September 4th 1983
Kayla let out a groan as she heard her name being called out, pulling her duvet further over her head, hoping in vain to have a few more minutes sleep. Just when she was beginning to drift off again, her duvet was suddenly pulled off the couch, the cold air of the morning hitting her bare legs. With an annoyed grunt, she rolled onto her front, pulling her pillow over her head to shield herself from the morning light. Kayla finally gave up when she felt a hand wrap around her leg, pulling her halfway off the couch, as she tried to brush them away.
"Alright, alright! I'm awake!" Kayla complained, lounging against the back of the couch, still refusing to open her eyes.
She frowned when she felt something cold against her cheek a moment later, forcing her eyes open to find a foot was now touching her face. Letting out an indignant cry, she shoved the owner of the foot away, and began chasing after him.
"You're so fucking dead, Eddie!" Kayla cried, chasing him through the trailer and into his bedroom.
"It woke you up, didn't it?" Eddie grinned, far too amused.
With a growl, Kayla jumped onto his back, wrapping her arm around his neck, catching Eddie off guard as he spun them around. All of a sudden, the pair were falling towards the ground with a thud, with Kayla's arms still wrapped around his shoulders.
"Ouch" Kayla murmured, as they both burst out laughing, staying where they were on the floor for a few more moments.
"C'mon, Sleeping Beauty. Get your ass in gear" Eddie exclaimed, pushing himself to his feet.
"Did you hit your head or something? Since when do you actually wake up for school on time?" Kayla frowned, as Eddie held out his hand for her to take.
"Hellfire meeting before class" Eddie shrugged, linking their hands and giving a quick tug to pull her up with ease.
"Ah, your nerd game" Kayla teased, as Eddie gave her a look of mock hurt.
"Do I really look like a nerd to you?" Eddie stated, gesturing to his growing curly hair that was now past his shoulders, and black clothing.
"You're right. Butthead is the more accurate term" Kayla smirked, making him roll his eyes.
"Five minutes or I'm biking there without you" Eddie told her, as she shrugged.
"I've got a ride already" She informed him, surprising the older boy.
"Who the hell's giving you a ride?" Eddie asked, suspiciously.
"Just a friend" Kayla mumbled, as she headed towards the bathroom, turning on the flickering light inside.
"I'm your only friend, Kayla" Eddie pointed out.
"Uh-uh. There's...Barb...that girl in my English class who smiled at me last week and...okay, it's a pretty short list" Kayla muttered, as she opened the cabinet and pulled out a tube of mascara.
"Are you putting on makeup?" Eddie frowned, as she began coating her eyelashes.
"Why, you want some?" Kayla teased, waving the mascara in his face.
"Who are you getting all dolled up for?" Eddie pushed, leaning against the doorframe, with a teasing grin.
"Maybe I'm planning on throwing myself at you later" Kayla winked at him, the action smudging her newly applied mascara.
"Haven't you heard? According to suburban housewives of Hawkins, my heart belongs to Satan" Eddie scoffed, walking towards the kitchen to grab some food before school.
"Too bad" Kayla called out, applying a thin layer of lip-gloss, and running her hands through her messy hair.
"Hey, do you still have that skirt that I left over here last month?" Kayla asked, making her way out of the bathroom.
"It's with the rest of your shit in the bottom drawer" Eddie replied, jamming a piece of toast into his mouth.
Making her way back into his bedroom, Kayla opened up said drawer, eyes widening when she found it was almost full to the brim. Hell, she had half moved into Eddie's trailer at this point. She was quick to shimmy out of her pyjama's and had begun to pull a denim miniskirt up her thighs when Eddie came to a sudden halt in the doorway. His mouth hung slack for a moment, eyes trailing up Kayla's legs when he realised what he was doing. He shoved the last piece of toast into his mouth, chewing angrily, as Kayla whipped around to face him.
"What? Is it too much?" Kayla frowned, when she noticed the way Eddie was still staring at her.
"No, it's uh...it's good. You look...nice" Eddie stuttered over his words, rubbing the back of his head, awkwardly.
