Okay, so my 12 year-old Percy Jackson addict self is freaking out right now.
Why am I just discovering about this groundbreaking romance story now? That is also a musical? That gives me goosebumps? And actually has a heartbreaking plot?
This may be my new favourite mythology story and I need to see all of it now pls. Someone please tell me how I can watch this asap <3
"Thomas, quit teasing your brother." Nikki Holland shouted from the kitchen earning a chuckle from Tom.
The four brothers were lounging in the living room of their parents house for their monthly family dinner playing video games to spare the suspense of the meal their mother was cooking up in the kitchen and the barbecue their father was brewing in the garden.
This was Tom's favourite part of the month.
With his busy schedule between movies, interviews, and auditions, he barely had time with his family. But by having assigned dinners every month made him have something to look forward too.
As much as he failed to admit it, he missed his family. A lot. He missed his moms cooking, his dad's horrible jokes, and teasing his younger brothers endlessly. Especially when hearing his youngest brother, Patty, has a tutor from his failing grades.
A tutor that the youngest Holland has a massive crush on.
Patty's face was bright red and he was slumped down in the couch, trying to hide from the teasing from his brothers. Harry and Sam were dedicated in their video game but would add teasing comments between their competitive bickering. Much to Patty's despise.
Tom smirked taking another sip from the cold beer in his grasp and gave Tessa asleep on the couch beside him. He fixed his baseball cap that rested backwards on his head when finishing the bottle, leaning back in the cushions.
"Oi, isn't she a lil old for you mate?" Harry quipped with his eyes glued to the tv and fingers attacking the controller between his hands.
Paddy buried his face in his hands as Tom grinned wider from this new fact. "Oi, does our Padster have a thing for older women?" He nudged Paddy's arm and earned a groan from the victim.
"She isn't that old." Paddy argued, his voice muffled by his hands. "She's only six years older than me."
"Six years? She is closer to Harry and Sam's age than yours." Tom pointed out and Paddy shot a warning glare to his eldest brother. "Look, I say make your move. The worst she can say is no."
"Easy for you to say. You're a movie star who has girls falling for you from a single glance. I am just a newbie actor who is falling at school from all of these auditions." Paddy grumbled.
Tom grinned softened and he placed his empty bottle on the coffee table. "Paddy, can I offer some advice?"
"I'd prefer if you didn't." Paddy admitted, earning a laugh from Sam and Harry.
Tom shook his head. "You got to act confident. Girl's love confidence. Go in and just shoot your shot. Girls love coffee; just ask her out after a tutoring session."
Paddy let out a heavy breath and chewed on his lower lip glancing over at his older brother.
Tom has never seen his youngest brother so nervous over a girl before. He heard of Paddy's crushes on a phone call but he never been able to provide much brotherly-advise to his youngest brother. Tom was anxious for Paddy but he wanted to help him like any big brother would.
"Dinner's ready!" Dominic's voice announced from the kitchen.
Harry and Sam shot up from their seats and raced to the kitchen. Paddy rose to follow but Tom stopped him by the shoulder. "Paddy, you're a Holland. The girls love us. Just treat her right and buy her flowers. She will realize how great you are."
Paddy smiled genuinely thankful for Tom's advice. And for the following three months, Paddy did exactly that.
He started off by buying her a single flower on her birthday, a cup of coffee every tutoring session, and complimented her casually. Paddy would frequently update Tom on his attempts but every action seemed to result in a dead end.
Tom questioned his mom about how he found this girl to discover that Nikki knew the girl's mom from some mutual friends wedding from years ago. The two mothers exchanged numbers and became apart of a book club together. The family is from America but the daughter does exchange programs abroad. Nikki heard the daughter was looking for a job for rent and was also a Dean's List student. When Nikki saw Paddy's grades slipping, she saw the perfect answer for both problems.
Two birds, one stone.
But after the three months and Tom went back to LA, the phone calls with Paddy were still frequent but lacked any conversation between him and his tutor. Instead, Paddy began gushing over a co-star that he developed a fat crush for.
Soon within time, Tom found himself back in London lounging at his parents house with a beer in his hands yet again. He was outside helping Dominic grill some beef patty's and catching up about his newest book with the sun beaming overhead.
The gorgeous spring day made it a perfect grilling day. Harry, Sam, and Patty were kicking a football around on the grass, making a game of piggy-in-the-middle with Tessa lunging after the ball. Tom had a loose navy-shirt and dark jeans on with sunny's hiding his eyes from the harsh rays.
There was something about being home that always made Tom relax. Here, he wasn't worried about the paparazzi or saying the wrong thing. Here, he was just Thomas Holland: eldest brother, football genius, and inspiring/failing chef. Not Tom Holland: Movie star, heartthrob, and superhero.
Dammit. He loved being home.
"The potatoes are in the oven. How much longer for the patty's?" Nikki stepped out of the house brushing her hands on her apron.
"About ten more minutes." Dominic stated flipping a patty over.
Nikki hummed and glanced over at her other son's, a smile tugged at her lips watching them. The doorbell rang and her smile widened, placing a hand excitedly on Tom's arm. "She's here!" She sang rushing back in the house to answer the door.
Tom's eyes narrowed after his mother's departing figure. "Whose here? I didn't know we were having a guest over." Tom asked his dad who was checking the patty's for the hundredth time.
"Do you remember Paddy's tutor?" Dominic asked and Tom frowned deepened. "Well, in the past few months she has been coming over more for dinners while you have been in LA. Your mother says its because she has become the closest thing she has to a daughter, but I think it's because she is trying to set her up with Harry." He laughed shaking his head.
"Harry? I thought Paddy had a crush on her." Tom asked silently, hearing his mother's voice inside welcoming their guest.
