Nov.12, 1984: one week after the showdown at The Byers House
Billy Hargrove sat in his blue Camaro and finished his sandwich.
His stuff covered the backseat as well as the trunk.
His dad had kicked him to the curb when he heard what happened. Thankfully Billy had some money tucked away and got a room at a cheap but crappy hotel right outside town.
The plan was to come into town, get some fuel for the road and then head back to California. His friend said he could crash there and had a job lined up for him at a local resort as a lifeguard.
Billy loved the water since he was young, especially on a surfboard but his dad didn't care for him to be happy, ever and neither did his stepmom or sister either for that matter.
Throwing the sandwich wrapper in the little garbage can on the passenger side Billy started up the Camaro.
Just as he flipped off the little town in front of him he saw a familiar face starting to cross a street across from him.
It was Lucas Sinclair, his sister's boyfriend. He was with some younger girl who must be his younger sister.
He switched the car off so he wasn't seen and watched as the two stepped out into the street without even looking because they were arguing about something.
The sound of the engine roaring at top speed caught his attention and he looked over. The car was hurdling toward the two and he knew that the dumbass driver wasn't paying attention and neither were the two kids crossing the damn road.
The clock was ticking and Billy had two choices here, let Lucas and the kid get hit and more than likely killed or save their asses even though he knew they wouldn't save his back.
The screeching of tires and screaming caught the attention of all the other people out and about.
The driver of the car swore as sirens wailed. He was completely wasted and just hit a couple of kids. He was going to be jailed for life.
Sheriff Hopper arrived. "Hey man I didn't see them I'm so sorry" the man started pleading. "See who?" Hopper asked with a growl. "The two kids I hit in the crosswalk. Man, their blood is all over my windshield" the guy said, staring at his car. Hopper growled smelling the alcohol on him and from the blood, there was little chance the people he hit were alive.
Hopper cuffed the driver pushing him down into the police car and then slowly walked around to the front of the vehicle.
He was shocked by what he saw. Billy Hargrove was laying on the ground face first with Lucas and Erica Sinclair tucked into his body.
The kids had scrapes and were scared but they would be alright. Billy, on the other hand, Hopper saw no hope for.
Helping Lucas and Erica up after the EMTs got Billy on a gurney and covered so they couldn't see the full extent of his injuries, Hopper hugged them both.
"Let's get you two home shall we" Hopper said after both had been bandaged and given concussion tests. "Is that guy ok?" Erica asked, trying not to cry.
"Billy is probably not going to make it sweetie. I honestly don't know if he was alive when they took him" Hopper answered softly and that made Erica's tears finally flow.
"You ok Lucas?" Hopper asked the quiet kid next to Erica. Lucas just nodded but his eyes never left the gurney with the lifeless body of Billy Hargrove on it.
Nov.15, 1984: One week before Thanksgiving
Billy was still alive to the shock of the doctors but on life support. His spinal cord was busted and there was little hope for him to walk.
The brain damage was another issue. He allowed the car to hit him from behind and so the impact was great.
If he lives he probably won't be able to speak well or take care of himself. He will have to be in a care home since his parents have disowned him.
Lucas placed the flower vase next to Billy's bed as he listened to the doctors explain again to his mom they had little hope.
But Lucas knew differently. If anyone could overcome this it was Billy. He had to for the girl he loved so much, Billy had to get better for her, for Max.
Max barely left his hospital room. She held his hand and talked to him and cried and Lucas hated seeing that.
"Time to go" Lucas's mom called and the two kids headed out. Sue went in and brushed the hair off Billy's face as she said a prayer. Kissing his forehead, Sue followed the kids out.
Nov.19, 1984: Three days before Thanksgiving
Billy opened his eyes slowly; it was the only part of his body that didn't hurt. He tried to look around but the brace on his neck wouldn't let him.
He tried to talk but the tubing attached to his mouth and face wouldn't allow that either.
He couldn't feel his arms and legs and panic started to set in. He tried to remember what happened but couldn't.
He felt the tears before he knew he was crying but didn't care. He was alone, in pain, and dying.
Closing his eyes he fell back into a deep sleep.
6 pm
Billy woke up again but this time he could move his neck a little. The room was faintly lighted and quiet except for the machines.
"I'm doomed to be alone" Billy thought as he remembered what happened. "At least if I die I might get to skip hell" he thought as he drifted back into what he thought would be eternal rest
Nov.22, 1984: Thanksgiving Day
That evening Billy was on his way back from physical therapy. He was glad no one could see him so beaten and destroyed. He walked a little on his own then fell.
He couldn't feed himself very well and his speech was greatly slurred. They had also shown him pamphlets of some of the group homes he might end up in.
He was in hell. He didn't even have to die. He fucked up and this was his eternal punishment.
The only thing he had to look forward to was whatever crap ass Thanksgiving wannabe meal the doctor would help him eat.
As he got closer he heard the sound of voices in his room. He thought he recognized some but others he didn't.
It wasn't until he heard the one voice he didn't want to, Max's, that he tried to get up and get out.
"Billy how was therapy," Max asked through tears while the doctor made sure he didn't leave the wheelchair. "Don't try to get up or move Billy" came an unrecognizable voice but he couldn't see who it was.
Suddenly he felt a hand in his. He couldn't mistake that hand for anyone else's, it was Max.
"I'm so sorry Billy. I was so mad when I found out dad kicked you out and then I heard you were fighting for your life and they didn't seem to care but I do" Max said checking in tears.
Billy squeezed her hand. He didn't want to her to hear his slurred speech so he didn't talk but he could do that.
"Billy, I'm Sue Sinclair and I want to thank you for saving my children. I know that things have been tense between you and my son but I truly believe deep in your heart you're not a bad person" Sue said, placing a hand on his chest.
He heard his father's voice calling him a sissy but he didn't care and allowed himself to cry. He cried hard. Sue wrapped her arms around him and whispered "your no longer alone".
"Thaan yoou," Billy said allowing himself to show his weakness. Max wrapped her arms around him and said through her tears "We are going to live at the Sinclairs and they are going to make you better".
Billy nodded and when he didn't think he could be any more surprised, Harrington brought over a plate of real turkey with all the trimmings.
"Eat up Hargrove, you owe me a rematch so you need your strength" Steve said with a smirk and went back to his plate.
"I could beat yoou in this cchaair Harrington" Billy said slyly and everyone laughed.
Lucas came over and put his hand out and said "let's make a truce. You stop hating on me because of my race and I will work on understanding the shit you were put through".
Billy nodded and shook his hand and gently but firmly pulled him close and said "I am glad yoou and yoourr sister are ok but if yoou hurt Max in anyway I will kkil you and it won't be rrace related".
Lucas nodded half scared and half happy. He hugged Billy and to his surprise Billy hugged him back.
The rest of the night was just everyone enjoying life. Billy let Max help him eat and was finally learning it was ok to need help.
Dec.15, 1984: Snowball Dance
Billy watched as his sister and Lucas shared their first dance and to his dismay their first kiss. He was happy for her.
He was still in the damn wheelchair and he still needed help with a lot of simple things but he was getting there.
He hoped by Christmas he would be on his feet and by summer he could help out at Hawkins pool as a lifeguard.
Feeling someone behind him he looked up and saw Patrick from the basketball team. He was a couple years below him but they hit it off and even with his father's taunts in his ears he was proud to be open with him.
Patrick kissed him and they watched the kids dance and enjoy themselves together.