The familiar neon sign of the diner flickers in the night, casting a warm glow over the parking lot. I park my truck and glance at the rearview mirror, fussing with my hair and wiping away the remnants of my mascara. A quick sniff of my sweatshirt reminds me I should've showered after practice, but there's no time now. I dig through my bag for some perfume, spritzing a little before heading inside.

The diner smells like grease and coffee, a comforting mix that reminds me of simpler times with my dad. I shake off the nostalgia and scan the room, expecting to see Dustin, but he isn't here yet. Checking my watch, I realize I'm early and try to quell the nerves about him riding alone in the dark. I slide into a booth by the window, pulling out my English homework to kill time.

The door chimes, and I glance up, half-expecting Dustin. Instead, Billy walks in, followed by Nicole, Tommy, and Carol. A twist of annoyance hits me – they didn't invite me. Nicole spots me and waves, dragging the group over. She slides into the booth without asking, Tommy and Carol following suit, leaving me awkwardly across from Billy.

"How was practice?" Nicole beams, her enthusiasm a sharp contrast to my irritation.

"Fine," I reply, forcing a smile, still feeling the weight of the day's frustrations. "What have you guys been up to?"

Carol smirks, glancing at Billy. "Just showing the new guy around."

I can't help the sarcasm that slips into my voice. "Is Hawkins living up to your expectations?"

Billy's eyes lock onto mine, that infuriating smirk in place. "Yeah, I always dreamed of living in a shithole."

The group brusts into laughter, too loud and grating. Billy's comment stings a little – his disdain for Hawkins feels like a slight against everything familiar. I turn back to my homework, hoping they'll leave me alone, but Carol leans over, "You in for Tommy's tonight? Chuck would love to see you."

I force another smile, pretending to be flattered. "I'm waiting for Dustin," I say, shaking my head.

Carol's smile tightens, a hint of condescension creeping in. "Aww, Lace. On mommy duty again?"

Tommy snorts, and I feel Billy's gaze on me, curious. "Where is the little weirdo, anyway?" Tommy asks, ignoring my warning glare.

"Arcade with his friends," I mutter, checking my watch. He's cutting it close. The knot of worry tightens in my stomach; I can't help but imagine him biking in the dark. It's not safe, and I wish he'd be more mindful of the time.

Tommy leans in, a cruel smirk on his face. "What's wrong, Lacy? Afraid he'll end up the next Zombie Boy?"

The comment feels like a slap, and I put my pen down, glaring at him. "Shut up."

The tension thickens, but before I can say more, the waitress arrives to take our orders. I quickly ask for burgers to go for Dustin and me, deciding that I don't need to spend any extra time with them. The table falls silent for a moment, then Tommy breaks it again, laughing. "Lighten up, Lacy. It's just a joke."

"Some joke," I mutter under my breath, my anger simmering.

Billy, who's been watching the exchange with amusement, finally speaks. "What's with the kid anyway? Can't he handle himself?"

I glare at him, but his expression remains unfazed. "He's thirteen, of course he can."

Nicole, sensing the tension, interrupts whatever loaded comment Billy has waiting, "You know, Lacy's the best tennis player on the team."

"What's your point?" I ask, glancing at her, feeling slightly confused by the sudden compliment.

"If you have any questions about joining a team, Billy, you should ask her." Nicole continues but I feel a tinge of a smile on my face now, appreciating her attempt to change the subject away from my brother.

Catching Billy's gaze, I roll my eyes slightly. "That's nice, Nicole, but I don't think he's looking to join the girl's tennis team."

Billy smirks, but there's a hint of a challenge in his eyes. "You're right," he says smoothly, "I only play real sports."

I scoff, crossing my arms. "Tennis is a real sport."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter. "I guess if hitting a ball back and forth in a short skirt counts, sure."

I feel the irritation bubbling up again, but try to keep my cool. "The way I play it does."

Billy leans back, smiling lazily. "If you say so, sweetheart."

The tension at the table shifts again and Nicole once again tries to save it, "Lacy's got a wicked backhand. You should see her, she's unstoppable."

"Is that so?" Billy asks, and I feel my cheeks flush slightly, something tells me Billy is not interested for the same reasons Nicole wants him to be.

"Yeah, maybe I can show you sometime." My words have a bite behind the double meaning and for a moment, Billy's smile seems almost genuine when he laughs.

