"Happy Halloween!" Vickie called out to Sarah, who walked down the path of her house. Where Vickie lived in a small little neighborhood, Sarah lived in a farmhouse just out of the way. It was a cute little house, with a front garden that was usually very vibrant. The fall weather had started to brown the grass, and the flowers dropped petals that littered the ground.

"Happy Halloween!" Sarah echoed as she slid into the back seat, her bag positioned next to her as she clicked her seatbelt in place.

"What's everyone's plans on this hallowed day? Other than surviving the school day." Vickie said, visor down as she fiddled with her hair once more. It was the third time she'd done so since Louise had picked her up.

She threw a brief glance in Vickie's direction before she turned her focus back to the road. "Neither of us are changing our minds."

"Oh come on, you'll have so many more opportunities to go stargazing. How many times are you going to get to go to a college party as a high schooler?" Vickie's hands waved wildly in front of her, as if to emphasize her point.

"Preferably none. It's just an excuse for minors to get drunk." Sarah said, her nose scrunched with dislike.

"What she said. You know you could always join me instead? I'm sure Dan would recover from you changing your mind." Louise said, eyes briefly locked with Sarah's through the rearview mirror.

Vickie and Dan had been on the rocks for so long that neither Sarah nor Louise could remember what it was like when they first started dating. Vickie had pined for him as a freshman, and by tenth grade they were dating. He graduated soon after, and it was clear to everyone except them that their relationship had run its course.

"Because I love sitting in the middle of nowhere, rambling as you tune me out." Vickie sighed.

"I don't tune you-"

"Lies." Vickie cut her off with a scoff and the wave of her hand.

"I'd prefer to sit in the middle of nowhere, while Louise tunes out your rambles." Sarah huffed, a bored look on her usually serene face.

"Thank you for the support." Louise replied drily.

"What is your dad even doing this year?" Vickie asked, half turned to look at Sarah.

"The Rapture. It is going to be a bunch of us "youths" running around in the woods, looking for Bible passages taped to trees."

"That's…fun. Not as crazy as the Sin Maze from two years ago." Louise said and internally shuddered at the memory. That had been an awful experience and the last time they'd spent Halloween with Sarah. Her dad took the holiday very seriously, like it was his personal mission to make a day of candy and tricks into a lesson on morality.

"It sucks. Mom said that if I participate this year, that next year I can do what I want. So don't make any plans without me, we have years to make up for." Sarah said, and made it a point to lock eyes with both of them.

"You have our word, next year will be the best Halloween any of us have ever had. We have a whole year to plan and everything." Vickie placed a hand over her heart, as if to make a solemn swear.

Sarah copied Vickie's pose, and gave a slight nod of her head. "A girl couldn't ask for better friends."

"She could, but then she'd just be greedy." Louise said as she pulled into her normal spot. It unfortunately gave her a clear view of Tommy H and his crew, who had Billy surrounded at the entrance of the school.

"He preens like a peacock." Vickie commented dryly as they gathered their things.

"I think that's just how people in California are." Sarah said.

Louise shut her door, and positioned the camera around her neck. "I don't know, Dustin said there's a new girl from California and she seems cool. He couldn't stop talking about her last night, I think the whiz kid has a crush."

"That is so sweet. You know, he is oddly charming. Any girl would be lucky to have him." Sarah said, a wide smile on her face.

"I'm more worried about him being taken advantage of. He cares too much sometimes." Louise said as she did her best to avoid the rowdy kids at the entrance.

"He's too smart for that." Vickie replied, linked her arms with Sarah and Louise before she forged ahead.

"Hey, it's the brace face." Tina made it a point to talk over the group, and Louise made the mistake of looking over. Tommy H and his friends stared at them, and despite her hopes, she knew it was her they referred to.

"That's the loser that tried asking you out?" Tommy H laughed, and Louise didn't need to look to know he was gesturing to Billy. "Sorry, mouth gear, we've got better things to do. A party you are not invited to!"

"My life will never recover from this devastating loss." Louise deadpanned, and shot him a glare that was usually reserved for Dustin and his friends. Mostly when her binoculars went missing, and mysteriously showed up in their posession.

Her eyes briefly met Billy's, whose face seemed to be permanently molded into a half smirk. His eyes shined with cruel laughter, a cigarette held to his lips. The poster boy for a rebel without a cause. Louise was moved forward by the hand on her arm.

