86' baby

1983

Valerie's pov.

I am at the wheelers for my weekly dinner while the boys are playing Dungeons and Dragons in the basement.
Tonight's campaign has been running longer then usual and if it wasn't for Nancy, I'd be down there crashing it right now.

Nancy and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember, However lately, she's been distancing herself from Barb & I.
More focused on Steve and his group of friends. Don't get me wrong, I like Steve, I get along with almost everyone. That's not a problem at all, the problem is Barb.

I've always been the more rebellious one, my parents work at some lab so they're not around much, leaving me all the time in the world to explore and do as I please!.
Barb, however - comes from a rather close knit family, not leaving much room for experimentation.
I use to think this was the case for Nancy too,
I am surprised to see it differs.

" Hey Valerie, Nancy ! Want some Pizza ?. "
" Yes pleas-" I almost get out before Nancy rudely ignores Dustin and slaps my arm.

" OUCH! What was that for?. "
" Please don't interact with my brothers friends, you don't hear the bullshit the mumble about us." Nancy carries on like this for another 10 minutes before I decide it's best I head off.

**

I pull into my driveway, noticing my parents car is parked in their usual spot.
Unbuckling my seatbelt I head inside to greet my parents.
Kissing them both on the cheek before stuffing my face with my Dads leftovers.

" What did you get up to today?. "
" Hung out with Nancy, the usual Dad. How about you? How was work?. " I ask knowing I'll get the same answer I receive every day.
" Work is work, darling. "
I say my good nights and head up to my room.

*****

" Valerie, wake up! You're gonna be late. Again. " my mum shouts at my bedroom door.
Groaning in response, I make my way out of bed before carefully picking my outfit for the school day.
They say a good outfit is worth a thousand words, well at least that's what I've read.

" Nancy's here!. " my mum calls down the hall.
Grabbing my book bag, I rush out the door and join Nancy for our walk to school.
Once a week we walk instead of driving, usually we go back to hers afterwards and fetch a ride with Barb.
Saves us taking numerous cars and clogging up their driveway.

**

" Nancy!, Valerie! Over here. " Steve calls from beside his car.
Nancy practically drags me alongside her, almost popping my shoulder out in the process.

" Hey Steve. " Nancy smiles at the schools pretty boy.
" How was your night girls?. " Steve asks, looking at me. I just nod, not really caring for the conversation until I hear the mention of a party.
" Did you say Party?. " I chime in.
" Yes, at mine. Tonight. " Steve smiles, before looking at Nancy. Likely thinking I'm warming up to this whole ordeal.
Don't get me wrong, it's not Steve. It's his friends, they're pricks. "

The day drags on, mostly consisted of Nancy trying to convince Barb to join us tonight.
" Nancy, we can't force her to come. " I say, reaching for my lunch tray.
" Did you all see Eddie the freak today?. Going on and on about his stupid board game. " Steve's friend, Tommy scoffs.
" We don't talk about Eddie, Valerie can't stand the guy. " Nancy quickly states.

It not that I can't stand him, I just find him irritating. I tried to purchase some pot off him about 7 months ago, biggest mistake of my life.
" I'll see you tonight, I'm out of here. " I stand up, throwing my food in the bin before sharing a glare with Munson.

I couldn't help but overhear Mike ranting on about his friend Will being missing since their campaign last night.
I grow worried about the thought of an innocent child out there lost somewhere. Hopefully he just led astray.

I shake the thoughts and head home.

**

Nancy is currently in my room pumping herself up for the night ahead. She managed to rope Barb into coming and honestly, I don't know how she did it.
" Here. " I place some red lipstick upon her lips before messing her hair up a little.
" perfect. Let's go and get Barb. "

The drive is short, I did have to make a pit stop for some cigarettes. I don't smoke often, only while partying or a little extra stressed.
Wr soon arrive at Steve's and the gathering is getting out of hand. I was under the impression this was going to be a party.

" Hey Nancy, could you leave with Barb? I think I'm gonna head home. " I cut in.
" Yeah of course, are you okay?. " I smile in response, letting her know I'm just tired before giving both her and Barb a hug goodnight.
**

I check the note on the fridge,
Reading " come by the lab once you're finished with your friends, we will go get a late dinner. - mum "
I do just that, quickly throwing my jacket on and heading back out the door.

The lab is a bit darker then usual tonight, I'm assuming majority of the workers had head home for the night.
" You ready?. " my mother pops out of no where, startling me.
" Yes! Let's go. " I smile, linking arms with my mum, my father following behind us.

" What happened there?." I notice blood on the hallway wall.
" Oh, someone fell. " lie. I can always tell when my father is lying to me. Guilt isn't a good look for him. I choose to brush it off and continue our venture towards our cars.
I buckle myself in, waiting for my mum to jump in passenger.
My dad will be taking their car to dinner.

I can't help but notice a figure out the corner of my eye.
" What's that? " I call out the window.
Before my father could look, he was struck by this large being.
I scream. Then it all became a blur.
I remember screaming and my mum trying to save my father.. before she came running over and telling me to drive and she would get help.

I sped straight to the police station, running in frantically to tell my uncle Hopper what had just occurred and begged for his help.

****

But no one did. It fell into death ears and I was seen as crazy.
Before i knew it, my parents deaths were covered up and my uncle was sending me away for a " fresh start. ".

Authors note :

Hiii !! So quick PSA,
This will not be following the direct story line of stranger things.

I also do not own rights to stranger things or the original characters from the Netflix series. I only
Own Valerie and her storyline