November 4th, 1983
Isabelle Harrington jolted up in bed, looking at her alarm clock.
2:37 flashes red
They'd lost power throughout the night. Great. Who knew what time it was. She threw her blankets back, hopping out of bed and walking across the hall. Steve's door was still shut, so she knocked; once, twice, three times. When she still didn't get an answer, she slowly opened the door, to find her brother buried under a pile of blankets. She walked over to the bed, grabbing his arm and looking at his watch.
7:33am
"Steve, time to get up. We're going to be late," she said, pulling the blankets back. He immediately grabbed them and pulled them up over his head, grumbling something she couldn't understand, but knew it wasn't nice.
"No, no, no. We're going to be late. The power went out last night so our alarms didn't go off. Come on, up and at 'em! We need to leave in 10," Isabelle explained, leaving the boy to get up and get ready.
She ran back to her room, slamming her door behind her and racing into her bathroom. She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and then went to her closet. Of course, the night she doesn't lay anything out, she's late. She pulls out a yellow sweater, a dark blue skirt, and some kneehigh socks. She threw everything on quickly, brushed her hair, and pulled on a pair of yellow converse. She grabbed her jacket and backpack off the door, and walked out, closing her door and meeting Steve in the hallway.
"You look nice, Belly," Steve said, following her down the stairs.
"Thank you," she said, walking into the kitchen. She scrounged through the pantry, pulling out a pack of Poptarts, strawberry for Steve. She then grabbed a banana off the counter, and walked out the door behind her brother. Once in the car, she handed him one of his poptarts.
"May I take your jacket," she joked, opening her banana and slowly eating it.
"You are so weird sometimes," Steve said, even as he laughed at her joke.
"Don't forget to pick me up tonight," she said, swallowing her last bite.
"I won't," he said, scoffing at her. "Where am I picking you up again?"
Isabelle rolled her eyes. "The Sinclairs. I'd say no later than 10, please?" They pulled up to the middle school, kids still milling around outside. She didn't see her friends, but she did see their bikes. "See you tonight Stevie."
"Have a good one Belly," Steve shouted, already driving off.
Isabelle walked up the walkway, passing a few people she politely said hello to. Once inside, she went straight to her locker. Standing there, were a few of the girls from her class, giggling and gossiping, she was sure.
"Excuse me," she asked, trying to get to her locker.
"Sorry Izzy, we'll scoot down," the one leaning on the girls locker said, motioning for the others to scoot.
"Thanks," Isabelle said, using her combination and opening the door. She hung her book bag up, pulling out the first few books she would need.
"Hey, what are you doing tonight," the girl asked. "We're having a sleepover at Ashley's house, you should come. If you're not busy of course."
Isabelle continued organizing her stuff, not looking at the girls. "I'm going to Lucas' after school, we're having a movie night. Sorry."
"Lucas?"
"Yeah, Sinclair."
"Just the two of you," the girl asked as the others giggled behind her.
"Well, no. The others will be there. Mike Wheeler, Will Byers, and Dustin Henderson."
"Oh Izzy, why do you hang out with them?"
Isabelle finishes getting her stuff together, closing her locker and turning to the group of giggling girls.
"Why do I hang out with them?"
"Yeah. They're just a bunch of nerds, losers. You could rule the school. A Harrington. So pretty. So smart. You could do anything. Why do you choose them," the girl asked, playing with a strand of Isabelle's hair.
Isabelle removed the girl's hand from her hair. "Because they're my friends. They're not nerds or losers. They're nice, they're sweet, and they don't treat me special just because of my parents last name. That's why," Isabelle explained, turning to walk away.
"One of these days, you're going to regret your choices, Izzy. Hopefully it won't be too late to salvage your reputation when that day comes," the mean girl said to her back.
Isabelle stopped walking, turning to look at the group of girls. She'd never understand why people thought being popular and pretty made you better than everyone else. Especially the people who were just terrible humans.
"I'll take my chances," she said, stopping before she walked away. "And quit calling me Izzy. That's not my name."
With that, she walked away, in search of her friends.
Walking down the hall, Isabelle thought back on how her friendship with the boys had come to be. In kindergarten, she had missed the first day of school. Home sick with the last of a cold, she'd missed all those first day things. All the introductions, the friend making, that sort of thing. When she'd been dropped off the next day, she'd shyly walked in, not knowing what to do. Her teacher had directed her to a seat, but no one tried to talk to her. When they finally got to go outside, she'd went directly to the two swings, climbing on and swinging by herself.
