Serendipity *Steve Harrington*

Chapter 6: Badasses Together

Walking into work the next day, I couldn't help but to reflect on the events that occurred here the previous afternoon. Billy finally showing emotion again and then putting his walls back up as soon as he spotted Steve. Then in comes Steve, barreling his way back into my life and saying all of the right things. When I left work that night, I crawled immediately into bed and didn't get up. I didn't even get up for school today, too many emotions conflicting in my mind. My old affection for Billy versus my anger and weariness of him now, all mixed with my growing fondness for Steve. It's all too much! Skipping school today helped me clear my head. A day without talking to Billy or Steve at school was a day much needed. I finished some homework, I read a little in one of my favorite books, I cleaned my room... overall, it's been a nice and accomplished morning. Now, it's time to start my shift at work. Hopefully, today won't be as "exciting" as yesterday.

"Good afternoon!"

I say cheerfully to my boss.

"Well, you seem to be much more chipper today than yesterday."

She replies back to me, smiling broadly at my grinning face.

"It's been a good day so far, I've gotten a chance to clear my head a little and distance myself from some of my issues for a while."

"Honey, I hope that doesn't mean that you're running from your issues because trust me, they always find a way to get you in the end."

She warns. My smile falters briefly as I sit my things down and clock in to work.

"Thanks for the advice, but I'm not running, just avoiding momentarily."

I explain. If by naive to think that my problems with Billy and Steve are solved. I still have no fucking clue what I'm going to do about it. But I feel like I deserve a day to not have to deal with it, and it's my mission to make that day today.

"If you say so dear. Oh, by the way, I scheduled the new girl to work tonight so you get off earlier than usual. I'm testing her to see how she does closing by herself. So, don't stress about everything too much, you get off in a few hours!"

Relief and happiness flood through me at her words. No school, no arguments with Billy, no confusing emotions around Steve, and a short day a work... could anything possible ruin this day for me?

"Oh, thanks for the heads up. Have a nice night tonight!"

Nodding, she walks out of the store, leaving me alone until the newbie comes in. I had only been there for thirty minutes before Max came skating up to the door and stomping her way inside.

"Max what are you doing here? Billy is supposed to drive you in town. You're not supposed to skate, it's dangerous, even in a small town like Hawkins."

I questioned as I stepped out from behind the counter and made my way towards her.

"Billy left with another one of his conquests. I didn't want to be in the car with that again so I ditched. He's going to pick me up from here and take me to the arcade later."

She shrugs. She doesn't make eye-contact as she speaks, avoiding looking at me entirely. She slumps over and sits in one of the few chairs in the shop, her body sluggish and irritated as she does so.

"Okay, what's up? There's something obviously wrong with you. Did Billy say something to you?"

I ask her, concerned by her behavior. She doesn't respond, still keeping her gaze on the floor.

"Come on Max, you can talk to me about anything. Did something happen at school or is someone bothering you?"

I plead her to tell me as I take a seat next to her and try to wrap my arm around her slouched figure. She shrugs my arm off of her, and stands up to briskly walk away from me.