If We make it out Alive

by LenaKS

Blood dribbled from his nostril and ran down into his eyebrow in two streams. His left eyeball now completely red. And even though his Camaro was in the driveway he was completely soaked through from the storm. “I have nowhere else to go” the words came out like his throat was as dry as sand. soulless. His glassy half red, half green eyes met mine and I let him in the door.

1. The Beginning Of Something

It ended with a concrete headstone, but how it started was much, much different. And as I stared sidewardly at that cold slab I thought of the boy that no one truly loved. His death seemingly no more meaningful than his life for there were few that had even bothered to show on that particularly overcast day. And me, perhaps the only one who'd truly known him, I was too much of a coward to even enter that iron-fenced cemetery. Not with them there. His family.

So I watched, leaned against the side of my black SUV. I watched the mahogany coffin roll out of a grey hearse, his dad the first to shatter under the weight of it. Good, I relished in the agony it brought him. Savoured each tear that was absorbed into the grass. Because it meant he was suffering. And he deserved every morsel of that.

I followed the coffin that was dislodged from its bounds, his miserable Dad weeping over its wooden grain. Sort of hunched over it. Crying all the way to that headstone.

'William Hargrove

1967-1985

Gone but not forgotten.'

And it reminded me of the first meeting I'd ever had with that unloved boy. The first words we'd ever spoken.

--

Hawkins High, the hole where dreams went to be incinerated and left in an urn on the mantle. A constant reminder of the better things I could be doing.

As usual, I started my school day by sitting alone in my car wondering if I left, would anyone notice? Yes. Yes, they would. I groaned, bashing my head into the steering wheel enough to rid the thought. Twelve months. Twelve months and I'd be done with this town. I'd be graduated and running freely towards a vastly different horizon. Until then, the simpletons of Hawkins would just have to endure. It's not as if they could dub me any worse than they had.

Devil worshipper, they sneered in the halls. All because I'd spoken in Latin curses to the Queen of Hawkins High, Stacy Messner, to freak her out when she slammed into me.

Well, it freaked her out too well.

Didn't help that I wore entirely black clothing to this asylum. I found it added to the atmosphere of Satan's mistress. And people left me alone.

That's all I wanted.

A year I'd been here and my friend group consisted of three people. None were devil worshippers themselves.

Too bad.

As I stepped out of my car, the insufferable sounds of chattering and squealing pierced through the air. People hugging their friends as if they'd not seen them the day before.

Ugh.

I groaned, sliding my bag off the passenger seat.

My cherry red truck was one of the bribes I'd gotten from Dad to move to this shit town. Brand new, lifted and mine. What more could I have asked?

A lot...a lot more.

I sighed once more, locking the doors. Already some jock douchebag looked at me like I'd curse him from where I stood. Walking faster by my car. I laughed through my nose, veering to the bonnet. Each morning I'd wait on the hood of my car until that cursed bell rang, soaking in the sun and the dislike of these backward yokels. Rolling up the hem of my black bell bottom jeans before I mounted the bull bar. Boots were essential in this place. The thicker the tread the closer I was to Satan. And as I sat there on the shined bonnet of my truck I watched hordes and hordes of teenagers file into the school. And while I didn't hate them, I didn't particularly go out of my way to befriend any of them. Even the ones who dressed much the same as me. This place was...weird. The people were too. I think that's the best way to describe it. They made me feel like an alien. A freak.

I'd lived in a lot of places before. But none quite like this.

And It wasn't personal...I just wasn't sticking around.

I pondered while reaching into my backpack for my maths book, remembering slivers of information about homework. A pen. I needed a pen too. Shit. I sighed, the sun bearing down on my pale skin as I feverishly delivered a half-assed answer to senior arithmetics. While I did I thought of my maths teacher, Mrs Short who'd told me recently I possessed the hair of a witch...I didn't like her. Nor the implication my waved black hair could tell her that. It wasn't even that curly. Long, yes. Thick, yes. But on this day I'd managed to wrangle it into a high pony which was a miracle in itself.

Done. I sighed, lowering my book.

Then came the roaring of an engine. A trail of dust following the dark blue/black car that turned into the parking space across from me. Music blared through open windows and out scurried a red-headed girl. Embarrassed to be seen with the man who exited the vehicle in a denim-on denim ensemble.

Another new kid.

Great.

Maybe he could replace me.

I looked back down to my book, flipping to a clean page. The sun now warming the bonnet to searing temperatures. Soon the bell would ring and I'd get to endure another day. Then come back again the next day and do the same thing. I grimaced at the thought, watching that red-headed girl power walk into the distance. Much too young to be exposed to such dickhead levels of driving. Somehow my sight veered back to the man who'd emerged from the dark-coloured Camaro who was now leaning against the driver's door with a cigarette hung loosely in his hand. Attractive. Very attractive. But also very aware of it. He had that sort of bad boy look about him by the way he dressed. The expensive biker boots, the silver jewellery. No one here tucked in their shirts, or for that matter wore them as tight as his white singlet was to his abs. He wasn't tall, maybe six feet with the boots. About my height without.

Dirty blond hair cascaded down his shoulders in a curled, but well-kept mop. Something my Military Dad would've sneered at. Long hair on a man.

He wore it well though. It framed his damning face, those dreamy eyes that surveyed the carpark like a predator on the hunt.

I watched in awe as he was approached by a group of senior girls. And made each one of them giggle shyly with a handful of words. Then he was approached by another and did the same. They flocked to him like he was the greatest thing this town had seen. His eyes darting between them. Almost as if he was hunting for the finest ass he could catch.

And, that was my queue to leave.

I hugged my fur-lined coat closer to myself with the steady breeze that drifted over the parking lot and stilled there for a minute. Enjoying the break of direct sunlight. The coolness on my skin. Holding onto my open notebook that tried to flutter away.

Time to go.

With the end of that nice breeze, I picked my pen back up off the bonnet, heavy footsteps approaching me from the other side of the road.

Don't. I pleaded.

Walk to anyone but me.

Cross the road and walk away.

Surely enough that dickhead in the Camaro swaggered over to me, waiting for a car to pass before he'd be directly there.

In those ten seconds, I scribbled feverishly on my notebook, tearing out the page. My pen and book went back into my bag and then, queue the arrogant new kid. He stopped just short of my boots. Sort of trapping me there on the bonnet as I swung my bag over my shoulders. In his wordless approach, green eyes bared down on me, a cloud of smoke dancing into my nasal cavity.

"Name's Billy", He smiled softly, his eyes glinting in the sunlight. "Who...are you?", Those green eyes looked me over carefully. Piercing through me like I were nothing more than another whore. His dirty blond hair was like a majestic mane by his shoulders. If only he knew I wasn't the one to fuck with in this school. "I'm looking for a math tutor can you help me out? I'd be grateful", Just then another round of smoke blew in my face and I snatched that cigarette from his lips. His smirk widened. Did he think I was an idiot? Maybe. But he was taken aback as I took a drag and exhaled the bitter smoke back onto him. "Hmm, you really must be new to want to talk to me. That'll change", I murmured, Sliding off the bonnet almost onto his expensive boots. "Why's that?", I gave him back his cigarette there, almost on top of him and slammed that note into his white singlet, speaking, "Because I am not nice, so...",

He looked at that paper like I was insane. Hesitantly grabbing it before it fell.

"So?",

Wordlessly I slipped away, turning on my heel. The words Fuck off, douchebag sprawled across that paper coercing the soft scoff that followed. And I waited for it. Waited for some douchebag remark as I walked away like 'You're ugly anyway', or my personal favourite 'Whore' said bitterly between clenched teeth. But I heard nothing.

--

Outside of school, I worked a lot. And my job, well it was very unorthodox for someone my age. And gender. But I was good at it. Most importantly I liked doing it. It left me very little time for anything else. Not parties or after-school sports. I slept, woke, worked, went to school then worked again and I repeated that day in and out.

For two, almost three months I didn't have anything to do with Billy Hargrove. Didn't speak or run into each other in the hall. Then the Christmas holidays started encroaching . Those cursed holidays. I Didn't have any classes with him at all before that. That was until the two senior science classes were merged at the beginning of December. But by that time he'd made a legendary reputation for himself among the senior boys. And an entirely sleazy one among the females of Hawkins. I got to hear about it from one of my best friends Aubrey, who unlike me, was a bubbly and sociable person. Her other friends consisted of the cheerleaders and jock pricks. They weren't all villains in fact I got along with most of the cheerleaders but Among them was Stacy Messner. Who had painted me as Satan's plaything. Thank fuck for the long tables. Because Aubrey's little friends all seemed to gravitate to us. And one by one our lunch table was filled.

The only three people I went out of my way to speak to were sitting with or next to me. Aubrey, Kadence and Prue. They didn't seem to mind as much as me. Prue often had her head in an art book with charcoal smeared on her wrists, documenting everything she saw. And Kadence, he was too In love with Aubrey to complain. Who could blame him? She was naturally blonde with a perfectly cinched waist and unfairly proportioned breasts and ass. Must've been nice. I sure as hell couldn't relate. While I had thick thighs, I was also taller and lean. With nothing impressive up top. Aubrey also wore beautiful patterned high-waisted skirts and matching blouses that complimented her unique body. Anything I wore made me look...witchy. Black flares especially. It was how I got such a good title.

Satanist.

I didn't even know what that was but everyone here thought I was part of the Manson cult.

I'd zoned out during the recess break over the insistent chattering and mindless conversation. First day back after a memorable weekend, who could blame me? I could barely focus.

My mind hanging on Mr Reed's lesson about atoms that had somehow delved into human psychology. I felt sorry for the balding teacher. Years ago his students figured out they could slack off if they asked him specifically targeted questions throughout their lessons. And Mr Reed would go off on tangents about what they'd asked about, whether it was related to his class subjects or not. And while he was a good teacher his inability to refuse an anecdote was the reason his class was a free period. I used it to catch up on other subjects. Or to draw nonsensical things on myself. Todays art was a pentagram on the back of my hand.

I ate as I thought about poor Mr Reed, finishing my ham sandwich.

"I'll take your tray", I offered to Prue, taking her grey tray from beneath her art book. She mumbled a thank you between feverish scribbles. Her eyes darting behind me to Billy. I think she was drawing him and Stacy.

I personally turned my back to face Prue when no seats were available. I wasn't dealing with seeing his and Stacy's disgusting touching next to me while I ate. I'd vomit.

"Aubrey?" I hesitantly tore her attention away from the whispered conversation she was having with Stacy at the end of the table. Two spaces down.

"No, thank you. I'll take it later.", She swatted me away with the motion of her hand softly as I stood, walking towards the tray disposal. "I'll meet you at Maths class", I exhaled. She always got that way around Stacy.

The trays slid softly into the bin-like disposal and I was almost free when from the end of our joint table I heard the most disgustingly sweet voice call my name.

"Sierra", Stacy Messner giggled.

Ugh, I turned back towards her. The new boy, Billy now with himself draped over her shoulder. Whispering in her ear. She laughed that high-pitched laugh once more. She must've been his new conquest. He was going to be disappointed.

I didn't have the strength for her.

"What?", I questioned, a headache forming as I stopped beside Jimmy Volksem at the far end of that long table. The further away I was from her the better. She had this way of crawling under my skin. I think it was the permanent sneer on her wide lips. Like a hyena. Always ridiculing.

Almost instantly brown eyes shot at me, blinking offendedly. Her face scrunching.

"That's so rude...' What' ", She murmured to Billy before finally acknowledging me. "Party at my place this Saturday", Stacy spoke as if the words were acid, looking me up and down, "Unless you have your Devil Worship that day". A wry giggle emitted from her lips as she pointed to the pentagram on my hand. Her friends joining in. I was still. Waiting for their laughter to subside. My fingers curling.

"Stop", Aubrey scolded. "Stacy",

"I-Uh, really want you there", She rolled her eyes, that smile still plastered. She was such an asshole.

"Fuck off, Stacy", I smiled sweetly in return, Stacy's entire face turning red.

"Sierra", Aubrey shook her head, smirking all the same as Stacy stood defiantly from her chair. Prue stood with her like my own personal guard.

Watching.

Waiting,

"What is your problem?", Jimmy stood next to me, the steroid junkie baring daggers. Trying his best to tower over me. He wasn't scary by any means. He was jacked but had the face of a chubby twelve-year-old.

"Sit down, Pindick", I bit. By then Stacy had made her way over. Her short cheerleader's outfit barely moving against her. Jimmy's whole face shifted into a murderous rage. But he sat. By Aubrey's plea.

"What is your problem, Sierra?", Stacy taunted as best she could. It didn't work when I was a foot taller than her and she had the build of a chihuahua.

"I don't like you",

"Let's get out of here", Billy came around to Stacy's side, trying to veer her away.

I must've made a face at him because her next words were pure flame. Almost instantly his green, near blue, eyes met mine.

"Is that it, Sierra? Are you so miserable because you can't get any?",

"No, I just don't like you", I shrugged calmly. Even though I felt myself becoming quickly bothered by her. Not her words but this shrill pitch of her voice.

"I'm sure Billy would throw you a bone, wouldn't you?", She softly pet his cheek. Sort of sickeningly. Was she deluded?

"He's not your whore,", The words slipped out, giving her the ammunition she needed. I regretted it as soon as I saw the feline grin cross her lips.

"Aw, are you in love already? Already defending your man?",

"You are just a migraine in a dress", I sighed, rubbing my eyes. She was doing my head in.

"Sierra and Billy sitting in a tree", She started to sing. It was uncomfortable, to say the least. For her to say such things about her own...whatever he was.

"Plenty of other bitches in the sea", Billy grimaced, draping his arm over Stacy.

"You're no prize, dickwad", I snarled in response, his lips quirking upwards. Surprised maybe.

"Relax, Sierra, it's just a joke I cannot believe how pressed you get about these things.", Stacy sneered. "So will I see you Saturday? Perhaps we can find you someone else. Someone more intoxicated",

"That depends, will I catch an std off your couch?",

"That's the only way you'd contract one",

"You don't want me there, why even ask?",

"I want Aubrey there but she won't come unless I invite you. Trust me it wasn't my idea",

I blinked slowly, shaking my head as I passed by her new fling. "You can do better", I grunted, lightly tapping his arm as I made my way towards the car park. Fuck this place. Fuck these people.

Fuck. I groaned, cutting across the hall to the front doors. Slipping past just as Mr Reed was telling another riveting anecdote to an unsuspecting student.

"Where do you think you're going Miss Morningstar?",

Damn it. I was almost free.

"I left my...sanitary products in my car", I called to Mr Reed.

"Sanitary products?". He questioned.

"Tamp-",

"Go", He quickly spoke, shooing her away as if the words would embarrass him further.

My steps were fast across that dusty carpark. Murderous thoughts springing to mind of Stacy Messner.

Fucking bitch.

I swore. Unlocking my car door. My bag felt the brutality of my rage as I threw it across the rear seats.

Smoke. I needed a smoke.

Under my seat I felt for the hidden pack, stealing a single cigarette and my lighter. The bonnet of my car seeming like the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon breeze. Then, straight home.

Dad chewing out my ass for ditching would be more tolerable than this place.

As I climbed the bonnet I wondered just how much I could take of this hellish town. Before lighting my cigarette I peeled the jacket off my skin. A grey 'Lynyrd Skynyrd' shirt beneath.

For a while, I sat there with my elbows on my knees. Pondering how I'd call my dad when I got home and I'd beg him to release me from this depressing place. I'd move anywhere as long as it was far away from here. And I knew how that conversation would go. No. You stay for the next seven months. You endure whatever bullshit they put you through. Then we'll see. Maybe I'd want to stay on. Maybe not.

But Dad didn't understand the situation. He fucked off to Boston with my two sisters when the CIA asked him to. He didn't have to live here. Neither did Mom. 'On tour'. That is what she called it. That thing she did when she showcased her art. I don't think you could call it a tour. A tour sounded like she was in a band. Not seated around snobby billionaires eating caviar while they tell her how exquisite her Minimalistic paintings are. I hated them. They were ugly. Hardly even art.

Amid my thoughts, a figure moved through the car park.

Fuck. I snapped my head upwards, expecting to see the malice of a detention slip slapped into my hands. When I saw it was Stacy's plaything my heart settled a beat. Billy didn't say anything but hoisted himself up on the bonnet of his car. A lit cigarette was already in his mouth.

"You stalking me?", I asked, taking a drag of my own.

"This is where I come every day". He grunted with no kindness, staring through me.

"Is that why you're flunking maths?",

"You know". He shook his head, dismounting his car. "You're a real asshole". I watched his hands curl around my bull-bar, his ring causing the metal to whir. For a while, his eyes hovered on the decal of my shirt. Lynyrd Skynyrd.

"I know", I smirked in return, seeing his eyes roll. He had a fresh cut on his cheek. Two lines like someone had clawed at his face. They were a little swollen but nothing noticeable from a metre away.

"And you've got Stacy convinced you're involved in satanic rituals".

"Yeah I do.", My smile grew wider. "She's scared of me isn't she?",

"Doesn't keep her mouth shut", He sighed.

"Yeah, I'm sure you're chasing her for her intellect. Is she not just a piece of ass?",

"It's none of your fucking business what she is", Billy snarled firmly, smoking again. He was a really angry dude. Nasty when he wanted to be. Very nasty.

"I hear things", I shrugged. Not wanting to talk to him. I came out here to be alone. And he wasn't my idea of a good time.

"About me?". He turned towards me, intrigued but trying to hide that he was.

"You're the talk of this shitty town. Who's Billy Hargrove sleeping with next? Seems to be a common question. You're an object to these people, congratulations", I clapped sarcastically, tossing my cigarette butt to the dirt.

"I'm not complaining", He grunted. "You have a lot of opinions for someone smoking in a carpark the same as me",

"It's not judgement. I just hate this place. I hate these people", I confessed, as if he cared.

"Why?",

"Because they're blind...or stupid. All I know is that a lot of suspicious things go on In this town and they don't bat an eye.",

"Do you?".

"I have my theories on why this place is so fucked but I'm yet to reach a verdict. When I do you'll be the first to hear about it.", I slid off the bonnet and back onto the dirt. "And I don't particularly like you but you can do a lot better than Stacy Messner."

"Why?".

"Why?", I didn't understand what he meant by that.

"You don't know me", He looked confused, perplexed by my statement. Angry.

"Anyone who seeks refuge in so many women is not a good man, I'm sorry to say." I tried to skim past him to my door but he blocked me in with his arm.

"You know everyone here hates you as much as you hate them?"

"I count on it, baby", I sneered, the comment burning fire in my chest.

"Why would you?",

"Because I'm not a nice person."

"Yeah, I fucking see that", He huffed and as the shadow lifted from his face I saw just how deep those scratches on his cheek were.

"You own a cat or something?", I motioned to my face as his dark eyebrows raised.

"Cats are disgusting", He bit back.

"Hmm, must be hard wandering through life being so wrong", I folded my arms at my chest, leaning into my bullbar. He blinked slowly at me, a fog of grey smoke leaving his nostrils.

"Aww did I offend you?",

"Why? You didn't say I was disgusting?",

"It was implied",

"You're weird", I narrowed my eyes on him. And the look he gave me. The disgust on his face. I wish I could've taken a photo. Immortalise it forever.

"I'm fucking weird? Then what are you?",

"Smart, funny and good with a gun", I replied quickly.

"Funny? I doubt that",

"Aww, you think I'm good with a gun?".

He looked me up and down, "Well, I think you've used one once or twice",

"But you don't even know me", I cocked my head in response. He was kinda fun to fuck with.

"Educated guess",

"Educated how?",

"With the gift of sight",

"I don't think that's what educated means",

"I don't care",

"Are you going to move out of my way or what?", I huffed irritably, motioning between him and my car door.

"Don't come on Saturday.", He warned, blowing out smoke over his shoulder.

"Why?"

"You know what? Do what you want", Billy shook his head, walking back to his car.

"They're planning to jump me again, aren't they? Her and that little group of flying monkeys?", I asked, dreading the answer. With it, I found myself following him.

"Again?", His thick eyebrows knitted as he stilled. And I don't know if I misread him but as usual his tongue ran over his lips, his eyes sort of darting between my mouth and eyes. Once what I construed as cockiness I could see was an innate concentration. Deep thought.

"Last time I got seven stitches in my skull", I explained softly, retreating. He wasn't the person to cry to. I knew that. "I'm sure she'll tell you all about it",

"Why don't you just try to keep peace?", He asked again, disinterested this time.

"Then they would win",

"Seven stitches sounds like she already won", He snickered in response.

I didn't say anything but smirked. How wrong he was.

"So it would seem",

"You're weird, you know that?",

"Uh huh", I nodded gently, feeling the need for another cigarette. I pulled one from the back pocket of my jeans and flicked open my lighter. Inhaling that tainted air again. "At least I'm not boring", I shrugged, turning on my heel. Just to catch the furious glare of Mrs Johnson from the admin office. Not at me, but towards Billy. She couldn't see me through the bushes. And I span back around on my heel.

"You fond of detention?", I called across the carpark.

"You threatening me?", He shot back with this indiscernible expression.

"Mrs Johnson is inbound",

"Well, what's another day in Harrelson's office?"

"What, you don't wanna lie your way out of it?", I scoffed, "Because I'd like to go home on time",

"Yeah, okay. Let me know how that works out for you", He rolled his eyes, following Doris Johnson's furious steps towards us.

Rookie.

"Watch and learn, Junior", I snickered, diving into my passenger side for my medical kit. While I was there I snuffed my cigarette and threw a mint in my mouth. Walking back towards that dark Camaro with that kit in my hand.

"Mr Hargrove, would you like to explain what you're doing in the carpark during school hours? Smoking too!",

Green eyes followed me across the park, curious to see what I was going to do. That's when Mrs Johnson noticed me too.

I pretended I didn't see her, glancing down at my med kit. "I only have Band-Aids but I think it'll cover the scratches-", My sight raked up as I stopped next to Billy, "Oh, Mrs Johnson",

"Explain yourself, Morningstar",

"What do you mean?",

"Why are you out here?",

"One of the feral juniors clawed his face at basketball practice. I felt bad for him", I shrugged.

"And what was wrong with the school nurse?",

"For a Band-Aid?",

"You know the rules, Sierra. This car park is out of limits during school hours. And lose that disrespectful attitude",

"Free period, Mrs Johnson", I exhaled.

"I hope you're not clocking in more hours at your job after this. Surely the place will stand if you have an afternoon off",

"I like my job.",

"And I like students who are well rested for the day, not falling asleep through fourth period every Thursday.",

"Fine, I'll take the afternoon off", I lied, fiddling with the med kit in my hand.

"Can I go?", Billy interjected.

She looked towards him with utter disgust, Her jaw clenching so tightly I thought she might just scream at him. But what could she say? Billy had raised red marks on his cheek. And they were recent. If steam could come out of her ears it would have.

"You can go, but I'm writing you up for smoking, Mr Hargrove. One more strike and you're back in Sunny California asking your peers if they want fries with their meal",

Her pink dress sashayed in her departing steps. She always gave off a holier-than-thou aura in the way she walked. Like you were a bug under her shoe. A real nasty lady.

Billy watched her all the way back to the admin office. His arms crossed at his chest.

"You waiting for me to thank you or something?", He grunted toward me.

"I'm making sure she's gone, psycho", I rolled my eyes, taking my car keys out of my front pocket. His eyes hardened, that cigarette still between his fingers. "You know, If one of those junior brats scratched me I would've beaten them within an inch of their life."

"Hmm", I raised my brow, that was an extreme reaction to a scratch. "Depends if it was an accident or not",

"It wasn't",

"And judging by the depth of the claw marks it was a girl", I couldn't help but smirk. Someone finally fought back. I mean he wasn't creepy or anything. He was just a sleaze. Didn't take no for an answer. "Stacy?",

His tongue ran over his teeth but he didn't respond. Greenish blue eyes skimming back to the Admin office. I'm not sure whether he looked more angry or aggrieved. Both. Up close he looked really sad. I think it was the eyes that took up most of his face.

"You know, two of her teeth are fake?",

"How would--", He began to say but stopped himself.

"Yeah, Hitting me with a crowbar came last",

"Yeah, I bet", He smiled weakly, but it was something, taking a long drag. "Is that how you afforded the car? Bareknuckle boxing?",

I looked back to my red truck, its four spotlights shining on its roof. An Eighteen-year-old having a brand-new truck probably seemed a little strange in this place. "No", I scoffed, "I've worked before and after school for five years",

"That why you're never at any of the parties?",

"I hate parties",

"Scared of having a good time?", A trail of smoke followed, I wasn't close enough to him to be bothered by it. He seemed a little done. A little over everything. Although if I were dating Stacy I would wear that same expression.

"I like being alone",

Why was I still talking to him? He and his friends were the leaders of the Anti-Sierra club.

"That makes you sad and pathetic", Billy half smiled in his taunt, motioning to me with his cigarette. Asshole. I scoffed through my nostrils, tilting my neck with my next words, "Why don't you fuck yourself, Hargrove?"

His brows raised, a soundless laugh coming from him. "Don't need to, Morningstar"

I hated the way he said that. Morningstar. With this dumbass grin. Why was I even arguing with Stacy's boyfriend?

"I'm leaving now", I spat while turning on my heel.

"This ain't an airport. No need to announce your departure",

I simply held up my middle finger to him, whirling back around in my retreat only to throw an alcohol wipe at him, "Unfuck your face, who knows where Stacy has been. Oh wait, you do. My apologies, take the whole kit",

He didn't take it. He looked me up and down, snubbing out his cigarette under his boot before he pushed himself off the bonnet of his car. Standing smack in front of me with this indiscernible expression, "That was funny, Sierra", He spoke monotonously.

"Then laugh", I replied, my whole expression settling between curiosity and disgust. Bitch face I think they called it.

"I'm not in a laughing mood",

"There you are", Stacy's voice rang out from across the parking lot. That shrill, terrible tone. And not three seconds later she was on his arm. Those shallow eyes glaring daggers into me. "What are you doing?",

"None of your business", Billy responded to her. As cold as anything while he shook her off him. I couldn't help but smirk

"Shouldn't you be at the cemetery by now, Sierra? Doing all your freaky rituals and all that?", She sneered, the shade of her cheeks a brilliant red.

"I don't think you understand the whole Satanist thing. So if you're going to try to insult me, at least do it right", I spoke back, wondering why she was talking to me at all. Why she wasn't asking what was visibly wrong with the guy she was pursuing? I didn't even know him and I could feel the unease that radiated from him. The irritation.

"Like I know what a weirdo like you does", Her eyes rolled and I wanted to smack her in the mouth.

"Aww, I thought we were friends", I taunted, watching her entire face turn into a scowl. Billy had embarrassed her and because she couldn't talk back to him, she was talking back to me. I don't know why she cared about what I thought of her relationship. He could've pushed her into the gravel and I would've applauded him.

He stood off to the side of his car, leaning against the bonnet. He wasn't even really paying attention to us. Just smoking his cigarette and watching the sky above him.

"Why are you here?", She demanded, "Why were you talking to Billy?",

He tossed his head back at the mention of his name.

"That's for me to know and You to not", I scoffed, waiting for her to run with my answer. To spin it into a fanciful tale.

"Well, He's not into goth freaks, sorry to be the one to tell you. So don't even try. But I'm sure I could find you a boyfriend from the stoner group",

She was pathetic. Truly pathetic. I feigned excitement in response, "Wow, a stoner boyfriend and a party invitation?",

"Yeah, must be the best day of your life",

"Well I'm still waiting for your funeral, so it'll have to do.",

"That's a really mean thing to say, Sierra",

"I know, that's why I said it.",

"You're a terrible person",

"Debatable", I shrugged. My lips pursed in thought.

"Aubrey is going to be pissed when I tell her what you said to me",

"Oh no...anyway. Bye Stacy", I went to turn back on my heel. But she grabbed the side of my arm. "5 PM on Saturday, Sierra, Don't be late",

I ripped my arm out of her hand, those pink press-on nails scraping my skin, "You ever touch me again, Stace, and I'll beat you into Saturday",

"My bad, I forgot you don't like people touching you",

"No, you didn't",

"No. I didn't. I like seeing how angry you get though".

"Hmm, I believe that's called provocation",

"It's called never getting laid until the day you die.", She snickered. "But it's nothing you're not already used to",

My brows furrowed together, "You're really sad and pathetic".

"Ugh, excuse me?",

"I'm going to make like your personality and split", I smiled softly to her, knowing that she was fuming inside. She hated not getting a rise from me. Hated it.

"You're not funny",

"Sure I am.",

"Hmm, little Miss Sierra thinks she's better than everyone else. I'd hate to break it to you toots but you're not pretty, you're not funny and you're not smart. You're nothing.",

"Actually I'm pretty funny", I shrugged, enjoying every mixed emotion that flashed over her made-up face. I could almost see gears grinding.

"You're a circus freak.",

I could barely hold it together, she was making this too easy, "And what's a circus freak without a clown? You're my clown, Stace. You're the school's clown. But instead of a little bike, you ride any available dick...day or night", I laughed out of my nose, her cheeks turning vermillion. She turned to Billy, who offered her no backup and just kept watching that sky, his shoulders quaking gently. Smoke just billowed from his nostrils.

Stacy inhaled a deep breath, her fist curling, this wasn't going the way she planned. "You're going to regret saying that",

"Doubt it",

"You'll see", She smiled and turned on her heel. Walking back to the main entrance with curled fists.

"Maybe you are funny, Morningstar. But you shouldn't have done that", Billy shook his head from the front of his car.

"That's never stopped me before",

"Don't come on Saturday",

"Is she planning an air strike on me or what?", I thought aloud. I could handle Stacy Messner. It annoyed me that he thought I couldn't.

"If I'm telling you not to go, don't go", He spoke as if he were the benchmark of terrible people in our school. I'd give him credit, he didn't give a shit about anything or anyone. And he certainly wasn't shy in showing it.

"And I'd trust you why?", I scoffed

"I ain't asking you to trust me. But you'll sleep a whole lot better on Sunday if you don't go",

"Noted",

--

I lived in a better region of Hawkins than most of my friends. It was nowhere near the rich estate but it sure wasn't the slums. It wasn't because I was rich but because my Grandad had built my house forty years beforehand. Back then it wasn't anything more than a cabin in the woods. But when Grandad ran into money that house was the first thing he upgraded. He'd started as a street racer on the outskirts of Kansas. Got caught a few times too. He was well known for it and that's how he was poached by Ferrari, as he tells it. The rest was history.

Grandad hadn't been a professional racer for a while but that didn't stop him from teaching me some questionable things behind the wheel of his supercharged red Dodge Challenger.

By those means, I lived in a house that was renovated by a poor kid who had come into an ungodly amount of money. It was a nice place.

Between me and the cat, it was much bigger than any use I had for it. It made it seem all the more lonely with just me.

My parents had more kids when I was twelve and I guess I'd always been on my own since then. It's not like they kicked me out but they sure didn't beg me to stay either.

I liked living alone.

And that meant having to buy groceries for myself and the cat while everyone I went to school with was there with their parents. I got some odd looks at first. I think they were used to me by now.

It was raining by the time I got back out to the car with my cart full of food. I hurried to shove the bags into the back seat and return the cart under the cover of the supermarket. The rain was assaulting on its tin roof. I settled to have a cigarette while I waited for it to dull enough to run back to the car. Propping myself against the brick wall of the market. It wasn't a huge place but there were adjoining shops that brought in the customers. Like a thrift store, Ice cream place, RadioShack, Diner and what I assume was a butcher.

I hugged my leather coat closer as a brisk breeze blew rain at me through the undercover pavement, feeling for the lighter in my pocket as I kept my cigarette balanced between my lips. Between the breeze and the rain, I barely managed to light the damn thing. As I did, I placed my lighter on the ledge beside me. I'd only taken two drags before I heard,

"Sierra",

I turned my sight to the right to see Aubrey, Stacy and her fling of the month hanging off her shoulder. They'd come out of the diner by the looks of it.

I raised my chin in greeting, waiting with dread as they approached. I knew Stacy didn't want to but she and Aubrey were clung together at the hip. I assumed it was a jealousy thing. I'd known Aubrey longer. We were closer friends. Maybe that's why she hated me. I never really knew. The hostility had always been there.

"Aubrey", I bowed my head, taking another drag.

"You know that's a disgusting habit", Stacy scoffed, pointing to my hand.

"Then don't take it up", I replied dryly, scanning over her preppy baby blue sweater and white skirt. Aubrey was dressed much the same but with opposite colours.

"What are you doing out here by yourself?", Aubrey asked. I motioned to my car amidst the pouring rain, "Waiting for the rain to ease",

"It might be a while. Do you wanna come with us for Ice cream?",

I exhaled out of my nostrils, knowing Stacy didn't want me there, "No, thanks. It's a bit cold for ice cream",

"You sound just like Billy", Aubrey rolled her eyes, "At least it won't melt.",

"Why don't you two go then?", Billy murmured with his hands in his pocket.

"What are you gonna do?", Stacy narrowed her eyes at him and then to me. Like we'd planned some elaborate scheme.

"I'll Meet you back here", He replied dismissively,

"Where are you going?",

"I'll meet you back here",

I don't think he was listening to her at that point.

"You're sounding a little controlling, Stacy", I commented. Her neck snapped at me at a speed that wasn't human. Like a dog off its leash with teeth bared.

"What? Are you going to stay out here with her? Is Sierra your friend now?",

I rolled my eyes, kicking off the wall in the same action. "Bye Aubrey", I called as I stepped into the freezing rain, hugging my coat even tighter to me. Fuck it was cold and dribbling down my spine. Fucking Stacy.

I huffed while walking across the car park. Making it safely to my car. I unlocked the door, careful not to swing it into the black car beside me. My foot just met the sidestep when a voice echoed behind my shoulder.

"You dropped your lighter",

I lined my chin with my shoulder, looking between the black metal body of my lighter and Billy Hargrove. He threw it and I narrowly caught it with one hand. Murmuring,

"Thanks",

"Don't thank me. It had your name on it. Or I would've swiped it", He scoffed, unlocking his door.

I laughed gently, "What? You don't want to stay for ice cream?",

"It's 50 degrees", His eyes narrowed while that door clicked open.

"At least it won't melt",

"Yeah. Okay", He shook his head dismissively and got into his driver's seat. Once again he was in a fantastic mood. I think it might've just been his personality at this point. But I didn't like being grunted at.

I took one last drag of my cigarette before throwing it to the wet asphalt. The car beside me beginning to wake. Billy's transmission whirred but didn't fire. His car wasn't all that old, maybe ten years by the body of it and the rust beginning to show around the door frame. I knew The 74's by that time ran a V8 engine. Even though it was smaller than older models it still ran extremely hot. And Billy drove like a jackass. I heard the water sizzling on the bonnet when I walked past.

He got out of the Camaro with a colourful swear and a cigarette between his lips. Tearing the denim jacket off his shoulder. There was no way he came prepared with coolant or water. I don't think he thought that far ahead of the next booty call.

I contemplated getting in my car and leaving him to fend for himself. But I wasn't that much of an asshole.

Stacy had gotten him riled up after I left. And he still had the scabbed remains of scratches on his cheek.

So I reached across my passenger seat for my full water bottle and a rag I kept in the door nook. His bonnet was open by the time I came around the front of his car. I spoke to diffuse his want to scowl at me.

"This is why A V8 engine should have a bonnet scoop for air intake.", I commented while tossing him the bottle of water. He caught it with his non-cigarette-wielding hand. "Or you could stop driving it like a jackass"

"Blow me", He grunted, taking a long drag of his cigarette.

"Buy a Challenger next time, they're harder to kill", I sneered with a sidewards smirk and tossed him that rag in my hand.

"Do I look like I have Challenger money?", He bit.

"No. You look like a dumbass who fried his engine",

"Yeah. Okay.", He murmured while looking over his searing hot radiator. I could feel it from where I stood. Billy looked pissed. I could tell by the way the muscles twitched in his arm that he was a second short of putting his boot through the radiator.

I didn't want to help him.

I really didn't. But what help would Stacy or Aubrey be able to give him? Aubrey didn't drive. And Stacy didn't get behind the wheel of anything not air conditioned or bearing a Mercedes badge. Knowing her affinity for being an asshole she'd probably make the whole thing worse and he'd burn out his car trying to get away from her. She'd already clawed up his face.

I exhaled a long breath before offering, "You want help?",

He laughed, sneering, "Yeah, I'd love nothing more than your help, Sierra. You can cool down an engine in ten minutes, right?",

He was frustrated. And soaking wet. I had to remind myself of that before anything more came out of my mouth.

"Keep the bonnet open for ten minutes and try again.", I sighed through gritted teeth, "You can try to open the radiator valve but it'll just be boiling steam coming out and Buddy, you don't want the scars",

His brows furrowed, motioning to me with his moist cigarette, "You a mechanic or something?",

"Or something", I rolled my eyes, turning on my heel. I didn't see the point in staying to help Stacy's boyfriend. I'm sure he'd figure it out himself. I sure as hell had better places to be. And more pleasant people to be with.

"Why don't you own a Challenger then?",

I turned back around on that wet asphalt, "Because I'd drive it like you do and I'd be stuck in a carpark with an overheated engine.",

He motioned to my car, "The truck is a little butch",

"Well, The earring is a little George Micheal", I pointed out the dangly gold crucifix hanging from his ear. He cracked the ghost of a smirk while I asked, "Where've you gotta be in ten minutes?",

"The Arcade",

"Bit old for that aren't we?",

"I've gotta pick up my step-moms kid",

"Well, I'm not running a V8 but at least the Toyota starts every time. Your engine might actually be cooled down on the way back.",

"It's not that hot", His head shook, running his teeth over his lips in thought as he looked at the engine. He didn't have another option unless he wanted to be late and he seemed to really not want that.

"Okay, put your hand on the radiator", I challenged, meeting his green-eyed stare. I spoke again before he could utter a grievance, "Get in",

His jaw feathered with the thought. Probably thinking of all the reasons why he shouldn't do that. But he looked extremely agitated that he'd be late so he closed the Camaro's bonnet and locked the doors. I already had the engine running by the time my passenger door opened.

"Relax. I won't tell Stacy", I murmured.

"I ain't her pet", He grumbled, looking around the grey cabin. "Why does your car smell so new?",

"Because it's six months old", I replied while shifting into first gear.

"You are so a cop",

"Buddy, I wouldn't have settled in this shit town if I was",

In my peripheral, I saw him look into the passenger row. Gesturing to the grocery bags occupying one seat. "Do you not have parents?",

"No", I lied. It shut him up nicely though.

"What teenager has a CB radio in their car?",

I didn't respond but turned the radio up louder to drown him out. This wasn't twenty questions and I wasn't his friend.

The arcade wasn't far from the supermarket. Three streets over. So our silence wasn't long-lasting.

"Stay here", He grunted as if I'd volunteer to be seen with him. I was lucky it was raining and there were maybe three cars in the entire lot. I watched him walk up to a red-headed girl, three recognisable words leaving her lips, "Where's your car?",

I don't know what he spat at her but she got in the back of my truck quickly. I turned to greet her, seeing as though whatever he said seemed to scare her into compliance. Wide blue eyes stared back at me while her door closed, speaking slowly in a voice above a whisper, "You're a girl.",

"Sierra", I smiled gently at her perplexed expression. She flinched as Billy's door slammed, uttering a weak, "Max", before she looked away. She was soaked too.

"Can we go?", Billy grunted the minute his seat belt was clicked in. He was cold to me. But that poor girl in the backseat was terrified of him. With every nasty word of his, she flinched. Maybe he was actually a psycho.

"You can lose the attitude", I bartered, returning his tone. His sight snapped to me quickly. Every muscle within him taut. I'm sure he wasn't used to someone speaking back to him. Assholes like him rarely were. But I was pretty war-hardened to nastier men. Billy seemed like a toddler in comparison.