Carol, who's been watching quietly, finally chimes in. "Yeah, Lacy's always the best. It's her thing."

There's an edge to her voice, and I can't tell if she's being supportive or just trying to undermine me in front of Billy. Either way, it's irritating.

Billy seems to catch on, glancing at Carol before looking back at me. "Must be tough being perfect all the time."

I snort, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "Yeah, it's a real burden."

Billy stands, patting his jacket pocket for his cigarettes. My eyes are lingering and Billy catches my gaze, lifting a brow. I look away, trying to focus on whatever Nicole and Carol are talking about. He excuses himself outside, and I try to keep a neutral face.

The waitress returns with our orders, and I'm grateful for the distraction. I check my watch and try not to overthink Dustin being over fifteen minutes late. He probably lost track of time playing a game and is rushing over here now.

"He's totally flirting with you," Nicole says, once Billy is out of earshot. I make a face, shaking my head too quickly, and this makes Nicole grin.

"He is not," I counter, keeping an eye on the door for Dustin. "That has you written all over it," I add and Nicole rests a hand on my shoulder.

"Lacy," she says, squeezing me lightly, "just loosen up a little bit. You and Billy Hargrove would be the couple of the century: competitive, hot, sarcastic. It's perfect."

"Weren't you just in love with him like four hours ago?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Nicole rolls her eyes, both of her hands now resting on my shoulders as she shakes me gently.

"Yeah, but you know how I am. I like to keep my options open," she giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Seriously, though, he's into you. And don't act like you don't find him attractive."

I open my mouth to protest, but Carol cuts in, her voice sharp. "Please, Lacy's too busy being perfect to notice any guy."

Nicole's playful demeanor falters for a second, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. I feel a pang of frustration at Carol's comment. Before I can respond, the door chimes, and I see Dustin rush in, looking flustered and out of breath.

"Sorry, sorry," Dustin says, sliding into the booth beside me. "Got caught up at the arcade."

"You're supposed to be here on time," I scold gently, trying to mask my relief with a stern tone. "It's not safe riding your bike in the dark."

Dustin nods, looking genuinely sorry. "I know, I'll be more careful next time."

He glances around the table, his gaze landing on Tommy, Carol, and Nicole. "Hey," he greets them, but there's a catch of annoyance in his tone, his dislike for them clear.

Tommy smirks, leaning forward. "What's up, Dustbin? How are the freaks at the arcade?"

Dustin's eyes narrow slightly, but he doesn't respond. He looks at me with furrowed brows, like he cannot honestly believe I hang around them willingly. "We should go," I agree, noticing the silent plea in his look, "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"I'll call you when I get home," Nicole says, waving at Dustin as he follows me out.

As we head outside, Billy is leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette. He looks up as we approach, a smirk forming on his lips. "Leaving already?"

"Try not to miss me too much," I reply, keeping my voice cool. Dustin pulls his bike from the bike rack, his eyes flitting back and forth between Billy and me. My brother stands a little straighter and I try not to smile at his attempt to defend me.

Billy's eyes flick to Dustin, then back to me. "Need a hand with the bike?"

"I've got it," I say quickly and Dustin nods, shooting another look towards Billy before walking his bike to the truck. He opens the tailgate and it squeals loudly. I press my lips together, glancing at Billy who chuckles.

"Your truck's kind of a piece of shit," he says, stepping closer. Billy takes the bike from Dustin and in an almost lazy effort, lifts the bike into the bed of the truck with ease. I watch, annoyed at how effortlessly he does it.

"Thanks," I mutter, feeling the irritation starting to flare up again. I hand Dustin our bag of food and nod for him to get into the truck. My brother hesitates, but climbs into the cab, slamming the door shut behind him.

Billy just grins, flicking his cigarette away. "No problem, sweetheart. See you around."

As I start the truck, Dustin watches Billy with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "What's his deal?" he asks, turning to watch Billy's retreating figure from the back window.

"Nothing," I mutter, pulling out of the parking lot. "He's just a jerk." I glance at the diner's neon light, flickering in a rhythm that matches my unsettled nerves.

I can't shake the mix of frustration and curiosity swirling in my head. Billy's smug grin and the way he effortlessly lifts Dustin's bike into the truck bed replay in my mind. Despite everything, part of me wonders if there is a slight interest in me. I glance at Dustin, who's staring out the window, lost in his own thoughts.

