Running towards Max so fast you nearly lose your footing, panic etched on your face "What did you see?" You demand an answer, knowing full well whatever she was peering out on earlier was not the 'end is here lady'.
Max looks at Eddie's trailer, biting down on her lower lip "Chrissy. I saw him go into his trailer with Chrissy," she gestures towards it as you whip your head around, joining her gaze.
Shaking your head in disbelief "No.. not possible," you brush off what Max has said completely as you start walking towards Eddie's trailer, your kneels feeling weak and heart heavy in your chest.
"Y/N.. " Max chases after you, using her body as a shield in front of you to stop you from moving "Whatever happened.. whatever that scream was and caused Eddie to get the hell out of dodge.. it wasn't good." She spoke sternly, trying to be voice of reason "Chrissy didn't come out with him," Max said cautiously, you still weren't willing to believe Chrissy was with him in the first place but Max was right.. something happened and it wasn't something good.
You've never seen Eddie scared and he is one of the most daring people you know. He was the type to climb a high beam over the Hawkins river just to say he did it. The kind of guy who would give himself smiles with a lighter for fun and watched horror movies like they were rom-comes. Whatever happened, whatever made him scream and take off was worse.. much worse.
You drop your head, bringing your hands to cover it in disbelief "Look why don't you try and find him and I'll call Dustin, Mike and — well those are the only numbers I have." Max thinks for a moment with a finger to her lip, your mind so blank you can't even think of anyones number at this point. "Either way, we shouldn't be near his trailer and do not go inside." Max warned like a stern mother scolding her small child.
All the roads of Hawkins seemed to bleed into one, you were so frantic and worried that your hands shook as you clutched onto the steering wheel. It's not like Eddie had many places to go or hide, you knew Mike and Dustin's parents weren't going to allow Eddie to just barge in. You had already tried Gareth, Jeff and Lex.. band mates and hellfire club members - they had no idea where Eddie was or where he may be.
You were losing hope and you were losing it fast, could he have left town? Was whatever happened that bad? It seemed like you were driving around for hours, checking every street and side street for his van. A few times your heart jumped in your chest as you spotted vans that looked similar but ultimately weren't Eddie's. He should have remembered you were at Max's trailer, he should have saw your car.. so why didn't he come to you?
You shake the thoughts from your head but the one that keeps repeating over and over is Chrissy.. maybe Max didn't see her, maybe it was someone else. There was no possible equation you could work out where Chrissy would be at Eddie's or why Eddie would have her over to his place.
"I've looked everywhere," you feel your eyes welling up, your main concern being that Eddie may be hurt. "Look," Max points over your shoulder as you hear the faint sound of sirens in the distance. You had drove over all night and ended up back at Max's, hoping she had more luck but it was as of Eddie vanished off the face of the earth
Seated on Max's trailer steps, you watch as cop car after cop car rolls in with sirens blaring. Each and every car stopping in front of Eddie's trailer, you and Max exchange an unspoken look as you both scramble to your feet and go inside the trailer. The last thing either of you wanted was to be questions by the Hawkins police department.
"Do you think—" Max started as you threw your hands up in the air, being so exhausted and overcome with worry that your attitude was getting the best of you "What Max, do I think what?" You knew where this was going; especially if she had actually seen Chrissy.
You both peer out of the living room window through the blinds, something that has almost become daily habit it seems "Oh my god," your breath catches in your throat and your stomach feeling as if there was a sinking pit in it. "Chrissy," Max whispered to herself as you both watched a stretcher roll out of Eddie's trailer, a white sheet over top what could only be a body.
Covering your mouth to stop yourself from spewing the little you had ate all over Max's living room.Shrinking into the couch, you bring your hands over your face - sobbing into them. A cry so painful your sides begin to hurt and your lungs feel empty, "
Wait you don't think Eddie did this, do you?" Max asks quietly as she rubs your shoulder in circular motions "No, no of course not." You manage out between sobs "If that is Chrissy," you start "It is.." Max lands the blow again "Her and I use to be close, in middle school." your throat feels like it's swelling up,
"Eddie could never hurt anyone, unless he needed to." And there was no possibility in this world in which he would harm Chrissy, of all people. Let alone.. you swallow hard, kill her. He'd hurt himself before anyone else."
