Stranger things | Reader insert | Season -2

21

MADMAX - 2

"Right. I love KFC"

Y/N POV:

Steve, Nancy, and I entered Barb's house, immediately noticing the "For Sale" sign, prompting glances of concern between Nancy and me.

"I apologize for not cooking. I was planning to make that baked ziti you guys enjoy so much, but time slipped away, and suddenly, 'Oh, my God, it's five o'clock,'" Barb's mom explained.

"It's fine," I reassured.

"It's great," Nancy chimed in.

"Right. I love KFC," Steve added.

Nancy started, "So, I noticed a 'For Sale' sign in your yard."

"Is that the neighbors', or..." I inquired, prompting a shared look between Barb's parents.

"Do you want to tell them?" Barb's mom asked her husband.

"Go ahead," he urged.

"We've hired a man named Murray Bauman. Have either of you heard of him?" Barb's mom questioned, to which the three of us shook our heads.

"No."

"No, I don't think so."

"He used to be an investigative journalist for the Chicago Sun-Times," Barb's mom explained.

"He's pretty well known," Barb's dad added, handing me the business card.

"Anyway, he's freelance now and agreed to take the case," Barb's mom continued. I glanced at the card, then passed it to Steve, who in turn handed it to Nancy.

"That's... That's great," Steve expressed.

"No, that's really... That's great, right?" he tried to offer comfort, while I stared blankly at my plate.

"Um, what exactly does that mean?" Nancy asked.

"It means he's going to do what both lazy son-of-a-bitch Jim Hopper and Noah..." Barb's mom halted, both of them glancing at me.

"Sorry," he apologized.

"What the Hawkins police haven't been capable of doing. It means we have a real detective on the case," Barb's dad said with hope.

"It means... we're going to find our Barb," Barb's mom asserted.

"If anyone can find her, it's this man. He already has leads. By God, he's worth every last penny," Barb added, and I leaned on my chair.

"Is that why you're selling the house?" I asked.

"Don't worry about us, sweetie. We're fine. More than fine. For the first time in a long time, we're hopeful," Barb's mom said as I squeezed my dress to control my emotions.

"Excuse me. I'll be right back," Nancy announced, standing and walking to the bathroom.

"Excuse me," I said, standing up as Steve gave me a concerned look. I lightly smiled at him before going after Nancy, knowing she is probably crying now.

I found Nancy in the bathroom, her eyes red from tears. Closing the door behind me, I gave her a moment before speaking.

"Nance, are you okay?" I asked gently.

She sniffled and shook her head. "It's just... this whole situation with Barb, it's heartbreaking. And seeing her parents so hopeful yet desperate—it's a lot to take in."

I nodded and hugged her. As she hugged me back, I rubbed her back to soothe her.

* * *

After our dinner and dropping Nancy off at her house, it was just Steve and me in the car. The entire ride passed in silence, but I could sense Steve's glances. When the car finally stopped, I realized we were at my house. I reached for the door, but Steve's hand grabbed my arm, making me turn towards him.

"Are you okay?" he asked, and I nodded. Attempting to open the door again, he pulled my arm gently.

"Y/N, I can tell when you're not being honest," he stated. With a sigh, I leaned back into the seat.

"Hey, look at me," he urged. I hesitated, but he gently took my chin, turning my face to meet his.

"Y/N, please," he implored. I finally met his gaze, and his eyes softened with concern upon seeing tears in mine.

"Hey, hey, it's okay, it's okay," he reassured, pulling me into a comforting hug as I leaned against his shoulder.

"One friend got killed, and her family is slowly falling apart, and Nancy is hurting herself," I admitted, my voice breaking. Steve continued to rub my back soothingly, providing a comforting presence.

In that moment, the weight of everything seemed to crash down on me, and the tears I had been holding back started to flow. Steve held me tighter, offering silent support as I let my emotions pour out.

"I just don't know how to handle all of this," I whispered, my words muffled against his shoulder.

"It's okay not to have all the answers, Y/N," Steve said gently. "Sometimes, it's enough to lean on someone and share the burden."

I nodded, appreciating his understanding. We stayed like that for a while, the quiet of the car providing a refuge from the outside world. Eventually, I pulled away, wiping away the tears with the back of my hand.

"Thanks, Steve," I said, managing a small smile.

"Anytime, Y/N. Seriously," he replied, returning the smile. "If you ever need to talk or if there's anything I can do, just let me know."

As I stepped out of the car and headed towards my house, I heard the car driving away. He must have waited until I entered the house.

* * *

As I entered my room, the weight of grief settled heavier upon my shoulders. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I let out a deep sigh, trying to compose myself before my mom entered. But as she stepped into the room, her eyes softened with concern, and I knew there was no hiding my sorrow from her.

"Hey, sweetheart," she said gently, taking a seat beside me. "How was your visit to Barb's?"

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak. "It was... tough," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

My mom wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. "I know, honey. Losing someone we love is never easy."

"I miss her so much, Mom," I choked out, my voice trembling with emotion.

"I know you do, sweetheart," my mom murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "Barb was a special friend, and losing her has left a hole in your heart." I buried my face in my mom's shoulder.

After a while, my mom pulled back slightly, brushing a gentle hand against my cheek. "You're not alone in this, Y/n," she said softly. "I'm here for you, always." I nodded, feeling a sense of warmth and reassurance wash over me. 

* * *