt a pang of sympathy. She knew the feeling of family chaos all too well. “I’m… sorry, Jonathan. That must be really hard.” He gave a small, tight-lipped smile, more out of politeness than comfort. “Yeah… it is.”
“Well, if you need anything, I can help.” She patted him on the shoulder as he walked away. She watched him as he left, feeling numb. Behind her, Carol grabbed her shoulders. Veronica whipped around. “Shit, Carol! Don’t scare me like that!” She groaned, prying Carol’s hands off her shoulders. Steve and Tommy walk up behind Carol.
“Hey, Ronnie,” Steve said, flashing his usual cocky grin. “Don’t look so tense. You need a little fun, you know?” Tommy smirked, leaning casually against a locker. “Yeah, lighten up a bit. You look like you just saw a ghost or something.” Veronica raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Oh, ha-ha. Very funny. You guys are terrifying.” Steve cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair. “Speaking of fun, I’m inviting people over tonight. You guys should come.” He smirked.
Veronica tilted her head, giving him a skeptical look. “People over where exactly? Your… impeccable hair salon?” Steve laughed, tossing his hair back dramatically. “Ha-ha. No, my place. My mom’s out, so it’s just us. You in?”
Tommy grinned, nudging Carol. “Yeah, come on, Ronnie. It’ll be fun. You can’t be serious all the time.” Veronica crossed her arms tighter, a smirk tugging at her lips despite herself. “Fun, huh? Right. So this is what, a big party of Steve Harrington ego boosts?” Steve mocked offense, putting a hand over his chest. “Ouch! That hurts, Ronnie. But fine, come if you want. I’ll survive either way.”
Carol rolled her eyes, tugging Veronica lightly by the arm. “Just go. Don’t be a buzzkill.” Veronica groaned, but a small part of her was curious. “Ugh… fine. But if it turns into a disaster, you’re both responsible.” Steve grinned triumphantly. “Deal. I’ll see you tonight, Ronnie.”
“Whatever. I gotta go.” Veronica grumbled. She walked away, annoyed. As she walked through the parking lot, the late afternoon sun glinted off the cracked asphalt, warming her skin but doing little to lift her mood. Sliding into the driver’s seat of her car, she started the engine and felt the familiar rumble beneath her. The hum of the car was comforting, grounding her in the small bubble of normalcy she could create for herself.
After picking up Troy from school, Veronica tapped her nails on the steering wheel. “So.. how was school?” “Fine. That Byers kid wasn’t there. He’s weird, anyway.” He muttered. Veronica raised an eyebrow, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. “Weird how? Because he’s quiet? Or because he doesn’t act like a total jerk all the time?”
Troy shrugged, leaning back in his seat with a lazy expression. “I dunno… just… weird. Keeps to himself, I guess. Doesn’t talk much.” Veronica chuckled softly, shaking her head. “That’s not weird, Troy. That’s called having a brain.” He snorted. “Yeah, whatever. He’s still… weird.” She smiled faintly, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel again. “You’re just jealous he’s not a pain like you.”
Troy rolled his eyes. “Ha. Funny.” For a few minutes, they drove in companionable silence, the hum of the car filling the space between them. Veronica’s thoughts kept drifting back to Jonathan Byers, to the way he’d seemed tense, the worry etched across his face.
“So, I’m gonna be out tonight. I’ll make you dinner though.” Veronica said, running a hand through her hair. Troy glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. “Out… where? A party?” Veronica shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Yeah, something like that. Don’t worry, it’s not going to be a big deal. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Fine.” Troy muttered, hopping out of the car as Veronica parked. She sat in the car for a moment, watching Troy run inside. She turned the car off, and got out. Locking the car, she walked toward the house, the quiet hum of the town settling around her. The air felt almost too still, the kind of stillness that made shadows seem darker and corners feel closer. She liked that feeling. She closed the front door behind, after Troy left it wide open. She hung her bag up and pulled her coat off. Walking to the kitchen, she pulled out some bread and cheese for Troy’s dinner.
After turning the stove on and cooking him a grilled cheese, she placed it at the table and went to her room. She flopped onto her bed, groaning. “I can’t believe I'm going to this dead-ass party” she groaned.
She rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling, tracing the cracks with her eyes. The faint hum of the fridge and the distant sound of Troy munching on his grilled cheese filled the quiet house. For a moment, it felt like the only normal thing in Hawkins.
“Ugh,” she muttered again, swinging her legs off the bed and dragging herself toward the window. She peeked through the blinds at the street below, the sky deepening into twilight. Shadows stretched long across the quiet sidewalks, making the trees look like they were leaning in closer than they should.
