To quote Dr. Strange, "We're in the endgame now."

Welcome to the last "between-seasons" update! Yay, we made it, confetti, it's a parade! Alright, this chapter has everything: prom, graduation, and an extra little surprise. Thank you for sticking with the story despite taking over a year just to get between season 2 and season 3. Y'all have the patience of saints, and you've got my whole heart.

As always, I only own my OCs.

May 10, 1985

8:05 pm

I stand in front of my bedroom mirror, twisting around anxiously as I check my reflection for the thousandth time tonight. Is it wrinkled? Stained? Ripped? I frown at the color, wondering if it actually is my shade, or if my eyes were just playing a trick on me when I decided to buy this monstrosity.

Alright, I guess it's not actually a monstrosity. Nancy was with me when I went shopping, she would've shot it down. Right? Yeah, right. She totally would've.

It's a simple lavender dress, spaghetti-strapped and with a cinched waist. The top is a satin corset, the bottom a layered lace skirt that ends at my shins, poofing out at my hips. It flares when I spin, and it's not too short that I'll flash someone, and it's not too long that it makes me look even smaller than I actually am. My mom helped me pin my curls into a high bun, making sure they didn't lose their definition or volume. A few loose strands escaped all the same, but I figure it won't matter much by the end of the night. Because of all the dancing.

The last thing my mom did before leaving me to do my makeup was clip a fake white flower - reminiscent of a gardenia - on the left side of my bun. Then she kissed my cheek and scurried off to make dinner for Dustin. I didn't really do much to my face - just some blush, shimmery gold eyeshadow, mascara, and pink gloss. I make sure to wear my gardenia necklace, arrow ring, and a pair of "diamond" studs. The last thing I put on before my panic-at-the-mirror were my lavender heels.

After spinning yet again, I pout and contemplate just collapsing on my bed and calling it a night. Before I can give in to my insecurities, the doorbell rings. I exhale nervously as I hear Dustin get the door, glowering at my reflection when my little brother makes sure to tell Steve I'd "been getting ready all day, she's worried she looks ugly."

"Dustin!" Our mom scolds him, and the little twerp scoffs.

"What?! She's being dumb, Leia always looks good!" He yells down the hall, and I can't help the little laugh that escapes. "You hear that, you psycho? Come on out before Steve passes out. No offense, man."

"Yeah, whatever." My boyfriend scoffs.

Sighing, I walk through the already-open door and into the hallway, grabbing my clutch on the way out. I try not to let my heels clack against the floor as I step towards the living room. My mom and brother turn just as I move out of the shadows of the kitchen, my hands twisting nervously behind my back as I look past their stares and up at Steve.

He looks better than a dream in his black suit jacket and matching slacks, his shirt a crisp white. He's wearing a lavender tie - definitely Nancy's doing - and a pair of shiny new dress shoes. Steve's hair is immaculate as always, and with how windswept it looks he definitely drove here with the windows down.

"Hi, baby." I finally break the silence, smiling up at the brunette. He just crosses over to me, lips crashing on mine for a brief-but-passionate kiss. When he pulls away, Steve swipes his thumb at the corners of my mouth, fixing the gloss. I do the same for him, laughing at his wide grin.

"You look so damn gorgeous." He murmurs. "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

"Sap."

"Oh, absolutely." He nods, agreeing readily. Then he pulls out a small box from his suit pocket, revealing a gardenia corsage with a lavender ribbon. I watch as his nimble fingers tie it around my wrist. My eyes flick up, having previously missed the gardenia boutonniere he's boasting in favor of my other observations. "There."

"Extra perfect?" I tease, but the words come out a little breathless as my voice hitches.

Steve licks his lips, smiling softly. "Yeah. Extra perfect."

Someone sniffles, and our heads snap to the side to see my mom wiping away some tears, camera held aloft in the process. Judging from the wide grin on Dustin's face, she'd been taking pictures of us for a while. I blush as I remember we definitely made out in front of my mom. Steve awkwardly clears his throat, glaring at my smug little brother. "Oh, you two are so wonderful together. Let's go outside, I'd like to get a couple of more photos on the porch before you head out."

"Sounds like a plan, Claudia." Steve takes my hand as we follow after my mom and brother. The former positions us exactly where she wants us, smiling and giving a few directions as one picture quickly turns into twenty.

"Mom, hey, I think you've got enough. I'd like to get to prom before it ends." I gently tease.

She sighs but lowers the camera all the same, waving me off. "Oh, alright. Off you go. Have fun tonight!"

"Thank you!"

"Thanks, Claudia. Later Dustin!" We both kiss my mom on the cheek, Steve pausing to ruffle my brother's curls.

"Jerkface!"

"Dustin!" Our mom scolds, and Steve's letting me into his Beemer just as she yells, "And be safe! Make good choices!"

"Okay!" I shout back with a laugh as my boyfriend closes the door. He waves at my family one last time before climbing in behind the wheel, starting the engine back up. I smile over at him as he drives towards the high school, giggling when he lifts my hand to kiss my knuckles.

