Dark Days, Darker Secrets

003

Possible spoilers for Stranger Things Season 4. This chapter also contains mentions of drugs.

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The gymnasium is filled with noise as the school prepares to witness the championship basketball game. The crowd cheers, the band plays, and I join in with my fellow cheerleaders with a "Let's go, Tigers!" chant.

The Tigers run out onto the court amidst the cheers and begin their pre-game warm ups on the court.

Let's go, Tigers!

I see Nancy on the sidelines with the newspaper crew and I give her a smile and a slight nod as opposed to waving, as my hands are currently holding my pompoms. She smiles back and nudges Scott, one of the photographers for the paper, and gestures my way. I smile as a bright flash fills my sight, leaving me blinking away floating specs of light as I turn my attention away.

Let's go, Tigers!

I see Steve walk into the gym, heading towards the bleachers. It's slightly jarring to see him here, as he graduated last year. But then again, it is the championship game, and that's a big deal in a town as small as Hawkins. There's a girl at his side- Beth? Betty? Brenda, that's right. I remember her coming into Family Video frequently- I didn't know what she was looking for, as she never really asked anyone but Steve for help. Regardless, it seemed to have payed off, because here she is with him. Steve, however, doesn't look remotely as thrilled with this situation as she is- I watch her turn to say something to him and his face immediately changes into one of barely restrained annoyance. It's a subtle change, but a noticeable one nonetheless. Not for Brenda though, she continues on.

Let's go, Tigers!

My eyes drift to Robin amongst the band, and next to her is- oh my god she's gonna be freaking out about this later I just know it- because next to her is Vicki. The Vicki, the one Robin's been obsessed with since she joined marching band.

Let's go, Ti-

Our cheer is interrupted as Principal Higgins takes the stand in the center of the court.

"Everyone now please rise for our national anthem." He pauses, allowing for everyone to stand. "Singing for us tonight, we have a very special guest. All the way from Nashville, our very own- Tammy Thompson!"

The student body bursts into applause as I release a snort of shocked laughter. I lock eyes with Robin across the room.

You have to be kidding me. I mouth. She shakes her head in disbelief before exchanging an identical look with Steve, who looks overly amused.

Tammy clears her throat while the room grows quiet.

Oh say can you seeeeeeeeee

By the dawn's early light

What so prou-

Tammy's voice cracks, and from there I tune out.

...

I'll be honest- I tune out for the majority of the game. My head has not gotten any better- if anything, the noise from the crowd and the court have amplified the pressure in my head. I've been staring blankly into space for the better part of an hour, and so it's only when I hear a buzzer sound that I look up, expecting to see the game finished.