Thalassophile (Billy Hargrove)

Epiphany

Chapter 24
Unedited

Wednesday, June 12, 1985

Today life as I knew it changed forever; how? Well, I got my very first college acceptance letter from California state university. My parents were so thrilled they canceled their trip so they could stay home with me and celebrate all week. Today would be the day I look back at many years from now and remember how happy I was at this very moment. My 17 years on this planet and I never knew June 12 1985 would be so special.

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When I got to school I was immediately greeted by Nancy who drowned me in tight hugs and congratulations, "geez women let me breath" I said laughing as Nancy shrugged and leaned on the hood of my car. "I'm being supportive and a super proud best friend." Nancy smiled. It was an especially nice day today, with school almost out and graduation right around the corner something about aura of this place changed.

"The sun feels nice." I said tipping my face up and leaning on my car as well. "Feels perfect."

However our moment of peace was short lived as the roaring sound of a particular Camaro filled the school parking lot. "Kai." Nancy began to say "just ignore it, the sun feels to good not to enjoy." I said as I kept my eyes closed, I didn't open them even when I heard his car pull into the parking spot near mine, or when his door slammed shut.

"Hey Kai!" The sound of Max's voice made me look down at the red head and I smiled "Mad Max how's it going?" I asked as she gave Nancy's and I a quick hug. "Good I haven't seen you in a while." She said tucking her hair behind her ear. "I missed you kid, hey will you be over at the wheelers on Friday?" I asked and she nodded "then I will see you then, and we can hang out." Max smiled wide "Max get to school." Billy said as he began to light his cigarette, I rolled my eyes and gave max a sympathetic smile as I waved goodbye.

I don't have any siblings, and often growing up as an only child got lonely, don't get me wrong I enjoyed all the love and attention I got but something about it felt off, I was so lucky to have met Nancy and Barbara at such a young age; I don't know what I would do without them, and even though I no longer have Barb with me Nancy has done her best.

But something about Max made me feel like a older sister which I didn't realize I enjoyed until I met her, all the nights I spent with her weather that was hunting Demogorgons or just hanging out with her before Billy got home from work, the kid really grew on me and it's really unfortane that we can't spend time with each other because of what happened between Billy and I.

He glanced over his shoulder to look at me before he was greeted by Elizabeth Shaw his new "girlfriend." Nancy took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"In a couple of weeks you don't have to worry about him anymore because you will be hundreds of miles away from here and him, you will probably never have to see him again." she beamed, Nancy was truly the best friend any girl could wish for, she was honest, kind and always there to listen. But as I heard Nancy go on about how I would never have to see Billy again rather than feel relieved or happy I couldn't help but feel sad.

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"Hey congratulations!" Steve said crushing me into a bear hug making me stumble back from his weight. "Whoa there." Steve pulled me back so we wouldn't fall.

We let go of each other and he smiled pushing his hair back "Thanks, I've always wanted to go to California so being there for the next 4 years sound so so so amazing." I could help but smile like an idiot.

"Don't forget us back at Hawkins." Steve said ruffling my hair."Are you kidding me I will come back all the time."

"But You have to also promise me you will come and visit me in Calfornia." I said poking his chest. He let out a small laughed "All the freaking time, to the point were you will be like dang can this guy not visit me every week." I smiled again and as I was about to say something else my words got cut short.