I smirked, turning the face of his necklace the right way, "Try that murderous expression again when you don't look like a drowned rat and I might just shiver in my boots. But Make sure I'm leaning against something in case I faint.", I turned to Max in the back row, murmuring, "Scary", as I motioned to his face. My hand twisting the ignition on. Her lips ran over one another as if she were trying not to smile. Her expression was much like someone who'd seen a cat walking on its hind legs, "I like your skateboard", I added. Billy perked at the words turning back towards her while yelling, "I told you to p-", My hand on the volume dial drowned out his words as Kiss sounded through the car. Max looked away to deter her laugh. I met Billy's eyes while shifting into reverse. Turning down the music before we moved, shrugging with the comment, "I love this song",

There was obvious tension in the car. Brooding anger seeped out of Billy like a second nature. But I wasn't joking when I called him a drowned rat. He was soaking. My knee-length coat had at least protected most of me. Max in the backseat was shivering from being left in the rain too. Her skin was paper white.

"Max, I have a jacket in the grey bag on the floor. It's not that warm but it's dry",

"She'll live", Billy answered in place of her.

"She's shivering, you asshole",

"She can deal with it",

I ignored him, speaking to her through the rearview, "Take the jacket. You don't want to end up sick",

She did. Despite Billy's obvious discomfort. "I'm not giving that back to you at school", He sneered.

"Then don't. It barely fits me anyway".

"Well, she's not a charity",

"Who hurt you?", I questioned, he was a fucking psycho. "It's a fucking jacket not a house. I don't think the tax department will be after you for it, Hargrove, don't burst an artery", I had to laugh because he was being ridiculous. She was cold.

He didn't reply but gave me a look much like that murderous scowl from before. His hair was just dripping water.

"Are you cold?", I asked absentmindedly. And was met by silence. They probably didn't know who I was talking to. "Hargrove", I added.

"Do I look like a bitch?", His face scrunched in disgust at the question.

I blinked slowly, veering into the gas station's café. "I need coffee to deal with you", Was all I said to him. "Do you drink coffee, Max?",

"She's twelve", Billy sighed through gritted teeth.

"I drink coffee", Her small voice answered.

"Since when?", He challenged.

"Since forever",

I parked outside of the café, turning to Billy, "Do you drink coffee?",

"I ain't being seen with you",

"Fine, stay in the car", I replied with more patience than he deserved, taking my keys from the ignition. Max was out of the door before he could say anything else to dissuade her.

"Do you think I'm gonna steal your car?", Billy questioned in that condescending tone of his.

"No, but I think you're a real bag of dicks and I wouldn't trust you with a penny I found on the ground ", I scoffed, stepping out into the cold rain. Max was waiting for me under the roofed pathway. Holding my black jacket against herself. "He drinks coffee", She spoke in the loudest voice I'd heard from her, continuing, "Regular coffee with cream and three sugars",

"That's a lot of sugar", My brows knitted.

"I know", Her eyes rolled while walking through the automatic doors.

It didn't take long for three coffees on an afternoon when no one wanted to be on the road. And we were out of the café in about five minutes.

"Your brother is a real asshole", I thought out loud as we made it back outside the doors. Max laughed through her nostrils. "You have no idea",

"What's the deal with that?"

"It's just Billy. He isn't nice", Max looked at the ground as if she was guilty for saying it. "Not to me",

"Yeah well, he ain't nice to me either", I tried to comfort her sad words as our covered path came to an end.

"He'll only be nice to you when he wants something",

And while the rain pelted us again I covered the two coffee cups in my hand. Five steps and I was at my driver's door, opening it quickly. My body was halfway in before I spoke,

"What I hold in my hand is a disgrace to coffee. Why is there so much sugar? Are you dying? Do you need it to live?", I handed him that clearly labelled black cup and took my own from the cardboard separator tray. He took it with untrusting eyes. Looking between it and me as Max's door sealed shut.

"How much sugar do you have?", He shrugged,

"None. I'm an adult",

"Then it's just coffee", His eyes hardened like I was wrong.

"Precisely",

"Well we can't all be as soulless as you", Billy rolled his eyes and took a long sip pit of his coffee.

"Drink your sugar water, you child", I sneered, turning on the engine so some heat would kick in. He watched me take a swig of my coffee and just about wrestled the cup from my hand. "What the hell are you doing?", I asked as he turned the back of the cup towards me and some blue pen came into view on the white bottom of it. A phone number. "And?", I shrugged.

"How'd you pay for the coffee?", He smirked, handing me back my cup.

"Why, are you going to report back to Stacy?",

"Fuck you", He drawled.

"How old do you think the guy that made us the coffee was, Max?",

"Like forty",

"Gross. He left me his number",

"Ew",

"Yeah Ew,",

"That's my dad's age",

"That's MY dad's age", I grimaced at the idea.

Billy grunted in response, "If you don't want creepy old guys leaving you their number then get a boyfriend",

Sarcasm rolled off my tongue, "Right. Because men only respect other men. I forgot. I do that sometimes you know, seeing as I am just a helpless female",

"Whatever, It's your life",

"I'm glad you're here to let me know that, Billy. I really need your validation",

"I get it, Okay?", He bit, "Do what you want",

"You really mean that?", I rolled my eyes, watching the windscreen wipers quickly swish up and down against the downpour. The windshield reflecting the neon café sign above us. I liked rain but any body of water bigger than a pond was a hard no for me.

My boyfriend had crashed his car into a lake a few years back with me in the passenger seat. That shit was haunting. I remembered seeing the windscreen wipers stuck upright in the middle of the fractured glass and searing pain where my seatbelt latched at the hip. And the burning smell of the airbags.

"Can we go?", Billy interrupted my thought, and I snapped my neck towards him, blinking twice. "Yeah-Yeah", I murmured and shifted into reverse.

It was only a two-minute drive back to the supermarket carpark and by that time the rain had eased in the slightest. I dropped Max and Billy off next to his car. She got out quickly. And it looked like Billy was going to do the same but stopped before his door shut, leaning against the frame. He spoke something to Max over his shoulder that I didn't catch and tossed her the keys to the Camaro. I watched his knuckle tap on the doorframe before he spoke, "You know Stacy is trying to bait you into coming on Saturday",

"Yeah well, She's not exactly mysterious", I exhaled, wondering why he was telling me any of this, "But I keep a tyre iron in the tray for good measure.",

"Don't come", He warned through the bass of his voice.

"It's not like I can't take care of myself but I've got Prue and Kade.",

"Stacy has Kade", Billy corrected. How would he know that? Kade was one of my best friends. He wouldn't let anything happen to me.

"Then I've got Prue",

"It's your funeral", Billy shrugged,

"What's her funeral?", Aubrey came up behind him, and Stacy followed not far behind.

"Mind your business", He scowled, making her eyes roll.

"What's going on here?", Stacy asked with steam coming out of her ears.

"Car trouble", Smirked in reply as she cocked her head through the passenger door.

"Then join the automotive club",

"Wasn't my car",

Her eyes sliced to Billy while still talking to me, "And what do you know about fixing cars, Sierra?",

"A bit actually",

"Right, I forgot you're a man. Well since you know so much what was wrong with his Chevelle?",

"His Chevrolet?",

"Actually it's a Camaro I think", Aubrey added,

My neck cocked, "Yes. A Chevrolet Camaro",

"What was wrong with it then?", Stacy growled.

"Overheated", I spat,

"That's what the fan in the engine is for",

"It's a V8 engine, it runs hot.",

"Isn't that what the alternator is for?", Aubrey pipped up.

"Radiator", I corrected.

"I'm missing the point on why you're talking to Billy", Stacy tilted her gaze demonically. On the borderline of being scary.

I took a sip of my coffee, "You've got me, Stace. I'm in love with your boyfriend but the only way we can communicate is in Supermarket Carparks",

"Why do you both have the same cup?", Stacy looked between the black cup in Billy's hand and mine.

"It's a universal coffee cup. You'll find it at any gas station along the highway",

"He didn't have coffee before",

"Well wave to his sister in the car because she skateboarded here with it for him", I smirked while motioning to the girl in Billy's passenger seat.

"I don't believe you",

"I don't give a fuck", I scoffed.

Billy nodded to himself and nudged her out of the doorway before he shut my door. I had begun to drive about 2 metres before she began screaming at him like a banshee. Then her palm made contact with his cheek. I saw it all through my rearview mirror, parking in the space ahead of where I'd been.

Before I got out of the car I tore the wet jacket off my shoulders and pulled my ponytail tighter. My blood boiled. Wanting with every step towards her to bounce her skull off the asphalt. It wasn't about who but how many people she treated like the earth she walked upon.

I could feel my heart beating in my ears. My cheeks were hot. Billy was holding her hands so she couldn't hit him again. But what could he do if she did? Aubrey was crying and pleading with her. But that bitch wanted his blood.

"Sierra don't", Aubrey squealed as my fingers curled around Stacy's neck, dragging her away from the Camaro just in case. She flailed in my grasp. But not for long as I swung my leg under her ankles and drove her down to the wet pavement. She hit it with a hard thump.

"You're going to regret this", Stacy sneered breathlessly with bright red cheeks. Swallowing under my grasp around her throat. Water seeped into the knee of my black jeans. Rocks eating at my flesh.

I didn't get the chance to respond before someone yanked me back by my middle section hard enough to lift my feet off the ground. All I could feel was a wall of flesh behind me. Muscles quaking as they tossed me like a piece of trash off of Stacy. I stumbled to keep my footing as my ribs slammed into the spoiler of the Camaro. Taking my breath away.

Then I saw Max get out of the car.

"Hey, you fucking asshole!", She motioned to Kade who was knelt with Aubrey by Stacy's side. She was crying now that she had an audience. My hand clasped against my ribs for a second, swearing under my breath. I think it just winded me.

"Get back in the car!", I heard Billy scowl. That door closed a second later.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, Sierra!?", Kade spat over his shoulder. I don't think I'd ever seen him so angry. My eyes met the flooded asphalt.

"She's a fucking psycho", Stacy spoke hoarsely while holding her precious throat. Kade and Aubrey helped her to her feet. She made whimpering noises the whole way up.

"Well?", Kade questioned me as if my defending myself would be taken any other way than bad.

"We'll finish this Saturday Stace, it'll be fun", I exhaled through reddened cheeks.

"Sierra. No", Aubrey pleaded, "I don't want you there if you're going to start fights",

"Stacy wants me there",

"I dare you to show your face", Stacy spat while holding her throat. "I fucking dare you, Sierra",

Kade's lips were a straight line as he called to Aubrey, "Take her back to her car",

"Come on, Stace", She obliged. And they went away with Stacy limping.

Kadence walked to me, all 6,6 feet of him. Clad in his school jersey and dark denim jeans. I watched him take a deep breath before speaking, "I'm disappointed in you", He frowned while crossing his arms. The rain flattened his short black hair. "I thought you were more reasonable than assaulting someone half your size",

Half my size? She was maybe five inches shorter than me and weighed more.

"You weren't here", Was all I said as I met those blue eyes. Every fibre of me wanting to defend myself. To make him hear my side.

"Did I have to be? Would this be the first time you've attacked her?",

My eyes searched his for any inkling of sanity. He wasn't serious. I didn't say anything else but pushed myself off the spoiler of that Camaro. I would be the bad guy to him even if I made myself hoarse pleading. Stacy was baiting me. I knew she was. So I walked away from Kade, getting only three steps before he yanked me back by my forearm. "You need to apologise, Sierra", He spat as I was turned back around to him.

I was dazed, sort of too stunned to reply. It fucking hurt. His fingers dug into my skin in a vice grip. Kadence wasn't like that. He was calm. He was a nice guy. He was my friend. My neck tilted to him like a monster had crawled out of his head. His eyes were dark.

I could only stare at him until he let me go. My limbs sort of quaking.

I walked away from him. Stopping when Max's door opened again.

"You can keep the jacket", I murmured, clearing my throat as I leaned into the doorframe. Billy was already in the driver's seat by then.

"Holy shit, your arm is red.", She looked between it and me with a worried expression.

"You two should head home. A storms coming", I spoke lightly, closing the door. With that, I swept back to my truck while the rain picked up again. My chest constricting. I couldn't believe Kadence did that.

My shaky hands unlocked the driver's door with a soft click.

"Jimmy Volksem", Billy's voice sounded as my hand curled under the handle.

"What?", I blinked softly at him with furrowed brows.

"Watch out for him", He exhaled before taking a long drag of his fresh cigarette and then offering it to me. I'd be damned if I'd say no to that. But as I held it to my mouth he lit up another. Green eyes dipping to the hand mark on my right arm. "I'd lose Kade too",

I laughed a plume of smoke into the rainy sky, "I'd lose Stacy",

"At least I'm getting something from her",

It made me scoff. She was a terrible person. Nor was she a thing of great beauty. Aubrey was much prettier than her and sane, "Ammunition for your therapist?",

A dribble down my spine made me shiver as that man next to me smiled into his cigarette against his lips. I spoke again.

"Help me out here because I don't see why you'd go through the trouble",

"It's not a mystery. She's easy", He shrugged, making my whole face shrivel. "Did you think I was looking for love? Well, I ain't.",

At least he was honest.

I breathed out, "Wow, Sounds like I'd rather be alone",

"It's your life", Billy replied, "Sounds boring as fuck, though",

I watched the rain roll down the bridge of his nose, thinking of an answer. I'm not sure I had one. My life wasn't for everyone. It sure as hell wasn't a party. Instead of answering, I took a long drag out of my cigarette. It was just short of extinguishing.

I spoke finally, "I'm not the one with the red mark on my face",

He motioned to me with his cigarette between his fingers, "No, you just got a Chinese burn on your arm",

"At least I can cover mine",

"Well mine ain't gonna bruise.", His brows knitted together, dipping back to my arm. On the borderline of concern. But I knew he wasn't capable of that. "And if you did any damage to that spoiler I'm going to send you the bill",

There it was.

"How about thank you?",

His neck cocked nastily, "Why? I didn't ask you to choke her out?",

On that queue, I opened my car door and flung my wet cigarette to the ground. "Go away",

"Aww, did I piss you off?",

I met his smirk with my own, "I don't give anyone but Stacy that honour. See ya Saturday", And as I went to close my door his palm kept me from doing so.

"Don't wander away from your friends if you are going. But I wouldn't go if I were you",

"She's your girlfriend. Forgive me if I don't hang on your every word",

"She ain't my girlfriend",

"Whatever she is then.", I exhaled the water that skimmed over my lips, "Listen, Billy, this isn't my first war with her. Stacy Messner doesn't scare me. I mean she's a fucking psychopath but it's not anything I can't handle. I've been doing this longer than you've been in Hawkins. It's just what we do",

"You'll lose",

"I don't lose, I just get better",

"Yeah, in the hospital.",

"Oh wow. That was actually funny", I snickered, "Hey, your sister is a little badass. She scared me a bit when she yelled at Kade",

"She's not my sister,", He huffed.

"She's cool",

"She's a brat",

"Do you reckon Max could come Saturday night? You think she could protect me from Stacy?",

His jaw clenched into a pissed-off expression, eyes unblinking.

I added, "Don't walk away in anger, Billy. Just walk away",

"It's your funeral", He spat then slammed my door shut.

--

Saturday came faster than I ever hoped for. And as I sat in my car on the gravel of Stacy Messner's circular driveway I could hear the loud booming of music. Could see the hordes of people filing through the white double doors of her parent's red brick mansion. All surrounded by woods. This was a bad idea. A terrible fucking idea. Lightly I slammed my head into the steering wheel. Looking into the rearview mirror at my metallic white and lilac eyeshadow. My purple lipstick.

This was such a bad idea. But Aubrey wanted me here and for some reason so did Stacy. Prue at least would be here if shit hit the fan. And if it did I expected it to end spectacularly. In blood or fire. Maybe both with Billy's warning.

Just under seven months, I had left here. Seven months. I just had to get through tonight.

With one last tussle of my waved black hair, I exited my truck. The wind was enough to almost knock me over. It felt like walking into a war zone.

I stopped halfway there to straighten my leather bell bottoms that zipped up the front. A tight-cropped shirt gracing my top half. It's draping sleeves hanging at my mid-thigh. Very witchy. I smirked, clasping my keys tighter between my knuckles. I didn't like wearing my hair down. Didn't like hair on my face. And It was so long. Stopping at my mid spine. All of it felt unnatural. All these people around me felt unnatural. Almost suffocating as I walked through those double doors into a crowded foyer. I'd made it my mission to be late. Because I didn't want to stay longer than I had to. But as I looked around I saw no one I really knew.

Aubrey. I had to find Aubrey. But navigating through the congregation of drunk teenagers was harder than I thought.

I pushed through after a while to the lounge room. It was quieter in there. People sitting on the couch making out. I walked quickly. All until I found the backyard where all kinds of shit was going down. By the pool, people were pushing each other in. Teenagers lying on the grass. Groups of boys surrounding a beer keg and a crowd of fifty watching them. Including Aubrey and Kadence. Finally.

Begrudgingly I sauntered over to them, dodging the murderous scowl of Jimmy Volksem. The curly-haired football player muttering 'Whore', under his breath as I glided by. Obviously still scarred by the Pindick remark.

Everyone knew he was taking steroids so it wasn't an entirely unfounded accusation. It's probably why it cut him so deeply.

I expected Stacy to drop a bomb on me or a bucket of pig blood. Something. Surely she wanted to humiliate me. That's why she needed me at this party.

"Kadence", I greeted the brown-haired man who'd dressed himself in denim jeans and a nice maroon long-sleeved shirt. His blue eyes caught me in the dim light. He was thin. Very thin for a man his height. I suppose if he'd been shorter then he would be a normal proportion. But this boy was nearly 6'6.

Though my arm had bruised he'd apologised with a bouquet of pink flowers Aubrey picked out the day after the incident. And I forgave him. Even if pink was my most hated colour. And he knew that.

"Sierra!", He greeted me in a drunken slur, collecting me at his chest In a tight hug. He was very affectionate in his inebriated state. And as I turned to see what they were watching Kadence slumped his arm over my shoulder, hugging me sidewardly again. "I'm glad you came", He whispered into my hair, kissing the top of my head. Part of me felt it was an act to make Aubrey jealous as his blue eyes drifted down to her. But she was miles away, watching what dumb thing the senior boys were howling about. And sure, at the beginning I'd developed some sort of feeling towards Kadence but he made it painfully clear that he was in love with Aubrey. No matter how nice he was to me. Or what secrets we had. It didn't help he was sinfully handsome. A very strong jawline running down his face and hollow cheeks. I suppose it wasn't meant to be. And while I pondered whether or not to tell him about Stacy's intention of inviting me there Aubrey turned to us. Her hair was in thick buns high on her head. Intertwined with glitter string. "Sierra!", Her voice boomed through the backyard. Stumbling to hug me. "I missed you.", She groaned into my shoulder. "You weren't at school yesterday",

That sick feeling I had about this party had started sometime early yesterday and was yet to subside. "Yeah, I hurt myself at the gym. I didn't want to be limping around school", I brushed her off, pretending to be interested in the teenage boys that were doing keg stands. Sam Nelson vomiting on his shaky dismount.

Aubrey and I had patched over the carpark thing. She knew Stacy was wrong. She just didn't tell Stacy that. Or maybe she lied to me the same.

"Billy!", The boys chanted and my eyes darted to the beer keg, where Billy was preparing to mount the metal lip, "Billy!",

"Hey", Kadence tapped my shoulder, motioning to the free space outside of the keg circle that had at some point disbanded into a half-circle shape.

The place we moved to still allowed us to see the next keg stand victim well and they us. There was more light on the grass beneath one of the many light poles on the property. It was better than standing in the darkness. I followed behind Kadence, a small shadow in comparison to him And fantasised in my heart that this was the moment he'd tell me he'd been in love with me the whole time. That he realised Aubrey would settle down for no man. Not him. Not anyone. And that liquid courage had coerced him to say what he felt. But...he'd never tell me that. It was stupid and naive to think he would. I wondered if anyone ever would again...

The echoes of "Billy! Billy!", filled the silence before Kadence spoke and I looked back to see the ruckus but a hand turned my chin. Blue eyes fluttered open quickly in his drunken stupor. We stopped a mere two metres from the circle. Light flooding Kadence's sun-kissed skin. Highlighting the sharpness of his face. The bow In his lips. I pursed my mouth to push back the thoughts. Hoping my face didn't give away that I could melt beneath his blue-eyed stare. Listening harder against the sea of noise as he spoke. Leaning close.

"Sierra...How long are you going to ignore Harrington's eyes on you?", He near whispered in my ear. His eyes darting back to the beer keg.

I shifted in my place, not knowing what to say. Disappointed that he'd called me over for that...But as I folded my arms over one another to hide the sting I replied. "He's a jock douchebag".

"He's not", Kadence breathed, his sight drifting to the grass. He was a lot kinder than I was and my solemn behaviour didn't always slide off his back. In many ways, I disappointed him by being the way I was. I knew I did. But I wouldn't stand up for Steve Harrington not after...

"He watched his girlfriend beat the living fuck outta me", I bartered in a harsh whisper. Heat searing my cheeks.

"You antagonised them", Kadence replied dryly, his movements very free and flamboyant. Very drunk, "You still do".

It hurt. Nearly burned for him to say I deserved to be left bleeding on the concrete. Especially from him. I was glad he spoke again because I opened my mouth by no words came, "And what you're doing to Aubrey? You can't even see how hard she's trying to get you into this friend group. And every time you pull some shit like you did the other day and embarrass yourself. She was so embarrassed, Sierra. And did you even care? No. You fucked off",

"Stacy beat me with a crowbar!", I hissed between clenched teeth, taking a step back from him. I couldn't. I wouldn't explain this to him. "For fuck sake!", I hissed, running my hands over my face. Kadence swallowed, taking a step forward.

"So she deserved that...but what are you doing here? Huh. You hate these people. You don't try to interact or even greet them. You've been here for over a year and most of our grade doesn't even know your name. You don't try.",

"What reason do I have to?" I stared at him unblinkingly. Was he joking? What I did didn't hurt him. "Why do they deserve to know me?",

"Deserve to know you? Do you listen to yourself?",

"Don't try to turn me into Aubrey, Kade. You're going to be disappointed",

"Trust me, you'll never be Aubrey.", He laughed and that hurt more than anything.

"Then get off my ass", I spat. His neck twitched. "And get over Aubrey. She's never going to fuck you, Kade",

"Wow, Si.", He laughed in disbelief but I knew it had hurt him.

"No. Not wow, Si. You are not going to set me on fire to keep her warm. It's not going to fly anymore",

"How? How do I set you on fire?",

"You didn't even know what was going on in that carpark and you threw me into the side of a car to be Aubrey's fucking hero. You're not her hero Kade. You're just another guy on her hook",

"You got what you deserved for attacking Stacy. Who cares if she hit Billy? I can tell you that prick deserved it too. And since when did you defend him?",

"I don't like him but I hate her",

"You hate everyone",

"No. Just her",

"Well, she's Aubrey's best friend",

"...Maybe I need new friends",

"Sierra, if you died tonight the only people who would go to your funeral would be me, Prue and Aubrey",

"Take yourself off that list", I didn't mean what I said but he made me so furious I couldn't see straight. He was hurt. I could tell by the way his jaw clenched. The way his mouth opened then closed just as quickly. Then pure silence as I looked passed him. Back towards Billy Hargrove's impressive keg stand. Anything to distract myself from what I felt.

"You're a nasty person Sierra Morningstar. And you're going to die alone and unimportant", Kadence sneered, storming off into the mansion. I grimaced as the words left his mouth, staring thoughtlessly at that silver beer keg. Disassociating myself from my surroundings. Thinking. Just thinking. Overwhelming things. Every word Kadence snarled imprinted in my mind. I must've been looking into a space for a while because when I finally came out from it a few people were staring back. "What did you do to Kadence?", Aubrey and her confidant Stacy demanded. Each looking seemingly as pissed as the other. But before I opened my mouth Stacy's shrill voice pierced the air, "Can't you be less of a freak for one night?"

"You wanted me here, remember?", I responded softly.

"That was a mistake", Aubrey sighed, veering back towards the house. Stacy stayed though. Stayed to watch my downfall. "By all means stay, enjoy my party. Keep this as a memory of the last time you had a friend", She laughed that high-pitched giggle, skipping after Aubrey in her pink sequinned mini dress and matching fluffy heels. I shook my head in defeat turning almost directly into Steve Harrington. "Oh, Fuck off", I cursed.

"That was Uh-rough. I didn't mean to-", He fought desperately for words, rubbing his neck before settling, "I'm not interrupting anything am I?" He asked while tucking his hands nervously into the pockets of a teal bomber jacket. His hair waved in perfect brown tendrils. I unclenched my jaw slowly, speaking, "No",

And I waited for the joke. Why else would he speak to me?

"I Uh-Was hoping I could speak to you", Steve looked between me and the ground. Guilt writhing in his dark eyes. He picked a perfect time.

"About what?". I inquired, unfolding my arms at my chest. Trying to extinguish some of my irritation. To soothe the burning in my chest. Barely thinking straight.

"You never let me tell you I was sorry.",

I took a moment to process his apology. Almost asking him to repeat what he said. This was perfect. Just great.

"For driving your girlfriend to my house and watching as she hit me with a crowbar?", I shrugged, suggesting it as if it wasn't the blatant answer.

"Look I've done some shitty things but-I'm sorry", He shrugged, all the same, his hands still stuffed into his jeans. "I'm trying to become a better person and all that",

"You're sorry?", I laughed sarcastically, shaking my head.

Sorry? He didn't know the meaning of the word.

I didn't have anything else to say to him so I walked back towards the keg standing spectacle. Where Billy Hargrove was shirtless on top of the keg again. Still going strong. Hoping he'd take the hint. But Steve followed after, grabbing my sleeve gently. "You could hit me with a crowbar?", He suggested, stilling my hurried steps, "I don't want to hit you with a crowbar", I grunted in the hopes he'd leave me alone. "Look, I-I don't even know your name", He admitted in a lower voice. "Could you at least give me that?".

"Sierra",

"Like the desert?",

"That's the Sahara", I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Sierra is part of the phonetic alphabet. You know...Lima, Delta, Foxtrot?".

"Oh", Steve nodded, "So, you, me and a crowbar?",

"I don't want to hit you.", I sighed while scanning over the grassy yard to a wooden playground made for children.

"It would make me feel better",

"No, it wouldn't",

"So what do you want? I'll do anything",

"Don't say that. A girl could drag you through the mud",

"Sierra!", Billy Hargrove summoned me as the beer keg's next victim. Smiling as if he'd done something revolutionary. Steve looked at me, awaiting my answer. "Then drag me through the mud. I deserve it", He added.

"Less talking", Billy interrupted sharply, heavily draping his arm over Steve's shoulder as he handed me the used and disgusting mouthpiece connected by a hose. Waiting for my answer. I hesitated, brushing off those green eyes. "I thought you were a badass?". Billy taunted bluntly, running his tongue over his teeth. "Time to prove it",

"Why?",

"Just say you can't, it's fine",

"Leave her alone, man she doesn't want to", Steve interjected, earning a sour smile from Billy who clapped his shoulder once more. "She can speak for herself", He drawled, angling his head.

"Don't be a dickhead", Steve warned.

"Or what, Harrington?",

"I have a better idea", I handed that mouthpiece back to an arched and ready-to-fight Billy. His aroma of beer and cigarettes strong. My eyes clashed with Steve's brown orbs. Smirking in my deviousness, "I'm going to dig Harrington an early grave instead.",

"I'm game", Steve smirked, ignoring the shirtless man strung at his shoulder.

"Famous last words ", I taunted, "Follow me then",

As sure as anything Steve wasn't the only one to follow along. And as I stopped before the hanging bars of that wooden fort he looked at me like I was insane.

"You're a fit guy, Harrington", I observed,

"Uh-Yeah sure.",

"Twelve pull-ups", I Challenged, pointing to the silver bars above us. Illuminated by a perfectly placed garden lamp. "You win. I forgive you. I win. You have to do a keg stand.",

He laughed like he'd gotten himself into immense trouble. "Alright. Okay. My upper body isn't my greatest strength so you still have a chance, Sierra",

"I always had a chance", I scoffed, ripping my top shirt off over my head. A mauve singlet remaining. I tossed my black long-sleeved garment to the ground. Twisting my neck. A collective uproar coming from the deck behind us. Fifty-odd people leaned against the stone balustrade to watch what was going down.

"Oh Shit", Steve did a double take, his neck tilting. "You didn't tell me you were ripped",

I smiled gently, the expression on his face was the pure poster for regret. I wasn't ripped or anything like that I just spent a lot of hours at the gym. So my upper body strength at this time was immense. I had lean muscle. I wasn't Arnold Schwarzenegger or anything.

"Would you have accepted otherwise?".

"Not if I knew my failure was going to be so...soon",

"Gear up", I taunted, watching his throat bob towards the bars above us.

"You sure you don't want to arm wrestle instead?",

"I'm sure",

"Okay", He murmured,

"Go Steve!", Voices drowned in around us. "Steve!",

"You ready?" I asked, shaking out my hands.

"No",

"Go",

I pushed off the ground, catching that bar in my palm and with all my strength I willed myself higher. Lowering through the protest of my arm muscles. Steve was faster I'd give him that.

"I'm winning, Sierra. You should've made this harder.", He spoke, trying to conceal his breathlessness.

"I thought I'd give you a chance.",

"Your fist mistake",

But after number nine he was slowing down. By then I'd surpassed him to ten. He was struggling, trying to raise himself back up on exhausted muscles.

"Come on Steve!", Roars of outrage flooded past us as I reached number eleven. "You're getting beaten by a girl!"

And I wondered if it would be worth tarnishing his reputation for my own musings. He'd never live this down. Not while he lived here. I met his eyes. And as if Steve could read my mind he released the bar in his hand before I could. What followed was a collective booing. And overall displeasure rattled from behind me. Just a reminder of where I sat in this town.

"Keep going", He urged, out of breath. And as I got number 12 my arms rattled and shook. "Come on, aim for fifteen to show these pricks you didn't win by a chance". Steve spoke through ragged breaths, lightly tapping my back. What would happen if I failed? They'd still sneer but I'd just never live it down I suppose.

"Fifteen", I nodded. His words were the most sense I'd heard in a while.

Thirteen came and went. My arms on pure fire.

Then fourteen. I wouldn't make it. I couldn't.

"Come on Sierra, pretend is Stacy Messner up there",

Stacy Messner, the words struck fire within me as I pulled my ass up and over that bar, quickly dropping back down to the bark floor with shaking limbs.

"You did it", Steve commended, his hands on either side of me. I was exhausted. Completely exhausted. And as I caught my breath, I revelled in his utter awe. This night that would always be known as the night I absolutely humiliated Steve Harrington.

"Did you take a dive?", I asked softly, through ragged breaths.

"I didn't let you win. I swear", He held his hands up in surrender. "I've never done a pull-up in my life. I think I tore something actually,", He grunted, feeling his rib cage.

"And now you have to do a keg stand", I commented, clapping him firmly on the back as I grabbed my shirt off the fort.

"A deal's a deal", Steve nodded, offering that I walk ahead of him.

The crowd that gathered booed as we emerged out of the fort. Their disappointment aimed towards Steve. Aubrey pierced through between our classmates and just collided with me. "What the hell Sierra?!", She squealed excitedly. "Since when do you do that?". I laughed softly, trying to ignore the searing disdain I had towards her after tonight. "Since when are you friends with Harrington?" She whispered in my ear. Ah, of course. Anything to get close to Steve Harrington. She was pathetic.

"Aubrey. You're drunk". I remarked dryly as she dislodged her aggressive embrace. "And we're not done yet. Steve still has to feel the bitter sting of losing. Go ahead, make sure he's not cheating or something", I urged her onwards back toward the house. Where the crowd began to settle again. "Fucking bitch", The swear fell freely as soon as she was out of range. I watched her saunter down the declining grass as if nothing had happened. Her pink poodle skirt tapping at her mid-thigh. All the while I put my shirt back on over my head. My arms pure fire. Aching their protest as I straightened out my draping sleeves. A layer of sweat was cold on my skin.

"Fuck", I swore, grimacing in pain.

"That was pretty badass", A voice rumbled behind me. A cloud of smoke told me exactly who it was.

"I have rare moments", I turned to Billy who tapped my bicep with a red cup. Placing it in my hands before I could say anything.

I sculled it quickly. His brows hiking as he continued to the keg. I followed him silently to where Steve waited. The school legend took off his teal-coloured bomber jacket.

"You sure you wanna do this?". I crossed my arms over my chest, stilling beside him. The crowd was much smaller than before. I'm sure they'd seen him do this time and time again. After about twenty people the beer keg had lost its magic. I was surprised there was anything left in it at this point. "I mean you've already been embarrassed once tonight",

"Shh. I'm doing it", He smirked, nodding to himself. "But. You have to forgive me, Sierra",

"Okay",

Steve grabbed the outer rim of the keg, readying himself to fully stand on his hands. I grabbed his legs as he did, holding him upright. Jessie Smithers taking hold of one of his legs. "Your arms are quaking", I observed, watching the muscle in his bicep twitch. "What you're seeing is pure athleticism", He murmured, struggling to hold himself above the keg. Each twitch made his jaw clench. He was really serious about me forgiving him. Enough he'd put himself through the pain he felt. At this point, he wasn't even fully above it. Still, his arms trembled.

Then Jessie handed him the tap. And I thought he might vomit.

"Okay. Okay. I forgive you", I pushed Jessie's hand away. Lowering Steve back to solid ground. His face was the colour of paper as he stumbled back upright. Leaning on my shoulder for support. "Did I do it, did I win?". He blinked quickly, shaking his head.

"No, you looked like you were going to vomit so we pulled you out", I smiled,

"I can do it again", He shrugged.

"I think you're done for the night", I let him down, gently patting his shoulder.

"So you forgive me?", He murmured, scratching his nose with his knuckle.

"I forgive you", I whispered in return.

"What happened Harrington? The beer keg too much for you?", Billy sneered, still bare-chested for some reason. "I can't blame you, it's a real man's sport",

Steve and I shared the same look. He smiled at us with that perfectly straight grin, his tongue skimming his teeth. The way he did. Looking us both up and down. "Hold my legs, Steve", I snarled in return. Harrington smirked the same and as I turned to that keg I felt a great sense of trepidation. As if I had something to prove. "This is peer pressure you know?", He spoke as I grasped the cold edge of that keg. "Fuck 'em", I replied as he took my boot, lifting me higher above that silver barrel. His hand cautiously hovered at my calf. His shoulder at my hip. My arms too quaked and groan but fuck it I was so annoyed I gritted my teeth and bared it. "If you let me go, Steve, I'm going to punch you, okay?", I laughed nervously before I even reached for the mouthpiece. He wasn't holding on and if I balanced onto my arm I'd crumble. "Deal", He replied as I reached for the hose and my whole body jolted. "Steve!". I gasped, my heart beating a million miles an hour. Then I felt someone else grab my thigh and I reached for that mouthpiece, flooding beer into my dry throat. Trying not to drown or choke. Thirty seconds passed and my arms began to mercilessly tremble while I swallowed that bitter liquid. Ugh. No more. Dizzy, dizzy. I tapped out, spitting that tap back onto the grass. They let me down to the ground steadily and my whole sight shuddered. Steve holding up my hand like I was some sort of victor. "Ugh", I quickly spat out the remaining beer in my mouth onto the grass, "Who's idea was that? That was disgusting".

"That would be yours", Steve commented, "You're really competitive aren't you?". He added.

"Only when it comes to emasculating my fellow students",

Steve laughed, looking to where Billy Hargrove stood by the crowd. His middle finger extending towards him.

Billy, Seething pure hatred, tossed his still-lit cigarette. Speaking heated words to Stacy beside him.

"Some real anger issues on that man, isn't there?", I commented to Steve

"You're telling me",

"Oh shit, She's coming over. I'm in trouble", I giggled into his shoulder. Maybe the beer had hit me harder than I thought.

"Stacy", Steve greeted her scowling face but she ignored him for the obvious target.

"Really, Sierra? You couldn't get your own boyfriend? You had to swoop in on my leftovers?!",

"Leftovers? Fuck off Stacy", Steve groaned.

The words left my mouth with howling laughter, "How embarrassing, your boyfriend is right behind you and you're getting jealous over Steve?",

"Why do you want him too?",

"I mean he'd have to rinse the taste of whore out of his mouth first", I snickered with this uncontrollable laughter.

"I don't think they make mouthwash that powerful", Steve commented as I met his eyes.

"Acid?",

"Like skin melting acid maybe",

"Penicillin mouthwash", I suggested. His eyes skimmed over Stacy as he murmured. "I don't think it would be strong enough",

"Let's go", Stacy growled back to Billy.

I sneered as she walked away, "Aww you're not going to let me keep him too?",

She turned on her heel, "Enjoy the party, Si",

"Why? Are you leaving?", Steve asked, and I lost it. I couldn't breathe I laughed so hard.

"Sierra!". Prue squealed, stopping in front of me like she had the biggest secret in the world. Her bright grey eyes shifting to Steve before her mouth shut again. "You need water, we will get you water", She nodded not so inconspicuously, gesturing towards the mansion. I tossed Steve a small nod and walked along side her fluttering steps. Her purple velvet dress catching the wind. She didn't talk again until we were in the kitchen and she force fed me two cups of water and an apple she found in the fridge.

I loved her so dearly.

While Aubrey was the friend you call for comfort. Prue was the one you called when there was a body in your trunk. Loyal to no end.

"Okay, what I wanted to tell you was something weird is going on with Stacy. I mean she wanted you here. Like really wanted you here. And now her boy toy is force feeding you alcohol...it doesn't sit right, Sierra. So no more drinks. Only water and fruit until you are sober enough to drive. And I will walk you to your car. And watch you drive away safely.", Prue nodded, crossing her legs on the kitchen counter. On her lap she had cups full of washed fruit she'd stolen before they went into the punch bowl. Her own sort of fuck you to Stacy.

"You don't think she-", I started to say.

"She's a fucking psycho and her new boyfriend looks like he burns ants for fun", Her black lined eyes blinked quickly. I laughed until my ribs hurt. And then some more. Until she uncrossed her legs, handing me a fruit cup. "For now we run reconnaissance. We find out what the enemy knows. And we destroy her before she can get her whore hands on another crowbar.", She smirked.

Prue was the one to...find me. After my head had been cleaved through by the end of Stacy's crowbar. She thought I was dead. Since then she's been on edge around the fact Aubrey had brought her into our group. In her own unforgiving way.

"I like the way you think, lead the way",

I followed her out the glass sliding doors to a lounge suite recessed into the rear deck. A marble table in its core. The rest of it just cushions and pillows.

"Ew, Orgy central", Prue whispered upon seeing it.

"I reckon. Don't touch anything with your hands", I grimaced, walking around its edge. Aubrey and Stacy were seated at the back and Prue dropped in beside them. I dropped in beside Prue. Sinking into overly soft cushions. I took a bite out of my orange slice, not interested in whatever they were discussing. Then Billy came over and draped himself over Stacy. Kissing her in most grotesque sort of way. Like he was trying to locate her tonsils. Must've been true love if he could forgive her for smacking him in the mouth.

Prue leaned into me quickly,

"I told you, orgy central.",

I laughed into my orange slice, looking elsewhere.

"So Sierra, I saw your little match with Steve, butch much?". Stacy's annoying voice rattled through me, sneering while she wiped at her lips. "Is that the reason you want to hang out with Aubrey so bad, Lesbo? You watch next we'll find her spying on us in the showers".

"YOU won't", I smiled, biting into an apple slice.

"Whatever, so what are you friends with Steve Harrington now?",

"I don't have friends, you know that,", I brushed her off, staring into the stars.

"Because that's really rude of you, you know Aubrey's had a crush on him since forever",

I blinked softly, looking over at Aubrey. "Aubrey can have any man she wants".

"Except him, is that what you were going to say?".

"No". I gritted my teeth, her voice like nails on a chalkboard.

"Then what? Huh. You know she likes him so keep your whore hands off",

"I thought I was a lesbian, now I'm a whore? Make up your mind",

In the midst of this Aubrey said nothing but fiddled with the hem of her skirt. Prue simply watched with a feline smile. Enjoying every back and forth insult.

