DONTMAKEMEFALLINLOVE || Billy Hargrove, Stranger Things

XLII.

"Anger destroys your soul." –Marvin Gaye

Four weeks later
October 17, 1985

Diana Henderson wasn't getting better. The release of the drugs clouded her brain, and no one took notice, not even the person giving the drugs to her. She wasn't functioning properly but it's not like her morals took notice either.

Dustin noticed one day though. Peering through her door, he noticed she took two pills and swallowed them like candy. He didn't think much about it first though because he assumed they were prescribed or something. But when she came out her room, staring out the window at literally nothing while smiling, he knew it was bad. He also didn't recall her ever taking prescription drugs.

It was the next day when Dustin rode his bike to Steve Harrington's house before making his way to school. It was very early in the morning so Diana wasn't awake. She shouldn't be awake, but at this point Dustin didn't know. He sometimes heard her voice at four in the morning.

Dustin banged on Steve's door heavily, the nineteen year old opening the door with a groan, half asleep with his hair all over the place in boxers and a t-shirt. "Dustin I don't have to wake up this early in morning anymore, what is it?"

"It's my sister." Dustin states, all seriousness in his expression.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Steve questions as his eyelids open wider, growing concerned when he notices his friend's state.

"Nothing I just–how do I explain this," Dustin clenches his eyes in frustration, "I haven't seen her like this since...I hate to say this but, Billy. I haven't seen her like this since before Billy. Her eyes and pace just–Steve I know it's not weed or alcohol, I just know it. Hell, I haven't ever seen her like this," Dustin looked drained of life, eyes hooded and his body dragged. What Diana didn't know is that she's bringing her brother down with her. "Can you please just check on her soon?"

Slowly accepting his friend's request, Steve nods. Sighing in relief, Dustin bids farewell before Steve encourages him, "good luck in school today!"

There was no way Steve could go back to sleep after what Dustin told him. But Steve hadn't seen her in a long time. A week and a half to be exact, and with Diana, anything's possible.

•

Parking against the curb of the Henderson household, Steve walked along the cement towards the front door since he doesn't know if Diana would let him in through her window anymore. Knocking on the wood, she doesn't answer. For quite a while actually. On the other side of the door Steve heard her unlocking the door, opening it wide for him. Steve stood outside for a while without saying a word, taking in her appearance.

His heart was filled with guilt and sympathy because she looked worse in the most composed way possible.

Her eyes were dark and slow when she blinked. Her hair was darker as Steve swore her hair was starting to lose its curl. Her skin was pale and her veins stood out like her tattoo. She was dressed like she was about to head out, jeans and a leather jacket. His leather jacket. Steve took it as a good sign though. Maybe she was getting better so that's why she's heading out again? "Steve!" Diana smiles when she realizes it's him. "I haven't seen you in forever."

Steve steps inside before hugging her. Hugging her felt like it was the only thing he could do. "How have you been?"

"Well I'm here," Diana lightly chuckles to diffuse the tension, "but uh–yeah we're getting there."