You and Max pound at Dustin's door, hoping he's home as daylight finally hit. "Um.. what's going on?" He swings open the door in confusion "If this is about owing you, I swear you don't have to hold me upside down and empty my pockets," his brows furrow together but a small smile dances on his face "room, now." You and Max demand in sync.
"Eddie and Chrissy?" Dustin paces back and forth in confusion "There's no way," he scoffs "That's what I said, but if not Chrissy.. it was still someone." Your voice is hoarse now from all the crying you've done. Dustin plays with the collar of his patterned button up shirt, you assume it's a nervous habit at this point "Okay well have you called the guys?" He asks as if that wasn't first thing Max did "We didn't have all their numbers, I went by their houses.. they haven't seen Eddie."
"You know maybe they lied?" Dustin's teeth came together in a walking on egg shells kind of look "No," Max spoke up, shaking her head "He was terrified, Dustin. That and - right before the tv starting cutting in and out, then the lights flickered.." Max trailed off, "We think it's happening again," you added.. "It as in.. the other Hawkins." Dustin pinched the bridge of his nose "Will it ever be over?" He groaned.
"You got phones here?" Dustin asks Robin and Steve, out of breath as you and Max follow in behind him to Family video "Uh yeah three - if you count Keith's." Robin looks at the three of you in confusion "That'll do," Dustin pushes his bag over the counter and jumps over, Robin and Steve looking at him like he had a third eye as he knocked over the tapes on the counter and dropped to the floor before swiftly standing up.
"Reefer Rick? I don't know his number, let alone an address." You state in thought, scouring your brain just in case but nothing came to mind. "Helpful, helpful.. not really.." Dustin starts off with a positive tone then shakes his head, "Oh I'm sorry I don't know all the ins and outs of Eddie's drugscapades." You throw your hands up, a mocking tone escaping your lips. "Wow good one -" Dustin is ready to argue, everyone being under high stress.
"Guys, we may not need a last name." Robins eyes light up, an idea popping into her head as she goes over to the computer. Max, Dustin, Steve and yourself all crowding behind her.
"I don't get why we are even entertaining this you should be going to the police."Steve judges yours, Max and Dustin's decision. "Steve, you may not know Eddie that well but you know me. Trust me on this, okay?" You nearly plead, feeling your eyes well up again as Steve's hands plant themselves on his hips. His nod making his perfectly placed hair loosen up a strand that covers his eye "Okay fine but I don't like it."
You and Steve use to be close as well; it was always kind of on and off. Especially once he started getting interested in girls, then he was nearly a lost cause. Now you see each other when you can but your work schedules often clash, if there's anyone who knows your deepest, darkest, ugliest truths.. it's Steve. Some things you can't even bring yourself to share with Max or Eddie. You don't want to be looked at like you have two heads, like you're fragile. Though you didn't think they would do that anyways, it was just.. a different time.. when you and Steve were closer than now.
And.. things did get a little awkward when you and him kind of tested the waters just to see if there was more beyond friendship. It didn't go too far, no, you always said you'd "save yourself," as they say for the right person.. you didn't want to become your mom. While Steve was a great boyfriend in theory, he wouldn't be a great boyfriend for you just like you wouldn't be a great girlfriend for him. Being friends.. staying friends, was the right path to take. Besides, you were quite fond of the romance he had with Nancy, even if it was short lived.
"Bingo," Robin smiles wide as she lands on a name who fits the description, typical stoner guy with typical stoner rentals. "Address?"Max peers over her shoulder "2121 Holland road," Robin chimes "Wait.. that's super close to my house. How did I never know that?" You questioned in confusion "Maybe it just never came up - come on let's go." Dustin rushes as you all grab your things and head for the door.
You practically lived on the outskirts of town, it kind of worked out well because if you took a man made path through the woods by your house.. you basically ended up at the trailer park. It made sneaking out much easier, first it was to see Max.. then Eddie. Especially as your mom wouldn't question it since your vehicle would be in the drive way and like hell she ever actually checked on you.
It was also like a mini escape to live so close and to be close to the lake, so many nights you spent out there wishing your worries away, swimming your worries away or just laying there in silence as you watched the starry night sky above.