Just as Kayla opened her mouth to question Eddie on his odd behaviour, they heard a car horn from outside, moving towards the kitchen to see a car parked a few metres away. A very familiar car. Eddie turned to his best friend, raising an eyebrow as he waited for an explanation.
"Harrington? Steve 'who you've had a lady boner for since fourth grade' Harrington? He's giving you rides now?" Eddie pushed, making Kayla grimace.
"Never say lady boner again. And so, what? I'm just helping him out" Kayla shrugged.
"Oh, yeah? Helping him out, huh?" Eddie scoffed, as he began imitating jerking off.
"I don't need to hear about your fantasies, Munson" Kayla smirked, heading towards the door.
She came to a stop when Eddie suddenly reached out to grab her hand, twisting her around so that he was now standing in between her and the door. He didn't release her hand, as Kayla tried to ignore the way her stomach had fluttered at the simple action. Still, it was difficult to ignore when Eddie was staring down at her with his brown eyes, having her complete attention.
"I'm serious. You've been hanging out with him all the time recently. He's like two years older than you. And a douchebag. Two things that don't mix well together" Eddie insisted, reluctantly dropping her hand from his hold.
"I can handle myself, Ed" Kayla told him, as he pursed his lips.
"Just don't turn into one of those preppy party girls that he hangs out with, alright? This trailer park would suck without you" Eddie murmured, as her lips twitched into a smile.
"I could ask if you could ride with us-" Kayla began, but he cut her off immediately.
"I'd rather stick pins in my eyes" Eddie stated, making her snort, as he took a step to the side to let her go past.
"See you at lunch" Kayla exclaimed, opening his trailer door.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do, Princess" Eddie called after her, knowing how much she hated the nickname.
A grin grew on his face as he watched her raise her middle finger in his direction, before jumping down out of the trailer and rushing off towards Steve's car. The smile slowly fell from his face when he noted the way she practically had a skip in her steps, her excitement painfully obvious. With a shake of his head, he turned away, already thinking about what he would do to Harrington if he hurt his friend.
Kayla took a deep breath when she finally reached Steve's car, putting on the smile she had been practicing in the mirror the night before. As she slid into the passenger seat, she found he was staring into his rear-view mirror, trailing a hand through his hair. He barely seemed to acknowledge her presence, too invested in straightening out his thick locks.
"Checking your hair's still there?" Kayla questioned, in a teasing tone.
"Ha. Didn't you say you lived in the left trailer?" Steve pointed out, gesturing to her mother's trailer.
"My mom kicked me out again" Kayla shrugged, finally grabbing Steve's attention.
"Again? Shit...you good?" Steve frowned, genuine concern in his eyes.
"I stayed at my friend's place" Kayla replied.
"What, Eddie the fre..." Steve trailed off, when Kayla gave him an irritated look.
"Yes, that Eddie. He's actually a pretty great guy when you get to know him" Kayla huffed, as Steve gave a half shrug, before starting his car and driving down the track.
"So, uh...I need to ask you something. It's why I wanted to see you before school started..." Steve trailed off, as Kayla felt excitement beginning to bubble in her chest.
"Well, you've definitely got my attention, Harrington" Kayla smiled, turning in her seat to face him, leaning a little closer.
"It's kind of a big deal" Steve went on.
"I'm sure I can handle it" Kayla insisted, wondering what could have him so nervous.
"...I need you to ask out Nancy for me" Steve announced, watching as Kayla's mouth dropped open.
"Come again?" She gaped, blinking twice.
"Well, your friends with that ginger girl she's always with, right? So, I thought if you spoke to her and put in a good word then—what the fuck are you doing?!" Steve yelped, when Kayla suddenly pushed open the passenger door just as they pulled out into the main road.
He slammed his foot onto the brakes instantly, as Kayla didn't waste a second in jumping out of the car, a scowl on her face. It took Steve a few more seconds to come back to reality, his hands still gripping on the wheel as he watched the younger girl beginning to storm away.
"What the hell, Kayla? You can't just go jumping out of moving cars!" Steve yelled after her, craning his head out the driver's window.
