we both matter, don't we? | stranger things

3. Boys and Girls

Five years ago, Freddie didn't understand why people confused her with a boy.

Sure, she was fourteen years old, with very short hair, and a masculine name. And sure, she would always be wearing those big shirts she inherited from her uncle. But what confused her the most was when people whispered about "that Freddie boy" when she was playing with dolls, wearing dresses, and listening to Donna Summer in the back of the store.

Three years ago, Freddie frowned at the people who changed their tone when they realised she was a girl.

Her hair was getting longer, she started wearing heels, and suddenly she needed to "wear some make-up" and "get a boyfriend". They stopped moving out of the way for "that Frida girl", and started asking where her boss was. When she would correct her name, one of the things she cherished the most, they said it was probably a misspelling.

She's not great at spelling, but she knows what her name is.

Two years ago, Freddie cut her hair short.

She realised she could use her name to advantage, and Freddie she became. She would wear skirts, dresses, and heels, but also pants, boots, and big shirts, which would hide her enough to confuse others. Nancy Wheeler complimented her once; she whispered about men and unfairness, commending her about fighting back.

A year ago, Freddie discovered boys and girls might be not-so-different.

The store brought her close to many people; girls, who like her, loved rock, and black, and wore leather and didn't like dolls. But also boys, who listened to Madonna with her and asked where she got her pink jacket and necklace.

And they all loved music the same.

Somebody knocks on the door of her trailer and she opens it, finding his neighbour, Eddie Munson.

They met in school, but they truly became friends in the police station.

—What's up? I'm almost leaving for work. —

Eddie's smile is sheepish, and he raises the bag in his hand. —Wayne, he, uh... Forgot to tell me we don't have running water. Can I take a shower? —

Wayne is his uncle, and he works two shifts. They aren't doing the best financially.

—Yeah, sure! Come in, man. —Fred opens the door for the boy, closing it behind. —You two can come in for however long you're out of water. Or like, I could help y'all fix it? —

—Oh, no, don't worry, we paid for it. We have a busted pipe, or something. —

She nods, smiling. As he starts entering her bathroom, she grabs a vinyl from her shelf, putting it on her record player - "Piece of Mind", from Iron Maiden. Grabbing her work jacket from the sofa, she puts it on, and shouts, —I'll be going now, please turn off the player when you leave! And lock the trailer! You know where the key is! —

A faint "okay ma'am!" can be heard from the shower, and Freddie leaves.

Right in front of Starcourt is the public pool. And in this public pool is a certain hot-headed boy who works as a lifeguard this time in the day. Freddie, unable to contain her curiosity about his date last night, leaves her bike outside, and heads in.

Some part of her hopes Mrs. Wheeler rejected him and didn't do anything with him at the date. It would've been like a wake up call for Billy, which Fred knows he needs. So, when she's walking to his chair and she notices the group of mothers laying down and looking at him, she waves at them shyly, preparing for the worst.

Billy's sitting under the umbrella attached to his chair. The first thing Freddie notices is the towels covering him, and the shirt he has on, because it's weird that William Hargrove isn't showing off his body surrounded by so many women.