She moved away, grabbing her leather jacket and leaving her room. “I’m heading out now, okay?” She said, glancing at Troy, who sat at the table in the kitchen. Troy didn’t look up from his plate, shoving another bite of grilled cheese in his mouth. “Mm-hmm. Don’t take too long.”
Veronica rolled her eyes, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be back before you finish that entire loaf of bread.” She grabbed her keys from the hook by the door and slipped on her shoes, the familiar clink of metal grounding her. She left the house, locking the door behind her. “Troy can manage till mom gets home.” She muttered to her house.
Later, after pulling up to Steve’s house, she knocks on the front door awkwardly. The door swung open almost immediately, and Steve appeared, his hair perfectly tousled as always, a wide grin plastered across his face. “Well, look who decided to show up! Ronnie!”
“Yeah, I’d ditch this if I could.” Veronica joked, peering inside behind him. Her eyes landed on Nancy Wheeler and Barb Holland, who stood in the corner. Veronica huffed slightly. Nancy Wheeler stood stiffly beside Barb Holland, both of them looking a little out of place compared to everyone else. Nancy’s posture was tense, like she wasn’t sure if she should stay or leave, while Barb hovered close, arms crossed.
Veronica huffed quietly under her breath. “This is already awkward,” she muttered. Steve followed her gaze, then shrugged. “Hey, they wanted to come.” “Did they?” Veronica shot back, raising an eyebrow. He didn’t answer, just flashed that same easy grin and wandered off toward the kitchen, leaving her standing there.
“…Great,” she mumbled. Veronica shifted her weight, tugging slightly at the sleeve of her jacket as she scanned the room again. Carol and Tommy were already by the couch, laughing too loudly at something that probably wasn’t that funny.
Veronica stood by the door, contemplating on ditching the party before she went outside to the backyard. Veronica slipped past a couple of people and pushed open the back door, the music dulling the second it shut behind her. The backyard was quieter.
Minutes after she went outside, everyone followed. Steve’s arm around Nancy, Carol clinging to Tommy and Barb looking awkward next to all of them. She watched the scene unfold: Steve throwing Nancy into the pool, Carol and Tommy’s PDA show, Barb standing there annoyed.
“…Jesus,” Veronica muttered under her breath. Nancy surfaced, coughing and laughing at the same time, pushing her wet hair out of her face while Steve grinned like he’d just won something. “C’mon, Nance, loosen up!” he called.
Veronica shook her head slightly, her gaze drifting to Barb. She looked uncomfortable, arms crossed, shoulders tight, like she didn’t belong there at all.
Veronica pushed herself off the wall and walked over, stopping beside her. “You look like you’re having the time of your life,” she said dryly. Barb glanced at her, letting out a small, relieved breath. “Oh yeah. Best night ever.” Veronica huffed a quiet laugh. “Yeah, I don’t want to be here either. I’ve known Steve since the 3rd grade, so it’s hard to say no to him.”
Barb gave her a small, grateful look. “Yeah… I just came because of Nancy. Didn’t really think it’d be… this.” She gestured vaguely toward the pool, where Steve was still trying to get Nancy to relax. Veronica snorted softly. “Yeah, this is kinda his thing. Loud, messy, and slightly painful to watch.”
Barb let out a quiet laugh, shoulders loosening just a little. “That’s… a really good way to put it.” “Hey Ronnie! I bet you can’t chug this beer faster than I can!” Steve yells. “Really? I am not doing that.” Veronica scowls. “I will.” Barb says.
Veronica’s head snapped toward her. “Barb, no. That’s a terrible idea.” Barb shrugged, already stepping forward a little, like she had something to prove. “Why not? It’s just one.” Steve grinned, holding out the can like it was some kind of prize. “That’s what I like to hear! Finally, someone brave.”
Veronica groaned. “Shit, I guess just suit yourself.” Steve tossed Barb a pocket knife. “Here, pop a hole in the bottom, it's faster.” Veronica’s expression dropped immediately. “Oh, hell no.” She stepped forward, grabbing Barb’s wrist before she could even take the knife. “Absolutely not. That’s not happening.” Tommy grabbed Veronica’s shoulders, pulling her away from Barb. “Fuck, Ronnie, nothing bad’s gonna happen.” Tommy laughs. Barb stabs a hole in the bottom of the can and the knife slid and cut the palm of her hand.
Veronica shoved Tommy’s arms off her. “Get off me!” she snapped, rushing to Barb’s side. “Are you okay?”