"Steve", Aubrey sat up quickly, straightening her skirt. Sure enough he was there.

"Uh-Hi, Audrey right?", He asked, scraping his mind for her name. I couldn't help but snicker. And as he took the seat next to me I offered him a mildly alcohol infused piece of strawberry. His expression turning into concern, "Where did you get fruit from?".

"Offerings for The punch bowl", Prue replied proudly.

"I see,", His eyes widened, taking the fruit nonetheless.

"Her name's Aubrey", I whispered as he did. Knowing his ignorance of her made her cheeks redden.

"Cool, so anyway I want to ask you what we're all wondering.", Steve leaned towards me as if he were going to say something incriminating.

"If she's a dyke?", Stacy interjected.

"What? No", He scolded, "That's a terrible thing to say",

"Yeah Stacy cut it out". Aubrey finally piped up.

"Where was I?",

"You were asking me something incriminating.", I answered, taking a slow bite from a grape.

"Are you?", Was all he said.

"Am I what? A mind reader?",

Brown eyes rolled playfully, leaning in closer. "A narc?"

"You think I'm a cop?".

"Cmon, it all fits together.", He justified, throwing himself back onto the cushions. His legs crossing. "The nice car. The good grades. The maturity.",

"The fancy house", Aubrey added, scraping the bottom of the barrel.

"You are aren't you?",

"No". I corrected firmly.

"Damn it, that would've been so cool". Steve sighed. "You're older than us right?",

"Eighteen".

"I-I have been humbled", He pressed his lips together tightly, rethinking his life choices.

"Why would a cop even need to be disguised in Hawkins?", I asked, squinting at the idea.

"I-", He started to say, "I didn't think that far ahead. We could we walk the halls with a murderer or serial killer. You don't know.",

"And you think I could save you from a serial killer?",

"At least distract them while I run", He suggested, taking a swig from the cup in his hand.

"And what would I do against a machete wielding psycho?",

"I figured a cop would know martial arts or something",

"I can't deflect steel though", I scoffed.

"Oh, so what you're saying is you wouldn't save us from a killer?",

"Buddy, I would throw you to them and run myself. I'm not standing there fucking around...despite how it may seem I'm not fond of the whole violence thing."

"So we both run then? Nobody tries to be a hero?",

"I'll run. You do whatever the fuck you want.",

A soft breeze fluttered over us and Stacy decided there hadn't been enough conversation about her. Her light eyes watching the short girl from our science class abandon the lounge. Billy sitting beside her with his legs spread so far I wondered how his tight jeans hadn't ripped. And what was the point of a shirt if it was unbuttoned to his navel? He watched the stars with that cigarette between his lips. His expression nothing short of bored. But I'd seen him stumble over, he wasn't getting up any time soon. Not without falling on his face. Even Prue had handed him some water. Though if I'd drank as much as him I wouldn't be nearly as well composed. Let alone smoking.

"Okay, now that Sam Wethers has left the lounge pit, We all know she's a total gossip, anyway, We we're talking, Aubrey and I, about well you know , Aubrey your count was ten. Mine was fifteen...Sierra what's your magic number? You've been here over a year and not a single boyfriend or fling. We're curious to know what that means",

"A number for what?". My brow furrowed as Steve took another slice of Strawberry from my cup. I'd ignored what she'd said. I usually did when I saw her lips part.

"Body count". Stacy smirked, stroking Billy's hair gently.

"Fourteen but one lived", I spoke with a straight face, coercing the soft laugh out of Steve.

"C'mon. Among us girls, we're curious. How many sexual partners?". Aubrey questioned, sitting cross legged on that grey lounge.

"Two", Prue replied in place, her eyes darting around the place like she were remembering. Was this any of their business? I could make up any number.

"Don't be shy, Sierra", Stacy pressed. "We told you ours...unless there isn't a number which is totally fine...Maybe you're just waiting for the one. I personally would rather die".

"-Three", I lied, biting into an apple slice. I took a swig of my water for good measure. Feeling pure acid leech up my throat.

"Oh isn't that sweet, she's so innocent", Stacy giggled, holding her chest. Aubrey too. "Only Three. She might as well be a nun."

"You're really mean", Steve commented, his brows furrowed. Silencing the laughter instantly. No one fucked with Steve Harrington.

"Yeah Stace", Aubrey sneered. "Can't you leave Sierra alone?",

"Okay, Steve, tell us your number then". Stacy bartered, leaning forward. Little did she expect the words that tumbled from his lips.

"One too many",

I'd never seen her face turn so quickly. Steam just about came from her ears. Then she got up and stormed away.

"Wait. No. Come back", I called sarcastically, watching her push past a poor boy in the doorway, his drink flying. Ooof. He hit the deck.

Aubrey stood in her absence, feeling left out with us so far away from her, "Make room", She called, squeezing in to that thirty centimetre space between Steve and I. "Ooh, it's cold tonight". She shivered. I moved from her path before she sat on my lap trying to get to Steve. Prue and I shared equal expressions. "Yeah", He raised his brow. And I wasn't going to get between Aubrey and her prey. So I turned to Prue.

"Hey, I know you have to be up early tomorrow for your blood tests. Don't stay here for me. I'll be fine", I pressed my lips together, watching her big eyes dart to the wooden floor. Conflicted. "Are you sure?", She asked.

"Of course" I smiled something convincing enough to send her on her way. Poor girl had contracted a form of tetanus from a rusted pitchfork. It made her extremely sick. Though she tried not to show it.

"Oh is Prue leaving? I didn't get to say goodbye", Aubrey darted her sight to the sliding door but Prue was long gone.

"Is Kadence still around?", I asked, wanting to ask her for a while.

"Oh my god, Sierra what is with you and Kadence?". She turned to me with wide eyes. "You made him cry and then he just left".

"I'm sure he wasn't crying about me", I huffed somewhat rudely, tapping my cup against the wooden backrest.

"Well he was crying. I could tell",

"Did you ask him what was wrong?".

"No. He was over the other side of the yard",

"Then how could you tell he was crying?".

"What did you say to him?". Aubrey scoffed, changing the subject. Her arms crossing at her ample chest.

"He was upset at me for telling Stacy to fuck off the other day at school, You know how he gets when he's drunk. He'll verbally fight anything that moves.",

"I agree with him", She defended, "You were rude",

"So, Sierra," Steve sat up straighter so I could see him above Aubrey's head. "Have you always been on a mission to destroy all men or-What?"

"It's a real downer isn't it?", Aubrey commented, flicking her blond hair.

"No", He murmured, meeting her eyes. "Audrey it isn't",

"I was just saying...",

"So, Sierra?". He spoke again as I munched into my final strawberry.

"If it happens it happens". I shrugged, sinking into the cushions. I think I was feeling better. Less dizzy at least. Good to drive.

"C'mon you've got to give me something, no one knows anything about you",

"You didn't even know my name before tonight", I scoffed, resting my elbows on my knees as I leaned forward. Absorbing the heat from the oil lamp on the table.

"But I knew your face",

"What, what do you want to know?".

He searched his mind for a question, gesturing with his hands. "Where are you from?".

"Ontario",

"See, Canadian, I wouldn't have guessed. Your accent is more...mixed.". And as he searched for his next question I could nearly see the cogs whirring in his mind. "Okay, Favourite band?",

"Motley Crüe",

"Metal, I should've guessed.", He smirked, clapping his hands together. "Favourite...weather?",

"Dark and Rainy",

"Siblings?",

"Two sisters".

"Older?"

"Twelve years younger", I corrected, watching him bob his head.

"Okay, okay. I see it. You do give off oldest child vibes...Boyfriend? Secret spouse? Eighty five year old wealthy husband?".

"A boyfriend?", Aubrey giggled, "I can answer that for you. No",

"She's on the money. Crazy how you guessed the Eighty-Five year old husband though",

"Oh, What's he do?",

"Music producer. Signs on bands and things.",

"What's his name?",

"Marvin", I replied quickly.

"C'mon that's such a typical old guy name",

"That's the love of my life you're talking about",

Steve laughed out of his nostrils, nodding, "Okay. Where was your wedding?"

"Missouri. In a chapel overlooking a lake",

"Very nice. Was it a small wedding?",

"No, Marv and I had a guest list of three hundred. It was quite the spectacle",

"I bet. What year was he born?"

"1899",

"That was easy",

"What's your husband's last name then?",

I thought about it for a minute, sighing in defeat, "Okay, you got me. Marv doesn't have one. He's like Cher",

Steve laughed. "Where's your ring then?"

"I don't wear it. It makes the other kids jealous.",

"I'm sure...So no other boyfriends aside from Marvin?",

"No", I smirked, biting through a grape. "It's just him and me. For a handful of years anyway",

"What? You're already waiting for him to die? I thought it was true love",

"No such thing. Not with a life insurance plan of three million dollars",

"You two ever thought of adoption? I know a willing eighteen year old",

I laughed at his question. Shrugging. "And share the money? I don't think so",

"So Steve-", Audrey rattled on. I zoned out most of their conversation, glancing up to the dark sky. There was barely any stars in the sky. My neck lulled over towards Billy who was suspiciously still. I looked down to my cup of fruit, sizing up a firm cherry in the middle of the stack. It launched beautifully out of my hand, thumping his chest. He caught it before it rolled into his shirt. Snapping his sight to me.

"You looked dead", I justified, snickering as the pitted cherry splattered against my hand. Wiping off the wet juice. The words fell off my lips, "That was a terrible shot",

"I was aiming for the cup", He murmured, sitting up higher on the lounge. My eyes darted to the third storey of Stacy's mansion. Where there were five arched windows. I wondered which of them was her bedroom. She'd boasted that she had the whole third floor to herself. It's not like I wanted to steal anything. But the alcohol in my system told me that her knowing I'd been in there would be enough of a victory.

"I'm going to head out", I spoke softly, as if Aubrey would acknowledge me at all amidst her riveting conversation with Steve Harrington. She didn't but Steve opened his mouth as if to say something before he was cut off. "Bye". Was all he could get in. And Aubrey got to live out her dream of seducing the most popular boy in school.

On my exit, I stepped over Billy Hargrove's legs. Why he'd stick around after Stacy had left I'll never know. He looked much more sober than before. A jacket gracing his skin.

My path led me out of the kitchen and to a set of narrow stairs off the pantry, like a servant's entry. She'd kept the other door to the main staircase locked but not this one. I guess she didn't expect anyone to look behind the pantry door. The stairs were pitch black and winding. They carried me to a sliding wooden door that was cracked open enough that I could see Stacy in the hallway arguing with Jimmy Volksem. He had the top button of his pants undone and she looked dishevelled as well. He kept saying the word no to her and it only made her cheeks go more red. Then she handed him a roll of bills and he stopped shaking his head. Counting it before he nodded then left. I watched Stacy look at herself in the golden-framed hallway mirror, straightening her blouse. Her face was nothing short of haunted.

"Billy", She gasped as she caught another reflection behind her.

"She left", Was all he said. Stacy darted to the window, squinting out over the cars outside. "Her car is still here",

"She left with Prue", He corrected.

Was he talking about me?

"Why did you let her leave?!", She screamed, yanking the red curtain off its rungs.

"I'm not your bitch", He scoffed, "If you want to end up in jail then that's your problem. Fight your own fucking battles",

"If you walk away from me we're done",

"You'd have to mean something to me for that to matter", Billy replied and she stormed past him down the main stairway. Cursing and screaming.

I opened the sliding door, thankful I waited for Stacy to leave because it screeched on the runners like it hadn't been opened in years.

"I hope you know what you're doing", He turned to me, "Because your chance to leave unharmed is gone",

I stepped out into the cream-carpeted hallway. "Kinda like a game isn't it? Who am I supposed to be looking out for?",

"Anyone at this party.", He scoffed.

"10-4", I murmured as I stepped past the gold mirror. I still looked good.

Double-wide doors stared back at me. This had to be her room. I tossed my sight over my shoulder to Billy. "A moment?",

He raised his hands in surrender and sauntered back down the steps.

Beyond those doors was like a Barbie dream house. It was pink in all shades of the colour and her bed was ruffly. But with each step I took I felt increasingly sicker and after fifteen minutes of vomiting into her ensuite toilet, I finally made it back to her room. I wanted to take something from her but what? She had porcelain dolls sitting on her dresser. Old and timeless. Beside them a collection of Barbie figures. All dressed in beautiful clothes with matching hairdos. I opened the drawer to see what I'd find and a permanent marker rolled out. With it, my lips plastered into a smile. In a swift movement, I tossed those Barbies off her dresser, uncapping the pen. Then I drew a dirty pentagram on its white surface. And another on her makeup table. To finish it off I moved to her bed and marked an upside-down cross on her raggedy Ann doll. Then I got out of there, escaping down the servant's staircases until I reached the front door. My mouth tasted like an ashtray. Gross. I sighed, stepping onto the dark porch with a racing heart. A shadow scaring the fuck of me. Billy leaned against the red brick. Just chilling in the darkness, smoking. His lit cigarette was the only thing I could see. Gravel crunched underfoot as I stopped. Judging him silently. "You shouldn't have come", He spoke before I could.

"Good thing I'm leaving then", I sighed, something creepy about the way he said the words.

"Why'd you leave Harrington with your friend?", He asked, blowing out white smoke. His expression was like he knew something I didn't. Smiling.

"There's only one reason any male lurks near Aubrey",

He laughed. Properly chuckled at me. His sight dipped to the gravel. Did I not understand the joke?

I shook my head, not bothering to ask as I walked back toward my car.

"He's not into your friend", He called.

"Bye", I drawled, walking faster to the red truck at the end of the circular driveway. The street lamp illuminated it. Overall I was impressed at how well that night had gone. In awe. I'd escaped the mansion without anyone seeing me.

And I couldn't help but smile as I unlocked my door and reached for that packet of cigarettes beneath my seat. Dad had one condition of me buying this truck and that was not to smoke in the fucking thing. He could smell it as soon as I did. That's why he didn't buy me them anymore and I had to reduce myself to swiping Mom's half-empty packets. She always forgot about them and started a new one. It worked out well for me.

A few people filed out from the Mansion, cars passing by as I lit that cigarette, leaning up against my driver's door. It was fucking freezing out here. I shivered. Regrettably leaving my jacket at home.

I'd beaten Steve Harrington. Properly embarrassed the man who was good at everything. I smirked, watching the silhouettes of trees sway in the breeze. Something rattling through them. Probably a deer or frightened bird. Whatever it was it moved fast. I squinted to see. Entranced enough that I didn't notice Jimmy Volksem lurking by my bull bar.

Watching.

Just watching.

How long had he been there?

On a good day, James Volksem was a lackey. Someone not very good at anything. He couldn't read, he could barely write. By all means of the word, he was dumb. And with that came everyone's ability to persuade him to do stupid things. Perhaps all Jimmy wanted was friends but those he hung out with were not his friends. He'd been arrested more times than he could count. Mainly because of his size his 'friends' persuaded him to beat on people. And while he was slow his sheer mass made it hard to fight back. He was tall, at least 6,5 and jacked. Not lean but pure bulk. Hence why we all thought he took steroids. How we all knew.

He was a soft-spoken man when he was allowed to speak. The kind of voice you don't expect from his physique. Soft but gravely. Like he'd been smoking a while.

He had the body. Too bad his baby-freckled face made him look about fifteen.

"Can I help you?". I questioned, disturbed by his presence so close to me. That feeling like when you're at the top of a roller coaster sweeping over my chest. Because he had that look in his dull brown eyes. That predatory, evil look. The one where you've pissed someone off to the point of no return and they've abandoned reason for rage. Yeah, that one.

"You will", He breathed heavily, his eyes darkening as he swung around the side of my car, all the while I gripped my keys through my knuckles. Glancing towards his form towering above me. This wasn't good. I was too tipsy for this. And when I was drunk I wanted to fight.

"What?", I asked, tossing the butt of my cigarette to the gravel. My muscles vibrating under my skin. Wanting so badly for me to run. That stubborn dumbass other part of me didn't want that.

I might've quivered like a scared chihuahua while I did it but I'd throw down. As deranged as it was I knew there were no repercussions for me. The police would look at the size of him compared to me and laugh. Morally wrong, sure. But unfair, no fucking way. This was my 'Boys will be boys'. My scapegoat.

No, I wasn't fond of violence but I was learned in it.

Before my cigarette had even touched the ground his fat fingers dug into my shoulder, forcefully shoving me to the gravel. To him, I was like a damn paperweight. One second I was standing, the next I wasn't.

Rocks ate at my palm, my keys lodging into my skin. Fuck. I gasped, quickly moving off the ground. Narrowly avoiding his boot.

He was Strong, yes.

Fast, no.

How very kind of Stacy to get the biggest guy at our school to beat me up. Bitch was too scared of getting hit again. Before she whipped out a crowbar I had her bleeding on the driveway. Her mangled teeth were something I'd never forget.

Fuck her and fuck him.

I struck Jimmy once when I was back up. A closed fist to the bridge of his wide nose. Enough to rattle agony through my hand and even though he gasped at the hit he was a lot stronger than me and drunk beyond words. Beyond feeling.

He managed to shove me to the gravel again with little more than a strike from his forearm. Something pierced through my hand this time. A rock or gravel. I didn't know.

Fuck.

If Dad taught me one thing it was that you didn't stay down in a fight. The ground was the worst place you could be. Especially if that asshole was built like the Incredible Hulk.

I stumbled to my knees, a little shaky but...This time his boot met its mark. My whole side burning alight with crippling pain. I gasped as the ground dug into my back. Unable to breathe. Unable to think. Just gasping for air.

Oh fuck. I think I passed out for a second because when I opened my eyes again he was straddling me.

"Not so tough now are you, you fucking bitch?", Jimmy's alcoholic breath scraped my ear, his bloodied nose dribbling onto my cheek. Fuck. I gasped, wincing at the disgusting liquid that slid down my neck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. "Look at me", He demanded, steroid-aided arms pinning me down by my chest and throat. Flat across both. What could I do?

Anything. Anything to not end up back at that hospital again.

Shit. I was close to my car. I could feel the tread of rubber on my ankle. An idea sprang to mind as that sweaty mass above me drunkenly spoke, "You got any weapons on you?", Then I felt his hand skim down my side and over my front pockets. Every morsel of him just disgusting. I flinched and kicked off my tyre, launching my knee into his crotch. It met beautifully up the centre. Slamming into every inch of manhood he had. But it wasn't enough. No. I pounced when his grip relaxed a fraction, I kicked him off me and onto his back. Then I hit him when he was on the gravel. Punching him three times. Swift, clean hits to his jaw. "I don't need weapons", I hissed there before stumbling to my feet. But it still wasn't quite enough. Not when I thought of why he wanted to hurt me. What he would've done if I stayed on that gravel. It was a warning. And He'd get his warning in return.

All the while his groans and swears radiated through the night. "You fucking bitch!", He repeated over and over, Holding onto what little manhood he had as he gripped onto my tyre to get himself up. I stomped down on that fat wrist. Feeling it trapped under my heeled boot. My rage taking over anything reasonable within me. Anything calm.

He yelped beneath it.

I should've walked away. But I didn't. I kept my weight on his arm and knelt with my knee against his bobbing throat. Ratty eyes balking in the night. "Get up!", I hissed, driving my knee that bit harder, "Get up and fight me like a man, you pussy. I'm not going to beat the shit out of someone weeping on the ground. So I implore you to stand. Please. Get up",

I took a step back from him, waiting for his groaning mass to rise from the gravel.

He was fast and on his own feet again in a few seconds. His first thought was to tackle me but I leapt out of his way and launched my knee into his ribs. Hard. Holding onto my tray to do it. He hit the side of my truck, bouncing off the red paint with a growl. His fat hand gripped the roof bar while the rest of him stumbled to keep upright. "You win. You win", He pleaded with a whimper while spitting out a glob of crimson. Every fibre of him just quaking. Like a dog that had been kicked. Pathetic.

He held his arm against himself, bracing it at the wrist even while he was still keeled over, letting the blood drain from his nostrils and mouth. I let myself settle a fraction there. Feeling the tightness of my side. The damage he'd done. We were done here.

"Go home, James.", I spat through gritted teeth. He nodded lightly. As best he could. I think I hurt him. He hurt me too.

Wordlessly I took a step back from him, offering the napkin I had in my rear pocket for his bloodied nose. He reached out for it and That's when his elbow swung at my jaw, meeting perfectly.

A coward's hit.

The ground coming at me quickly. Blood coated the inside of my mouth. Teeth cutting through my gums. Everything within my body ceased to function when rocks ate at my spine. Fuck. I groaned. Darkness encompassed my sight. That night sky beaming above me. All I could hear was the pounding of my own heart. The blood flowing through me. Stay down it begged. Stay down.

And then, A miracle, something darted past me like a speeding bullet, hurtling into The Goliath at my feet. Bringing both of them down. I heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh. My head lulled to the person who swung on Jimmy.

Stay down. I begged myself. Fuck. I was in so much pain I thought I was going to pass out. But I pushed myself off that gravel, each movement coercing a groan from my lips. Holding the tray of my truck to stand. To stay upright. Fuck. I hated the taste of blood.

Mystery guy had Jimmy beneath him and had welted the shit out of his face by then. A gushing stream of red coming down his nose. Might've broken it. But Jimmy, he was a lot bigger than both of us. A lot stupider too. I watched through squinted eyes as he head-butted the mystery guy and threw him off like a rag doll. Only to stumble to his feet with the aid of my bullbar. The mystery guy was faster though. Seemingly more pissed off than before. I noticed then he still had a cigarette in his mouth. Noticed who it was.

My eyes went that bit wider as a blade bit the night air. Embedded deep in the waistband of Jimmy's jeans. A fucking Swiss army knife. His opponent backed away a step. This was enough.

Enough.

Fucking men.

I groaned to reach for the tyre iron in my tray. My fingers enclosing around its cool metal. Fuck. I uttered a muted sob at the agony in my ribs, exhaling through clenched teeth. This was a shit idea. But it was the only one I had. Here we go, I groaned with each step. The boys now grappling for that knife. But Jimmy shoved him back again and I took the opportunity to swing that tyre iron straight into his face. He went down like a sack of rocks slamming into the ground.

Thank fuck.

I held onto my side. My ribs. They burned like someone was prodding me with a hot poker. Stabbing at my flesh. My boots stumbled back a step then two, leaning into my truck. Just breathing so hard that my chest began to hurt. The guy beside me was the same. We waited with panting breaths as Jimmy's getaway driver hauled him into his car. Tyres screeched not a minute later.

"Fuck...fuck", The words came out as a whisper.

"I told you not to come", Beside me Billy Hargrove turned his gaze, his eyebrow split and bleeding down the side of his face. A cigarette still firmly between his lips. I blinked slowly, letting the crimson dribble from my mouth onto that gravel floor. Everything shaky. Sort of distorted. When I glanced up again to those green eyes I gently turned his face with my hand. Checking both sides. It was only the eyebrow wound. My head nodded on its own, fingers curling tighter around that tyre iron. One thought sprung to mind. Stacy Messner. I turned back to the mansion behind us, dislodging my car key from the centre of my palm. "Fuck", I whimpered, pressing my forehead into the edge of the tray until the searing bite subsided. Every muscle in my body trembling. Billy took it upon himself to rifle through my truck for a towel to stem my bleeding. Turning me by the shoulder.

That fucker, Jimmy, split my lip.

Green eyes looked me up and down nodded lightly as he did. "Wipe off the blood and leave", He ordered, pushing that towel into my chest. I grabbed it softly. Wincing at the pain that came with it. My whole side on fire. Without warning he lifted the hem of my shirt. His eyes widened. Then he touched it. The fucker touched my waist. Coercing a colourful curse to fall from my lips.

"Nothing's broken", He huffed smoke into my face, and I smacked away his fucking hand. Clasping mine to my bruised waist with that iron in the other. My eyes were solely on that mansion. "Where you going, Rambo?", He grunted at me.

"I'm going to break her knees",

"Leave. Sierra", Billy spoke again with no kindness, taking that iron from my grasp. I watched him toss it in my tray. Clasping that towel to my lip. "Why?"

"Because she has more friends than Jimmy",

My jaw clenched as those green eyes bared down on me. Unblinking. Unkind.

"You one of them?",

"You know what? Fuck you", Billy sneered, the sound of his ring whirring off my tray making me startle. He retreated to his car.

Fuck. I opened the driver's door to mine. Gently reaching for the handle above my driver's seat. Nope. Nope. It wasn't happening. It would've been a lot easier if he wasn't watching me.

Probably smiling to himself.

Enjoying every moment.

"Fuck", I whimpered, angrily swapping the hand that reached, but in my movement Billy snatched the key out of my hand, gently nudging me out of the door.

"We can come back for it", He spoke begrudgingly, inserting the key into the door and locking it. Afterwards, he pocketed my blood-stained keys, ushering me back towards his Camaro. I slid into it much easier than my car. Listening to the engine roar to life. The tires grasping at gravel. And then we were speeding.

I sat there with my head firmly back on the seat, each breath like knives stabbing into my ribs.

Why?

Why did he do that?

Why didn't he let me get my ass handed to me?

There was no way he did it out of the goodness of his heart. I murmured lightly after a bit, "You gonna tell me the ulterior motive you had for saving me?"

He laughed, this sarcastic, sadistic sort of chuckle. The kind of thing you wouldn't want to hear alone In the darkness. "What? Like I want something from you? You're a fucking bitch",

"Do you?".

"Jesus fucking c-How about next time I just watch? Is that okay with you, Sierra? Or does that make me an asshole too?!",

"Your girlfriend did this to me. Fuck you, and fuck your feelings",

His face shrivelled in disgust, "Stacy isn't my girlfriend",

"Okay, your piece of ass of the week then...She's going to fucking hate you", I laughed painfully, watching the trees whir by in black blurs. "I'm done with her anyway", He sighed, checking his rearview.

"So soon? I thought you two would make it", My eyes closed to speak. Otherwise, my thoughts would just scramble. I gasped as the car slid on the road. His foot lodged firmly on the brake pedal until we skidded to a stop between nothing and nowhere. By the light of his centre console, he turned to me. Murder rising in his green eyes. Beneath his lips, I could see his tongue slide over his teeth. "The only people who sit in that seat this late are filthy whores and easy women. But usually, it's both of us there. And unless you've got some hidden talents You aren't either...so for the rest of the drive you're going to shut the fuck up. Or you're gonna walk",

"Psycho", I murmured under my breath, his neck turning to me so fast I thought he'd get a cramp. "Say it again", He warned, spit coming away with his words. "Say it again, Sierra!",

Fuck this. I rocked my sight to him, a hand clasped on the door handle. "Psycho", I spoke louder, simultaneously pulling on the handle. But the door didn't open. "Oh, great doors that don't open", I tried it again but no luck. Giving up after another take. I flicked my sight back to his unimpressed glare that darted between the door and me. Sealing my fate by leaning back in the passenger seat when my ribs couldn't take the movement anymore, "At least bury me outside of Hawkins when you've finished murdering me",

"It's locked", He huffed, taking off again.

I didn't say anything but rolled my eyes as we started moving. Feeling less at ease sitting in his passenger seat.

Fucking psycho.

I shook my head. Past the highway, he turned off and I realised I never told him where I lived. My heart raced that bit faster as we pulled into the driveway of a White House on Old Cherry Road.

I was going to die..

This was how it ended.

He'd pretend to save me then Stacy would pop out of that house with a chainsaw.

"Get out", He ordered, turning off the engine.

I knew this neighbourhood. My house wasn't far. I could walk. As I slipped out of the passenger seat all those things drifted through my mind.

"You waiting for an invitation?", He grunted, unlocking the front door. He lived here. Did he live here?

My brows furrowed, but I was cold and sore so I followed him into that small house. A lounge room greeted me as I stepped in the door, every light in the house on. And while the home was small it was warm with photos and things that littered each corner. "Bathroom's that way", He motioned to the door at the end of the hallway. Shrugging me off. I shook my head, limping down the corridor. The bathroom was minimal and tiled in light green with matching fixtures. And as I shut the door behind me I caught my reflection. Nearly gasping.

Blood was dried down my neck and chin. My lower lip red and swollen at the side. And my skin was stark white. I reached for some paper towels. First washing the red from my hand, the jagged cut weeping puss. Afterwards, I cleared the dried blood from my neck, cheek and chin. The front of my shirt was just covered In it. Ugh. I was woozy. Enough so I had to grasp the sink.

Then I heard the front door slam shut. Voices echoing back and forth. Arguing. Followed by a shrill scream.

Shit. Quickly I dabbed my lip, holding a bit of paper towel against my palm as I exited the bathroom. Eyes shot at me. And I couldn't help but stare at the man who had Billy by the collar of his leather jacket, slammed up against the wall. Behind him, the debris of a floating shelf clattered to the ground onto the floral carpet. The man, no doubt his father, gently released him as I entered the living room and froze there. Already a red mark settled on the side of Billy's cheek. Something that would be a bruise tomorrow.

A red-headed woman was the first to speak.

"You didn't tell us you had company, Billy", She smiled at me very kindly. Her blue eyes twinkling under the lights. Until she finally caught the state of me and her sight settled back on her husband. Sharing an understanding gaze.

"He doesn't. I Uh-Got into a fight at Stacy Messner's party and couldn't drive so-", I shrugged, motioning to their living room. "Sorry. I'm Sierra.", I shook my head, extending my unwounded hand to the woman in the blue dress. I sounded like an idiot.

"A fight?", She smiled weakly, not believing it for a second. I mean it did look suspicious. I didn't fault her for it. But she shook my hand nonetheless.

"Yeah-Uh, It was my fault. I told everyone at school that Jimmy Volksem was taking steroids. And well...roid rage", I couldn't help the words that poured from my mouth.

"Have you seen that boy? I'm not surprised", Billy's dad shrugged as if he'd not just had his son by the collar a minute ago. Taking a seat in front of the TV. And I could only look at him sideways like I'd seen a dog walk on its hind legs. I wanted to ask what I'd walked into. But...Billy Hargrove didn't deserve a fucking thing from me.

"Would you like us to call the police?", The wife asked, eyeing off my hand.

The police? Right. For me.

"Nah, I got a few good hits in and your boy sent him packing.", I shrugged. Billy was silent, still against that wall as if he were paralysed. He looked scared.

"...I—Uh don't expect to see him again",

"Where are your parents?". His Dad grunted at me, glaring through his brows.

"My Dad's in Boston", I replied weakly, trying to not crumble under the crippling anger that quaked in my bones. Don't do it. I begged myself. Don't get involved.

"What's he doing there?".

And as I turned toward Mr Hargrove I saw the glassiness within Billy's eyes. Staring ahead but not truly there.

He was a psycho. A fucking user and overall prick.

Don't get involved.

Fuck it.

"He's a police officer by trade but operates out of the headquarters for child protective services.", I spoke calmly, watching Billy's mom return with a bandage. Offering to look at my hand. I let her.

"What's that?", He questioned unenthusiastically, unscrewing the lid of a beer bottle.

"An organisation that protects children from really shitty parents. Takes them out of abusive, neglectful, dirty homes.".

"I think that's a wonderful thing". Mrs Hargrove nodded weakly while wrapping my hand. "I'm going to give you some pain medication. Take two a day with food", She added. I must've looked confused because his Dad piped up again. "She's a nurse...It's an interesting thing your Old man was a cop. What Branch?".

"FBI", I smiled as best I could.

"You thinking of following in his footsteps?".

"I'm already halfway through the door", I silenced the ignorant

prick.

"What kind of things does your Dad see in that line of work? It must be horrific.", Mrs Hargrove returned, handing me a white bottle of pills.

"From what he's told me beaten kids are top on his list.", I explained meeting Mr Hargrove's light eyes. "Takes a real piece of shit to lay hands on your child...but that's just what he's told me", I shrugged, watching Billy's mouth hang agape. Mrs Hargrove too was silent. Uncomfortable. "It was a pleasure meeting you both though, I suppose I should head home.",

"You heard the girl", Mr Hargrove grunted to his son who moved begrudgingly from his spot. "And keep off the gas. I'm not buying you another fucking car, dipshit",

"Hey, And maybe the next time you see me I'll be wearing a badge", I smiled sweetly.

And that's all the sympathy Billy would ever get from me.

All the fucks I'd ever give about his well-being.

"Yeah...maybe", Mrs Hargrove weakly smiled, seeing me to the door. Billy came through the door like a hurricane. Not waiting until I was there to start the car. But he stayed there until I limped to the passenger side. Sliding into that seat. There He closed the door for me. Leaning over my lap to do it. We sat there for a minute. His hand resting lightly on the steering wheel, the other on his chin. His leg bounced restlessly. Thinking, just thinking. And I didn't blame him for being upset. I doubt anyone had ever witnessed what I did. Perhaps he wondered if I'd tell anyone.

His lips pressed together tightly, watching the front door as if a monster would pop out of it.

I didn't know what to say. While I didn't see him get hit I knew by the swollen mark against his brow and cheek that it had been a strike with a lot of rage behind it. The face was pretty amazing like that, it took great lengths to make a residual mark like his.

Jimmy's strike had cut his brow by chance, maybe because of the gold signet ring on his middle finger. But it didn't leave much more than a welt. It might bruise but not drastically. Not like my ribs would.

Fuck I just wanted to go home.

"Want me to drive?", I asked, not waiting for an answer as I opened my door. By the time I rounded the front, he had already slid over to the passenger seat. His neck pressed firmly against the headrest. Okay. I nodded, behind the wheel of the beast. My leg pressed the clutch and brake as I shifted into reverse. The engine roared as I kept on the accelerator, reversing out of the driveway. I didn't like low cars but this one was fun. And faster than anything I'd ever driven.

I didn't know a lot of things but I knew cars. I knew double clutching, while not necessary, felt a whole lot better in a car like his. Made the gear changes that bit smoother. Grandad taught me that.

As we reached that highway surrounded by woodland again I watched Billy shift in my peripheral vision. That mark on his face now glowing with shades of blue.

"Does-does your Dad work at that place?", He asked softly, like all life had been drained from him.

"No. He's an Agent of the CIA", I explained, carefully changing lanes.

"Where are you going?", He questioned bluntly.

"To get my car?",

"Just go to your house and I can get you in the morning", He exhaled, coercing me back into the other lane. As I did his eyes drifted over to me from the headrest, speaking in the rawest voice I'd ever from him, "-So why'd you say that he was then?",

Why? Why? I couldn't explain it. Why I'd ever make up such a lie for him? Stacy Messner's fling.

My fingers tapped against the black steering wheel in my thought. Taking a moment to answer. "Uh-Seemed like a good idea",

He didn't say anything but nodded, his throat bobbing. Thinking maybe. I didn't know.

"I was gone for like five minutes, what happened?". I asked, motioning to my cheek as we came to a crossroads.

"None of your fucking business", He murmured, watching for traffic as we went straight through.

He was such a prick.

I breathed a sarcastic laugh through my nose. Every morsel of me aching. Hurting. I wasn't in the mood to deal with him. With his nastiness.

"You know one of these days you're going to not be an asshole to me",

"Why? I don't like you", His brow furrowed, speaking as if it were a matter of fact.

"I don't like you either", I smirked, changing down a gear, "But you know, wishful thinking.",

"Do you ever shut the fuck up?",

"Don't be nasty", I warned,

"Or what?", He challenge through bared teeth.

"I'll offer you to Satan",

"...Fucking freak" He murmured under his breath.

It was silent after that. All for the sound of the engine and the tyres on the gravel road. And every goddamn breath I took just shuddered agony against my side. I couldn't take a deep enough breath to satisfy. Not without wincing against it. Without feeling like my whole body was a big bruise.

Overall I was pretty miserable.

"I told you not to come", He spoke after about two minutes of silence. Smirking about it.

Fuck, he was just a goddamn migraine. Well suited to Stacy.

"Why?", I bit back. "What does it matter to you?"

"It doesn't",

"Then shut the fuck up", He looked at me with slightly parted lips, surprised. A little murderous. "You're not my fucking hero. You're just a guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.", I sneered, feeling my anger flare. But he did save me...he didn't have to. But he did. So I quickly added, "And how's it going to feel when Stacy tells everyone you saved the Devil Worshipper? She'll destroy someone like you",

"And you're what?", He scoffed, rudely adding, "Immune? No. An uptight bitch-Is that right?",

"Yeah, Billy, I'm an uptight bitch.", I shrugged, not caring anymore. I just wanted to reach home and then never speak to him again. Everything just hurt and he was irritating me. Grinding on my last nerve. "That's why I'm not friends with you. Even I have minimum standards.",

"I'm not crying about it. There's plenty of other bitches in the sea. Not my fault no one wants little devil worshipping Sierra", He shot back with a smile. "Kade sure doesn't. I mean you could be naked and straddling a fucking Harley and he'd still walk past you, Morningstar, because you're just a fucking bitch", He laughed at that last bit. The whole thing was very funny.

I was done. Done talking to him. He was fucking disgusting. That Didn't mean what he said didn't hurt though. Didn't mean it didn't just kick me while I was down. I shouldn't have let it get to me. But it did. And I started thinking maybe I was just too nasty to be with someone like Kadence. Too much of a weirdo.

He was one of the popular kids after all. One of Billy's friends.

And I...was the satanic freak.

Two different worlds...

"What? No response?", He exhaled, glaring toward me. "Hail fucking Satan",

"Go fuck yourself, Billy", I ground out, changing up a gear.

"I Don't need to, Sierra. Might do you some good though. Clear the cobwebs", He looked me up and down in that shit-stirring manner that made me want to hit him. I'd heard similar words come from Stacy. At this point, he might as well have been her. Fuck it.

I stopped the car about a mile from home. Nothing abrupt. Or dangerous. I just sort of rolled to a stop on the side of the highway and jumped out. Leaving the engine running.

"I wasn't offering", Billy sneered as I came around the bonnet but I kept walking. Every fucking step just rattling pain through my side. Almost like a size thirteen boot had slammed into my ribs.

"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck", I chanted with each step. Each uneven bit of road. The cool night wind slammed into my skin.

Fuck this place.

Fuck Billy Hargrove.

It was always so dark at night here. No street lights or houses to pollute the sky. It was just pitch black but for the silhouettes of trees. I'd fucking walk. I'd goddamn crawl if I had to just to get away from him.

If I crept through the woods and cut across Maple Street I'd get there in half the time. Sounded good to me.

As I limped off to the side of the road I held on to my waist with my opposing arm. Ten minutes. I promised myself. Ten minutes.

It wasn't ten minutes. Maybe closer to half an hour. Fuck.

I felt like I was going to pass out. My head sort of spinning.

"Goddamn", I swore, holding on to the solid trunk of a tree before that ground came at me with incredible speed. The bark was coarse against my injured palm. Biting into my arm beneath the thin material of my long-sleeved shirt. I breathed there for a second. Blinking rapidly into the night.

Just as my eyes adjusted something darted through the woods. A figure that was much bigger than me. Much more powerful. Sticks cracked beneath its weight. Branches thwacked the air and wobbled. The sound of this thing was just terrifying. I stilled. My whole body going rigid. Watching where that thing had been.

But it was silent now.

"What the fuck?", I whispered, my heart beating a million miles a second. I watched that space for about a minute. Unable to move. Or think. It's not like I could run away from anything that tried to attack me in these woods. Maybe I should've stayed in the car. Yeah. That would've been a much better idea.

Then something grabbed my shoulder and I almost screamed. Turning me around quickly and violently, with a sharp hiss from my lips. Only to see that prick I was trying to get away from when that bark was against my spine.

"I'm not fucking around, Sierra, get in the car", He warned me only once, his spit hitting my cheek. All arched and ready to fight. Probably about as irritable as I was. I blinked at him once as a cloud of smoke escaped through his mouth and hit my face. When it did I gently took the cigarette that hung from between his lips. The orange end of it the only light in this place. He just looked at me while I turned it towards myself, placing it between my lips. My eyes stuck on him as I breathed in that rancid air from the end of it. Exhaling slowly onto his neck and chest. Breathing it out of my nostrils. I placed it back in that space between his agape mouth with no more than an annoyed frown from him. "I'm not arguing", I spoke softly, turning the pendant of his necklace to face the right side before I took a step back towards the Camaro. Very ready for tonight to end.

