Hard Rock and Heartache

Take Me Back.

     I checked in with my mom first thing, and it was crazy to me that in her mind, everything was normal. We hadn't just fought a powerful being in an alternate dimension, collapsing an entire world while almost dying in the process. Nope, Dustin had been with Lucas, according to her, and I had been with Nancy and Robin working on our science final. I almost wished to be as oblivious as her.

     After a short conversation, I went upstairs, making my way to my room to collect new clothes to change into before I went into the bathroom and took the hottest, longest shower I could. I sat under those piercing streams of water till it began to run cold. The filth washed from my body. My skin was clean. But I knew the memories would stain me forever. I could never get that innocent, clueless part of me back. I would never worry just about school, or boys, or gossip. But I couldn't just stop living. We all had to move on with our lives. 

     So, once I was as clean as I could possibly be, I stepped out and got dressed. There was no way I was wearing anything more than a pair of grey sweatpants and one of my random logo T-shirts. My hair could do as it pleased. All I worried about was throwing on a pair of my converse before descending the stairs, taking my purse and keys from the table like I had so many times before while calling out to my mom. "I'll be right back!" 

     "Charlotte! You just got back home, sweetie." She protested and I sighed. Should have seen this coming. 

     "Yeah, I forgot my book at Nancy's. I need it to finish my paper tonight." I lied. 

     There was a moment of silence and with a defeated tone, she let me leave. "Alright... be careful." 

     I left without another word, closing the door behind me before climbing into the car and pulling out onto the street. 

     My mind began to reel with possible things we could do to help Eddie now. Would we have to keep him hidden? That wasn't a good life to live. Surely, he wouldn't want that. There had to be a way to clear his name. Maybe he should just come forward and talk to the right people. Maybe Steve's dad could pay for him a good lawyer. There had to be evidence that could protect him. He had witnesses, after all. Several people would happily come forward to try and help. 

     But what if he wanted to run? Would he... run? Would I leave with him? My heart jolted at the very idea of it. Would I be capable of not seeing my mom or Dustin anymore? Would my friends understand why I did it? Just the fact that I was considering it had my body tingling with adrenaline because there was a part of me that wasn't completely repulsed by the sound of it. 

     Of course, I would come back home on occasion, on holidays and such. We could wait until after graduation, that way I could get my diploma and find a decent way to make a living to help support us. I would do it. I would run for him. 

     Pulling into the trailer driveway, I was exhilarated by the possibilities ahead of me. Was my life about to change forever? Was I going to make the biggest decision I would ever have to make, for Eddie Munson? 

     Jogging up to the door, I knocked, noting how quiet it was inside and wondering if Eddie had possibly fallen asleep. I definitely wouldn't blame him, after everything. 

    Reaching down to the knob, I turned it and found it to be unlocked, pushing my way inside quietly while searching the dark corners of the trailer for any sign of life. First, I glanced over the couch, my eyes grazing that scar on the ceiling. But I didn't see him, so I ventured deeper toward his bedroom. 

     The bathroom was quiet too, and dark. He wasn't showering. The only other option was his bedroom. So, I pushed the door open, and my brows instantly furrowed at the sight that lay ahead of me. There was nothing.