Eddie was preparing for the new freshman players when he heard the door to the rec room open and silently close.
He stayed quiet and waited for any indication on who might've entered but it stayed quiet.
Just as he was about to go back to collecting things he heard crying. A soft crying sound.
He stopped. Why was a girl in the DnD room crying? He was socially awkward but knew from all the talks with his Uncle Wayne that when someone is crying they need someone to listen.
He slowly went towards the sound and saw Chrissy Cunningham, lead cheerleader huddled in the corner, wrapped in her boyfriend's letterman jacket and tears streaming through her makeup.
"Are you alright?" Eddie asked softly trying not to scare her.
Chrissy looked up and shook her head no. "This was supposed to be me and Jason's golden year. Our final hurrah together before high school ended but it will never be that" she said pulling a note out of her pocket.
"Dear Angel, I'm sorry this is the only way I could get word to you. My parents are part of this military group and got word that some hellish shit was going to go down in Hawkins and dragged me to Washington State where we are staying in some kind of secret government facility. I need you to promise me four things angel
You will leave your abusive parents' house.
You will never see the school counselor. Seek out Wayne Munson,show him this letter,and he will understand.
Move on. I don't know when or if we will ever see each other again and I want you to be happy.
Never stop smiling.
I love you so much, my angel. I will never stop. Keep me in your heart always.
Love,
Jason"
Chrissy ended the letter choking back tears that wouldn't stop.
Silence.
When Eddie couldn't stand the silence anymore he said "well the first two things on Jason's list are simple. You will come and stay with my uncle and I and hopefully he can shine some light on what's going on".
Chrissy looked at him. "But can I just up and leave my parents," she asked, cuddling deeper into Jason's jacket.
"Hell yeah if they're abusive plus I know you turned 18 over the summer so it's legal. Wayne is great so he won't mind and I won't either" Eddie said with a genuine smile.
Chrissy smiled back and said "alright after school I will go with you and hopefully get some answers as well.
"See, you're also fulfilling one of his other requests already, you're smiling," Eddie said laughing, causing Chrissy to laugh as well.
"Wanna help me get ready for the newbies"? Eddie asked half expecting the normal "no" but Chrissy stood up, wiped the tears from her face, and nodded.
Together the two of them got the room altogether. Soon it looked like a gamer's paradise.
"Think you could teach me how to play?" Chrissy asked casually as they got stuff together to go to class.
Eddie's eyes beamed with excitement as he said "I would love to my lady" causing them both to start laughing again.
Just as the two finished getting their stuff together there was a knock on the door.
Eddie groaned and went to the door. Outside was the new swim teacher and team coach, Billy Hargrove. "How can I help you Mr. Hargrove" Eddie asked mockingly.
Ignoring the tone in Eddie's voice which in the past would've pissed him off and driven him to be violent, he said "I just wanted to let you both know that the bell rang ten minutes ago for first period. Since I know my sister is joining your little club I'm going to give you these passes so get your butts moving".
Eddie and Chrissy thanked Billy, grabbed their stuff and headed to their classes. Billy sighed and headed to the pool to get things together for his first swim class.
As he left Billy felt a tingling on the back of his neck and looked around. After the mind-flayer incident, he had these feelings when other creatures were around.
The only other person he saw was the new counselor. She smiled and waved and a shiver went through his whole body.
Billy kindly waved back and hurried off and knew that when he got the chance he had to tell Max and the Scooby gang about that therapist.