She'd only been swinging for a few minutes when two boys walked up to her, one looking mad that she was swinging and the other just looking shy.
"These are our swings."
"Your swings?"
"But we can share," the smaller of the two had said, almost too quietly to be heard. The taller one looked at the smaller one, shaking his head no. The smaller one shook his head yes, walking over to the girl. She could swing by herself, but couldn't go very high.
"Want me to push you," he asked, waiting for the girl to answer before touching her.
"Yes, please," she'd said, a big smile spreading across her face.
He pushed her a couple of times, the taller one watching from the side.
She let the boy push her a while, before asking him to stop so she could get off. Once she was off, she brushed her skirt off and walked over to the taller boy.
"Thank you for letting him share with me," she said, before starting to walk off.
"What's your name," The short one called to her retreating form.
"I'm Isabelle," she said, stopping and facing the pair.
"That's a big name."
"Can we call you something else? Like Bells," the tall one offered.
The smile on Isabelle's face was blinding. She'd never had a nickname before, not from friends at least, just her brother. "Bells, I like it." The short one walked over, carefully taking her hand and leading her back to the swings.
"I'm Mike and this is Will. You two swing, and I'll push both of you," he said, waiting for them both to climb onto the swings. That day and the rest of the week, the two smaller kids would swing, while Mike would push the two of them. They'd been best friends ever since.
In first grade, Lucas moved in 3 doors down from Mike. Their moms became friends, so Mike and Lucas became friends. Being friends with Mike meant being friends with Will and Isabelle, no questions. In fourth grade, Dusty moved in. Isabelle watched him as he introduced himself, and immediately wanted him to join their group. He was funny, he was kind, and he was a little different. When the teacher asked who'd like to be his helper for the day, Isabelle's hand sprung up so fast, she thought she might have hurt her shoulder. The teacher directed him to go sit with the girl and she knew he was meant to be a part of their group as soon as they started speaking. She introduced the other 3 boys to him at recess and the rest is history. The five kids had been together ever since. She couldn't imagine not having the four of them in her life. She loved each and every one of them more than anybody else, except for Steve.
Walking into her first hour, she found her friends already in their seats, turned towards each other, talking excitedly. She watched them for a minute, a soft smile on her face. These were her friends, her boys, this is who she belonged with. She took her seat, in front of Lucas and to the right of Mike. As soon as she sat down, they turned to where she was included and continued on with their conversation.
"Bells, what do you think we should watch tonight," Will asked excitedly.
"Well, what are the options so far," she asked, sitting her notebook on the desk and pulling out her favorite yellow pen.
Dustin spoke up first, "I suggest E.T." Isabelle wrote his pick down, turning to Lucas.
"My pick is First Blood," he said, flexing his muscles. Isabelle and the boys laughed, and she wrote his pick down as well.
"Will?"
"Tron!" Isabelle smiled, he'd been waiting for it to come out on VHS, and it was finally available at the local Video Store.
"Wheeler," she asked, turning to the last remaining boy. He was already looking at her, his cheeks turning red at having been caught. "What's your pick?"
"Um… Well, I'm with Dustin. E.T."
She put a tally next to E.T. turning to the boys. "So, we're able to get two movies. E.T. already has two votes. Anyone want to change their vote?"
Lucas and Will both shook their heads no.
Dustin spoke up, "What about you, what's your vote for Bells?"
She looked down at the list, tapping her pen against her cheek. "First Blood definitely doesn't sound up my alley, sorry Lucas. But I would like to see Tron," she said, putting a check beside Will's choice. "That leaves it with First Blood out this week. E.T. and Tron win."
Dustin slapped his hand down onto his desk, "Man! You guys stink."
The group laughed, Isabelle turning to Lucas, placing her hand on the one he'd used to hit the table. "Sorry Lucas. Next week, we'll do First Blood, okay?"
Lucas shook his head, pulling his hand away gently.
Dustin spoke up, "Bells, don't you want to pick something, I don't know, more girlie? We always watch action movies and stuff we pick. You never really pick anything."
