The Harrington House

Lyla pulled up and parked in her spot. Looking in the backseat she was relieved to see Max was still sleeping.

Getting out she quietly opened the back door and picked up Max and headed inside.

Thankfully Steve was in the living room and jumped up to help her the minute she walked in.

"Why in the world do you have Max?" Steve asked quietly as soon as they got her laid down.

"Let's talk in the kitchen," Lyla said and the two headed in.

As soon as they were both seated Lyla told Steve what happened.

He looked in the living room and sighed. "The two of them didn't get along well before he disappeared and then when he did she realized how much she needed and missed him. I just hope he's alright" Steve said solemnly.

"Poor thing. Maybe I will talk to Sheriff Hopper after my shift tomorrow and see if he can do anything" Lyla said trying to figure out a way to help.

Steve nodded but didn't say anything.

After covering Max with a blanket Lyla headed upstairs to go to bed. It had been a long day and she was glad that Steve didn't want to talk a lot about it. He did however volunteer to stay with Max overnight since she knew him.

Lyla laid down and closed her eyes, not aware the next day was going to be even more of an explosion.

July 11, 1985: Hawkins Pool

Lyla pulled up to the pool with Max in tow. Steve had to work at the ice cream shop at the mall and Max didn't want to be alone nor did she want to spend all day at the mall.

The two headed to the clubhouse where Lyla got Max set up with some doughnuts and headed back to shower and change for the day.

When she got back she couldn't help but be amazed that Max had eaten all the doughnuts already.

"You're a good eater kid" Lyla said with a laugh. Max turned and gave a big cheeky smile. Lyla smiled back glad that Max seemed a little more chipper that day.

Sooner than later the clock ticked 11 am making it opening time at Hawkins pool.

The first hour was just the normal moms, including Karen Wheeler who also seemed in a more upbeat mood, that grabbed the best chairs for sunbathing.

Slowly but surely the young and old started trickling in including Max's friends who were glad to see her smiling as well.

The day passed by quickly and before either Lyla or Max could blink an eye it was time for the pool to close.

Within an hour they had cleaned the pool deck and Lyla had showered and changed, thankful for the next two days off.

They were about to lock the clubhouse when they heard a noise at the front gate.

Heading out they saw the gste had been opened and someone was heading towards them.

They looked tattered and worn. As they got closer It became clear it was a man and he was shirtless. His hair was a mess, and something was sticking out of his gut.

Lyla pushed Max behind her and said "if you get any closer I will be forced to use my weapon".

That's when Max noticed she had a pool cleaner behind her back.

The man stopped and fell to his knees.

"Help me," the man said, his voice cracking from thirst.

Handing the pool cleaner to Max and telling her to stay put Lyla started to move toward the broken man.

The one thing she didn't know yet was the kids around Hawkins had been through a lot and didn't stay put easily.

Lyla was almost to the man when she heard a voice from behind her say:

"That is Billy".