𝑩𝑳𝑼𝑬 - Billy Hargrove [1]

TWENTY TWO

TWENTY TWO|HEATHER

Bernadette shifted her weight as she stood awkwardly in her doorway, glancing between Max and Eleven who stared up at her with surprise. She stepped aside, letting them in and out of the rain.

"I just found out about Billy." Max informed her, watching as her smile fell from her lips and a sad look crossed her eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine. He was the one that broke things off." Birdie sighed, gesturing for the pair to follow her to her bedroom. "Are you wanting a towel? A shower?"

"Wait, you don't know about Heather?" Eleven said, stopping her in her tracks as she grabbed towels from her cupboard.

"Heather?" She repeated, gasping as she realised where Billy truly went on their date night. "He was with Heather?"

"I'm sorry, Birdie." Max accepted the towel, wrapping it around her shoulders as she held Birdie's hand tightly.

"That's fucking bitch!" She screeched, letting go of Max to pace around her room. "I'm actually going to kill him. Fucking piece of shit!" She grabbed the book of her nightstand and threw it across the room.

"Is she okay?" Eleven questioned, not understanding why Bernadette was cursing to herself.

"Remember how I said Billy can make Birdie happy scream?" Max began to explain, confusing Birdie. "He can also make her angry scream."

"Happy scream? Happy scream? Those were fake happy screams." Birdie threw another book across the room. "Because he is a fake pretentious asshole."

"Maybe we should watch a movie? Talk about something else?" The ginger girl suggested, feeling sorry for Birdie. "Watch a movie?"

"I'll get you some clothes to wear, it's getting late." She sighed, calming down as she tried to ignore the ache in her heart. "He isn't worth my angry screams."

Bernadette sat back in her bed, cuddled under the covers as Eleven and Max joined her. They quietly watched Sixteen Candles, both younger girls glancing at Birdie every so often to make sure she was okay.

"What's that?" Eleven grabbed a comic book from beside the bed, looking at the woman on the cover.

"I've got many comic books and Cosmo's. Do you want to borrow some?" Birdie asked, slipping out the bed and looking through her bookshelf, finding her pile of magazines.

"Can you teach us about happy screams?" Max asked awkwardly, curiously grabbing a Cosmo magazine and flicking through it to avoid Birdies amused stare.

"I think that's a talk your mother can give you or for when you're older." She sighed, sitting back in bed with the girls.

"I don't have a mother to talk to." Eleven spoke up, silencing Birdie as she stared at Eleven wide eyed.

"God damnit!" She instantly caved, sighing once again as she leaned back against the pillows. "Okay, fine, ask your questions."

"I don't have any." Max said sheepishly, staring down at the comic book in her hands.

"How about we do this another time?" Birdie suggested. "I know you're curious, I was curious too when I was your age, but unless you're ready to do all that, remain innocent and carefree until then. But just know that when you are ready, I will always be here to answer any questions you have. Think of me as your big sister."

"Big sister?" Eleven repeated, staring at Birdie warmly. "You'll be like a sister for me?"

"Of course." She reached over and grabbed the girls hand, squeezing it gently. "If you ever have any questions, you can ask me."

"Here, this is one of my favourites." Max passed Eleven one of Birdies 'Wonder Woman' comics. "This is why you can't spend all your time with Mike."

"Although Wonder Woman is amazing, you should read about Cat Woman." Birdie grabbed the comic book and placed it in front of Eleven. "She seduces a hot young billionaire. She is an icon."

"You tamed my brother. You're my icon." Max grinned at Birdie, her statement warming the older girls heart.

"You survived a Demogorgon. You're my icon." Eleven added, staring at the fading scar on her arm.

"I love you both." Bernadette fanned her eyes, trying not to cry again for the hundredth time that day. "Thank you for coming over to check on me."

"Always." Max leaned forwards and embraced the older girl. "You're my big sister."