"What assholes." Vickie said, as she pulled Louise and Sarah away from the crowd.

"Don't take what they said to heart, they are just being mean." Sarah tried to comfort Louise, who wasn't upset. Not even a little bit. Maybe a little.

"The day I take anything Tommy H says to heart, will be the day Sarah sports a mohawk." Louise snorted, which caused Sarah to bubble with laughter.

Today was going to be a good day.


Louise was thankful the rest of the day passed quickly, and without incident. It seemed the excitement of a party was enough to occupy the thoughts of most of the school. She was surprised to learn that Jonathan had gotten an invite, even if it was through Nancy. She doubted he'd actually go, since he normally took Will and the group trick or treating.

She pulled into her driveway, already having taken Sarah and Vickie home. Sarah's mom had been kind and offered some of her chocolate chip cookies, which Louise would happily snack on while she stargazed. She quickly gathered her things, and pulled her keys out to open the front door. She was surprised to see her mom on the couch, head hunched as she looked over a photo album on the coffee table.

"You okay, mom?" Louise asked, the sniffles her mother tried to hide very noticeable.

"Yes, sweetie. Just reminiscing. Look at how sweet you guys were?" She held up the photo album, which had photos of an earlier Halloween. Louise had been a flower and baby Dustin was a bee. He looked miserable, but Louise was all smiles. Her mother was smiling widely at the camera, her eyes shining as she held up baby Dustin.

"Yeah, cute." Louise said, focused on her round cheeks in the picture.

"Don't be like that, you two were the cutest kids in the world. The flower and bee were an adorable combination." Her mother said. She pulled the photo album back to herself, and flipped through the pages of pictures.

"What made you pull out the family album?" Louise asked, as she plopped next to her mom, who continued to flip through the pages. Mews quickly trotted over and rubbed his body against her legs. She pet his head as her mother made room for her to see the album.

"I was adding Dustin's Halloween picture to it. Shame you didn't dress up with him, the picture would have looked lovely next to the others."

"There was no reason to dress up; I'm too old for trick or treating, and costume parties aren't all that fun." Louise said while she flipped to a page closer to the front of the book.

"Well, just wait until you're older. College costume parties were wild in my day, and I can't imagine they've tamed any."

Louise made a face at that, before she stopped at the section from her in sixth grade. It had been the Halloween before her parents separated, and she'd moved to Hawkins with her mom and brother. She'd gone as a Pink Lady that year, having been obsessed with Grease when it first came out. It was also the year before she'd gotten braces.

"You looked so cute then, finding the material for that had been hard. It turned out beautifully though." Her mom said, a hand placed over the picture as if to caress her round cheeks. The photo next to it contained Dustin dressed up as a Greaser, his little tuft of hair swooped forward.

"I still have it, it's in a box somewhere."

"I'm happy you have it, even after all this time." Her mom said as she ran her hand over another photo.

"Well, I'm going to get ready to head out. Unless you want to watch movies tonight? We can always order a pizza, and just watch a bunch of awful scary movies." Louise offered, she didn't want to leave her mom alone now.

"No, no. Go out and have fun. You're only young once, and we can watch movies any time. I have a work party to go to anyway, I was just getting lost down memory lane."

"If you're sure, there will be other nights to stargaze."

"Yes, go out and enjoy your Halloween night. Just remember to be back by 10." Her mom said, the photo album now closed as she gave her a teary eyed smile.

Louise hesitated as she searched her mother's face. "If you're sure."

"Positive. Now go, you're wasting your prep time." She shooed Louise away. She returned her mother's shoulder bump before she stood.

Louise made her way to her room, and grabbed the beautiful Celestron SP-C6, with the orange coloring and tripod mount. She'd saved up all her birthday money since seventh grade, and her dad even chipped in as a birthday/Christmas all in one gift. Her old red Tasco telescope sat in the corner of her room, with a sheet over it so as not to collect dust. It was an eyesore, but she'd lost the box it had come in years ago.

