love me - stranger things²

[016] worry and concern.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

worry and concern.

AS JENNIFER STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR, AN EXHAUSTED SIGH LEFT HER MOUTH. "I know, but if we plan on going early, we won't have time to stop anywhere tomorrow." Steve spoke softly, closing the passenger side door once Jennifer was out of the way. The two had stopped at a store on the way home after having dropped the others off on the way.

The couple stepped into the small convenience store, the two being the only ones inside - other than the workers - due to the late time of night. Spotting the stack of baskets, Jennifer rushed to pick one up before she and Steve wandered off down the aisles, looking for food to bring Eddie.

They walked through the store, Steve tossing a number of items into the basket Jennifer held - who seemed to staring off into space. It only took a few moments for Steve to take notice, the boy dropping the box of cereal he was holding into the basket and stepping closer to Jennifer. "You okay?" He asked softly, a concerned look planted on his face.

Jennifer shook her head, coming back to, and sent her boyfriend a weak smile - though, he knew better than to believe the said smile. Steve gently took her face in his hands, looked down at her, and sent her a knowing look. The girl sighed. "I'm just worried about all this. I'm tired of fighting all the time... I don't want anyone getting hurt, I can't do it again."

Steve simply nodded his head, knowing there was nothing he could say that would make the situation they were in okay, that he couldn't promise anything. He placed a soft kiss to the girls head, gently taking the basket from her hands as he did so. He straightened down her hair, looking over her face for a moment before intertwining their fingers, gently pulling her along to the cash register.

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AS OF RECENT, STEVE HAD BEEN SPENDING MOST NIGHTS AT THE LAWSON'S RESIDENCE - MUCH TO ROBERT'S DISLIKE. This night was no different as Jennifer sat at the end of her bed whilst Steve changed into one of the many pairs of pyjama pants he'd kept in her room for nights like these.

Yet again, Jennfier stared into the distance, her mind keeping her occupied about the plethora of outcomes their current situation could result in. Unaware, Steve quietly hummed to the song playing softly through Jennifer's stereo; 'Play That Funky Music' by Wild Cherry. "Play that funky music right..." He sang softly as he turned around, quickly quieting down once he saw Jennifer's expression.

He sighed softly, his heart hurting for the girl. Steve crouched down in front of Jennifer, one hand grasping hers, the other gently resting on her thigh. The boy already knew what she was thinking about, the look in her eyes when she turned to him only confirmed it.

"Whatever happens, we're going to be okay." He says softly, moving the hand caressing her thigh to brush her hair away from her face. Jennifer simply nodded, biting her bottom lip as she moved forward, resting her forhead against his.