Freak || Steddie

chapter three

"I'm heading out, Steve!" Robin called walking towards the front of the library. They had just closed and Steve offered to do all the closing tasks, hoping to go as slow as possible. Before he could respond he heard the distinct ring of the bell above the door. Steve sighed, he was alone. The familiar feeling almost consumed him. At times he felt as though he was drowning. Deciding not to relish in any feeling he got to work.

The library had speakers through the building but never played anything during opening hours. He plugged his phone into the old system; soft music began to play, the familiar tune of 18 by Anarbor relaxed him. A soft smile played on his lips as he began to hum along to the song.

Thunder bellowed outside causing Steve to look up from the books he was sorting. Rain began to pour down, bringing comfort to him. He had grown bored of sorting books and decided to vacuum for a little. He was almost sure that the vacuum the library owned was on it's last leg. The thing emitted an awful smell and wasn't the best at picking things up. This made the task tedious but Steve was happy to do so as it wasted more time. He wondered if he'd be able to get more hours now that he was suspended from school. He made a mental note to text his boss tomorrow and ask.

The storm started to pick up more, making him contemplate going home earlier than usual. He could hear the pounding of the rain over the god awful noise the vacuum made. Decided it was best to leave before it got worse, he started putting everything away. The rain was now drowning out the sound of his music. Steve sighed loudly and picked up his pace.

Making sure all the lights were out, Steve did one last check over everything before locking up. Using one of the many umbrellas that were left at his work place, he ran outside.

Despite the umbrella, Steve was still soaked by the time he got to his car. Quickly turning on the heat, he glanced around the vacant parking lot. O Children played quietly as the rain pelted his window. With a sigh, he pulled out of the parking lot. He knew he'd have to drive slowly to avoid getting into an accident.

Trying to kill time before going home, Steve decided to stop at the local Mom and Pop's restaurant. Much like mostly everything in this town, the restaurant hasn't been renovated since at least the 80's; although, it was a lot cleaner than Hawkins' High. Hurrying into the restaurant, he was blasted with cold air. This sent a shiver down his back as he tried to rub his arms to warm up. "Sorry hun, I turned up the heat about twenty minutes ago so it might take a little," an elderly waitress said swaying over to him. He smiled at the old woman as she gestured him to follow her. He came here at least twice a week, it fit his budget and everyone was so friendly.

Normally Steve sat in the same spot every time he came in, but the waitress led him to a different table this time. "Uh— thank you, Ms. Elena." He was about to ask if he could take his regular booth but he noticed a familiar face already sitting there. Sending a string of curse words at the boy that took his comfort booth, he sat down. Steve could feel Eddie's eyes on him, this action alone made him squirm in his seat. Picking up the menu, he tried to cover his face. He wondered what Munson was doing at the diner. In all the times he had been here, he never once saw the boy.

He picked nervously at his fingers as he told his order to the waitress. She probably knew his order by heart but took it anyways. With a promise that it would be ready soon, she walked off. Steve watched as she checked on Eddie, he had smiled warmly at her as she spoke to him. Steve almost felt betrayed by the waitress. But of course, she didn't know their rivalry or how much Steve couldn't stand the man. Feeling a scowl form on his face, he quickly looked away from the scene.

Watching the rain pour outside, he almost missed the waitress bringing his drink. "I'm sorry that I couldn't give you your usual table. Both of you boys sit in the same spot, he just happen to get here first." Steve was surprised at the words. He, unknowingly, shared more things in common with the Munson kid. He quickly waved it off, trying to control his uncomfortable emotions.