A/n: this is the final chapter before I start the sequel which delves into season 3. I plan to start the sequel before the summer of 1985, however.

Also, in chapter four I made an error. I said the dance was in September but the Snow Ball is in December. It has been corrected. And because Billy and the reader are technically minors in book one - he's 17 in season 2 - there is no explicit sexual content, only mentions of it. Season 3 however is a whole other ball game, so get ready.

Thank you for supporting the story and I hope you continue to read on through the sequel.

December 15th

Alice took one last curious look at her image in the mirror, pleased with the ending results, despite looking worn out. It had been a long week.

To keep busy, she volunteered to decorate the middle school gymnasium for the dance. It occupied a lot of her time, but she was grateful for it. And the results were worth the effort.

At least she hoped.

A sudden knock on her door yanked Alice from her thoughts as her brother poked in his head. It was a good thing she was dressed already. He was ready to go, and once he saw her sitting in front of her mirror with a brush in her hand, he narrowed his eyes.

"Are you not done yet?" He asked in disbelief. "We're already late."

Alice turned up her eyes. Whose fault was that? Chris took longer to get dressed than she did. Not to mention, she had chores to do; his chores too.

"Don't forget that I have to drive you there. I can easily lose track of time, or take a scenic route to the next town."

Chris groaned and shut the door in annoyance. He was a handful sometimes.

Alice snorted and adjusted her clothing; an outfit Robin let her borrow. Normally she didn't go out of her way to impress, but tonight she was chaperoning and she wanted to look good. For no one in particular; just her for once. Alice was most eager to see her hard work in action; the balloons were a pain and the Snow Ball sign nearly fell on her once.

Leaving her room, Alice walked into the living room where her family was waiting.

Faye, who is under oath not to bring out the camera, smiled as she saw her.

"You look gorgeous, hon."

"I thought I might as well try anyway," Alice mentioned, thanking her.

Chris scoffed.

"It's not even your night. And Michelle is going to dance with someone else because you had to make us late."

"Behave," Clark warned

Alice ignored the little brat. It was understandable; he was eager to profess his feelings to the girl he liked.

"Come on then. Best not keep Michelle waiting," she teased.

Chris hopped up from the couch and raced towards the door, not even bothered by his sister's jab. In the meantime, Alice said goodbye to her parents and retrieved the keys from the hook in the kitchen. Leaving the house, she got into the truck and started the engine. Chris turned on the radio as she pulled onto the main road heading towards town.

Shout played quietly in the background.

"So, Michelle. What is she like?" Alice asked, attempting to start a conversation.

"She's nice," Chris merely answered.

She hummed.

"Are you going to kiss her tonight? There is still time to drive home and pick up the camera if you want a keepsake."

He tossed a heated look at her.

"That's none of your business."

"Relax kiddo. It was only a joke," Alice retorted with a laugh.

There was nothing wrong with wanting to kiss someone and at his age it was understandable. Besides, it served him right for rushing her. He was too fun to tease.

"Are you and Camaro Guy going to get back together?" Chris asked in a mocking tone. "He might have even let me drive his car, but no, you broke up with the only cool guy you've ever dated."

OK, low blow. Alice rolled her eyes. There was no way Billy would ever let him drive the Camaro. The fact he let Alice was a miracle, and she still didn't understand why.

"It's been a month," she mentioned. "I'm sure he's moved on."

Besides, it was not like there was anything lasting between the two of them; not like Alice had thought. Billy made it clear by taking no action to save the relationship when she had broken it off. And why? Because he didn't want to admit there was an actual reason he wanted to date her; the I don't have to have a reason was utter bull. And perhaps it was dumb on her part to hang the balance of her relationship with him on one little question, but she didn't want to be just a one-time thing with him; that was what it felt like when he didn't give her a straight answer. But it was expected because Alice never considered the fact she might want to be his.

All those thoughts had come crashing down on her after the breakup.