"Better than staying in the car with a douchebag for a second longer!" Kayla retorted, crossing her arms.
"What?! What have I done?" Steve exclaimed, slowly moving the car forward to catch up with her.
"A year, Steve! A whole 365 days we've been 'friends'. When you want us to be, that is. You're happy for me to help with your schoolwork, make excuses to your mom, listen to you rant about the stupid shit Carol and Tommy are doing...but God forbid, I want to even fucking wave to you in the corridor and suddenly you don't know who the fuck I am anymore? And now...you want me to help you get into Wheeler's pants? Why don't you try taking your head out of your own fucking ass first?!" Kayla ranted, as Steve's jaw dropped open from her outburst.
"...So, I'm guessing that's a no then?" Steve replied, his mouth slowly twitching into a smile, as Kayla couldn't stop the snort of laughter that left her own lips.
"You're such a dick" Kayla scoffed, shaking her head, fondly.
"Look, I'm sorry, alright? I don't think sometimes, but I really do think of you as a friend. Scouts honour" Steve insisted.
Instead of making the salute she had been expecting, he was crossing his hands over his face and chest in a confused sign of the cross that Catholics made. Another burst of laughter left her lips, hating the way she couldn't stay mad at him. It would be like kicking a puppy. A gorgeous, goofy puppy.
"A group of us are hanging out at Lover's Lake after school. You could come...if you want?" Steve suggested, as Kayla leaned down to hover over the driver's window.
"What, do I need to wear a paper bag over my face?" Kayla murmured, as Steve rolled his eyes.
"It might be an improvement" Steve replied, as Kayla gave him a mischievous look.
Before he could stop her, she was leaning in through the open window and grabbing his keys which were still in the ignition. Steve's car instantly came to a spluttering halt as Kayla waved the keys around on a finger, backing up a step. He gave her a look of disbelief, but the amusement was clear on his face, as he pushed open the driver's door and stepped out.
"Too slow, Stevie boy" Kayla grinned, wrenching the keys behind her before he could grab them.
"You're so dead" Steve grinned, lunging forward and grabbing her around the waist.
Kayla let out an excited squeal as he hauled her up in the air, pulling her back flush against him, trapping her arms. A second later, he began spinning them around, with Kayla still hanging in the air, who had scrunched her eyes shut, a grin spreading over her lips.
"Put me down!" Kayla giggled, her hair blowing in the wind.
"Okay" Steve shrugged, as his arms suddenly released her.
Kayla let out a yelp as she fell closer to the ground, only for Steve to grab her at the last moment, one hand wrapped around her back and the other gripping onto her thighs. She looked up at him breathlessly as he held her bridal style, a beaming smile on his own face, as Kayla's mind went completely blank.
"Are you wearing makeup?" Steve realised, his eyes trailing over her face, stopping on the gloss she had on her lips.
"New year, new me, right?" She mumbled, her face beginning to flush.
"It's cute" Steve exclaimed, making Kayla's heart flutter.
"And then I said...that's me. That's me? What does that even mean?" Kayla grumbled, dropping her head onto the table in the cafeteria.
"Oh, yeah. You totally blew it" Eddie mocked, grabbing one of the fries from her plate while she wasn't looking.
"You're the worst best friend in Hawkins" Kayla muttered; her voice still muffled by the table.
"Thank you" Eddie grinned, smugly.
"Did I mention that I called him a douchebag? Ugh, he's probably never going to talk to me again" Kayla continued, as Eddie placed his hands on her shoulders, wrenching her upright.
"Then it's his loss. Now, eat your fries" Eddie told her, patting her cheek, before pulling away.
"How'd Hellfire go, anyway?" Kayla inquired, grabbing a handful of fries.
"You're looking at the new leader of Hellfire Club" Eddie smirked, as Kayla's eyes went wide.
"Seriously? Well, what the fuck are you doing sitting here with me then? Shouldn't you be ordering them about at their table?" Kayla pushed, as Eddie gave a small shrug.
"And leave you on your own? You're hopeless without me" Eddie pointed out, slinging his arm around her shoulder.