Dominic shook his head. "That boy forgot about her a while ago. I think he likes a costar now but he doesn't tell me anything." He shrugged and Tom nodded slowly.
The backdoor slid open and Nikki stepped out. "Paddy! Look whose here!" She announced stepping aside.
Paddy glanced over and a wide smile appeared as the girl stepped out into the backyard. Her hair was neatly curled that covered her shoulders and her eyes squinted from the wide smile of seeing her favourite tutoree. Loose jeans hugged her waist perfectly and a white t-shirt body suit was accessorized by a few necklaces.
She obviously did not see Dominic or Tom because the barbecue was hidden in the corner of the deck, or from the fact that she jogged over to the three boys in the lawn immediately not acknowledging them at all.
She engulfed Paddy in a hug before moving along to Harry and Sam. The boys all smiled seeing her and welcomed her warmly, hinting of how often she has visited the house.
"I can't forget my favourite Holland." She knelt to the ground as Tessa ran up to her and she giggled as she found Tessa's favourite spot.
"Oi, you want to join?" Harry quipped tossing the ball in the air and catching it with ease.
She looked up and nodded with a smile, rising to her feet. "What are we playing?"
"Football. But you can't let Tessa get it." Sam explained.
"Your English slang never fails to confuse me." She huffs and earns a laugh from the three Holland boys.
"Tom, you want to join?" Paddy shouted over to his eldest brother.
Tom didn't realize that he was staring or that Dominic was finishing up the patty's on his own and talking to Nikki. It was so bluntly obvious of who he was staring at but when he heard Paddy had a tutor months ago, he never thought she would be so . . .
"Tom?" Harry laughed and Tom blinked out of the trance. "You gonna introduce yourself or just going to be awkward?"
The four were staring at him all chuckling and Tom felt his ears go red. He gave a tight lipped smile and a glare to Harry before heading down the steps and into the backyard.
Tom cleared his throat. "Hey, I'm Paddy's eldest brother, Tom. Nice to meet you." He switched his beer into his other hand and extended his hand with a soft smile.
The corner of her lip raised. "I'm Paddy's tutor, Y/N. It's nice to meet you too but I already know who you are." She admitted bashfully.
Tom's smile faltered and his hand dropped to his side. "Oh, uh, thanks." He licked his lips and glanced at his smirking brothers. "What movie did you see me in?" He asked Y/N.
"Your family movies." She chuckled and his face paled, all awkwardness fading into fear. "Harry and Sam loved showing me a bunch of your old movies a few weeks ago. I have to say, you are a great actor." She grinned.
Back when Tom was a kid, Harry would direct movies and Tom would act in them. He would be a superhero, prince, police officer, and a criminal. Looking back, they were extremely cringy and horrible. But they make for a good laugh and endless teasing on Tom.
Knowing that Y/N saw them before meeting him was not ideal. So much for making a good first impression.
"I thought I burnt those." Tom grumbled glaring at his twin brothers hiding their laughs in their palms.
Y/N smiled. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me but I'd be careful; Harry might sell it to LA before you know it."
"Oi, I'm cutting you out of the profit." Harry teased and Y/N laughed along with the boys.
"So, we playing?" Paddy asked glancing around. "Cause I want Tom on my team."
"I didn't know there was teams." Y/N admitted.
"Now there is and Tom is on mine." Paddy shrugged, making Harry roll his eyes and Sam chuckle.
"In a minute, Pads." Tom nodded. "I need another beer. Y/N, did you want anything?"
"Sure, I'll come in with you." She smiled and followed Tom inside.
The three brothers watched them disappear inside talking between another and Y/N giggle at something Tom said, that caused a blush to rush to his cheeks. Sam nudged Harry's arm with a smirk, "Look's like mom will ease about setting you two up and it looks like our eldest brother has a crush."
"Please tell me we're going to embarrass and tease him about this." Harry glanced at Paddy who was smirking widely with vengence.
"There is no way I wasn't." Paddy crossed his arms. "I think mom still has all of our old baby photos in her office."
"Maybe we should give him a break. I mean, Tom is only here once a month." Sam voice wavered with hesitance.
Harry nodded and slapped a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Exactly, Tom has lacked our brotherly annoyance for so long. We are just reminding him of how much we love him. I'll go get the albums, Paddy go see if he still has his childhood teddy bear Mr. Cuddles."
Paddy rushed inside with a wicked grin and sam shook his head, crossed his arms over his chest. "I still think this is a bad idea."
"You worry too much." Harry smirked holding the ball in his arms making Tessa whine for holding it to himself. "You think I didn't show Clark all your embarrassing photos? Come brother. Let's go embarrass Tom out of the curtesy of our hearts."
Sam exhaled and shook his head. "You truly are the evil one."
Anyone else a little put off with Aelin and Rowan's romance...? I am dual reading Empire of Storm and Tower of Dawn right now but keep thinking that they are cousins. I really hope I misread...
When Aria opened her eyes, the beaming sunlight is not what she expected to see. Her head was throbbing and she felt a bruise forming near her eye. She looked and felt like she was hit by a submarine. She was dripping wet as the waves brushed up against her legs and sand clung to her desperately.
Pushing herself up, the sand dissolved in her grasp and Aria scanned her surroundings uncertain of where she was. White sand, a gorgeous blue ocean, and a forest surrounded her making her beyond confused. This was definitely not Storybrooke anymore.
Aria's thoughts were running trying to comprehend what was happening and what built up to this moment:
First, Blake appeared out of no where and begged her to follow him.
Then, they got to the end of the dock where some cloaked boy was awaiting for them and Mr. Gold was chasing them.
Finally, the boys threw something in the water and then pushed her in.
Wait a damn second. Blake pushed her in.
A scoff slipped out of her lips in disbelief. She knew she shouldn't have trusted him but now she was regretting her choice. Because she got kidnapped by two strangers and woke up on a stunning beach that was obviously miles away from her home.
