The Break (An Eddie Munson Story)

Chapter 21: Casablanca Quotes (+4K Views!)

A/N: What? WHAT? 4K views! That's incredible and so, so unexpected. Thank you all so, so much for your support. When I started writing this story, I honestly did not think that anyone would read my work. It was just a project I set for myself, as a writing challenge but now, it's become a constant in my life and I'm so granted that people are positively engaging with each instalment.

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School was the last place he wanted to be, especially after having had such limited sleep. Eddie could barely keep his eyes open, as he sat through his final class of the morning period. He was itching to escape to the cafeteria, where he could drink his weight in Jolt Cola and maybe catch a few minutes of shut eye.

He suppressed an audible groan, as he remembered that he had Hellfire club that evening. His weary mind was already constructing a plan of how to both take you home and make a round trip back to Hawkins High, in time for his latest D&D session. Unfortunately, no matter how many times he run the calculations through his mind, it would not be possible to both drive you home and run the campaign on time. Maybe he could try and find Nancy and ask if she could drive you back? Or perhaps you could wait in the club room, until they were finished? But that would probably be boring for you, as it was too late notice to introduce a new player? But what if...or perhaps...well, maybe...Enough! he mentally yelled at his mind, begging it to stop thinking so frantically.

The day's only saving grace was that, he would at least get to see you, even if only for a short lunch break. He hoped that you had made it to school okay and the none of the basketball team had given you any further trouble.

You were sat in your class, feeling restless, as you counted down the seconds before the lunch bell rang. Having awoken to an empty space beside you and a note, explaining Eddie's absence, you were eager to see the brunet, needing to know that he was okay. You hated the idea of him venturing into the dark, sinister night alone, going to meet with his mysterious but most definitely dangerous employers. If only he had woken you up, you could have at least waited in the truck for him.

It was not even his employers that you were worried about- humans could only be so violent. While the gates to the Upside Down were seemingly closed for now, the threat of the horrors that lay in the parallel dimension, were always a potential threat, that often keep you awake at night. You could not stop considering the possibility of a rogue demogorgon, finding it's way into the town and encountering Eddie, during one of his drops.

A familiar tightness spread through your chest but you were resolute on not having a panic attack in class. You forcibly told your racing mind that, Eddie was fine and that you would see him at lunch. The Upside Down was at least temporarily contained and there was no paranormal danger that could hurt him.

As the bell tolled, much to your dismay, the sharp voice of your teacher demanded for you all to remained seated, as the outlined the objectives of your essay. In that moment, could have wept with frustration but you remained composed, listening to their words and taking notes, like your old, education-driven self. If Eddie was risking his safety to earn enough money to get you both a one way ticket out of this hellhole, then the least you could do was patiently suffer through an overrunning lesson.

He stared at the lunch line like a hawk, watching as each nameless student body collected their tray of food and headed towards their desired table. All around him, his Hellfire cohort talked animatedly about the current campaign or equally fantastical topics. Dustin and Mike were particularly vocal, arguing about character classes and whether the price of Torpor was too steep, as it rarely caused much damage once ingested. Under normal circumstances, Eddie would whole-heartedly enjoy

Rounding the corridor towards the cafeteria, you were absolutely ravenous and definitely looking forward to quite literally inhaling the sandwiches you had assembled at home. You were not sure if Eddie had had time to get food, so you had made him some too. Grocery shopping on Wednesday was now a vital necessity, as you were dangerously low on supplies in the trailer. Tomorrow was looking to be Honey Comb cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner.