Thalassophile (Billy Hargrove)

Moonstone

Chapter 17
Unedited

After a beautiful dinner at a small restaurant, Billy and I decided to drive back. I rolled the window down and felt the warm breeze brush my face before pushing my hair back. I rested my hands on the window and looked out to the night sky wishing tonight would last a little bit longer.

"Kai?" Billy's deep voice resonated through the car. "Hmm." I looked back at him over my shoulder.

"Are you tired, babe?" I shook my head no and leaned back on my seat. "Okay, then I want to show you one more place." I smiled instantly, glad that this night wasn't over yet.

After a short drive, Billy and I ended up in front of a small Mountain which looked more like a Hill.

Billy quickly came over to the passenger side and opened the door before helping me out of the car. "Thank you, Sir."

"Anything for you, Ma'am." I giggled, which was odd because I rarely ever do that.

"So, what's the plan?" I asked Billy as we stared at the steep hill."

"To get there," Billy said, pointing at the top. I crossed my arms. "I'm in four-inch heels, Billy do you expect me to hike up there?"

"Who said anything about hiking, plus it's not as far up it looks, trust me."

"Well, I'm not walking up there," I said, standing my ground. "Okay then." Billy bent down before picking me up bridal style.

"BILLY!"

"Shhh, you will wake the wildlife." my eyes widened, and Billy smiled as he began to walk up the side of the hill with me.

When we made it to the top, it was filled with a lot of fresh grass, the greenest I've ever seen. And wildflowers and a breathtaking view of the woods down below, and a sky filled with stars.

"Billy-" I was speechless, actually speechless.

"I know; it's the same reaction I had when I first found this place." Billy laid his jacket out and sat on the grass, giving me the coat to sit on.

"How did you find this place? Or even the Inn?" I asked, taking off my heels before sitting down next to him.

"Well, two days after coming to Hawkins, Neil and I had a huge argument about something I don't even remember, probably because it wasn't anything serious, but you know how he gets." I frowned, thinking of how horrible that man is to his flesh and blood.

"I decided I wanted to leave Hawkins; you know to be independent, go back to California or anywhere but that shit hole."

I raised my brows. "What made you change your mind?"

"Well, once I left Hawkins, nothing was holding me back from leaving Indiana in general; I knew I could survive out in the real world. I'm not afraid of trouble or the risk." Billy looked down and started to play with the flowers in front of him.

"But I was afraid for Max." I could feel my heart melt at his words, "she would be exposed to all of Neils vengeance, he destroys everything he touches, and eventually, Max would fall short and be led down Neils path of destruction." Billy spat out his words in disgust.

"I couldn't do it to her, especially since I know what was in store for her; you know she is just a kid, Id grew up with Neil my whole life, but max only sees the good side of him. If he suddenly changes, she will be broken beyond repair." I softly place my hand in his, and he looks back up at me.

"I sat here for hours, Kai, and I wanted to be selfish; I wanted to leave, but I couldn't not without knowing max would be alright." I nodded "you're a good brother Billy. I hope you know that."