Scars

Scar of First Sighting

Later that day: Star Court Mall

Steve

Steve met Robin at the food court and they got a couple of sodas and sat at a corner table.

"Hey Stevie, did you purposely pick a table as far away from Scoops Ahoy as you possibly could," Robin said laughing as she took a drink from her soda.

"Damn, you caught on Rob. This way hopefully those working today don't see us and try to talk us into working" Steve said slowly sipping at his drink.

Robin noticed Steve was fidgeting with the straw and asked "alright Stevie what's the matter"?

Sighing, Steve replied, "Well I'm sure you hear Billy Hargrove got out of the hospital today and I'm just not ready for that Rob. I also don't know if I like the idea of Max being around him, he is violent".

Robin looked at Steve sympathetically and said "I understand Stevie and it's going to take time but keeping Max away from her brother when she wants to see him will make her resent you and you don't want that to happen do you?

Plus, who knows maybe he's changed just like you have changed in the last year. You never know until you give it a chance right".

Steve nodded and said "You're right Rob I will work on giving him a chance," Steve said gently running his fingers over his scar.

"Hey dingus, that is an awesome addition to your bland face stop worrying about it," Robin said laughing, and threw a ketchup packet at him.

They both started laughing and soon enough Steve had to get to the grocery store and back home so he made it in time to be there when Max arrived.

He was so glad he had Robin that he could always talk to.

Billy

Wayne drove to his place to pick up Eddie. Staying in the truck Billy waited as Wayne went in to get Eddie. Billy quickly recognized him from school and his Hellfire t-shirt when he opened the driver's door and slid into the backseat.

"Finally out of the looney bin," Eddie said as he got himself into the backseat patting Billy on the shoulder which caused Billy to flinch.

"Woah sorry dude didn't realize you're so jumpy," Eddie said sympathetically.

"Neil made sure I was" Billy said quietly, done with hiding from the truth. The first thing he learned at the hospital was to be truthful.

After placing a reassuring hand on Billy's knee, Wayne started up his truck and they headed to Starcourt Mall.

Eddie passed Billy a case of cassettes and told him he could choose the music.

Half expecting some weird chanting music or something Billy was happily surprised that they were mixtapes of different metal and rock bands.

"Hey you have good taste Eddie when it comes to making mixtapes," Billy said, choosing one and putting it in the cassette player.

Wayne grimaced as the music started but kept his mouth shut because the boys were enjoying it and that's what mattered to him.

"Jonathan Byers is the actual master of mixtapes," Eddie said loudly to head over the music.

"Seriously ill have to hit him up" Billy said loudly back and this how the conversation went until they reached the mall and Wayne turned off the truck thankful he didn't go insane between the noise coming from the speakers and the noise coming from the boys.

"Was this always here?" Billy asked as he got out of the truck.

Wayne shook his head. "They built it a few months ago to try to bring more commerce and jobs to Hawkins but the local shops hate it because it's taking business," Wayne answered.