Hell is for Children

2 a.m.

Diana loaded what was the last of the boxes full of her belongings into the Camaro's trunk. She lit a Marlboro Red and took a long drag. Rudy came out, carrying the baby, shaking his head at her, half smile on his face. 

"You look like that Rosie the Riveter woman right now" he chuckled commenting on her bandana tied up in her hair, and Billy's denim button up she had on over her white tank top. 

"She seemed like a Marlboro Red kinda girl" Diana laughed, dropping the cigarette and taking Billy into her arms and kissing his chubby cheek. 

She heard a car door slam, when she looked over she saw Steve Harrington walking towards her, hands in his jean pockets. 

"Well look what the cat dragged in" Diana smiled as she handed Billy back to Rudy and walked over to meet Steve. 

"Yeah. Well I heard you were leaving. California, huh?" Steve asked, looking sad. 

Diana nodded, looking down. 

"Is it because of him?" Steve asked. 

Diana didnt need confirmation on the 'Him' in question, she knew he meant Billy. 

"I think itll be good for me to have a fresh start. Theres nothing left for me here. El is moving in with the Byers. Billy's gone, Hop's gone." Diana shrugged. 

"Im here" Steve almost whispered to her. 

She hugged him tightly in that moment, remembering fondly the time they had spent together. She knew deep down she cared about Steve, but she had never loved him. 

"I'll call. I know where to find you, Harrington" she shoved him playfully. 

She began heading inside to get the keys to the Camaro when he called to her. 

"Diana" 

She turned towards him. 

"I really did love you" Steve said as he held his arms out wide as if presenting all he had left. 

She smiled wide "I know." 

                                  Diana parked the Camaro out front of the small white house she was going to be renting in Santa Cruz. The landlord pulled his red BMW up behind and got out, smiling as he adjusted his sunglasses. Diana snapped her gum as she took off her aviator sunglasses, taking in her surroundings. The house itself was quaint, the yard had enough room for Billy to play in when he got a little older. The neighbors were spread out so that it wouldnt be too crowded, and the rent was cheap enough. 

"You must be...Miss Diana Lis.." The landlord began.

"Hargrove. Diana Hargrove" she held out her hand. 

He shook it. "Very nice to meet you. So like I said, nice house. Previous owner died in it unfortunately. Ive been having a hard time renting it out because of that.  Most People spook easy I suppose" he began. 

"Luckily, Im not most people" she said, then flashed a sarcastic smile his direction. 

"Okkkk...well, I just need you to sign there and down below" 

Diana signed everything and began to move the boxes in, setting the baby up in his playpen as she lugged boxes inside. She didnt have much and it came fully furnished, so she was all moved in by sunset. 

She laid the baby down in his room. Then went into her bedroom down the hall with her baby moniter. She flopped down onto her bed, feeling the warm California breeze blow through her open window, causing the curtains to dance.