Stranger Things Preferences

photograph - Johnathan Byers ep. 1

    Sophomore year was Lydia Harrington’s first year as Hawkins High. She should be a Freshman. But, she skipped the grade following eight grade year, as her brain worked must faster than her body.

She walked around the school hall, looking around, confused. She eventually found her first period class, sitting at a desk near the front. She pulled her schedule back out, and analyzed her classes again.

She was excited for third period, which was photography. She had a camera, which she rarely ever used. She never knew how to manipulate a situation to make it look good. She hoped this class could help with that lack of skill.

First period was Biology, which was bleak without the teachings of Mr.Clarke from eight grade. Second was study hall, which was again, bleak.

Lydia was more than excited for third period, nearly jumping out of her seat when the bell rang for second period. She found the Fine Arts room with one minute to spare.

She craned her neck, taking off the small leather box containing her camera. Because it was the first day, they mainly went over rules. She was eager to learn about taking photos, but was fine with being patient.

She looked around her class, noticing a familiar boy. He had wispy brown hair, a thin face, and tired eyes. He was staring straight at the board.

The bell rang, signaling the ending of her class. She jumped, and stood up. Gathering her things, she leapt out the door.

-

Steve and I were on our way home from their first day’s back at school. Steve, for some unknown reason, wasn’t being a giant douche anymore. Maybe Nancy finally set him straight.

He had been asking me a million questions about school, and how I felt. He even asked me about boys. “So, any cute boys?” “Well there is-“ “Just kidding, no boys! You’re too young.” He smiled, seeming oddly maternal about it.

He had never shown an interest in me before, I had no idea where this sudden liking to me came from. I was always his geeky little sister. To his friends, girlfriends, concubines, if you will, I was just “Little Lydia.”

The next day at school, I knew my way around the school a little better. I was a little muddy around fifth period.

There were thirty seconds left of passing period, and almost everyone was in their own classes. I panicked, looking at the lingering students. I took my chances, and walked up to a petite girl, bearing large blue eyes and curly brown hair.

I tapped on her shoulder,”Excuse me.” She turned, staring down at me. “I’m new here, and I don’t really know my way around.

“Do you know where the Math room is?” “Wait, you’re Steve’s little sister!” She smiled. “Yeah,” I rubbed the back of my neck, looking down,”I am.” A light rosy blush dusted my cheek, filling in the pale space. The girl smiled,”Anyway, it’s down the hall and to the right.” “Thanks.” I smiled and walked away, fiddling with the hem of my shirt.

The end of my second day of high school. Today was uneventful, I still haven’t done anything in photography.

I just sat in the plastic chair, staring at a board of camera mechanics. While interesting, not what I wanted to do.

I stepped onto the cement of the parking lot, and looked around for Steve. I was a little late, but I didn’t think he’d actually leave me here. I huffed an angry breath, and shoved my hands into my pockets.

I walked past a group of popular kids I knew Steve hung out with. “Where’s Steve?” I asked, cocking an eyebrow at the idiots. I knew them, they were Junior’s who took Freshman classes. One girl shrugged.

I rolled my eyes,”C’mon, I’m not stupid!” One of the guys sighed,”He went to find Nancy, he cut out.” I scoffed,”Great! Just great!” I threw my hands into the air and stormed off.

He’s going back to being the inconsiderate, jerky guy he was last year! I huffed and leaned against one of their cars. “Hey, kid, what’re you doing?” The girl asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Waiting for Steve.” I retorted, not moving from my arms-crosses-angry-facial-expression position. “He’s not comin’ back, he’s out chasing Nancy.” I rolled my eyes. I dropped my arms and stood up straight, off the car.

“Fine.” I angrily walked off, dreading the long walk home.I had a bone to pick with my older brother.

When I arrived home, I was apoplectic. The anger was visible, palpable at this point. I muttered to myself as I walked home, seething in rage.

“Steve! Steve, are you home?” I yelled, jumping up the stairs. I growled irately, slamming my door. The house was vacant, no sign of life to be found.