She found all four boys looking at her, sympathy in their eyes. When you hang out with four boys, you tend to miss out on the girly things. They tried, don't get her wrong. They never teased her for wearing skirts or dresses, allowed all her hugs and feelings talks. Never made her feel silly if she cried over something. She figured watching their movies was the least she could do.
"Thank you for asking Dusty, but I'm ok. I can watch those things on my own time," she said, ripping the paper out and crumpling it up. She turned to face forward, throwing the paper ball into the trash bin.
"She scores," Lucas shouts, arms over his head. They all quickly quiet and turn to face the teacher when the door shuts and class starts.
—-
When the bell rings for lunch, Isabelle stops by her locker, dropping off the things she'd needed for her morning classes. She'll stop back by before going to her next class, grabbing what she'll need for the rest of the day. She turns, finding Will and Dustin waiting for her, both with big smiles on their faces.
"Hi guys. What's with the grins?"
"It's Friday. Pizza day," Dustin shouts. He gets a look from a teacher, who he quickly apologizes to. "Let's go," he says, grabbing Isabelle's hand and pulling her behind him. She quickly latches onto Will, dragging him along too.
When they reach the lunchroom, they all grab a tray and get in line. Pizza, carrots, apple slices, milk, and a cookie. They walk until they find Mike and Lucas already eating. She sits between Dustin and Will, shaking and opening her white milk. She places a straw inside, taking a small sip. She watches as Dustin gives her his carrots, scooping up her apples. She quietly eats her carrots, content to listen to the boys talk about the D&D campaign they'll be playing on Sunday. Once they're all done eating, they line up to dump their trays. She's at the back of the line, and can hear a couple of girls behind her talking about her. She ignores it, never one to let them get to her. She's just about to dump her tray, when she feels the girl behind her slam into her, her food spilling onto her back.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so clumsy," the girl says, moving around her to dump her own tray and continue out to break. Isabelle doesn't know what to do, but her boys do. Will comes and takes her tray, dumping it for her. Lucas grabs her hand, squeezing it, trying to keep her calm. Mike and Dustin pick what they can off the sweater, before they all leave the room together.
Isabelle can feel the different textures seeping through her sweater and onto her skin. Tears prick at the corner of her eyes, but she doesn't let them fall.
"I have a sweatshirt in my locker, I'll go grab it," Mike shouts, racing the other way down the hall.
They walk her to the girls room, Dustin holding the door open for her. She thanks them and walks inside. She turns so she can see her back in the mirror and it's covered in pizza sauce, ranch, and chocolate milk. She pulls her arms out, turning the sweater so the back is in the front. Grabbing a few paper towels, she wets them and slowly blots at the stains. At times like this, she wishes she was a more mean spirited person.
She hears a knock at the door, and goes to pull it open. Mike stands there, holding a dark blue zip up sweatshirt. He wrinkles his nose in disgust when he sees the front of her sweater.
"Maybe just wear the jacket," he says, holding it out to her. She laughs, taking the jacket and letting the door close. She goes back to the mirror, pulling the sweater off. She checks her bra straps to make sure there's nothing on them, and then pulls on the jacket. She zips it all the way up, pulling her hair out from it and tying it up with the dark blue scrunchy on her wrist . She looks absolutely ridiculous, but it's better than it was. She looks at the sweater, having no idea what to do with it.
She walks out, all four still standing there waiting for her. Dustin walks up, wrapping his arms around her in comfort. She returns the gesture, resting her head on his chest. The other three come up and join in, a group hug being just what she needed. They break apart, and see her sweater in her hands.
"What are you going to do with it," Will asks.
"No idea."
Lucas grabs the sweater and walks over to the nearest trash can. Without asking, he throws it in, and returns to the group. Isabelle stands there, slack jawed.
"You just threw my sweater in the trash."
"Yeah. Did you want to carry it around all day?"
"Of course not!"
"Ok then, problem solved. Let's go enjoy the time we have left of break."
—-
The school day ends and the Party meets at the bike rack. Isabelle doesn't have her bike, so she hops on the back of Dustins and they ride to Lucas' house. Mike keeps going, needing to stop by his house first for something. The remaining four park in the driveway, making their way into the house. They all go up to Lucas' room, avoiding his sister and shutting the door. Isabelle takes her usual spot, a bean bag chair in the corner, throwing her bag to the floor beside her. Dustin and Will start going through Lucas' comics, while Lucas goes back downstairs to talk to his mom about what she needs to pick up from the video store.
