History Together | Ronance

#09 Water gate

Looking out at the vast expanse of water i just knew this would suck. If I had to swim I"d definitely drown, I literally failed gym class. Fortunately for us there was a rickety old boat strewn on the grass for us to take advantage of. Steve and Eddie crouch infront of it scoping it out, pushing them aside I clamber in. Nancy was first on and we sit beside eachother in a comfortable silence. For once I didn't need to talk at a million miles per hour to fill an awkward silence.

When Dustin tries to get on the boat Nancy stops him "you stay here" she commands.

"You stay, it's my plan" the boy scoffs.

We all look at him sternly and Eddie even denies him "you tryna sink us? There's only room for three on this thing"

The kid frowns but steps back "who put her in charge anyway?" He huffs pointing at Nance.

"I did" I smirk and he clicks his tongue in annoyance.

Steve pushes the boat out for us and we begin to drift. He hops on last second to Dustins disbelief "you said three!"

"Bedtimes at nine kiddos!" I shout.

~

Out in the middle of the lake Dustin's compass begins going crazy. "Hey Dustin" I call over the radio "you compass has gone from wonky to wonky with a capital ahhhh"

"I'm going in" Steve announces after a tense silence. Everyone turns to stare at him as he takes off his shirt.

Ew god. "What?" Nancy croaks with big doe eyes.

I don't know why but I feel sick when she looks at him like that... God make it stop.

"Can anyone here beat being swim captain? No? It's going to be me then" he urges while kicking off his shoes.

"Just... Be careful" Nancy pleas as the boy nods and dives into the water.

Splashes of the icy liquid flick into my eyes making me flinch. A soft material touches my face as i clench my eyes shut. "Let me help" the voice belongs to the only other girl on board.

Her gentle touches of her sleeve wipe away at my eyes "thanks" I mumble slightly embarrassed.

When I open my eyes she smiles wide. Damn she has such nice teeth. I wonder if those are natural or she got braces. Probably genetics since she's also blessed in every other department.

"Hey Robin" Eddie calls in a sing song tone "what ya starin at?" He teases. Oh shit.

"Uh my eyes where adjusting" I snap. He gives me a sly look. This is so awkward.

Nancy doesn't seem to notice though as she's moved onto timing Steve's underwater trip. "What we at?" Eddie asks changing the subject.

"Almost a minute" she grunts staring out at the dark water.

Growing nervous for my dingus friend I lean towards the edge of the boat only to rear back in shock as Steve bursts through the surface. "I found it!" He pants.

"You were down there for so long" Nancy huffs, annoyed.

Before he can reply he's yanked beneath the water. "Steve?" I call out panicked.

Nancy joins in calling for him before standing up "stay here" she commands before jumping in.

"Holy shit" Eddie gasps.

I chew my lip nervously and shuffle towards the edge of the boat. Eddie sees the determination on my face and scoffs "she said to wait, I thought she was in charge!"

"Are you kidding me?" I rasp half laughing "I made that shit up!"

Plummeting backwards the cool water clouds my senses. All I can do is swin downward and hope for the best. Its not long before my lungs are burning but luckily enough I find myself right at the gates entrance.

On the other side is a terrifying sight- bats attacking Steve as he struggles on the ground. "Do something!" Nancy screams throwing an ore towards me.

She lunges at two creatures burying themselves in Steve's stomach while I desperately wack the thing around his neck. It doesn't let go no matter how hard I hit it and my heart races so fast i swear it could implode. Nancy screams and I whip around to face her, the bats have now lodged themselves to her scalp. In a daze I chase after her trying to pry them free. Eddie must have followed through at some point because I hear him screaming and thrashing.

The creatures finally let go and I see Steve tearing one apart with his bare feet. Thank god that is over. Worst experience of my life. "Jesus H chrust!" Eddie shrieks.

Yeah I feel ya.

Turning to the gate we see the bats have regrouped in defence mode "oh no" I mumble.

I feel Nancy touch my hand and at first I flinch but when she says my name I breathe out a sigh of relief. She was here for me just like I was there for her.

"We can take them-" Steve comments before seeing another swarm approaching.

"Run?" Nancy asks.

"Run" I confirm and we flee hand in hand almost tripping over one another.