Running her hand through her damp hair, she looked around for any sign of either boy that kidnapped her. Yet there was no footprints or signs of life anywhere near her, and Aria couldn't decide if she was relieved or worried about that.
The beach consisted of washed up seaweed, small crabs, and a large lonesome rock peaking out of the water near the shoreline. The place was deserted.
Brushing the sand onto her damp jeans she began to formulate a plan. Where ever she was didn't matter because she had to find out how to get home. Aria concluded she was washed up on shore alone. But that is her problem; being alone. Without anyone to give her a sense of knowledge of where she was, she was good as dead.
A sudden crunch of a stick behind her from the bushy forest startled her fight-flight response. Aria was afraid to be alone but she didn't want to know what beast was lurking in the shadows, like a cougar or panther. Instead of waiting around to find what what behind that sound, Aria sprinted down the beach and entered the furthest forest away from danger and the dangerous gaze of dozens of boys watching her curiously from the trees.
"Where are we going?" Arista asked brushing a leaf out of her face as she followed behind Blake.
Blake shot a smirk over his shoulder. "It's a full moon." He stated matter-of-factly.
Arista rolled her eyes and glanced at the beaming moon overhead. "I can see that. But that doesn't explain where we are going." She leapt over a fallen log.
Blake only chuckled and kept walking, leaving Arista in oblivion. The mermaid huffed and jogged to follow Blake into a clearing in the forest.
In the cleared area was a giant circle was formed by the demolish of trees. Tree trunks were seats for the dozens of Lost Boys all awaiting for their leader to arrive, all chatting away about hunting, the meeting, or the mermaids in the cove.
Blake led Arista towards two stumps near the back of the circle and Arista sat down scanning the gaze.
She immediately saw Felix standing off to the side, blending in with the shadows that Arista barely saw him. He hand one hand on his staff prepared to fight in case of any scenario and the other at rest at his side. He must have sensed her gaze as he looked over at her, nodding in recognition, before resuming his scans.
Arista resumed her scan and counted all the Lost Boy's present except the leader who seemed to be running late. She didn't know what exactly what was going on but everyone seemed excited. Eager, really. They could barely sit still in anticipation awaiting for Peter Pan to arrive.
"Boys!" His voice rang through the forest as he appeared from the tree line.
The conversations died and everyone all looked at Pan scanning the crowd. Arista watched him take his place at the center of the circle on the largest trunk, as if it was a stage and he was about to perform with his back facing her.
"Tonight is a full moon-" The crowd burst out into hoots and hollers, and Arista excitement began to grow as the moon shone brighter. Blake cupped his hands over his mouth to project his voice. "Silence!" Pan shouted and the arena fell pin-drop silent. His eyes roamed the crowd, "You all know the rules. It is the same as always but tonight there is a twist," He stated with a mischievous smirk. "Tonight's game is more exciting and dangerous. It is more challenging and competitive-" He turned around slowly until his eyes landed on Arista and his smirk grew. "Tonight's game of hide and seek won't be you lads finding me. Tonight we are going to be seeking our newest member. Tonight, we will be seeking our Lost Mermaid and the winner will receive a gracious reward."
The hoots and hollers reemerged from the silence and Blake nudged her excitedly. But Arista felt the blood drain from her face. She has trained, played, and hunted among these Boys. They are ruthless and vicious when it comes to games. Arista knew they played with arrows and spears. She was uncertain if she would make it out of this unharmed.
Aria swat a branch out of her face and grumbled angrily to herself. Her clothes were damp and covered in sand. She uncomfortably felt sand in places where sand should not be. Her feet continued forward with no destination in mind but she knew she had to put distance between her and her kidnappers.
Her body ached from walking for so long and not stopping for rest. Aria's stomach grumbled for the hundredth time and her throat was sore from the lack of water. There was nothing more than Aria hoped for than for a decent meal right now. But she knew that was impossible in the middle of a forest.
Stepping into a small opening, Aria let out a sigh and took a seat on one of the fallen logs. The tree's overhead had a large opening to reveal the dawn skies painted orange and pink. It would be dark soon and Aria would need to set up camp soon.
Checking her surroundings, this place looked good to set up. But Aria knew a fire would attract attention but she would catch a cold in these damp clothes if she didn't warm up soon. The climate was warm but no doubt their nights were cold.
Thanks to the girl scouts at the local school Aria had no trouble starting a fire. She found many sticks and logs in the area to act as her foundation and dried leaves to be her fuel. Aria hated learning how to build fires when she was a girl scout and thought it was useless. But now she was greatful her evil stepmother forced her into those lessons.
When she returns to Storybrooke, Aria will make a nice thank you card and bouquet as a gift.
The fire cracked and crinkled beside her as she lounged on the log. The wood was harsh on her back but she didn't care. This was better than laying on the ground. Her hands rested behind her head and watched the night sky take over the dawn skies. One by one stars began to appear and caused a smile to grow on Aria's lip.
For someone who was kidnapped and was stranded in the middle of no where, Aria felt peace staring up at the sky. She was uncertain why but it felt like the stars were twinkling just for her.
A crunch of leaves snapped Aria out of her dazes state. She shot up from the log and reached for the thick branch she used as a baseball-bat-like weapon. Aria's eyes narrowed and her lips tightened. "W-whose there!? I have a knife, don't step closer!" She shouted out.
Obviously she does not have a knife. Just a lousy stick. But the stranger didn't know that and she planned to keep it that way.
"You talk silly." A woman giggled stepping out from the shadows of the trees. Her lips were raised in an excited smile and her blonde hair was clipped back revealing her green eyes. Aria assumed the woman's favourite colour was green based on her green shoes and clothes. From the small light from the fire, Aria almost sworn they looked like they were made from leaves.