The afternoon he had driven her home was the last time she had spoken to him. At school Tommy and Carol had begun to ignore her – no big loss there – and Billy acted as if she had never existed. Though, it wasn't like Alice had gone out of her way to talk to him either.

It hurt, but it was to be expected. For a while, it even felt like a mistake.

So, Alice had spent a month leading up to the dance focusing on herself and her grades. And whenever she passed him in the hall, she simply averted her eyes and moved on.

Easy peasy.

Except it wasn't; not all of the time. Thinking about him now made her eyes tear up.

"I've moved on," Alice lied, attempting to assure herself.

It was something she had to do now. Robin had made her see that turning him into an evil villain only buried her true thoughts about him. There was no Billy was at fault anymore; there was only we.

'We are at fault. We broke up because neither of us was real with one another.'

And no, Alice didn't mean cancer; she meant the fact she cared for him more than she should in such a short time. And that she wanted to help him get better; a pipe dream in her opinion. Seeing him every day was not easy, but she tried to ignore the urge to confront him, perhaps in fear that she might cave and tell him.

She even went as far as asking Robin to teach her the trumpet, but honestly, she had no talent.

Turning up the radio, Alice groaned as I Want to Know What Love Is came on. The universe was making a joke at her expense; how thoughtful.

Once she pulled into the lot at the school, she shut down the engine in relief. Chris unbuckled and hopped down from the truck leaving the door open. In annoyance, she got out and slammed it shut. At least he made it at all. Alice took a moment to compose herself and adjusted her clothing, then she walked into the side door leading to the gym to sign in with Mr. Clarke.

Walking through the main entrance and beneath the balloon arch, she had helped put together, Alice's eyes widen. There were so many students there; she couldn't believe it. And the decorations looked gorgeous; it was magical; a sea of silver, white, and blue. The colors of winter.

But what now? Alice walked over to the bleachers nearly hidden behind a curtain of tinsel and saw Nancy Wheeler sitting alone. She looked crestfallen, but once she noticed Alice, her eyes widened and she motioned her over.

"I thought I was the only high schooler here who volunteered to chaperone," she mentioned.

It was strange talking to her, given that neither of them was close, but Nancy chatted plenty enough in class for the situation not to feel so awkward.

"For a minute, so did I," Alice retorted in relief.

Sitting down beside her, Alice looked around in awe.

"It's unbelievable."

She didn't remember anyone putting so much effort into the décor for the Snow Ball when she was in middle school.

"The decorating committee did an amazing job. Jonathan has so many pictures," Nancy brought up.

"Jonathan is here?" Alice asked with a knowing grin.

Nancy smiled and nodded.

It was a shame what became of her and Steve, but she and Jonathan were a cute match. Alice was a bit envious of them.

For a moment, she sat in silence listening to Time After Time play through the speakers across the gym, swaying to the music. Until Nancy cleared her throat.

"So, can I ask you something personal?" She asked.

Alice hummed, curious as to what she wanted to ask.

"You were there with Steve that night at Jonathan's house, right? Did he protect my brother and his friends?"

"He did; it was sweet," Alice retorted. "And I was supposed to be on a date with Billy Hargrove. Unfortunately, Steve got caught up in his drama."

Nancy merely smiled.

"Mike said you stood in front of him and his friends even though you didn't know them. Thank you for that."

"It was nothing. And if you get the chance, Steve deserves the thank you more than me," Alice suggested.

Whether it be her brother or Chris, or Max and the others, Alice would always stand to protect them.

Speaking of Chris, Alice saw him dancing with who you assumed was Michelle. She was thankful that he got his dance, even if he was a brat.

A few people over from him were Max and Lucas, dancing close; she looked happy. Alice was glad the two got a chance to be with one another.

That night she swore that she would tell what she was doing at the Byer's residence – not that it was any of Alice's business – but since the break up with Billy, Alice had seen less and less of her. The reason behind her actions still confused the young women. It was a shame, but Alice was glad she could smile without fearing that her brother would torment her for it. Perhaps one day she would get a chance to talk with Max again and find out what she meant.