"You look amazing, babe. So gorgeous. Can't believe how lucky I am." He murmurs as our entwined limbs rest on the gear shift. "Thought I was dreaming at first."

"Me, too. You look amazing. Like a super spy, or some shit."

"James Bond?"

"Fucking hotter than James Bond." I confirm. "Like Indiana Jones, at the end of Raiders."

He preens at the comparison to Harrison Ford, earning him another little laugh. "I don't even care if you're stroking my ego."

"Well, I wasn't. You just look that good, Steven."

"Thanks, Roni." He kisses my hand again, smiling against my skin.

We drive in a comfortable silence the rest of the way to Hawkins High, the radio playing softer than a whisper as we just enjoy each other's company. I occasionally peer out the window into the dark woods, the back of my mind itching when memories of the Upside Down invade. I counter that lingering fear by looking at Steve instead. His eyes remain steadfast on the darkened road, but his shoulders are relaxed and there's still a smile on his lips.

By the time we pull into the school's parking lot, most of the spaces are occupied by Steve's classmates' cars as well as rented limos. Guys in tuxes are escorting girls wearing ruffled and poofy dresses. I bite my lip, wondering if my choice was a little too simple. The passenger door opens - when did Steve get out? - and my boyfriend holds out his hand. I accept the gesture, smiling as he helps me out of the car.

"You alright?" He murmurs, watching me worriedly. I nod, my eyes flicking to a passing couple, and he sighs. "What did I tell you before?"

"I'm extra perfect."

He nods, kissing me more passionately than at my house. "Yeah. Those other girls don't hold a candle to you. Hey," he wipes the corners of my mouth once more, "You look like a million bucks. C'mon, princess. Let's blow this fucking school away."

I laugh, confidence restored as Steve lets me fix my lipgloss before tugging me towards the gym. My eyes widen in surprise when we walk inside, the basketball court decorated to look like the night sky. Right. The theme's "Celestial Nights". Most of the couples were dancing under the stars. The guys who decided to go stag are lingering at the walls or by the buffet, a few girls sitting together at the tables, gossiping and watching everyone else.

"Want a drink?" Steve has to nearly yell in my ear, and I nod enthusiastically. "You coming with me?"

"Do not leave me with these people." I hiss jokingly as a couple of girls in bright pink feathered dresses strut by, giggling obnoxiously. I roll my eyes as one of them eyes Steve, and the other girl glares at me. An eyebrow raise has her moving along like a Jedi mind-tricked stormtrooper. Steve snorts and kisses my cheek.

"I don't know. You can handle yourself." He compliments and I blush, laughing as he drags me to the bowl of punch. He mumbles out, "please tell me it's already spiked, I forgot to bring something," and I spy Billy off to the side with Vicki and Nicole, tucking a flask in his leather jacket.

"Hargrove's here, so yes." Steve grimaces when he notices his rival, but pours both of us a glass each all the same. We cheers and take a sip, and I send a discreet thumbs up over to Billy. He salutes and winks before returning to his bored state, watching his dates argue with each other - no doubt trying to figure out who gets to dance with the junior next.

"You know," I glance up at Steve as he takes another sip of punch, "In a twisted way, I'm glad Hargrove beat the shit outta me." My boyfriend smiles, and my eyes flick up to the tiny scar at his hairline, a mirror reflection of my own healed wound. "This prom would've been different. I'd have gone solo, or asked out some girl who didn't really matter to me in the long run. And you'd be off with Hargrove, having no idea how much I wanted you here with me."

"You're right. That is twisted." I tease, laughing as he pokes out his tongue at me. "Oh, you've definitely been spending too much time with the kids."

"Ouch." He rubs his chest before wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. "A few months ago, I was still jealous of Hargrove." Steve admits, and I gaze back up at him even though his focus is on the rest of prom. "Especially after all those rejection letters came back, and the thing with the scout. Then the team didn't win the championships, but Hargrove still scored more points than me. And I thought to myself, 'Hey, he's kind of decent now. Even Max says so. This is the day Roni gives him another chance.'"

"I did. As friends." I stress. "That day you came over and saw me helping him. He asked me if, you know… if he changed, would I get back with him? I said 'no'." Steve's eyes meet mine, and they're so damn beautiful. "Because I love you, with all my heart. I don't do what ifs anymore. I don't know what would've happened between us if Billy never hurt you or the others. What I do know is you've made me the happiest girl alive."

He grins widely, and I moan into his mouth as I'm tugged into the third kiss of the night, this one making my back arch and nearly causes me to spill my drink. I quickly finish it, setting the glass down next to Steve's. He pulls me towards the dance floor and I jog after him, laughing as he twirls me into his chest. We sway to every song - even the ones that have everyone else moshing - stuck in our own little world.

Eventually I notice how sore my feet have gotten, and Steve helps me over to a chair. As I rest he grabs us a plate of food, returning with two more cups of punch as well. Principal Higgins gravitates towards the bowl, suspicious of its contents before ultimately being distracted by Kate and James practically fucking on the dance floor. I snort as the two assholes are practically dragged out of the gym by their ears.

