𝒞𝒶𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓅𝒽𝒾𝒸 ℒ𝑜𝓋𝑒 •BILLY HARGROVE•

CHAPTER XIX

ONE MONTH LATER and everything felt like it was finally going back to normal. Will was back to his actual self, Nancy and Jonathan got justice for Barbara and Hawkins lab was permanently closed down. Everyone's lives were back on track and nothing could ruin the rest of their year. It was now approaching Christmas and the kids were preparing for their Christmas ball.

"Smile! Jonathan make sure you get some good shots, I wanna play this at his graduation!" Melanie beamed brightly at her younger sibling, his lips shyly curled up into a forced smile. Joyce had forced him into dancing with her to practice for the ball.

Will let out a deep sigh as he continued dancing with their mother, he glanced at his sister. "Seriously? That's embarrassing."

"Uh yeah I know, that's the whole point!" She snatched the camera from Jonathan's hand and turned it around to face her. "This is a message for my baby bro Will Byers. I want you to know that I'm so proud of you and you're the strongest person I've ever met. I love you kiddo!" She blew a kiss into the camera and handed it back to Jonathan.

"Aww my babies! Come here." Joyce pouted, engulfing Will into a massive hug. She opened her other arm for Melanie to join. "You three are my world. I love you so so much!"

After they had their moment, Melanie broke up from the hug and stepped away from her siblings. "Guys I have something to tell you." Will and Jonathan looked at each other reluctantly then at Melanie whose eyes began to settle with tears.

"Okay... what is it?" Jonathan lowered his camera slightly.

"I already told mom, well actually she found out accidentally." She rubbed her sweaty palms on her dress as she inhaled deeply. "I've been waiting for the right time to tell you guys this but with everything going on I figured I should just wait... you'll love me no matter what, right?"

"Absolutely. You're our sister." Jonathan reassured whilst Will nodded in agreement, he turned his camera off and watched her. "What's going on?"

"I'm pregnant."

Jonathan's jaw dropped, he placed his camera on the table. "Y-You're what?"

"You're going to be uncles." She laughed nervously, her eyes flickering from Jonathan's face to Will's as it suddenly fell silent. She couldn't tell whether it was excitement or disappointment. "Merry Christmas!"

"Wow, I get to be an uncle." Will's eyes lit up and a huge smile plastered on his face. "That's so cool!"

Melanie pulled her brother in for a hug, pecking the top of his head. She was expecting a completely different response from him. "That's why you're my favourite brother." She whispered.

"You and Steve? How long have you been pregnant?" Jonathan asked, Melanie exhaled deeply as she played with Will's hair. She felt ashamed that Billy managed to knock her up, he was known for his playboy antics and she felt like she was just another pawn in his game.

"I-It's Billy's and I found out about a month ago."

Jonathan coughed as began to choke on what he had just heard. "Did you just say Billy? As in... Billy Hargrove?"

Melanie finally released Will from the hug and took a seat on the couch in front of her family. "Before you say anything else, yes I know I messed up."

Jonathan clenched his jaw, he slowly paced back and forth in the living room. "Yes Mel, you should've been more careful... h-he took advantage of you because he thought he could get away with it. When I get my hands on him—"

"We all make mistakes Mel. We're family and we'll always love you no matter what." Will shot her a comforting smile as he took a seat beside her.

Melanie felt her eyes settling with tears, the roles were finally reversed. She was supposed to be the one that comforted her brother and gave advice but this time it was his turn.