Tails California

Up in the Mountains

Things were great once they moved into the apartment. Chrissy just moved into the master bedroom with Eddie and left the second one for a guest room.

He had transitioned to 12 hour days, 6 days a week at Family Business a few months ago and almost 9 months ago to the day they left Hawkins. Christmas was coming up fast, like today was the 20th fast, and so they were playing Christmas songs and dancing to them as they decorated their little apartment. Chrissy was just wearing his hellfire shirt and battle vest as she wrapped the lights around the tree causing Eddie to stare at her bare legs. This was her normal day off attire, but it still made Eddie's mouth dry.

"You're staring again, Darling." She says over her shoulder, her blonde hair was loose around her shoulders and she didn't have her make-up on, but Eddie thought she was more beautiful this way. This version of Chrissy was for him only; something he adored. He was wearing a black tank top and plaid pajama pants that she had picked out for him. Eddie hid from the world behind his leather jacket and rings. If he was scary enough people stayed away, but not Chrissy. She walked into his heart and sat down like she owned it, and she did.

"It's not my fault my girlfriend is so gorgeous it takes my breath away." Eddie says with a grin; once she was done with the lights he took her hand as Snowman by Sia came on and he began dancing with her singing along. Chrissy laughed as she danced with him. He kissed her in the middle of the song holding her to his chest before the phone rang. He went over and answered it, "hello?"

"Eddie. It's Wayne." The older man said and Eddie lit up, "I'm in Bakersfield at Days Inn room 2 if you want to come see me...you and Chrissy both." He says softly, but as if he was rushing to get it out before Eddie hung up.

"Wayne. You're here?" He asks looking at Chriss, "You want us to come see you?" He asks looking at Chrissy. The blonde rolls her eyes and takes the phone.

"Hi, Wayne. It's Chrissy. We have a small apartment." She says giving him the address, "It has a spare bedroom and a parking space for you. We'd love it if you stayed with us for Christmas." She says upbeat and happy as usual. "Great! See you soon." She says and hangs up before going to the room to pull on pajama pants and hang his vest up. "Eddie get in the hall closet and get me a set of bedding for the second room, please."

"Got it, princess." He calls before getting out a bedding set he thinks his uncle would like taking it to the guest room and helping her make the bed. "I don't know how he found us, but now I'm nervous."

"It's just Wayne, honey." Chriss says coming to stand in front of him with a smile, "It's going to be ok. He probably just missed you." she says running a hand through his hair gently as she kissed his forehead, "Take some deep breaths."

Eddie listened to her because he knew she was right; Uncle Wayne wouldn't do anything to hurt him and so he focused on his breathing until the buzzer sounded and he got up letting him in.

It was about 5 minutes later when there was a knock at the door and Chrissy opened it with a bright smile. She was wearing her hair in a ponytail and had her make up done just right.

"Hello, Miss Cunningham." Wayne greets, "you look nice.'

"Thank you." She says taking the box from him. "What's this?" She asks carrying it in and to the coffee table in the living room.

"It's Elizabeth's Christmas decorations." He says and Eddie's head jerks up.

"You're giving me mom's decorations?" He asks quietly.

"I also bought all her albums back for you so you have her plane tickets.' He says setting his bag down. "I've missed you, Eddie.'

Eddie stands and hugs his uncle tears in his eyes, "I miss you too." He says quietly.