"Don't step any closer!" Aria warned raising the log higher ready to swing if necessary.
The woman's lips faltered and froze in her spot. Her eyes studied Aria and she crossed her arms sternly. "I thought the wind was lying when I heard the rumour." She sighed walking around Aria observing every small feature. Aria followed her with the stick making sure she stayed away from her. "I mean you look the same but different. In a good way, obviously." The woman laughed to herself.
Aria's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?" She snapped out, her hands began to shake from worry and exhaustion.
The woman froze and her lips faltered seeing the quivering state of the lone girl. "Oh. I truly did not want to believe that rumour. I'm sorry, let me introduce myself. I'm Tink." She stated softly.
It was Aria's turn to study the stranger. The green shoes with small white balls on either toe, the green dress woven together by vines and leaves, and the blonde hair tied back in a bun. Aria shook her head with a teasing smile, laughing inside from the irony.
"As in Tinkerbell?" She laughed.
Tink's expression lit up. "You remember me?"
Aria froze realizing this woman was serious. "Look, I don't know who you are or where I am-" The woman's expression dropped and her head tilted in confusion. "But I just want to go home. I just want to go home." Aria begged.
Tink's excitement fell into an unreadable expression. She looked almost disappointed before replacing it with a faint smile. "You are in danger out here. He will find you soon if you don't come with me."
"Who is 'He'? What is this place? Where is Blake?" I question numerous times, rambling them out one after another.
Tink exhaled. "I will explain all of that but you need to come to me. We must get out of here."
"How do I know I can trust you? I ended up here stranded because I trusted strangers." Aria snapped back, gripping the stick tighter and raised it higher.
Tink shrugged. "I pinky promise you can. But I guess you can either wait here to get found or come with me. From your fire smoke, I bet he will be here shortly."
Aria wasn't sure who 'he' was but she didn't want to find out. Although Tinkerbell did not look vicious, what type of place is this that a girl believes she is a fictional character. She must have been here a while and is mentally insane. Aria did not want to trust someone mentally unstable but she didn't have many options but to trust her. Besides her other option seemed far more dangerous.
"Alright but if you try anything I will hit you." Aria stated referring to her trusty stick.
Tink glanced down at the stick and her smile widen. "You have changed. Good. Now come along. We don't have time to waste." She chimed turning around and slipping back into the shadows.
Aria took a deep breath before her feet followed after the pixie. This must have been the weirdest thing Aria has ever done. But that being said, nothing about this was normal.
Arista giggled as she rushed through the forest. Her heart was pounding and she breathed deeply to escape the Lost Boys and Pan. She was determined to win.
She recalled many times her and her sisters would play similar games. Those memories were possibly the best memories Arista growing up. The thought sent a pang of sadness over her.
But the feeling was quickly overruled by her adrenaline pushing her forward to rush and hide. Her feet jumped over logs as she heard the hoots and hollers of the boys in the forest behind her as they began their search.
Or their hunt.
Arista stumbled over a log and caught her footing. Her eyes flickered behind her as she stopped to catch her breath, looking for any sign of the boys. But she was alone in the darkness. Her breathing and crickets filled the silence. Small fireflies danced the air around her and lit up the moonlit sky.
"A girl?" Arista whirled around to the voice to see a woman standing behind her, glancing over her appearance. The woman had golden blonde hair tied back in a bun, a green dress made from leaves, and flat shoes with white pom-poms on the toes. "Pan never takes girls." She stated shocked.
Arista tilted her head gently. "H-Hi?" She spoke uncertain.
Peter Pan told her the only ones she can trust on this island is himself and his Lost Boys. Yet this woman seemed harmless. Yet she believed she was the only girl on the island. Who is this woman?
"Don't be scared. I am not like that barbaric group of boys." The woman rolled her eyes. "I'm Tinkerbell but my friends call me Tink."
Arista relaxed faintly. "Arista." She introduced.
"Arista? As in, Poseidon's daughter?" Tink asked intrigued. "You are a long way from home."
Arista jumped when she heard a boy holler in the distance that was a lot closer than she thought. Tink noticed and stepped aside. "Follow me. You won't be found with me." She insisted as she slipped back into the shadows.
Arista glanced between the woman and the direction of the hollers. Unless she wanted to be found so quickly, she would have to trust this woman. She must be harmless though. Pan wouldn't have anyone on his island that is dangerous. Right...?
"You have a lovely home." Aria spoke hesitantly as she glanced around the small treehouse. It was rather small and messy. There was a lot of things laying around and rather unorganized. Tink began kicking things under tables, dressers, and the bed to hide it.
"Ignore my mess. I like to tinker when I am bored." Tink smiled bashful over her shoulder.
Aria nodded and walked slowly around the hut, taking a look around of the small treehouse. It was rather impressive to be single handedly created. The walls were logs all tied together with some rope and fishing line. The roof was compiled of twigs, moss, and leaves. It was rather innovative and creative for someone whose possible insane. "It is okay. My room is the same." She muttered looking at the titles from the small bookshelf and recognized a few of the titles.
Tinkerbell stood across the room watching her curiously with her arms crossed, silently studying her. Aria picked up a book and glanced over the title. The book a specific mermaid gifted Tink a while ago.
"That's my favourite." Tink stated watching Aria intently for any sign of recognition.
Aria scoffed and put the book back. "Pixie Hollow? Sounds like an amazing place." She stated sarcastically.
Tink tilted her head. "You don't think it's real?" She frowned.
"You do?" Aria retorted.
Tink raised an eyebrow. She walked over and stood next to Aria, glancing over the variety of books on her shelf. "Books are stories. Each describe a different world, a different life, a different person."
Aria stared at the woman. "There fictional." She stated bluntly.
