𝒞𝒶𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓅𝒽𝒾𝒸 ℒ𝑜𝓋𝑒 •BILLY HARGROVE•

CHAPTER XIV

FOR THE NEXT couple hours or so, everyone was huddled up at the Byer's household. It was dead silent and everyone remained in their own corners around the house. Will was still unconscious, laying down on his sofa whilst Jonathan and Nancy watched over him and waited for him to wake up.

The children and Steve were sitting in the kitchen trying to pass time and Jim Hopper was demanding for help on the military force. Meanwhile, Joyce was sat in her bedroom alone, rethinking the horror she just witnessed. She hadn't left the room or spoken to anyone since they'd got back. Melanie saw this as an appropriate time to comfort her mother, the love of her life had just died in front of her.

"Hey." Melanie gently crept into the room, locking the door behind her as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm so sorry mom, I really am. Bob was... a good, selfless person and I know you loved him. He didn't deserve to die."

"He stood by me through everything, he didn't deserve this. It's all my fault." Her voice croaked, Joyce wrapped the blanket tighter around her petite frame.

Melanie rested her head on Joyce's shoulder, engulfing her arms around her body. "I know you're hurting mom but there's nothing you could've done. Don't blame yourself."

She kissed Melanie's forehead before snuggling up to her. "I know I don't say it as much as I'm supposed to but I'm so proud of you Mel."

"Why?" Melanie laughed nervously as she rested her head on the crook of her mom's neck.

"Because I can tell that you've changed, you're maturing. That's what I wanted from you."

"Thanks mom." Melanie whispered, she closed her eyes as she cuddled her mother. This was the first time in a long time that they had properly embraced each other. They both were in need of a hug.

Joyce finally pulled away and stood up; she reached for the carrier bag on the bed. "Jonathan said you bought some snacks. Maybe you could share them out with the kids. They're probably starving." She stated, emptying it out on the bed.

"Mom wait!—"

Joyce's eyes switched from despair to disappointment. She glanced up at Melanie who covered her face in shame with her hands, she was screwed. "I can explain—"

She picked up the box, inspecting it before she glanced at Melanie. "Melanie Byers, is this what I think it is?! Please tell me this isn't yours."

Melanie let out a shaky sigh, nodding her head. She wanted to lie but lying in this moment would only make things worse later on.

Joyce dropped the box on the bed, she couldn't believe this was happening. Joyce knew all of her daughter's antics, she knew Melanie liked to party but Melanie always ensured her that she had never had sex. She promised her mother that she'd save her virginity until marriage.

"Was it your first time?" Joyce simply questioned. She was still in shock that she didn't even know what to say to her.

"Mom whether it was my first time or not, it has nothing to do with—"

Joyce asked again, projecting her voice. "I asked you a question Melanie, was it your first time?"

"No."

Joyce let out a soft sigh, rubbing her temples gently as she felt a migraine coming through. "I-I've always told you Mel, whenever you felt curious or ready to try it out, you could come to me and talk to me about it. Why didn't you?"

She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, tears escaping from her eyes. "I don't know any teenagers that talk freely about their sex life with their parents. It's just a part of my life that I can't share with you."