Good luck, and good riddance.

"Steve! Hey, Harrington!" Tommy calls, and Steve waves him over. I smile politely as my boyfriend's former best friends, Carol looking remarkably conservative in a powder blue tulle dress as she trails after Tommy. "And Henderson. Look at you, Ice Queen. I would've thought you'd have gone with white." The senior jokes. I grin and shrug.

"Maybe next year. Didn't want to upstage all the girls running for Prom Queen."

Carol snorts. "You and your generosity."

"Always." I wink back. "You look great, Perkins."

"Great enough to win?"

I hum, acting like I'm in deep thought. "It depends on how many people you paid off." She smacks my arm and I rub the sore spot, laughing. "Yes. Obviously, you look amazing."

"Thank you." She smiles wide, any lingering animosity between us postponed for the sake of enjoying prom.

Tommy seems eager to do the same, because he reaches over to give me a fistbump. I return it before taking another sip of my punch, winking over at Steve. "King Steve. Thank you for staying out of the running." The freckled teen toasts my boyfriend jovially. "I'd be screwed, too."

"Kiss ass." Steve shoots back.

The two former best friends slip into an easy conversation, joined by Carol as she leans into her date. I'm happy to just sit and listen, watching them catch up. I take Steve's hand when the other couple talks about how excited they are to be headed to Indiana State. He squeezes back, a silent but unnecessary thanks. "And what about you? What are your plans, Harrington?" Tommy asks.

My boyfriend pauses, but there's no tension in his face as he thinks over his response. "I'm planning on sticking around. You guys know better than most that I've never been good at school."

"Could be worse. You could be Eddie 'the Freak' Munson. He got held back again." Carol scoffs as she acknowledges the leader of the Hellfire Club, Hawkin High's D&D club. He's an even bigger metalhead than Billy, and twice as rebellious. I've seen him in the halls and the cafeteria, headbanging out speeches against Principal Higgins and any establishment.

He's cool, but he's also a menace.

"I guess that's something." Steve runs his free hand through his hair. "My mom and I came up with a plan. I'll work for a year, learn how to fend for myself or some shit." I kick his shin and he kicks back. "Whatever. When this one's -" he points to me and I pretend to bite his finger, "graduation rolls around, we'll have a conversation."

I smile back. "Either way, we're kissing Hawkins goodbye in '86."

"King Steve and the Ice Queen." Tommy hums, smirking. "I'm happy for you, man." He grins over at my boyfriend. "I mean, it fucking took you long enough."

Steve laughs. "Well, you two were no help." As Carol and Tommy argue with him about their role in our relationship, I glance around the gym. My eyes land on Billy, who looks uncharacteristically uncomfortable as Nicole and Vicki's bickering becomes increasingly aggressive.

"Hey, I'll be right back." I whisper in Steve's ear. "Remember, you're the only man I want."

As Tommy spouts some more bullshit, my boyfriend's eyes drift to Billy. He just exhales, nodding before kissing my cheek. "I believe you."

Patting his shoulder, I quickly excuse myself. It's easy to walk over to my ex, most of the sidelines cleared as the wallflowers grow more confident and head over to the dance floor. "You danced with him five more times than I did!" Nicole argues as Vicki checks her nails.

"That's because I'm the better dancer. Right, Billy?" She flutters her eyelashes at Billy, who just nods. "Face it, bitch, why don't you admit you lost!"

I clear my throat, and three heads snap in my direction. "Hmm." I sniff. "What's that scent? 'Desperation by You'?"

"What do you want?" Nicole snarls, and I shrug. "Aw, do you miss Billy? Tired of slumming it with Harrington?" I force myself to stay calm, focusing instead on the ridiculousness of their situation - don't they know that once they get to college, it's a whole new world of men? "You had your chance, bitch." She finishes.

"Fuck off." Vicki adds, arms crossing as she steps beside her best friend and rival. It only leaves me shaking my head in disbelief.

"Jesus Christ, you two are bizarre." I nod my head to the side, clicking my tongue. "There are plenty of other fish in the sea, ladies. Why don't you go after them?"

"You -"

"Had Hargrove first." I smirk up at Nicole, licking my teeth in a similar manner as my ex. "Face it, you two are fighting with the rest of Hawkins High's female population for my sloppy seconds. You know that tongue trick he does?" I question, glancing between the two seniors. Their cheeks flush. "Yeah, I helped him perfect it. You're fucking welcome. Hargrove, move it. You can play with your food later. Better let them cool off first." I slip my hand between Nicole and Vicki to grab Billy's forearm, the two other girls too surprised to react. As his vicious dates try to reverse their lobotomy, I drag my ex away from the wall and towards the dance floor. Billy blinks at me in confusion as we stop off to the side of the other dancers, avoiding center court.

"Uh, what are you doing?"

"Saving your ass, Hargrove. Boy, do you know how to pick 'em."

He shrugs, starting to move with me. "They provide excellent entertainment."

