This Weird Town

Steve

It's been three days since Josh moved here. And I still can't figure it- can't figure HIM out. He's so much like billy, and one was bad enough.

He's currently sitting against his car, smoking and rejecting yet ANOTHER female suitor.

I walk over,sighing."Hey man" I nonchalantly lean against a wall and pull out a cigarette.
He looks up, something unreadable flashing in his eyes before he nods back.

"Hey" he replies. Jonathon Byers walks over, awkwardly waving one hand as he leans against A wall with A beer. Since when did he drink? There are demons in his eyes. Wow he's seen some real fucked up shit.

A moment later, Billy joins us, not saying anything. We stand there silently, smoking for a while and It's almost enjoyable. There's an unreadable tension in the air but we ignore it and just be ourselves.

Billy eventually speaks. "So..Harrington. What's with the,uh,bruises?"
I flinch. He noticed them? Probably in P.E .."Its nothing" I mutter. He sighs and turns towards josh."What about you?" He asks. Josh noticeably tenses.

"None of your business hargrove" he replies. Billy sets his jaw. "Ok you three, I don't know who you think you're fooling, but I know when someone has been abused. And trust me I-i know how you're feeling, you want to hide it from everyone and stay safe in your fake protective walls, but it doesn't. Work." He states. He goes to speak but begins crying instead. On impulse, I hug him. A few seconds later, I feel arms enclose us both. Josh. Byers.

We pull away awkwardly . Nobody is around, the bell must of rung for the next class.

"Fuck this. " I laugh. Josh looks at me in understanding. "We should skip, all three of us. You know? There'll be consequences but they can't really do anything can they? Not when they've broken us this far" I continue.

"I don't know how I know but I just do. I don't know your stories but I know mine and I know I'm done with taking this shit. I'm gonna fight back. And you know what? I'm taking those stupid kids." Billy states.

Josh , Jonathon and I nod, standing. Time to pull some kids from class.

We write some fake notes and decide to meet up by the bicycle racks.

--------------________------------______--------____________

Dustin's P.O.V

Tick . Tock. Tick. Tock.

"Dustin"

Tick. Tock.

"Dustin Henderson!!"

I snap to attention to see steve and a teacher standing in front of me.

"You're excused.. something about a doctor's appointment?"

I frown, but am glad to get out of this boring geographic lesson.

I grab my things. As soon as I leave and enter the hallways, Steve looks at me. "Bicycle rack. Go. I'll explain once you're there." he says, And leaves without another word.

What the fuck?