Hard Rock and Heartache

Forest Hills Trailer Park

         The week following Hellfire night had been eventful, to say the least. But not in a way that was enjoyable. Whether I was dealing with errands, going to school, catching up on homework, taking care of things around the house, or work, I was swamped. But the plans I had with Eddie this weekend never left my mind and, in truth, they got me through the countless classes and reports I had to write. 

     Eddie and I hadn't talked when we noticed each other at school. We merely passed a few knowing looks from across the cafeteria or in the halls. But he had his friend group and I had mine, and they didn't necessarily mingle. And plus, our little secret was sort of fun, so I didn't mind. 

     But the day had finally come when Eddie intended to pick me up from my house, and only now had the nerves set in. How should I dress? Should I do my makeup? Was this casual? Just friends? Was this a date? I had too many questions and the longer I stared at my closet, the worse I felt. 

     I finally ended up choosing a pair of black leggings, comfortable but cute, and over those, I wore an oversized red and black plaid shirt with my favorite black and white, high-top converse. I was playing it safe if I'm being honest with myself. Wearing what I knew looked good but wouldn't overdo it. The only thing I put a little more effort into was my makeup, giving myself a soft smoky eyeshadow look with a faded, subtle beige lip. But of course, I left my hair to its own devices. After my shower this morning it had dried with a waviness to it that I liked, hanging low to the middle of my back and such a dark brown it appeared black unless one saw it in the sunlight. 

     "Going on your date?" Dustin's irritated voice startled me and made me turn around to see him standing by my bedroom door with an accusatory stare. 

     "It's not a date," I didn't sound very convincing, scoffing while looking back into my mirror for final touches to my makeup. Dustin lifted a brow, frowning.

     "Besides," I began, "how did you know I was even going out?" I asked, putting on my black choker while facing him. 

     "Well, that's because Eddie Munson is outside right now and he's not here to see me... sooooo?"

     My eyes widened, skin going pale and clammy at the revelation. "Oh, shit... he's here now?" I hadn't even realized that the sun had dipped below the horizon. 

     "Yeah, he's here, to pick up my sister." I should have known that Dustin might have a problem with this. 

     "We're just hanging out, so stop looking at me like that," I said sternly, pushing past him into the hall but he was quick to follow me down the stairs, to the front door. 

     After grabbing my purse and slinging it over my shoulder, I turned on him rather aggressively. "Dustin, just mind your business! Okay? I am allowed to hang out with whoever I want, even your friends. So... chill. I'll be back later tonight." He watched me with crossed arms, so silent it was unnerving. I didn't like seeing him so upset. 

     "There is food in the fridge if you get hungry," I said a bit softer, sighing when he said nothing still before turning and leaving through the front door where I immediately spotted a familiar-looking van parked on the street.

     Leaning on the driver's side door was Eddie, smiling at the sight of me while I walked across my lawn to approach him. "Hello, sweetheart," he greeted me, using a pet name that had me rolling my eyes and scoffing. 

     "Hey," I responded plainly as he chuckled at my reaction, and I followed him around to the other side while he opened the passenger door and ushered me in. "Why thank you," he smiled sheepishly at first, before speaking.