Dustin throws Isabelle a comic, and looking down she sees it's a newer Supergirl one, that she hadn't read yet. She starts to flip through it, getting lost in her own world. She's a few pages in, when the door opens back up and Mike tells her to catch. She catches the pile of fabric before it hits her in the face, looking at Mike in surprise.
"I asked my mom for some of Nancy's old clothes that she thought would fit you," he says, acting like it's no big deal. She smiles, standing up. She puts the comic down, making her way to the door.
"I'll be back guys," she says, leaving the room and going to the restroom. Looking through the clothes, it's a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She changes her clothes quickly, folding her things up but keeping Mike's sweatshirt separate. When she gets back into the room, Mike has taken her spot on the bean bag, reading the comic she'd been reading. Will, Lucas, and Dustin are huddled around Lucas' bed, arguing over a couple of comics that lay on the bed. She walks over to Mike, bending down to put her stuff in her bag, then goes to hand him his sweatshirt.
"Thank you," she says, holding it out. He takes it, sitting it down beside her bag. He is then grabbing the belt loop on the jeans, pulling her down beside him, both laughing as they fall into each other. They readjust so they're both comfortable, and the comic rests on their legs where they can read it together. They've made it through a few pages, when Mike notices that Isabelle is rubbing her hands up and down her arms, like she's cold. His mom should've known better than to just give her a t-shirt, she knows that Isabelle is always cold. Without looking away from the comic, he reaches over and grabs the sweatshirt that's just laying on the floor. He unzips it, and drapes it over her shoulders.
She smiles, moving to put her arms into the sleeves, before turning back to the comic. Neither one notices how the other's cheeks have turned rosy.
—-
After an hour of reading comics, Lucas' mom shouts up the stairs. The five race downstairs, stopping when they enter the family room. On the table are all the snacks they'd asked for and on the screen is the opening sequence to their first movie. The kids all choose a spot, Will, Mike, and Dustin opting to crawl into their sleeping bags, Lucas taking his dad's recliner, and Isabelle laying down on the couch.
They're about halfway through the movie when Dustin crawls out of his sleeping bag, coming to sit with Isabelle on the couch. She sits up, giving him some space, and resumes watching the movie. She leans forward, grabbing a few chips in her hand, before sitting back. She holds her hand out to Dustin, offering him a chip, which he takes and thanks her. Mike and Will are now sitting up, backs pressed against the oversized coffee table. She leans forward again, this time to grab some jelly beans. Will is grabbing them at the same time. She pulls her hand out, letting him go first. He grabs a handful, bringing them so he can look through them. She watches as he sorts through the jelly beans in his hand, pulling out all the yellow ones and giving them to her. She takes them, and another small handful from the bag. She does the same as him, sorting all the green ones and handing them to him. They both go back to watching the movie, Isabelle and Dustin sharing the jelly beans in her hands.
When E.T. finishes, Isabelle is slightly emotional. She's not crying, but she's definitely sad.
"That was so good," Dustin says, while Lucas rewinds and swaps out the next movie.
"So good! I can't wait to watch it over and over," Isabelle says from the couch. "Anyone need to use the restroom before we start the next movie?"
When none of the boys move, she excuses herself. Once she's done, she heads back to the family room, to find Dustin and Will, the only two in the room. Will is laying in his sleeping bag, Dustin still on the couch. She sits beside Dustin, waiting for Mike and Lucas to come back.
"Are you okay," he asks, turning to her.
"Huh?"
"After what happened today, are you okay?"
She pulls the sleeves of his sweatshirt over her hands, fidgeting with her fingers. "Yeah, yeah of course. I'm alright."
Dustin notices that she's fidgeting, and knows she's anxious. "You sure? I know those girls can be mean."
"They asked me to hang out this morning, but I turned them down. I guess Sheila doesn't take kindly to being told no."
"She'd better get used to it. You definitely won't want to hang out with them anytime soon," Dustin says.
"I didn't want to in the first place. She's just such a mean person. I don't get it."
"People that want what others have, are usually mean Bells. That's just the way the world is."
"What do I have that she doesn't?"
"The last name Harrington first and foremost. Real friends, not just people that are scared of them. Plus, you're way prettier than she could ever be! Did you see all that eyeshadow she had on her face today? Looked like she rubbed a smurf all over her eyes," he says, making them both laugh.