"True. I mean, who's couch would I have to sleep on if I didn't have you?" Kayla mumbled.
"Your mom will come around. She always does" Eddie exclaimed, watching as Kayla slowly nodded.
"...She's drinking again. A lot" Kayla admitted, causing Eddie to frown.
"Well, I was thinking that...if you wanted, you could come live—" Eddie was cut off, as a tray was placed down beside Kayla.
"Please can you talk some sense into her" Barb's voice announced, as Nancy slid into her seat opposite them.
Eddie slowly retracted his arm from where it had still been around Kayla, biting down the sigh that threatened to leave his lips. Maybe it was a good thing he didn't get to finish that sentence. His uncle wouldn't like the idea of Kayla moving in, that was for sure.
"I'm just saying, it could be fun" Nancy shrugged, as Kayla's eyes darted between the pair.
"What part of swimming in a lake in the pitch-black sounds like fun?" Barb rolled her eyes.
"I heard there will be free beer" Kayla informed them, knowing already they were talking about Lover's Lake.
"See. Kayla thinks it's a good idea" Nancy smirked, as Barb crossed her arms.
"And I'll be there. What more could you want?" Kayla shrugged, watching as Eddie took a handful of fries, before pushing himself up from his seat.
"Have fun freezing your ass off tonight" He muttered, when Kayla reached out to grab onto his jacket, stopping him from escaping.
"You're coming too, right?" Kayla asked, with hopeful eyes.
"I'd rather repeat the whole of junior year" Eddie retorted, but Kayla still wouldn't relent on her grip.
"C'mon, it'll be boring without you" Kayla pouted.
"...I'll think about it, alright?" Eddie sighed, finding her puppy dog look hard to resist.
"We're meeting at nine" Kayla exclaimed, but Eddie was already walking away, hands crammed into his pockets.
"Does Steve know your inviting him?" Nancy questioned.
"The more the merrier, right?" Kayla shrugged.
"Well, you can count me out" Barb announced, as Nancy shot her a look.
"Seriously?" Nancy complained, as Barb pursed her lips.
"It's called Lover's Lake, guys. For a reason" Barb insisted, as Kayla let out a snort.
"Wait, are you talking about...S.E.X?" Kayla whispered, in a mocking tone.
"Oh, ha ha. You won't be laughing when you both get herpes tonight" Barb exclaimed, grabbing her tray and walking off, as Nancy and Kayla shared a look, before bursting out laughing.
"Which kind?" Kayla called after her, watching with a snigger as Barb threw her middle finger up in the air, a smile on the ginger's face.
Her eyes quickly flittered over to a group walking past Barb, with Steve at the front, Tommy and Carol on either side. His gaze soon fell on Nancy, giving her a seductive smile, seeming to enjoy the blush that slowly crept up her cheeks. Kayla pushed down any jealousy she felt, knowing the best she could hope with Steve was some sort of friendship. He had been trying to get with Nancy for months now, something which was out of character for him. She was beginning to think he really liked her—
Any thoughts of Nancy immediately dissipated when Steve turned his attention to Kayla, sending a wave in her direction, followed by a quirk of an eyebrow. It took Kayla a few seconds to raise her hand in the air, as he mouthed something to her.
See you tonight.
She couldn't stop the grin that grew on her lips at his words, a warm feeling flooding over her chest. Maybe she really could be friends. Maybe it would all work out.
Kayla picked at her flaking nail varnish, eyes flickering from Nancy on one side of her, to Tommy and Carol on the other side, who had their tongues crammed into each other's mouths. With a grimace, she nodded over to Barb who was sitting on a nearby tree log, a nervous expression on her face. Grabbing the ginger girl's attention, Kayla mouthed 'herpes' before gesturing over to the teenager's making out, causing Barb to let out a snort. It had taken some convincing, but the other girl had slowly been swayed into joining them that night. It was freezing at Lover's Lake, and the thin shirt and shorts Kayla was wearing over her swimsuit were doing little to warm her up.
"Drink?" Steve questioned, thrusting a bottle of vodka towards the girls.
