FOREIGN [S.T. S.Harrington & B.Hargrove]

intrusive thoughts

Winter break came and left quickly.

Carol and I returned from Korea a few days before the new semester. I hated the thought of going back to the Harrington house first thing, so I stayed at Carol's for a few weeks.

"How was the girl's trip?" Tina asks as Carol and I walk over to her car.

"So much fun!" Carol gasps. "God, I would go back right now if I was able to."

"Summer," I offer with a smile. "Maybe then."

"Anytime," Carol urges. "If it was possible, I'd do the foreign exchange."

"And now you're back in lovely little Hawkins," Tina teases. "Aren't you so glad."

"Gag," Carol complains. "I'm not ready for another shit show of a year."

"There's so much to catch up on. Things have been crazy here," Tina says.

"Since when?" I joke.

"Will Byers is back. Turns out he wasn't dead."

"He died?" I question.

"They thought he did. They even had a funeral. But, there's like this super crazy science lab that has been doing human experiments.. they had him hostage."

Carol shrugs. "Not my problem."

"Steve and Nancy Wheeler got back together."

Carol makes a physical gagging noise.

"Welcome home, indeed," I scoff.

I try to pretend that it didn't hurt. I try to pretend that's not the first time I've heard about it.

"After he and Tommy had that moment in the cafeteria, Steve's crown has shattered. It didn't just slip," Tina informs. "He's like.. Has-Been Harrington."

"He had it coming," I decide, leaning on Tina's car. "Two-timing, backstabber."

"Still can't believe he did that to you," Tina sympathizes. "Everyone is so on your side."

"Thanks,but I'm good," I promise, heading to the school.

"Where are you going?" Carol asks.

"I've gotta go get fitted for a new uniform. I lost weight in Korea."

--

I crack the ice cube tray a couple of times before dumping the contents into my cup. I poke through the fridge before deciding on water. I couldn't handle another glass of sweet tea, especially with the way Mr. Harrington preferred. It was basically sugar water.

"Hey, Sun." I look up to see Nancy Wheeler waving at me.

My movements pause and I just stare at her. Steve walks from the living room. He frowns and places a hand on Nancy's lower back, ushering her to his bedroom.

Just before his bedroom door closes, Mrs. Harrington walks in with her car keys.

"Sun, would you be a doll and come grocery shopping with me?" she asks.

I clear my throat and take a long drink of my ice water to regain my bearings. "Of course."

Mrs. Harrington and I leave the house and get into the car.

"Even though I agreed to let that girl in my home- it doesn't make me favor her any more," she confesses as she backs out of the driveway.

"Nancy?" I clarify.

"She's not a bad girl. I just.. I just wish Steve could find someone on his level."

"And what level is that?" I wonder.

"Hardworking. A better family."

That's code for a richer family. 

"Someone like you," Mrs. Harrington adds. "Someone with your goals and history.. they would fit Steve better."

My mouth goes dry. I put my elbow on the car door and rest my mouth in my palm.

"Of course it'd have to be an American.. I'd hate to see Steve struggle with an interracial situation. Visas, passports, citizenship.. it's all too much on a marriage."

I bite my lip and look to the window, rolling my eyes.

"Right," I state, if only to not get in more shit.

--

"This isn't a big game, it's just gym class. Why are you playing so hard?" Tina asks me as I score a point.

"It's still a game," I defend.

I glance to where the boys were stretching for their basketball time. The girls finished getting in their gym clothes first today so we got first game time- which was volleyball. The only other option was games of tag.

My head was pounding. Stress and discomfort were heavy on my body.

My eyes lock on Steve who was watching me. Then, Nancy walks in from outside and goes to his side.

I think about the kiss. His absence during the game. His promises. Mrs. Harrington's words.

Before I knew it, my hand was slamming against the ball. Coach blows a whistle and the students disperse- shouting in shock as the volleyball smacks Steve right across his face.

"Shit," I whisper to myself, looking at my hand like it betrayed me.

"Damn!" Tina gasps.

Steve cups his face, Nancy holding him up. He looks at me with pure anger and bitterness.

I'm not gonna hear the last of this one.

𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓇 𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒷𝓁𝑒𝓈--

ive paid a lot of intricate detail to sun experiencing microaggression throughout her time in hawkins (tommy especially) and it's all building and my girl is gonna snap one day