Trial By Hellfire

Chapter 3 - Hello Hawkins High

Steve pulled up to the school and pulled into a parking space.

"Do you want me to go in with you?" He asked.

"I would actually appreciate that very much." He could probably sense my anxiety. I wasn't always keen on being the "new kid." But then again, who is? Staring a new life in a new town, starting at a new school where everyone has been in the same grade together since kindergarten, it was scary. Steve and I got out of the car and made our way up to the administration offices.

"Mr. Harrington. What brings you into our fine establishment this morning?" You could tell that Steve wasn't exactly a teacher's pet during his time at Hawkins High.

"My little cousin and her parents just moved into town so she needs to get registered for classes."

"Registration for the upcoming semester has closed."

"I understand that but she just got into town yesterday. Please, I promise she's a lot better of a student than I ever was."

"Boy is that an understatement," I chuckled from behind him.

The lady working in the office laughed, probably because it was true. Steve looked annoyed but I could tell he wanted to laugh.

"Fine. But she needs to have all of her paperwork into the office by 5pm sharp."

"Um," I squeezed out from behind Steve, "I already have everything from my old school. Here are my transcripts and my entrance exams. As you can see I have a 4.0 GPA and arm in the 99th percentile on all of my entrance exams."

"Nerd." Steve called out. I gave him a look. I may be smart, but I was NOT a nerd.

"Alright. Fill out this form and I can get you put into our system and signed up for classes. Since your entrance exams were so high you may be placed in classes that have a blend of juniors, like yourself, and seniors who've been struggling. And I won't be able to give you your schedule right away so you'll have to stop by Principle Higgins' office on your first day."

I quickly filled out the form while making sure to keep my writing legible. Once I was done, I handed her the form and Steve and I made our way out of the high school.

"God I hated that."

"What, I thought those were your old stomping grounds?" I teased him. I knew he never had the best time in high school, especially after him and Nancy broke up. But things were better now, and now I'd be here if he ever needed someone.

"Shit! Look at the time!" It was already 12:30 PM.

"I have to get to work." We sped out of the parking lot and back home where Steve ran inside and grabbed some clothes.

"You can drive right?"

"Yeah, if I know where I'm going!"

"I'll give you directions! Just scoot over!" I moved into the driver's seat.

"Oh my God I can't believe I'm letting you drive my car."

"Me either!" I said with a smile on my face as I sped off.

Steve worked in this shop called "Family Video" which was just a generic version of Blockbuster, but it was better than nothing. Steve changed into his work clothes while giving me directions. When we finally arrived he ran inside while I parked the car. I got out and looked around, taking in the scenery. Maybe Hawkins won't be as bad as I thought.