She should have just shoved it in the basement, since it took up the corner of the room. While her dad had helped her buy the new one, the old Tasco one had been the telescope he'd actually stargazed with her. He had gotten it at a garage sale after he noticed her interest in star posters, and was the last time she'd really felt connected to him. When they'd first moved to Hawkins, he'd call all the time, and the distance hadn't felt too wide. The most recent she'd seen him was at Will's funeral, and he'd only come so that Dustin would feel supported. He had been in the same house for the first time in years, the same room, but had felt further away than he'd ever had before.

She quickly changed into an old, but well worn pair of overalls, slipped on the thick and warm Jack-O-Lantern sweater over it, and the thick fuzzy socks with the little witch hats on them. Hawkins' nights had started to get colder, and on top of the hill she was more exposed to the wind. While colder, it still wasn't cold enough to warrant a jacket.

With a decent amount of effort, she was able to load the telescope into the back of her car, and strapped it in with a seatbelt for good measure. All she'd need to do now was get gas, and load up on snacks and drinks. Maybe grab a bag of candy for Dustin. She believed 3 Musketeers were his current favorite, which was a step up from his red licorice phase.

The drive to town had taken a little longer than anticipated, having to weave between hordes of kids in costumes. She'd be annoyed if she hadn't been one of those very kids not even three years ago. Her and Dustin had been a formidable team in the early days, their synchronized costumes had earned them an extra piece of candy in some cases.

She pulled into the gas station, excited that there was a pump open. All she'd need to do was fill up, get snacks, and head on out. If she sped just even a little on the open road, she might get a solid four and a half hours out there. She felt almost giddy, since this would be the first time she stargazed since July.

The sight of a blue Camaro at the pump one over slightly soured her cheerful mood. The owner of said car was nowhere to be seen, and there was no telling how long he'd been in the gas station. Louise waited in her car for what felt like an eternity, and the hope that he'd leave soon dwindled with each second that passed. The longer she waited, the weirder it looked that she just sat there, and the more time that was wasted from her evening plans.

Whatever, it's the gas station. Stop being a coward, she berated herself while she gripped the steering wheel. It was clear he wasn't coming out any time soon. With one final deep breath, Louise left the car and made her way to the gas station entrance. It didn't seem like any of the other school bullies were around, so it shouldn't be too bad. Usually they didn't do anything unless there was a pack to show off to.

She passed the bored gas station attendant, who stocked cigarettes behind the counter, and peered around the shelves to scope out where he could be. She spotted him towards the back of the small store, where the ice was kept at the bottom of the freezer. Despite the fact that he would be at a Halloween party, he did not have a costume on. Just his jeans, boots and leather jacket. SHe was dressed more for festivities, and she would only have herself for company.

Louise quickly averted her eyes as soon as he turned, and headed for the cooler where a coke display was. He wasn't wearing a shirt, the heat in her cheeks felt like a furnace. He did take excellent care of his body, very unlike the majority of Hawkins teenage boy population. Not that they looked bad, just not like that. He'd looked like he stepped off the set of a movie; like Michael in Grease 2, when he rode in to save Stephanie.

"Mouth Gear!" she heard from behind her and she refused to acknowledge him. She focused on the rows and rows of red labeled Cokes, some in can form, others in plastic. She didn't even like Coke, she was a Pepsi girl, but damn if she was going to give him the satisfaction of walking away.

She opened the cooler door, and grabbed the small can of coke. If she had to commit to a drink she didn't like, it would at least be a small one. A tap on her shoulder grabbed her attention, and instinctively she looked at the source. He was very close, very shirtless, and also very annoyed at being ignored. She let the cooler door slam behind her, and leaned back to put some space between them.

"What do you want?" The words blurted out of her, and she hoped she didn't look as intimidated as she felt.

"I'll take you up on the tutoring lesson, I can't afford to fall behind. Got plans bigger than this shit hole town." His jaw clenched as he looked away, before he turned his gaze back on her.

"I've got better things to do." Louise retorted, a small triumphant smile formed as she locked eyes with him. See how he liked it.

"Cute," his lips turned up into a small smile, and Louise could understand how the female population of Hawkins fell for him so easily. He really was charming, like a cartoon animal with dazzling eyes. Too bad those dazzling eyes belonged to an absolute ass of a man, who shattered any charming illusion the second he opened his mouth.

"We can start this Wednesday after school. Sunday nights if need be, Friday nights and Saturdays are my days. You aren't to breathe a word of this to anyone, or talk to me in public."