"Says who?" Tink glanced at Aria with a fond smile. "Perhaps we say things are fictional because we are too afraid to admit that they exist."
Aria crossed her arms. "You believe Pixie Hollow exists? Might as well Neverland and Peter Pan than too." She scoffed.
"You have a lot of doubt in your mind." Tink stated with a frown. "You need to believe in order to see. Perhaps those authors who write these stories are the only one's who open their eyes up to see the unknown. They are the only one's who know the world better than anyone." She hummed.
Aria stared at the woman. The woman in the green dressed seemed so sure that fantasy words existed. Surely her and Henry would get along splendid. But the way she spoke was calming. Almost reassuring. As if she carried a wisdom Aria did not.
"How do you believe something so insane so easily?" Aria asked genuinely curious.
Tink giggled and her face lit up. "Well, all you need is to have a little faith and hope. Anything is possible."
Tinkerbell brought Arista back to her home where she welcomed her with some tea. Arista settled on the floor of the treehouse, with a small cup of tea in half of an acorn that was enlarged and a blanket laid out.
Tinkerbelle slumped down across from her and crossed her legs, resting her elbow on her knee. "I have never seen a girl here before." She hummed resting her chin on her hand, narrowing her eyes on the girl.
Aristia smiled faintly and took a sip of her tea.
"Are you a Lost Boy?" Tink asked and Arista shook her head. "Imprisoned by Pan?" Again, Arista shook her head. "Apart of Captain Hook's crew?"
Arista shook her head more vigorously, a shiver ran down her spine at the memory of her last encounter with the pirate. "Gods, no."
"Then who are you?" Tink asked curiously.
Arista smiled. "I'm Arista."
Tink's eyes widen in recognition. "As in daughter of Poseidon?" Arista nods and Tink exhaled deeply. "Geez. Pan has definitely increased his dangerous games." She mumbled to herself.
"What do you mean?" Arista tilted her head, watching the fairy.
"Peter Pan loves playing games. I just don't know what his plan is for you. He never does anything without having an intention." Tink stated.
Arista hummed. "Pan has been allowing me to stay on the island. Given me a place to rest. I owe him a lot."
Tink chuckled. "Pan? As in Peter Pan?" She shook her head. "I don't think we are talking about the same boy. The boy I know is ruthless and cold. He never does anything selfless without reason."
"Then he has changed." Arista defended.
"Peter Pan does not change. He never will." Tink stated sternly. "That boy is many things. But he will always, forever, be heartless."
Aria stood in the treehouse alone. Tink stated she needed to run an errand but assured she would be safe in here. Aria didn't want to risk the dangers outside in the forest at night and decided this girl was safe enough to befriend.
Aria walked around the small treehouse and stopped at the makeshift desk. A smile tugged at her lips seeing the girl tinkering away of what looks like a fan. Running a finger over the edges, she spinned it and smiled softly. It was rather impressive to be made from half a coconut, gaint leaves, and rope.
Her eyes caught sight of a small wooden plaque resting on her desk. On top sat a conch shell that was no bigger than her palm. Aria picked it up curiously as it stood out from the rest of the items in the small treehouse. It looked fragile. It looked out of place. It looked valuable.
Aria held it to her ear and closed her eyes. She could ear the echoes of the wind, mimicking the sound of the waves. The ocean. She could have swore she smelt the salt air hit her face.
"Hey T-!" A voice stated from the shell and Aria almost dropped it. Her eyes shot open and she stared at it, uncertain if she heard correctly. Did this thing just speak to her?
Aria heard footsteps and quickly put the shell back before she was caught for snooping. Tink walked back into the treehouse holding a bag on her shoulder that Aria saw was filled with junk washed up items.
"You okay? You look seasick." Tink chuckled dropping the bag down with a thump.
Aria nods and stare at the girl who walked across the treehouse setting her bag down. "Y-Yeah, fine." She mumbled staring at the conch shell on the desk. Aria must have sounded convincing because Tink didn't push questions.
But Aria couldn't shake it. That the voice she heard, was her voice....
"I believe this this cheating, love." Peter Pan leaned on the doorway to Tink's treehouse with a cocky smile on his lips, his arms crossed over his chest. "None of my Lost Boys are allowed over here. Yet you knew that." His smirk widened, almost in pride.
Arista glanced over her shoulder and smiled softly at Pan. "It is not cheating. I simply played according to your rules: There are no rules."
"Using my own words against me? I am rather impressed." Pan stepped into the treehouse.
Tink shot up from her seat with a glare. "You are not welcomed in here." She warned.
Pan froze in his steps. "Ah. My apologies." He crossed his arms. "Arista, it is time to leave back to camp." His eyes flicker to the mermaid.
"She can stay." Tink crossed her arms sternly.
Pan's gaze met hers and they were having a silent battle on who was going to win. Noticing the tensions rising, Arista rose and dusted herself off of the invisible dust. "He is right. I should be leaving but thank you for having me. You have a lovely home." She told Tink.
Tink's eyes flickered to Arista and a frown replaced her scold. "You don't have to leave." She mumbled gently.
"It is getting late. But I will visit again." Arista assured.
Tink nodded and watched Arista walk to Pan's side. He stood there smugly, knowing she would join him. His eyes flicker to Arista and he mumbled something to Arista in a soft whisper. Arista nodded and flashed a final smile at Tink before leaving, departing down the ladder.
Tink's eyes flashed back to Pan. "You broke our rule. You can't be across my line." She glared.
"You broke it first by stealing from me." Pan snapped, his tone turning cold.
Tink scoffed and crossed her arms. "That girl is not an object to be stolen. I was simply offering her a safe haven from your dangerous behaviours."
Pan's gaze darkened. "She did not need saving."
