𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇; 𝘴. 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘰𝘯

prologue

A seeping river of blood flowed effortlessly, trickling down onto the pavement, staining it crimson permanently. My knees dug into the ground and also began to bleed. I never seemed to have a good relationship with my father but seeing his body lying lifelessly shattered me.

The police sirens echoed and blared causing me to have difficulty hearing the deep voice trying to speak to me, ''What is your name, sweetheart?'' they spoke once more.

My eyes shot up to see a tall, pale man with a patchy beard. ''J. Hopper'' his sheriff's badge read.

''Y/n, Y/n Winston.'' A teary-eyed Christopher Winston spoke. He had made it in time to witness the birth of his first child. All the worry that was eating him alive drifted away peacefully. 

Christopher was an actor, well known for starring in many movies and TV shows throughout the 50s and 60s. He was also known, infamously, for his alcohol consumption and cheating on his wife, Vera Winston.

He now peered over at Vera, who still loved him after all he has put her through. Her blonde hair was tied up and her face showed signs of exhaustion after spending 9 hours in labor. 

''August 22'' Christopher thought to himself, ''The best day of my damn life.''

''Y/n, Y/n Winston,'' My voice came out as a whimper, though it felt as if I were screaming at the top of my lungs.

''How old are you, Y/n?''

I stood up, wiping my bloody hands on my overalls, ''6 years old, almost 7.''

The chief nodded his head and jotted down the information onto his notepad. Once he finished, he gave me a look of pity and sighed, ''C'mon, kid, let's get you down to the station.'' 

I followed the man to the car, taking a seat in the back. He glanced at me through the rear mirror and noticed my look of discomfort. ''Hey, call me Hopper, if you need anything let me know.'' He hesitated to speak once more, but instead shook his head and reached out to the cup holder. 

A small bag of milk chocolate M&M's was now being handed to me. I accepted the offer with a small smile. ''So, Y/n, tell me about yourself. You're from Los Angeles am I right?''

I nodded, ''My parents are from Hawkins, and my father was an actor so we spent most of our time in L.A.''

Y/n's eyes burned from the constant flashes being shot at her and her parents. She felt as if a million voices were shouting their names, asking them questions, hoping that they would be given something to make a headline out of. Her 5-year-old head could not process it all. She just gripped her father's hand, letting him protect her.

''Christopher, are you still drinking?''

''When are you going back to Hawkins?''

''Y/n, you excited for your 6th birthday?''

''Christopher, Vera, how's your relationship? Christopher was seen earlier this week with model, Carmen Meritz!'' 

''Do you two plan on getting a divorce?"

None of the words being thrown at Y/n made sense to her. She was not yet old enough to understand the concept of addiction, divorce, and cheating; she was just a kid.