Under One Condition || Eddie Munson

chapter seven

"Alright guys, this is a good stopping place. We'll meet back up next Friday!" Eddie said closing his DM book. I had a lot more fun than I thought I would. It took a little for the guys to warm up to the idea of me playing, but once they saw how unhinged my tactics were, they accepted me.

We all walked out of the school together, it had gotten late but I knew Steve was waiting to pick me up.

"Hey Eddie! Wait up!" I heard a voice yell, out of curiosity, I looked back to see Chrissy Cunningham run up to Eddie. He stopped and waited for her, with a smile on his face. I quickly turned away from the scene as they hugged each other.

Steve caught my eye moments later. With a sigh, I walked towards him. If he could see the disappointment on my face, he didn't say anything.

"Hey," Steve said quietly as we both slid in his car. He looked to be in deep thought. I gave him a tired smile, he seemed okay with me not responding as he started his car.

—

I woke up the next morning, dreading school. I knew it was too early in the term to start faking being sick. A lot had happened in the past couple days and I was over the school year already.

Walking out of my room I heard voices that I didn't quite recognize. I slowly made my way down the hall, in hopes to catch some of the conversation. They must've heard me leave my room as their voices went into a whisper.

Rounding the corner, I saw Hopper and one of his deputies sitting at the dinning room table with my mom. They all looked up and gave me soft smiles.

"Hey Aspen, we're going to need you to come down to the station to make a statement," Hopper said lightly. I knew this was coming, I really hoped that it wouldn't have been so soon. "Steve and that Munson boy already gave theirs," Hopper finished.

I nodded in response. I felt like I was drowning and there was no way to the surface. I looked down at my nails in order to avoid everyone's eyes. The black paint on them was chipping, I started to pick at them.

Hopper and his deputy stood, the chief motioned his hand towards the door. Understanding what he meant, I walked towards it.

Steve walked into the living room as my hand hit the knob. "Where are you guys going?" Steve questioned. He looked confused but walked over to me. I didn't want to speak so I looked to Hopper for help.

"Just going down to the station for some questions, Harrington." Hopper stated, opening the door I had forgotten about. I sunk my head down and followed him out. Steve didn't say another word as he watched me get into the squad car.

—

"— you PROMISE, that's the whole story?" Hopper questioned. I nodded my head, I had been here for hours. They kept asking me the same questions, in different variations. I hadn't lied to them, except when they asked why I didn't tell anyone. I'm still not sure why I didn't say anything.

Hopper seemed happy with everything I was saying. He began talking about getting a confession out of either Tommy or Carol, but I blocked out his words. I wanted to leave, I was tired.

I glanced around the room, it was pale in color, the light gave it a yellow hue. There was nothing in here but a table and three uncomfortable chairs. It looked to be an office that they converted into an investigation room; I could still see the rust stains that the filing cabinet left on the floor.

"Well kid, your brother is here to pick you up. You're free to go." The deputy said, standing up. I practically bolted out the investigation room.

Steve sat in a chair close to the front door, when he saw me, he stood up. I glanced at the clock on my way over to him. 3:34. I had been here for almost 8 hours.