Halley's comet | Steve Harrington

ix. daddy issues

"𝑭𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖."

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Jonathan and Halley stood by the bulletin board at the front of their school. There were posters advertising new clubs, a party at Tina's, tutoring; overall, a wide diversity of information. One of Will's many missing flyers was the newest addition.

"So," Halley started, handing Jonathan a thumbtack, "What was that thing about the phone?" She was holding the stack of flyers as he posted them on the board, messing with the corner of the paper on top.

He stepped back, making sure their flyer was even, "Mom thought she heard Will on the phone last night, but Hopper was probably right. I mean, if he called us, why would he just breathe?" He took another paper and tacked it to the opposite end of the board.

"Maybe he thought we could track the call. Maybe he was in trouble and—"

"Hey," Halley was cut off by an annoyingly familiar voice.

The two turned to find the forever put together Nancy Wheeler. She spared a smile to the eldest Byers, it was shut down with a once over and a scowl. "I'll meet you by the car, Jon." she said, turning on her heel with an audible squeak and walking back out to the parking lot.

Nearly running into someone as she pushed through the door, Halley continued to her car. She needed a cigarette. Fuck, she needed the whole pack.

"Halley?" the almost collision called out. She kept walking, but the thump of someone running over to her pounded in the back of her head. "Hey, Halley!" Caroline was beside her in a matter of seconds, her auburn hair pulled up out her face, and bulky glasses sitting on her nose. It was strange seeing her out of Math.

Still, Halley had to admit, if it was anyone calling out to her in the school parking lot, she was glad it was Caroline.

"Oh, hey," she said, watching the younger girl catch her breath. "What's up?" She didn't really want to talk, but Caroline wasn't the worst, and she was actually nice the day before, when Halley was getting screwy with nerves.

"I, uh, just," Caroline stuttered, laughing slightly at herself as her cheeks burned pink, "I saw the news last night, and," she paused, and scratched the back of her neck, "look, I work the night shifts weekdays at the library, if you ever want to talk, or just, I don't know, need a friend, or something. Stop by, okay?"

Halley took a moment to process the words. She smiled. "Yeah, okay. Thanks, Caroline, that—that actually means a lot." They stood for a moment in an almost friendly silence.

Caroline looked down at a small blue banded watch, slightly too tight on her wrist. "I better get going before the bell rings," she looks behind her, waiting for the ring, as if the mere title could summon it, "I guess you aren't gonna be in Math today, huh?" It was less of a question, and more a general statement, but that didn't stop Halley from nodding.