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Steve Harrington had practically become a pro at teaching Sex Education and being a baseball coach by the time 1992 rolled around but, his love life was another story. That Tuesday afternoon, Dustin, Max, Lucas and Mike had come to visit him after classes were over.
“…so, I’m single.” Dustin finished telling his story about how him and Suzie broke up.
“I told you long distance relationships were hard.” Came a familiar voice from the doorway, Nancy Wheeler was standing there- wearing a posion graphic T-shirt, some denim jeans and black boots. Nancy’s hair fell to her upper back, a braid on the right side of her hair- the rest of her hair was wavy. Nancy gave all of them a smile, as everyone tried to pick their jaw up off the floor.
“Nance!” Dustin rushed towards her, now a good three feet taller than Nancy. Dustin pulled her into a tight hug, Nancy laughed fondly as she hugged Dustin back.
“You’re towering over me now.” Nancy walked into the room.
“I didn’t know you were- is there a holiday coming up?” Mike was shocked to see his older sister. Steve hadn’t seen Nancy since her graduation from Emerson last May.
“Labor Day but, I don’t think that’s worse counts.” Max pointed out.
“I haven’t seen you in five months, usually it would be a year.” Steve smirked at her, crossing her arms.
“Well- Mr. Harrington, I graduated five months ago.” Nancy’s tone was playful as her blue eyes glanced at him.
“You have never called me that in your life.” Steve snickers, she wasn’t the same woman that left for Boston in 1990.
“Well, as long as you’re in this building- is that not what they call you?” Nancy raised an eyebrow. Was Nancy flirting with him?
“How long are you in town for?” Max asked, interrupting Steve and Nancy.
“I’m back.” Nancy simply shrugged with a smile, as if she was talking about the weather.
“Seriously? You’re back in Hawkins?” Max’s eyes lit up.
“Are you staying at the house?” Mike asked.
“Yes, I am. No, I will not be staying at the house- I lived there long enough. While I was still in Boston, I put down a security deposit on an apartment.” Nancy answered.
“You’re really staying.” Lucas looked surprised.
“I saved up a lot of money from my time at The Herald- and I bought the building that they put where Starcourt used to be. Better memories will be made.” Nancy nodded, continuing.
“THAT WAS YOU?” Max gasped, seemingly already knowing about the building.
“You’re the one starting that newspaper- I should have known!” Mike could face palm himself, of course it was Nancy.
“Right again- since The Hawkins Post, Hawkins hasn’t had a newspaper so nobody knows what the hell is going on. It’s really better for the community.” Nancy smiled, reasoning.
“Why did you leave The Herald?” Steve wondered, it wasn’t like Nancy to just abandon anything- especially anything to do with Journalism.
“Two words- sexual harassment. I guess I was an easy target? I’m just a woman from Indiana trying to make a name for herself in the city. That city will chew you up and spit you out- right on your ass. And the men- I use the term loosely- are horrible. I don’t even want to repeat what I was called or the things they did to me. When I told my boss about it, I immediately got shut down. You know, because I’m a woman- and as progressive as 1992 is…people still discriminate because you’re not a man. It didn’t help that he was one of the best reporters there- nobody believed a damn thing I said. They were going to put me on leave but, I just quit.” Nancy explained, a little pissed off.
“Jesus Nance, I’m sorry.” Steve knew that getting out of Hawkins had always been one of her dreams.
“It’s just another thing- I didn’t really want to be in Boston, moving away from home works for some people but, more often than not- I was actually homesick. I’m glad that I have a degree but, Boston never felt like home. I was only an hour away from Robin which was nice, we spent more time together but…it still didn’t make Boston any better. So, after that happened…I just decided that I was coming home.” Nancy continued on.
“You know, we missed you too.” Dustin looked at her.
“I think that’s what sucked the most, missing out on your lives.” Nancy fondly recalled.
“I still haven’t managed to make any girl friends at the community college, I guess it’s my rough personality- it’s cool to have you back.” Max didn’t say it but, she was a little lonely when she had classes.
“Max, there’s nothing wrong with you- girls are just bitches. Robin is the only person that could stand to be around me when I was in Boston, none of the women I worked with or graduated with, wanted anything to do with me. Don’t ever diminish yourself to try and make friends, because the right people will love you exactly for who you are. Trust me. Being yourself can piss people off but, it’s because they’re jealous. You know, you’re free to hang out with me anytime. Any of you are- bother the hell out of me. That’s why I’m back.” Nancy got serious as she looked at the younger girl, Steve liked how sure of herself Nancy was. Nancy had been like that before Vecna happened- the first time Steve dated her. Steve noticed a small smile forming on Max’s face.
“Do you need any help moving in?” Max asked.
“Please. I have barely done a damn thing. I don’t even begin to know how to put my bed together.” Nancy lightly groaned.
“Am I a joke to you?” Steve gave Nancy an amused look.
“Don’t you have a girlfriend? Would that really be fair to her?” Nancy wondered.
“Do you mean Kristen? That bitch is long gone.” Max grumbled, showing her distaste.
“Max!” Nancy covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
“I mean, she did cheat on Steve.” Lucas pointed out.
“Oh- I’m so sorry, I feel bad for bringing it up.” Nancy winced, turning to face Steve.
“It’s okay Nance, you didn’t know.” Steve waved it off, Steve had gotten over Kristen by now but, the kids clearly hadn’t.
“I’ve been sleeping on the floor.” Nancy admits.
“What? Why wouldn’t you call me? I don’t want you sleeping on the damn floor.” Steve’s mouth hung open.
“How long have you been here?” Mike asked, a little shocked.
“Three days, I know I should have called. I didn’t want to bother anyone.” Nancy pressed her lips together.
“I don’t think Steve is bothered by you, just being honest.” Lucas spoke.
“I have never in my life been bothered by you, Nancy Wheeler.”