I wrinkle my nose in response. "You could always just watch some movies. Go to the arcade."

"Drive far, far away from Hawkins." He adds.

My eyes flick up to his left eye, the outer corner light green. "One more year, and then you're free."

"I'm eighteen. I can leave when I want." Billy reminds me.

I shake my head. "You won't."

"Oh, yeah? And how do you know?"

"Max." He pauses, and as Almost Paradise starts to pour out from the speakers, I wrap my left hand around his shoulder, my right hand holding his left. He puts a careful hand on my waist, and we sway to the Footloose love ballad. "You won't leave her, not until you're sure your dad won't hurt her." Billy hums, and I squeeze his shoulder. "Hey. I'm proud of you." He stumbles a little at my compliment, glowering as I laugh. He retaliates by dipping me low, and I smack his bicep until he straightens.

"You deserved that."

"Shut up, you just hate that I'm right." I playfully scowl back, and he mimics me. "You're still no saint, but the new you… I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Billy nods, ocean eyes shining with acceptance. "Here's looking at you, kid." He quotes Casablanca back to me. "Harrington gonna be alright with this?"

"Us dancing? Or us being friends?"

"Both."

"Yeah. He trusts me." I smile and shrug at the same time. "Besides, after the James incident," Billy growls at the mention of his teammate, "you're no longer at the top of his shit list. And you're not on mine either. Just… keep getting better. I think you're gonna end up surprising yourself."

"I'm glad I didn't completely lose you." Billy whispers, barely audible over the ballad.

I nod, a soft grin forming on my lips. "Me, too."

We only stop swaying when the song ends. By the time I've stepped away, a group of admirers are flocking our way, eyes trained solely on my ex. "Have a fun night." I wink as he takes in his new prospects, and Billy smirks back.

"You're the best wingwoman, Queen V."

I curtsy before turning away, leaving Billy to his own devices. I catch Nicole and Vicki dancing with a couple of guys who'd been on the swim team with Steve; while they're both clearly trying to make Billy jealous, at least they're no longer directly at each other's throats.

Look, I couldn't give less of a shit what they do to each other, but it's prom and I'd rather it didn't end in bloodshed. Carrie was pretty scarring.

Steve's alone when I return, but he doesn't look lonely. He smiles as bright as the sun when I hold out my hand, taking it fast as lightning. "You and Hargrove have a good talk?" My boyfriend asks as he eagerly follows me onto the dance floor. This time I weave us through the crowd until we're practically center court, right under the mirrored disco ball.

"Yeah. I think we're going to be good friends, as long as he commits to being a decent human being." I wrap both arms around Steve's neck, his going around my waist just as You and I begins. I smile as I remember our first kiss, and the slow dance we shared to this same slow tune. My boyfriend leans down, singing the words softly in my ear. I nuzzle my head under his chin in return. It's only when his fingers tap at my jaw that I glance back up, melting into his kiss. It's enough to pause our dancing, a silent promise of what's to come when the prom ends.

What's to come is Steve escorting me to the Beemer, having rejected the after-prom offers thrown our way. It's Steve driving us back to his empty house, so much warmer now that the locks have been changed and his dad is no longer in the picture, having fucked off to who-cares. It's Steve and I making out as we stumble up the stairs to his room, our clothes leaving a trail in our wake. It's Steve and I making love well into the early morning, when the sun is threatening to rise. It's us being together, completely happy.

And yes, Tommy and Carol are crowned King and Queen. Take that, James and Kate.

Hawkins High School football field

May 24, 1985

It's a nice 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the sun shining high in the sky but the breeze giving all of us a nice reprieve. Dustin is bouncing impatiently beside me, grumbling as Principal Higgins commencement speech continues, despite him having already spoken for fifteen minutes.

It's better than hearing Tammy Thompson completely butcher the Beatles's In My Life. How can anyone be both flat and sharp?

"Oh my God, how much longer is this thing?" My brother groans. Our mother shushes him, glancing around worriedly as if no one else has the same opinion.

"He has a point." The woman beside me murmurs, clearly amused. I smile over at Kathleen Harrington, the woman clearer-eyed than I'd ever known them to be. One of the aides from the rehabilitation center is sitting on her other side, and while Steve's mom admitted she's not quite ready to come back to Hawkins full-time, she got permission to attend her son's graduation with supervision.

"Don't let him hear you say that, it'll just fuel Dustin's ego." I whisper back, earning a laugh from my boyfriend's mom. I grin as she sends my brother a thumbs up in agreement anyway. He preens at the positive attention, wearing that big smile of his at the thought of bonding with Kathleen.

As Higgins continues his speech I glance around my mom and brother to exchange eyerolls with Nancy about our principal, Jonathan too wrapped up in filming the ceremony to join us. Still, those are definitely his "holy shit, shut the fuck up" eyebrows.

