Chapter 1: Billy
Dec. 20, 1984
Billy heard his father's footsteps heading his way. At that moment he was glad Max was at Lucas's house, she was safe.
Closing his eyes Billy let half his conscious wonder to his safe place. A place he found when he was just five years old trying to escape the pain his father caused.
He was still able to placate his father's enjoyment of screaming though due to his ability to separate his consciousness into two.
The room was pale white and had a bed. His uncle, Martin, usually came by unless he was busy but he could always count on his uncle's friend, Henry to be there.
He was a rock that he didn't have in the open world. He wished he knew where Henry and his uncle were but they said it was safer he didn't know.
And just like he thought Henry came in as soon as he arrived and sat next to him. "It's ok William, this is a safe place, talk to me".
Billy started telling him about being forced to move from California to a small town called Hawkins and how his dad has become more violent towards him and more demanding.
"Henry, all I want is to come live with you and Uncle Martin with my sister, Max, and be safe," Billy said, his tears soaking into Henry's shirt.
"There there William, soon you shall be free of his cruelty as will Max" Henry started to say when Max's voice rang through the room "Billy wake up don't die". Then came a male voice saying that he is on life support and only time will tell.
Billy brushed away tears and stood up. "Thanks for being here Henry but I have to go," Henry thought about grabbing Billy's arm but thought again.
The kid was strong, much stronger than an average person his age. He needed to be calm and wait for him to see that he is the only person who cares.
Dec. 21, 1984
Billy groaned trying to sit up. "Mr. Hargrove please don't try to move, you're seriously injured" the doctor said in shock.
He stopped trying to get up but when he opened his eyes and saw nothing that panic mode switched back on.
"Billy it's Max, Neil threw Clorox in your eyes for some reason and the doctors aren't sure you'll get your vision back but if I know you, you will," Max said through tears.
Taking in deep breaths Billy knew he had to calm himself for Max.
"You're right Maxy, I don't need to see to be better than Harrington at shit. Yeah Harrington I smelled you're cheap cologne" Billy sarcastically said trying to hide his own fear.
Steve groaned and said "glad to see you'll be alright Hargrove. Max is welcome to stay with me until you are better".
"What about mom, Max?" Billy questioned confused with the offer.
"They arrested both of them Billy. Neither one can hurt you anymore. Max told me about how Neil beat on you and how Susan just let it happen" Steve answered with actual empathy in his voice.
Billy stayed quiet. He was trying to process everything going on. "Hey Maxy, could you let me talk to Stevie boy here alone for a few?" Billy finally asked as calmly as he could.
Max looked at Steve who nodded and said "sure thing Billy. I'll be right out in the waiting room with Mr. And Mrs. Harrington".
Billy waited until he heard the door shut behind Max and then said weakly "Steve if something happens and I don't pull through there is an envelope of money in a hidden compartment in the top drawer of Max's nightstand. I put a hundred dollars in there once a month from what I've been making as a swim teacher to young kids. There should be a good thousand or more in there. Please make sure they never get custody of her".
"I promise Billy but I know your to stubborn to let this be what takes you out" Steve joked trying to lighten the mood. "Plus, if you die now, how am I going to win the title of keg king back from you" Steve said and they both laughed.
Dec. 25, 1984
Billy couldn't believe he was still in the hospital and still very much blind and unable to move very much even though the doctors were amazed at how well he had healed at this point.
Hearing the Christmas music made him think about the fact he was alone in a hospital bed on Christmas. He was used to Christmas being another excuse for his deadbeat dad to drink and beat him but at least when Max came into the picture he could make it special for her.
Not this year though. No matter what he was a screw-up this year. He hadn't been a good brother to Max and sure in the hell couldn't give her whatever Christmas the Harringtons were. When he saw them again he would talk to Mr. Harrington about legally adopting Max even though they had started the paperwork for him to do it.
He heard his room door creak open and multiple footsteps but no other noises.
"Who's there?" Billy asked in the most demanding tone he could.
"It's us Billy" Max said softly and Billy let himself relax. "Merry Christmas Billy" Max said as she took his hand in his.
"Merry Christmas Maxy" Billy replied holding back the tears that wanted to flow. "Sorry I couldn't do anything for you" Billy continued, the sadness echoing in his voice.
"Billy Hargrove is that defeat I hear in your voice" Steve mockingly with a slight laugh. "Have I finally beaten the reigning King of Hawkins"?
"Nah Harrington, you will know if I ever lie down in defeat. I'm just worried Max isn't having a great time having to listen to you try and sing carols" Billy retorted.
Max laughed and then said "I got the best Christmas gift ever this year Billy. Not only can those people never hurt you again but you are legally my dad. The papers came through yesterday".
Max flung her arms around Billy when she finished and he could feel the teardrops on his arm.
Billy rubbed her back and tried to stay positive but all he could think of was how was he going to afford a place to live, food, and everything else she was going to need while he finished his last year in high school.
"Oh and you own the house and now have control of Neil's fortune," Max said gleefully.
"The downside Hargrove, my parents have offered to be your guardians until you finish high school so we are gonna be living together for a while," Steve said with a groan.
Billy tried to come up with a retort but couldn't so he just held on to Max.
The sound of a wheelchair coming into the room piqued his interest.
"Billy, you are coming home to spend the rest of Christmas with us" Mr. Harrington said.
With the help of a couple doctors they got Billy into the wheelchair and headed home.
Dec.26, 1984
Billy still couldn't believe how lucky they had become in just a few days. I mean except for being blind, Max now had a semblance of normalcy.
Max had gone out to try her new skateboard and see Lucas.
Billy was just relaxing on his bed when he heard someone approaching. He tried hard not to go into his protective state but it was harder than it seemed.
"Hey Billy wanna shoot some hoops" Steve asked suddenly. "I can't see how the hell am I gonna play ball" Billy grumbled.
Before anything more could be said, Steve had grabbed Billy's arm and dragged him outside and put the ball in his hands.
"Now are you going to play or am I gonna woop you're ass on a forfeit" Steve mockingly said.
It worked and Billy started to dribble the ball and before stave knew what hit him he was flat on his ass on the driveway and Billy had scored.
"Plant you're feet, Steve," Billy said and with precision, he found Steve's hand and helped him off the ground.
Meanwhile
Henry paced back and forth in the white room. He expected to see Billy again now that he had so many health issues but he didn't.
Brenner came in and put his hand on Henry's shoulder. "Don't worry my boy, we will see him again. Now how about we head to the upside down and do some work" Brenner said smiling and Henry followed.