And maybe how Billy was doing.

Warm tears filled her eyes as thoughts of him came to mind. Alice missed his grin and even the lewd innuendoes he often threw at her. A smile pulled at her lips, but her chin quivered as memories invaded her mind, causing more damage than good. Did seeing Max remind her of him? Alice hoped he was doing better than she was at least; she doubted that thoughts of her randomly entered his mind.

"Are you OK?" Nancy asked suddenly.

Alice realized that she can see her. Heat rushed across her face from embarrassment and she blinked away the tears.

"Tonight has me feeling rather nostalgic. I think I just need some air," Alice replied.

"I'm here if you want to talk," Nancy mentioned.

Standing up, Alice excused herself and walked outside to the truck, leaning against the driver's side door. For a moment or two, she reminded herself that she was OK. Witnessing so many love-sick teenagers dancing with one another with no care in the world had her feeling a little envious. Why was her love life so complicated.

She took a deep breath, opting to go back inside or sit outside a little longer, but across the parking lot, a familiar Camaro caught her attention. She widened her eyes.

Why was Billy there?

Max had made him swear not to bother her or her friends, so it made no sense for him to be at the school. Unless of course, he had to drive her. How vindictive.

Alice couldn't see him because of how the car was parked – with its trunk to her – but his arm hung from the window, holding a cigarette whose end burned like a beacon. Should she walk over and say hello? A knot formed in her stomach at that idea. Perhaps it was for the best that she leave him alone.

But she wanted badly to see him.

Giving in, she took an uneasy breath, walking across the parking lot to the driver's side window. Alice knocked on the roof to announce that she was are there and leaned down to see him better. He didn't look at all surprised; his eyes were dark as the sea during a storm.

"What do you want?" He asked above a whisper.

Alice could hear the faint sound of music playing on the radio.

"I saw you sitting here and thought I'd come over and see how you are doing," she answered.

Billy snorted.

"I'm fine."

Alice had no doubts. He was the type to bounce back no matter what.

"Can we maybe talk?" She asked.

"There's nothing to talk about," Billy retorted, flicking ashes onto the ground near her feet.

Alice frowned and leaned up.

"No, I guess there isn't."

Billy tightened his jaw and then reluctantly motioned at the seat beside him. At least he wasn't chasing her away; not yet anyway. She had expected much worse. Walking over to the passenger door, she got in and shut it, resting her back against it to see him better.

The blond took a drag of his cigarette, eyeing her for a moment. Alice wondered if he liked her outfit.

"I thought this was a middle school dance. Do you have a date or something? I thought I saw Harrington here earlier."

Was he jealous?

"I'm a chaperone," she answered. "As far as Steve goes, he probably came here to see Nancy."

Alice tilted her head in question.

"But what are you doing here?"

He rotated the spark wheel on his lighter; a flame shot from the hood, illuminating the car, then he released the fork and tossed the lighter onto the dash.

"Max," he uttered. "Won't you believe it? I had to drive her to this stupid dance even though I'm supposed to leave her alone."

Alice frowned. A month wasn't enough time to change his opinion of her she reminded herself. Not to mention no one knew he was hurting; how bad, she wasn't even sure. And perhaps he wasn't hurting at all. He might just be an asshole.

"But you're doing better it seems. I'm happy for––"

"Is that what it seems like? Did you come over here to see whether I'm treating Max better?" Billy asked with a snap, interrupting her.

Alice took a deep breath. He was mad; she understood. Bringing up Max first was not the best topic starter; noted.

"I missed talking to you."

He snorted.

"Sure. An entire month of averting your eyes every time I came into the room proves that."

"Because I wanted to let you have your space. I was unfair to you, but there is so much hate in you and at the time I didn't think you'd ever forgive me," Alice admitted.

Billy leaned forward; his blue eyes shined with tears.

"Nothing has changed, babe."

Babe? Not her name or an insult. It was promising.

"And maybe it won't," Alice uttered. "But I do miss you; a lot actually."

She took a deep breath and continued.