He followed at my heels, silent as I slid into the passenger seat. Shutting my eyes against that agony in my ribs. One of them had to be broken. It had to be.

The door closed beside me then he got into the other side. The whole car lurching forward. "Where am I going?", He grunted at me.

"Leta Boulevard, then take a right", I murmured as we turned into the boulevard. The engine roared to life under his lead foot. We'd be home in no time.

Another left-hand turn and we were waiting for the electric gate to whir open at my house. I didn't have the remote so I had to get out and manually input the pin. His eyes kind of went wide as we drove in silence up the sloping concrete. Stopping where the driveway went flat and circled back around. The front door to my right.

Fuck. I just wanted him to leave. But...He did get punched in the face for me.

"Let me clean your face before you go", I spoke firmly, eyeing the dried blood on his cheek. "You look disgusting",

He didn't respond but opened the car door, green eyes glancing up to Dad's two-storey house In the woods. Its deep grey colour reflecting nothing of its surroundings. And as I mounted the front porch heavy footsteps followed behind. He watched me put in the code for the lock. The double-wide red door opening for us. It was warm inside. The sort of thing you felt as soon as you put a foot in the sitting room. I'd had the fireplace on constantly on this level. It warmed the whole house.

The heavy door closed with a click as he filed inside. My steps automatically going towards the main bathroom at the rear of the house. A black and white tiled room with a bath, shower and toilet all in one room. My hands rifled through the medicine cabinet, grabbing some antiseptic and cloth. I pondered reaching for the fabric strips but I didn't think he'd be caught dead wearing one on his face. When I returned he was seated on my black couch, his elbows on his knees. And his skin was just white. Drained of all energy. It probably didn't help he'd been drinking the whole night. But I was impressed he was still solid on his feet after being both intoxicated and punched twice in the face.

The saint in me swung by the fridge before I returned to him. He kind of looked at me sideward as I set down a can of Coke and some Skittles in a bowl in front of him. Taking the time to open the can for him before I took a swig of my drink. "You look like a ghost and I'm not peeling you off the floor if you pass out. The cat will keep you company though. He might sleep on your face but hey, a friend is a friend.", I shrugged, watching him take the can in his palm at my threat. I snacked on a few Skittles before even attempting to clean his face. Waiting for him to finish his drink and handful of candy first. I didn't ask as I poured some antiseptic onto my yellow cloth, sitting on the ottoman in front of him. Moving it closer so I could reach his face.

"You live here alone?", He exhaled, glancing around the room filled with paintings, a couch and not much else.

"I do now", I sighed, wiping the blood that had crusted on his brow. My face not hiding the reaction to how bad it looked. A thick slice divided half his dark brown brow. Parts of his fringe and hair were dyed red.

"There's no way you're not a narc", His eyes narrowed.

"Should I just start telling people I am? It'd make my life easier", I questioned mindlessly as I tried to concentrate, turning his face by his chin.

"You do what you want", Billy bit, his jaw clenching as I touched that bruise on his cheekbone. I tried not to show it. I tried not to feel pity for him. But I felt for him. More than he'd ever know. I'd learned from my father's job that abusive parents make fucked up kids. And he was on his way to being near explosive. That goddamn anger made talking to him like walking on eggshells.

I hated him.

I fucking hated him so much.

There was no way.

No way.

"Okay, look", I closed my eyes to think as I put down the antiseptic. "I don't like you. At all. I think you're an absolute sleaze who probably burns ants in his free time. And I don't appreciate people who are so openly aggressive about picking off every girl in our school...but". I sighed, leaning back in my ottoman as his face reflected the full impact of my insult. "If...when. Anything like what I saw tonight happens again you can come here. I won't fucking talk to you. I live upstairs so I probably wouldn't even notice you're here. I'm not going to be your friend. Or anything else you had in mind. But it's a place away from those people.".

He was kind of shocked. Speechless and insulted all In one. He didn't say anything else to me but walked out the door. Slamming it behind him. Then I heard his car turn over and the screeching of tyres.

--

The morning after Stacy Messner's party was in all terms of the word, fucked. Billy had stormed out of the house at 3 Am. And I'd dragged my ass up the stairs to my room, peeled my clothes off and crumbled on the shower floor. Watching blood and debris splatter the grey tile. The rest of the morning I slept in a towel, anything else was too painful. All thanks to the great black bruise that encompassed my waist and stomach. The swelling on my lip has gone down considerably in the night, puffiness replaced by yet another bruise. This one at least was coverable by makeup. The split at the side of my mouth, however, was not. At 7 AM I crawled out of bed in pure agony, swallowing down the painkillers Mrs Hargrove had bribed me with. I had to get up. I had to get my car before Stacy had it towed. Or crushed. Or both.

It took a while to find clothes that wouldn't destroy my waist with bands or belts or buckles. But I settled on a blue hooded sweatshirt and black pants that had an elastic waistband. Shoes, I groaned. Slipping on my boots without socks. I didn't lace them. Didn't brush my hair after combing out the blood at 3 AM. It was fine. I reassured myself, groaning with each step down the staircase. Exhausted by the time I reached the couch. There I rested my eyes for a minute. Just resting.

At 8.05 AM the doorbell rang, waking me from my slumber.

"Fuck", I swore, limping towards the door. Still wiping the sleep from my eyes as the sun hit me. There on my porch Billy Hargrove stood, as fresh as a daisy in his matching denim jacket and pants. His dirty blonde hair was perfectly styled and hanging by his shoulders. Aviator glasses graced his face to disguise his bruises. And it did it well. To him, I probably looked like a goblin shying from the sunlight. He chewed his gum softly before speaking. "Ready to go?".

I blinked slowly, shielding the sun from my eyes. "What?", I asked, clearing my hoarse throat, "...What?", I asked again. The last thing I remember was him storming out of this door and now he was here acting like it never happened.

"Unless you have another way to get your car", He smirked

"Right...right", I murmured, blinking slowly again, "I don't-don't have the keys".

Something jingled as he reached into the front pocket of his tight jeans, my key ring hanging off his fingers. He dropped them into my hand. Waiting.

"Okay", I sighed, stepping out of the doorway, still half asleep as the door closed behind me.

More stairs I groaned internally, grasping that railing for dear life. Three small stairs and then a flat driveway I promised myself. Each step down them making me hiss. The sun was too fucking bright. He opened the passenger door from the inside of the car for me, waiting for my crippled ass to try to even slide down into his seat. I did. Every swear beneath the sun falling from my lips. My side throbbing now. He reached across me to close the door, knowing I couldn't. Silent turning over the engine.

"I feel great", He commented as we turned out of the driveway and onto the road. I, who sank into his passenger seat with my thumb and forefinger pinching the bridge of my nose in agony...well, I couldn't relate. "I fucking hate you". I groaned, swallowing away my agony. Finally, I opened my eyes, startled to see how fast we were going. Flying. If we had any luck we'd crash and die and I wouldn't have to deal with the fire at my side. He smirked at my agonised groan. Every position in this seat tore at my damaged muscles. Five minutes. Five more minutes. I reassured myself. Breathing through my teeth.

Internal bleeding? Maybe.

"You going to the game tomorrow?", Billy asked. Not to know my answer but to antagonise. I didn't give a fuck about high school basketball. "Harrington's playing"

"I don't give a fuck",

"That's too bad.",

"Is it?", I questioned, I wouldn't be leaving my bed for a week, let alone attending an after-school game.

"Just making conversation",

"Well don't. There's no need to fill the silence. You hate me remember?", I begged him to just shut up. To let me suffer in peace.

"Why do you think I haven't stopped smiling?",

"Fuck yourself", I snarled, that pain too much to form proper sentences.

"I Don't need to. Where do you think I'm going after this?", He smirked while downshifting. "The bruises are a real pussy magnet. I've got Darcy Renton lined up",

"You're disgusting",

"We're all adults here, Sierra", He was enjoying this. Seeing me this way.

"I'm an adult. You're just a cun-", He clasped his hand over my mouth before the word could escape. His silver ring pressed into my jaw. Green eyes bared down at me, veering dangerously long off the road. "You should be a little more thankful that I came back for you at all",

The whole time I didn't blink. Not as the car began to go outside the lines. Close to falling off the side of the road. But my heart went haywire.

Do it.

Kill us both.

Make my day.

He looked a little bewildered when my neck tilted under his grasp, those wide eyes narrowing slightly. Daring him to do it. Wouldn't be the worst thing that'd happened to me. And as he looked back to the road he tore his hand off my mouth. My eyes flickered back to the window beside me.

"Remember what I said about that seat, Sierra",

"Will you stop being a psycho for two seconds?", I groaned, holding the bridge of my nose to still the ache in my side. It hurt so bad I could hardly breathe. "Fuck",

"I told y-",

"Yeah. I heard you the first seven times", I snapped.

"I'm fine, though, thanks for asking",

"I don't care, you asshole",

"If you're gonna pass out, don't do it in my car",

"You don't get a choice", I groaned, "If I did, I wouldn't be here with you",

"Really? I would trade this view for the world",

"I hate you",

"That's what makes it even better",

"Hug a landmine",

"Sierra, my patience is short on a good day. So why don't you show a little gratitude?",

"Why don't you blow me?!", I half yelled and whispered in the same breath. And whatever had been annoyance shifted to something I couldn't read.

"You on the rags or something?",

"Why? Are you offering me one of your tampons?",

"Don't be disgusting",

"It's nothing to be ashamed about, us little girls have to stick together",

"You don't classify as a girl, butch",

"Then you don't classify as a man, pindick",

"Pindick? Really?",

"Are you asking yourself a question?"

"You're a real piece of work",

"Thanks",

"It wasn't a compliment",

"I'm devastated",

My relief came as Stacy Messner's gravel driveway came into view. My truck, as well as four other cars, were parked there. Wheels still attached and everything. Thank fuck, I sighed. But as we turned into that wooded property my relief was short-lived.

Stacy stood on the front porch of her parent's house. Glaring at the black Camaro that rolled up beside my car. Fuck. I swore.

I'd never hear the end of this.

"You getting out?", Billy asked, lighting up a cigarette between his fingers. He didn't open the door this time. Rude prick.

With my keys grasped firmly in my hand I opened the door and willed myself out of that black car as gracefully as I could. Closing the door behind me. Breathing, just breathing through the pain. My chain jangled as I inserted the car key into the door. A small click and the handle allowed me entry. The first thing I did was roll down the window. Okay. Okay. I eyed my driver's seat. Regretting that lift kit now. I just needed to get up.

With One foot on the metal side step and a hand grasping the handle above my seat I propelled myself up and into the cab. Agony writhing beneath my skin.

The door closed beside me.

"Maybe Next time I warn you not to go somewhere, don't go", Billy sneered through my window. His arms were flat against the doorframe. Was this funny to him? I was hurt. Physically beaten.

Who was I kidding?

He loved this.

Sadistic bastard.

"And miss this?", I shook my head while putting my key into the ignition. But he didn't move. He bent down at the side of my car, picking something up from under his boot, "This yours?",

My sight cast to the shattered locket between his fingers. Bits of Aquamarine gemstone came away in his hand. The face of it was completely crushed. My breath caught in my throat as he opened the mangled hinge, "Who's the guy?", He smiled at the photo inside. I'd glued the sides shut so I didn't have to see it. And I hadn't. Not for four years. Watching Billy tear open the locket was like a thousand knives in me. My breath was clutched in my throat as if I was scared of the mangled silver.

He spoke while wiping away some dirt from the tiny photo, "He's a bit old for you, don't you think?"

"He's dead", Was all I murmured as I outstretched my hand for the locket. His brow raised but he didn't say anything as I placed the remnants of Jack's locket in my coin holder.

"Didn't know you had a brother",

"I don't",

He nodded gently and stuffed his hand in his jacket. "Okay,"

"Thanks for the ride", I urged him to leave for the love of god. Just go.

"You can probably fix that you know? It's pretty solid. You'd only have to replace the-Uh hinge and the stone",

"...I'm not great at fixing things", I sighed through the throbbing pain in my side,

"It's not like you could do more damage to it.",

"Yeah, thanks", I rolled my eyes and grabbed my purple lens aviators from the passenger seat with a groan.

"I'm gonna go", He announced as if I gave a fuck.

"It ain't an airport. No need to announce your departure",

"That's my line",

"And it's gold",

"I know that's why it's my line",

"Oh my god will you just leave already?", I scoffed, while donning my glasses. My arm clasped against my waist. Of course, he wasn't about to do anything I said.

"I'll leave. The code to your gate was 2547 wasn't it?",

"After today it won't be"

"Nah, It'll be fun, we'll catch up, Si",

"Don't call me that",

"Why?"

"I don't like you",

"That's why it's funny. I'll stop by at", He checked his watch, doing some math in his head. "About an hour?",

"Why? You doing fifty-five minutes of cuddling with Darcy?",

"Don't be bitter because you're not invited",

"Don't you dare rock up to my house after your booty call. I will fucking tase you",

"See you then", He smirked, taking his arm away from my door.

"No, you won't",

--

I saw him again an hour and twelve minutes later. A record for him I think. Didn't mean that I expected him to rock up at my house at 9:32 AM as I was just getting ready to leave with my black duffel back slung loosely over my shoulder. At first, I thought it was someone turning around in my driveway until the panel of the gate beeped.

"Fuck", I swore, throwing my bag back into the doorway, "Fuck", I groaned again, and kicked off my untied boots. Unclipping my vest in the same action. Both went back into the living room. I was too sore to take my long-sleeved shirt off over my head. But the black cargo pants I quickly traded for the denim shorts slung over the indoor drying rack.

By the time my gate decided to cooperate with him, I was sitting on the porch swing. Waiting for that dark-coloured Camaro to reach the flat concrete. I stood when it did, holding onto the chain for support. Fuck, I think I broke a rib.

Nonetheless, we met at the steps. I wondered why he was here at all.

He spoke before I could ask that. Still as clean and put together as he had been an hour ago. "Are you fucking kidding me?!",

The sound of his door slamming made me flinch.

Great, he was pissed already.

I spoke against it, my voice as hoarse as anything, "Hi, Sierra. How are we today?", And I swear I'd never seen someone's jaw clamp together that tightly.

"You're a real fucking piece of work. You're just going to throw me under the bus?", Billy spat, "Who is going to believe me, Sierra?", I listened to the way his voice wavered. Wondering what the hell he was on about. What got him so fired up?

My brows raised in my confusion, "What? What are you on about?",

"Don't pretend like you don't fucking know", He snarled, "You wanted to ruin my reputation. Well congratulations. You did. Is this revenge or something?! You bitter you never got a fucking turn? Were you mad that Goth bitches aren't my thing?",

My eyes rolled. He was disgusting.

"Hold on, you saved me. You ruined your own reputation. I told you Stacy would destroy you for doing it, didn't I?",

"...What?", Billy asked with furrowed brows, his sunglasses reflecting my confusion.

"What?",

"What are you talking about?",

"What are YOU talking about? Why are you yelling at me in my driveway you fucking psycho? Go away.",

He straightened up at the words, his hands diving into his coat pockets. And I waited for it. Waited for any explanation. But he didn't offer me one. He just leaned back against his car, his head nodding gently.

"Are we done here?", I asked impatiently. I didn't want to speak to him. He was just an asshole.

"Shaun Walker", He kicked off the side of his car, standing straight.

"What about him?",

"Watch out for him",

"Why?",

"If Stacy is gunning for me. I can't imagine what is coming for you",

I laughed, "It strikes me as odd that the guy who was playing tonsil hockey with her last night suddenly wants to be my friend and warn me about her evil plan",

He scoffed softly in this defeated sort of way, his voice as hoarse as mine, "You know what? Do what you want. I ain't saving your ass again",

"Oh no, what will I do without Billy Hargrove to save the day? I think I'd just cease to exist", I scoffed in return. The movement caused pain in my core. "I don't need any favours. Especially not from Stacy's whore",

"Excuse me?", His head tilted in this predatory manner. Like I'd insulted his entire being.

"Fuck off, Billy", Was all I said as I turned on my heel. But he roughly grabbed my wrist and I span back around so fast my sight went blurry. My muscle memory tried to hit him back. Straight in the jaw.

Don't do it.

But as my hand raised I curled my fingers around the collar of his shirt instead, murmuring with a fast beating heart, "I don't like people touching me on a good day, Billy and I don't give second warnings. Go. Home.",

"Were you gonna swing on me?", He taunted with the ghost of a smile on his lips, his hands raising in surrender.

"Yes", I released his shirt and took a distancing step back. My heart still struggling to slow. I didn't mean to do that.

The sun was beating down on me. Boiling hot. And I clasped my hand to my aching rib in my regret.

Fuck that hurt.

"Hmm...Did that guy in your locket die to get away from you? Because I understand why", I heard him say. The cruel words stilled me.

He meant Jack.

I swallowed before looking back to him.

"Why don't you follow his lead?",

Fuck he was a prick. A nasty piece of garbage. And I was done with him.

"Aww, did I hurt your feelings?", He bit back.

"Jokes on you fucker, I haven't felt anything in years", I sneered absentmindedly. My torso was in agony.

He needed to leave. Just go.

"Don't fuck with me, Sierra.",

He wasn't scary.

Psycho? Definitely.

I smiled at his stupidity, he had no idea who I was, "I'm not afraid of you.", I shrugged as I approached him, "The threats don't work, so I am going to ask you once again, why are you in my driveway?", My sight met his in no way that was nice, unblinking as I looked him up and down. There was no way he came here from a booty call. Unless it was a really bad one. He watched me much the same, unmoving as I tipped the lid on the cigarette packet at his breast pocket and stole one out.

"I told you, we were gonna catch up, Si", He matched my tone with this dumb smirk on his lips that made me think he was bullshitting me. All the while he flicked a silver lighter out of his jeans and lit the end of that cigarette between my fingers.

"I'm not your friend. You sure ain't mine. Don't piss on me and tell me it's raining.", I warned while taking a drag.

"Yeah, Okay. Have fun dying alone", He turned his shoulder, bumping me as he did. On purpose no doubt.

It sparked pain in my side that forced me to hold my breath for a moment.

I took a step back as his door opened. But he didn't get in.

"Hmm, Being friends with a psychopath or dying alone? I choose B", I laughed weakly through a cloud of smoke. Using the cigarette as if it were morphine.

"Choose a noose",

"Go punch a wall, Douchebag",

His eyes rolled, "Do us a favour and let Stacy finish the job this time",

"Fuck yourself",

"Don't need to. You on the other hand",

"Yeah, I don't need penicillin to make it through the week", I said through clenched teeth. It hurt to argue with him. Every breath felt like a cramp in my ribs. "You're a fucking placeholder, Billy, until women get sick of fucking douchebags. No, You're like a valet. They might let you drive the cars but you ain't ever gonna have one of your own. You're pathetic",

His lips pressed together thoughtfully, "I don't have girlfriends",

"Yeah by their choice", I scoffed, exhaling smoke onto him.

"Oh, Same goes for you then, butch?", He snickered while taking the cigarette from between my lips. He took a long inhale and then placed it back where it was, breathing that smoke onto my chest.

"Precisely", I nodded quickly and we stopped arguing for a minute. Only to see we didn't have anything else to talk about if we weren't.

We sort of just glared at each other.

Go. Home.

I pleaded.

Begged.

The reflection of my hair looked good in his glasses though, I couldn't reach above my head long enough to sweep it into anything fantastic so I put it into this messy bun thing. Bits of fringe had fallen out now. Made it look less shit.

"Your face bruised like shit", I observed that coloured mark along his cheek. More crept beneath his Aviators. It wasn't ugly or anything. By tomorrow it'd probably be gone.

"What the fuck did you just say?", His neck snapped to me, anything calm within him turning to dust. I didn't mean the hit from his dad. I wasn't that much of an asshole.

"The other side, you psycho.", I held up my hand to calm him. "It looks like a nectarine that got dropped.",

"Okay, Rocky", He scoffed, "I can barely fucking understand you",

"Well, Your shirt doesn't match your outfit", I pointed to his blue shirt under blue denim. "Are you colourblind?",

"Your cat is ugly", He shot back,

"That's a lie and you know it",

"U G L Y",

"You're ugly",

"I thought your cat was a raccoon", He spoke simply.

"Well, only one of you picks up trash",

It silenced him. And I think he might've been either trying not to laugh or trying not to hit me. Either way he looked pissed.

So I asked, "We done?",

He replied after a while, "Are you calling your friends trash?",

"Wow that was a sick comeback. You sure you didn't get brain damage?",

"Are you?",

Why did he care?

...wait

"What friends are you trying to brag about?",

"Sarah Hughes",

My eyes went wide, "No way. Sarah Hughes touched your passenger seat?", I gasped.

Ew, why was I gossiping with him?

She was more Aubrey's friend than mine but she was so sweet and innocent. And god fearing. Sweet young Sarah.

I hated myself for asking but I needed to know, "...How?",

"Like what position?", He smirked.

The back of my hand smacked his shoulder, brows knitting in disgust, "How'd you convince Sarah to get into that 'blacklight destroyer' ", I motioned to his car behind him.

His shoulders shrugged, "Rumours go around you know. Girls want a man with experience",

My face shrivelled, "Ugh, you're one of those",

"Of what?", His neck tilted as he took my cigarette again.

"Guys with a Virginity fetish. Is that how you keep the ten star rating? Nothing else to compare it to?", I groaned. The whole thing made my skin crawl.

Smoke escaped through his nostrils in his soundless laugh and he handed back the cigarette.

"Why? You looking?",

"Not to die of an incurable STD. No", I took a long drag.

"Settle a bet then",

I looked at him with wide eyes, waiting for the bet

His tongue skimmed his teeth before uttering, "You're not one are you?",

"What? A virgin?", I nearly choked on the cigarette, "No. I just don't sleep with High school dumbasses",

"What you have a little black book you whip out Everytime you want d—",

"No", I spoke above him, "And if I did it'd be none of your fucking business",

"Kinda makes it sound like you're lying", Billy taunted.

I blinked slowly, "Get. Out. Of. My. Driveway",

He smiled at the words, pretending to be hurt, "Don't get hysterical Virgin Mary",

Why did they care?

Every fucking school.

Why was who I slept with on their minds?

My eyes settled on his lighter resting on the roof of the car.

This will fuck with him.

"You want me to prove it?", I asked combatively, taking a step forward, nearly chest to chest. I watched his brow raise above his glasses at the words.

For once he wasn't talking.

"I mean, if you're offering", He replied cooly, watching the smoke rise from my lips. With it I flicked the cigarette onto the concrete and moved closer. Just brushing him. Our eyes locking as I reached behind his head. My fingers skimmed the silver lighter.

Did he really think I was going to kiss him?

Fucking deluded prick.

"Yeah, you got Thomas Anderson's number?", I murmured and placed the lighter in his breast pocket.

His air passed my cheek before I stepped off.

"That doesn't prove anything",

"Oh no...Anyway. As always, I'll see you in hell. And get out of my driveway, douchebag",

"You should watch that mouth, Sierra. Maybe show a little bit of gratitude",

Gratitude?

"How? By fucking you? Did you think that's what would happen?",

His face hardened, a gentle laugh rolling off his lips, "It would be more courteous than what you're doing now. You fucking owe me but instead you're acting like an ungrateful bitch",

I couldn't stand him anymore.

My voice was unwavering as I snarled, "Naturally, riding your dick was the only payment you wanted? Get the fuck off my property you psycho", and I meant it, he was so vile I couldn't stand him, "You're pathetic",

"You said it, Sierra. I didn't",

My eyes narrowed, "It was a reasonable guess",

He exhaled a long breath before snarling,

"The word you're searching for is thank you",

"No. It isn't.",

"Sierra.", He breathed out as if to calm himself, "Who do you think Stacy asked before Jimmy?",

And I was silent. He looked between my eyes with this knowing sort of gaze.

"The word you're searching for is thank you", He spoke in a softer voice as he got into his car. He left me there standing in the driveway with his cigarette in my hand.

Looking like a complete jackass.

--

Monday came and went in a haze of headaches, long showers and sleeping in towels so I didn't have to wrangle on clothes. The pain medication subsiding my agony to dull throbbing when I didn't move. Tuesday dragged its feet and I started my morning by vomiting in the shower. Acid seeping up my throat. I fell asleep there beneath a steady stream of hot water, waking at midday to the sound of the garbage truck scraping metal. By Wednesday I was able to make it to my dresser and adorn some clothes that weren't a towel nor robe. Settling on a midriff long sleeved shirt and some loose pants that were a deep emerald green colour. In that same day I challenged the stairs, making it down to the kitchen but not back up those forsaken steps. So I took residence on the lower floor. Falling back asleep on the couch after raiding the cupboards for water and a snack. That night at 5pm the doorbell rang, waking me from my rest. And I wondered who it could've been. Thinking the worst. But as I peered out the glass panel my lips sat agape. What was he doing here?

I opened the heavy door with a small tug.

"Sierra, Hi", Steve stood outside with his hand in his pockets. His eyes going wide. "Oh shit, he really did beat you up", He whispered, wordlessly coming inside. Under the brighter light he examined my bruised face. Concern spreading.

"Stacy's been pushing that you rejected Billy Hargrove on Saturday night and he put you in the hospital. That's why you're not at school...Did he do that?"

"What? No. Jimmy Volksem", I corrected, ushering him towards the couch. Feeling under dressed in my cropped shirt that expose that nasty bruise on my stomach. "She fucking paid him to...Billy actually saved me which was completely unexpected", I explained in minor detail, taking a seat next to him.

"Well he's been labelled the woman beater at Hawkins high. Which I'm sure if we kept digging we could find proof for", Steve rambled noticing my stomach but quickly glancing away. "I-Uh should've walked you to your car that night, I'm sorry I didn't know",

"Would you have guessed this?",

"After last year, I should've", He exhaled, clipping his sunglasses onto his grey shirt. Turning to me quickly, "Do you-do you need anything? Milk? Eggs? A safety whistle for when you walk to your car? The hospital?".

"No. My Dad has organised groceries for the week.",

"Oh, shit. Is he here?",

"Uh-No he lives in Boston".

"He didn't think this was more important?", Steve questioned, pity forming behind his brown eyes.

"He works for the CIA and was a Navy Seal before that, this--isn't even a flesh wound to him",

"Okay, wow. So what you live here with your mom?",

"I live here with my cat, who would've eaten me alive if I didn't get out of bed", I corrected, queuing the grey fluffy cretin to saunter into the living room, settling beside the fireplace. Steve went silent, running his hand over his chin. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it just as quickly.

"So when you came home from the hospital after the...Crowbar...You didn't have anyone here to make sure you were okay?".

"I had Noodles". I shrugged, motioning towards the cat who did a big stretch and curled up on the fur rug in front of the fireplace.

"Oh, the cat's called Noodles. That's-Uh, different" He murmured, guilt writhing beneath brown eyes. I hated that. I hated the pity that came from his widened stare. The soft nod as he began to piece together everything I tried to keep hidden.

"Can I take you to the hospital? I-I mean this is the nicest way possible but you don't look like you're doing great. At least they can give you some better pain medication? Maybe?",

"If I go to the hospital they're going to call the police and I'm going to have to explain how this happened...", I groaned, thinking of all the ways my Dad would kick my ass for allowing this to happen again. But I also thought of Billy. "Hey, how far has this rumour spread? About Billy?",

I wondered what his Dad would do when this came back to him.

"Everyone knows, it's Hawkins", Steve commented, sort of confused. And my heart just sank.

I guess that's what Billy meant when he yelled at me in the driveway. He thought I'd dobbed him in.

"I hate this town...", I murmured, wincing as I leaned back into the lounge, holding my waist. It was bad enough getting beat up by that Douchebag, now everyone knew about it.

"Sierra, fuck them. Don't think about them. Think about yourself and how you're willing to walk around in absolute agony just to spare Stacy Messner and Jimmy. That's insane.",

He was right.

"I don't want the police involved.", I met those dark eyes pleadingly.

"Okay...okay. Look the sheriff here, Hopper, is an understanding guy, I'm sure if you made some story up about how your Dad was handling it he'd back off. But I've been to Hawkin's Hospital, Sierra. I don't think they'll call the police...",

"Okay, I'll go", I nodded, watching as he stood and offered me his hand. And as we walked, agonisingly slow, to his car his grasp beneath my arm didn't falter. I felt like a wounded soldier being dragged off the battlefield. He opened the car door gently and lowered me inside until I was flush against the leather seat of his BMW. There he did the seat belt, closing my door before he even entered the vehicle.

--

Hawkins Hospital was everything I remembered it to be, understaffed and miserable. Steve waited with me in that emergency room for three hours until a nurse finally looked over my injuries, albeit unenthusiastically. Then she looked at Steve and grimaced. Asking how I'd gotten each cut and bruise. I told her and she backed off on her murderous scowl. Like Billy had told me, nothing was broken. And I was sent on my way with some stronger pain killers, an ice pack and some sort of cream to apply to the bruising. On our way out of the labyrinth we waited for elevator to reach the lobby, the light strobing with each floor we passed. Finally the doors opened and Steve tucked me under his wing again. Someone walked in to the elevator as we were exiting, stilling before they had a foot in the doors.

"Sierra", They called, turning my head.

Fuck. .

"Mrs Hargrove.", My heart sank in my chest. Her blue eyes drifting to the linoleum floor as she spoke, "I know it was Billy that did this to you now and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let him drive you home Saturday night", She glanced back up to me, "I don't really have words for the guilt I felt when his father told me tonight",

"It wasn't Billy, Mrs Hargrove", I shook my head, and her eyes softened. And as her hand rested on my shoulder she near whispered, "Just know, I understand if you choose to press charges against him. I don't blame you...He's out of control",

"I'm not pressing-"

"Goodbye Sierra", She stepped on the elevator before I could explain. My stomach turned and twisted. Thinking of that night when Billy's Dad had struck him clean across the cheek. "That was weird", Steve commented before we moved forward.

Back in Steve's car I began to feel some pressure removed from my chest.

"See, I told you. No police.", He spoke, turning out of the parking lot. I wasn't really paying attention. "Can we swing by Billy's house quickly?", I asked. Those pain killers kicking in. And I sat up straighter in my seat. I had to think of something to do. He was going to go to jail for this. For me.

"Why?",

"Trust me",

With no questions asked he veered onto the highway, past those dense woods. The sound of the tires all I heard. "Okay, you've lived here for a while, what's with all the dead people?", I asked after a little while. "Is this town cursed or something?".

He was silent for a moment, thinking. "I-Uh, Why...Why do you ask?",

"Don't act like you don't notice the weird shadows In the woods. And last year Barb just up and left without telling her parents? I don't think so...then that kid came back after they found his dead body...I fail to believe it's a coincidence". I commented. His muscles going taut.

"Town's just unlucky I guess...", Steve shrugged.

"You know something...", I tilted my gaze, his ability to hide his guilt near nonexistent.

"Okay. I confess. It's me. I'm the creature in the woods. I did it as a dare but then the blood lust got to me...And now every year I pick off Hawkins High students to settle my cravings",

I laughed, his eyes drifting over as he giggled himself. Veering off the Highway.

"Do you take requests?". I asked, holding my side.

"If I did there would be no one left in this town". He murmured, slowing past Billy Hargrove's White House. I looked in the driveway as Steve spoke again,

"His Car isn't there. He's probably at Elise Heather's House. I heard they had a 'date' tonight. And I'm not driving to whatever part of the woods, or haunted asylums, or abandoned reactors that Billy Hargrove goes to to get off",

"Abandoned Reactors?", I questioned as the wheels crunched the gravel and we turned around to head back to my house.

"It's a dangerous place. He's psychotic. It fits",

"I'd hate to destroy your Imagination but I'm pretty sure he just does it in his car", I commented, upset to even know that.

"That's...gross. I mean have some class man. They make beds for a reason.".

"Yeah. To sleep". I laughed. Watching the silhouettes of trees pass us by. Some relief came from the knowledge that he wouldn't be home that night. Not that I should've even cared.

"Seriously though, what kind of white trash buys a fancy Camaro to disrespect it like that. With Stacy Messner. And Amber Getty. And Beatrice White, and Sara Pope. And Valerie Smithers. And Willow Brown. And...Well you get my point".

"He's a man whore? Yeah I got that", I exhaled, wondering what I'd do with a car like that. Drive quickly out of this town.

"What would you do with a Camaro?", I asked Steve mindlessly.

"Okay, so In theory it'd be yellow with black stripes. And I would drive that thing so slow I'd be arrested. And if anyone ever parked next to it at school I'd threaten violence.".

"Nah, I like the black. And I would flog that thing so fast down this highway the police would never catch me",

"So you'd drive it like Billy Hargrove does?"

"Exactly.", I shifted in my seat, "The man has poor taste but he knows how to get his money's worth out of that car",

"Okay, I have to ask, what's with the truck?". Steve asked as we turned into my driveway and I clicked the remote to open the gate.

"It's so unnecessary isn't it? I just wanted it. Partly I wanted to see how desperate my Dad was to keep me In this town. I tell you what though it's a real bitch to get into with this". I motioned to my waist as we climbed the concrete driveway.

"That's okay, anytime you need to go anywhere. You call me. I'll come get you. Even during school hours". He straightened In his seat, seeing the fault in his plan, "You call the school and ask for me and I'll come get you.". Steve corrected himself.

"How are you already such a mom with no kids?", I snickered, watching him switch off the engine and walk around to my side of the car. Opening the door.

"I told you, I'm trying to be a better person". He spoke, reaching over to get my seat belt. I grabbed the handle above me and hauled myself out, my bag of pills clasped in my hand. "I suspect Dad is going to get the hospital bill in the next three days. So if my car goes missing you'll know.", I groaned as he hauled me under his arm and we walked slowly up the stairs and to the door.

"Thanks, Steve", I breathed, pushing open the red door.

"Oh no, I'm making sure you get up those stairs." He swept through the door, ushering me in. I entered the foyer feeling as defeated as before.

"Hey, you said you saw Stacy give Jimmy cash before he attacked you", Steve thought out loud, stilling my steps.

"Yeah?",

"Word to the wise. Her Dad doesn't give her a lot of money so she has this cheque book. What's the bet this wasn't a one time payment?",

"A cheque book?",

"She keeps it in her wardrobe. Under a velvet blanket...As well as that crowbar.",

"Why are you telling me this?",

"If you're going to try to get Stacy for something, get her for everything,

My lips quirked, and I grabbed the sleeve of his bomber before he left, "If you find Billy, can you ring me?",

It was demented, I know. I could see that by his expression, "Why?",

That was a good question, "The people in this place don't care about me, They care about the way my 'Incident' makes them look. Everyone hates him, and now he's got a target on his back...I just have a feeling someone is going to do something stupid."

"I mean, he probably deserves anything coming to him",

"I know. Trust me, I know",

"He's dangerous, Sierra",

"Well, aren't we lucky I can swing a crowbar?"

--

A storm rattled in the sky, pulsating in bright flashes above me. I watched it from the back deck, on the comfort of the wooden steps there. Lighting all as if it was day time in the brunt of it. From it would come a terrible storm. A destructive and mean sort of thing. Existing only to cause harm.

I laughed through my nostrils at the thought, taking a long sip of bourbon. All the while a fire crackled at my feet, licking the night in its metal barrel. And I watched its fury burn through the sticks and wood within until it's heat made me sweat.

This was terrible, awful storm.

I pressed my lips together tightly as I looked down at the pendant in my palm. That ugly blob of silver and blue.

Jack's crooked smile stared back. His brown eyes cutting through me. Going blurry in my sight.

Fuck, I'd loved him.

Loved him so much it made me cry.

He had this way about him. This charming, witty, kind way of speaking. He wasn't the smartest or the prettiest but he was something remarkable. He always took my breath away.

But he had a temper that was untameable. Unthinkable.

And it burned through everything it touched. Until there was nothing left. Not a damned thing.

He gave me that locket on my first day of a new high school. So I wouldn't forget him. He was twenty-five you see and I was the fucking stupid fourteen year old who moved in with him. His young, innocent, virgin girlfriend.

Well I wasn't that anymore,

"There isn't fire cruel enough to burn you", I murmured through the ache in my throat. "But this is a start.",

Before I could bitch out I threw that pendant into the flame and watched that photo shrink into ash. Writhing and curling. Before the whole locket burst apart. I flinched at the sound of silver and stone thrashing against the barrel. Warm tears streaking down my cheeks.

I took another swig of my bourbon and watched the fire dance with my elbows on my knees.

"Fuck you, Jack", I wept,

The sky flashed in a loud clap of thunder. Shaking the earth beneath me. As if it too wished him adieu. "You were a shit boyfriend and I hope you're rotting where you are. You son of a bitch",

I couldn't help the sob that shook me.

In the dead of night I didn't really care. He was gone. But I was still scared of so many things. I'd moved four times from his Dad who sent me threatening letters. Who promised to gut me like a fucking fish if he ever found me. A restraining order didn't do much in a place like this though.

It why I kept a gun beside my bed.

I was scared of Jack. More scared than I'd ever been of anything. Scared to leave him. Scared he'd kill me in my sleep if I stayed.

I guess it didn't matter in the end.

He tried anyway.

I don't know why I even kept that locket. Maybe I was scared that if I took it off that I would look guilty. That somehow I would look like I didn't care, which wasn't true. I loved him until the day he died.

And then never again.

Never again.

--

Wednesday I was summoned to Hawkin's police station. Where my bruises and marks were photographed and for about three hours of my life I was asked the world's dumbest questions by some stand up cops. Even though I told them Jimmy had done this to me. Well, That wasn't the answer they wanted. They were nearly foaming at the mouth to put Billy Hargrove behind bars. I told them to check Stacy's room. Find that cheque book and the crowbar. And whatever other trophies she kept.

Then they asked me.

Would you like to press charges against Billy?

Like broken fucking records.

I knew they wouldn't help me.

And since my interview was recorded I knew Stacy's would be too. Let's just say I did some questionable things to get into their records room and make a duplicate of that. Because those cops were fucking stupid.

I swiped four cassettes of Stacy, Aubrey, Tommy Anderson, Steve. I didn't bother with Billy's.

It took all my restraint to wait until I was home to listen to them.

But I did.

I locked myself in the office with a notepad in front of me and listened to the tape recorder whir.

"State your name for me", A cop's crackly voice came through.

"Stacy Ann Messner",

"Okay, Stacy. Tell me what happened on Saturday night",

"It wasn't just Saturday night", Her voice wavered, "Billy was obsessed with Sierra. He even kept notes she'd given him to leave her alone...I was scared of him. Because of how much he hated her.",

"Why do you think he hated Sierra?",

"Because she said no to him. She didn't want anything to do with him and it made him violent. He told me he can always turn a No into a yes. But he just couldn't with her. And the things her threatened to do to her made me sick",

"And he was your boyfriend?",

"Before I saw how psycho he was.",

"What did you see on Saturday?",

"I saw Billy follow her to her car, they spoke for about a minute and I could see her starting to back away from him. She reached for the tyre iron in her truck and he lost it. He just threw her to the ground and beat the hell out of her. I wanted to help her but I knew what he could do. He tried to grope her when she was on the ground. Sierra fought back though. She hit him hard enough to make him bleed. That's how she got away.",

"Did he tell you what he was going to do that night?",

"He said he wanted to feel what 'being' with Sierra felt like.",

"Being?",

"Sex",

"Oh",

"There's something really wrong with him. I think he might be some sort of sex criminal.",

"Carry on with your story",

"I didn't know he'd beat her...He was drunk though and he gets violent when he's drunk.",

"Had he ever hurt you before?",

"Not like that. I had bruises in places people couldn't see. But nothing that bled.",

"Can anyone verify that?",

"Aubrey",

My hands were shaking as I dislodged Stacy's cassette and replaced it with Aubrey's. Listening to it whir. This one started further into the interview.

