Billy Hargrove might rule the corridors of Hawkins High as the bully. Yet, behind closed doors at home, he's the victim, tormented by his own father. His mother abandoned him, so he has no defender against his abuser.
But at school, Steve Harrington...
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The Hawkins community pool is a respite from the stifling heat and an escape from the mundane routines of life. The cloudless sky overhead is a brilliant shade of blue, and the sun shines down with unyielding intensity, making the water in the pool glitter like a bed of diamonds. Palm trees line the perimeter, and their fronds wave gently in the warm breeze, providing the illusion of an exotic getaway. The scent of sunscreen, chlorine, and coconut tanning oil sail across the atmosphere, mixing with the sounds of laughter, splashes, and the occasional shouts from children cannonballing into the water.
Parents lounge on striped chaise lounges, some engrossed in paperback novels, others chit-chatting, or catching forty winks beneath wide-brimmed hats. Yet, it isn't just the parents who are stealing moments of leisure. Teenagers, too, flock around the snack bar or huddle in groups.
Lifeguard chairs tower at strategic points around the pool. Among the staff is Billy, whose primary duties, beyond ensuring safety, involves twirling his whistle and perfecting his tan.
Lingering stares, some coy, others more brazen, trail after Billy. A cadre of mums, dissatisfied with the conversation or their current reading material, angle their sunglasses down to catch a less obstructed view of him. It isn't just the mums, though. Teen girls also steal glances. Even a few boys look his way, hinting at apprehension, admiration, or envy.
Nancy Wheeler knew from her clandestine listening that Steve would be at the pool today, hanging out with his friends, so here she is, hoping to find a clue about whatever he's hiding. She's camped out in an inconspicuous corner of the pool area, reading a magazine about guns, but her attention is on Steve.
Nancy is about to glance down at the magazine when she notices Steve resting his hands on the edge of the pool, and Hargrove crouched in front of him. They're smiling.
She frowns. They hate each other.
Suddenly, a flash of familiar faces gains her attention. Jonathan and Barbara walk into the pool area together. Nancy and Jonathan went through a messy breakup only weeks ago, and Barb is her best friend! What are they doing here together?