The drive home is quiet, filled only with the low hum of the truck's engine and the occasional rustle of the takeout bag. My mind drifts to Tina's Halloween party, trying to work out a last minute costume, wondering if I can get away with being a black cat again. Maybe Nicole will have something I can borrow.

We pull into the driveway, and I turn off the engine, taking a moment to breathe. Dustin hops out, grabbing the bag of burgers. We head inside the warmth of the house, a welcome contrast to the chilly night air.

In the kitchen, Dustin sets out our food at the table, while I take a moment to check the voicemail. Dad's voice greets me, gravelly and deep. Before I realize what I'm doing, I'm pausing the tape, leaving it for Dustin to listen to on his own. My brother looks at me, but says nothing, leaving me to sit in silence next to him at the table.

"Did mom ever get your patch sewn onto your costume?" I ask, picking at my greasy fries.

"I think so," he says, shrugging his shoulders. "It's in my closet so I'll check later."

There's a slight tension in the air as we eat in silence. Finally, Dustin asks, "What'd dad's message say?"

I shrug, chewing on my burger slowly. The patty suddenly tasting slightly rubbery, "I left it on the machine for you."

"You know he wants to talk to you, too." He mutters, but I can't find the courage to lift my eyes off my plate. Dustin is right, but I can't find the right words to explain why I can't do it.

"Where are you guys going trick or treating tomorrow?" I ask, trying to change the subject and Dustin rolls his eyes, throwing a fry down.

"Loch Nora," he replies, "they have the full sized candy bars."

"I remember," I say, smiling slightly at the memory. "Maybe I'll just go with you guys instead."

Dustin is fighting the smile, still feigning his annoyance at me. "Please don't, I wasn't kidding earlier when I said you need to spend time with your friends."

"But you are my friend," I tease and Dustin laughs, tossing a fry towards me. It's a small moment, but it means everything to know he's not upset with me.

"I'll be at Tina's Halloween party," I promise, "just save me a Kit-Kat."

He nods, "I'll save you two if you stay out past your curfew."

"It's a deal," I smile, picking up my burger again.

Dustin and I finish our dinner, and he retreats to his room to tackle his homework. I stay behind to clean up the kitchen, washing the leftover breakfast dishes and wiping down the table. As I place the clean plates in the dish rack, my mind drifts to the upcoming Halloween party. The faint sound of the TV in the living room reminds me of how quiet the house feels without Mom here. I turn on the oven to warm up some leftovers for her, hoping she'll appreciate the gesture when she gets home.

The shrill ring of the phone startles me, snapping me back to the present. My heart skips a beat, wondering if it might be Dad calling again. I almost call for Dustin, wanting him to answer the phone so I can avoid another awkward conversation, but I remember the look on his face earlier when I turned off the voicemail. With a sigh, I lift the phone off the receiver.

"Hello," I say, trying to keep my voice steady and cheery.

"Lacy, it's me." Nicole's voice comes through the line, sounding as upbeat as always. "We need to talk."

"About what?" I ask, wrapping the phone cord around my finger. I have a good idea why she's calling, and the earlier conversation about Billy flashes in my mind. I refuse to let her know he's been on my mind, even if just in annoyance.

"Billy Hargrove," she sighs dreamily. "I have it all figured out."

My stomach twists slightly at Nicole's words. As if he is some puzzle waiting to be solved. I can help the slight flush that creeps up my neck, recalling our last encounter. I roll my eyes, tightening the phone cord. "There's nothing to figure out, Nicole. Billy Hargrove and I have nothing in common."

"Sure you do," Nicole argues with a playful tone, "you're both athletic with wicked senses of humor."

"Oh wow," I say sarcastically, "we might be soulmates."

Nicole laughs, clearly not taking my sarcasm seriously. "Can you not be miserable for two minutes and hear me out?"

I chew on my lower lip, my eyes flicking to the window as headlights sweep across the driveway. Mom's car comes to a stop, and I feel my fingers tapping a restless rhythm against the phone cord. Nicole's voice continues to chatter in my ear, but it's the insistent way she talks about Billy that has my grip tightening, my annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface. Despite my irritation, a flicker of something—curiosity, maybe—makes me hesitate before dismissing her outright.

