Fleur | Eddie Munson X OC

001

I scrub the dirt from under my fingernails, discoloring the water as it swirls down the drain. Once I've thoroughly removed all evidence of earth, I dry my hands and make my way to the closet. It's a rainy day in Hawkins, draping the depressing town in a melancholy overcast.

The changing of seasons has brought cooler temperatures and seasonal depression, so I toss on my comfiest pair of high waisted blue jeans, an olive-green crop top, and faded black converse. Apply a quick coat of brown mascara to accentuate my green eyes. Roughly run my fingers through my chestnut hair, and add a single daisy behind my ear.             

In the kitchen I quickly fill a reusable mug with much needed coffee, throw on my father's brown corduroy flannel, and race out the door.

Kate Bush blasts through the speakers of my powder blue, Volkswagen Beetle. El and Max belt Running Up That Hill at the top of their lungs while I fervently grasp the steering wheel, willing the caffeine to kick in.

My dad helped me get this car. We agreed if I was able to save up half of the asking price, he would willingly pay the rest. To the surprise of no one, I took the challenge and exceeded it.

The night before my sixteenth birthday, my dad came home with the baby blue bug and my stack of cash. He'd always planned to pay the full amount but wanted me to have extra funds saved up for gas and unexpected expenses.               

Those were some of the last memories I have of my dad. Driving around at night, windows down, listening to his poor renditions of Buddy Holly and Sam Cooke.

"It's way too early for this shit" I groan, pressing the coffee mug to my lips.                

Max rides passenger, continuing to sing into her illusion of a microphone while El gleefully echoes the lyrics behind her.  

"Say, if I only could" the two finish together.

"Alright, alight. From now on, the driver picks the music."                

The girls whine with disapproval as I scan the channels for anything that doesn't threaten to make my ears bleed. I land on the familiar hums of Frank Sinatra, and relax into my seat.

"But you're such a grandma," El complains.             

Peering in the rear-view mirror at my cousin, I tease "Get over it or walk your happy ass to school." 

As we pull into the crowded parking lot the pair quickly flee from the car, and I feel a slight sting of jealousy watching them giggle, arms linked as they walk.                

"Bye ladies. You're welcome for the ride."

Both girls turn, looking back over their shoulder before unlinking arms and running back to me. They sandwich me between their bodies, forcing out a dramatic groan.

"Thank you, Emmy" Max beams.

"We love you" El chimes after.

Releasing me from their death grip, they make their way towards the bricked building. "Don't be late this afternoon, or I'll leave you here" I call after them with empty threats.

Leaning against the hood of my car and finishing what's left of my coffee, I hear the sound of Metallica at deafening volumes and tires squealing from across the parking lot. 

Eddie Munson.                 

The metalhead steps proudly out of the hunk of junk he calls a van, wearing his signature black jeans and Hellfire shirt, leather jacket and denim vest adorn over top. Even from a distance I can see the glimmer of sliver that reflects from his hands.