Dustin exhales loudly when the speech finally ends, groaning all over again when the student speakers step up to the podium one at a time, both the salutatorian and the valedictorian sharing the same messages; "my time at Hawkins taught me many things", "we're a family", "we'll carry the memories we've made as we move on to greener pastures." It's sweet, don't get me wrong, but also entirely repetitive and not nearly as original as it could be. Neither one of them even slips in a movie reference! I send Nancy a look that hopefully conveys the message "do better than that next year." She rolls her blue eyes again, which could either mean she's already planning on it, she's bored as well, or that I need to quit my griping.

I turn my attention back to the ceremony as Principal Higgins returns to the microphone, and he begins to read the names of this year's graduating class. I clasp my hands together, leaning forward impatiently as the seniors begin crossing the stage, collecting that long-awaited piece of paper while shaking our principal's hand. Finally, Tommy's name is called, and he struts over to his diploma like a peacock, throwing up hand horns and pumping his fists in the air.

"Steven Theodore Harrington." Assistant Principal Murphy announces, and everyone from Kathleen to Jonathan shoot up out of their seats and scream out their excitement. I clap as loud and as hard as I can. Steve's able to clock us as he shakes Principal Higgins hand and turns to the crowd. He holds up his diploma and points in our direction, and I put my hand against my heart. My boyfriend's grinning as he rushes off the stage. Those of us who came to support him settle down, our applause polite as the rest of Steve's class is called. I cheer a little louder for Carol, who's been walking like royalty ever since she was crowned Prom Queen.

You know what? Good for her.

The audience breaks into proud hollering as Principal Higgins has the seniors move their tassels from the right to the left, then throw their caps in the air. We rush out of our seats and into the open field. Glad I chose to wear my ballet flats, I think to myself as I run through the crowd, knowing I would have fallen on my face if I'd done this in heels. Steve is off to the side with Tommy and Carol, holding his cap in the same hand as his diploma. His hair's completely unaffected, which is completely unsurprising at this point.

I pause a truck's length away from the trio, and Carol nudges my boyfriend. His focus shifts to me, and a blinding smile overtakes his face. I laugh breathlessly, and then we're running to each other. I scream excitedly as he swings me into the air, both his arms around my waist. Then we're kissing, my fingers tangling in his chocolate locks, doing their best to disrupt his styling.

Steve grins against my mouth, pulling away so our lips are barely brushing. I grin back, feeling flushed. "Congratulations. I'm so proud of you, baby."

"Thanks, Roni. Hey, where are my flowers? Don't I deserve a bouquet?" He jokes, nodding over to where Nicole and Vicki - ugh - are collecting bunches of roses from their parents.

"I have something better in mind. But I can always drive to Ms. Harper and pick you up something." I quip. He bites my bottom lip in retaliation, soothing the delicious pain with another breathtaking kiss.

"Leave room for Jesus!" I hear Dustin shout, and we both giggle as we turn our heads to watch my little brother approach, blue eyes shining with mirth. "You two do realize you're still in public, right? Disgusting."

Steve releases me in favor of flicking my brother's hat off and ruffling his curls, laughing as Dustin screeches and tries to slap his hands away. "Wait until you get yourself a girlfriend. I bet you'll be grosser than us, you little asshole." He counters affectionately.

"Never!" Dustin spits out. "Mom! Jonathan! Nance! Kathleen!" Steve's mom insisted on only being addressed by her first name. "I found them!"

"Steven!" Kathleen cries out, opening her arms. I grin wetly as my boyfriend hurries over to his mom, flourishing under his mother's fussing. "You looked so handsome up there, sweetheart! Oh, I'm so proud of you. My little boy's all grown up!" She gushes.

While Steve's face is as red as an apple from the overwhelming affection, it's nice to see the kind of mom Kathleen is without John or alcohol in the picture. I know she and my boyfriend still have a ways to go. There are years and years of separation to make up for, but to see them both trying - Kathleen especially - is amazing.

Eventually, his mom lets Steve go. My mother hugs the recent high school graduate next, murmuring her praises as she bestows on him her usual level of loving care. Nancy drags him into a hug as well, Steve thanking her profusely for being such a big help. "Seriously, Nance. You helped kick my ass in gear before it was too late. I owe you so much. You, too, Jonathan."

"No sweat, man." My oldest friend claps my boyfriend on the shoulder. "Happy to help a friend."

"Hey, what about me?" Dustin huffs. "I helped you with biology!"

"Thanks, Henderson." Steve rolls his eyes, but smiles all the same before tugging my little brother into a hug. Dustin happily returns the gesture, warming my heart all over again.

Ice Queen of Hawkins, who? I don't even know her anymore.

After a few moments, Steve steps back from my brother, holding out his hand to me. I take it and move over to his side, grinning as he wraps himself around me. "Thanks, Roni. Knowing I'd get to see you everyday is the only reason my attendance improved sophomore year." He confesses, and I attempt to hide my blush. "I'd have lost my mind these last few months if it wasn't for you. Would've probably given up."

"No, you wouldn't have." I firmly disagree, throwing my arms around his neck and looking straight into his hazel eyes. "You're capable of more than you know." I smile proudly. "I'll keep telling you that until you believe it. Okay?"

