Every Bittersweet Step

Chapter 2

****Lucy's POV****

I woke up terrified for a solid few minutes, even going as far as to wake up before my alarm could go off. I knew better than to take a shower before Steve, one time he ripped the heads off of my Barbie dolls and put them in my pillowcase. I never took the first shower ever again. I showered last night and decided to just get dressed. What does one wear to public school? We always wore uniforms at my old school... I guess stick with what I know and go from there? I put on a white blouse and my uniform skirt, I didn't really know what else to wear. Instead of wearing my hair in the required ponytail, I let my dark locks fall over my shoulders. I applied a bit of eyeliner and swept on some mascara. Why was I so nervous? It's not like I don't know anyone here and I have friends... I'm not going in completely blind. I heard a soft knock on my door and sighed.

"Come in."

I was expecting it to be my mom attempting to rush me with photos but it was Steve. He walked in and looked at me, his brows raising.

"You gonna wear that to school? It's a bit much..." He said, "I mean, for Hawkins..."

I shrugged, "I don't know anything else, Steve... Is it too much, really?"

"Yes and no... I mean it depends on what you like... Don't be surprised if you get swarmed by a hoard of teenage boys."

"Syd will fight them off if anything."

"Speaking of... She still with Hargrove? Do I like... Have a chance?"

I sighed and rolled my eyes, "I've been telling you to ask her out! And she had a whole on again off again with Billy. Please be the one to put an end to it!"

"We going?" He asked, attempting to change the subject.

I could see he was trying to think of a way to attempt asking her out, but he never has the balls to actually do it. She also just so happened to date Billy Hargrove... Steve's worst enemy. Those two absolutely hate one another

I nodded, "Yeah."

"We gotta go. Gotta get Syd and Dustin." Steve smiled as he rushed me out the door before Mom could swoop in.

I ran out to the car and got into the passenger seat. Today is gonna be great and it's about to get better thanks to Syd. I feel bad that we are gonna be leaving her behind since she is a junior. She will be fine, as long as she stops seeing that asshole. I hate that she is seeing Billy again. We pulled up to Syd's house to find Dustin waiting at the curb with a huge smile on his face.

"Hey Dusty!" I smiled.

"Hey Lucy! How've you been?!"

"Dustin! You forgot your lunch!" Syd said as she tossed the brown paper bag into the window and onto his lap.

"Shit. Thanks!" He laughed.

Syd climbed in and sat behind Steve, making sure he couldn't see her.

"What time did you get home, Syd?" I asked.

As much as I love my best friend, sometimes I feel like I have to mother her. She is a ball of chaos and mischief, she is also a melting pot for bad decisions, but I love her for exactly who she is. And I honestly think she can pull Steve from his own thoughts... He thinks he is a failure half the time because he hasn't exactly lived up to the high expectations our dad set for him. He isn't exactly happy that Steve doesn't wanna go to college.

She grinned at me and winked, "In time to get plenty of sleep for school."

I could hear Steve scoff and saw him roll his eyes. I know, Steve. I'm trying. I shook my head at her and she shrugged with an apologetic look on her face. I can't stand that guy. When we finally pulled up to school I felt my nerves take over. It's scary and normal to be scared but I'm not alone... I'm most scared of being alone... We all climbed out of the car and I jumped when I saw a van speed into the lot blasting metal music. Who the hell?