Converse | Eddie Munson x OC x Billy Hargrove

Chapter 15

He avoided my calls almost an entire week. He skipped school, too. I hadn't even found him at the record shop- briefly wondering if maybe he took up morning shifts to avoid me. He couldn't keep this up- but after the fourth day of no-show Eddie, I'd had enough. When I got home from school I yanked out my newest edition of the white pages, scanning through it for Wayne Munson, with the same phone number as Eddie's. It took ages, but eventually I found him- only one Wayne Munson in Hawkins, 61 years old, living in the old Hawkins trailer park.

Suddenly it clicked, why Eddie never wanted me over. My heart throbbed in my chest. I tucked the book away and snagged up the keys, briefly letting Steve know I was leaving. He had a towel slung over his shoulder, cooking up something that smelled really great for dinner. He turned around, hand on his hip.

"Woah, woah, where are you headed? Grub's almost done." He scowled.

"I'm gonna make up with Eddie." I decided firmly.

His gaze softened, and he wiped his hands on the towel briefly, considering. Then he sighed. "Alright, yeah, go. But I don't wanna hear any of that left overs are gross shit, I've been at this for like an hour."

I'd been moping around the last week. This was probably the most energetic I'd been since I needed Steve to pick me up from the show. And it showed. Steve hated being alone for dinner- I didn't really get why, but he did. Him telling me to go meant a lot.

"Thank you, Steve." I smiled small, then I cautiously made my way to him- connecting in a little hug.

He hugged back, releasing a sigh. Then he completely ruined my hair. "Alright, alright, off the goods, nerd."

"Aw, come on, man, I gotta look good!" I roared in response, dashing in front of the mirror to fix the sight.

Once my hair was untangled I sped down the street, knowing exactly how to get to Eddie's place. I had visited a few times, tailgates frequenting the area. My car stuck out like a sore thumb here- and so did I, even in my new pink Hellfire Club shirt. The dirt kicked up all over Steve's precious baby, and I made a mental note to run it through the wash on the way home- or he'd actually kill me. I glanced at my scrawl, 103 being the trailer I was looking for. I scanned, aware of the looks I was getting. I tried to push away thoughts I knew wouldn't help- and were probably shitty- like maybe I should drive out, park outside and walk back. Instead I just hoped no one would break into my stupidly expensive car. And then I saw it.

The house was unassuming, except for Eddie's van, which was bright and colorful, parked right beside the trailer. Like he'd been here the last four days. Which he probably had. I pulled right up beside him, shoving my parking brake down and releasing my buckle with a click. I took a second to rub at my face, an attempt to quell the queasy feeling in my stomach. I then fiddled with my ring- the ring Eddie had gifted me- and was reminded of how dumb what I did was. I had a balloon at home, but after four days, it had died. What was left was a pack of M&Ms, a cool new ring I'd found at the jewelry shop downtown- which was pretty expensive- and a note. I wanted to be sure that if he shut the door in my face, I'd at least be able to leave the note.

I stuffed the contents in my pocket, and then I shoved the door open, locking it promptly. I stuffed my hands into my pockets, kicking up dirt while I made my way up to his front door. I took a long breath, then I released it, and rapped on the door. There was a clatter deep in the house, then right against the wall. I glanced over to the window farthest away from the door and caught sight of it clanging around, knowing he'd just caught sight of me through it. I linked my fingers together hopefully, listening for anything else. Eventually a door slammed, and coughing could be heard- cursing and rummaging also audible. It sounded like a hurricane inside.