Tink raised a chin. "Doesn't she?" Pan glared so darkly he would snap Tink's neck if he had the ability too. "Does she even know who you are? The dangers you possess?"
"You tell her nothing or our agreements are off." Pan warned lowly. "I allow you live here. I allow you to have your own boundaries on my island. But I will not allow you to speak nonsense into her ears."
Tink stared at him. Really stared at him. "Merlins..." She mumbled in realization, her eyes wideneing and her jaw slacked. "You like her."
Pan scoffed. "Nonsense."
Tink wanted to argue and protest but Pan left without another word. Almost, silently proving her theory is correct. She stood there alone in her treehouse staring at the empty space around her dumbfounded.
The heart of Peter Pan is cold, ruthless, and vengeful. Yet perhaps deep down within his interior, there is some part of his heart that beats a little faster for a Lost Mermaid.
The Lost Mermaid who became Peter Pan's one and only weakness.
The files Jennifer borrowed from the police station was useless. It was filled with the Will's autopsy report, witness statements from friends and family members of Barb and Will, and photos of the crime scene of where they were last scene.
Jennifer found herself in the back Hawkins High School Library in the corner behind shelves on the floor with her nose in the files. Her backpack was beside her, files scrambled out, and her thumb nail between her teeth. She was studying the files for the tenth time trying to spot anything she did not notice before. There has to be something in these files that can provide some answers.
Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and Eleven had their own mission and tasks to accomplish. They all spent the other night reviewing the files. But when nothing new showed up, they moved along to their next clue.
Jennifer wasn't ready to give up. There was something in these files that must help. There has to be.
A pair of shoes appear in front of Jennifer's peripheral gaze and someone clearing their throat broke the silence. She glanced up slowly from her file, following the pair of shoes to a mischievous smirk. Seeing those brown eyes, she groaned and lowered her gaze back to the file seeing the boy she despised.
"Well, well, well, look who it is." Steve smirked raising his bag on his shoulder higher. "Callahan became a nerd with no friends. Can't say I didn't see that coming."
"Can it, Harrington." Jennifer grumbled looking back down at the file.
Steve's smirk widened and glanced down to the file in her hands. His eyes narrowed noticing the 'Confidential' sticker on the file beside her and his eyes glanced to the file in his hands. His lips parted, "Is that-" He mumbled in realization. "Callahan! You can't go stealing police files when you want too." He whispered angrily, glancing around concerned for lurking ears.
Jennifer rolled her eyes and began packing up her things. "I don't have to listen to you." She grumbled stacking the files on top of another and slid them in her textbook to hide them. She rose to her feet and slung her bag on her shoulder, clutching the textbook with the files to her chest.
Steve stepped in front of her to block her only escape. "You could get arrested." He snapped.
"Nothing new." Jennifer smirked up at him.
Steve groaned and rolled his eyes. "Fine. Don't call me to bail you out." He glared.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Jennifer rolled her eyes.
Steve slid his hands in is jacket and exhaled deeply. His posture shifting quickly from anger to hesitancy. He glancing down at the ground anxiously, rocking back on the heels of his shoes. "Have you, um, talked to Nancy?" He asked curiously looking up at her.
Jennifer glared at him. "She has been rather busy with Will and Barb. Give her space." She snapped.
Steve's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. "What is your problem? Suddenly I can't be worried for my girlfriend?"
Jennifer scoffed in amusement. "Girlfriend? Please, you're just going to end up hurting her."
"Hurt her?" Steve glared. "I would never hurt Nancy."
Jennifer smirked and tilted her head. "That's what they all say. But I swear, lay a hand on her and I will make you regret it." She warned. She moved to walk past him but Steve being a lot taller and broader, make her shoulder hit his as she moved by. The textbook fell from her hands and fell open to reveal the files.
Jennifer swore under her breath as the photos contained in the files fell out and mixed together. She knelt down to clean it up as Steve stood there, staring at the photos on the ground.
As Jennifer gathered all the photos and papers, her eyes caught one final photo at Steve's feet. Steve reached down and picked it up, his body tense as his eyes stared at the photo. Jennifer grabbed her textbook and files, quickly standing up to snatch the photo out of his hands.
Steve stood there frozen as Jennifer marched off out of the library. He stared at the direction she left, paralyzed by the photo he just saw. The crime photo of his house with something hidden in the shadows. Something with a flower shaped mouth hidden in the shadows of the forest.
Jennifer didn't want to skip Will's funeral but she couldn't bring herself to believe Will was dead. Mike, Lucas, and Dustin convinced her that Will was alive. They didn't have a reason. Just a hunch.
But Jennifer was holding onto that hunch with her entire life.
A couple days passed since Will's funeral and Jennifer felt her mind jumbled. It was as if she had all the puzzle pieces displayed in front of her but did not know how to put them together. Something was happening yet nothing was making sense.
Jennifer exhaled pulling up to a red light. The bubble gum burst on her lips before she began chewing on it again. Blondie sang out from the radio and Jennifer fingers tapped along the steering wheel to the song.
She ran a hand through her hair and exhaled deeply, glancing out her open window to the autumn leaves blowing on the sidewalk. That's when she froze.
Standing in the parking lot nearby loading things into a trunk of a car was Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Beyers. Together. Looking rather...cozy. Jennifer watched Johnathan smile faintly at Nancy as she dropped something into the trunk. Even as Nancy wasn't paying attention, Johnathan gaze was anything but platonic.
As Nancy turned to Jonathan, he quickly dropped his gaze to drop his bag into the trunk. Yet this time Jennifer watch as Nancy gave the same glance to Jonathan as he continued on the conversation.
A horn honked behind Jennifer's car and the two heads snapped to the commotion. Jennifer swore under her breath and looked ahead seeing the light turn green, and quickly stepped on the gas to take her away.
