Glitch || S. H.

16

Mollie (pov)

December 1984

Yesterday was Barb's funeral, I went by myself. I asked Eddie if he wanted to come but he said that he didn't feel comfortable with it, so I let it be. I'm both happy and sad that Barb's parents know the truth, partially. Nancy told me they were moving out of Hawkins still, nothing is holding them here anymore so I understand if they want to leave.

Today is the Hawkins Middle School SnowBall. Dustin is excited to go with his friends and maybe get a dance in with a girl. I offered my help for him to get ready but he said not to worry about it and that he's got it covered.

As Dustin was getting ready, Nancy picked me up so that we could help set up the gym for the dance. Since we patched up our friendship in the last month, it's been great. She's talking about boy problems again and asking me about any juicy details I would give her about Eddie and I would tease her about Jonathan since they started dating a couple weeks back. My two best friends dating, it's a weird thought but if they're happy, I'm happy.

The dance was finally starting and the kids were arriving. I got stuck with Mr. Clarke at the front collecting the tickets and greeting everyone. Dustin came in pretty late and I could tell why. He looked so adorable and his hair looked better than mine.

"Hey, Dusty. Glad to see Steve got you here in one piece," I said.

"Yes, he did. And he sends his greetings," said Dustin.

"On second thought, I'll just go talk to him now. Is that alright with you Mr. Clarke?"

"Sure, go on ahead. You're free for the night anyway, most of the kids are here," he said.

"Thank you, Mr. Clarke. Have a good night!"

I walked into the dark night and saw Steve still here. I took the opportunity to get in the car to talk, it seemed like he needed it.

"Hey, Steve. Thanks for bringing Dustin, I really appreciate it."

"Oh, yeah. Not a problem. I like the kid, he's like a little brother I've always wanted," he said.

"Awe, Steve does have a heart," I said, patting his cheek. I remembered that I had something to give him before I got out of the car. "Oh, before I forget. This is for you." I pulled out a box from the back pocket from my jeans.

He opened it and was kind of in shock. It was a new lighter. I got him one since he lost his in the tunnels last month when we sent it up in flames.

"Oh wow, thanks Molls. You didn't have to do this," he said.

"I know, but I felt like I needed to. So no take backs."

"Yeah, sure. I'll-" Steve got cut off from someone knocking on the window. It was Eddie.

"Oh, hey Eds. What are you doing at school on a Saturday night?"

"Oh, just heading to the uh, club spot to check and see if our stuff is still there. And to set it up." Eddie said.

"Right. Yeah, there's a meeting on Monday after school right?"

"Yep, don't forget. Also after all of this," he said pointing towards the dance. "Would you want to come over to my place and watch a movie or we could stay up all night and listen to music?"

"Yeah, sure I'd love to," I said then turned back to Steve. "You don't mind bringing Dustin back home do you?"

"No, I don't mind. You two have fun with whatever you decide to do."

"Thanks Steve. I owe you." I said getting out of his car and was greeted with a side hug from Eddie.

Steve drove off to a parking spot to wait for the dance to be over.