"Aubrey. Did you ever see any marks on Miss Messner? Any bruises from Billy?",

"She had one on her shin a few days ago. She said he got angry and pushed her into the side of his car. It was huge. Took up half her shin",

"What did you know about their relationship?",

"He seemed okay at the start. If she didn't get in first I would've tried my luck. I mean he's cute. But so was Ted Bundy. I thought everything was going well with him and Stacy until she pointed out the Sierra thing",

"Sierra thing?",

"He made up some lame excuse about his car not starting so she'd offer to take him home. He didn't know Sierra was good with cars. She fixed it for him. And he just seemed angry. Like she was trying to leave and he wedged himself in her door. I don't know what he would've done if Stacy and I didn't show up. But it didn't really hit me until Stacy's party. He wouldn't leave her alone. Everywhere Sierra went Billy showed up. Even when she told us she was leaving he made some excuse but I know he followed her.",

"Why do you think he was infatuated with Sierra?",

"I don't know. I honestly don't know. She was mean to him. I'm not saying she deserved it but you can understand that she has never once been the bigger person. I guess to a psycho, that really sent him over the edge",

"And what is your relationship like with Sierra?",

"She's my friend. I was friends with her before Stacy...but I guess. I always felt like she was jealous of me. Don't get me wrong I like Sierra but there's definitely personal things she needs to work out.",

"Like what?",

"One time I got a ride home with her and she had a handgun in her glovebox. She said it was her Dad's but she's been here two years and I've never seen him. She's smart. Like beautiful minds sort of smart...I don't know. Sierra just never felt like one of us. She pairs black with black. And listens to Dad Metal.",

"Dad Metal?",

"She has a Blue Oyster Cult tattoo",

"Okay...What other oddities would you describe her having?",

"She hasn't had a boyfriend since she's been here. I mean if I lived alone I'd go nuts. But no. Nothing. No dates. Anyone that shows an interest gets shut down. The only guy she liked was Kade and I'm sorry but he's way out of her league. She's a freak show. There's a reason why we all think she's into devil worship.",

"Which is?",

"She's a freak show",

I couldn't listen to anymore. Fuck, I needed a drink. I hope Dad wouldn't mind me opening his single malt whiskey in the liquor cabinet. My quaking hands poured a glass to the rim and I sat back down to listen to Billy's best friend's tape. Thomas Anderson. I skipped the boring bits. Hearing Tommy's voice crack through.

"Why are you asking me about a stupid note?",

"Answer the question",

"I was there when it happened. It was funny. Sierra wrote a note that said 'Fuck off Douchebag' and gave it to Billy when he tried his luck. He thought it was funny too. I told him to frame it. That's why it's still in his car. I gave him shit about it for months",

"What's your relationship to Sierra?",

"I think she's cool. She's got real balls of steel and doesn't really care what anyone thinks of her. I mean she owned it when Stacy told everyone she was a Satanist. She rocked up the next day in pants with a big pentagram zipper on the front.",

"Did Billy think she was cool?",

"He thought she was hot but she's way out of his league. I told him she's not a one night stand girl. She's one you've really gotta earn. He wasn't mad or upset about it. He moved on because he's not the guy to do that".

"What kind of guy is he?",

"He seems like a real asshole at first. And you convince yourself that he is. But he would give you his last five dollars if you asked him. He's had a really shitty deck of cards handed to him from the moment he could speak. Billy does the best with what he can. He's not a bad guy. And he's never laid a finger on Sierra Morningstar.",

"You don't know that",

"Billy doesn't hit women",

"So you don't know about his Assault and Battery Charge in California?",

"I know that his side didn't matter to you. Just like it doesn't now. Because he's an easy target. You can't go after Stacy because her Dad is a Lawyer. Billy has nothing so who else do you pin it on? The poor kid or the spoilt rich girl? Sierra told you it wasn't Billy.",

"You said Billy doesn't hit women? How would you know?",

"Because his Dad beat his Mom within an inch of her life and now he doesn't have a Mom.",

"I'm reading a quote here from another witness 'Sierra provokes people then gets upset when she gets hurt', does this sound true?",

"Sierra holds her own ground. She doesn't take shit. Whoever said that is an asshole. And trust me if Billy had hit her he'd have more than just a bruise under his eye".

"Explain",

"He'd look exactly like Jimmy Volksem. I see no one was going to bring him up. I talked to a nurse at the hospital. Apparently he has a broken wrist, nose and a fractured rib. I'm curious how you guys wanna explain that.",

"We know Jimmy was there. He tried to intervene-",

"Bullshit. Billy doesn't break bones he goes straight for the knockout.",

"We're done here",

The tape whirred to its end and I took a long sip out of my whiskey. Next was Steve's interview. I skipped it to the good parts.

The officer spoke, "You were in a relationship with Stacy Messner, is that correct?

"Yeah",

"For how long.",

"A year and a half",

"How did it end?"

"With her throwing things at me",

"Why?",

"Why don't you read your report? Stacy is fucking unhinged. And when she bashed in Sierra's skull with a crowbar I was done with her bullshit."

"You were there?",

"She told me we were driving to see her aunt. So I drove her to this two storey house in the woods and then she got out of my car, knocked on the front door and attacked Sierra. I already filed a report about it and nothing was done.",

"Why'd she attack her?",

"She's hated Sierra from the minute she touched down in Hawkins. I don't know why.",

"Tell us what happened Saturday night",

"I spent a lot of time with Sierra. We drank and had fun then she went home.",

"Did you see Billy follow her?",

"Look, she left and he got up about ten minutes later. He wasn't stalking her. You already know Jimmy assaulted her.",

"Why would he do that?",

"Because Stacy gets what she wants and if she can't she'll pay to get what she wants.",

"You think she paid him to attack Sierra?",

"Find her cheque book and you tell me",

"Did she ever pay you?",

"She tried. But I'm not a fucking hit man.",

"Who did she supposedly pay you to 'hit' ",

"Sierra Morningstar",

"How much?",

"500",

"For?",

"Kidnapping and leaving her tied up by the lake. I told Stacy she was fucking insane",

"What's your relationship with Billy Hargrove?",

"I hate him. But I don't believe he attacked Sierra.",

"Why do you hate him?",

"It's a high school rivalry thing. Not because he murders people in his spare time.",

"We're done here".

That fucking bitch. Stacy tried to kill me and she was going to get away with it. Jimmy was going to get away with it. And Billy was going to take the fall. Their fucking scapegoat.

No. That wasn't going to happen.

These backwards Hawkins cops weren't going to get the satisfaction. I wouldn't let them.

--

Thursday came with the pattering of rain on the corrugated roof. Outside my bedroom window the gathering of a storm settled in the grey sky. The balcony already wet. On that morning I had gotten out of bed without a single whimper, swallowing down some pills the hospital gave me with a piece of toast and black coffee. No shower today. I brushed my hair into a messy bun that day, still unable to reach too high. Something about burning that goddamned necklace unleashed a power within me. A second wind.

And I cleaned my from house top to bottom as best I could. Finding anything to get out of having to call my Dad and tell him what had happened to me before he got that hospital bill. But I dreaded it so much it made me sick. Instead I changed my bed sheets and did a load of laundry. By 4PM I'd run out of distractions, so I changed into some cleaner clothes, planning to dart into the grocery store. I donned some black bell bottoms and a white band tee that I tucked into my jeans. Feeling much more human than what I'd felt the day before.

I tossed a black leather jacket on top and some dangly black earrings. Shit, I nodded to my reflection. From a distance I looked fine. It was only when I moved close to the mirror I could really see the damage. And though I was ready I never made it to the door. My heart constricting at the thought of going out in public. Of the residents of Hawkins sneering and chattering about me the second I stepped foot into the grocer. It was enough to get me to flick through the television set for an hour. Getting up to throw more wood on the fireplace.

By 6PM the storm had become deafening outside. Shaking the whole house In it's might. And I gave up the thought of darting to the shops. Instead I raided my house for candles and matches in case the power went down. Rain pelted against the windows and I wondered if the hailstones would shatter the glass. The sound was terrible. I didn't want to be upstairs if it happened. Rethinking my choice to live alone.

Camp was set up on the kitchen counter, there I ate some frozen meal I'd defrosted in the oven. Still in my shopping ensemble. I swallowed down some more pills before it got too late. listening to the rain that clattered on the back deck, the woods beyond it were entirely black. Like an abyss. Sort of spooky. Then the a knock slammed against the front door and I could've died. My heart beating rapidly. It was just a fallen tree branch or something, I reassured myself. Yes. That was it. Until it sounded again, louder this time.

7PM, I checked the clock. Who was here this late? In a thunderstorm?

Fuck, I was going to be stabbed, I swallowed as I grabbed that white handled gun from beneath the kitchen counter. Loading it before I stuffed it into my waistband. The metal cool against my back while I reached for the crimson front door, slowly opening it.

And what I saw...

Fuck.

I gasped, holding my hand over my mouth. Billy Hargrove slumped against the doorframe. Blood dribbled from his nostril and more ran down his eyebrow in two streams that slid over his eyelid and joined at his cheek. That left eyeball of his completely red. And even though his Camaro was in the driveway, his body was soaked through.

His movements themselves were extremely shaky and on the border of collapsing.

"I have nowhere else to go", The words came out like his throat was as dry as sand. Soulless.

As he met me with those glassy half red, half green eyes my stomach sank. I didn't say anything, but ushered him into the living room, watching the light catch that hand mark around his throat. The smell of whiskey radiating off him.

He limped lightly to the couch, hissing as he sat. Something was wrong with his knee.

Fuck.

I winced.

There was a lot of blood. I hated blood.

But I left my worried expression at the door as it shut. My pity was the last thing he needed. Last thing he deserved from me.

A calming breath exhaled against my fast beating heart. Then I walked around to that ottoman before him. His dirty blonde hair more red than any other colour. Soaking Wet and sticking to his equally drenched face.

"One question then I'll leave you alone...". I held my hands in surrender as I sat. His green eyes narrowing on me.

"The only way I can fix this is if I press charges against Jimmy Volksem. But if I do that there is going to be Police and detectives coming to your house. Questioning your parents."

Billy leaned forward, his knees brushing mine. "You can't fucking fix it", He snarled, wiping the blood from beneath his nose.

"Okay—do you need medical assistance?", I offered, my jaw clenching. He was drunk. I could smell it before I could see it.

"You said you'd leave",

He leaned into the cushions, staring at the ceiling to stop the blood coming down his neck.

"Don't bleed on my floor—Clean yourself off, you look disgusting". I commented, motioning to the dark hallway. "Bathroom's down the hallway. Use the black towels". Was all I said before I locked the front door and climbed the stairs to the second floor landing. I closed the bedroom door behind me before hovering next to my telephone. This was going to suck. I sighed as I punched in the numbers. Each second the phone rang making my heart clench. Then finally.

"Hello?",

"Dad". I greeted.

"Baby Girl, why are you calling so late?". I could hear the worry in his voice.

"Dad I need something done, no questions",

"-What's going on Sierra?". His voice turned cold as I explained to him about the impending hospital bill and all that happened before that to get me there. He was silent afterwards.

"I didn't send you to that town so you could party, Sierra Jade Morningstar. What you did was irresponsible.", He scolded.

"Dad. Dad. Dad", I interjected, waiting for him to shut up and listen. "Dad!"

"What?! What?".

"Can you do it or not?

"I can do it. But that isn't the question. It's should it do it? Can't the boy who helped you write a sworn statement? Can't you press charges through Hawkins Police department?",

"No. These cops are corrupt. Please. You can take my car. I just need it done", I pleaded.

"Sierra. You can't ever ask this of me again.",

"I won't. Dad, just...please. This is the only thing I've asked of you in two years. The evidence is in Stacy's house. They just need to check"

"-I don't like this Sierra. I don't like the hospital bills I keep getting sent. And if anything like this happens again I'm pulling you out, understood?".

"I understand",

"Okay. I'll make some calls. What were the names again?",

I told him all the relevant information, hearing the sound of his pen writing the words. When he was done he spoke again.

"Are you okay, Sierra?",

"It's just some bruises", I exhaled,

"It's never just some bruises, baby girl. Someone has gone out of their way to hurt you again", His voice went quiet at the end.

"They can burn me at the stake if they want,",

"I think I made you too strong. I'll know better for your sister's",

"Pfft, whatever I am is to spite you, Dean", I replied before i'd even processed the words. It was silent on that other end. But I could hear him breathing still.

"I'll-Uh, get it done. Don't you worry about them", He ground out before the phone line went dead. I felt bad for what I let slip but it wasn't a lie. I'm sure he knew it deep down too.

"Fuck", My hand clasped against my lips.

Billy was a mess.

All that blood...Because of Stacy's lie. I feared more than anything that I would walk downstairs to see him dead on my couch.

What if he was already dead?

Why did I send him to the shower?

Ugh,

No.

I'm sure it was just that something was bleeding badly. Usually face wounds did even when they weren't deep. I didn't know whether it was his blood either.

What was I supposed to do with him?

I was hardly a doctor.

I took a moment to breathe before I descended those stairs again. Darting back into the kitchen. By then, my house guest was sprawled out on the couch with a dark towel under his head. Still alive...I hope.

In my arms I swept a packet of chips, an apple, a bottle of water and some aspirin. Silently padding over to the glass table in front of the couch. He saved me and now he was the social pariah of Hawkins. I'm sure he regretted it now with all things considering.

I placed it all down, throwing the chips to wake him from his drifting state. He groaned in his annoyance, his eyes fluttering open as I tossed a red mink blanket at him. It was going to be cold. "Will you stop throwing things?", Billy bit. He was redressed in his jeans and bloodstained singlet.

I was just glad he woke up.

There was no where near the amount of blood on his skin as before.

I sighed my relief.

He was still bruised to hell though.

"Be thankful I didn't throw the water bottle, dickhead", I smiled sweetly, watching his face shrivel but my heart was pounding.

I didn't know what to do with him.

I didn't want to be alone with him. Or have him in my house at all.

"Have you considered not talking to me, instead?", He suggested, placing the packet of potato chips back on the table.

"Every time I have to look at you", I sneered from the edge of the couch, "Trust me it is not my pleasure, but I'd prefer if you didn't die on my couch. So Sticks and stones, my love",

The look he gave me was pure disgust. Like I was the weirdest thing he'd ever met.

"What?", He exclaimed in his confusion, annoyed now.

"What's what? Are you hard of hearing?", I sighed, taking a seat on the armchair across from the couch. I'm leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. My hands clasped somewhere in the middle.

He was coherent, at least.

"Aren't you scared of having me in your house?", He taunted, "You don't know me",

"I know where every weapon is in this house. You don't", I bit back in response, getting off track to what I'd come down to say. "Look, this isn't pity or charity, okay?", I motioned to him.

"What is it then? You like what you heard in my car? You just had to ask, Sierra. You didn't have to get me alone in your house", He smirked painfully, sitting upright. My face scrunched.

Disgusting pig.

"I'm going to stop you there. I fucking hate you for one and I would have to get twelve shots of penicillin before I ever touched you", I spoke firmly, "And You. You'd have to be pressure-washed head to toe with hydrofluoric acid. So relax, buddy. You're safe",

He blinked slowly, a smirk hanging on his lips. At least his nose had stopped bleeding. "Fine, that would melt my skin off, but what is it then?",

"I've been where you are", I exhaled, my lips pressing together.

"And where am I?", He snarled in return.

"Did your Dad do that?", I motioned to his bruised neck and welted eye. Something in his face completely turning. "That's none of your fucking business",

"I'll take that as a yes", I exhaled, watching him stand.

"You better watch your fucking mouth", Billy warned, limping to me. Albeit slowly.

Was this what we were going to do? Throw a few punches and call it a night? I sighed inwardly, standing to meet his furious form there at my front. The scent of whiskey coming off his shirt.

"Or what?", I shrugged, watching his mouth form a cocky smirk. "You don't want to know",

"No. I do." I bartered, "Because I see you having two options. You actually hit me or you sit the fuck down.",

He looked between my eyes, that smirk unceasing as he grasped the collar of my jacket tightly, reefing me forwards while he snarled. "Don't try me, Sierra",

His hot breath met my face, fragments of spit coating my cheek as his knuckles dug into my collarbone. I tapped his wrist in warning.

His threat was hollow. Or else he would've hit me and not talked about it. I knew that. Unblinkingly I met his eyes, speaking softly. "Do you need a pillow?",

Billy let me go but didn't step off, his face caught between confused and annoyed. Still mildly drunk. My eyes cast to the storm outside. To the loud clap of thunder that made him flinch.

"Hope you're not scared of the dark", I breathed, so sure the violent winds would knock out the power again.

"Do I look like I'm fucking scared of the dark?", He groaned, retreating back to the couch.

"Wow. You're a mean drunk",

Right on queue the lights flickered then dulled completely. The whole house plunging into darkness. I sighed and hauled myself off the armchair.

"I've gotta go check the circuit breaker. Don't wait up",

My fingers felt their way to the kitchen through the pitch black. Curling around the stone countertop. Under the sink there was a torch. I knew that. So I opened the cabinets, feeling for the metallic body. In the process I knocked over two bottles but I found the torch at the back of the cabinet. Taking it with me through the laundry door at the rear of the kitchen. Wind slammed into me there. Wind and rain. Freezing cold rain. I shivered against it with the first step out onto the wooden veranda. Holding my jacket against myself. Eight steps down the side of the house the circuit box sat. Thinking to myself, this is how it ends. Alone in the dark. A serial killer would jump out of the woods and drag me off as their next victim. Or a coyote. Or a bear. Or Alien...

With some effort I opened the lid of the box. A board of circuits blinking back at me. If only I knew what I was doing. I looked at them through my tunnel of light. Thinking they might've been in another language. Shit, I didn't understand them at all. Last time the power went off it flicked back on before I had to haul my ass outside.

"Right", I touched the row of switches as if it would help. The deafening rain not helping me. I'd be soaked through by the time I got back inside. One of the damn gutters was overflowing. Splattering my side as water hit the wooden railing. This was a lot of pressure for someone who did so poorly in science.

I flicked the middle switch. Waiting for something to happen. Nothing did.

"Great", I nodded softly, the figure beside me scaring me out of my skin. "Fucking hell", I held my chest to slow my heart rate. "What the fuck are you doing? Trying to kill me?",

Billy looked me up and down, wordlessly flicking the last switch on the board. As he did the whole house came back to life. "You've got leaves in your gutter", He motioned to the overflowing pipe.

"No shit", I hissed, placing down my torch. Carefully my foot met the railing, hauling myself up to that blocked gutter. Getting an absolute mouthful of leaf water. My whole front just drenched. Yuck. I grimaced, reaching up into the gutter. Luckily I wasn't afraid of heights. Squishy leaves touched my palm. Gross and soggy as I threw them onto the grass. Three handfuls coming away. Something sharp hit the underside of my middle finger. Stabbing between the joint. A stick I bet. Yup. I threw the filthy stick and it's twig friends out of the gutter. The water finally draining properly. Good.

With a small leap I was back on the wooden veranda. Soaking wet and miserable. Billy had fucked off back inside at that point. Lucky prick. I sighed, taking myself and my torch back through the laundry door. Locking it swiftly behind me.

Back in the kitchen I placed the torch back under the sink. Tearing my wet jacket from my skin. The white band T-shirt beneath just drenched.

Great.

Tea. I needed tea. "You want tea?!", I called loud enough for Billy to hear me as I filled the jug. Leaving it to boil.

I mounted the countertop in a single leap with little more than a hiss from the bruise on my waist. Sitting with my legs dangling over the edge. There I laid back against the cold stone. One of my elbows staying upright while the other hand lazed on my stomach. The underside of my finger still aching from where that stick hit me. I was tired. Really tired. I could fall asleep there.

"Why are you yelling?", Billy's gravely voice came from the doorway. I looked at him through the black tap on the sink. "Do you want tea?", I asked again, motioning to the boiling jug. His brows knitted, blinking tiredly at me. "...Sure",

He took a seat on one of the stools at the other side of the countertop. Leaning forward for a second. "Your hand is bleeding",

It took a moment for the words to register. Turning my wrist inwards. "Shit, so it is",

That bastard stick sliced through where my middle finger met my palm. Coercing the crimson that dribbled down my arm. Almost to my elbow joint. I wiped it onto my shirt. Looking at the small jagged cut with narrowed eyes. Just then the kettle boiled. And I hauled my ass off the counter. All the way to the cup drawer. Taking out two mugs. A tea bag going in each.

"I'm going to give you some advice, since you obviously have a problem with not pissing people off. Sugar?", I asked without turning, motioning to the cup.

"Are you calling me that or asking me if I want sugar? Two otherwise", He grunted with a smartass grin.

"Advice column A) I don't call people sweet little nicknames. Assume I meant the tea. B) If someone swings on you, duck. C) you'll probably discover that I'm the only good thing in this town and that is saying something. D) The denim on denim is not a hot look. E) You can walk around Hawkins like a God all you want but you're not one little buddy, tone town the enthusiasm on the sleezy cologne, okay? F) Once you stop being new and mysterious they're going to throw you to the curb like a bag of trash and you're going to have to formulate an actual personality...And hit the breaks In your car every once in a while. You want milk with that sugar?",

"Wow, you really are an asshole.", He shook his head, his hand skimming down to his chin like he were looking at an exhibit in a museum. "Like I need advice from a goth bitch that can't get any. And yeah milk would be good.".

"Do-Do you have a problem? Like mentally? I don't even think dogs try to mount things as much as you?",

His mouth hung open at the words, thick brows knitting together both in fury and confusion. "Wow",

"And Do you have another name I can call you by? Billy reminds me of goats".

His eyes went that bit wider. Glaring at me now In his watchful silence. Kinda like he wanted to throw me through the wall. Even as I placed his tea down in front of him.

Something was really wrong with his knee. Because when he swivelled on the stool to grasp it his knuckles went white against the stone bench. He stopped breathing. And in all sense of the word looked like he'd just been shot.

"William", He uttered under his breath, still a little shaky.

"You feeling like you're going to pass out in my kitchen, William?". I grimaced at the state of him. At that entirely red eye that swivelled to me. "Do I look like a bitch?",

"You don't want me to answer that", I smiled, taking my tea in my hand and launching back up on my side of the counter. Perching there again on its surface. That tea hot in my hands. Nice and warm against my cold skin. Billy watched every step, every breath, spitting "Who hurt you?",

"Buddy we do not have the time or the coping mechanisms for that list", I laughed bitterly, taking a long sip. I noticed he couldn't take more than a small gulp at a time, "You need a straw? Your lip looks a little fucked up?".

"I hate you so much", He grunted with a gentle groan, coercing my chuckle. I had no doubt he meant that. "I'll take back the engagement ring then".

"I'm going to give you some advice, Sierra, since apparently that's what we do with things that aren't our business.",

"I would love some advice from you, school bike", I spoke with an eye roll.

"A) Go fuck yourself, B) No one likes you. No one. C) You're the antichrist in flared jeans. D) You're probably going to die alone and your twelve cats will eat you, E) Black on black is not a hot look, F) You're definitely the worst thing in Hawkins. I mean if people started getting murdered it would 100% be you. G) Did I mention you should fuck yourself?",

"Once or twice", I shrugged, taking another sip. He waited for it. Waited for the explosive retaliation. "I really like the antichrist in flared jeans thing though. I should get that as a bumper sticker", I thought out loud.

Billy shook his head, just gripping that mug in his hand. I must really piss him off.

"Were you drunk before or after you got the shit kicked out of you?" I wondered out loud, watching his eyes rake up. "Before",

"Kelsey Heiss' party?",

"Yup",

"You know she's in love with you right?",

"Fuck off",

"You're such a guy", I scoffed into my mug, warm breath ricocheting back.

"Kelsey is one of the boys", He grumbled, holding his rib to talk.

"Hmm, I don't usually see men groping each other",

"Well, you don't strike me as someone with a lot of friends.", He bit back without truly thinking it through. His eyes narrowing after, "You know what I mean, can you just fucking drop it? Fuck you're irritating",

"Oooh, touchy", I antagonised him. It was not like he didn't deserve it. "Just like Kelsey Heiss", I snickered into my mug, catching the fleeting ghost of a smirk pass his pissed off scowl.

"Okay, Sierra. What about you and Kadence?",

"What about it?",

"You're joking right? You follow him around like a demonic little puppy. And I hate-Actually no I'd love to break this to you. He laughs at you. You're nothing to him. Except maybe an annoying little sister.",

"Kade is- Actually I don't know what Kade is. He's my type that's probably why he turned out to be a douchebag. It's not the first time I've been rejected by a guy anyway and the crush kinda went away after Stacy's party",

You know what really pissed people off when you were fighting? Agreeing with them. Billy stumbled, speaking after a few seconds.

"Why?",

"He told me I was going to die alone and then cried about it. I don't see him lasting in a relationship with me do you?",

"No, you're the antichrist.",

"I can't deal with crying", I shrugged plainly.

Billy's neck angled, his eyes like slits, "So let me get this straight, Kade told you you were going to die alone and it was the crying that threw you off?",

"It was like sobbing. I was embarrassed. Like if you're gonna arch up to me at least act tough until I'm no longer in sight. I'm only going to make your life harder otherwise.",

"Then Marry a fucking Marine",

"Oh I would in a heartbeat".

"What a surprise Antichrist likes tough guys",

"Antichrist is a tough guy", I corrected, "I could kick your ass",

"No. You couldn't", Billy bit back, holding the side of his head in his palm.

"If you only knew",

"That you're a psycho? No wonder Kade told you you'd die alone. Why'd you even like him anyway? He's way too nice for the antichrist",

"Tall, Nice, Dark haired and Blue eyed. Hmm it's a mystery", I taunted, angling my neck as I took another sip. That rain really coming down now. I watched it through the laundry door, scooting back on the counter to see .

"But you're Satan",

"I'm really not", I murmured, wind slamming against the glass door, rattling it on its runner. Beyond it I could see the silhouettes of trees swaying violently in the wind. I hoped none of them would fall on the house.

When that silence hit I realised then just how little Billy and I had in common. There wasn't a damned thing that shared both of our interests. Christ, we hadn't even had a conversation that didn't end in unrepeatable words. And even shittier actions. So it was silent in that kitchen. Deadly silent. But for the rain on the roof.

I was a little sick of the conversations we had anyway. Or maybe I was just tired. Perhaps both. Yeah I was definitely gonna leave and catch some sleep. I was sick of him. Sick of being in pain.

"What did you mean by you've been where I am?", Billy broke the silence, less inebriated than he had been but still flat in his tone. "Isn't your Dad a cop?",

"It wasn't my Dad. It was an ex-boyfriend", I exhaled, closing my eyes to think, "He used to beat the fuck out of me", My tone lowered, trailing off towards the end.

It was the first time I'd ever said that out loud.

Billy was silent. Sort of awkward, so I spoke instead. "This is the part where you say something crude and I call you an asshole.",

"Seems a little harsh. Even for me", He murmured into his mug, draining some more of it. Something about his tone very raw and tired. Irritated even.

"That's the beauty of us hating each other, Hargrove, No holds barred.", I exhaled, taking a sip of tea.

"I don't care",

"Asshole" I shivered, turning to him on the countertop. "Just think. If you would have actually passed out on my doorstep you would've missed this",

"I could go back outside?",

"Now that I know it's you I might not open the door this time",

"And miss this?", His eyes rolled. Making my mouth quirk upwards.

"I can't tell if you're funny or just mean", I murmured, taking another sip.

"For a whore?", He questioned, taking the next words I had straight out of my mouth. My neck tilted. "What? You don't think what you and your friends say at school comes back to me? It's a small lunch table",

"Oh, Fuck off. If our roles were reversed and I went through five guys in a week I'd have the word sneered at me in the hallways like poor Tia Landon. You and your friends teased her so badly for giving her virginity to Dean Hastings that she dropped out of our school. And you know what Dean got? Labelled a fucking legend", I snarled, placing my empty cup in the sink. "Don't pretend it fucking hurts you. The idiot men at our school think you're a god",

Billy shrugged, "Gets a little old",

I never thought I'd hear the words leave his mouth. "What? Being a one trick pony?",

"Yup", He replied, staring into his mug. His eye still welted and bloodshot. No way. He loved every minute of his infamy...there was no way he didn't.

"What's-What's been going on at school?", I asked, shaking away the thought. The way he almost had me feeling bad for him. He was drunk. And miserable. To trust anything he said would be stupid of me.

"I don't know. I've been suspended until tomorrow. Getting escorted out of homeroom in handcuffs was just excellent though", He admitted, finally glancing up. "Stacy got her friends to admit to being witnesses for your assault. Said they saw me attack you",

"I heard. She's not getting away with it though", I reassured, washing my bleeding hand under the sink.

"Hmm, I didn't realise you could turn back time.",

"You're pretty funny for a whore you know?",

"Fuck off, Satanist", He sneered.

"You have such little faith in me, Hargrove. I could be a woman with many means. You don't even know me",

"Oh, yeah? Thrill me",

"You're going to regret saying that", I smirked, sliding off the countertop. I needed a shower and some sleep. "It might not be here or now but you will be thrilled",

"I doubt it, you're the most boring bitch at our school",

"Because I don't sleep around?", I questioned, annoyed now.

"Because no one knows anything about you",

"On the contrary it sounds like no one knows anything about you either", I smiled.

"At least they know my name",

"Yeah they use it to call you a whore", I scoffed loudly, shaking my head as I began to unload the dishwasher.

"I'd rather be a whore than a boring virgin bitch", He bit back.

"See that doesn't hurt me like you think it does, but I can clearly see you're bothered by being called a whore. And I'm sure there's more to you than who you sleep with but why bother learning when your conquests know they'll get what they want without trying? Like I've learned tonight you're not just rude, you're also mean. But you understand the circuit breaker and I don't. And you try to punch things when you're angry", I rambled, standing on my toes to reach the back of the cupboard. Glasses lining nicely there. "So that's something",

A sarcastic laugh rumbled through him.

"Well fuck, Then you know me better than anyone else in this town",

I turned back to him, grabbing another glass "Well since we're best friends and everything, thrill me. What else is William Hargrove good at aside from Beer kegs, Getting ass and driving too fast? Do you secretly have a personality stashed deep down?",

As I lined more glasses onto the cupboard his voice pierced the kitchen. "Track",

"Okay, he's a runner. I see it.", I responded, placing the last cup on the wooden shelf. He looked really uncomfortable there at the kitchen counter. Like something ran through his mind that he didn't have the courage or steady words to say. I saw it as he switched that mug between hands.

"I won't bite you know?", I spoke distantly, seeing him look down and exhale a sharp breath.

"Fine then, What's your deal?", He angled his neck, looking up at me. A little nasty in his words. I shrugged in response, widening my eyes to show him I didn't understand what he was asking me. "I mean I saw you with Jimmy Volksem and you've been trained to fight. No way you haven't. That was like proper hand to hand combat. Then you got into my car and started double clutching. So you know how to drive. And you had a fucking gun in your waistband when I came to the door", He murmured.

"Dad's a former Navy Seal, so that's where the fighting and guns came from and my Grandad taught me to double clutch when I was seven." I explained softly. I know he thought it was going to be something cooler. But that's all it was. "Sorry to disappoint you",

"And Where are your parents?",

That one was a harder question to answer. Truthfully at least.

"They couldn't really handle me anymore so they sent me to this shit town", I bit down on my gum. Waiting for his response.

"What did you do? Steal a car?",

"No", I didn't really want to talk about it so I turned on my heel, pretending to need something from the pantry.

"Max out Mom and Dad's credit card?", He snickered, glancing around the kitchen. "Were you rude to the servants?",

He was such an asshole. "Did you throw a fit when Daddy got you the Red Truck instead of black?",

"I'm not rich, neither are my parents", I ground out, turning back to him. Extremely annoyed now.

"Yeah, well girls like you don't exactly suffer like the rest of us", He snarled in response.

"Okay, Billy", I brushed him off. I wasn't arguing with him. Because he didn't deserve to know. "I'm going to bed. Don't wait up", I added.

"That bad huh?",

"It wasn't yelling at the servants but it was up there", I sighed, realising he was joking. Even if he said it all very monotonously. It was hard to tell with him.

"Gotta tell me now",

"I-Uh, took a bath", I began, stopping only to clear my thoughts. The kitchen counter braced under my grip.

"Evil bitch", Billy commented, just serious enough to break my solemn expression.

"-And decided not to come back up while I was under the water", I tapped my knuckle against the stone bench, smiling weakly, "I was...dramatic back then",

Either he didn't know what to say in return or he didn't care. But he took another sip of his tea. His face giving away nothing. I didn't really care though as I thought about that day, revealing to him the one thing I never told my parents. All the while my fingers swivelled the pendant on my necklace back and forth on its chain.

"It was kinda a last minute thought but I tried to breach the surface after a bit. You know, decided I actually wanted to live. Because I was Sixteen and stupid. It was too late though. And I woke up in the arms of a paramedic giving me mouth to mouth",

"Was he attractive?", He asked as if that had any pull.

Joking. I reminded myself. He was joking.

"She. And No. It's the closest I've ever come to a lesbian experience though.", I shrugged, as if that was any highlight.

"Must've been some impressive resuscitation", His eyebrow raised. I wasn't really used to this side of him. Joking and openly talking to me. It just...took a bit to adjust to.

"I mean I'm alive.",

"And what? This place is your punishment?", The words rolled off his tongue with no real care.

"Adult choices have adult consequences", I repeated the words Dad had spoken the day he told me I was coming here alone. "In other words I'm on my own",

"Sounds like a sweet deal", He murmured in his very dry and tired voice.

"It has its drawbacks.",

"Like what?",

"Like when I get injured and can't fucking move. No one's coming to check if I'm still alive",

"I did", He furrowed his brow.

"No, you grunted at me then proceeded to be an overall prick", I corrected him.

"Yeah, can't imagine how that feels", He rolled his eyes.

"I don't grunt",

"No, you just let the disgust settle on your entire face, retort something you think I'm too dumb too understand then smirk like you've won",

"It's not exclusive to you, Hargrove",

"I don't give a fuck",

"-I don't think you're dumb. Arguing with you just takes a few more brain cells than I'm used to using.", I Pressed my lips together as I shut the dishwasher. The steady pinch at my knuckle reminding me of the cut on my finger. So I made to grab the small medical kit from the laundry. Darting through the glass door. The opportunity arose and I tore off my bloodied shirt over my head while I was in there. The movement spurring pain at my side. I hissed against it As I donned the oversized cropped sweater that sat in the clothes dryer. It's colour mixed between violet and silver. Almost metallic. It was one of my favourites. But it always hung off one of my shoulders . The neck line a wide v shape. When it was on I unhooked my soaking bra, pulling it through the long sleeve. Choosing a grey bralette from the dryer to wear underneath for some modesty. Easy enough to step into then pull up. In my sweater I could take my arm out and slide the thick elastic strap over my shoulder one by one. It looked just like a lace trimmed singlet beneath.

Okay. Okay. Medical box. I focused. Reaching for the white metal tin.

Much warmer than before, I emerged back into the kitchen with that med kit in my hand. Slow words meeting me, "You know I can see straight into the laundry?",

The words slowed my step. I didn't even think. I was so used to living alone. "No way", I bartered, coming around his side of the counter. Sure enough I could see straight through the glass door to the washer and dryer. "Well at least lie when you retell this, say you saw something impressive ", I commented with reddened cheeks, putting the medical kit down on the counter. How embarrassing.

"Like what?", He questioned slowly.

"Like just astounding boobs", I snickered.

"I said I could see I didn't say I perved",

"Yeah, sure, Billy",

My ass met the stool on the other side of him. A soft squeak sounding as I opened the kit.

"You know I actually have to be attracted to someone to want to watch them get undressed. You're like watching that old hairy fat guy at the pool take his shirt off", He bit, leaning back in his chair. I laughed genuinely, trying to formulate words through my smirk. That was actually funny.

"Keep George's name out of your mouth, he's a really nice guy...and gentle lover", I commented while applying antiseptic to the small but weeping cut on my finger.

"I thought your type was tall, dark haired and blue eyed", He bit back, blinking slowly at me.

"Yeah, that's why you see all my boyfriends sitting in this kitchen with us right?", I talked while wiping the excess liquid away with a cotton ball.

"You know you could fix that if you actually talked to one of us",

"Aw, that's sweet that you think that, what am I going to talk to one of these yokels about? Fucking corn?",

He laughed, properly laughed. Not that out of the nostril thing he did. There was sound and everything. "Didn't you come here from Tennessee?",

"Weird that you know that but yeah I came from a horse ranch not crop farming, sister marrying, inbreds.",

"They're not hillbillies", Billy scoffed, "Most of our grade live in town Or the rich estates",

"Nice dodging the question skills. How the hell did you know I came from Tennessee?", I asked while adhering a fabric strip to my finger.

"Relax, Aubrey brought it up at the Bonfire a week ago. I'm not actively going out of my way to find things out about the school's Satanist.",

"Hmm, I didn't think Aubrey listened",

"You know she's a terrible friend right?", He asked with squinted eyes. As if I couldn't see it.

I sighed, speaking softly "Why what did she say at the bonfire?",

"You have favour with the other freaky school Satanists. She didn't like that. Sounded a little jealous",

"Of me? Freaky", I murmured, my brows furrowing together, "But, Why? She hates the goths",

"Why do girls ever speak shit about you?",

"Because I could easily beat them at a sword fight?",

"She's jealous of you",

"Yeah you already said that but why?".

"Fucked if I know. Maybe she's too ashamed to get glasses.",

"Oh, you mean looks wise?", I cocked my head, genuinely curious. There was no way, Aubrey was just stunning. I mean the flawless make up, the fitted clothes. Blonde hair. She was like a freaking barbie doll.

"I didn't say anything. She did", He shrugged, like even saying it made him squirm.

I rolled my eyes in response, "Geez, relax dickhead, I wouldn't exactly swoon if it came from you",

"Well it didn't,", He angled his neck, sort of threateningly.

"Okay, tough guy, stand down, I believe you", I snickered, saluting him swiftly, dipping a ball of cotton into some more antiseptic. Sort of playing with it.

"I hate you. I'm not out here giving you compliments.",

"Yeah, but you can hate someone and still think they're hot",

"No you can't", He replied quickly.

"Okay, I'll give you a compliment right now just to prove you wrong", I flicked my sight up to him. That blood shot eye not giving me anything to work with. Or the swollen lip. Or bruised cheek. He watched me look over him with a frown, the longer I search, the more it deepened.

"I like the chair your sitting on", I spoke after a little bit. Watching his eyes roll, "No, you have nice eyes...they're wide like an owl's. Hoooo", I laughed, I couldn't give him a genuine heartfelt compliment it would be weird.

Billy laughed gently, sort of confused. Maybe it was the edge of that alcohol that made him so easy to talk to at 9pm at night while the storm rattled away on the roof. Or the bite of his injuries.

"Owl eyes? You think that's a compliment",

"I said Nice Owl eyes.",

"What Owl eyes aren't nice?",

"Those creepy orange ones", I grimaced, shaking my head with disdain.

"Wha-That wasn't a compliment",

"Just take out the owl bit then",

He closed his eyes to think for a second, "No, you don't tell someone you hate that they have nice eyes",

"You do if you want to confuse them", I answered while spinning around that tray of medical supplies.

"Why?",

"I don't know but the way your voice went really high pitched was hilarious",

"Wha-Are you a fucking escaped mental patient?", He exasperated, holding his fingers on either side of his cranium.

"Imagine if I'd given you a proper compliment, I think only dogs could hear you", I laughed, his stare hardening.

"You know what, fine. Aubrey's jealous because you're more attractive than she is and she's knows it. Are you happy now?", He spoke without a breath. Still in that drunken stupor. He played sober really well though

"I like how you had to be drunk off your ass to tell me that", I smiled softly,

"Because I don't like you",

I swept my sight back to Billy with my antiseptic soaked cotton ball. "Okay, tough guy, Can I fix your face? While I'm here? You look a little scary", I asked firmly, not wanting him to take it as pity. I also didn't want to talk to him like he was kid either. Green eyes narrowed on me like I wasn't serious. As if I'd caged him and he was looking for an escape. He uttered a weak, "Why?",

"I don't have to but it's going to hurt a lot less if you wipe the blood off while it's wet.",

"I'll do it myself",

"You're drunk off your tits", I bartered. "You called me attractive. It was embarrassing",

"I-", He began to spit back before he saw my taunting smile. "I hate you",

He kind of just sighed and begrudgingly tucked his hair behind his ear so I could get to that weeping slice beside his eye that crawled through to his already split brow. It was very close to his purely red eyeball. Like someone's knuckle just jabbed him straight through his eye socket. My face hardened at the sight. Every fibre of me trying not to wince. But I did. Even sucked the air between my teeth. He followed every movement, every swipe against his brow. My mind taking me back to a time when I used to have to clean up my own bruises. My own cuts. I tried to be as careful as I could with him, holding back his fringe with one hand and dabbing at his eye socket with the other. I slid my chair closer until I was almost on top of him. But there was nothing attractive about cleaning up a man who reeked of blood, cigarettes and whiskey.

