His Salvation [Eddie Munson]

Chapter Thirteen

The sound of twigs cracks under my feet as I walk alongside Robin on our way to Skull Rock. Eddie didn't even question why I asked to be dropped off at Robins and that I wanted to ride with her. I'm sure he thought I missed Robin or wanted to spend time with her since we have been so consumed with each other lately.

"How are you doing? I know tomorrow might be hard." Robin says.

I'm starting to regret my decision to come with Robin. She means well, but we don't talk about my parents or how I'm doing. She tried when I first arrived in Hawkins, but I wasn't really in the right mindset for small talk about my dead parents. I guess I'm still not in the right mindset.

"I'm okay." I'm silent for a moment and I almost feel bad for not opening up more because I know she's trying.

"I think my mom would have liked my dress," I add. I feel robin's eyes on me.

"I know she would." Robin had a sad smile on her face when I looked over at her. I can tell she doesn't know what to say. "I know it's not the same, but my parents and I will be cheering for you as you walk across the stage."

I want to tell her it's not the same, but I am glad to have some family even if we are not close. I smile at her as I say thanks.

We hear voices as we reach skull rock. We round the cover of the large rock and I see a group of people, our graduation class. There are more people than I realized. I see Steve talking to a guy I've never seen. He waves at us. I look around for Eddie, but I don't see him. I run into a few people I know from class and we talk for a while. Everyone wants to talk about their plans after the summer.

I notice a truck bed full of alcohol and excuse myself. I walk over to grab a beer from the cooler. Robin and Steve are laughing together, but I'm not close enough to hear what it's about. I sit on the bed of the truck and watch everyone mingle. Most of them grew up here. I feel like I'm on the outside looking in.

I take a sip of my beer and look up at the sky. The sun is setting and the sky looks like cotton candy. I admire it. Maybe I'll paint it when I get back home.

"Why is my girl sitting all alone?" Eddie says as he walks around the truck.

My heart skips a beat at the sight of his smile. His curls bounce as he sits down next to me.

"I guess I'm not as popular as you think." I scrunch my nose at him teasing as he wraps his arm around me pulling me close.

"Either way, you are out of my league." He grabs a beer and takes a sip.

I roll my eyes and keep my comments to myself. It sickens me how highly he thinks of me. It's a battle between my heart and mind. I want to melt at his words but then I want to die. I should have let him go the moment he pushed me away. But I couldn't help myself. I had to have more of him. I couldn't stay away and now I'm fucking paying the price.

"What do you want to do this summer?" His hand that hangs over my shoulder lightly rubs my arm.

I've been trying not to think about that. All I can think about is calling this thing we have off before we are in too deep. But maybe I'm already in this too deep. I hope he's not and he can move on. It might be easier for him to move on when he hates me. Once he finds out what I did then hopefully he runs. I just want to make it through graduation and then I'll end it.

It hurts me to even think about that, but I don't see another way. I can't continue to lie to him and he won't see me the same way once I tell him the truth.

"Let's just enjoy this moment. Together." I lift my beer and his bottle lightly taps mine.

"I can drink to that." He smiles and takes a swig of his beer.