𝐖𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 ✶ Steve Harrington

𝟬𝟭𝟴. sol bear

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN,
sol bear.

        THE NEXT DAY, SOLANA FOUND HERSELF WITH HER GIRLS. A playful conversation occurred between the trio, catching the fixation of several of their classmates. Most of them were recent graduates, whereas others were entering their senior year. The individuals approached the girls, greeting them with kindness. As usual, the mall was active, shoppers and idlers littered every section of the establishment.

      It could be debated how the existence of Starcourt Mall, brought many of the younger generation together. Despite growing up in the town of Hawkins, for Solana, this is probably the first time she's seen so many of the high schoolers and middle schoolers in one particular setting.

      Solana's work shift will be starting in the next thirty minutes, so she's in the food court waiting for the time to pass by. The topic of the Fourth of July fair was introduced by Azella. It's only a few days away, yet it's never too early for preparations.

      The girls look forward to the fair every year. It's sort of a tradition for them, celebrating the holiday and enjoying themselves. Maelynn gives reminders to her friends about finding potential outfits. Then there's Azella, who entertains the idea of inviting their lovers to tag along. It would be so cute—all of them hanging out.

      She's aware of Solana's single status, and how this may be a challenge for her. What a bummer. That's why she points out, "You're the only one without a date, so..." Azella speaks up, her voice becoming low towards the end. She didn't want to put her friend in the spotlight. The fact is, they couldn't deny the truth, acting like Solana wasn't the hopeless romantic that she was.

      At the beginning of Azella's statement, Solana begins to rub her temple, growing anxious at Azella's next words, "Please for the love of God, don't say what I think you're about to say—" She knows the teenager better than she knows herself. Above all, they've been best friends for a lengthy period of time.

     "—You should ask out Steve or even Andy." Azella covers her mouth to hide her laughter, "It doesn't sound like a bad idea."

   Maelynn joins the theatrics, "That would be interesting." The McKenzie girl bats her lashes before raising a question, "But what if they both say no?"

     "Ah," Azella widens her eyes at Maelynn and points at her with her index finger, "Now that's a good point," She turns to Solana with a deviant grin, ready to behave tauntingly. "You better go apologize to little Stevie so you can have a date."

   In Azella's wonderland of a mind, she's almost certain there's a brewing love triangle between Steve, Solana, and Andy. If she had to be honest, she's loving the drama so far. Wherever there's drama, you can always expect to see Azella right there, observing with inquisitive eyes and a talkative mouth. When she announced the news about Andy to Solana the night prior, she knew her friend wouldn't react well. She didn't—she was actually annoyed. Andy's a thing in the past and he doesn't need to be in her future. Yet, her mind refuses to erase the thought of him.