"Were you a nurse in another life or something?", He drawled, blinking slowly.

"No", I exhaled a soft laugh, "I used to have to do this by myself and it sucks",

When his brow was somewhat cleared of blood I dipped a cotton tip into my antiseptic, swiping it over the slice at the side of his lower lip. This mark not as bruised as his eye but I had to hold his chin up towards the light to see it properly. He groaned his annoyance, running his tongue over his lips. I could only watching as his face scrunched up. "Don't lick the antiseptic", I warned, glaring into his dull green eyes. "It tastes like ass", He murmured,

"I bet", I smirked as he tried to rid the rancid taste from his mouth. "Okay, you're slightly more bearable to look at now", I placed down the cotton tip in my pile of used things, moving my chair back to where it was.

"You good with knees?", He asked after a little bit. Catching me by surprise.

"Is it out of place?", I questioned while sweeping that pile Of dirty cotton balls into my hand, "Because my expertise doesn't really go beyond snapping Dad's shoulder back into place at a rodeo",

When it was all in the bin I turned back to him, tapping the countertop. Damn, I must've been tired to be this nice to him. "Haul your ass up",

He pondered it for a second, shaking his head as he stood. Wow, he really was drunk. Two limps and a hop and he was on the stone countertop, sliding back so his leg was flat on the surface. Hissing with each movement. Possibly Regretting ever agreeing to this. I felt his knee over his jeans. Yeah, it was definitely displaced. Shit. I'd never popped a knee back before. What if I fucked it up even more? I wasn't qualified for this.

"This is going to hurt like a motherfucker", I let him know. Ushering him to lay flat on the counter. "Just do it", He bit as his back met the stone. One of his hands shielded the light from his eyes, the other lulled on his stomach. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

"Count of three",

I readied my palm at the side of his displaced knee cap, holding his shin down with the other. "One",

One hard push through with my palm and his knee slid back into a more comfortable place. Thank goodness. His whole body jolted against it. Writhing for a moment. "You're okay. You're okay", I reassured him breathlessly, still holding down his leg. Any rough movement right now would really hurt him. The other leg slid up, bending at the knee in reflex. A shaky breath leaving him after a moment. When he settled a bit I released his leg. With its subtle movement I felt a weigh lift from my chest. I did it. Successfully.

"You said three", He murmured, holding his palm into his uninjured eye socket, he ran hand through his hair after a second.

"I lied to you", I replied, looking him over. His skin was pale but I don't think he was going to pass out. "Imagine how painful that would've been if you weren't drunk off your tits", I added, his mouth curling. "You're such a bitch",

"I can pop it back out, dickhead",

"Can you just shut up for a minute?", He groaned, sitting upright. "Your voice is like fucking nails on a chalkboard",

I was taken aback by his abrupt rudeness but I was not surprised. It was him after all. "Usually you say thank you", I bit.

"Yeah, I'm sure you didn't enjoy it", He clenched his jaw tightly, his neck angling to me in that nasty way it did.

"Turn the lights off on the way out", I stepped off as he moved to the edge of the counter. I'd wash out my mug then go to bed. I wasn't taking anymore shit from him. Not tonight.

"I hate you", He ground out and I'm sure he meant it. And as I washed out my flower printed mug I couldn't help but laugh, "Yeah, you and the rest of this fucking place.",

His feet slowly touched down on the tiled floor. "But you know what? You still ended up at MY front door", I shook my head as I turned the cup upside down to drain. By then he was off the counter, standing as best he could. I expected him to say something nasty in response but he didn't. Which was odd. My sight settled on him. He didn't look good. So With begrudging steps I approached again. His movements were very jilted and uncoordinated . His skin the colour of paper. "Billy?", I questioned, grabbing onto him before he hit the deck. In my effort I tried to steer him away from the stone countertop. The entire weight of him coming down on my shoulder and I quickly turned us to face the stools not the stone counter . "Fuck",

I hauled him up under his arm but fuck he was heavy. Having to kind of prop him against the stool as I nudged him off my shoulder, his face nearly head butting mine. My feet Dancing around his legs. One arm held his upper back like the world's most awkward hug. He absolutely reeked of whiskey and whatever sleazy cologne he worn. The scent of it emitting from the pores of his bloodstained singlet. "Billy", I grunted, tapping the side of his face. Once then twice. "Billy", I begged, he was slipping from my grasp. Every muscle in my body struggling to keep him upright. As I held his chin in the space between my thumb and index finger His eyes opened. A sharp breath passing by my cheek. His body caught up after a second, holding himself up by his own strength. Not really standing though. Still slumped and Disoriented. Green eyes blinked quickly down at me. Wide and confused. Too damn close as he touched my cheek. His sight darting between my eyes and mouth. Still delirious. I still held onto him in case he fell again. I mean he looked off with the fairies. He'd never willingly touch me otherwise. His body swayed a little as he slowly flicked some of my hair from my sight. Still groggy. Man, he got weird when he was disoriented. It was almost like he was seeing someone else's face. He probably was.

"The lengths you'll go to avoid talking to me is getting ridiculous", I exhaled, extremely out of breath. Breaking his mindless stupor. He stood upright nearly immediately, "You good?", I added, he didn't say anything but nodded. So I let him go. Fixing my sweater that had come off my shoulder as I turned back to the fridge. Retrieving a can of lemonade. I almost handed it to him but decided against him doing anything that required the use of a brain cell. So I opened the can and put a straw through the top. Ushering him towards the living room before I handed it over. He watched his boots before his limping steps retreated back to the living room. I followed after, turning off the kitchen light.

There He slumped down on the couch, falling drunkenly into the soft cushions. When he was settled I handed him that can. He was exhausted. Barely finding the strength to sip the drink through its straw. His eyes sealed shut as he did. Perhaps more worse for wear that I first thought. Much worse.

I came around the front of the glass table, kneeling beside the couch.

I thought about asking him if he wanted aspirin but he'd only say no. So I popped out two from their foil packaging and another for good measure, placing them into his open hand at his side. "It's Aspirin", I assured, finding him very agreeable in his woozy state. He lifted his hand to his mouth and swallowed them without question. Sipping on his lemonade to wash them down. Still yet to open his eyes.

I stole the pillow from underneath the storage compartment of my glass table from when I was too lazy to walk upstairs to go to sleep. "Lean forward", I spoke softly, summoning his eyes open. They surveyed the pillow then me. But he still let me slip it behind his head. I knew he wouldn't be able to breathe through his blood filled nostril otherwise. "I know you want to sleep but I think that you might have a mild concussion after your fainting act", I explained, "So I can either take you to the hospital to be looked over or keep you awake long enough to make sure you'll actually get up again in the morning",

He sighed deeply, closing his eyes again "I've woken up every other time",

The words made me balk. And I wondered how many other times he'd suffered through the same symptoms. It's not like I could force him to stay awake. He was an adult. Capable of making his own decisions. Even if they really bothered me. "Okay, but I'm coming back in three hours to make sure you're still breathing. I don't need another dead body on my hands", I bargained, watching his lips quirk.

"Whatever", He exhaled, nearly asleep as I tossed a crimson winter blanket over him. Afterwards I climbed the stairs, setting an alarm for 1AM before I crashed for the night. I fell asleep almost instantly, jolting awake to the awful sound of my alarm. "Ugh", I groaned, trying to remember why I set it in the first place. Right. The goblin sleeping on my couch. Begrudgingly I tore my ass out of bed at 1AM. Rain was still coming down outside as I tread down the stairs with my eyes barely open. The long window on my right was frosted with fog from the vastly different temperature that was inside.

My hand felt for the light switch against the hallway wall at the bottom of the steps, flicking it on. The living room streamed with yellow light. Only the back set of lights illuminating the space. I figured I didn't want to blind him...yet.

Still half asleep I dragged myself to the side of the couch, kneeling there on the carpet. "Billy", I spoke, gently shaking his shoulder. His hair was strung over his face in curled tendrils of dirty blond. His mouth hanging slightly agape. "Are you still alive?",

He groaned in his sleep, staring at me through long eyelashes. Blinking twice then three times as he swept the hair from his sight. Still disoriented. "What?", He murmured, his eyes as wide as saucers. He'd obviously not heard me. Even now, his expression questioned my existence. His early morning voice much deeper than his usual tone.

"Just making sure you're still alive", I sat back with my legs folded beneath me. It was much warmer down here than upstairs. The fireplace still crackling in the night. I watched its embers float through the iron casing. Something very calming about it.

"I told you",

"Can you tell me your name?", I asked, yawning against the back of my hand. My eyes weighing a thousand pounds.

"William", He grunted, rolling onto his back.

"Do you have a headache?",

"No", Billy snarled, closing his eyes again.

"You lying to me?"

"No",

"Okay, what's my name?",

"Elvira, Mistress of the dark",

"Yeah, you wish, Buddy",

"Sierra", He corrected himself.

"Do you want some water?", I pressed, just seeing how long it would take before he cracked the shits with me. I grabbed that bottle of water from the middle of the table, bringing it closer. He didn't reply but outstretched his hand for it. I placed it in his palm and he drained the whole thing in about two sips. Impressive.

Almost if he forgot I was there he reached to put it back on the table, nearly head butting me. His breath a ghost on my cheek. He stopped short of his skin touching mine but just kind of looked at me. Sleep deprived and delirious. Nothing really behind those eyes that darted from my own and the shoulder my sweater draped off of. I sort of just narrowed my sight on him, trapped between him and the table. The heat from his body radiating on to me. "What's wrong with your earrings?", He breathed, lightly tapping the row of four studs. Each a sort of iridescent black that changed colour depending on what angle you looked at it from.

"Are you having a stroke?", I questioned with raised brows, the back of my hand meeting his forehead. He exhaled a strained laugh, letting his touch fall from my earrings. "Yup", Billy slumped back onto the couch, bringing that blanket close to his skin.

"Okay...I'm going back to bed, freak", I commented, standing from the carpet.

--

The dark and gloomy weather had cleared by Friday morning and at the rising of the sun I was out of bed, dressing for the school day. I plaited my hair that day, gelling down an strays. A light coat of mascara straightening my lashes. In an attempt to hide my bruised lip I brushed on some mauve lipstick that was more red than purple. Turning to my dresser. What to wear. What to wear. I pondered. Donning some black jeans, white singlet and my leather jacket. At 7AM I spritz some perfume on my neck and headed down the stairs, careful not to trip on my unlaced platform boots. Billy was still passed out on the couch with a throw blanket around his body. The fire barely burning.

I dove into the kitchen, grabbing an apple, strawberries, some bread and butter. The kettle on before anything else. I fed myself before heading back out to the living room. Careful as I place down a tray of toast, fruit and juice. The sound startling Billy awake. His green eyes blinked quickly. Taking a while to catch up.

"Eat, get dressed and fix your hair. Don't want to be late for school", I smiled, walking over to the fireplace. Something within my chest burning the same as that inferno behind its shield of glass.

"I'm not going", He murmured, groaning as he sat up. I didn't fault him for that, he would probably be bruised for weeks. That's if he didn't die from the head trauma first. Perhaps I should've brought him to the hospital. Maybe I could've handcuffed him to the tray of my truck. To avoid the kicking and hissing. And whatever else he'd throw at me.

Can't help someone who doesn't want it. I had to remind myself of that. Especially with someone like him. Anything I said usual made him boil over.

"Yes you are", I bartered with delay, snuffing out the oxygen to the fireplace flue. I spoke again after a lull, "We have to get you some clean clothes from your place, so hurry up,", He kind of looked at me like I was crazy. Shaking his head as he took a swig of juice. Feeling his bruised brow. His face was just a mess of bruises but that big one on his eye socket really stuck out.

I hesitantly swept around to the lounge. To him. To absorb what damage had been done. My face just a hard scowl. The purple hand imprints on his neck could be covered but his welted eye...I didn't see him being able to explain it away. Although he got into fights a lot he never looked like this. It was like he didn't even fight back at all. My brows dipped with the thought, hardness setting on my expression. He returned it with a wide eyed head shake, out turning his wrist while he spat, "What?",

I inhaled a calming breath, "You have ten minutes...If you can't eat the food, at least drink the juice", I murmured as I sat on the armchair to the right of him.

"Okay...", He ate slowly, probably because his lip was bruised and sore. Trying his best with the toast. He gave up after a few scolding expressions and just sculled the juice.

I zoned out during, thinking about the pain in my side when I sat. It pulsed and cramped until the whole muscle in my side went tight. It really hurt. It had for a few hours.

Maybe I should've taken some pain medicine. I should go do that.

"Can you stop fucking staring at me?", Billy grunted as he placed the glass back down on the table. Not looking at me to speak. "Or take a fucking picture, Sierra. You ain't gonna get another chance",

I blinked slowly and sat deeper in my chair to ease the ache, "You're a very nasty person. I'd say cruel but that would give you too much credit.",

"And?", He bit in return, snapping his sight to me unnaturally fast.

I shrugged in reply, "It gets old",

"Fuck off", Billy swore, sitting forward on my couch, "I'm not taking heat from the fucking school Satanist. You're a freak show. And no one likes you...Stacy really should've tried harder to shut you up.",

My jaw locked. It was a cruel thing to say. To wish that injury upon someone. But I angled my stare, "You want to know the difference between you and I?",

"I'm not a friendless fucking weirdo who doesn't give a fuck about anyone else?",

"You want them to like you", I spoke while leaning forward in my seat. My elbows resting on my knees. "Without their approval you're nothing",

His jaw clenched tightly, every fibre of him boiling over with anger. Enough that his knee began to lightly jitter. "Fuck this", He swore while standing, nearly knocking over the food tray. "You know what? You're a fucking asshole, Sierra. I wouldn't do a goddamn thing if I saw Jimmy beating the life out of you now.",

"You don't mean that", I scoffed, rolling my eyes. He was really pissed off.

"I still haven't heard a goddamn thank you",

"Yeah, you're not going to",

He laugh this sarcastic, pissed off, chuckle. His hand scrubbing down his chin. "Really?",

"Yes",

"My ass is on the line for this. I'm looking at fucking jail time for helping you. It's the least you could do",

"I told you I'd fix it", I shrugged and stood from my seat. And I watched his expression turn, short of him smacking that glass and the vase of crystal pebbles next to it onto the ground in a beautiful shattered heap. "You can't fucking fix it!",

I startled against the breaking of that glass and the volume of which he yelled at me. My eyes staying on the shards of glass that glistened under the morning sunlight. Brows furrowing. That vase was older than I was.

"You can't fix it", He spoke in a lower tone and turned to storm out. Glass crunched under his boots.

"I've got your keys", I spoke as he reached the front door. Each word making the muscles within him go taut.

"Then give me my fucking keys",

"How are you gonna drive with your knee like that?", I asked through clenched teeth. I was hardly in the mood to be cleaning glass off the floor.

"Give. Me. The. Fucking. Keys",

"Come get them".

"You're really pissing me off",

"Tell that to my vase you fucking asshole",

"Just give me my keys",

"Hmm no...I've gotta clean up some glass so my cat doesn't cut his feet open, then we'll go. And Buddy, it'll take as long as it takes", I bartered while walking to the laundry for the broom and dustbin. I re-emerged with the two in my hand and stormed back into the living room. He didn't offer to help and just stood at the door. Waiting to leave.

I swept up what I could into that blue bin but I'd have to hand pick the few bigger pieces that bounced onto the rug. I knelt to do that, picking out about seven bits of glass. Until I couldn't see anymore. My knees shuffled back onto the floorboards, right onto a beautifully sharp shard. A swift hiss escaped my lips while I stood. A spear of glass see-sawing in my kneecap, through my black jeans. It stabbed me through the fatty part of flesh just short of bone. Not deep at all, but enough to sting.

I ripped it out carefully and threw its blood stained body into the bin with the rest.

A steady breath left my lips before I uttered, "Let's go", to that person hovering by the door. Taking the glass to the bin. I emptied it all. It took a while because I had to double bag the kitchen bin before I poured anything in. Then I had to try not to spill. By the time I did that Billy was behind me with a hand full of glass. Wordlessly letting it go into the trash. I noticed little nicks in his hand from picking it out of the carpet. But I didn't say anything as we walked out the door to that black Camaro. His keys jangling in my pocket.

"Where's your bag?", He asked as I started the engine.

"Don't need it.", Was all I said as I found first gear. Turning quickly out of the driveway. The trip to the Hargrove's house was silent. Through my peripheral vision I could see his leg bouncing anxiously the whole time. I felt bad. I truly did. So many things running through my mind. That night just plagued me. Haunted me.

I knew his Dad was beating him, I'm sure many others did too. His friends had to know.

But no one ever said anything.

No one ever said anything when bruises appeared on me. They'd see them but never acknowledge, never admit what they knew was true. Because they didn't want to deal with the outcome. The conflict.

And while I was with Jack, towards the end, I just wanted someone to see me. I wanted someone to say something. Anything.

And someone did. It changed my life forever. It untied the bags of sand at my feet. Let me reach the surface. Or At least try to.

I never wanted anyone to suffer through what I did.

Even Billy.

I spoke midway to his house, "There's people that could help you—",

"Just...Shut the fuck up", He groaned, holding the handle above his head, "Nothing is going to fix this",

His throat bobbed at the words.

"You don't know that",

His laugh echoing through the car, "You think you're the first person who's seen him beat the shit out of me? Everyone knows. No one cares. It ain't gonna change",

"D—",

"I'm sick of your voice, Sierra, I won't say it again", His middle finger pressed against his lips for me to be silent.

"I'm not fond of yours either",

His next words like gravel in his mouth, "Stop the car",

Yeah, right so I could become a statistic in a murder documentary?

No.

"You sick?", I asked, glancing over to him.

"No, you're walking back",

"Aww, you don't mean that",

"Stop. Talking.", He ground out, sneering, "You think I wanted your help? No one wants your help, dyke . You were just the last place he'd look",

Creative. I exhaled a long breath.

"That's devastating", I commented dryly.

As I turned into that red cobbled driveway Billy's whole body went stiff. He was scared. Maybe staying out all night would get him beaten again. He sure looked like it would.

And fuck. Any hit would kill him at this point. He was so bruised. Possibly concussed. I mean the swelling had gone down on his face but his Dad's knuckles or rings left cuts on him. Short but indented red lines on his temple.

"Let's go", I urged, stepping out of the Camaro.

"No. Stay here", He replied quickly.

"Why? It's such a lovely day". I smiled tauntingly to him, tapping his tattooed shoulder, "Come on. Grab your shit and we'll get going",

"Stay the fuck in the car",

I was walking towards the front door before he could say anything further. The door was unlocked and I strolled on in. Absorbing the state of the kitchen. I nodded to admire it as Billy stormed past me to his room. Frowning at the gouge in the hall. From a fist or a shoulder. I couldn't tell. But it was new. A clay vase lay shattered beneath that hole. Bits of it strewn onto the carpet. The mint fibres peppered with splotches of blood. It looked like a murder scene.

There was so much blood.

My mouth hung open at the sight. Smears painted the kitchen cabinets where Billy's step mom couldn't reach with her sponge. Finger marks. Like he'd been thrown into the cabinets. Three pools had sunk into the green carpet, probably when he was on the ground. And the microwave door hung off its hinges. It made my stomach drop.

"Sierra", Mrs Hargrove gasped, tightening her nightgown against herself as she emerged from the corridor. Surprised to see me. I didn't blame her, it wasn't everyday I willingly strolled into this house. But goddamn today was going to be the day.

"Good morning Mrs Hargrove, is your husband around?", I asked politely, watching the moustached man saunter out of his bedroom in boxer shorts and nothing else. His face as equally confused as his wife's, "Good morning Neil." I greeted as kindly as I could. The kind of thing I deserved a fucking award for. Billy didn't get a lot from his Dad but those emerald green orbs were something. And maybe that pissed of expression.

"What are you doing in my house?", He questioned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Not a blemish on his sun weathered skin. But his knuckles. They were raw and bruised. Almost as if he'd hit something. Someone. It didn't take a genius to piece together what happened here. While Billy looked like a bag of shit on my doorstep his Dad appeared fresh as a daisy. I was sure he was one of those Dad's that preached to his child about respecting their parents. But he sure as shit didn't respect his kid. Not by the state of his hands. The state of that kitchen.

"It's a beautiful house, sir. Truly something", I replied, touching the gouge In the wall, plaster crumbled in my fingertips. "This new?",

"Get out!", He growled threateningly as Billy re-emerged from his room, stopping mid step. Dressed in blue jeans, a black low buttoned shirt and matching boots.

"Oh, I will. But. I have a question for you Neil.", Billy looked at me with the widest eyes I'd ever seen. Frozen. Scared. All of the above. Waiting. Just waiting for what I'd say.

"Get out before I make you, girl", Neil arched up. Taking a threatening step closer toward me. His wife grabbed his arm in weak defence. As if she could stop him.

"Those bruises on his face and neck wouldn't be from you would they?", I sneered, motioning towards Billy. His eyes settled on the floor. "Because I'd hate to think what would happen to a child abuser In prison, Neil. I know what happens to them",

"A child? He's over eighteen", The vile man spat.

"Whose over eighteen, Neil?", My brows raised, cluelessly shrugging. Waiting for his answer. "You mean Billy? Because he's not. And What about his sister, Max? Do you lay your hands on her to? Beat the fuck out of her too?",

"Take your whore out of my house", Neil ordered, moving Billy. He grabbed his leather jacket off the coat rack before leading me out by my arm.

"Semper Fidelis, Neil. Always faithful.", I spoke once more, turning on my heel. I saw Neil's expression go cold in that time. His throat bobbing once.

The walk to the Camaro was silent. He let me go as soon as we were out the door. Billy's limping steps behind me. My hands were still shaking as I opened the door and slid behind that black steering wheel. Adrenaline pumping through my veins. And as I leaned my head back against the headrest Billy looked at me like I'd just stabbed someone in front of him. In awe. Afraid maybe.

I cleared my throat before turning over the engine. "Ready to go?",

He nodded lightly, adorning his aviator glasses. Opening his mouth to speak but closing it again about seven times on the highway. His knee jumping anxiously. But as we turned into the school parking lot his demeanour shifted back into that ignorant prick we all loved to hate. I parked the Camaro close to the front hall, opening the door.

"See you in Homeroom", I smiled, getting out with little more than a wince. The silence deafening when our fellow high schoolers saw me getting out of the driver's seat and not Billy. And as I walked across that dirt driveway, my sunglasses blocking that burning orb above me, I heard the snickering. The chatter. But it didn't bother me much. Not as I swept by the front doors of the hall, tapping Steve Harrington's arm while I passed his group of friends. But I didn't stop to chat. He, however, found me at my locker five minutes later.

"Um, what?". He questioned, sort of motioning to me. I smirked, taking a cigarette and lighter out and closing it again.

"It's going to be a good day, Steve", Was all I said, lightly shaking his shoulders.

"Uh-Okay...", He murmured and walked next to me into our homeroom. Where Aubrey and Stacy Messner were already seated and gossiping. I watch Aubrey's eyes flicker to me, her expression sort of cold before realisation hit her and she got up to greet me. I scoffed, moving towards the back of the room. She got the message. Her eyes darting to me as I took a seat at the rear of the class. Steve's friends piled on in through the doorway, ushering him towards the front of the room.

"Go", I smiled to him, watching his steps as he sat in the second row. Next through the door came Jimmy Volksem, his entire face still swollen. And his arm encased in a plaster cast. Point 1 to Hargrove for breaking the prick's arm.

When Jimmy's brown eyes met me there in the middle of the back row his skin turned ten shades paler. But he pulled his jersey forward and sat in his usual place.

Thirty students piled into the classroom before 8AM. The last was poor Billy Hargrove who limped towards the back row. His only choice of seat was to my left. I pulled out his chair for him but didn't take my eyes off of Stacy Messner who looked back at me. Sneering In that way she did. Her whole group of five snickering. Then they looked to Billy and did the same. Each set of eyes glancing to me but none spoke a word. That was until Stacy rose from her chair. Swaggering over in her cheerleading uniform. I saw Billy stiffen.

"Sierra, how are you?", She asked while squatting in front of my desk, speaking in a lower voice that the entire class could still hear. "I am so sorry for what happened to you. If I knew what a predator Billy was going to turn out to be I would never have let him into my house. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me. We have to stick together against perverts like him",

I nodded softly with a smile, "Thanks Stacy, I appreciate it", the words making her jaw feather. "I have to ask, did he really force himself on you?",

"I'm sure it went down as you've said", I smiled again but wider.

"You're disgusting", She sneered toward Billy, toddling back to her seat. I caught Steve's wide eyes as she did. His friend group getting rowdy as he walked back over to my desk.

"Okay, what the hell was that?". He crouched,

"I told you, it's going to be a good day, Steve.", I commented, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Are-Are you concussed?". He questioned, "Stacy Messner just spat in your face and you thanked her",

"Forgive and forget I say, Steve",

"Seriously Sierra, do I need to take you to the hospital again? You're acting like a crazy person",

"I'm good. I'm good.", I shrugged, leaning back in my chair.

"Are you?". His eyes narrowed. I'm sure he was deeply concerned.

"Harrington!", Our homeroom teacher, Mr Harrelson scolded as he walked into the classroom with a binder and a thick book beneath his arm. Usually something Latin. He had a real affinity for the language, "Flirt on your own time",

The scolding words sent Steve back to his seat.

"Morningstar, it's nice to see you've joined us today". Harrelson exhaled, sitting at his desk. The coffee in his hand wobbling as he did. I watched him scroll through his notes. Blinking to see through his thick glasses. Not a single hair graced his shiny head but he had nice eyes. Very deep blue and they were always ringed in whatever light reflected above him. Making them seem much lighter than they were.

"The canteen is looking for volunteers. Extra credit, people. I'm sure most of you will need the experience in serving food. I've seen your grades.",

I laughed softly. The sound of chattering coming from Stacy's group.

"I'm looking at you Dean Hastings". He added, "You have to actually LISTEN to learn—Okay". He cleared his throat. "We are chasing donations for the food drive. Anything counts. Yada yada yada. There will be an assembly in the hall at midday for the Prom committee members. We need a theme here, Under the sea, Snow ball, mascaraed, Starry night And that's just off the top of my head...that's it for the announcements ". Mr Harrelson finished. "Now, today, children try to be productive. Pick some rubbish off the ground. Water a plant. Help somebody-"

Just then he was cut off by a sharp knock on the classroom door. Two police officers standing in the doorway. Not officers from the Hawkin's PD but agents dressed in black uniforms. The whole class turned to Billy, snickering smirks coming over Stacy and Aubrey. "Give yourself up, Hargrove", Aubrey yelled. Billy's face just sinking as he looked at me. But I didn't give away what I knew. And as the officers stepped into the classroom I smiled. Trepidation coming from each nearing footstep. Guns holstered at each leg of the officers.

"Settle down", Mr Harrelson warned, slamming his palm on his desk. Just then a ruler flung past me, bouncing off the corner of Billy's chair. Might as well have been stones.

"Mr Hargrove has already been taken out of this classroom once this week in handcuffs is this really necessary?", Harrelson questioned,

I watched the male officer with his sharp cut hair unfold a piece of paper. Completely ignoring our homeroom teacher. Chewing his gum as he spoke. The kind of man you didn't fuck with. The mere presence of him brought the classroom into a collective silence. It might've been that he was tall enough to brush the ceiling fan or that his muscles bulged from his uniform. But I figured it was because he looked like he'd shoot you point blank in the face if he heard a murmur.

"He's right there", Stacy sneered, pointing towards Billy. Everyone in her row laughing and giggling. Of course she was the only one unafraid of this man. She was a spoiled mean girl. And nothing ever happened to the pretty girls. No. They'd sit and snicker and watch the world pass them by, being as nasty as they wished. And nobody. Not a fucking soul would bat an eye. "Make sure you do the cuffs real tight", Stacy added. What a dumb bitch.

The officer waited for the class to settle before trying to speak again, stopping in the middle row of desks.

"James Henry Volksem you are under arrest for the premeditated assault of one Sierra Jade Morningstar, Intent to cause grievous bodily harm upon One William Hargrove and the possession of illicit substances both on your person and in the locker owning to you. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you In the court of law. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be provided for you",

The words silenced their class as Jimmy was forced up by that male agent upon shaky legs. The man violently patting him down for any weapons or drugs.

"Oh my god, I would've never guessed", Stacy gasped loudly, "What a creep".

I watched Jimmy as the officer slapped handcuffs onto his fat wrists, tears streaming his freckled face. The agent took two baggies from his jean pockets. Each with a white powder. Then nudged him out from his chair. The sound of it screeching across the room.

They walked silently from the classroom. Stacy speaking up.

"They can't just do that, Mr Harrelson. That's invasion of privacy! My Dad is a Lawyer. Jimmy could sue!",

"Probable cause, Miss Messner. Did they not find what they were looking for?", Harrelson sighed in response, "Learn the term if you wish to follow in your father's footsteps."

The whole room at this point was In hysterics. And We all thought it was over until the second officer unfolded another piece of paper. And the whole assembly went still. Eyes flickered to me. The female officer cleared her throat, stopping at the table of mean girls. The tension able to be cut with a knife. We waited. Waited.

"Stacy Ann Messner, you are under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon of one Miss Sierra Jade Morningstar. And the intent to cause bodily harm upon both Mr William Hargrove and Sierra Morningstar.",

"No. No she's lying", Stacy wailed, pointing at me.

"Your fingerprints are on the crowbar Miss Messner. The one that matches to the fracture in Miss Morningstar's cranium. Better yet, your name is on it. You probably shouldn't have used Daddy's tools to do your bidding.", Agent Torres shrugged, a smile playing on her thin lips.

"What about Steve?! He was there? Why isn't his name on your list?! Huh?",

"Did he swing a crowbar?", Torres exhaled, visibly annoyed by the teenage girl playing adult games.

"No...But he-"

"Hmm No is what I thought. Turn around for me",

"You can't do this. I have a right to a lawyer!", Stacy backed away from the Agent.

"Yes, you do Miss Messner. At the station",

"You're making it worse for yourself, Stacy", Mr Harrelson intervened.

"You can't prove I did anything!",

"We have witnesses. I'm sure your friend Jimmy isn't willing to go to prison for you either", Agent Eva Torres rolled her eyes.

I watched as Stacy cried. Properly wept against her desk and then Harrelson and the officer. Her wrists flailing against the handcuffs. The whole classroom a mix of shouts and profanities. And as she was escorted out of the room I stood from my chair, tossing Billy his car keys. He caught them in one hand, still in awe. His tongue scraping over his teeth. Impressed maybe.

"Sit down Morningstar". Mr Harrelson scolded, trying to keep our class from acting like buffoons.

"Well, I Fixed it", I flashed Billy a final shit stirring smile and walked out of that classroom. My boots echoing off the linoleum floor. In my stride I lit up that cigarette my pocket and pushed through the exit doors. A damned legend my Dad was.

In the parking lot Stacy was screeching like a banshee. Two officers pushing her into the police car. I watched it drive away. Blowing smoke into the breeze.

"You're terrifying",

I turned towards Steve Harrington, the wind filtering over us.

"I actually got the idea from you",

"Me?". He narrowed his stare.

"Yeah, you remember how you told me to make up some elaborate lie that my Dad was handling the situation?"

"...Yes?",

"He handled it", I smirked, watching his expression shrivel.

"Oh my god. You are just beyond scary. I'm talking like aliens In space level of terrifying"

"Only when I'm forced to be", I snickered, inhaling that sweet smoke.

"How are you eighteen and so powerful? I can't even get above a C in maths let alone orchestrate some elaborate scheme to get people arrested.".

I opened my mouth to speak. Questioning whether to tell him or not.

"I'm an agent, Steve", I confessed.

"As-As In the CIA?", He stumbled,

"Yes",

"So you're not eighteen?",

"No I am, but I graduated from the academy before I came to Hawkins.",

"I called it, I called it", He chuckled nervously. "Oh my god, does this mean if I didn't apologise you would've had me arrested to?",

"Perhaps", I shrugged, clamping my hand on his shoulder. "You can't tell anyone. I still have six months left at this school, Okay?".

"Okay-Okay. But why are you here?".

"I know all about Hawkins, Steve. I know about that vortex. Those creatures.",

"Demogorgons", He corrected.

"What we don't know is why it happened, or where they came from", I walked, ushering him along with me.

"So do you have like guns and stuff?". He asked, following after.

"Yes", I nodded.

"Cool",

"Steve, I need you to tell me what you know. But not here. After I leave you're going to walk back into class and continue your day like nothing happened. I'll make contact later.",

"Wait, how are you getting home?", He questioned as I took another inhale.

"Seems like a good day to walk", I replied, crossing the car park. "I'll see you on Monday",

The gravel crunched beneath my boots as I walked over that grass field towards the main highway. Turning to see Steve had gone. Good. I thought, quickly stepping onto the sidewalk. The scent of pine dripping from the pores of the trees. Enough wind filtering through to make me hug my jacket closer. Maybe this town wasn't so shit. I sighed, watching a blue bird ascend above the woods. Today was a good day.

And as I crossed the bridge at the end of the highway, I looked over that grey river beneath. A thousand feet below me. Home still another thirty minutes away.

At the end of the iron bridge I tossed my cigarette over the railing. The sound of a thunderous engine piercing the silence. I looked over to see that black Camaro stopped in the middle of the road. With it I exhaled a cloud of smoke.

"Get in", Billy spoke, opening the door from the inside. I did, sliding into that passenger side. He drove with little more than a shared glance. Silent the whole way to the lookout. Then, when his car rolled to a stop on that mountain he turned to me. A bruise crawling out from beneath his glasses. He questioned with brows furrowed and awe in every spoken word. Almost embarrassed to ask. "Why-why did you do that?",

"Relax, I didn't do it for you", I replied with a quick thought. Watching his thumb tap against the steering wheel. "You were just conveniently there when all the evidence pieced itself together to press charges",

"Then why did you include my name at all?".

"More witnesses make for more evidence", I replied without delay, his tongue running over his teeth as he thought.

"I don't believe you". He snarled.

"I don't give a fuck",

"Fine, then what was the deal with my Dad this morning?",

"My fight with that prick was because I don't like him, not because I like you, okay?",

"What did you say to him when we were leaving? He went white.",

"Semper Fidelis. He's a Marine.",

"How-How did you know?-",

"You fight like a marine", I lied. I read his file.

He was silent after that. Thinking as he stared out over the river. That glistening water reflected in the lens of his glasses. Rippling in the breeze with white water horses.

"-Thank you", Billy grunted through clenched teeth, clearing his throat to speak again. "No one's ever said anything to him before...Or threaten to send him to prison", He laughed weakly at that last bit, leaning his head back against the headrest.

"Don't mention it", I responded, the morning sky vibrant in shades of blue and white. It was hot outside but that cold breeze made the day just beautiful. Tolerable.

"You're a little—unhinged aren't you?". He turned his sight back to me. Speaking with more air than tone in that voice that seemed to arise when he was too tired to pretend to be nice. And I wondered if that's what his actual voice sounded like. I'd heard a few from him. The soft and slow one he used around Aubrey and Stacy. The higher pitched shout around his friends and this much deeper drawl. Some sort of accent laying beneath that wasn't Californian. Maybe southern. Texan. I didn't know. Could've been none of the above. The words seemed to get abbreviated when he did use it and he didn't have to think as hard about what he was saying.

I think this was the longest time I'd seen him without a cigarette between his lips.

"In this town you've gotta be",

Billy nodded, his blonde mane tapping his jacket. I spoke again before he could. "Think of it this way, because those pricks have been brought down a peg you don't have to see me again. You can go back to your promiscuous ways, now that the title of woman beater has been lifted, and I can finish the last six months of living here in some sort of peace",

"Yeah", He scoffed, rubbing his chin.

"But if you're ever at my door again with blood staining your clothes I'm going to just fucking shoot your Dad in the face".

"What if I'm just at your door?", The question stumped me, the bluntness of it.

I answered still, somewhat confused. "Doesn't matter. Come to my door. Sleep. Play with my stupid fat feline friend..But it's not a whore house. I'm sure you'd rather not have anyone else knowing you're associated with Satan's Mistress anyways.". I shrugged. He pressed his lips together tightly, nodding as he did. And in the midst of it I wondered if I misunderstood him.

"Uh-That's...You coming to the game on Wednesday?", He asked quickly after, shaking out whatever his other thought was.

"That's like four weeks away",

"Twenty-Four days", He corrected me with that shit stirring sidewards smirk.

"You playing?,"

"Yes".

"Then no", I replied jarringly

"Your Friend Steve Harrington is playing",

"Doesn't matter",

"Matters to him", Billy muttered.

"What's that supposed to mean?",

"He didn't sit next to you at Stacy's party so he could flirt with your friend. Steve was making moves on you and you up and left.", He laughed, wetting his lips with his tongue. "And he had to sit there and listen to her talk about herself for twenty minutes before he could even get a word in", The last bit made him laugh harder.

"Fuck", I groaned, sinking lower in my seat. No. Surely not. I couldn't have been that blind. But when I thought back on that night the pieces fit together. "Oh no", I put my hands over my face to hide the shame. Trying not to laugh as I spoke, "I fucking asked him how it went the next time I saw him too".

Billy was inconsolable at this point. His hand covering his mouth to repress his laughter and beneath his glasses I could see tears glistening in his eyes.

"He probably thinks I'm an asshole", I added, lightly bashing my head into the dash. "Ugh-I gave him her number and told him to call her",

Progressively the story got worse but I wasn't done, trying to speak through the laughter, "...Oh my god, I forced them together in science class",

What was once glistening tears Billy now had to wipe away with his hand, every word I spoke rattling laughter through the car.

"And I got to watch him suffer through an entire term next to her because he was too much of a bitch to tell you", He choked out, holding his chest.

"He told me he didn't know my name?"

"He knew. He's just a wimp and probably needed a reason to talk to you",

"Stop laughing", I grimaced, lightly smacking his arm. Only making him howl harder. "It's not funny", I exhaled. My cheeks on fire now.

"It is",

"Why didn't you tell me?", I scolded, laughing miserably.

"Because watching it unfold was just...the best".

"Will you stop laughing?",

He wiped beneath his eyes, still rattling a chuckle as he spoke, "So you coming or not?".

"I don't think I can ever show my face around Steve ever again.",

Billy howled for another two minutes after I said the words. Finding the whole thing just hilarious.

"If I go will you stop laughing at me?", I gently shoved him.

"No.", He spoke firmly, shaking his head. Exhaling a long breath to rid his laughter.

"But you should go", He added.

"Fine. I will.", I replied, opening my passenger door and sweeping around to his side. He eyed me like I was on fire. "What?"

"Your gear changes feel like my skin is sliding up a cheese grater", I explained,

"What is with you and my car?", He asked sharply.

"You can drive my car if you want. It's just coincidence your car is always in my driveway",

"It's really not.",

"Tell your story from the passenger seat", I smiled, urging him over. He swore something unrepeatable but moved nonetheless. And as we travelled along the highway he turned up the radio.

'Simple man' by Lynyrd Skynyrd blasting through the stereo. I hummed along to it as we merged. Catching the last verse before he quickly switched the radio station and 'My Sharona', started playing instead.

"I hate this song", I murmured, coercing him to crank the volume louder.

"We don't disrespect my Sharona in this car",

I scoffed loudly, "it's No motley Crüe",

"Motley Crüe?",

"Live wire is where it's at",

"I hate that song",

"You're wrong but okay",

His hand reached into the centre console, rifling through his cassette collection until he found one. Inserting it into the player.

