STAY AWAY.

21 : California

Home Sweet Home - Mötley Crüe

" - Is everyone ready ?" I asked while I closed the blue Camaro's trunk.
" - Yep, Lucas you coming or what ?" Max said while rolling her eyes.
" - Hell yeah, and I even got a whole pack of new Coke for the whole ride !" He said excitedly as I scoffed.

Billy sat in the driver's seat, and i sat on his right. Max and Lucas sat in the back and I turned on the stereo.

" - California here we come !" I yelled and Billy smiled, making the car roar.

Steve's car was following us, with Robin, Nancy, Dustin and Mike. We all decided to spend our first week of vacation in Lenora, with the Byers.

We started riding towards the end of Hawkin's road. I looked at the window and saw the " You're leaving Hawkins, come back soon." It was finally time for a family reunion. Livin' On a Prayer by Bon Jovi was playing, and Billy was tapping on the wheel to the music.

" - Could you hand me a cig please babe ?" He asked and I grabbed his pack in his jacket.

I put one in between his lips and stole one from him. He was waiting for me to light it up for him but I shook my head, giggling.

" - Roll down the window, I'm not trying to suffocate the kids in the back." I said and he sighed.
" - Everyone rolls down their window back there, shitheads." He said and they both did so.

The wind was now making my hair a mess, but it felt like freedom. I lit his cig up, and did the same with mine. We were all singing to the song, and enjoying the smell of holidays.

" - Feels weird going back to Cali." Max said
" - Does it ?" I asked
" - Honestly yeah, everything in Hawkins is ... Different."
" - Aren't you happy to see the beach again, skate in the sun ?" Lucas asked
" - Yeah of course, and i will finally teach you how to skate." Max giggled.

I then looked at my beautiful boyfriend driving. He had a hand on the wheel, and his other arm was resting on the window with his cig. His sunglasses were on the end of his nose. I smiled and put my hand on his knee.

" - What bout you ? will you teach me how to surf ?" I asked and he smirked.
" - Of course, only if i'm not the designated lifeguards for these moppets." He answered

I laughed and heard that California Dreamin' by The Mamas & The Papas was now playing. I turned the volume up even more and I looked back at the kids.

" - If this isn't a sign !"

***

After a few hours of riding, we finally arrived in front of the new Byers house. Billy parked, and Steve parked right beside us. Everyone got out of the cars and the door of the house opened.

Will and El came out running to us. Then Jonathan and Joyce came out smiling.
Nancy ran to hug Jonathan, and El ran to me after kissing Mike and hugging Max.

" - Hey beautiful !" I smiled seeing how long her hair had gotten.
" - I missed you." She said.

After everyone reunited and hugged, we all decided to go to the beach. Joyce, Nancy, Robin and I were making sandwiches and snacks in the kitchen while the kids were in the garden. Steve, Jonathan and Billy were packing towels, stereos and everything we would need and then they charged everything in the cars.

" - How is life around here ?" I asked Joyce and she smiled.
" - Oh, you know ... The kids enjoy the sun, and El is really excited to finally go to school in September."
" - I bet she is. " Nancy said and I smiled looking through the window.

The kids looked so happy to be reunited again. And Billy and Steve had gotten even more along. The Hargrove / Harrington battle was finally over.

We all left in now three different cars. Joyce was leading the way in the Byers car, and I sticked with Billy. After ten minutes, we finally arrived in front of the prettiest beach i had ever seen.

***

I was laying on a towel, in the sand. I was trying to tan, enjoying the warmth of the sun hitting my skin. Billy was playing beach volley with Steve, and I must admit that he was way better at it than my brother.

" - Told you to plant your feet Harrington, how many times..." Billy mocked him and Steve rested his hands on his hips, out of breath.
" - yeah whatever. Let's make a break." He said and I chuckled.

The kids were in the water, and Joyce, Jonathan, Nancy and robin were under the big umbrella talking. Music was playing, and we had the beach to ourselves. I closed my eyes, enjoying the peaceful moment, and I felt soft lips crash onto mines.

I opened my eyes and saw Billy above me. He smiled and offered me his hand.

" - Shall we go for a swim ?" He asked.
" - Why not." I shrugged and took his hand.

We headed towards the water and the kids looked at us. I was still holding Billy's hand, walking through the waves.

" - Hey lovers, don't come next to us to do your gross stuff." Max said and I laughed.
" - Mind your own, brat." Billy said.
" - We just want to avoid your ... Happy screams." Will said making everyone laugh.

I lowered myself, and started to swim under the water. When i sticked my head out to breathe again, i felt a sensation of freedom and calm invade me. I loved the ocean.

Billy came to swim with me and I looked at the shore, where the others were staying.

" - Hey ! Come on, the water is perfect !" I yelled and they all looked at each other before joining us over in the sea.

***

We had the best day, there. All together. The sun was setting, and the kids were getting tired. Joyce told us she was about to leave, and Billy and I looked at each other.

" - We'll take Lucas and Max with us, so you can ... Have a moment." Joyce said gently and I thanked her.

They all left, and it was just the two of us. We were sitting in the sand in front of the ocean. The waves were crashing into the shore, in a calming noise. The sky was turning orange, as the sun was going down.

I was in Billy's arms, watching the magnificent view. His hands were stroking my back gently, while his head was above mine. I couldn't believe it. all of this ... was perfect.

I had found it. My home. My heaven. It was him.

At this right moment, i realized how much our souls needed each other. Nothing could break us apart. Nothing, never.

" - Billy ?"
" - Mh ?"
" - Promise me it's forever."
" - What ?"
" - You and me, tell me it's forever. Tell me you'll never leave again. Tell me nothing will take you away from me again. Tell me we'll be safe, and happy forever." I said looking up at him, feeling the tears starting to fill my eyes.
" - I promise you it's forever. I would rather die than be away from you once again. I love you Y/n, and I forever will, whatever happens."