Caught Up (Steve Harrington- Stranger Things)

Part 10

I wrapped myself in a blanket and closed my eyes, attempting to fall asleep. All I could do was toss and turn. I knew moving here was a bad idea. This place isn't safe. I wish my father would understand that.

Each time I would close my eyes, an image of the monster would appear. I'd never seen anything like it. It was horrifying.

I stood up and walked to my window looking at the stars, something that would always calm me down at my old house. A light fog glided past the light of the moon. It was so soft and free. I sat on the floor and pressed my back up against the side of my bed. I focused on the soft fog that blew slowly in the sky. My eyes began to feel heavy and with that, I was asleep.

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A knock at my window caused to me to wake up. I was still on the floor, exactly where I sat last night. My neck was stiff. I opened my eyes, sleepily, and was blinded by the sunlight. I squinted and was able to identify a figure outside my window; Steve.

I got up and unlocked my window. He nearly fell in, as always.

"So there's a bed right there," he pointed, "but you prefer sleeping on the floor?"

"I had some trouble falling asleep last night."

"Well I could see why, the floor isn't the most comfortable place to..." He began.

"No, I mean I was having trouble falling asleep because of what happened yesterday. So I was looking at the sky to calm me down and I ended up falling asleep." I explained.

He leaned against my bed frame and pulled me closer.

"Next time you have trouble sleeping, come knock on my window." He smirked.

"I won't be climbing any trees to knock on your window." I chuckled and took a step back. I turned and had a glance at myself in the mirror. I was embarrassed. I had no makeup on, my hair was flying in all directions, and my t-shirt was thin and see-through. "Oh my goodness."

I rapidly opened my drawers and pulled out a blue tank top and a pair of white shorts. I grabbed my makeup bag, while holding my clothes. "I'll be right back."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, just stop for a minute." He stood up straight and gently removed all the items out of my hand, placing them on my dresser. "You don't need to get all done up for me. I told you, you're gorgeous. I meant it."

"You told me I was gorgeous when I had makeup and a cute outfit on."

"Well you're gorgeous with or without all that."

I blushed and he kissed my lips.

"Just let me get a little done up." I smiled.

He released his arm from my waist and allowed me to get ready in my bathroom.

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Steve and I sat at table at a nearby diner. He somehow convinced me to cut first period.

We conversed some small talk for a little while. Then, I brought up deeper things. "So, what's the deal with you, Nancy, and Jonathan?"

"What do you mean?" He chuckled, trying to play it off.

"I mean, you looked a little upset when you saw them together. And there was an awkward...tension kind of thing."

He stared intently.

"Then when Nancy came over about her brother yesterday, you two seemed close, I guess."

"What's your real question, Kristen?" He broke eye contact and wiped his hands on his pants.

"Do you two have history?"

He took a breath and let it out. His body was tense. "Yes, we have history. But it's over, it's done. Okay? Now eat your breakfast unless you want to miss second period too."

He spoke quickly and desperately wanted the conversation to end.

I accepted that he must have been hurt seeing her with another guy. I didn't want to make him talk about it. It did concern me though.

"What's going to happen with her brother?" I quietly asked.

"I don't know. We don't always know what we're dealing with. The important thing is, you can't speak of it to anyone. We don't need this whole town to panic." He whispered.

I nodded in agreement.

What did he mean by saying "We don't always know what we're dealing with"? I heard there was one monster. There couldn't possibly be more, right?

All I knew for sure was that I needed to keep my mouth shut.