"Thanks Dusty," she says, running her hand through the hair at the top of her head, pushing it away from her forehead.
"Anytime Bells," he says, bumping his shoulder into hers. Mike and Lucas finally come back, Mike sitting on the other side of Isabelle and Lucas going back to his chair.
"Ready for Tron, Will?"
Will sits up, looking back to the girl. "I'm so excited, Bells. I just know this movie is going to be great."
Lucas starts the movie and everyone quiets down, giving it their full attention.
—-
The movie has been over for about 15 minutes. It's just after 10:00 and Steve hasn't shown up yet. Isabelle is sitting on the window seat, knees up to her chest, while the boys sit on the floor talking. Every now and then, she'll catch them looking at her, and she'll offer them a small smile before looking back out the window. It's not like Steve to be late, and especially not like him to forget her. She gets up, walking into the kitchen where Mrs. Sinclair is cleaning up.
"Can I use the phone please?"
"Of course Bells, you know where it is," she says, turning back to washing the dishes.
She dials her home number, listening as it rings. After 5 rings, the answering machine picks up, and Isabelle hangs up.
"I'll try again in a little bit," she says, leaving the room. When she enters the family room, the boys immediately stop talking. She gives them a look, coming over and sitting next to their row of sleeping bags. "No answer."
"Where could he be," Dustin asks the million dollar question.
"I have no idea. I reminded him to pick me up this morning. He's normally really good about making sure he's picked me up first if he's got other plans."
Lucas chimes in, "Just stay the night. Quit worrying about Steve, and stay here. Why weren't you staying in the first place?"
"Cause I like to sleep in my own bed, as often as possible, ya dork. Living room floors are not my first choice." She refuses to tell them about the lecture her dad had given her about boys, sleepovers, and the 'reputation' that might give her and by extension him.
"You can take the couch. Come on, it's been weeks since you've slept over with us," Lucas argued, trying to convince the girl to relax. She sighs, looking at all the boys' faces. They all smile, hoping to encourage her to stay.
Isabelle smiled. "Fine, you win."
Lucas smiled. "Mom," he shouted as loud as he could.
His mom came rushing into the room, the way he yelled causing her to think something was wrong. "What are you screaming for Lucas? Sounds like someone is dying out here."
"Bells is gonna stay the night, okay?"
"Of course. I told you she could yesterday," she says, rubbing Lucas' head. "Dear, do you want something to sleep in?"
"Yes please," Isabelle says, getting up and following Mrs. Sinclair out of the room. Upstairs, she gives the girl an old pair of Lucas' pajamas, leaving her to change in the bathroom. When she comes out, she finds the couch made up for her and the boys in their pajamas in their sleeping bags.
"So, we thought you weren't going to be here, so we got a scary movie for after you left," Dustin starts to explain cautiously.
"How scary," she asks, bringing the blanket up to her chin.
The boys share a look, before Dustin answers her. "The Thing."
"Oh."
"We don't have to watch it, if you don't want us to. We can watch it another time," Dustin offers.
"I don't want to keep you guys from watching something you want to see," she starts. Darn Steve. "Go ahead, I'll be fine. I'll cover my eyes if it gets to be too much."
The boys share another look, "Are you sure Bells," Will asks this time. "You can come lay with us if that'll help."
She shakes her head, not wanting to ruin their fun. "Yeah Will. I'll be fine. I might just go to sleep, I'm feeling kind of tired." She lays down, burrowing into her pillows, so just her face is showing. The boys laugh, laying back down once Lucas starts the movie.
They're not even 25 minutes into the movie and already Isabelle has had to cover her face multiple times. She just knows she's going to have nightmares tonight. Even with her face covered the scream on the screen causes her to jump, a yelp escaping her lips. She feels a weight on the couch, by her stomach, and when she uncovers her face, she finds Will sitting in front of her.
"I'm here, okay. Don't worry."
She rolls away, facing the back of the couch. Will lays an arm over her, and she snakes her hand out of the blanket and grips it tightly. She keeps her blanket over her ears. She squeezes her eyes shut, hoping it will help her fall asleep faster. She can hear the people on the screen screaming, and she brings their joined hands up over her ears. It blocks it out for the most part, and she finally falls asleep.