86' baby

Barb.

Valerie's pov :

I really need to get back into training. Since arriving back into this pit they call a town, I've really let myself go. More focused on keeping a social appearance and getting high rather then preparing myself for my next silent war.
I have all of this equipment and it's just going to waste in boxes in the garage because my uncle
Feels it's best to keep my car in there. As if anyone would steal it, half the town is scared of me and the other half pity me. Deciding it's time, I let my Uncle know of my plans to turn the garage into my gym. Better then going to the local studio and hurting someone with my knife play. " Hey Uncle, do we still have a shooting range in town?. " it's not as if I can shoot in my backyard, it would frighten the neighbours. He nods his head before letting me know he will put my name down at the range and get me a key.

Deciding to skip the first two periods at school, I get to work setting up the garage. Once done, I wrap my hands and train a little to clear my head.
" Alright Kiddo, it's time you head to school. Get there for lunch and stay for some classes please. " my uncle turns the radio off, chucking my bike keys at me. I quickly jog up to my room, needing a brief shower. Clearly the few days without training has affected me, my knuckles already going red and purple from the force of my fists hitting the bag. I take a mental note to do some knife play after I check out the shooting range this afternoon.

Chucking on my usual leather jacket, I head out the door towards my bike. " Cya Uncle. " Waving goodbye as I ride off towards the school.
Upon arrival, I pull out a cigarette noticing I still have ten minutes before lunch starts. A familiar boy walks towards me. " Hey - Valerie isn't it?. " Billy approaches, standing beside me as I lean against my bike. " Yep, in the flesh." I blow smoke towards him. His eyes drift to my lips then down to my hands. " What happened?. You get in a fight?. " he smirks, lighting his own cigarette. " Nope, just some training. If I was in a fight you'd know. The town whispers " I laugh.
We talk back and forth before I decide to head into the cafeteria. " You're welcome to sit with me at lunch. I'll introduce you to my friends. " I offer the boy as I walk away. He laughs letting me know he doesn't actually attend here anymore, just stops in to check on Max.

It seems as though Billy has a bad reputation around here, I can't help but wonder if he's just misunderstood.
As I walk down the familiar hallway, I begin to reminisce. All of my memories with Barb and Nancy overwhelm me.. I wonder how Barb is.. where Barb is, maybe I can ask Nancy or even my uncle and go pay her a visit over the holidays.

I'm pulled from my thoughts as an arm wraps around my shoulder, jumping straight into survival mode, I grab the arm and swing them over, watching as they land on their back. " What the fuck Valerie, it's me! Jason. " he throws his arms up from his position on the ground. " You really shouldn't sneak up on a woman." Why was he putting his arm around me anyways - it's not like we if we are friends.
" Mind giving me a hand? " he lifts his arm in my direction. Deciding it's the least I could do, I pull him to his feet. " Care to explain why you're grabbing random girls in the hallway?. " I raise a brow at the blonde. " I was wondering if you'd come to the game tonight? Chrissy will be cheering. " He smiles down at me.
I let him know I'll have to think about it as I have plans then continue my venture to the cafeteria

Looking around the room, I finally spot Robin, quickly making my way in her direction - I sit across from her. She begins to study me, as if she's searching for something.
" Spit it out. " I glare up at my friend, taking a bite of my food in the process. " Munson said you had an episode. " concern takes over her features. I mirror her expression before I realise what she meant. " They're normal. My doctor says it's a trauma response. I'm fine. " I smile at my new friend. The earlier thoughts of Barb over taking my mind once again.

Thinking back on mine and Robins conversation, I start to look back on all of my episodes and headaches. They been happening majority of my life however - got noticeably worse after my parents died. Before it was just a simple headache which could be put down to tired eyes. However, ever since that night, they're like a fire behind my eyeballs. Sometimes I even see things and a faint whisper as if someone lives inside my head. When I had expressed these concerns to my therapist, I was told it's all apart of grief and will go away with time. It's been time.

I snap out of my thoughts, between thinking of Barb and my traumatic life, I really need a cigarette. Being back here is doing some major damage on my lungs. Offering Robin to join me, we head for the doors. " Valerie, Robin ! Wait up." The familiar voice calls. It's not long until the familiar curly haired boy is beside me- raging on about some hellfire club. Mike following suite.
" Sorry boys, I don't give cigarettes to children." I continue my venture, lighting a smoke the moment I'm out the doors.

" Do you play D&D still?. " Dustin rushes out while Mike swats the smoke away. " A little, why?" I raise a brow. Robin let's us know she needs to leave for work, taking a drag of my cigarette before jumping in Steve's car. I give him a way before shouting that I'll be there shortly, Not in the mood to stay at school. " We need someone to fill in for Lucas, he's got basketball. " Mike states, before the boys start telling me how they'd owe me a favour. " Look, I'll see okay, let me track down Barb and if I have enough time, I'll swing in after I go to the range. What time does it start?. " the boys share a look, before diverting their eyes to their feet. Odd. " I said what time?. " looking between the two. " 4:30, be here at 4:30. " Mike states.. Dustin saying something afterwards that has me confused and worried for my friend... ask your uncle after Barb.. I'm sorry Val.

Why is he sorry?