Serendipity *Steve Harrington*

Chapter 5: Redheads

The morning came all too soon and I did everything in my power to be the first one out of the house. After a quick shower, I quickly threw on a pair of jeans, some random sweater and my leather jacket. As I brushed out my still damp hair, I looked at myself in the mirror for the first time. Thankfully no bruises had formed on my neck from my confrontation with Billy. Unfortunately there was a deep purple bruise on the left side of my cheek from where his thumb had pressed in harshly, visible for the whole world to see. Grabbing my makeup, I tried to cover it up but to no avail. The bruise was too dark to cover. Just what I need... Sighing, I finished getting ready and fled the house. Pedaling swiftly I made it to the school in record time. Hopping off my bike, I practically run to my locker. The last thing I want right now is to see Steve, or worse, Billy. Shoving my books in my bag, I turn around and run smack into a hard chest.

"Oomf."

"Oh, sorry, you okay?"

My heart drops as Steve speaks. I glance at him briefly before Billy's words flash through my mind. I push past him without speaking, my heart crumbling as I hear him call out my name from behind me. How am I supposed to stay away from him when we have class together? This day is going to suck!

_______

The day passed in a blur, with stares from my classmates as I walked down the hallway. I tried to ignore them, knowing that my bruise would be a topic of curiosity, but it was hard. Why did they need to remind me that there was a nasty mark on my face? Spotting my class, I walked through the door and hesitated. Steve is sitting at our usual table with a pleading look while Billy is sitting in his seat, glaring at me expectantly. I lowered my head to avoid the look of disappointment on Steve's face as I sat down next to Billy.

"I knew you'd listen."

He said, sending me a triumphant smirk.

"Just leave me alone."

I muttered as I turned my attention to the front of class and softly moved my chair as far away from his as possible. I can feel Steve's eyes burning into the back of my head and it took all the self-restraint I have not to turn around and acknowledge him. I tried my best to focus on what the teacher was talking about, but my mind is elsewhere. I just can't wait for this class to be over so I can escape Billy's intense staring and Steve's curious and offended one. Giving up paying attention, I put my pencil and notebook up and watch the clock, silently waiting for the bell to ring. I hear someone shift beside me and I glance over to see Billy trying to slyly scoot closer to me. Scowling at his immaturity, I continue to ignore him.

"Jo?"

He whispered softly as his hand reached out to touch mine.

"What?"

I responded, jerking my hand away from the touch.

"I'm just trying to look out for you."

His tone was soft as he leaned his head forward, trying his best to look me in the eye. Fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall, I shot him a quick glance as I spoke.

"It's Josephine."

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. I jumped out of my seat, slinging my bag over my shoulder and rushed to the door. A hand wrapped around my arm, halting my actions. I internally groaned before glancing back to acknowledge my captor.

"Why are you avoiding me, Red?"

Steve asked, his face fallen. Looking at him, I can feel my heart split into two. Peering over his shoulder, Billy is glaring at us. Sighing, I pulled my arm out of Steve's grip.