The Break (An Eddie Munson Story)

Chapter 17: Chrissy Gives A Clue

A/N: Another day, another chapter! This is a little bit of a lengthy author's note.

So, what do you think of the new book cover? I thought a slight alteration was in order but I'm not sure about the design. Do you like it or should I reinstate the previous cover? Let me know your thoughts!

Also, from an inclusive perspective, is my writing style continuing to read as fender neutral? I'm wanting my work to be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, etc.

As always, thank you so much for your continued support through votes and comments! It's so motivating to have people interact with my work.

*****

While in the past, you had never been hugely adverse to Mondays, as you stood at the front entrance of Hawkins High, you had to admit that perhaps your mindset had shifted to be more akin to that of the cartoon cat, Garfield. Your stance on Lasagne remained the same but you were feeling particularly venomous towards it being a Monday, the beginning of a long week at school.

How Eddie was able to remain so sunny in his disposition, you did not know but were certainly feeling envious. "Have a great day." he wished, ready to depart to his first class of the day. It was in that moment, you wished you had some shared lessons but unfortunately, your schedules did not align until the following day. You could have done with his presence throughout the day, to get you through the undoubtedly boring drone of your teacher's half-hearted attempt to teach you about the ammendments and founding fathers.

With a roll of your eyes, you scoffed, knowing that was unlikely to happen. "Thanks, I won't."

It seemed your more sombre mood was no match for his cheeriness, for Eddie merely laughed off your sarcasm and wrapped his arm around your shoulder, giving you a reassuring sqeeze. "Hilarious, as ever." he grinned, smile at full wattage, just for you and you alone. Your very own Cheshire Cat at your service. "Meet here after last period? I can wish you luck before Nancy picks you up."

Throwing your head back, you squeezed your eyes shut and audibly groaned. A full school day was enough torture alone but then to have to ensure a study session with the incredibly intelligent, undeniably capable and generally good friend, Nancy Wheeler, was just too much suffering for your liking. "Yeah, sure. I'm going to need all of the luck I can get."

"Ah, don't be like that. You got this, Y/L/N." he pulled away from you, leaving you with an absence of warmth, that your body did not appreciate and screamed at you to Bury yourself back into his inviting form but you held fast, telling yourself to stop being such a ridiculous, simpering mess. Little did you know that Eddie too was reluctant to start his day, without you by his side, having gotten used to have your company over the weekend. A full day without you was going to be a difficult one but it was a small price to pay, when he imagined Minnesota. "See you at lunch?"

Unbeknownst to him, you were also reminding yourself that your pain would be temporary and soon, you would be skipping town and starting afresh with Eddie, which was enough to lessen your dread for the day ahead. "I might skip it and spend some time in the art room. I need to work on my sketchbook."

"Okay, I'll see you at the end of the day."

"See you later, Eds."

With that signaturegrin, that you could never tire of seeing, he drawled, "Bye, sweetheart."

Hours later, the brunet found himself flustered and frustrated, as he attempted to navigate the empty halls. Why did the corridors seemingly continue on for eternity, when he was in a rush? The brunet thought in a huff, as he hoisted his slipping backpack higher up on to his shoulder, while he stormed towards the nearest exit out to the main entrance of Hawkins High. He swore that they purposefully elongated themselves, to ensure that his journey was delayed.