Barb clutched her hand, wincing. “I-I’m fine, it’s just,” She looked down, her voice catching slightly. “It’s bleeding.” “No kidding,” Veronica muttered, grabbing her wrist gently and pulling her closer to the light. “Let me see.” The cut wasn’t huge, but it was deep enough to matter. Blood welled quickly across her palm.
“Let me get you a bandage.” Laura said, pulling Barb inside with her. She looked back, Nancy not even caring. “What is wrong with her?” Veronica mutters. Grabbing a bandage from a drawer in the kitchen Veronica knew too well, she made her way back to Barb.
She turned back to Barb, who was leaning against the counter, pressing her hand to a napkin Carol gave her. “Alright, move that,” Veronica said gently. Barb hesitated, then lifted the napkin. The bleeding had slowed, but the cut still looked raw.
Veronica winced slightly. “Yeah… that’s gonna need more than just a tiny bandage.” “Great,” Barb muttered. “Relax, you’ll live,” Veronica said, softer now. She carefully wrapped the gauze around Barb’s palm, her movements steady and practiced. “Hold still.” Barb watched her for a second. “…You’re weirdly good at this.”
Veronica shrugged and laughed awkwardly. “Lots of practice fixing other people’s messes.” Both Veronica and Barb went silent. “One time, Steve got a fishing hook stuck in his arm.” Veronica laughed, trying to lighten the mood. Barb blinked, a little surprised. “…You’re kidding.”
Veronica shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Nope. Sixth grade. He cried for, like, ten minutes straight.” Barb let out a quiet laugh. “Steve Harrington? Crying?” “Oh yeah,” Veronica nodded, finishing the wrap and securing it. “Full-on panic. I had to hold his arm still while my dad got it out.”
Barb smiled a little more now. “Wow. That’s… actually kind of funny.” “Yeah,” Veronica said, sitting back against the counter. “Don’t tell him I told you. He’d never recover.” Veronica sighed. “Look, I don’t think Nancy’s leaving anytime soon.” she joked. Barb glanced toward the backyard door, where the noise of laughter and splashing still carried in. “Yeah… I kinda figured,” she said, her smile fading a little.
Veronica followed her gaze, spotting Nancy through the glass, no longer in the pool. Steve wrapped a towel around her. “…Yeah,” Veronica muttered, quieter now. “She’s not going anywhere.”
Barb shifted awkwardly, adjusting the bandage on her hand. “I should probably just wait it out then.” “Alright. I’m gonna head out.” Veronica nodded. “Steve won’t realize I'm missing when he’s too focused on Nancy.” she joked.
Barb looked at her, a little surprised. “You’re leaving?” Veronica shrugged, grabbing her jacket from the back of a chair. “Yeah. I mean, I like parties, but this one just got awkward really fast.”
Barb gave a small, understanding nod. “Yeah… I get that.” Veronica slipped her jacket on, running a hand through her hair. “I’ll catch you at school or something,” she added, trying to keep it light.
“Yeah,” Barb said softly. “See you.” Veronica hesitated for just a second, glancing toward the backyard again. Nancy and Steve were still wrapped up in each other, completely oblivious. “Bye, Barb.” Veronica said, slipping out through the front door.
The door clicked shut behind her, muffling the music instantly. Veronica exhaled, the quiet settling over her like a weight. The porch light flickered faintly above her, casting uneven shadows across the steps. “…Much better,” she muttered, though her voice didn’t sound convinced.
She stepped off the porch, gravel crunching softly under her shoes as she headed toward her car. The street stretched out in front of her. Empty, still, the kind of quiet that made every little sound feel too loud. Veronica tightened her grip on her keys, the metal pressing into her palm.
Halfway to the car, she slowed. Something felt wrong. She glanced over her shoulder. The house stood behind her, glowing, loud, alive with noise and movement. Normal. Her gaze shifted to the side of the house. Nothing, just darkness. Veronica shrugged, turning to get in her car.
She pulled the car door open and slid into the driver’s seat, the familiar smell of worn leather and faint gasoline wrapping around her like a shield. “See? Nothing,” she muttered under her breath, more to convince herself than anything else. The door shut with a solid thunk, and she immediately locked it. The small click echoed louder than it should have in the quiet.
Turning on the ignition, she left. The engine rumbled beneath her, steady and familiar, and Veronica pulled away from the curb a little faster than she meant to. Gravel crunched, tires catching the road as she sped off down the quiet street. She didn’t look back.
UPDATE:
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