"Uh...sure" Nancy nodded, taking the bottle from his hand, blushing as their fingers touched.
She took a small sip, eyes going wide as soon as the liquid hit the back of her throat, coughing loudly a few seconds later. She was quick to pass the bottle towards Kayla, trying to hide her reddening cheeks with her hands.
"You know you're supposed to swallow it, Wheeler" Carol sniggered, as Nancy looked away in embarrassment.
"You'd know all about that wouldn't you, Carol?" Kayla smirked, before pressing bottle to her own lips.
Steve huffed out a laugh as he watched her drink from the vodka as if it was nothing more than water, clearly being able to handle her alcohol well. Something which he had a feeling her mother had taught her. Nancy rubbed at the back of her neck, feeling a sliver of jealousy, as Kayla felt her go rigid. Remembering why they were even there; she handed the bottle back to Nancy before grabbing Steve's arm and pulling him down to sit in between them.
"Show her how it's done, Harrington" Kayla winked, before standing up herself and wandering over to Barb.
"You want some?" Kayla asked, dropping down beside the ginger.
"I'm good" Barb mumbled, as Kayla nudged her with her elbow.
"This really isn't your scene, is it?" Kayla suggested, watching the other girl shrug.
"It's Nancy's now" Barb pointed out.
"Doesn't mean it has to be yours—" Kayla began, but was quickly cut off by an excited shout from Tommy.
He was soon ripping off his shirt and trousers, leaving him in just his boxers as he raced towards the water, letting out a whoop as his feet touched the freezing water. With a grin, Carol was quick to follow him, discarding the summer dress she had been wearing, and jumping onto her boyfriend's shoulders.
"They can't be serious" Barb grumbled, pulling her large jacket closer around her body.
Right on cue, Steve was pulling his shirt over his head, and raising his hand out to Nancy, who nervously took it. Kayla kept her expression blank as he pulled her towards the water, discarding his trousers on the way. Her eyes wandered down the broad expanse of his back for a few moments, before she caught herself, dragging her gaze away.
"I don't get it" Barb announced.
"Get what?" Kayla frowned.
"What it is about Steve Harrington that has both you and Nance drooling" Barb teased, as Kayla gave her a look of disbelief.
"Bullshit. I'm just...keeping an eye on Nance, that's all" Kayla shrugged, turning back to where Steve was helping the girl in question pull her sweater over her head.
"You should say something" Barb suggested, causing Kayla to shake her head.
"They're perfect together. I'm not getting in the middle of that" Kayla insisted.
"What about you and Eddie then?" Barb inquired, as Kayla's eyes darted to hers.
"Me and Munson? We've known each other forever. He sees me like a little sister, Barb." Kayla retorted.
"Hey! You coming?" Steve exclaimed, jogging over to the pair.
"No thanks" Barb snorted, as Steve turned his attention towards Kayla.
"And get in the way of your devious plan?" Kayla grinned, gesturing over to Nancy who was slowly wading into the lake.
"Well, I didn't want to leave my friend out. I'm trying this new thing, not being a douchebag" Steve told her, as she shook her head, fondly.
"Glad to hear it. But uh...I better keep Barb company" Kayla stated, watching as the other girl rolled her eyes.
"Don't use me as an excuse" Barb smirked.
A second later, Steve was grabbing her hand and hauling her up, linking their fingers together. Kayla was so taken aback by the gesture that she allowed him to drag her towards the shoreline, eyes darting between him and their linked hands. She was glad for the dim lighting, knowing her cheeks must have become flushed. Her brain started to work again as they reached the water, and she pulled her hand back.
"It looks fucking freezing" Kayla murmured, as Steve pursed his lips, stepping into the water.
"Well, there's only way to tell..." Steve trailed off with a mischievous smile.
Before she could stop him, he was splashing the cold water towards her, drenching her shirt and hair, as she let out a screech. Steve was laughing uncontrollably, as Kayla surged forward into the water, instantly chucking water towards him. She jumped up, grabbing onto his shoulders as she pulled them both into the water, their limbs going flying. Water dripped down their faces as they resurfaced, with Kayla's arms still wrapped around his shoulders, their faces close.
