Chapter 1

They all know me, but they don't really know me

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a/n:

Written: April 29-, 2023

I DON'T OWN STRANGER THINGS

TW: Strong language, mentions of alcohol, and mentions of abuse…...Hehe

(Lets pretend nothing is wrong with Hawkins but the powers and shit are still here--)

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Tuesday, January 15, 1986 – Byers residence

William Byers

Everyone knew me but no-one really knew me…

In Hawkins, everyone knew me as 'Zombie boy' or 'a fag'. No-one truly cared though, only if they knew I knew they hated me. At least I wasn't alone.

At least I have friends who care about me. But yet they don't really me… and neither do I.

……….

My family consists of my mom, dad, and brother. My mom, aka Joyce, is a doctor so she works all day and night. My dad or Lonnie is a stay-at-home junkie with a short temper who hates me. (He also works but not always)

My brother, Johnathan, is at college but is usually stoned. And as for me, I am an alcoholic.

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I have tried everything in the books to forget my trauma, my pain. But nothing ever works not for long. Drawing, failed once I got into high school. Writing barely works. Breathing in & out, only works with anxiety. But drinking always numbed the pain.

The first time I had a beer was at a party in my freshman year. All my friends were drinking even El. I didn't want to do it though. Until Lucas gave me that stupid voice. His voice for convincing people. He said ' Just try one, and we'll leave you alone. Just one ." I gave in and drank a beer. Even if the taste was terrible and strong, all my thoughts disappeared. One turned into two and two turned into three. After the third one I puked. Once I puked, I left the party, but the thoughts never left me.

After two weeks, I started to take my dad's beer. He had so much I didn't think he would notice. If I dumped the beer in my water bottle so if I drank everyone would think it was water. After the beer I started to carve something more… more stronger…

I found a number to call for this. What I needed to do for it was painful but as a minor it was the only way. This was my way to cope with my trauma. Was it the smartest thing to do? No. But did it work yes.

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I looked down at my watch and opened my bedroom door. I slowly started to walk towards the kitchen. I looked around. Lonnie was at work. He would be home by the time I got back from school.

I opened the loose tile and inside was all the beer you can ever think of. I grabbed one and opened my water bottle. I emptied whatever liquid was in it was poured the beer into it. Once it was full I closed my water bottle and covered up the loose tile again. I placed my backpack on the counter and put the empty beer bottle in it. I walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of real water.

I don't want to get sober but something the water comes in handy. I put the real bottle of water in my backpack, closed it and put it on my back. I held my water bottle in my hand then looked at the time.

7:46 am

If I wanted to be on time I needed to hurry. It takes about 6 minutes to get to school. I run out the door and quickly get on my bike. I take a quick sip as I think about seeing El and Mike sucking each other's faces. Then start biking.

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a/n:

Words: 645

This is inspired by 'itsjustbyler'