Brave Like You (Steve Harrington)

Twenty-Seven.

-Steve-

Max's Stepdad did not take losing his son very well at all. I mean I guess nothing prepares you to lose a child, even if it was one as awful as a person as Billy Hargrove was. Her Mom had to take on a second job, and they moved into a trailer that was across from where Candy lived.

Candy spent quite a bit of time over there when they moved in, she helped them get situated in their new place, and on nights when Max's Mom had a bit too much to drink, she would go over to the Munson's for a little bit.

Candy confessed to me that Eddie hates it when Max comes over, and he hates that Billy's former Stepmother and Stepsister live so close to them now. He was happy, however, that he didn't have to deal with Mr. Hargrove anymore, but not the circumstances that led to that, of course.

Since I am 18, I was able to rent a hotel room for the night of the Homecoming dance. Candy and I love each other, and it's time we showed that in other ways, not just words. So I got a room at a nice, clean hotel not too far outside of town.

I was surprised that I was allowed to take her as her date after the fiasco that was Prom night. I guess all is forgiven when you have powerful parents. My mom was tipsy when I left, and she told me to tell Nancy she said hello.

Even though I knew she was intoxicated, I politely corrected her saying, "Nancy and I broke up almost a year ago, Mom. I'm going with my new girlfriend, Candace."

"Well who can keep up with all the girls on your arm all the time, Son," she said, and she patted me on the shoulder and kissed me on the cheek like what she said was normal or okay. It wasn't okay, it wasn't okay at all.

Candy looked so beautiful in her Homecoming dress. She was always beautiful to me, but seeing her like this nearly took me out.

Robin nearly ruined the moment by saying, "You clean up nice, Munson."

"I know I do," Eddie said, smiling proudly as he exited the trailer. Robin rolled her eyes.

Robin scoffed, "I wasn't talking to you, Eddie."

"Sorry to assume you were talking to your date," he said, sounding kind of offended.

"This is not a date, Eddie," Robin groaned, "It's two friends helping each other out, okay? You are my Beard for the evening, and I am yours. That's it."

Robin and Eddie continued their bickering, but I tuned them out, and I paid attention to my girlfriend. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," she said, smiling at me. "You look good, too."

"Let me take your bag," I said, and I took her overnight bag from her. I walked it to my trunk and opened it.

I didn't even realize that she had followed me until she said, "Everything is set up for tonight?"

I nod, "Yeah, it's all set."

She smiles, "Good."

I saw Max walk out of her trailer, and I smiled. She looked very pretty, despite the sour look on her face. She always looks so angry these days. She has since Billy died and she had to move into the trailer with her Mom.

"Hey Max!" I called out to her, and I waved my arm. She waved back, slightly, and continued to her Mom's car where she got in. Her Mom came out a moment later and got into the driver's seat and took off, probably taking her to Lucas's house for some pictures before the dance.

"Alright, Kids," Candy's Uncle Wayne said as he stepped out of the trailer. "You guys have fun, okay?" He approached Candy, "Don't let him pressure you into anything, you hear me?"