"I'm glad you came" Steve exclaimed, as she felt one of his hands come to rest on her hip underneath the water.
Just as she opened her mouth to reply, a figure in the distance caught her attention, her eyes widening a fraction. Eddie. He had his hands crammed into his trousers pockets, face tense, not looking happy at the scene that unfolding in front of him. God, she had never expected him to come. She was instantly pulling away from Steve, waving to her friend, and rushing back to the shore. Eddie stayed where he was, clearly uncomfortable. The chill of the night hit Kayla instantly, as she looked down at her soaked shirt and shorts, which were dripping water over the pebbles.
"Hey, you made it" Kayla grinned.
"Thought I better make sure you hadn't tried to drown Carol yet" Eddie shrugged.
"Ah, that's the plan for later" Kayla giggled, as Eddie's eyes trailed down her body for a moment, before jumping back up.
"Seems like you're having fun" Eddie murmured, indicating to Steve, who had made his way over to Nancy, but kept looking back over to them.
"It's not been as bad as I thought. Steve's even been publicly acknowledging that we're friends now, so you know...progress" Kayla whispered, watching as Eddie's jaw tensed.
"Wow, he's really setting the bar for all of us, huh?" Eddie muttered, bitterly.
"Look, I know he can be a bit of a dick but—" Kayla began, but Eddie cut her off.
"You don't seriously think something's gonna' happen between you two, right?" Eddie asked, as Kayla gave a half shrug.
"Stranger things have happened" She stated, making him scoff.
"A guy like that is never gonna' settle for trailer trash" Eddie pointed out, watching his friend's face fall.
"Now who's being the dick" Kayla huffed, the hurt clear in her tone.
"I didn't mean...I just don't want you getting hurt, alright? Guys are assholes and you just...you deserve better than him" Eddie stuttered over his words.
"Like who?" Kayla questioned, quirking an eyebrow.
"What the fuck are you doing here, freak?" Tommy called over to them, swimming closer to the pair.
"I invited him" Kayla retorted, crossing her arms.
"Well, he's not welcome here. In fact, I'm not sure you are either" Carol huffed, remaining a few metres away in the water.
"Don't start, Carol" Steve exclaimed.
"I'm serious, Steve. Why did you even invite this loser?" Carol pushed.
"Don't worry, bitch. I was just leaving" Kayla scoffed, turning on her heel.
"Hey, wait!" Steve called after her, wading through the water to rush after her.
"I'll catch up with you" Kayla stated, nodding towards Eddie, who was already heading towards the treeline.
"Later, freak!" Tommy shouted, with a smug grin.
"Love you too, Tommy" Eddie retorted, raising his middle finger to his mouth, and blowing a kiss with the finger.
Kayla let out a quick laugh at this action, before turning around to see Steve jogging towards her, his hair dripping, as he ran a hand through his signature curls. Kayla cursed the way her heart flipped at the sight, all her other thoughts leaving her.
"Stay a bit longer?" Steve asked, as Kayla shook her head.
"It's getting kind of late anyway. But I uh, I had fun tonight" Kayla smiled, an expression which was shared by Steve.
He seemed to get an idea a moment later, wandering back over to where they had dumped their stuff and grabbing his sweater. Kayla waved over to Barb for a moment, gesturing towards the treeline. Barb pointed to herself, obviously offering to go with her, but Kayla was quick to shake her head. Someone needed to stay with Nancy. She was surprised when Steve was pushing his warm sweater into her hands a moment later, a lopsided grin on his face.
"So you don't get cold" Steve murmured, as Kali bit her lip and pulled the long sweater over her shoulders, finding it finished around the middle of her thighs.
"Thanks, Steve" She beamed, trying not to show the way she was internally freaking out about the fact he had given her his clothes.
"Get home safe, yeah?" Steve exclaimed, reaching out to touch her shoulder, giving a quick squeeze.
"You too" Kayla nodded, before turning on her heel to rush towards the treeline, with a grimace.