Too much was happening in Hawkins to worry about Nancy's relationship with Steve or her newfound friendship with Jonathan. This would have to wait till later. Jennifer has to figure something out first.
Jennifer continued to drive, her head whirling of theories and ideas that could possibly explain what the heck was happening in this town. When she drove past the movie theatre.
Jennifer slammed on her breaks and the car behind her went hysterical with their car horn. But she didn't care. Her eyes were on the display case above the entrance. Specifically, the red spray painted words on it.
"PLAYING: ALL THE RIGHT MOVES starring nancy the slut wheeler."
Her fist tightened around the wheel and she pulled into the curb across to the movie theatre, ignoring the driver behind her flipping her off and car horn before he sped off. Her fingers turned white and her jaw clenches as she flew the door open and stepped out, slamming it shut behind her. Her eyes never once left the spray paint on the poster board.
She heard laughter coming from the alleyway next to the movie theatre and rushed over. She didn't have to guess to know who did it. Jennifer knew.
She was going to kill him.
Tommy's laughter was the first thing she heard when she walked into the alleyway. Followed by a spray can hissing as the group continued to vandalize.
"Tommy, you write like a three-year old." Carol giggled leaning back against the brick wall watching with an amused smirk of the two boys vandalize the building.
"Shut up." Tommy grumbled writing another letter on the brick wall.
Jennifer exhaled and clenched her jaw walking towards the three pricks. Her fists were curled at her side and all she felt was rage. Pure, livid, rage.
Because this is exactly what Jesse threatened to do in the past. This is what Jesse would have done. After Jennifer refused to talk to him after he stole her car, after she didn't want to stop being friends with Jonathan, after Jesse threatened her to lie to her father.
Steve is exactly like Jesse. Jennifer was getting more convinced of that fact every single day.
As Jennifer got closer, Carol heard her footsteps first and glanced over. "Hey there princess." She mocked laughed.
"Uh oh, someone looks upset." Tommy chuckled stepping back to Carols side, the spray paint can falling from his fingers.
But Jennifer's gaze was glaring directly at Steve as he finished his spray painted sentence on the wall. His eyes flicker over and a hint of surprise filled his face. But his surprise was quickly masked with a cocky smirk.
He turned to face Jennifer and tilted his chin back, "Come to fight Nancy's battles?" He poked.
Jennifer was now breathing heavier feeling furious. She was clenching her fists so hard, she felt blood under her fingernails. So she didn't hold back as her fist flew and struck Steve in the cheek.
Carol and Tommy laughed loudly in amusement echoing off the brick alley walls. Steve brushed some blood from his nose away that began to pour out. He scoffed and glared coldly at Jennifer in shock of her audacity.
"What is wrong with you?" Jennifer snapped angrily.
"What's wrong with me?" Steve scoffed sarcastically. "What is wrong with Nancy? I was worried about her, and she was off with Beyers-"
"So you did this for what?" Jennifer snapped glancing to the red spray painted wall. "For payback? To mock her?" Jennifer voice began to rise.
"I was worried about her!" Steve's own anger rose matching hers. "And she was off with him-"
Jennifer raised a hand and slapped him across the cheek earning another few chuckles from Tommy and Carol. "Never speak about Nancy in that sense. She would never cheat." She warned.
Steve's face didn't move as she slapped him. His eyes only narrowed at her statement. "Oh really?" His cheek now red from her slap, punch, and frustration. "I went by her house yesterday because I was so worried. And I saw Beyers in her bed."
Jennifer stiffened. She did not know that. "You're lying." She scoffed shaking her head. There is no way Nancy would do that.
Steve is just like Jesse and Jesse is a liar.
A smirk tugged at Steve's lips. "Am I? Sounds like you don't know your best friend as much as you thought you did."
Jennifer blinked and did her best to ignore the pain, the truth, in the sentence. Yeah, sure, Nancy and Jennifer weren't that close. It was Barb who connected the two together. But Jennifer knew Nancy well enough to know she wouldn't ever cheat. Especially with Beyers.
Regardless of how close they seemed in a parking lot moments ago.
"Jen!" A voice rang behind her. Jennifer glanced over her shoulder to see Nancy jogging over, with Jonathan close behind her, both looking pained and angry by what was spray painted at the front.
Jennifer saw them in that parking lot. She saw how they looked at another. As she glanced between them, her thoughts began to roam. Nancy is her friend. She had to trust her. But Barb was their glue. Barb would hold the two girls accountable and make them talk, to work things out.
Without Barb, what friendship do they have...?
More importantly, what trust do they have? Perhaps Jennifer does not know Nancy as well as she expected.
"Look who joined the party!" Carol hollered mockingly as Tommy laughed beside her.
Nancy approached and glanced at Steve seeing the blood stain below his nose. Her eyes flicker to Jennifer and saw her red fists quickly making the connection. Nancy exhaled in appreciation of Jennifer before her eyes glared into Steve's.
"What is wrong with you?" Nancy glared in disbelief.
Steve scoffed and raised his hands sarcastically. "Why does everyone assume I am the bad guy here? You're the one lying." Steve glared angrily.
"Careful Wheeler, you don't want to be known as the lying slut too." Carol mused with a giggle.
"Shut it Carol." Jennifer snapped in warning her eyes shooting a cold glare her way. Tommy smirked and Carol rolled eyes but stepped back into Tommy's side.
Steve eyes flicker from Jennifer and back to Nancy, before glancing at Jonathan standing behind her. "Seems like you two were cozy the other night." He glared at Jonathan.
Realization flashed in Nancy's eyes. "You came by the other night." She mumbled to herself. "It isn't what it looked like-"
Both Steve and Jennifer froze. It isn't what it looked like?