"Okay." He smiles and kisses my forehead before flicking Dustin's hat off his head again. Before my little brother can gripe, my boyfriend places his graduation cap on top of the messy curls with one hand. Dustin preens and happily wears it all the way to the cars. Kathleen's aide is standing beside a rented Mercedes, waiting patiently for Steve's mom so they can drive back to the airport.

"I'm so sorry I can't stay longer." I hear Kathleen apologize profusely to my boyfriend.

He shakes his head, pulling her into another tight hug. "No, don't worry. I'm glad you came, no matter how short the visit was."

She kisses both of his cheeks, then his forehead. "You're a wonderful cook, sweetheart. I look forward to more meals when I come back. And I truly am so proud of you. Jonathan," Kathleen calls over to my best friend, "please send me the recording as soon as you can! I have a graduate to show off!"

"You got it, Kathleen." He promises.

"Hang on, before you go!" I hurry forward, taking my polaroid from my mom's purse. Kathleen and Steve show off their twin smiles, huddled close together as they stare into my camera. I take another just in case, and the aide's nice enough to not rush Kathleen as we wait for them to develop.

"Perfect, darling." My boyfriend's mom pulls me into a hug as she takes one of the proffered pictures, kissing my cheeks as well. "Thank you for taking care of him." She murmurs.

"Thank you for coming back." I respond just as softly, receiving another squeeze before Kathleen releases me to say her goodbyes. We watch from a respectful distance as Steve walks his mom to the car, shaking the aide's hand before kissing Kathleen's cheek. We all watch as they drive away, my boyfriend's hands in the pockets of his gown. Noticing his shaking shoulders, I discreetly nod my head at Nancy and Jonathan. They distract my mom and Dustin with the recording as I sneak over to Steve, not wanting to bring his current state to attention.

As soon as I take his hand in mine, my boyfriend twists to hide his wet face in my hair. I stroke his back soothingly, wishing I could curse John Harrington's existence for creating such a situation in the first place. That might seem unreasonable, blaming Kathleen's choices on her terrible husband, but he's an awful person. His only saving grace? Without him, Steve would've never been born, and that's not something I'm okay with.

"She'll be back." I promise my boyfriend, firmly trusting my words and leaving no room for any arguments.

"I know." He hums, and I wipe away his fading tears. He kisses the button of my nose, laughing as I wrinkle it. "Come on. Didn't Joyce say something about having a barbecue at her place? All these emotions are making me hungry."

I laugh and nod, our hands swinging as we walk back to the small group waiting for us.

May 26, 1985

7:50 am

I groan as I roll my neck, still recovering from the morning's run even after the hour-long bath I just climbed out of. My hair's still wet, the long curls soaking the back and shoulders of my shirt. "Morning, Chewie." I murmur as I walk into the kitchen, peeking over the island. Dustin's stuffing his face with cereal while watching some Bugs Bunny cartoons. He barely waves at me before his attention is consumed once more by the TV. We only have a couple of more days like this until we both head off to Camp Know Where for the next month.

I shake my head but smile all the same, fixing myself my own bowl Fruit Loops before joining Dustin on the couch, smiling as he snuggles into my side. Most days, he acts like he's a grown man. It's nice to have these small moments. But shit, how lucky am I to have been close to my kid brother this whole time? Yeah, he can be really fucking mouthy and annoying, but he's my Dusty.

We're halfway through Bugs tormenting Elmer Fudd when the phone rings. With mom having to go into the office - on a Sunday, ew - it's up to me to begrudgingly rise from the couch and half-limp over to the phone. "Henderson residence, this is Veronica." I answer tiredly, rubbing my eyes.

"Veronica! Oh, thank God!" My dad nearly destroys my eardrums. "Allison's water just broke, we're heading to the hospital!"

"Oh, shit!" I shout back, Dustin running over to me with fear in his big blue eyes.

There's rustling on the other line, then Allison commandeers the phone. "You'll be there, right? St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis."

"Yeah." I respond without hesitation. "I'll call my mom first, then I'm coming to you. I wouldn't miss this for the world. Dusty - Dustin!" I shout as I hang up, remembering he's only a step away from me. He jumps in surprise. "Sorry. Allison's in labor, I'm going to Indianapolis. Do you want to come with me, or stay with mom?"

We both pause. Mom. God, no, we both can't just hightail it to Indianapolis, leave her to deal with her emotions alone. I made a promise, but Dustin didn't.

My brother shakes his head. "No. I'll stay, go be with mom at work."

"She shouldn't be alone."

"And you made a promise." He adds, seemingly having read my mind.

"Exactly." I lean up to kiss his forehead, reminded yet again of how much my little brother's grown. "Okay, I'll call her. I've got a backpack ready to go just in case. Go load up the car for me." He rushes off as I dial our mom.

It's about an hour drive to Indianapolis, but it takes a few minutes longer because I have to act as my own navigator, Steve being - ah, shit, Steve. Knew I forgot something. I'll call from the hospital, I'm sure Dustin's already spilled the beans.