I smiled as Motley Crüe blasted over the speakers.

"You think this is better than 'My Sharona'?",

"No but I saw it the cassette in your centre console before and I was trying to think of a way to get you to play it", I chuckled, watching his jaw clench then release. Lowering the volume as I spoke again. The wind flapping through my hair.

"Okay. Okay. I can't fault you for 'My Sharona. What it all comes down to is the guilty pleasure song",

"Guilty pleasure song?"

"You know, that one song you refuse to admit you actually love because it's embarrassing",

"Waiting for a girl like you", He didn't hesitate to answer.

"Thanks, but what's the song?", I stirred, watching his eyes roll in my peripheral. "Foreigner. Respectable", I commented, turning off the highway.

"What's yours?", He exhaled, bringing his boot up on the seat. I thought for a moment.

"Have you seen the movie 'A night in heaven'?",

"Absolutely not",

"Well there's a song in it called 'Heaven' that's an absolute masterpiece. I have it on VHS tape if you want to borrow it",

"I'll pass", He declined, feeling the wind against his hand. Enjoying it. Even if he pretended not to.

The idea of sending him back to that house stained with his blood made my stomach turn.

"Hey, do you have plans?", I asked, pressing my lips together. It was always a gamble asking him anything because I didn't know whether he'd tell me to fuck off or not. But I figured he was in a better mood than usual. He might just go for it.

"Why?",

"Next town over there's this haunted house In the middle of a pumpkin field I wanted to check out. Prue refuses to go with me. She doesn't like the spooky stuff after last time. You game? I'll pay for fuel and snacks?...I mean I'm not going there at night I'm not crazy.",

"A haunted house?", He furrowed his brow, sitting up straighter.

"Might die. Who knows?",

Billy ran his tongue over his teeth, smiling at how stupid it sounded. "I pick the music",

"Good, we're already a quarter of the way there". I smirked innocently, pressing harder on the accelerator. The Camaro quickly jolting.

"I hate you", He exhaled, digging through his cassette collection.

"Don't be nasty",

"Don't fuck up my car",

"Don't ruin our field trip with your bitch attitude", I talked back in a childish voice, making a soft laugh exit his nostrils. Regaining my usual voice, "What do you feel like? Coffee? Milkshakes? Burgers? Scones? Pie?".

"I think you overestimate what these gas stations have to offer", He replied.

"I wasn't going to buy you gas station food. I was going to buy gas and then find a café or something. Although if you prefer food poisoning I could",

"I don't care", He shrugged, ejecting the Motley Crüe cassette.

"Thanks I'll try that". My eyes rolled. Asshole.

On the open, newly paved road, the Camaro truly showed its worth. The sound of its roaring engine almost non existent with the whipping wind. Ten minutes of corn and barley fields either side of us. It was nice. Calming.

Kiss blared over the radio in the background. Was I enjoying this too much? Yes. Most definitely.

I stopped at the first gas station I saw, turning in my seat. "Premium?".

He nodded In response, starting open his door.

"I can manage". I added, stilling his movement.

The bowser grumbled to life as I squeezed the pump, fuel pouring into the Camaro. I leaned against the car while I did, tossing my eyes back to my passenger who's boot was pressed against the dash. Laying back in his seat with his glasses loosely over his eyes. Absorbing the sun on his skin.

"Nice car", Some middle aged male commented from the next pump over.

"Thanks, I stole it", I smiled in return, stilling his advances. Finally the pump clicked and I paid inside at the counter. Returning to the man who was nearly asleep against his door. The sound of the engine causing a sharp breath to leave him.

"How's the knee?", I asked, pulling out of the gas station.

"Fine", He grunted, still slouched down in his seat. The rest of the trip to the diner was exclusively silent. I asked him something. He grunted in response. I called him and asshole. He agreed.

But for a small, beat up town they did a great cup of coffee on the side of apple pie. Apparently it didn't compare to coconut cake according to Billy. He lightened up when the waitress came over to take our order, even though the woman was in her forties and sporting an absolute weapon of a wedding ring. Taking her suggestion of a caramel milkshake and a burger with fries. The woman, amidst their interaction looked over to me like She felt bad about his behaviour. Bringing me into their conversation. Girlfriend I believe she called me. Meeting silence from both of us. It stayed that way until we were on another dirt road doing 80. I was a little bored by the end. Even Metallica couldn't rip me out of that. So I hummed along, tapping my fingers against the wheel. The road ahead never ending,

"Favourite movie?", I asked after a while. Making him sit up straighter in his seat.

"Uh-The Terminator?", He replied with delay.

"I've only seen it like two times already in the cinema, but I'll tell you what. I would put a hit on myself if Kyle Reese was coming to save me from a killer Cybernetic organism under living tissue",

"Yeah I watch it for Reese too", He scoffed, shaking his head. The sound of his ring tapping against the doorframe with the beat of the music was all I heard.

"C'mon he's hot, admit it. Men in uniform always are",

"That's not true",

"If any woman tells you the latter she's lying...And if he's in tactical gear then I'm swooning",

"Isn't your Dad one of those guys?"

"Well...It Sounds creepy when you put it like that". I grimaced, rethinking my choice of words.

"What's yours? The movie?",

"Alien", I replied quickly. "Nothing like a smart woman's warnings getting thrown into the breeze and the men who ignored her dying horrifically for it".

"I-Uh, liked the Alien...", He commented, no doubt judging my in depth observation.

"Acid for blood was wicked,",

"And the chest burstin' scene",

"Scared the fuck outta me", I admitted, the dirt road now coming into tarmac. And that difference in the comfort of our ride was astounding. Not nearly as rough as that dusty back road. It was a hell of a lot quieter too.

"And you wanna go to a haunted house?", He asked in that much deeper voice.

"I Ain't a bitch", I shrugged, trying to decode that accent that came and went so fleetingly. It was maybe one word every few sentences, enough so no one else would ever guess. But I'd lived in Tennessee. And It kind of made my neck twitch. So I asked over the booming sound of Cher, "What's the accent?",

"Huh?", He raised his eyebrows over the frame of his glasses, angling his neck in the same motion.

"Your accent",

"Same as yours?", He shrugged like I was a lunatic.

"Yeah but I lived in Tennessee for four years, so this is a mix of Canadian and Southerner",

"Arkansas", He murmured softly.

"You live there?",

"No", He gritted his teeth, turning the radio up louder.

"Okay..."

And to my left I saw the road sign 'Hazeldean produce'. That's where we were going. I turned into a cobbled driveway. Pumpkin fields either side of it all the way up to an ash coated two story house.

"Oh, that's fucking creepy", Either side of us the pumpkins in the field were entirely black and charred. Vines shrivelled and near liquid. The earth beneath that same shade of black.

Billy didn't say anything but sat up straighter in his seat as I crawled up the driveway to that spooky wooden house. What once was a grand farmhouse now fell into disrepair. A beautiful bay window at the front of the house now missing all its glass. Beneath it wild pumpkins grew...well died.

The car came to a stop by the overgrown window planters.

"Coming in?", I asked, opening the car door. I didn't wait for an answer as I tread lightly over the shrivelled vines leading to the rotten porch. Testing the steps before I put my weight on them. In front of me was a black door missing some of its panelling. Glass squares arching above it. I reached for the mouldy brass handle, the thing screeching a terrible sound. And as I pushed against it the door grumbled open. The whole house entirely dark. Billy trailed behind me in my step, following me into some sort of foyer, a set of stairs at the rear. And as I stepped towards them that front door slammed shut, scaring me out of my skin. Billy laughed and pushed ahead. "Wuss",

The inside of that bay window was much more tragic than the outside. Bits of splintered wood stuck up from a bench seat. No light piercing through, complete coldness beamed down on a cushion that was torn apart. I imagined someone sitting there in winter, reading while the rays of sun warmed them.

Behind the window a dining room sat untouched by the weather. Cutlery and plates still set on a mahogany table. Floral carpet squished beneath my feet stained in...I didn't want to know. Past that dining room that dim light began to fade and I followed Billy to a kitchen with boarded up windows. Small streams of silver light poking through the seams.

"You know the really creepy shit is going to be in the basement, right?". He spoke, touching the frayed end of a grey curtain.

"No. It's the attic", I corrected, the floorboards creaking beneath me. There was something in the air here. Some sort of grit floating around us. Like burnt paper.

"Basement.",

"Attic",

"Ten bucks says basement",

"Twenty says attic", I bartered, watching his tongue skim his teeth.

"You're wrong",

"You're mistaken"

"You're dreaming, Morningstar."

"Your fly is undone", I smirked, watching his eyes quickly dart down. "Gotcha",

"Alright, let's go then", He tilted his gaze, walking back towards the rotten stairs.

"You first",

"I thought you were a badass?", He turned to me on that first step, eyebrows raised in that shit stirring way he did.

"No, you're right at least if something grabs my leg I can fall on you", I smirked, pushing past him. He exhaled a soft laugh and I walked up those rickety steps one at a time. Each groan making my bones rattle. "It's really dark in here", Billy whispered from behind me. I knew what he meant. It was daylight outside but in here it was like the windows were gone. Like no light had ever touched this darkness. "Yeah, no shit", I replied, trying not to stumble.

"You're such a bitch",

"Aww that's really nasty, you don't mean that",

"Hmm, have fun walking home",

"Baby, girls with asses like mine don't have trouble finding a way home",

"That because people with mental disabilities get more sympathy?",

I turned and whacked his shoulder with the back of my hand. Well what I think was his shoulder. It was really dark up the stairs. "You should know", I bit, coercing his menacing laughter, "Sick comeback",

"Why don't you fuck yourself?",

"Do it yourself, coward",

"That was actually ear acid", I grimaced, "Like of the worst things you could hear theres someone telling you you have one day to live and above that is your comeback"

"Yeah, if you're a lesbian", He laughed through his nostrils.

"Aww that would be funny if I was a lesbian",

"Hmm, learn something new everyday",

"So that makes you a day old?",

"You know I won't tell anyone if you are a lesbian. A few of us called it.",

"Ah yes the only reason I don't date a bunch of slack jawed yokels must be because I'm a lesbian. I don't do the whole high school boy thing.",

"Why? You into old guys?".

"You're all dumbasses",

"You don't know that",

"How don't I know that?"

"Your only guy friend is Kade,",

"And if he's the only nice one out of you then I'm screwed because he's kind of a douche",

"We're nicer than some of the bitches In our grade,",

"Yeah but I don't date girls",

"Lucky, they're all cows here",

"Yeah, must be miserable for you",

The second floor was pitch black barring the small streams of light that came from between wooden slats on the window. And as I reached the landing I stopped, trying to see. Water dripped from somewhere. I couldn't tell where. Scratching echoing in the pipes. Made me wish I'd brought a torch.

A soft click and the flame from my lighter illuminated the silhouette in front of me. The outline of a white mask with blackened eyes flickering to life a inch from my face. I screamed lightly, slamming into Billy's chest. "Fuck", I gasped, seeing the mask that had been strung on the ceiling, "Fucking clown",

"Jumpy", He teased, moving ahead of me. "You want me to shoot if for you? It looks dangerous?"

"Shut the fuck up", I groaned, watching his own lighter guiding the way. But I stilled at that creepy ass mask. It's mouth and eyes dribbling onyx paint. Like tears. But I didn't dwell on it. It was probably just some asshole teenagers playing a prank.

I opened a door down the first corridor, silver light streaming through, enough so we could actually see where we were going. "You know anything about this place?", Billy asked over my shoulder. I lined my chin with my shoulder to reply, "Used to be a pumpkin farm about twenty years ago. It went on to become deceased estate when the original owners passed",

"Passed? Or were murdered?", He spoke in a whisper just to taunt me.

"They were a hundred years old",

"Old people get murdered to",

"Okay, Billy", I rolled my eyes, "They were hacked to death in their beds",

"I knew it", He whispered again, looking around that room over my shoulder.

"This was where it happened", I walked over to the rotted floorboards next to the radiator where four bed posts were indented and knelt there, my sight veering to the adjoining ensuite. A porcelain bath staring back. "Mr Hazeldean got up to take a leak one night in the dark, you see he'd lived here long enough he didn't have to turn on the lights. But when he came back to bed there was a warm wet patch beneath him and not the kind you want in your bed. He turns to Mrs Hazeldean, draping his arm over her, only to feel more of that wet liquid. He gets up and switches on the light only to find the hacked remains of his wife laying in their bed and the red writing on the wall, 'Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the light?',",

"Is that a movie?", Billy question with a smirk.

"Urban legend", I replied, shrugging as I did.

"You scare me", He murmured, taking his first steps into the room. His light bounced around the perimeter. A low whistle leaving his mouth.

"You asked for a creepy backstory", I replied, getting up from my kneel.

"You didn't have to come up with one so fast, freak",

"You're an ass", I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, and?",

"Shut up",

Floorboards creaked under us as we navigated that room with hesitant steps. Falling through the floor was up there on my list of fears.

My orange light bounced over the radiator and into that adjoining bathroom. Neither of us had been in there yet. I guess I'd be the first one.

The smell as I passed through the door was one thing. Like wet dog and rotten carcasses. The state of the bathroom was another. The sink as you first entered was smashed into a pile of porcelain with a brass tap hanging on the wall. The toilet was on its side. The only thing intact was the bathtub, which was filled with three inches of green sludge water. Something furry and dead floated on its surface. A raccoon on closer inspection. By the smell it had been dead a while.

"William", I called, footsteps following not three seconds later. He stopped behind me, his flame flashing over the bathroom. "What?",

"...You didn't tell me this was a date",

"Huh?" His neck snapped around to me with impeccable speed.

"I feel so bad, you should have told me",

"What the fuck are you talking about?", Billy spat,

"Introduce me to her", I snickered, dipping my lighter down to that floating mass of fur and claws. "She's pretty",

A distinguishable sound left him as he leaned over the bath, caught between a scoff and laughter. The creature, which I assumed was a raccoon, hadn't been dead long. It still had most of its fur, baring a few places on its skull where white bone shone through. And hadn't begun to stink up the place to an unbearable degree. Probably because it was so cold in there.

"I'm Sierra", I reached across Billy's flickering light and shook that stiff paw. I hardly expected it to come off. "Oh, fuck.",

And as I stood back upright Billy's flame followed me. Followed that crusty limb between my fingers. His face nothing short of disgusted. "William, something is really wrong with your girlfriend.",

He ran his tongue over his teeth, motioning to the limb, "You touch me with that and I'll drown you",

"What? Now that she lost her arm you don't love her anymore?", I tried to keep a straight face as I motioned with that dead limb. His eyes followed every movement. The rest of him flinched at each flail.

"Can you put down the leg?", He asked again but firmer in his tone.

"You know, even without it, I think she's my favourite of your girlfriends.", I ignored his plea, if only to see him flinch.

Green eyes bounced between me and the leg, sneering, "I don't have girlfriends",

"Really? She just lost her leg and you can't even let her have that?".

"Will you fucking put it down?", He hissed, grimacing every time I motioned with it. It really creeped him out.

"You only had to ask, William", I smiled sweetly and launched it straight at him. The moment it touched his face he jumped out of his skin. I don't think I've ever seen someone move so fast. He swatted it away hard enough that it thumped off the wall and rolled back into the bath.

His eyes sliced through me like I'd betrayed him and he wiped his face with his sleeve, his hand motioning aggressively at me, "You're going in the fucking bath",

"No I'm not", I shook my head plainly with a shit eating grin on my lips, planting one of my boots behind me in a retreating step. "I'll kick your ass",

"I'm beggin' you to kick my ass", Billy laughed, each promising step laced in threat. And I planted myself on those splintered floorboards. But he didn't attack me. No. He backed me up against the tiled wall and grabbed my wrists quickly. He pinned them above my head in the same action. Pushing all his body weight against them as if he were restraining a feral cat. And trust me, no academy had ever prepared me for a fight like that. Part of me wanted to see what he'd do. I glared at him through my eyelashes, unblinking. It was all I could do. In place of words my mind scrambled. Glitched completely. And my heart, it went haywire. But I could feel the hot body of my lighter against my fingers, each groove indenting on my skin. He knew what he was doing. The soft gasp that left my lips was enough for him. I could see it in his smirk, his eyes that drifted over my face then met my glare. It was all an act to him. He was a womaniser plain and simple. He smelt like a goddamn cheap hooker. Like cigarettes and sweet vanilla. Ungodly sweet. It was all I could smell.

His hot breath passed by my neck and he blinked finally. A disoriented sort of blink. Like he forgot what he was doing.

"I will break your fucking knees", I sneered in response, meaning every word. And his crushing grasp on my wrists subsided. Billy didn't fuck around and before I knew it he had me over his shoulder like a common wench. I let him, if only to allow the other moment to pass. His bone bashing into my ribs. It took the air from me. Made me grip onto him like a cat. "I'm not fucking around, Hargrove!",

"I heard you the first time", He swung me back down not two seconds later, threatening to dunk me in that feral water. With that porcelain edge against the back of my thigh. His grasp of the dip of my spine and the underside of my knee. Leaning over me enough to displace my balance. His face was so serious and all I could do was snicker underneath him. I had the habit of laughing at the worst times.

Inappropriate yes. Would that probably get me kill one day? Yes.

Even while he was threatening to drown me I laughed. Not like a cute giggle. But a daring sort of thing. Like I dare you to push me in. "I warned you",

He didn't lower me into the sludge. Because I nudged his knee with my boot and he went down like a sack of potatoes. Letting go of me immediately. I stumbled back but veered myself into the wall instead of the bath. "Jesus fuck", I swore, while trying not to breathe in the dust that came off the wall. My eyes sliding back on that floating dead limb that made its way back to the end of the tub.

Billy was swearing unrepeatable things at this point. Leaning into what was left of the sink with his sight firmly on the floorboards. I think he was just trying to breathe through the pain. I neared him with caution.

"There there", I spoke with no sympathy while patting his shoulder. His body tensed against it. The entirety of him going rigid. "Sierra, if that's that fucking Raccoon limb touching me again, you're walking home", His neck turned before I could answer, eyes meeting the tuft of bone, fur and claw against his arm. I thought it was funny. He did not. Or else he hid it very well. He smacked it out of my hand swiftly and it rebounded off the toilet, sliding back into my boot. Billy watched it with disbelief.

"Your date is a little clingy", I snickered, bumping his shoulder with the back of my hand.

After, I relit my lighter, My boots treaded over the limb and back into the dark bedroom. Pipes groaned overhead. My eyes shot to where the sound emitted. A great wet patch on the ceiling. Mould sprouted off its edges. Black mold,

"Sierra", Billy called me and I wandered back to the adjoined bathroom, speaking, "Fine, you can poke me with the raccoon arm, but I'm not licking it or anything",

I caught his grimace in my light and he opened his mouth to speak, thinking on it for a second. "You're going up there", And I watched him motion to the small manhole above the toilet.

"Now why would I do that?",

"Because you violated me with a dead raccoon", He responded quickly, making my lips quirk.

"What if I don't want to go up there?"

"Why? You scared?",

"Of attic bats? Extremely",

"Ass up, Morningstar", He didn't wait for an answer before he was nudging me towards the end of the bathroom. "What if I just apologise?",

"Fine, apologise",

I looked between him and the black hole above us, "Nah, I prefer the attic",

"Thought so",

"Don't just stand there, help me up", I smirked sideways, flicking the lid on my lighter closed. And I stuffed it's warm metal body into my back pocket, reefing up my jeans.

"I didn't hear a please",

"Yeah, you ain't going to", My smile widened vindictively, surveying that abyss of darkness above us. Even if he tried I don't think he would've fit through it. It was a tight squeeze. He too looked between it and me with a hard expression. Caught between telling me to fuck off or his want for me to go into the crawl space. His front teeth brandished after a bit, "Good to know", He ground out like it was glass shards in his mouth.

"We done talking?", I questioned

"Yeah", Billy bit, rolling his eyes before he laced her fingers together to boost me.

"Good", I raised my boot to his hand and eyed off the opening above me. With a solid kick off the ground and the boost from him I pulled myself up and into that dank and dark space, dangling my legs in the opening of the hole. There wasn't any light up here. But the smell was just disgusting. Like rotten, mouldy wood. The stench of it was sort of sour. I reached for the lighter in my rear pocket, flicking it to life. The flame sparked then danced in orange tendrils around me. Illuminating the small space. Maybe it had been part of the attic once but now it was a small pentagonal sort of shape. A plaster wall stared back at me. The state of it was much more modern than the rest of the house. Which was old faded timber.

There was debris in here, bits of old pipe and shards of broken shingles. I wondered why it was plastered over to begin with. Unless that strong mouldy smell was indeed black mould.

"Should I get that twenty off you now?", Billy's voice emitted from the bathroom below me.

"It's boarded up", I responded.

"What do you mean?",

My eyes rolled on their own, "I mean there's a wall in front of me",

"Check behind you then",

"Yeah, I'll do that. Oh look another wall. And another one, and another one ",

"I get the idea. Anything cool up there?",

"Well this has your name on it", I commented while holding my middle finger out through the man hole. Fuck. The stink was giving me a headache. So I dimmed my light and slipped back through the hole, landing roughly on that splintered wood floor.

"Black mold", I spoke to the man beside me.

"Excuse me?",

"Mold. It's easier to plaster over it than to fix. It fucking reeked up there",

"Doesn't matter. If you were on the right side of the wall", He snickered.

"We're standing in a bathroom with no ventilation, take a guess which side the mold is on",

"I said If", Billy commented while hauling himself up against the side of the overturned toilet and the rusted towel rod next to it. I watched with a grimace, waiting for that rod to collapse beneath him while he peered up into the man hole. All I could see was his orange light through the hole flickering back and forth.

"Good place to hide", He murmured and scaled back down the towel rod and toilet.

"Hide what?",

He blinked slowly before answering, "Aliens",

I shook my head in response and turned on my heel. Billy spoke again before I stepped out. "What, you never got into small spaces when you were a kid?".

"No",

"Oh",

"Why would anyone go into that mouldy ass attic?",

"To hide", He spoke in a softer voice that made my head cock.

"Hide drugs maybe", I snickered, "Besides I don't see old man Hazeldean hauling himself up there. Not without injury. This shit hole is probably littered with mould and he was too cheap to get it fixed. Which means the other side of that wall is gonna be equally as fucked.",

"You first then",

We lurked around that first bedroom for a little bit after then continued on to the other four. Some sort of library in that last room. All the books had long since been stolen but there was a sturdy wooden table at its rear, a circular window casting silver light onto its surface. Billy had been quiet behind me for a while, his light bouncing around the room. Each creak in the pipes making us jump. "Fuck, this place is creepy", I swore lightly, gathering his shadow behind me. "I think you're the scariest thing here", He whispered.

"Oh, enlighten me", I begged, turning, almost into him.

"I mean sending high school students to prison by morning and haunted house exploring by afternoon. I think you're a psycho",

"Fuck off, I saved your ass",

"You want me to thank you again?", He asked with threat laced in his voice.

"Hmm yes, this time on your hands and knees like a peasant", I snickered.

"The first thank you wasn't good enough?",

"Not nearly enough grovelling",

"Yeah well I ain't great at gratitude",

"Shocking",

"But I ain't saying it again, Sierra...",

Just then a loud creak sound through the library, like someone coming up the stairs. Our wide eyes clashed in the middle.

I grasped his collar and pulled him into the wardrobe behind us. That tight space crushing us together. That flame in his hand the only thing that gave us light as I softly swung shut the wardrobe door. His chest rising and falling quickly against mine. It wasn't that It was a small space, it was all the other boxes and crap that forcibly smooshed us into each other. My legs straddling his, "if I feel anything rise against me I'm cutting it off", I warned softly. A sharp breath passed my cheek. "Then stop moving against me",

"I'm trying you son of a bitch",

"Try harder",

"I have about twelve boxes jabbing my ass and shoulder, get over it", I hissed close to his face. My hand next to his head to stop myself falling into him.

"Well-",

I clamped my hand over his mouth, shushing him with my other. Gently I lowered the cap on his lighter. The flame extinguishing. "Something is in here with us", I murmured, listening to the sounds of the house. The creaks and rattles. All the while I released his mouth. His body taut against me. "Gotcha", I snickered with a smile he couldn't see, pushing open the wardrobe door. That darkness welcoming us back into the library's abyss of wood and broken things. I flicked my lighter back to life. Orange light crawling through our small shared space. "It's Rats. I heard it before", I explained,

"If you wanted to get me alone in a tight space, Sierra, all you had to do was ask", He replied in a low tone, his breath passing my cheek. "Keep it in your pants, Hargrove",

"Why?", He mused lightly, "Afraid of a good time?",

I wasn't blind. He was attractive as sin. Even with his bruised face.

The jerks always were. He'd pretend to be a decent person to get in my pants but he'd go back to that jackass afterward.

And I'd be lucky to see the dust from his tires.

"Hmm, remember what I said about washing you with acid before I ever touched you?", I warned after a moment, stepping into the less crowded space.

"You don't need acid",

My eyes rolled, "To do what?",

The snicker on my lips lessened as I looked over my shoulder to him and his fingers hooked the side of my belt, twirling me roughly into his chest.

He was fucking around,

Being a dick.

He smirked at my grunt on our impact, making a shiver crawl down my spine as he murmured. "I'm not saying thank you again",

"I got it the first time.",

"No, you didn't," Billy murmured, lowering the cap on my lighter as he teasingly flicked open my belt buckle. I followed him with my eyes, my heart beating out of my chest.

————-

After that library another set of stairs beheld us. The narrow door at the top of them firmly closed. Each doorknob was coated in ash. And I was breathless. In a legs shaking sort of way. Ears ringing.

Damn I was out of shape.

"After you". I called over Billy's shoulder, watching with my arms crossed over my chest as he approached that door, readjusting the belt on his jeans. His hand Twisted the handle with a slight squeak. With a little force, the door opened and I followed after him up those stairs. The stench of wetness hit me before anything. Mold sprouted from the walls up there. Boxes upon boxes growing things I didn't want to know about. The only source of light came from a circular window In the middle of the attic.

I watched particles fly around us in the air. Mist and dirt. Billy moved to the rear of the room. Kicking one of those mouldy boxes. "Spooky". He teased, waiting for something. Anything. "Should I take that twenty dollars now?", he stirred, The exposed water pipes above his head rattling in response.

"Shut up", I hissed, looking over the vanity table in front of that huge circle window. Reminding me of that one in the library above that table. The silver light it cast on me.

My mind was elsewhere. In about twenty different places.

A layer of ash settled upon the table's surface. And I ran my fingers through it, reaching for a small pink box. And as I opened it music began to play, a ballerina spinning in place at its heart. Some sort of jewellery box. Hmm. I squinted, noting the bulge behind its velvet walls. No. Not a wall but a pocket. I pulled out a solid band from it encrusted with lilac diamonds. The ring was very precious and old.

It had something engraved on the back of it, a symbol I didn't recognise. The ring itself was Reminiscent of one my grandma used to wear. Near identical. But if I learned one thing from horror movies it was not to take shit from the haunted house. No matter how much I wanted to. So I placed it back in that box, dislodging that ballerina from its stand to stop the creepy music from penetrating my ears. Billy's eyes followed every step. Sort of silent again. Brooding.

"Let's go", I urged, moving towards the narrow door. Billy swept over the vanity, looking for a moment before something began to rattle in the attic. My whole body going stiff. Billy's too. The scratching became louder and I watched as a box began to jitter. Every fibre on my skin stood on end. What the hell?

I cursed, waiting for something to grab one of my limbs. A reasonable person would've run by now. But both Billy and I were so transfixed on that groaning box In the darkness that we stayed still. As if we moved it would only make the box scratch louder. Then, out of that blackened corner, something began to grow and I grabbed Billy's sleeve to pull him to where I was. He stumbled back, green eyes watching that moving shadow. "Time to go", I whispered, pushing him towards the stairs. "Quickly!",

Then something leapt through that darkness and we were both sprinting down those cursed stairs. I jumped the last three, turning that corner so fast my foot slipped on the rug but I didn't stop as my shoulder hit the wall and we aimed back towards the first flight of stairs. Poor Billy running on that injured knee. Fucker was still faster than me. Behind us, I could hear furniture clattering to the ground. The floorboards scratching terribly as that beast gained on us. Like talons ripping through the wood. Tearing it to splinters. Shit. I cursed, descending those stairs in a brisk run and jumping the last five. Catching up to Billy there at the landing.

Fuck. The door. It sealed itself.

"Window! Window!". I redirected his sprint, a lamp falling behind us, smashing to the floor. We dove at the same time through that glassless window, slamming into that field of dead pumpkins below. My body Landing on top of half of him. Ugh. I groaned, spitting out globs of wilted pumpkin. The sun near blinding. And as I tossed my eyes back to that glassless window I caught sight of the beast that had pursued us through the darkness. My breath hitching.

"-It was a-Uh badger. It was a fucking badger". I laughed, holding onto my rib cage. We'd run from a fucking rodent. Billy groaned beneath me, laughing all the same. Fuck, I laughed until there were tears in my eyes and then some more. Lying in the debris of our cunning escape. Smashed pumpkins surrounded us. His chest rumbled at my shoulder in his weeping laughter and I rolled onto my back. Something squishing beneath me as I did. I felt him lean on his elbow beside me. Turning inwards. "You have dead pumpkin in your hair", I snickered, trying to untangle the glob of it in his fringe. He didn't say anything but looked at me. Ash from the vines now coating what was once a pretty face. He reached into his Jean pocket for something, rifling around until he found what he was looking for. Placing a crumpled twenty dollar bill into the small pocket at my breast. the memory of running through that house making me laugh as I shielded my eyes against the glistening afternoon sun. He moved slightly inward to block the light with his shoulder. His fingers brushed the skin on my hip. Still looking at me In that way he did. Tongue running over teeth in his smile. His denim jacket was just smeared in black and orange. I couldn't help but snicker again as I swept away the charcoal mark on his jaw with the tips of my fingers. Wiping it on my black jeans. His mouth opened as if to speak but the thunderous pattering of rain didn't wait for him.

"Fuck", He swore as I sat up, nearly colliding with his skull. Water pelting down on us. Turning the ashen ground to slurry. "So the haunted house was a bust", I spoke, both of us standing on that squishy earth. Green eyes blinking slowly. "How are you so much cleaner than me?", He questioned, glancing to where he landed. I looked down at myself. Only a small smear of orange staining my shoulder. Whereas he looked like he'd jumped out of one of those desiccated pumpkins. "It's called class", I chuckled, wiping off the minimal damage to my clothes. My eyes veered to the car across the field. And as I looked up I saw his eyes flicker to the dead and rotting remains of a gigantic pumpkin beside us. Something that looked like the birds had already demolished. "You wouldn't". I murmured, backing slowly towards the car. Each step he took towards me gaining that bit of length. "No, Billy think of your car", I turned this time to make my getaway, gasping as he hooked me by the waist. Taking the ground from beneath my solid boots. I flailed, taking out his knee in my defiance. "Shit", He chuckled, falling on top of me as I squished that blackened pumpkin. Dust spurting out of either side of it as I did. Rain quickly settled it. And as he hovered there above me he wiped the ash from my face. His knee was halfway through the corpse of the vegetable. The muscles in his arms twitching beside my waist and shoulder. Raggedly breathing against the effort.

"Next time we take your, car", He commented, making me laugh. With it, he helped me back up to my feet. And even though he'd gotten my jacket three times dirtier he'd also made his jeans a nice shade of grey.

"How's your knee?", I stirred watching him limp through the field. "Come on, cripple", Without question I took up that space under his arm, helping him move through the field. Like I was dragging a soldier Out of a war zone.

"Fuck off", He sneered, closing his eyes tightly with every uneven step. His fingers tightening on my shoulder when they did.

"You sure you're going to be okay to play by Wednesday?",

"Yeah-Yeah", He nodded. "Are you offering to fill in for me?".

"Bitch, I'd destroy those Hawkins high boys",

He laughed gently as I opened the door for him, lowering him down to his seat. For some reason, I did his seatbelt too. I don't know why. His arms were fine. And I pondered that as I walked, red-cheeked around the driver's side of the car.

It was still raining by the time we made it back to my house. The smell of rotten vegetables fragrant between us. Watered down by the rain. But as the Camaro climbed that sloping concrete driveway I noticed another car next to mine. A black sedan with government plates.

"Fuck", I swore as we pulled up to the front door.

"Your Dad?".

"Yup", I groaned, leaning back on the headrest. "He's going to kick my ass".

Billy looked at me with a semblance of surprise.

"Like scream at me, I mean", I clarified, his brows lowering. With that I handed Billy his keys, exiting the Camaro into the pouring rain. Shit. It was cold.

The sound of a door closing stopped my step and I watched Billy limp to the front porch after me.

"What are you doing, do you want to die?", I hissed, the storm soaking him through. He didn't say anything but hopped onto the porch, away from the rain. Painted in black and orange. Silently he removed the black watch on his wrist, grabbing my hand and gently tightening the band around my own wrist, turning its face inwards to me.

"5 o'clock, Wednesday", Billy spoke, pressing the buttons on the side.

"You thought I'd forget?",

"Now you don't have an excuse. I mean it's not a ring or anything", He breathed away the water that sluiced over his lips.

"I'd prefer your ring. What's it proper silver?",

"White gold",

"Fancy", I chuckled, glancing at the watch.

"Why don't you just fuck off?", He smiled.

"Alien?", I asked, remembering the line. "Nice".

His smirk widened as his hands dove into his jeans pockets. Particles of black still splattered on his jaw. He flinched as I wiped it away with my jacket sleeve. "You're filthy.", I observed, grasping his pumpkin-stained wrist. "Come on, cripple",

We moved toward the front door that opened before I'd even touched it. And there before us, my Dad stood. His arms crossed at his chest telling me all I needed to know. Scary would be the word to describe him. Tall would be another. Topped with muscle and a military hairdo he made for a nightmare to civilians. To me.

"William Hargrove", He spoke, eyeing off Billy like a hawk.

"Evening, Sir", Billy smiled, wiping some hair from his eyes. Dad turned to me, ignoring the man at my shoulder.

"He your boyfriend?", Dad asked with no kindness.

"No", I rolled my eyes. His gaze returned to Billy.

"Hmm, none of my friends ever kept me from prison",

"Stand down, Sarge", I hissed, pushing past him, my grasp around Billy's wrist becoming bone-breaking. I lead him down to the main bathroom, stopping in the doorway. "Black towels", I motioned to the towel cabinet. "If you can't find me and you see him with a shovel, haul ass",

Billy chuckled, removing his stained jacket and shirt in one go. "Take your time. I'm going to be a while", I added, trying not to linger. Closing the door behind me when I left. And there at the end of the hall, the Sergeant stood, his arms still crossed.

"What the fuck, Sierra?", He spat, leading me to the kitchen. "Two words or less. Go". He turned to me, stone setting beneath blue eyes.

"Agent recruitment", I spoke, leaning against the marble countertop.

"Excuse me?".

"I took him to Hazeldean farm. The whole grounds were dead like you said. He didn't flinch. I'm telling you Dad he's tougher than me", I lied through my teeth.

"Why is he limping?".

I looked away to say the words, "His home life isn't great...I'm trying to fix that",

"I know you're lying to me, Sierra.",

"Maybe I am...did you get the file on his Dad?".

"It's clean aside from An unpaid speeding ticket.".

I leaned against the countertop, defeated. "This isn't what you're here for, baby and if you're compromised you're no use to this agency. We don't know what this thing is or who it can infect...And until we find the portal to this underworld we can't rule out anyone",

"How do you know there is one?", I swallowed.

"That's classified", He gave me the same bullshit answer. "Sierra I don't want to keep getting bills from Hawkin's hospital but you can't get too close to these people. Not without getting hurt. And that boy...he's trouble",

I grimaced at the words. Running my hands over my face. He didn't understand. How could he?

"Why are you here?". I questioned, annoyed now. His blue eyes widened.

"Do I need a reason?".

"Yes. You do. I haven't seen you in over a year".

"When you get two students arrested I need to investigate, Sierra.",

"Why?".

"Because you're young and despite what you may think you don't know everything.".

"I didn't lie to you", I couldn't believe him.

"Did I say you did?".

"You didn't have to, Dad, I can see the disappointment from here",

"Sierra", He exhaled.

"Why don't you go back to Boston, Dean? I was doing great without you", I hissed, darting towards the staircase.

When I was clean and changed into fresh clothes I returned to the living room. Tying my wet hair into a bun.

Dad sat on my leather couch, his elbows resting on his knees as he conversed with Billy. I had to look twice to understand my Dad was pretending he cared about this boy. Enough to make small talk. My eyes narrowed the closer I got. Something not natural in the way my Dad chuckled at something Billy said. What?

Wait what?

"Sierra,", Billy spoke, green eyes clashing with me. "Your Dad was just telling me how you're joining the academy after graduation. You didn't tell me that".

"Yeah, I'm full of mystery", I replied half-heartedly, shaking my wrist, "I think the rain fucked up your watch",

"It's not waterproof", He shrugged.

"William wants to be a marine.", Dad interjected.

"Oh?", I asked. No, he didn't.

"A man in uniform is a powerful weapon.", Dad added, making me cringe. He was trying a little too hard to seem human.

"Dad, can you not?". I pleaded. "Stop trying to recruit, Billy. He doesn't want to work for you, he's just being nice".

"No, I'm not, sir. I truly respect what you do for our country.", Billy smiled. Oh my fucking god there were two of them.

I couldn't believe it. Those two just sitting there bullshitting each other. I took a seat in the single recliner, rolling my eyes. "Yeah. You never get sick of hearing that, do you?"

"Sierra.", Dad warned only once, the muscles in his arm flexing. The kind of look that wanted to turn me to stone. Yup. That was the real him, "Are you going to Offer your guest a drink? Or is the attitude all we're going to get from you?",

Billy was enjoying every minute my Dad tortured me. "Do you want a drink?". I asked between gritted teeth.

"What are you offering Sierra?", Dad interjected, making my fists curl.

"Juice, tea, coffee, water?",

"Whiskey", Dad continued.

"He's Seventeen, Dad",

"So are you and it's in your house.".

"And It's legal to have in my house. What's not legal is offering it to underage students and I'm eighteen, Dean".

"It's also illegal to buy an underaged student cigarettes", He corrected, making me livid, "We sure as hell ain't running for Christian of the year",

"I steal them off, Mom",

"That's illegal too", Billy added.

"Fine. Fine. You want some whiskey, Billy. Maybe Dean will surprise us and we can all do lines of cocaine off the kitchen counter?". I asked,

"Tea would be fine", He replied with a smirk.

"Dad? Whiskey neat?",

"Coffee, black".

"Then why the fuck-", I couldn't, I had to walk away from the collective headache. Leaving long enough to get their Tea and Coffee that a conversation ensued. I couldn't help but overhear from the kitchen. My Dad's deep voice pierced the room.

"I have three girls. But that one...I blinked and she'd raised herself. I blinked and she didn't need me anymore. Didn't need anyone. Made me realise I needed to be better for my other girls. Be there", He rambled. How embarrassing. "But, just because she can take care of herself doesn't mean her old man won't make you regret ever being born".

"Dad! That's enough!", I shouted from the Kitchen. "Leave him alone!",

"See. She's already telling me what to do. What about you. You got family?".

"I had my mom.", I heard Billy's soft voice. "I-Uh, don't anymore",

"I'm Sorry to hear that. I-I lost my mom when I was young too. And-Well my father was a miserable drunk so I signed up to get shot, wounded and recycled for ten years of my life. One hurt more than the other. But doesn't matter if you have an assault rifle In your hands. Doesn't matter how many bad guys you kill. Parents leave a hell of a scar...And You don't seem like a bad kid. But felony assault Isn't the way to deal".

"Dad!". I veered out of the kitchen again. "Why'd you read his file?", I asked.

It wasn't just assault on that file it was assault and battery charges against a woman. I guess I didn't question it from the guy who uses his fists instead of his words. I assumed that's why Hawkins PD arrested him without hesitance. He'd done it before.