"I should be so lucky to be graced by your presence during school, but if you're done being an ass, I do have better places to be."

With that, Louise walked to the cooler past him, grabbed a pepsi, a bag of chips and 3 Musketeers on the way to the counter. She could feel his eyes follow her as she dismissed him, and ignored his very existence on the way to check out. A smug smile tugged at her lips, and she felt giddiness bubble up inside of her as he stormed out of the store, and the glass door slammed closed behind him.

"Ten dollars on pump three, please." Louise said to the cashier, as she pulled money out of her pockets and added a lollipop to her pile of goodies.


It had taken her a little bit to get her telescope set up on the top of the hill. It was heavier than the old one, and she hadn't taken that into account when she should have. The hill was great because of how far away from everything it was, so she didn't have to worry about light pollution. It was, however, an endeavor to get everything up there. She'd tried to do it in one trip, but that didn't pan out very well. She'd lost her lollipop in the dirt.

After she'd finally gotten the telescope set up, with an old patchwork blanket on the ground beneath, she'd settled in. Her snacks laid out around her, and the sky was open above her. The night was quiet, aside from a small battery operated radio she had playing to keep her company. Halloween oldies filled the air, and it was utterly peaceful. Her one quiet place in all of Hawkins, her little hidey-hole from the world.

She'd already been out there for hours, marveling at how clear her telescope was and how much she'd seen. Her old Tasco wasn't bad, but this was so much more. Too bad her binoculars had been misplaced, the sky was clear enough she'd probably been able to see so much with them. They were decent, not the clearest view on regular nights, but clear nights? It was almost like having a low powered telescope for both eyes.

The music faded as the DJ started to howl, and ramble on about Halloween night. She laid back on the blanket, and listened to the start of another song as she stared up at the sky. A cool breeze washed over her, and she closed her eyes to better enjoy the quiet of the night. The sudden change from song to static startled her into action, and she quickly made an attempt to turn the radio down. She turned it off, on, and spun the tuning knobs back and forth to find the station, but to no avail. The batteries were brand new, and not even store brand.

She couldn't even blame Dustin, they were brand new, she'd opened the pack herself. A cracked twig echoed in the distance, which drew Louise's attention towards the forested area that surrounded the hill. It was probably nothing. A deer, or a group of assholes in a shitty attempt to prank her. A glance at her watch read 10:15. She was out past curfew, but it was still too early for any Halloween party to end. This was also the middle of nowhere, which is why it was so perfect for stargazing. There shouldn't be anyone out there with her.

Louise took a deep breath, as icy fear shot down her spine and her stomach churned in anxiousness. She'd look through her telescope, and it'd be nothing. They beat whatever had happened last year, and they had been assured there would be no repeats. If something were to happen, it would have already. It had been months. It was going to be a deer, at worst some predator like a coyote or something.

She got up on her knees, and slowly turned her telescope to face the tree line. The once calm and peaceful night filled with Halloween songs, was now eerily silent with only the noise of wind as it blew through half bare trees. No crickets, or any of the usual night time noises, that she didn't even pay attention to. At least not until it was no longer there.

Her telescope panned over the trees slowly, and her stomach unknotted the closer she got to the end without seeing anything out of the ordinary. It was nothing, she had overreacted to absolutely nothing. She slowly turned back, going over the area once more just to be sure. Not one thing is out of place, everything was okay. The events of last year freaked her out more than originally believed, which was a shock since she thought she'd been adequately freaked out.

Just as she started to lean back, something came into view. Louise focused the telescope, and zoomed in on the leg that turned to four, and slowly over the hulking body that followed. She jumped back with a gasp, her breaths heavy in her chest. She gathered what little courage she had, and knew that she needed to double check that she saw what she thought she saw. WIth a slow inhale, she peered back through the telescope.

Nothing. There was nothing. Just emptiness, and the wind. A quick scope over everything, and there was still nothing. She let out a deep breath, and quietly laughed to herself. If there had been anything Upside Down related, someone would have noticed already. There was a whole lab that monitored Hawkins, and her brother had a knack for getting involved in things he shouldn't. He would have said something if nothing else.

With that thought, Louise began to pack up for the night. Maybe it would be easier to lug everything down the hill than it had been to get it up the hill.