I walk Max and Billy back to their house. When Billy opens the door Max's mom rushes over in a panic.
"Where were you, Max?" she questions.
"I was at Starcourt, but you never showed up to pick me up. I stayed the night with Y/N," Max responds.
"What? But Startcourt was on fire last night," her mom says.
"I know," Max says, disappointed in her mother.
"Oh honey," she says, pulling Max into a hug. "Why didn't you call?"
"The paramedics did. You guys never picked up," Billy says sourly, holding eye contact with his father.
"Paramedics?" Max's mother says, concern showing in her voice.
"I died, but they got my pulse back and saved me," Billy informs.
"W-What?" Billy's dad falters.
"The only reason I had a chance at living is because of Y/N," Billy says, finally breaking eye contact with his dad to look at me.
"Thank you," Max's mother croaks, pulling me into a hug.
"Of course," I say.
She lets go of me and then hugs Billy. I can tell he feels somewhat uncomfortable because his eyes are darting all over the room. She lets go of him and goes back to Max. Billy and his dad, Neil, stare at each other for a while. I can tell Billy is angry at his father. He usually doesn't show it as much, but he is now.
Billy eventually grabs my hand and leads me to his room.
"You okay?" I ask.
He lays down on his bed and brings me with him.
"I'm good, just tired," he says vaguely.
Something very clearly is off, but it's probably just from Starcourt.
___
It's been about three months since the battle of Starcourt. It's Billy, Robin, and I's senior year. We all have homeroom together just like last year. However, this time I have math with them both too. History I only have Billy for, which is also like last year.
I get out of my car and walk into school. I take my seat next to Robin, and shortly after, Billy takes his seat next to me.
"Morning," Robin yawns.
"Morning," I say back.
"I can't believe it's already been two months into school," Robin sighs.
"Thank god," I laugh.
She chuckles, and the bell rings. I sigh and look up to the front of the class. Time for another day of boring ass school.
___
It's now lunch, and I sit at the table with Robin. I see Max walking over, and I smile.
"Hey, Max!" I say.
"Hi," she says lowly.
She sits down next to us, and I frown. Max has been like this ever since Starcourt. I don't blame her, but it hurts to not see her smile anymore. She broke up with Lucas after Startcourt too. I feel bad for him because I can see he's a bit sadder now.
Don't get me wrong, high school is full of shit, and you make more mistakes than you ever will later in life, but you should still have fun.
Billy still sits with his other friends, but I prefer to sit here. He's invited me over countless times, but his friends annoy me most of the time. Also, Robin has been my best friend for a long time, and I'm not going to drop her to sit at a 'more popular' table.
"Did you bring lunch, Max?" I ask.
"No," she replies. "I forgot."
I give her my bag of Doritos and shrug.
"It's all I have," I say.
"Take it. It's okay," she refuses.
"Max, take the damn Doritos," I demand.
"Okay," she says, putting her hands up, surrendering.
She opens the bag and starts eating. I realize Max is eating less and less every time I see her. I know what she's going through, I just don't know how to help. I've been through this whole stage that she's going through, but I didn't have anyone to help me, so I don't know how to help her. Billy is partying harder than he ever has in his life this year which leaves me with drunk Billy most of the time. Not fun, just annoying.
"Hey, you want to go to the skatepark after school today Max?" I offer.
"No thanks, I have homework n' stuff," she says quietly.
"Oh, okay. Need help with it?" I ask.
"No," she says a little louder.
I feel as if I'm bothering her, so I stop talking. After a while of talking with Robin, Max gets up unannounced and walks out of the cafeteria. I sigh and continue to talk with Robin. This year is going to be tough.
_______________
Hope yall enjoyed it! Remember to eat today! It doesn't have to be anything big just as long as you tried I'm proud of you. Love ya! -C
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Radical | A stranger things story
Fantasia*Starts in season 2* "That was pretty Radical and you know it." Billy Hargrove