The front door creaks open, and Mom steps in, the faint scent of her perfume mingling with the kitchen's warm aroma. She spots me, her face lighting up with a gentle smile. With a quick kiss on my cheek, she heads straight to the oven, her movements practiced and efficient, as if the day's weight lifts slightly in the familiar routine. I watch her, the soft hum of the oven door and the clatter of dishes grounding me, while Nicole's voice fades into the.

"Lacy," Nicole's voice takes on a softer tone, as if trying to coax a reaction out of me, "I know how hard you work, but you have to think of yourself too. Wouldn't it be nice to just have a little fun?"

A sharp laugh escapes me, more bitter than amused. "You think I could have fun with Billy?" The question hangs in the air, half a challenge, half genuine curiosity. The idea of fun seems almost foreign, and I can't help but let the sarcasm slip into my tone. I think about the way Billy's eyes narrowed with amusement earlier, his casual dismissal of Hawkins and everything in it, and my irritation flares up again. He treats life like a game, and I can't decide if that annoys or intrigues me more.

Nicole, ever persistent, doesn't back down. "I think you can have fun with anyone," she insists, her voice earnest now, lacking the usual teasing edge. "But Billy's new, he's hot, and I think he's what you need to have a good time. You've been so focused on everything else – school, tennis, Dustin – when was the last time you did something just for you?"

Her words hit like a well-aimed serve, and I feel the sting. I glance sideways at Mom, who's eating her reheated dinner, completely oblivious to my conversation. For a moment, I envy her simple contentment. Nicole's not entirely wrong; the pressure of being perfect, the responsibility I feel for Dustin, it's all suffocating sometimes. The thought of letting go, of just being a teenager for once, is tempting. But with Billy? His smirk flashes in my mind, that cocky grin that suggests he thinks he knows me, and I'm not sure if that's the kind of fun I want or need.

"Lacy," Nicole continues, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "This isn't going to be like the date with Chuckie." The mention of that disastrous date tightens a knot of embarrassment in my stomach. "If it doesn't work out tomorrow, I won't push it anymore."

I pause, taken aback by her rare show of understanding. It's not like Nicole to give up so easily, and that alone makes me hesitate. "I'll think about it," I say finally, my voice sounding strange even to me. The idea of spending time with Billy is both thrilling and terrifying. He's been occupying my thoughts more than I'd like to admit, but going along with Nicole's plan feels like stepping into uncharted territory.

Nicole's voice brightens, sensing my softening resolve. "Don't think too hard. I convinced Chuckie to drive tomorrow, so all you need to do is show up at Carol's, get ready, and have a good time."

"Great," I mutter, casting a small smile toward Mom as she settles into her chair with Mews curling into her lap. The warmth of the living room, the soft glow of the TV, and Mom's gentle presence are comforting. Part of me wants to just stay here, avoid the chaos that Nicole's suggesting. But another part of me, the part that's tired of always doing the right thing, wonders what it would be like to let Nicole's plan unfold. What if, just for one night, I let myself have fun?

"Do you have a costume?" Nicole asks, pulling me back to the conversation. I wonder if she has a checklist in front of her that she's reading off for some master plan.

"I'm just going to go as a black cat," I say with a shrug. The costume is simple, leaving me to blend into the crowd, not call anymore attention to myself than I needed.

"No," Nicole says immediately, "you went as that last year."

"That's all I have," I laugh, more in spite of myself.

"I'll figure something out," Nicole says, and I imagine her adding this to her checklist for me.

As I hang up the phone, I can't help but feel a mix of irritation and amusement at Nicole's persistence. The idea of Billy being the answer to my "fun" problem seems ridiculous, but there's also a strange thrill in her plan. I picture Billy's smirk, the way his eyes had trailed over me at lunch, and swallow, shaking the idea of him and me from my thoughts.

Mom looks up from her dinner, a warm smile on her face as she pets Mews. The soft light from the TV casts a cozy glow around the room. I settle onto the couch beside her, feeling the tension from the day slowly melt away. It's comforting, just being here with her, sharing a quiet moment.

"Who was that on the phone?" Mom asks, her eyes not leaving the screen.

"Nicole," I reply, trying to keep my voice casual. "She was just talking about the Halloween party tomorrow."