Wincing nonetheless at my bout of forgetfulness, I finally pull into St. Vincent's parking lot, leaving my bag in the car as I make a mad dash towards the front desk. "Hi, hi, sorry - Veronica Henderson. I'm here for Allison Henderson, she's in labor -"

"Honey, slow down, you're talking to fast -"

"Allison Henderson." I grit out at the nurse. "My step-mother's in labor, she called an hour ago - do babies take a while to come out? How does that work, is she still -"

"Veronica?" My dad's voice cuts through my panicked questions, and I spin around sharply.

"Dad." Maybe it's the adrenaline pumping through my veins, maybe it's because I'm excited to meet my half-sibling, but I crumple into him, arms tight around his shoulders. He hugs me back just as tightly, and for a moment I can pretend that he and mom parted on good terms, that he never filled my heart with disappointment and disgust. "How's Allison doing?"

"Hanging in there. Doctor's given her an Epidural, so now we're just playing the waiting game." He steps back, chewing his lip. "Allison wanted to know if… if you wanted to be in the room with us. Instead of waiting out here."

I blink. "Oh. I… yes, I'd like to. If that's what she -"

"Allison wants you there." My dad states firmly. "And I do, too."

"Alright." I smile. "Let's go."

It only takes about fifteen minutes for my dad to sign me in, me to put on scrubs, and the two of us to reach Allison's room. Two nurses are fluttering around her, but their attention turns to my dad as we walk in. While they talk to my dad, my step-mom waves me over.

"Veronica! You made it!" Allison exhales with relief.

"Of course. Wasn't gonna miss it." I smile, heart pumping with excitement. There's guilt, too, my mind drifting to my mom and Dustin. That heaviness lifts when I glance down at Allison's stomach. I'm not here for anyone else other than my new sibling. I made my dad and step-mom a promise, and I intend to keep it.

"Honey, could you get me some ice chips?" Allison asks, smiling pleadingly at my father. "Nurse Mitchell and Andrews said we still have some time, and I'm a little hungry."

"Of course, dear."

I glance away as he leans down for a kiss, only turning back to my step-mom when my dad leaves the room. "Sorry." She apologizes, rubbing her stomach.

Sighing as I sit in the empty seat beside her, I shrug. "Guess I just have to get used to it."

"There aren't enough apologies in the world for your father and I to give you, Dustin, and Claudia." Allison hums, wincing as she shifts on the bed. "Sorry, contraction."

"Are they close? Should I -"

"No, it's alright. They're still pretty far apart." Allison promises.

"How are you feeling?"

My step-mother hums at my question. "Happy. And terrified." She clears her throat, voice growing wet. "There's something I haven't told Robert. I didn't want him more worried than he already is." I shift forward, suddenly just as nervous. Oh God, what now? Is the baby alright? Is it dad's? Allison wouldn't have… but she already did, once, but she loves dad - "I told your father my mom died in a car crash. I pause. I'd known Allison was an orphan, but never felt the need to ask what happened - nor did I want to, or care. "I lied. My mother died giving birth to me."

"Oh." I mutter, mouth dropping a little. What do I say?

Allison smiles sadly. "I never really knew my dad. He died when I was ten, but even before then I was raised by nannies. Any conversations we had were lost. I never knew why, until I found old pictures of her and realized we looked exactly the same." She sigh and gently touches my hand, not quite holding it.

"Why are you telling me?" I whisper, and Allison squeezes.

"If something happens to me -"

"Allison -"

"Shh." She stops me. "If something happens to me, I don't want my baby suffering for it. You said you'd be there for them. Please, please, keep your promise. I know they'll only share half your blood, but -"

"I keep my promise." I cut in, taking her hand in mine. "Blood doesn't make a family. I'll make sure they know they're loved."

Allison smiles with tear-filled eyes. "Thank you. I'm so sorry, Veronica. I'm so, so sorry."

"I know you are. It doesn't make what you and dad did okay," I gently remind her, "but it's enough to help me move on. Nothing's going to happen to you, though. This isn't the stone age," I tease her with a smile, and Allison laughs at her over-exaggerated age, "and you aren't your mom. You'll be okay."

"I'll be okay."

"And I think you're going to be a great mother." I add, earning another smile.

"Thank you, Veronica." Allison hums. "I'll be okay."

"You'll be okay."

Seven hours later, she is. There was a lot of cursing, a lot of crying and yelps of pain - from both Allison and my dad; the latter's hand was gripped nearly to the point of breaking. I was given the easier task of stroking my step-mom's sweaty hair and helping her with her breathing exercises. The whole time, she stared at me with fearful eyes. I could only hope my own gleamed with reassurances. When the baby let out their first wail, Allison's terrified expression morphed into a glowing smile. She thanked me quietly as my dad cut the slippery umbilical cord.

"Alright, mommy. Congratulations, you have a beautiful girl. All ten fingers and toes." She'd announced, my step-mom bursting into tears as the cleaned baby was placed on her chest.

"Do you have names in mind?" I ask, watching my dad carefully cradle his daughter.

