He didn't have to be ( eddie munson )

3. Turn around and run

Eddie

   There was nothing quite like the high of coming off the stage after a gig. Your heart is racing and if you did you job right your covered in sweat.
Stepping out into the muggy July night and lighting up a cigarette I wasn't sure my heart would ever go back to its regular beat. Tonight we had way more then our usual five drinks.  If I had to guess with out counting. Probably over forty. Maybe even verging on fifty. Hear the door open I turn to look and see Gareth step out.

"Man that was-" his sentence trailing off and i nodded agreeing.

"Insane?" Was the word I suggested and he nodded in agreement. The night was something else. The crowd had good energy. And was just as happy to listen to our original songs as they were to the covers. It was everything I could ask for. I was happy to look out into the crowd and see friends along with some new faces. Seeing Steve,Nancy and Robbin had made my night and added to the energy I put into the set. But I still couldn't help but scan the crowd and look for those green eyes that didn't look at me with malice or suspicion. Cara James. She was somewhat a mystery to me. She talked to the popular crowd in high school. But didn't exclusively hang out with them. She also was friendly with the marching band. From memory I couldn't place her in one click. And as far as I know no one had a bad word to say about her. Then there was her disappearance. Left hawkins a month after the mall fire. Said she went to live with an aunt.

"Hey Gareth. Do you remember A Cara James. Supposed to graduate this year?"

"Ugh... vaguely. I remember her running around with Billy before he died. I remember because they had what looked to be an intense conversation at the pool about a month or so before he died. She left a month later" he said as he lite up a cigarette.

Billy she doesn't seem the type to hang around with that asshole.

"She started working at the record store. Ran into her today. I invited her to come."
"Oh I didn't see her."
"She didn't come. Said she was busy or something" I said putting out my cigarette and heading inside.

  A half hour later all the gear packed up in the back of the van and standing at the bar a felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around to see the three of my newest friends. Family more like it. That had saved my hide. Figuratively and literally. If it wasn't for Nancy first aid, Steve dragging me and robbin running for help. The scars that covered my body would have killed me. Then not to mention their work on clearing my name. With out them I wouldn't be here.

"Hey man" I grabbed Steve's hand and slapped his back.
"Awesome show! I don't know how you have so much energy or how your fingers move that fast. It's crazy"

"I'm blown away, who knew you could sing" added Nancy.

"Are you going to be sticking around for a bit?" Robbin ask.

The flash of Cara longing eyes flashed in my mind. She seemed like she wanted to be here. I was to pumped to go home right now. Maybe if she couldn't come here and hang maybe she would be up for a chill night at home.

"Actually I was just about to head out. Got some one I want to see" all three of their eyebrows raise.

"I'll talk to you guys later?" They nodded their heads and I leaned over to my band mates telling them I was taking off and would drop off the equipment In the morning.

Go home grab a shower,change of clothes and vhs. And get up the courage to knock on her door .

 

Before I knew it I was sitting in front of the record store. Almost a hundred percent sure she lived above it.

Jesus H Christ. This is so stupid. I'm so stupid. She is going to think I'm becoming a stalker.

Getting out of the van and halfway across the road, my confidence was faulting again, my walk slowing to a stand still.

I can't do this. Who wants to hang out with the freak.

Her green eyes and soft smile flashing in my mind again. Walking up to the door and up the stairs before I lost the picture in his mind. At the top of the stairs there were two doors. Two different apartments.

Crap which one is it. Come on munson. 50/50 chance.

Pausing to listen he softly heard Kansas playing coming from the door on the right.

Take a chance.

Knocking and hearing a disgruntled grunt and a soft "I'm coming"

The door opened to a disheveled Cara and a towel over one shoulder and eyes wide.
"Eddie!" She said breathlessly surprised.
"Hey, you seemed like you wanted to come out tonight but I was thinking since you can't how about a night in?" Said all in one breath less I lose my nerve.

Her eyes lighting up like a Christmas tree. Before she could answer a cry rang out from behind her and her face fell, holding up one finger she turned and disappeared. Coming back to the door holding a red faced baby. Her face almost as red.

"Oh your baby sitting! I'm sorry-"
"No not baby sitting" she cut off. Her face turning even redder as the thought must have came across my eyes.

A baby. Her baby. She has a kid.

"Oh-" she cuts me off again.
"It's alright to turn around and run" she said with a slight bounce as she soothed the child.
"Good night" and she shut the door. Standing there dumbfounded it took a few minutes to adjust my plan for the night and head back down to the van. I need to find a store open this late at night. I need supplies.