Angelica "Freak Two" Munson

Chapter 31

"Hey, Robin." Angie struts into Scoops Ahoy for the third time this week, her sneakers squeaking lightly on the polished tile. 

The bell above the door jingles faintly as she passes through, carrying with her the scent of sunscreen, summer sweat, and determination.

It's become part of her daily ritual. 

First, she wakes Eddie so he can actually make it to work on time. 

Second, she goes for a run—usually past the park, the lake, and the quiet streets where she can feel her heart pound without anyone noticing. 

Third, she showers and gets ready for the day. 

Then, she and Eddie ride their bikes up to the new Starcourt Mall. 

From there, Eddie disappears behind the counter at his job, and Angie makes a pit stop to gossip with Robin before eventually heading off to work herself. 

It's predictable. 

It's comforting.

"Hey, Ange." Robin beams as Angie approaches, stepping out from behind the counter. She ruffles Angie's freshly cut hair with an affectionate tug, "I love the new look."

"Really?" Angie asks, running her fingers through her now-short locks. The hair, once long and warm with summer sweat, has been chopped into something lighter, something cooler, something she feels more herself in. "I let it grow out for so long that it started getting too hot. Plus, it's summer. Good time to try something new."

"Well, I definitely agree. You want your usual?"

"Absolutely."

Robin digs into the buckets of ice cream behind the counter, scooping with practiced ease. "So, what's the latest gossip?"

Angie grins, accepting the triple-chocolate cone in her hand. 

She licks it slowly, savoring the cold chocolate and soft crunch of the waffle cone. "I've discovered that Eddie has a new crush."

"Really? Eddie Munson? A crush? No offense, but I always thought he was more of a 'short-term fun' kind of guy."

Angie smacks her friend lightly on the arm, laughing. "Hey, that's cruel! He's a softie when it comes to the right girl, trust me."

Robin throws her hands in surrender, clearly enjoying the banter. "I'm just saying what I see! Women can have opinions, even if they're wrong."

"That's usually the problem." Angie sighs. "My brother's romantic life is... lacking. Completely lacking in everything that counts."

"Not everything."

Angie flicks Robin on the ear in playful retaliation, earning a squeal. "Hey!"

"Anyway, who's the new crush?" Robin asks, curiosity sparking in her bright eyes.

"That's the weird part," Angie admits, taking another thoughtful lick of her cone. "He won't tell me her name. Eddie's never been one for secrets—at least not to me. So, his silence is... suspicious."

"He must really like her."

"I know!"

"Did he give you anything else? Like, what she's like?"

"Only that she's a regular at the movie theater. She's super sweet, but apparently she has a douchey boyfriend who drags her to the movies once a week."

Robin leans on the counter, eyes wide with interest. "Interesting. Hawkins High?"

"I assume so. Otherwise, why wouldn't he tell me?"