"I want you to know that I would have stuck by your side through whatever dark road you went down."

It was the truth. She wanted him to get better, but with little time, that wasn't possible.

"And yet you broke up with me," Billy pointed out, sharp as a whip.

"A week wasn't enough," Alice mentioned. "And at the time it didn't feel real."

Billy scoffed.

"If you wanted more time, then you should have asked."

Tears burned her eyes.

"You don't understand a damn thing. It's not about that."

"I don't understand?" Billy asked in disbelief. He tossed his cigarette out the window. "That's the pot calling the kettle black. And after what you promised me."

What did he mean?

"All I wanted to know was why you picked me. A simple I chose your name out of a damn hat would have sufficed. But you danced around the question when I asked."

"Because you already know why," Billy merely stated.

No, she didn't. Alice felt so frustrated.

"What are you talking about? When? And what damn promise?"

"Don't you remember what you said to me that night at Tina's party?" He asked in annoyance.

Alice shook her head no. That night was one big blur. All she remembered was little things here and there; Steve losing at his own game; Billy shirtless.

"You told me that I looked like the loneliest person in the room," Billy stated.

Did she? Alice remembered running into him on her way to get another drink – right before she kissed him. But she didn't remember insulting him. That made no sense. Why did he take her home then?

"And when I said that everyone in the room was my friend, you laughed and told me that none of them truly cared; that without popularity no one would bat an eye in my direction," he reminded her.

Oh shit! That sounded familiar. How much did she have to drink that night? Alice couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"I'm not like that," she uttered.

"Alcohol is like a truth serum, babe. You told me what you thought about me," Billy insisted. "But that's not all."

What else?

"You leaned in and whispered: if given the chance, I promise I'd never let you be alone. And I accepted."

Her eyes widened.

"I had forgotten."

Billy didn't ask Alice to date him because he thought she was cute or because she gave him her body; he asked her because she promised to help him. He went out of the way to impress her parents and even let her drive the Camaro because, for a week, she was supposed to make him feel cared for. But she had interpreted the relationship wrong, thinking he thought less of her and broke up with him.

Tears blurred her eyes.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"It's not my place to remind you of your promises," Billy answered.

He was right.

"I'm sorry, Billy. I'm so sorry."

Alice rested her head against the seat as tears ran down her face. Did she see the darkness in him before she even met him? Drunk Alice had issues.

Feeling his hand cover her, a spark of hope ignited in her. Did he forgive her? Probably not, but it was worth a shot.

"For once you were right," Alice utter in a broken tone.

Billy snorted.

"I'm always right."

She turned up her eyes and grinned.

"Don't get too ahead of yourself."

Alice turned her hand and slid her fingers between his.

"I want to keep my promises."

"The week is up, babe," Billy mentioned.

Alice hummed and glanced at him.

"I want more time. Please."

"How much?" Billy asked, grinning.

Now he was just messing with her.

"As much as it takes," Alice answered

The blond released her hand and rested it on her knee.

"You may be with me for a long time then."

"I'm fine with that," Alice admitted. "I want to be yours."

He bit his lip and motioned his head toward the backseat of the car.

"You said you missed me. Do you want to show me how much?"

"We're in the parking lot," Alice argued. "I swear, you're turned on like 90% of the time."

Her face heated up.

Billy snorted and rolled the window up.

"Hearing you say your mine is a turn-on."

He was a horndog. But what did it matter? Alice liked him that way.

Leaning down, she turned up the radio a bit louder. Sussudio played through the speakers as Alice motioned for him to come closer. His lips pressed against hers as he leaned forward, running a hand up her thigh. It felt so good to be in his arms again. Alice felt his tongue sweep against her lips and eagerly she opened her mouth, running her tongue along with his; a shiver ran up her spine.

She have no idea how long she had until the dance was over, but she didn't plan to waste a second worrying about the world; not with Billy at her side.

The promise Alice had made Robin held true in her heart; she was going to enjoy her life a little more. Because tomorrow never knows.