By My Side : Steve Harrington

Chapter Four

1975

Dear Steve,

Diane had the baby. A girl. They name her Sara. She's so cute, I wish you could meet her. I can't believe I'm a big sister. I never thought that would happen. Dad and Diane are really happy, and I am too. It's pretty awesome.

School has been, well, kind of the worst. All the kids are annoying. They walk around like they're some kind of celebrities and me being the new kid, I just get walked all over. My art class has been a lot of fun though. My teacher is really cool, Mr.Erikson. I think you'd like him too.

I miss home a lot. I miss you too. I hope you haven't gone crazy without me around. Let's be honest, you probably have.

Oh! My dad said we might come down for Christmas! Wouldn't that be amazing! I really hope that we can. I want to see you. I've got the perfect gift for you too. Hopefully dad or Diane will help me buy it.

Well, that's all I've got over here in the city. You better write me back, dork.

Love, Casey   

1976

Dear Steve,

I entered that painting I did into the art contest at school, and I got third place! I was a little sad that I didn't get first, but the person who got first definitely deserved it more than I did. Theirs was really good. Almost too good, actually.

There's going to be city art contest in a few weeks for the summer fair. I think I might enter that one too. First place is hundred dollars, I could use that to get more supplies.

I did some random drawings in class the other day, I put them in the envelope for you. You can keep them. I thought you might like them.

So, you're hanging out with Tommy H. now, huh? That's cool. Wasn't he kind of a jerk? Hopefully, he's nice to you. But I don't think you'd hang out with someone who wasn't.

How are your parents? I hope your mom is good. I miss her, and her chocolate chip cookies. Man, those were the best. I miss you too, obviously. I hope we can come down to visit again soon. It's been too long.

Dad, Diane, and Sara...we're all good. I'm happy. And get this, Sara can say my name now! It sounds more like Cece, but she's trying! She's so dang cute, Steve. I love her to pieces. Anyway... 

Write me back, dork.

Love, Casey

1977

Dear Steve,

Dad and Diane took Sara to the doctors. She has cancer, Steve. My three-year old sister has cancer. I don't know what we're gonna do. She's just a baby, she doesn't deserve this. The doctors told them that with the right treatment, she might be okay. I'm really scared though.

Dad said we probably won't be able to come out and visit for a while. Not until Sara starts feeling better.

I have some more drawings for you. Tell me if you get tired of them, haha. I wouldn't blame you if you did.

And I'm sorry you're struggling with your homework. I wish I was there to help you. I know she's kinda crazy, but Mrs.McNeals might help you if you ask. She was a great math teacher. And she liked me, and since you're my best friend, I'm sure she will like you too. You just can't be afraid to ask, Steve Harrington. Who cares what Tommy H. and Carol think?

I still can't believe your friends with those losers. I know, it's rude and I'm sorry. But Carol literally spilled her entire lunch on me that one time, remember? And Tommy is...well, he's a jerk.

I know you keep saying they aren't like that anymore, but I don't know. Just be careful, for me, please?

Write me back, dork.

All my love, Casey

1978

Dear Steve,

Today was her funeral. It was nice, I guess. As nice a funeral can be. She was buried under this big oak tree in the city cemetery. Kinda cool. 

I still can't believe she's gone.

I can't get that day out of my head. How her heart just...stopped. One second, she was awake and smiling, the next... 

I'm sorry, I'm being depressing. Don't worry about not being able to make it. I really wanted to see you, but I understand everything with your parents.

That's pretty cool about your dad being promoted, but he'll probably be at home even less now. Not that I know you care. Come to think about it, I just realized how little I know about your dad.

I miss you, Steve. Like a lot. I asked my dad about going to visit for Thanksgiving and he said probably not this year. With all the bills and expenses for Sara, we're tight on money.

Not to mention, him and Diane have been at each other's throats. Dad isn't handling all this very well. He's been drinking a lot, more than normal. Diane's been trying to help, but he keeps pushing her away. He's barely left him room since it happened. Today was the first time I was him for more than a few minutes.

He's hurting, it makes sense.

I hope you have better updates than I do. Love you, dork, and you better write me back.

All my love, Casey 

1979

Dear Steve,

It's official. Dad and Diane are calling it quits. I knew it was coming. Fighting every night, dad sleeping on the couch after coming home late from the bar. You know he hasn't been working at the precinct that past six months? I think I told you.

The one good thing coming out of it, Dad and I are moving back to Hawkins. I was going to surprise you at your doorstep when we got back, but I'm too excited. I didn't think I'd be this happy. New York has been fun and all, but it never really felt like home, you know?

Dad already got me all squared away at Hawkins Middle and listen to this shit, he's gonna be Chief of Police at the station. I asked him if he was ready for that, and he told me not to worry about him. I'm sure he'll be fine. 

Diane says that nothing has to change between me and her. I'm still welcome to call or come visit her whenever and I'm sure that I will. She said she come to visit me too. I'm gonna miss her.  

I can't wait to see you. When was the last time? My birthday? That feels like forever ago. When I get back we're definitely doing a movie night AND the arcade. Oh, bowling would be fun too. You know what, we'll do it all. 

See you soon, dork. 

All my love, Casey

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