Four Letter Word..

Chapter Eight

Holly met me out front and took me inside to an office where she told me to sit "I'm just going to call Penny to come down here" she told me as she sat at a desk and picked up the phone
"So am I staying with Penny or something?" I asked as she put the phone to her ear
"Yes, we think so" I let my mind wander as Holly spoke to Penny on the other line.

Penny came into the office around twenty five minutes later "Katrina" she came and sat in the chair beside mine and wrapped her arms around me "We're so glad you're safe" I looked up at her "I'm fine Penny" she nodded
"You should have told me what was going on? We could have found that address together and we could have figured something out" I didn't really know what to say to her "I told you I was trying with your Mom"
"I'm sorry for worrying you all" I told her "It's just, it felt like the right thing to do" she squeezed me "It's alright, we're just glad you're ok" she looked over at Holly "So am I taking her now or is there anything we need to do before?" Holly smiled
"Not really, the people from the hospital that came to see Kat originally had already ok'd you taking her. I just need you to sign these few forms for me" Penny took her arm from around my shoulder and scooted closer to the desk in her chair as Holly handed her the forms and a pen. Eventually we were allowed to leave "Penny has my phone number if you ever need to speak to me. Or you can always pop in for a chat here if you need it" I smiled at Holly
"Thank you" I told her and she smiled as she opened the door for us to leave. Penny stayed behind for a few moments to ask Holly something else and as I looked down the corridor I saw Stacey, Steve and Jennifer stood around the front desk. Stacey spotted me first "Oh my god" she jogged over and wrapped her arms around me so tightly I couldn't breathe "I'm so glad you're ok" she announced as I saw Steve and Jennifer approaching. I don't know why Jennifer was here, probably just to get the gossip. Once Stacey had let go Steve came and gave me a hug "Have you really been all the way to LA?" He asked me
"Alright guys, let's give Kat some space" Penny stated as she came out of the office holding my suitcase "I think you could do with getting some rest sweetie" I couldn't agree more.

Back at Stacey's house I managed to get a few hours sleep before dinner. I hadn't slept well the night before and with everything that had happened today I had been pretty exhausted. I sat at the Kitchen table beside Stacey, her parents were sat opposite us and it all felt really strange. No one really said anything as we ate. Afterwards when Penny was washing up and Stacey's Dad Kevin had gone into the sitting room to watch Television Stacey turned to me "So I know you're probably really tired still but, Jennifer's parents are away at the moment and she's having a party tonight" she whispered to me so that Penny couldn't over here
"Would Jennifer want me there?" I asked
"Why wouldn't she?"

"Because.. It doesn't matter. I'll come" Stacey smiled
"Good" Stacey picked up our plates and took them to the sink where Penny was stood washing up "Would it be ok if me and Kat went to Jennifer's tonight?" Penny looked across at her and then back at me "I guess that would be alright. If Kat is up for it. And you're back here for curfew" Stacey smiled "I promise Mom" I stood up and followed Stacey upstairs to her room

"Can I borrow something to wear?" I asked her as she opened the wardrobe

"You can.. But only if you tell me what the hell has been going on and why they arrested Billy" I sat down on her bed "I mean, he's an asshole and he deserves to be in jail for all the shit he caused" I sighed
"There's nothing to tell" she shook her head
"You drove halfway across the country with that jerk.... Are you two together?"

"No.. If you really want to know I think he just used me as an excuse to go back to California. Once we met up with his old friends he pretty much ditched me" Stacey rolled her eyes
"I mean we did warn you about him" I shook my head

"I know, and I'm really sorry for making such a mess" she shook her head as she pulled a dress out of her wardrobe "Here, you can wear this" she handed it to me "And don't appologise. You've been through some tough things and I should have tried harder to be there for you" I smiled weakly "Thanks" I took the Red dress from her
"Do you think he'll be back in Hawkins?" she asked as she pulled her shirt off