Pulling up to the house, well more so lakeside cabin owned by reefer Rick you waited for Steve to park in front of you before parking your car. Max and Robin had tagged along with you and you knew Robin was maybe..possibly a bit on edge as she rambled about nothing yet everything the whole drive there.
"It doesn't look like anyone has been here in weeks," you pick up a newspaper from the ground, checking the date "Scratch that.. a month." You toss the paper back onto the porch that joins the collection of others "Then it's the perfect place to hide," Steve stretches his arms out as he speaks, "I don't really think a drug dealer is going to be leaving spare keys hanging around," Robin retorts with a snort, "Whatever - we are here so might as well check." Dustin huffed as he threw his arms up in the air, the first one to approach the cabin door.
His knocking was so loud that the whole city could probably here it, the repeated pushing of the doorbell made you swat Dustin's hand away from it "If anyones home they're going to think you're the police." Max shook her head in annoyance as she peered through the window "I don't know, he could be high or something," Dustin added as Steve and Robin laughed.
"Is that a foot?" Steve quips as you and Max round the left side of the cabin, spotting a boat garage "No I think it's a shoe," Dustin chimes in. You shake your head with a quiet laugh, "Guys," you and Max call out in sync as you point your flashlights at the boat garage.
"He's your boyfriend, you go in first." Steve nearly pushes you towards the door as you spin on your heels "How do we know reefer Rick isn't in there? What if he's an axe murderer?" You pose the question with a tilt of your head, arms crossing over her chest "Ohhh she has a point," Robin nods repeatedly, her short brown hair bobbing with. Steve turns to Dustin with a trying smile as Dustin returns the look with a shooing of his hands.
"Hey if there's any.. axe murderers, or stoners I guess.. hiding out in here.." Steve slowly opens the boat garages door, letting his flash light peer in first as you all follow close behind "Just know there's five of us.." He trails off, as if that's intimidating at all. "You're doing exactly what they say NOT to do in horror movies," Dustin whispers rather loud as Steve waves him off to be quiet.
"I don't think anyones in here," Max's flash light catches the reflection of an old broken mirror as the five of you investigate the small space. You watch as Steve picks up an oar, Dustin, Robin and yourself looking at him like he was insane as he started hitting the inside of the boat with it, which was covered by a tarp.
"What are you doing?" Dustin asks through gritted teeth "I'm checking!" Steve argues. Continuing to jab inside the boat with the oar "If he's in there and you hurt him, you die." You point at Steve, with a stern warning. Steve brings a hand to his mouth with a dramatic gasp "So YOU'RE the axe murderer." He fakes shock as Dustin huffs, pulling the tarp back himself to reveal.. nothing.
The five of you point your flashlights at the inside of the boat, double checking just in case but all it was filled with was fishing supplies "Well either he's in the house and not answering or.." Max states in confusion "Or he's not here." Robin finishes her sentence.
"I give up, for all we know he's left town. We have literally checked all leads," you lean on the hood of your car, slamming your fist down on it in frustration. "Hey uh, Y/N.. crazy question," Dustin pauses, letting out a laugh of disbelief as he taps his lower lip with his finger "Have you.. I don't know, checked your place?" He rubs his chin with pursed lips, everyone's eyes now on you.
"Yes.. well no. I drove by after he left and his van wasn't there." You tried to defend your reasoning "Besides he knows how my house is, it's not the ideal place to run to." You laugh incredulously, running your hand over the spot out you had previously hit on your car.
Dustin threw his hands up, taking his cap off his head in disbelief "You mean to tell me we drove all the way out here for nothing?" Steve's smile is tight on his face but his words sounding like a threat "Not for nothing," Max slowly added, adjusting her blue windbreaker "it was a lead, we followed it. Now we know," Robins voice cracked as she chimed in. "Alright let's go," you mutter, not having any hope that Eddie would be at your place anyways.
Eddie and your mom didn't exactly get along, half the time your mother hated him while the other half she was tearing you down and trying to get with him. He'd sneak in sometimes or hang out when she wasn't home, on one of her many binges.. like now. Eddie didn't know that your mom was out of town though and you highly doubted he would risk having to deal with her.
Jiggling the key into the lock and slamming the door a few times, you finally managed to get it unlocked. This house, much like your car.. is falling apart.
