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Chapter 18, New Year's Eve (Ep. 9: The Gate)
It was now New Year's Eve and everyone was spending it at Hopper's cabin so El could be included in the festivities, much to Mike's ecstasy since starting 1985 with the girl he loved was more than perfect.
After Gwen and Steve had spent the night together, they hadn't spoken to each other as they feared it was just a one time thing. They simply accepted the invitation to the party without knowing either of them would be attending.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" Claudia asked as she stood under the doorframe of her daughter's bedroom.
Gwen placed her jacket on and shook her head, "I'm more than sure."
Claudia remembered how her late husband used that same jacket for every party. The more Gwen got older, the more of him she saw in her. From the way she smiled, laughed, gazed upon a shooting star, and offered witty remarks, it was undeniable that Gwen truly was Samuel Henderson's split image.
"You look so much like your father under certain lights," Claudia gave a soft smile as she stepped into the room. "It's as if I'm seeing two of you."
Gwen faltered.
Her mother didn't like speaking of her father out of pain. She avoided looking at his photographs or even listening to his favorite songs. It was her way of grieving, so Gwen found it difficult to understand that this was truly happening.
"He was such a relentless man. His personality was incredibly strong that many were afraid of him," Claudia took a seat on her bed and gestured at her to join her. "Your grandmother didn't like him very much and even told me I had no business being with someone as stubborn as him."
Stubborn.
The same word Steve had used to describe her.
"But even though he seemed unpleasant to others, he was gentle and free around me. He didn't have to put on this tough facade for me. He was simply his unapologetic self."
She stayed silent, listening.
"I remember you two always danced in the rain. You would perform the craziest of moves, but you didn't care because your dad was with you."
Now refusing to listen, she interrupted her mother and said, "I really need to go now, mom. I don't want to be late."
Claudia grabbed her hand, preventing her from standing up, "Just stay for a little longer. I won't take much of your time."
Reluctantly, she sat back down and tried to listen without the painful memories resurfacing.
"I know what's been happening with you and that Harrington boy." Now that surprised her considering her mother hasn't been around to notice anything, "I know he spent the night here and that you two have become quite close."
