Disclaimer: I do not own Stranger Things or any of the characters created by the show.

My OC is Claire Owens.

To summarize where this plotline is going without giving everything away (and also to make sure you don't get the wrong impression of the story before it begins), the sci-fi fighting and world-saving aspect of the Stranger Things series does come into play eventually, but not for some time. A good part of the beginning of this story follows the development of Billy and Claire's relationship. Therefore, the storylines will not exactly match up but they do merge at some point. And it will kick ass.

Until then… Yes, Billy is straight in this story. And he is abusive.

***Super trigger warning. It gets real, and pretty dark.

ALSO... this chapter is super short because I would like to see some sort of response before I continue. My chapters will typically be between 2000-4000 words.

Claire was nervous and excited. While she was sad to leave her friends in her hometown of Ann Arbor, MI, she knew how excited her father was to live in a town with family again. After he received an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of his brother's construction company, he had first talked to Claire's mother, and then they had all sat down and talked about the move together. What they would be excited about, what they would be worried about, if they were okay with the idea of moving, or if it made them angry. Claire's parents imagined she may be resistant to move for her junior year of high school, but after her best friend since junior high had announced that she was moving, as well, the decision was not as difficult. Claire could tell how excited her parents were about this new opportunity, though they were trying not to pressure her into agreeing with the move just because of them. Ultimately, though, Claire was so very appreciative of the fact that she had the kind of relationship with them that she had. They cared about her, and loved her, and she would be okay. It didn't take much for her to make friends, anyways, and she would write her friends back in Michigan. She was sure she'd have just as great of an experience in Hawkins than at her previous school.

She had been captain of the soccer team, was on the pep squad, yearbook committee, national honor society, and a few more. She loved being social and active. She maintained above average grades and was proud of it. Yes, some of the senior cheerleaders at her school said she was lame, nerdy, a geek, whatever. But usually, upon meeting her, any person would eventually come to like Claire. She was kind, and considerate, and unbelievably positive. She liked wearing yellow and orange clothing with her bright white sneakers, and often sported large bows in her thick, wavy hair. She liked smiling.

Her dad dropped her off in the parking lot on her first day, smiling and waving goodbye. She smiled back, carrying her small stack of textbooks to the sidewalk and starting towards the school. She looked around, taking in the greetings between friends who hadn't seen each other over the summer. Her dark, somewhat messy pony tail blew in the breeze, and she smiled. This would be a good year.

Just as she thought this, she heard an incredibly loud engine rev behind her, and a screeching noise as a car pulled way too quickly into the parking lot. She could hear a couple of disgruntled murmurs coming from some nearby students. Curious, she glanced across the lot to see who was causing the commotion. He stepped out of the vehicle, not appearing to be holding a back pack or any school supplies at all. He was smoking a cigarette and had long light brown hair. He's actually quite handsome, she thought briefly as she took in his soft facial features. Judging by his appearance, he likely wouldn't want to have anything to do with her. They were probably exactly opposite, very unlikely to be acquaintances.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the two of them made eye contact. Her heart skipped a beat when he smiled crookedly at her, showing perfectly white teeth, and winked.

Please please please review! Comment! What do you like? What do you not like? What are you excited to see?

I'm excited for Claire's development. And for the other characters to come into play. Let me know what you think! xoxox