At the Harrington house in Hawkins: 2022

Hopper and Joyce watched in disbelief and anger. They would've been there but they volunteered to watch the kids.

"We have to figure out how to save them," Joyce said, panicking. "I agree Joyce but what are we supposed to do?" Hopper said thinking about the kids.

Before Joyce could answer she heard Nanyc start to talk again. "For now let's keep our eyes on them this way," Joyce said cuddling into Hopper's arms.

Hopper held her tightly as they went back to watching.

Back at the studio

Nancy continued reading.

Chapter 1: 1983 - the arrival

Nov. 6, 1983

Billy and Max Hargrove pulled up to the Welcome to Hawkins sign.

"Ready for a new chapter kiddo," Billy asked ruffling Max's hair

She nodded and they continued on their way.

They weren't that far in when a boy on his bicycle fell in front of them, luckily Billy was going slow enough to stop in time.

He saw some other kids ride off laughing and sighed. "Even in small-town Indiana kids are shits," he said and went to the kid who fell.

Helping him up he said, "my name is Billy what's yours"? The kid wiped the dirt off his face and replied softly "Will Byers".

Billy laughed at the coincidence. "Well kid why don't you put your bike in the trunk and I will take you home," Billy said picking up the bike and leading Will back to the car.

He was about the same age as Max. Maybe she won't take too long to make a friend. The kid looked like he could use one anyway.

Will gave Billy his address and shocked Billy again. Their house was right next door.

The drive there was silent. Neither Will nor Max said anything and Billy didn't know what to say to a couple of twelve-year-olds.

As they drove they heard a disturbing howl from the forest but chose to just ignore it.

As Billy pulled up to Will's house a woman and a kid his age came out the door.

As soon as the car stopped Will got out and the woman ran over to hug him.

The scruffy-haired kid looked at Billy and said "thank you for bringing him home. We were worried. I'm Jonathan and this is my mom, Joyce".

Billy leaned against the car making Max groan. She knew that move. That was his "turning on the flirt" move.

"So Jon, what do you do here in Hawkins for fun and how would you like to experience that fun with me?" Billy said running a hand through his hair.

There it was. The "I'm smooth move". Max just wanted to hide under the blanket that Billy had put on her during their drive from California but she was also awkwardly interested.

Jonathan blushed and shifting his weight said "I like to do photography if you would like to join me".

Billy cracked his victory smile and leaning in said "how about you and me take some photos in the woods tomorrow" making Jonathan go red as a beet.

Jonathan nodded silently. "Oh yeah, we just live next door so if you ever need anything don't be afraid to knock," Billy said making the shade of red on Jonathan even darker.

Max slapped her forehead and looked over at the other house. She didn't she the moving van which meant they were going to have to sleep on the floor making her groan again.

"Oh by the way the moving truck beat you so they moved everything in. The beds are in the bedrooms but the rest of the stuff is just in the living area. I went ahead and made the beds and everything. When my husband gets home with our daughter I will send him over to help move the furniture" Joyce said holding Will close to her.

"Thank you, Mrs. Byers,for helping with the beds and that would be appreciated but maybe he can come by tomorrow so we can get some rest. We've been sleeping in the car for about three days and could use the sleep on a real bed. Plus, I have to get the paperwork out for Max and me to start school here" Billy said looking exhausted.

Joyce looked sadly at the young man and wished she knew their story but she would wait. "Why don't you stay here tonight? Tomorrow is Saturday so Jim will be home all day and I can help you with the paperwork" Joyce said.

Billy looked at Max who had fallen asleep. Taking a deep breath he accepted and went to the driver's side, picked Max up, and followed Joyce and her kids inside.

Joyce got Max set up in her daughter Janes room on a fold-out bed and let Billy have the guest room. The kid looked like he hadn't had a good night's sleep in ages.

Joyce went to get some water for him and when she got back he was completely collapsed on the bed. She took his shoes off and got him covered up and quietly left.

Max was also sound asleep in Jane's room so Joyce went to the living room to wait for Hopper and Jane.

When she heard his truck she went out to meet them. She told Jane that Max was asleep on a cot in her room and to be quiet and let her sleep.

Jane looked annoyed but nodded and after hugging her mom she went in and headed to bed.

Hopper and Joyce went inside and Joyce told him the whole story.

"You want them to move in don't you?" Hopper said with a knowing smile and Joyce nodded.

"It's fine with me and we can use the other house as a place for the kids to move into when they are eighteen" Hopper said with a laugh.

Joyce kissed him and snuggled into his arms. They both fell asleep right there on the couch holding each other oblivious to the fight that was heading their way.