My Brother's Best Friend

Dear Persephone (8)

⚠️Mention of Sexual Assault⚠️

It's been 5 weeks since that night. It's now Friday October fourth. My favorite month. I love spooky time, and so does Eddie. There has been no sign of Billy still. The nightmares have lessened. I still get flashbacks here, and there, but not too bad. Eddie is still the only one that knows. I just don't want to hurt my mom or brother. We're all so happy, and I'm not sure where life is going to take me after school. So I'm enjoying it while I can.
We're back to having family dinners every Sunday night. This includes Eddie, and the guys of course. Sometimes their parents will come, and Wayne when he's off. I'm loving it.
"Earth to Persephone!" Dustin said. I was lost in thought.
"Hmm?" I replied.
"I asked if you were going to come to our bonfire tonight. Well Mike's bonfire." He laughed.
"Who's all going to be there?" I asked cautiously.
"Well obviously all of us, El, Max, Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Robin." Dustin replied.
"Also my parents, but if your 18 they'll let you drink if you stay the night, or have a sober driver." Mike chimed in. Eddie squeezed my thigh under the table. He knows how I feel, but I'll be safe at this one.
"Yeah, I'll be there." I said smiling at them. They got excited, and talked about roasting marshmallows, and hot dogs. I'm truly starting to love life again. Still a little on edge, and uneasy, but I'm managing. The bell rang ending lunch, and we said our goodbyes, and Eddie walked me to class. The rest of my classes flew by, and I was excited for tonight. I love Fridays. As I'm in my last class watching the clock the intercom buzzez on.
"Persephone Halen to the principles office, Persephone Halen to the principles office please." What the fuck? Everyone ooooed at me as I got up. My heart was racing. As I walked down the hall I heard Eddie call my name. He caught up with me, and grabbed my hand.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"I don't know. I don't know whats going on." I said worried. We got to the office, and was greeted by chief hopper.

"Hello miss Halen, Mister Munson. We didn't call for you sir, but if you would like for him to join us, that's fine." Hopper said calmly.
"What's this about?" I asked nervously.
"Billy Hargrove." He said. The name sending a pain threw my body. I froze for a moment.
"Yes, I need him in here with me." I said as we took a seat inside. Eddie held onto my hand tightly. Hopper cleared his throat.
"Mister Hargrove came to us this morning. He confessed to sexually assaulting you. He is now in jail serving a month, but after that is immediately being transported to a mental facility to seek further help." Hopper said.
"Help? What?" I asked confused. Eddie's grip tightened on my hand a bit.
"Forget that part! A month!? That's all!?" Eddie said through his teeth in pure anger.
"I understand the frustration, I'm not happy about it either, but because he was evaluated, and deemed mentally unstable, this is what they have chosen to do. Look, he wrote this for you. Said to tell you he understands if you don't read it. Also he got a restraining order set up where he cannot be within 500 feet of you. Persephone, I'm so sorry, and you are very strong. If you need anything ever, please give me a call." Hopper said pulling me in for a hug. We said goodbye, and Eddie walked me to his van, and helped me in. We road in peaceful silence with the raideo lightly playing. When we got to my house we went up to my room, and rolled a joint. We went up to the roof, and lit the joint. I pulled out the letter from Billy, and looked to Eddie. He pulled me in, and gave me a kiss.
"I'm right here baby. Read it, save it, burn it, I don't care. Do what you think will help you heal my love." He said. I gave him a kiss, then took a huge hit off the joint. I opened the letter.