I wondered how Stacy knew.

"Why'd you?", Dad smiled, turning back to me. I was silent. Contemplative. Slowly sinking back into the kitchen. His voice bounding again. "She thinks I don't know she has all my passwords memorised. She'll make a good agent one day if she loses the attitude.".

My cheeks were pure red as I walked back out with their tea and coffee, silently placing them down on the glass table.

"What's new Baby?", Dad questioned, taking a sip from his coffee. "How's school?"

"Uh-Its pretty much the same as usual. The classes are boring. The teachers don't want to be there".,

"You like school, William?".

"As much as anyone, sir", Billy replied, sipping on his tea. His hair still soaking from the shower. I laughed, "The only thing you like about that school are the asses that fill the seats.".

"Sierra", Dad scolded.

"No, it's true. I'm an ass man",

"You're disgusting".

"Well, Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it disgusting. I was doing the same thing at Seventeen",

"Ugh-I don't want to know",

"You think I didn't notice you sneaking that skater boy, Matt, into my house two years ago? " He questioned, my jaw clenching. "And Jordan? And Ben?",

I was speechless. It's completely speechless. Blinking slowly.

"They were my boyfriends," I ground out. They were, in fact, not.

"The others weren't", He spoke casually, sipping his coffee. Why? Why me?, "But you live and learn".

I was visibly frustrated now, my hand hovering over my mouth to keep from saying something I really didn't mean. Of course Dean had to come back now. In the midst of all this bullshit. Come back and ruin my life.

"Dad", I warned him,

"What? You're being hypocritical, Sierra",

"It's the truth", Billy shrugged. Not denying it. My Dad simply shook his head, speaking again.

"What were you two up to tonight?",

"Your Daughter wanted to show me a Haunted House, too bad she reacts to every creak she hears like a cat",

"Fuck off, I saved your ass".

"You were the one that wanted to go to the attic in the first place".

"Because you dared me".

"I'm hearing a lot of excuses.".

"I'm hearing you not getting that twenty dollars back",

"I got to see you nearly pee yourself. It was worth it",

"Worth the embarrassment of me having to haul you out of that field, cripple?",

"Maybe if you didn't jump out of the window...",

"What? You wouldn't have followed? You were out of that sumbitch before me".

"Yeah, because you wanted to go to the attic.",

"You don't think anything would've attack us in that creepy ass basement? I'll drive your ass back there right now, buddy and you tell me what's In the basement", I threatened, watching his lips quirk.

"So feisty, Sierra", Billy snickered, taking a sip of his tea but maintaining eye contact with me. "We're all friends here",

"The fuck we are", I sighed, meeting Dad's cold blue eyes. "What?", I motioned to Billy, "He's my friend. You're my Dad. It's vastly different comparisons",

"You this nasty to all your friends?", He replied, his brow furrowed.

"Nah, Billy's special", My eyes rolled. It wasn't any of his business. "I call him an asshole, he agrees. He calls me a bitch, I agree. It's a friendship built on mutual respect, really",

"...I'm glad", Dad breathed, draining his cup. "Uh-Speaking of friends. I ran into Troy Passmore the other day. He's a member of the CIA in Los Angeles. Finally made it.",

Ugh. Troy. He was just beautiful. My childhood best friend's older brother. I always had a crush on him. Who wouldn't? He was tall and broad shouldered...and rugged. With the most entrancing hazel eyes you'd ever see. Matched with black wavy hair and sun tanned skin. God, he was hot. Too bad he knew me when I was a fat and freckle faced ten year old. He was fifteen and just the nicest kid you'd ever meet. I never once saw him raise his voice or get mad at anything.

"Okay?", I shrugged, pretending the name didn't spark something within my chest,

"I gave him your number",

"Why?", I asked, a fraction too quickly, sitting up straighter in my seat.

"Relax, I wasn't pimping you out. I thought he could give you some pointers. You know with recruiting...",

"Right, and any questions I had couldn't be answered by you? I had to have a second opinion?", I hissed, annoyed again.

"Sierra, he's your friend, what's the problem?",

"The phone is ringing", I sighed, tossing my sight to Dean. His brows lowered but he got up with a clenched jaw and walked over to his office. Shutting the door to take the call.

I sat back deeper in my arm chair, looking at the ceiling for a minute before I met Billy's taunting grin.

"What?",

"Your life is fucked up",

"Well, we ain't the Brady bunch", I laughed out of my nostrils. Looking at him under the orange light of the fire. His eye wasn't bloodshot anymore but it was still bruised around the socket. With a small gash on his cheek. "Have you put anything on that all day?", I asked, motioning to my own cheek.

"I've been with you all day",

"Thought so", I murmured, walking over to the kitchen counter where I'd left my little medical kit. The lid flipped open and my fingers took hold of an alcohol wipe, cotton balls and some antiseptic liquid. On my way through the doorway I asked.

"You want the princess or the unicorn band aid?",

"Anything with flowers?",

"Nuh",

"Then no dice", Billy exhaled as I took a seat on the ottoman in front of him. Shifting my knees between his right knee and on the outside of his left like a puzzle.

"I would get that knee looked at. I'm not even sure I popped it in right",

He smirked softly, taking a sip of his tea, "You did, it just dislocates sometimes",

My neck tilted and I tore open the alcohol wipe, "That sounds...terrible",

"Ain't fun",

"No shit", My brows raised as I leaned forward, eyeing off that little slit on his cheek. "Look towards the light for me",

He did. And I ran the wipe over his bruised cheek. Watching him flinch against it.

I spoke while tossing the wipe and readying my antiseptic cotton ball, "You said you were going home after this. Is that safe?",

I didn't expect an answer that was kind from him. But his lips parted, "Yeah. It's fine. He's usually pretty apologetic after this sort of shit. I need more clothes anyway.",

I nodded to myself with pursed lips. I didn't want to send him back there. He wasn't safe. He'd never be safe In that house. But he had to decide that for himself.

"This might sting", I warned and swept my cotton ball against his cheek. Billy swore under his breath. I spoke after placing down the cotton ball, "There we go. Now your face won't get infected",

He breathed a laughed through his nostrils and downed the rest of his tea. Speaking lightly.

"Question",

"Yeah.",

He motioned to me with his empty cup, "How did you get Stacy and Jimmy arrested?", Then placed it down on the table beside him. The question made me shrug. To put it simply, "I cheated",

"What do you mean?",

"Those Hawkins cops left me alone when they got a call. So I snuck into the file room and stole copies of the interviews they'd taken from Stacy, Aubrey, Tommy and Steve",

Billy blinked slowing, his head tilting with a thousand questions. "What?",

"Steve mentioned a cheque book and the crowbar Stacy kept. Stacy mentioned my tyre iron. Apparently she could see a tyre iron from the balcony two storeys up. All I needed was the cops to check her house so Jimmy would fold. And he did. Tommy is a really solid friend to you too",

Billy spoke slowly, "You stole the tapes from the police station?",

"Copies", I corrected,

"How did you know how to do that? How did you know what would get her arrested?",

"I'm a budding Intelligence Agent. It's what I do", I smiled to myself. "Besides I had a lot of spare time. I'm determined when I'm pissed off",

"Yeah. No shit", He exhaled, still in awe. "...But why? You weren't on the line",

"You tried to warn me about Jimmy and I didn't listen. I felt a little guilty when you went down for it",

"Wait. Nothing ever happens in this town. What call did the cops get?",

"I'm not sure but Prue can be very creative. Whatever it was made them run out of there.",

"You're terrifying", Billy shook his head In disbelief with this sidewards smirk on his lips. Like it was the craziest thing he'd ever heard. Perking after a moment, "Can I hear the tapes?",

"...I'm not sure you want to. Stacy and Aubrey say some horrific things about you, William...",

"Now I really wanna hear them",

"Okay, but my Dad doesn't know I stole the tapes. And he'd disown me if he knew I tampered with evidence. So I'll play them for you when Dean gets bored and fucks off back to Boston. I give it a week.",

"Do you have your tape?",

"I might've been wearing a wire...",

"I wanna hear that too", Billy leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thigh. On queue the office door squeaked open. And I met those green eyes ahead of me.

"Shit, it's the law", I snickered, moving back to where I'd been.

"How's Commander Jameson?", I spoke as Dean reentered the room.

"It doesn't matter", He grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Did you skip school today?",

"Yes, sir", I smiled fleetingly. Something his stone expression wiped off my face,

"Why?",

"I wasn't actually meant to be there, I wanted to see Stacy get her comeuppance then I left",

"Sierra, you wanted to be an adult. This isn't adult behaviour",

I stood, holding my temple where that migraine began to spike. "I'll drop you home, Billy. You can follow behind in my truck, Dad",

"Wh-", Dean went to object.

"Just--Don't argue with me...Get in the truck". I snapped, walking across the fur rug to Billy, "Let's go, cripple", He winced softly as I helped him up. Walking like before with my shoulder under his arm. Not waiting for Dad to catch up. We stepped briskly through the rain and I helped him into his seat. Once again doing his seat belt for him. What the hell was with that? Did I have a stroke?

And as I slid behind the steering wheel, closing the door beside me, I groaned a string of swears that would make a holy man weep. My neck flush against the headrest, staring up at the roof.

"I am...so sorry", I sighed, turning to him. He laughed through his nostrils at my outburst.

"Your Dad is-"

"A fucking prick?"

"Cool",

"He is not cool", I bartered, the rain slamming against our windshield.

"He offered to take me shooting", He drawled, as if he were truly considering it.

"That's because he's either trying to recruit you or kill you",

"Never shot a gun", He teased as if would actually go willingly fire guns with Dean. No. No way. He was torturing me. Both of them were.

"I will take you shooting then. At a range...with witnesses",

"Don't You have to have a gun licence for that?", His uninjured leg raised, boot flush against the dash as we sat there. Slouching in his seat.

"Yeah...", I swallowed, watching my Dad climb into my car through the rain. Fuck him.

Billy noted under his breath, his ring striking the hardness of the doorframe In a light tap, "That's...badass",

I chuckled lightly, the smell of pumpkin guts making my stomach turn. And as I watched my Dad turn over the engine of my truck I remarked, "He wanted a son can you guess?",

"Hardly", He lied, watching me turn the keys in the ignition. Pushing the gear stick into first. The windscreen wipers hardly doing anything against the vicious downpour and I wanted to warn Dad about the thick tires on my car sliding out in these conditions but I was sure he could handle it. And as we turned out of the windswept driveway i spoke mindlessly.

"I-I didn't know about your mom, I'm sorry",

"Why would you?". He sighed, not nasty like he usually was.

"Small town", I shrugged, watching the headlights of my truck bob in the dip before the highway. Much more important things weighed on my mind than trying to make small talk with Billy Hargrove who grunted or sneered in response on a good day. And without my effort there was only silence. Which was probably his plan the whole time. Part of me was glad he wasn't asking about my Dad. Because all it did was rattle pain through my chest.

And then, on the highway between nothing and nowhere, rain assaulting us In hammering beads, he opened his mouth. "Ease down"

I wasn't going that fast...but when I looked down to that speedometer I saw I stood corrected. No wonder I'd lost Dad, I was going thirty miles above the speed limit and rising. Getting lost in that abyss of water and flying branches that skimmed the road.

I backed off the accelerator slowly, embarrassed I'd let myself zone out like that. Billy spoke again, chuckled really. "You've really got a bug up your ass about him, don't you?",

"I--Haven't seen him in a year", I swallowed, my mouth running away with useless information, "And the first thing he orders me to do is explain myself...fucking unreal", I murmured, feeling heat forming beneath my eyes. I was frustrated, and taking it out on people who shouldn't have had to deal with it, whispering the words, "I disappointed him somehow",

No matter how I tried the tears fell on their own. And In all my will I tried to hide it. Not making a damned sound as they dribbled off my cheek. Warmth flushing my face. I focused on seeing the road through the storm. Perhaps too hard.

From that passenger seat Billy dug through the compartment in his door, wordlessly inserting a cassette. Probably so I'd stop talking to him. Good, I thought. Good. And as I flicked my sight to those blinding lights In the rear view the cassette whirred and loaded. My sight locking back onto the poorly lit road. Thinking. Just thinking. When I did I lightly ran my thumb nail over my lower teeth.

'Plug me in, I'm alive tonight, Out on the streets again...',

'Live wire', blasted through my day dream. I blinked rapidly against it, droning back to the person on my right. Perhaps it was coincidence. That he'd felt for a cassette in the dark and got that one. I'd like to think it wasn't. And with the main chorus I smiled to myself. Propping my arm against the door as we drove In silence.

--

Prudence Hallows, my best friend, decided that she wanted to be a cheerleader when Stacy was gone. Naturally, I had to support that decision, despite how much I didn't want to.

There was a practice game before the big one afterschool . Prue begged me to be there and how could I say no to that?

The bright lights bore into me as I watched from the bleachers. The turn out was miserable.

Me and maybe fifteen others. So I got a decent spot in the front row, staring on with growing boredom as Aubrey dropped Prue once more.

On the other side of the court the boy's basketball team waited. They'd warmed up nearly an hour ago.

I crossed my legs over one another while biting down on a chocolate bar. Wishing I was anywhere but here. It was one of those rare nights where I wasn't working.

"That'll go straight to your ass", A voice echoed on the court beside me. Aubrey's confidant, Claire stared back. I lifted my sight to meet her, chewing slowly, "That what happened to you?",

"Ugh", Claire dismissed me with the wave of her hand and I watched the skirt on her cheerleading outfit flick in her stride.

"Hey Si", Steve slid next to me in his baggy basket ball jersey and pants.

"Steve",

"Help them out would you? We wanna play today", He begged, motioning to Aubrey whose arms buckled under Prue's weight.

"What am I supposed to do?", My brows raised.

"Come on, use your magic Agent super strength and lift Prue",

"I'm not a cheerleader", I scoffed in response, taking the basketball from his grasp. In my stride I headed toward the empty court.

"Come on now, Si, I don't wanna see you get hurt", Steve taunted behind me as I shook off the jacket from my shoulders.

"Well you ain't gonna", I replied, tossing the ball behind me, into that hoop.

"Oh, she's got skill", I smirked as he caught the ball on its second bounce. His shoes doing that terrible squeaking sound. He added, spacing himself five steps, "But you're not getting it off me",

The ball bounced off the shiny floor as he walked around me in a circle. Brushing my shoulder. Once then twice.

How wrong he was.

"Take it easy on her Harrington, she's just a girl", Dean Hastings called from the gathering of boys in the bleachers to our left.

I locked onto those brown eyes beside me, commenting, "Oh, he's seen your pure athleticism before",

Steve laughed.

Dean Shouted again, "The kitchen is that way, Si, leave the basketball to the men",

Jackass.

The rest of them cackled.

Of course they did.

"I'm about to get beaten again, aren't I?", Steve asked on his fifth circle.

Yes.

I lunged to the left and wacked the ball from his grasp, turning into him as I grasped it in my hand and shot to the basket behind him. It hit the metal ring with a loud whir, doing a circle before it dropped in.

"Did that go in?", Steve asked with furrowed eyebrows, his breath passing my cheek.

"You don't want to know", I snickered, smacking his shoulder as I took a step off.

"I told you, Alien's in space", He smiled softly, meeting the floor with his sight.

"Yeah", My fingers brushed the material of my jacket as I bent to pick it up, "Looks like your game is starting",

"Yeah well, it's not like it's gonna matter, Hargrove is sitting out and that's the only person I really wanted to beat",

"Why?", I asked, perhaps too quickly.

"Medical note from the doctor, something with his knee. I don't really make it my business to care",

"Oh", I murmured, I just assumed since he was here that he'd be playing.

"Perving on the cheerleaders isn't a punishment", Steve grumbled, "Better tell Prue to watch out, she'll be next",

"Off my court, Morningstar", Harrelson ordered, motioning to the bleachers, adding, "Unless you want to play",

"She can be skins", Dean added, making my face shrivel.i ignored him, clashing sights with Steve. "Good luck", My voice tapered off as those boys filed out onto the court and I walked back to my seat.

Billy was there with the cheerleaders by then. With Aubrey. Flirting.

My face shrivelled at the sight.

"He's like a damn rabbit", Prue spoke quietly as I sat down, Speaking between gulps of water, "Stace is gone and now he's onto her best friend. It's disgusting",

"Watch out, you're next", I teased, watching him slide his hand to the small of her back. "Sleeping with him is an initiation into the Cheerleading cult",

She smacked my arm, "It is not",

"Use protection", I whispered tauntingly,

"Si", Green eyes narrowed in warning, before she motioned to my wrist, "New watch?",

"Old one", I lied quickly. I don't even know why I was still wearing it.

"It's...butch",

"Shut up. Go throw some Pom poms",

"Sick comeback",

"...Shut up",

"While you think of something better I'm going to go get dropped by Aubrey again", She sighed,

"Break a leg...Or your neck", I snickered, watching her prance back to her friends in her short skirt and tight top.

We were so different.

Goddamn it, it was already 8pm.

"Did I miss anything?", Dad sat down heavily beside me. I guess he finished work early.

"Not a damn thing", I sighed, sinking deep into my seat, taking a nacho as it was offered.

"Evening, Sir", Another voice chimed in, sitting beside Dean.

"William", He greeted with more enthusiasm than he had me, "Are you playing?",

"No, Sir", Billy half laughed, "Doctor's orders",

God, he was so fake around my Dad. It was sickening.

"That's a shame, this is like watching toddlers play, not to mention, terrible seats Sierra",

My eyes widened at the mention of my name, "I'm not here to watch the basketball, I'm here for Prue. So Find your own damn seat"

"That's the attitude I expect from someone who disabled a boy", Dean motioned to Billy beside him.

Fucking hell. I didn't disable Billy. His knee was already fucked.

"There's better seats over here", Billy stood, ushering Dad over to the bleachers closer to the game. Dad followed without a word.

I did not.

I wasn't getting involved with whatever the hell that was.

"Why is my future husband leaving with Billy?", Prue asked, sinking down beside me.

"Apparently he likes Billy", I sighed,resting my elbows on my knees,

"Ouch, you've been replaced",

"He can have Dean",

"Can I have Dean?",

My eyes narrowed in warning, "That's disgusting",

"Speaking of disgust, Aubrey was checking out your Dad",

"So were you",

"I'm allowed",

"No. You aren't", I huffed dryly, flicking my hair out of my eyes. I was sick of the conversation.

She dropped it, instead asking, "How are you doing, Si? After Stacy?",

"Great. Just great. I've been labelled as a violent vindictive woman. I don't think anyone wants to befriend such a person. I can't imagine my welcome back when I finally return to school",

"You did get two classmates arrested",

"Thanks", My lips pressed together.

"It'll die down",

"Billy did the exact same thing and school when right back to normal for him",

Prue snorted, "Normal? Si, everyone still thinks he's a woman beater. He took a dive today because he knows he'll get hurt on that court and it won't be on accident. Aubrey nearly hissed and scurried away from him...You've got the better deal",

"Way to make me feel bad", I teased, glancing towards my Dad and him over the other side of the bleachers.

He was a good actor, that kid. The way he smiled and joked around Dean, he wasn't like that with anyone. Especially Neil.

It was like watching someone getting sawn in half, you couldn't look away. Prue spoke again, "I just think he's got shit going on that no one here will ever know about",

But I did. I knew.

"Maybe, doesn't mean I want him to make friends with my Dad",

"Easier than making friends with you",

"What's that supposed to mean?",

"Come on, Si. You're mean to Billy",

"He deserves it"

"I'm just saying...Ease up a bit, he did save you",

"And I saved his ass in return", I bit, "I don't owe him anything",

"Si", She sighed. I stood in place.

"I'm heading off, big day tomorrow", walking before she had a chance to object.

I just...wasn't in the mood for this.

"—Okay",

My steps lead me to Billy and Dean across the court. My keys jingling in hand.

I knelt in front of Dean in that front row, murmuring, "I'm going home",

Blue eyes looked me up and down for an explanation. He wasn't getting one.

"The Game just started", Was all he said. I was expected to see things through like a good little soldier.

Not tonight.

"Thank you for that observation", I sighed, running my hand through my hair.

"Just stay for the first half. I'll buy you a snow cone",

My face shrivelled at the words, "I cannot tell you how much I want neither of those things",

"Don't be nasty, Si", Billy chimed in which was like nails on a chalkboard.

"Shut the fuck up, Hargrove", I hissed loud enough to catch some onlookers.

"Sierra", Dean sighed

I didn't reply but exited the courts. Each step nearing me to the cobblestone path next to my car.

Fuck I needed a cigarette.

My hand dove into the pocket of my jacket, taking out a smoke and a lighter. Before I lit it I climbed onto the bonnet of my truck, staring up at that star littered sky as smoke filled my mouth.

Fuck this place. I swore, laying down.

Rocks shifted beside me.

Dad or Prue was my bet.

Even Steve.

But as a ring whirred on the bonnet I knew it was none of them. He was silent as he hauled himself up next to me, taking my cigarette from my lips. Per usual, He was adorned in blue denim with his signature red shirt holding on by 1 button out of 12.

"You're pleasant today", He observed.

I exhaled a long breath, responding, "As always",

Smoke billowed above him In a steady stream.

"Nah, this is extra Pazuzu, today", He motioned to my form.

"Oh, great, I get to be the exorcist demon now?",

He laughed through his nostrils at the question.

Weirdo.

I added weakly, "Hide your fucking pea soup",

Noise came from his mouth in the form of a chuckle, it nearly scared me. Anything that wasn't a grunt from him was like an otherworldly experience.

"Hide your crucifix",

"Oh, don't take it there",

"I meant 'The power of Christ compels you' Not the self mutilation...thing",

"Sure ya did",

"You know, I'm actually capable of civil conversation outside of sex",

I laughed in return, "I'm yanking your chain, Hargrove, don't get your panties in a twist",

His eyes rolled, "Can you be a girl for one second?",

"I tried that, it was awful",

"Why?",

My brow hiked, "You ever try to run in heels?",

He tucked his leg under that busted knee, letting it hang off the bonnet before replying, "No, this isn't a 'To catch the prey you have to become the prey' type of deal",

"It's virtually impossible", I commented while taking my cigarette back.

"Why are you running in the first place?",

I shrugged, "Rogue badgers", inhaling a long breath.

"My car still stinks of pumpkin, from that farm, thanks for askin' ",

I chuckled, "That's why we took yours not mine",

"Next time I'm locking you in the attic", He commented, taking my cigarette from my lips as a mist of rain settled around us. It was cool on my skin but not enough to extinguish the cigarette.

"Next Time? You're optimistic", I blinked up at those bright stars in the sky, the moon was nearly blue that night.

"Gotta be around here",

I turned my sight to him, he too had seen better days from what I could see under the weak lamplight in the carpark.

"Has everyone got a bug up their ass about you too?", I asked, taking the smoke as it was handed to me. His hand rubbed against his chin for a beat.

"More than a bug",

I swiped the hair from my eyes, "You want a gun?",

He laughed into the rain, "Come back to me in two weeks",

"I mean, I said I'd fix it",

He met my eyes, "You did, in the most, unhinged, fucking maniacal, way. You need to teach me how you did that",

I rubbed my eyes, breathing in the smoke, "I don't even know how I did that",

"It was like an episode of Charlie's Angels",

"Fuck off", I rolled my eyes. He was so unserious, taking the cig from my fingers while I continued, "Also, are you dating my Dad now? You guys make a cute couple. You'd have Questionable looking kids but otherwise...",

"First thing I'd do is send you to the orphanage", He shot back, "Dean is cool, we have things in common",

"Like?", I nearly scoffed.

"You jealous?".

"No. I just don't like how he acts like a human being around you. It's unnerving",

"You sound jealous",

"You can marry him for all I care",

"Is that why you're out here? Dean?",

"Dean, Prue, add the cat in for good measure", I replied, glancing back to the sky.

"What did the cat do?",

"Vomited in my shoes",

"Cats are assholes",

My neck tilted as I breathed out with my eyes on the stars, "...Being in Hawkins just feels like more trouble than it's worth",

He tossed the cigarette stub to the ground, "It's a shit town but it ain't that bad, you make it sound like it's out to get you, be happy it isn't ",

"If you tell me to smile I'll punch you in the throat", I said dryly, earning his gentle snicker.

"You coming back inside?", He asked as the rain got heavier.

"I am not",

"You can drive me home then",

"What, did you walk here?", My eyes narrowed, he always had his car. Not once did I ever see him get out of anyone else's.

"Dad's got my car",

"Hope he likes pumpkin." I thought out loud while I sat up from the bonnet. I watched him slide off the side and walk to the driver's side.

I scoffed, "That's wishful thinking, Buddy",

He responded with a dry, "Your gear changes feel like a cheese grater on my skin",

My sight narrowed, "Touché", and I tossed him the keys in my pocket.

————-

"So", I spoke as we veered out of the carpark, the sound of my wiper blades swiping across the windshield interrupting me, "What's wrong with your car?",

His brows raised as if to ask for clarification. So I spoke again, "You're going to be buried with that thing. And I don't think your Dad would risk infection by taking it",

"Clutch is blown", He replied with delay while changing gears.

I gasped, "You mean driving it like a jackass didn't pay off?",

"Happened after you drove it",

"Yeah, it felt what real gear changes were and died so it wouldn't have to go back",

"Brave words while I'm behind the wheel of your car",

"I know where to send the bill. It's a heavy duty clutch anyway",

"Yeah, I can feel that",

"Hey, you wanted to drive", I shrugged, leaning into my seat.

I didn't like other people driving. It had been a long time since anyone had.

The thought made my brain itch. But, to his credit, he drove my car more sanely than his own.

"Wasn't complaining",

"Complain all you want, it's a piece of shit",

"Why'd you get it then?", He asked while twisting his ring on the gear stick.

"It came with the car",

"Like the CB Radio?",

My lips pressed together at the question, "No, Dad and I always shared cars...He was supposed to be in Hawkins more than what he has been",

It was entirely a lie...

"You going to the Christmas party at the lake?", Billy changed the subject abruptly. Probably remembering what happened the last time we talked about Dean in the car.

"Since I didn't even know that was a thing, I'm going to say no",

"You should",

"Who's going?",

"Tommy, Sam, Kelsey, Aubrey, Simone, Jade, Gena, Me",

"Yikes, and get between Kelsey and Aubrey making eyes at you, I'll pass",

He scoffed loudly, "Kelsey is one of the boys",

I laughed, "If you believe that, you're an idiot. And like you want to be seen with me anyway. You would die known as the guy who invited the school Satanist to Christmas. People would throw things at you on the streets,",

"No, I get it, I'd be scared of a good time too. Forget I asked",

He was baiting me. Evil prick.

"I'm probably working anyway", I groaned at the thought.

"What do you do? It feels a lot like slave labour. Before and after school is rough",

"Why? You looking for a job?", I bit, hoping he wouldn't pry further.

"Don't be so nasty, Sierra. It hurts my feelings", He scolded in this juvenile way that made my lips quirk. The rain was blinding now while we sped along the highway.

"You not going home?", I asked as he missed the turnoff to Neil's house.

"I need coffee to deal with you", He spoke verbatim,

"Okay, are we just going to reenact Sierra's greatest hits? Get your own material",

"I Wanted to show you how much your words hurt", He smirked.

I ignored his quip, "You won't sleep tonight if you have coffee now",

"I disagree",

"Fine but when you're bouncing off the walls, don't call me, I plan to fall asleep the minute my head touches the pillow",

"I'll be asleep before you are", He bartered, turning into the cafe off the highway. He reversed into a park and turned to me, "Want anything?",

Yeah, the old Billy Hargrove back.

I don't know who this person was.

"I'm good", I blinked slowly through heavy eyes, folding my knee under myself as his door closed behind him.

The sound of rain pattering against the window. I closed my eyes against the sound.

"Sierra",

I startled awake at the voice.

Shit I fell asleep.

My eyebrows furrowed at the black cup Billy handed to me, "It's tea",

I didn't have the heart to tell him tea had more caffeine than the coffee. So I took it from his hand.

"Were you sleeping?",

"Mhhmm", I blinked once then twice, sitting up straighter in my seat. Great, now I felt more tired than before.

"I can just drop you home?",

I uttered in response, "I'm in enough shit with Dean without having to explain this...again",

"Oh no, Did I get you in trouble?", Billy jeered while hauling himself into the cab.

"No, you were great, he loves you. He wants me to be you",

He stifled a laugh as he sipped him coffee, speaking.

"He thinks we're together",

"Yeah, he tried to Marry me to Troy Passmore when I was Thirteen. Poor Troy just came to the cinema with us because he was my best friend's brother. Dean thinks he's a damn matchmaker",

"What happened to Troy?",

"Well I imagine he hasn't stopped running since then",

"Oh, so you were always this pleasant?",

"No, I had a miserable crush on him and I wasn't shy about it. The marriage thing probably sent him into the ocean without a raft",

Billy started the car, and shifted into first gear, "Out of your league?",

"Just...out of this world hot. And I...was thirteen, chunky and missing a front tooth", I smiled remembering it, Troy was always so kind to me even though he shouldn't have been. It only gave me hope.

"I had one of those, only I wasn't the ugly one", He snickered.

"You're a dick...You don't know how it feels to be completely absorbed by someone you can never be with. It's humiliating",

"So you decided to go after Kade instead?",

I scoffed, "At least I had a shot with that one ",

His lips pressed together firmly in disagreement.

So I pressed, "Is Kade out of my league now to?",

His face shrivelled a moment before speaking, "I mean, yeah. He's a player",

"And I'm what? A goblin?",

"Anyone smart doesn't settle for guys like Me and Kade. You're going to leave Hawkins and be an Agent. He's going to graduate then work at the gas station",

It shocked me. Too much to speak. To think. I didn't think he was that self aware.

"I know that. Kade and I would've lasted two months max.",

He shot a look to me that I didn't understand, confused, sort of judging. "You don't know that",

"Okay", I untucked my leg and sat up straighter, "Week one: You get together, date, small talk, all that crap. You kiss. Week two: You barely leave the bedroom. Week 3: repeat. Week 4: You begin to realise that you actually have nothing in common. Week 5: You endure and try to hang in. Week 6 : You're regretting your life choices. Week 8: You finally call it quits",

"You guys were friends though",

"In a group setting, sure, but Kade and I...It didn't come easy. He didn't get me at all. Being alone with him was weird. It's the same thing that would happen when you finally realise Kelsey is in love with you. You'd kid yourself trying to pretend it was right then the rest of the school year would be awkward when it went to shit.",

"You're so cynical",

"I'm realistic", I corrected,

"You frequent Haunted houses for fun, who are you to judge?",

"One haunted house",

"Yeah, and you violated me with a deceased raccoon",

"Come on, that was funny",

"Not to the one getting violated.",

"Just admit your scared of raccoons",

"I'm not scared of raccoons",

"You sure looked scared when I tossed it at you",

"Okay, Commando. Wendigo bridge, right now",

The old bridge over the lake was said to be haunted by a half human, half animal beast that cannibalised anyone who summoned it three times. I think the legend got mixed with Bloody Mary somewhere in between.

"I'm terrified", I taunted.

"I bet you 20 you don't last five minutes",

"I bet 50 that you not only don't last five minutes, William, but you run like a little girl",

"Fine"

"Fine",

——-

We came to a single lane bridge just outside of the 'Welcome to Hawkins' sign post and down a dirt track. As most things were in this town, it was surrounded either side by forestry. Just a wooden bridge in the woods.

I didn't expect it to be as big as it was. Perhaps twenty five metres long and two metres wide.

It was creepy as hell, I'd give Billy that.

"What do I do? Chant three times? Do a dance?", I asked as he stopped the car just before the bridge.

"Stand in the middle of it", He replied with no further explanation.

"Right", I rolled my eyes, reaching into the back seat. Without a word I strapped my gun holster to my thigh, adding, "Move your knee to the right",

"Why?",

"Just do it",

He did, watching me reach under the seat for my glock.

"Five minutes you say?", I repeated, holstering the weapon.

"Yup",

"Get ready to lose", My fingers flicked the switch for the spot lights on the roof and that bridge became a beacon. My steps leading me to the edge of the structure where a 'No trespassing sign' hung. I tested the wood first with my boot before putting my entire weight down. It was solid. More solid that I thought it would be.

Ten steps lead me to the middle of the road. The sound of flowing water below me and crickets all that made noise in the light mist of rain.

"Hmm", I glanced over the edge of the rusted railing to the flowing water a few metres down. The bridge creaked and groaned in my movement.

My heart beating faster at the sound.

There were offerings and candles laid out like a sacrificial alter, against a support beam. Polaroid photos were stapled to the wooden structure. All women.

I knelt to see it better, trailing each photo with my finger.

They were all young, no older than twenty five, each with dark hair and pale skin.

...Similar to me

Nearly identical.

Was this Billy's idea of a joke?

Did he cook this up at school to fuck with me?

Was Tommy Anderson going to jump out of those woods?

At the thought Billy's figure flashed across those spotlights beaming on my skin.

"I bet you think you're hilarious", I murmured as he approached, snapping my sight to him. His brows furrowed together as he commented, "I have my moments",

I shook my head in disbelief, "You're such a dick",

"Why?",

I motioned to the altar, to those photos. He knelt beside me to see. Squinting under the light. His jaw muscle feathering.

"Look, I didn't know—", He exhaled, running his hand through his wet hair.

It looked bad. Luring me out here.

So fucking bad.

He knew it too.

"Didn't know what?!", I hissed, picking up the tail of the dead possum by my knee, lifting it in my words, "You left your Girlfiend on the ground again, William. You have to treat them better!", I snickered at the words, green eyes following the dead possum in my hand. Hot air passed my cheek in his laughter.

"You touch me with that and I'll throw you over the edge", He spoke while standing, I mirrored his action, the dead possum swaying as I did.

"Really? She waited for you here and she's a that now? Really nice",

"Sierra", He warned, never taking his eyes off the possum, "I'm not fucking around",

"Relax, She just wants a hug", I snickered, launching the rodent. It hit his shoulder in a satisfying twack. He was quick to swat it away. Its body sliding off the edge of the bridge.

"You're dead", Green eyes sliced to me.

"I'm the one with the gun", I argued, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Won't matter where you're going", Billy huffed, quickly approaching. I laughed as his arm constricted around my waist and my body was hauled away from the ground beneath me. The rusted railing meeting my spin as he teetered me over the edge of the bridge. Holding the underside of my thigh and my waist.

My laughter echoing through the valley below us in the night. All the while I grabbed the railing with my hands Incase he slipped. My blood draining to my head as rain pelted us.

And what was that by my hand?

The dead possum.

"Will you stop laughing?", Billy spoke.

"Don't slip now", I snickered, grasping that curled tail again.

He was gonna kill me.

Billy sighed and hauled me back up when the fun had worn off.

The second my boots touched the ground I hooked that possum tail to his necklace. The pure panic in his face sending me into hysterics as he glanced down and immediately began trying to detach the creature from his body. Spinning twice in a futile attempt to get it off. On the seventeenth smack the creature dislodged from his necklace and flew into the river below.

By that time I was on the ground laughing, crying, wheezing, all of the above. My jaw hurt from laughing so hard. And when Billy glared back at me I laughed even harder at the memory. The panic on his face.

"You're going in", He promised through clenched teeth.

"Stop. I'll pee my pants", I wheezed, holding my ribs.

Just then the forest rustled behind us. Not a gentle deer in woods rustle but an angry sort of thing. Something that made the trees shake and flick back. The tops of them disappearing then bouncing back.

I snapped my sight to it but it was beyond the tunnel of light my spotlights cast.

"The Wendigo", Billy's voice taunted in my ear.

Not a Wendigo. But perhaps a demon.

I stood without another word, my fingers brushing the side of my gun. Watching the black space that had made the noise.

"It's probably just a deer", He scoffed, crossing his arms. If it were a deer then he wouldn't have been brushing my shoulder with his the moment the first tree thwacked the air. He wouldn't have nearly leapt in front of me.

Fuck. This was a stupid idea.

"You ever see a deer bend a tree, William?", I asked on the base of my voice.

It silenced him as we watched those dark woods. Motionless. Waiting.

My heart beating a million miles a minute.

Another deafening rustle sounded in the complete opposite direction. There was no way the demon could move that fast.

There had to be multiple. Boxing us in on that bridge.

"If I tell you to run, you run", I murmured firmly as I took the gun from its holster at my thigh, aiming towards the floating yellow lights that flashed through the trees. Like eyes in the dark.

"What the fuck are you gonna do?", Billy questioned.

"Shoot a Wendigo", I exhaled, following the motion of the trees with my gun. It was getting close.

Shit.

Thwack, another branch snapped.

Thwack.

Thwack.

Then silence.

"Hawkins PD, Freeze!",

"Oh, Fuck", Billy swore as I holstered my weapon,

"Haul ass", I hissed, My boots squeaked against the wet bridge as I turned and began to run. Catching Billy's arm at my side. His knee wasn't healed yet but that kid could run like a leopard.

It took me three steps to realise he was laughing. I'd be laughing too if it weren't my cover about to be torn apart.

If we got caught I was fired.

This was a stupid fucking idea.

"I'll drive", I said between strides, quickly diving into the driver's seat. My spotlights illuminating the officer on the bridge.

He couldn't catch us.

I wouldn't let him.

Billy hopped in the passenger side, slamming the door shut.

"Seatbelt", I ordered while starting the truck. Meanwhile shifting into reverse and looking behind my shoulder, holding the passenger head rest. I didn't wait for an answer but sent the truck back on that wet dirt road. The wheels struggling for grip.

"Fuck", He swore beside me, grabbing onto the handle above him.

Past trees and old fence I steered the car out of the lane, the truck sliding as we made it back onto the main road. But I turned the wheels to keep it steady, putting it into first and hauling ass.

The spotlights were blinding. That cop wouldn't have seen my plate.

I hope he didn't.

Fuck.

It was doubtful that he'd search for us. Scaring us away was hopefully enough.

I switched on the CB, surfing those police frequencies. All the while flicking off the spotlights. The road seemed black without them. The rain now was pelting.

Billy just stared at me.

"What?", I questioned breathlessly, flicking my sight to his goofy smirk.

"Were you gonna shoot a Wendigo?", He snickered, letting go of the handle above him.

I shot back, "You can laugh, you weren't it's type",

He laughed in response, "Yeah, because in seventy years you're the first person to think of using bullets against it",

My mouth hung open, no words coming to mind, "Fine I'll let it get you next time", Was all I had,

"Next time? That's optimistic",

I commented while turning off the highway, "Brave words for someone about to be made a Wendigo's Bitch",

"I just need to outrun you",

"Yeah but one kick to the knee and you're a Wendigo's blushing young bride",

"That's...terrifying",

I laughed, wiping the rain off my cheek. It was nearly impossible to see the road. My wipers slid across the glass at break neck speed.

"What's with the gun under the seat?", Billy asked lightly.

I dreaded that question.

"I Don't trust anyone not to hurt me", I lied.

"Phil Alexander's party?", He asked.

Not many things happened in Hawkins but two years ago, just before I got here there was a brutal attack on a girl by three men at a house party. Her friends. She was found in the river, alive but beaten and burned. They were all Hawkins high students.

"No", I answered lightly, pulling into his driveway.

It was coming down really hard.

"When are you back at school?", He asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Two weeks",

"How'd you score that?",

"My Rib was broken after all", I watched the porch light flick on through the rain, Neil standing in the doorway.

"Well I aint a doctor",

"The actual doctor didn't catch it either",

"Who did?",

"Sergeant Morningstar, Captian of the USS 'No sympathy' ",

A laugh left his nostrils, his eyes meeting the figure in the doorway. His jaw went taut at the sight.

My eyes softened, "You safe here tonight?",

"Yeah. Give it a few weeks", Billy exhaled, taking his coffee cup in his hand.

I watched him open the door in the rain, shutting it behind him. His steps with no urgency to that porch. Neil spoke to him before clasping his shoulder, ushering him inside.

Then he was gone.

That couldn't happen again. Getting caught by the police would've ruined me.

Having a good time would've destroyed everything I'd ever worked for.

It was time to forget he'd ever saved me.

Time to go back to the way things were.