Mom glances at me, a small smile playing on her lips. "Are you excited?"

I shrug, picking up one of the pillows and leaning it against her leg, resting my head so that she can take turns between petting Mews and rubbing my head. I close my eyes, enjoying the softness of her touch as she rubs my temple and smooths down my hair. "What's wrong, honey?"

"It was just a long day," I admit and my mom sighs, her hand lingering on my cheek.

"Anything in particular?" She asks, her voice is gentle, a warm attempt to pull the information from me.

I sit up so I can look at her, picking up the pillow and hugging it to my chest. "Nicole's just making this party a big deal, like I don't have other things to worry about."

She sets her plate down on the coffee table, turning her body to give me her full attention. "Nicole always does, doesn't she?" My mom smiles knowingly, but I can see the slight concern in her eyes, she reaches over and pats my knee comfortingly, "Are you two fighting?"

"No," I say, but my voice sounds distant even to me. I hesitate, but one look at my mom pushes the words to come tumbling out. "It's just…sometimes I feel like I'm on the outside looking in, Like, I don't really fit into their world of boys and parties. I'm always juggling school, tennis, and taking care of Dustin. It's like they're on a different wavelength, and I'm just not on the same frequency. Sometimes, I wonder if they even notice when I'm not around."

Mom is listening patiently and after a few moments of silence she asks, "Are they being mean to you about your brother?"

"No," I shake my head, exhaling slowly, "sometimes I just I could be more like them."

Mom nods in understanding, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, "Honey, you don't need to be like them. You're perfect the way you are." She means this to be comforting, but I feel my mouth go slightly dry. This is the issue – all I am is the perfect daughter, sister, student, athlete. Sometimes I wonder if my mom can even see the real me, or if I'm just this perfect version built up in her head.

"I know that, but…" I catch myself, wondering how much I want to reveal to her, wondering if she'll even understand. "There's this boy."

My mom lifts her brows, but doesn't say anything, waiting for me to continue. "He's new and everyone really likes him, but I think he's obnoxious and kind of arrogant. He knows just what to say to annoy me, but I think he does it on purpose."

Mom chuckles softly, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So this boy, he's the reason Nicole is pushing the party tomorrow night?"

"Yeah," I admit, shifting uncomfortably. "The worst part is that I can't stop thinking about him, like I care about what he thinks when I know I shouldn't."

Mom's smile fades into a more thoughtful expression, reaching to take my hand into hers. "Is he making you uncomfortable?" she asks and it's my turn to laugh.

"It's not that," I take a deep breath, unsure if I can make her understand when I didn't really know myself. Billy's arrogance annoyed me, but it drove me towards him too, especially when I caught those small moments, where his smirk would catch into a small smile over something I said. "He's just always around and one minute I can't stand him and the next ... I just find myself thinking about him or watching for his reaction."

Mom has a knowing look on her face and she squeezes my hand, pulling me back into her lap to rub my head again. "Is he cute?" she asks and I laugh, feeling her own laughter shake underneath me.

"Honestly," I say, shaking my head, "he's like nothing I've ever seen." That much is true. But does that mean I want to get to know him better? Or should I just continue pretending I'm not admiring him from afar? The thought unsettles me – it's one thing to be curious, another to act on it.

Mom's hand continues to smooth down my hair, a comforting rhythm that relaxes me. "You're a smart girl," she says softly, "any boy would be lucky to have your attention. But remember, honey, you're young. It's okay to not rush things, just enjoy yourself, and everything else will fall into place."

I swallow, my mind still swimming with thoughts of Billy and Nicole and the party. The idea of facing him – especially with Nicole's matchmaking schemes is nerve-wracking. What if he isn't flirting with me? Or worse, what if he ignores me completely? I don't want to be another girl he can charm and forget, but I'm curious to know what that might feel like at the same time. To let my guard down. To be an object of desire for someone like Billy.

We sit in silence, the sound of the TV providing a gentle background noise. I push my face deeper into the pillow, soaking in the warmth of her presence. I feel like a little girl again, my only worries being the monster under the bed or if I'll get coal in my stocking. I am safe and I am loved. My eyes start to drift and I feel my lids start to get heavy under the warm embrace of my mom, cocooned in this moment of peace.

A/N: Enjoy! Reviews are always appreciated :)