You too? Jesus, what was wrong with her? Steve must have thought she was a complete dork. Still, she hoped that things might be different now. It would be strange to actually interact with the older boy in school, but a good strange. Maybe they could even—
Snap.
Kayla's feet came to a sudden halt at the sound of a twig snapping from in front of her. She realised that she had been walking around aimlessly for over a minute now and still found no sign of Eddie. Had he run off without her? With a frown, she heard another sound, this time from behind her, as goosebumps ran down the back of her neck. She forced her feet to start moving again, pulling Steve's sweater tighter around her, as if it could protect her. She stayed close to the treeline as she made her way towards the road, her eyes darting around whenever she heard a sound. A bright red light blinded her all of a sudden, causing her to hold her hands up to shield her eyes. It was gone in the blink of an eye, as Kayla whipped around, trying to find whatever had cast the light. She picked up her pace, now all but running through the dark trees. She was just debating whether to turn back and try to make her way back to Steve and the others when she heard a familiar voice.
"Kayla!" Eddie cried, panic clear in his tone.
"Eddie?" Kayla called back, trying to pinpoint where the voice had come from.
"Kayla!" The sound came again, this time a little louder.
Without a second thought, she was racing down the hill back towards the shoreline on the other end of Lover's Lake, hearing a splashing sound in the darkness. She called out her friend's name again, her body going cold when she spotted a figure out in the lake, splashing around helplessly. It was hard to make out who it was, but Eddie's screaming was as clear as day.
"Kayla, h-help me!" Eddie screamed, before he disappeared under the water, only to re-surface again a moment later.
She was sprinting towards the water in a panic, knowing that Eddie wasn't a good swimmer. Kayla dived into the freezing water, swimming as fast as her legs could possibly move. Somehow, Eddie's shouts seemed to be getting further and further away, as adrenaline caused her to swim on, despite the fact she could barely see five metres in front of her.
"Eddie?" Kayla screeched, realising she had reached the middle of the lake, but her friend was still nowhere to be found.
"Ed..." She murmured, whipping around in the water, getting nothing but silence in return.
He couldn't have just disappeared. But then again, she had never actually seen him in the water. Just a blurry figure with...his voice. Panic started to claw away at her as she kept her movements limited, feeling eyes all around her. She reached into the pockets of her shorts, feeling for the pocket knife that Eddie always insisted that she had on her. Just as her hand wrapped around the metal object, she felt something touch her ankle. Something cold. She let out a gasp as she was tugged down a second later, her legs thrashing about to keep her upright. She pulled the knife out, waving it around as she felt it connect with something slimy, as her ankle was released. She pulled the knife out of the water, finding it wasn't blood coating the blade, but something sticky, and green in colour. Suddenly, a vine was erupting from the water, grabbing her wrist, causing her to lose her grip on the pocket knife. She let out a scream as it wrapped around her wrist, beginning to pull her down. She tried to claw away at the vine, but felt something wrapping around her neck a second later, and then it was too late. She was dragged underwater, her arms and legs flailing about, trying to hit out and whatever was attacking her. She looked up to see the water's surface was becoming further away, and her chest was growing tighter by the second. She needed to breathe. She had to breathe.
The bright red light was back all of a sudden, as her eyes flickered down to see it was coming from the bottom of the lake. More vines wrapped around her, pulling her down quicker as her vision started to blur. Her head felt like it was seconds from exploding, her lungs begging for air as her chest heaved. Letting out a muffled scream, she felt herself being pulled into the sand below, the red lights engulfing her, as she let the water in.
March 15th 1986
Kayla looked out at the drained lake in front of her, now consumed by vines from all directions. Just like everything else was in the hellish place she called home. A chill went down her spine as her gaze landed on the pulsing red light in the middle of the barren lake, remembering the feeling of drowning far too well. She flinched when a hand touched her shoulder, warm and cold at the same time.
"It's time" A voice boomed from behind her, the hand gripping her tightly.
Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this first chapter! I will be continuing my other Stranger Things fics but I really wanted to start a Eddie/OC/Steve story. Please leave a review and give me some feedback!