You let the door swing open and put out your arm to stop everyone from entering "Just remember this is a very old, unstable house and excuse the mess. My mom doesn't really clean much." A dissatisfied look takes your face as you drop your arm to the side and let everyone enter "Oh and.. Eddie's likely not in the right state of mind right now so just.. be careful."
"Let's check upstairs, Robin and Dustin ground floor and.." you're cut off by Steve interrupting, his hands firmly planted on his hips "Let me guess, basement right?" He asks smugly as you nod "Great, of course." He gives a shake of his head before running his hand through his hair "Hey if you need help.. just scream help." Dustin snickered.
Walking up the stairs with Max by your side, you can't help but feel the exhaustion hit you. Worried that you were on the verge of collapsing but knowing there was no way you could take a break, let alone sleep, unless you knew Eddie was okay.
"It looks.. ransacked." Max eyes the upper floor as you follow her line of vision "I don't think that's from Eddie," you sigh - your mom wasn't much of a neat packer either. She wasn't much of anything.
"Everything in my room is the same and obviously no Eddie," you state what is clearly known, "Maybe they're having better luck downstairs," Max tries to remain positive, you weren't sure if it was for you or herself.
Something catches your attention on the dresser, light reflecting off of something but you weren't sure what. You walk over slowly in confusion, picking up what you knew to be one of Eddie's many rings "He's been here," You speak out loud, more so to yourself. A new found hope sweeping over you as you wipe at your eyes, not wanting to start another sobbing session again.
"HELP!" You hear a strained voice yell as your head whips in Max's direction, her eyes going wide "I think he may still be here." She states quickly as you both book it out of your bedroom and down the stairs,
"YOU SAID IF I NEED HELP. SCREAM FOR HELP-" you and Max joined Robin and Dustin downstairs "AND IM SCREAMING!" Steve's shouts for dear life from the basement "I'm getting an inkling he may need help," Robin jokes to herself as you all look at her - shaking your heads as everyone headed down the stairs one by one.
"Steve?" You all yell out in different timing, the basement being near pitch black and not thinking to bring down your flashlights. Trying to adjust your eyes to the darkness and walk around using sheer memory, "Help!" The scream is so loud that you jump backwards, tripping over something or someone and landing flat on your ass.
"Mother fucker" you groan to yourself, almost sure you bruised your tailbone. You cover your eyes as your blinded by the light flickering on "Y/N?" You hear Eddie's voice, looking around the room and not seeing him anywhere. Your brows furrow as you look up from where you were still seated on the ground and spotting Eddie peering down above you.
His face softens, a visual weight being lifted off his shoulders as his eyes meet yours "You can let him go—" Dustin chimes in as Eddie has hold of Steve against the basement wall "Oh yeah, right. Sorry," Eddie let out a quiet, apologetic laugh as he removed his arm from Steve's neck, letting him drop to his feet.
An endless stream of tears run down your face, unable to hold back any longer as Eddie joins you on the ground, kneeling down beside you. He pulls you into him tightly, tighter than he ever held you before. You knew he needed this as much as he did, as you both quietly sobbed into each other.
"You idiot! Idiot, idiot!" You repeat as you bang your arms against his chest in frustration, more than sure you look like a wreck in that very moment. Eddie holds you against him "I know-" he whispers, moving stray hairs out of your face "I panicked," his voice broke as he bit down on his bottom lip.
"I thought you left town - or, or worse." You cried, having a full blown meltdown all the while having an audience. "Baby," he hangs his head to the side, putting a finger under your chin so you meet his eyes which were equally as wet as yours "This was the first place I went, took you a while to figure it out." Eddie laughed quietly, "I snuck in through the basement window," he motioned his head towards the window.. clever but sneaky.
Wrapping your arms around him, you sniffle repeatedly. "W-what happened?" You asked shakily as the group all seated on the dingy old couch in the basement "Well-" he starts, eyeing the group around him as he helps you to your feet "Here goes nothing I guess, it's going to sound insane.." he throws his arms up in the air "We are well versed in insane," Max speaks quietly as the lights begin to flicker, just like they did at the trailer park
"Not again," Eddie whimpers as he eyes the lights flickering in fear.