A Harrington Heartbreak

The Gang-Up

Ep 1 - Suzie Do You Copy?
Friday, June 28, 1985
Caytlinn's POV

We stared into each other's eyes, not blinking. This had started as a quick simple conversation, but it had become an intense staring contest. Something that happened often. I bit the inside of my cheek and slightly adjusted myself, and I swear I blinked.

"I'm just saying, we need to start saving money. It's not gonna keep flowing for free," Steve sighed, looking at me across the table. He tightened the red ascot around his neck and fixed his sailor outfit. I stared at him down. He broke eye contact first. I rolled my eyes at him and he scoffed. I always won. Steve just couldn't figure it out.

"And that's why I can't spend the summer with my friends. Because I'm working up to save money!" I shot back, leaning back in my chair. "Steve! It's summer. My summer! I should be with my friends hanging out not sitting behind a stupid counter slinging ice cream for old folks who can't read the menu! I want to have a fun summer. Not one filled with work! Dustin's away, meaning the D&D games have gotten less fun and- I never have time to play anymore. We wake up soooooo early,"

" I can kick you out,"

"You wouldn't,"

"I would,"

Steve sat up in his chair and I did the same. I put my elbows on the table, and Steve did the same. We stared into each other's eyes, again. Steve ran his hand threw his hair and re-adjusted his Ahoy hat. The bell in the front of the store rang repeatedly, but Steve ignored it.

"I'm taking my break," I said, stomping my foot on the ground and crossing my arms.

"No. You're staying here and save money," Steve snapped, pointing his finger at the table.

"We make like 2 dollars an hour! How is that saving? We're literally here everyday!"

"Sit."

"Staying here and watching the table. That's fun," I sarcastically smirked, making Steve roll his eyes. Summer was supposed to be fun, not the bullshit of a job.

"Hey, dingus! Your children are here!" Robin called out.

Steve groaned and I jumped up from my chair. I knew exactly who Robin was talking about. Finally. I needed to get away from Steve and his stupid conversations about saving up. He was selling me these lies. That he got a job so we could pay for the house but we were definitely not paying for the house by getting paid 2 dollars an hour. He had another reason, but wasn't telling me. I bet he was trying to either get me out of the house or he was showing off telling me he was going to get a girlfriend. Honestly he and Mollye would be a good couple, but she was dating another guy. She had burned through several boys at Hawkins middle, including Billy.

"No. Sit, stay!" Steve growled, standing up and walking to the frosted windows. He was treating me like a puppy dog. I was not going to be a puppy dog today. Every single day since the incident. He pulled the two apart and slammed his hands on the counter. "Again? Seriously?" Steve asked. I could tell he was annoyed as hell.

I jumped up and ran next to him. I slammed against his side to get a view of who Robin was calling Steve's children, and I wasn't surprised. Mike rang the bell again, and Steve and I exchanged glances. Mike, Max, Lucas and Will all had serious faces on, but I couldn't contain my excitement.

"I'm on my break!" I called out, ripping my hat off and tossing it onto the table.

"Caytlinn Alexandra Harrington!" Steve yelled, walking past me and opening the door. He peeked out just to make sure that no one was coming. "Only this once."

"Ohh shit! You got the middle name!!" Lucas giggled right before I smacked him in the arm, followed by Max who did the same thing. I smirked at my older brother, and he opened the back door. Mike, Lucas, Will, and Max joined us. The five of us walked into the back hallway. The secert entrance to the movies. Steve held the door open and shushed us out.