"Laura. For my mom." Allison murmurs, and we exchange small smiles.

"'Laura Henderson'." I hum, gaze shifting once more to the sleeping angel in my dad's arms. She's got wispy blonde hair. She has blue eyes, but that could change - dad said mine were blue, too. "Pretty. That's one cute kid."

My dad sends me a wink. "I only make cute kids." I roll my own emerald orbs, and Allison laughs.

"You do. You make beautiful, smart, and brave kids." My step-mom agrees, her gaze flicking over to me. "Would you like to hold her?"

"Uh, sure." I blink. "It's been a while, though, so -"

"Show her how." Allison tiredly orders my dad, gently shifting into a more comfortable spot on the bed.

Dad grins, nodding as he carefully walks towards me. He guides my arms into the correct position before safely handing Laura over. I'm holding my breath like I'm trying not to alert a predator in Hawkins' woods. "Breathe, darling." My dad whispers, and I exhale shakily. "See? Nothing to worry about. You held Dustin all the time, after he was born. It's just like riding a bike."

Yeah, except there are less consequences if you drop a bike, I stop myself from snarking out loud, not wanting my Laura-holding privileges revoked. "I guess so." My gaze returns to my sister, and I smile. She looks like an angel. I'm sure that'll change in time - babies can be a handful, between the crying and diapers.

"Your dad and I," Allison clears her throat, my attention shifting to my dad and step-mom, "have been talking." Well, you are married. "Life isn't certain. Anything can happen, you know that better than most." She smiles sadly, her eyes flicking up to my dad's, as his fill with tears. "And the last thing we want is for our daughter to be left in this world with no one to guide her. My parents are dead, and Robert's mom -"

"Doesn't talk to me anymore."

Yeah, grandma Henderson wasn't too happy about her son's affair.

I nod. "Right. So…" I trail off, confused as I softly sway my sleeping newborn sister.

"We want to name you Laura's godmother." My eyes are glued on Allison's as I freeze - ha, the Ice Queen, frozen. "There's no one we trust more with our little girl. It was an easy decision to make."

"But I'm so young."

"We'll try not to have anything fatal happen to us until after you've graduated college." My dad jokes darkly, and I laugh quietly as Allison smacks his chest. "You don't have to agree. I'm sure we'll think of someone -"

"Yes. I'll be her godmother." Joyful tears build in my eyes as I smile down at the still-sleeping Laura.

Dad lets out a relieved chuckle, and Allison yawns. "You're exhausted. Why don't you get some rest?" He asks his wife.

"I'm fine."

"You just pushed a watermelon out of your vagina, Allison - take a nap. I'm pretty sure this peace won't last forever." I remind my step-mom, nodding down to Laura.

She snorts at my tone. "So I've been told. Alright."

"Here, dad." Although reluctant, I pass my sister - goddaughter - over to my dad, watching him cradle her. I wonder if he held me as gently and confidently as he's holding Laura. Probably not, I'm the firstborn. He was most likely a nervous wreck. "I have to make some calls, anyway. I'll let you three have your bonding time."

"You'll stay, right?" My dad inquires, Allison already drifting off. I nod. "Alright. We'll see you soon."

"Congratulations, dad." I murmur. "She really is a cute kid."

"My cute kid has a beautiful godmother." He grins wetly. "I'm so proud of the young woman you're becoming."

"Thank you." I whisper. Not knowing what else to say - and feeling emotionally overwhelmed - I leave the room to find a telephone.

The first call is brief. My mom must have gone out with Dustin, because I end up having to leave a message. "It's a girl. They named her Laura. I'm, uh, they asked me to be her godmother. I said yes. I'll be home tomorrow. Love you both."

The next person I call is Steve, who I completely forgot to call. Hopefully Dustin made the rounds. I wait for my boyfriend to pick up. It only takes a few rings. "Harrington Household, this is Steve."

"Hey, baby." I smile as he lets out a gleeful chuckle, recognizing my voice immediately.

"Roni! How's -"

"It's a girl!" I interrupt him, laughing. "I was in the room the whole time. Dad was a mess, but Allison… she handled it like a trouper."

"Jesus, that's… wow. Is she cute? Because some babies end up looking like purple potatoes, but I've seen your pictures and you looked like an angel."

I bite my bottom lip, grinning like a lunatic. "She's a cutie. Blonde hair. Blue eyes for now, but that could change. They named her Laura, after Allison's mom."

"How are you feeling?" Steve asks, my heart thumping at the concern laced in his question.

"I'm…" I trail off, staring at my reflection in the glass divider between the two hospital phones. "I'm good. I'm really, really good. They made me her godmother."

"Wow. Holy shit. That's -"

"Yeah."

"I think that's the best decision your dad and step-mom ever made." I can hear the smile in Steve's voice. "You're already the best older sister I know. Dustin and Laura are lucky to have you."

"Thank you." I whisper. "I love you."

"I love you too, Roni. I'm so happy for you."

"You know what? I'm happy for me, too."

And I am. I really am.