Jennifer didn't believe Steve at first. It was Nancy Wheeler. The goodie-two-shoes that her father wished she was more like. Nancy was seen as everyones favourite and would never do anything wrong. But she was wrong. Perhaps Nancy isn't the innocent one here.
"What, you just let him into your room to...study?" Steve asked lowly.
Nancy shook her head and exhaled deeply. "W-We were just-"
"What, Nancy? Finish that sentence." Steve asked. "Finish the sentence."
Nancy exhaled deeply and glanced at Jonathan. All while Jennifer stood between Steve and Nancy, and she suddenly didn't know what to think. Although Nancy and Jonathan were her friends, she did not support cheating.
No one deserved to get cheated on.
Jennifer's gaze dropped stepping back and out of the way. Nancy's eyes flicker to Jennifer and saw her avoiding her gaze. Jonathan saw the same thing and grabbed Nancy's arm, "It's not worth it. Come on, lets go." He mumbled.
Nancy let Jonathan pull her back as her eyes stared at Jennifer, who was looking down at her boots. But Steve wasn't done. He took a step after Nancy and Jonathan his anger now directed to Beyers.
"You know what, Beyers? I always took you for a queer," He followed after them as they began to leave the alley. "But I guess you're just a little screw-up like your father." He chuckled and pushed the back of Jonathan that he stumbled forward.
Jennifer's head finally snapped up and landed on Steve as he continued.
"Oh yeah, the house is full of screw-ups." Steve laughed and pushed Jonathan again. "You know, I guess I shouldn't really be surprised. I mean there is a bunch of screw-ups in your family. Like your mom. Oh, I'm not even surprised what happened to your brother. Sorry I have to be the one to tell you, but the Beyers, their family, it's a disgrace to the entire-"
Jennifer gasped as Jonathan spun around and threw a fist into the side of Steve's face. Steve stumbled and hit the brick wall before he turned to Jonathan and lunged. They both collided into the hood of Tommy's car and Steve began throwing fists.
Tommy and Carol shouted encouragements as Nancy shouted at them to stop. Jennifer stood there watching the two brawl it out on the concrete and exhaled. At this point, she didn't know what to think as Steve delivered a fist to Jonathan's face. Or when Jonathan struck Steve in the gut.
Jennifer didn't know who was in the right or wrong anymore.
"Cops!" Tommy shouted and rushed to pull Jonathan off of Steve. Everyone except the two boys fighting looked up to see a cop car with a siren pull into the alley. The driver got out in a rush.
Jennifer's eyes widen as she saw her father step out and took a step back. Dressed in his official officer uniform as he slammed the door shut behind him and ran over.
"Break it up!" Mr. Callahan shouted not noticing his daughter near being too focused on the fight in front of him.
Jonathan pushed Tommy off and delivered another punch to Steve. Nancy screamed for him to stop but he shown no effort too. The fight was only progressing for the worst. Something snapped in Jennifer and she rushed over to assist.
Just as Jonathan flew his fist back for another punch to Steve's face, only to struck Mr. Callahan in the nose with his elbow.
"My nose!" Mr. Callahan groaned and stumbled back, clutching his nose as blood poured down to his upper lip. The nose oddly misshapen and clearly broken.
"Dad!" Jennifer gasped and rushed over as the other cop in the car got out to tear Jonathan off of him.
"Jen? W-What are you doing out here?" Mr. Callahan glared angrily as he held tightly onto his broken nose. "I should have known you were behind the graffiti." He grumbled to himself agitated. Almost disappointed.
Mr. Callahan lost a lot of trust and faith in his daughter after Jesse Thompson. The boy dragged her into very bad things and she fell into the wrong crowd. But he truly lost all trust in his daughter when she stole the keys to his cop car and took a joyride with her ex-boyfriend around Hawkins while he was intoxicated.
Jennifer wanted to tell him the truth. That Jesse warned her if she didn't, he would be graffitiing words about her all over Hawkins and make her regret it. But she didn't. Because she knew Jesse would be a lot angrier if he discovered she didn't follow through with it.
She also knew that whatever she said to her dad, he wouldn't trust her. He would not believe her.
Jonathan was pinned to the hood of the cop car and was getting handcuffed. Tommy helped Steve up and they began running off. Jennifer didn't respond or move as her dad turned to the running fugitives and shouted after them before running after them.
Leaving her alone in the alleyway as Jonathan got handcuffed against the hood of a cop car, Nancy was anxiously watching and a flash of guilt washed her fact, as she glanced at Jennifer watching her dad run off.
Jennifer stood there with her hands limp at her side watching her dad run off after Hawkins golden-boy. The wind blew down the alley and some dry leaves hit her boots. Her hair was pushed back over her shoulder feeling a variety of emotions. Anger, disappointment, betrayal, loneliness.
Looks like some things never change about Jennifer Callahan. Once a loner, always a loner.
"You two! In the cop car now! Do not make me get my other handcuffs." The other cop warned as he hauled Jonathan to the backseat.
Jennifer exhaled deeply and shoved her hands into her jacket pocket. Even without Jesse in her life, she wounded up in the back of a cop car. How ironic. But this time, she isn't sure who to blame at this point. Steve, Jonathan, Nancy, or herself?
She walked to the cop car and ignored Nancy's attempts to explain. The cop was loading Jonathan in the other way and Nancy called out again.
"Jen! Come on, please wait! T-this isn't what you think. I would never-" Nancy called out desperate.
Jennifer opened the cop car door and glanced up. "I seriously don't care." She states bluntly. "I have enough going on to worry about your romance with Harrington or Beyers."
Nancy's expression fell. "You don't believe me?" She spoke gently.
"Would you?" Was all Jennifer said before sliding into the car.
Nancy exhaled and ran a hand through her hair. Mr. Callahan panted as he walked back to the car, nose still broke, but free from any delinquents. Steve and his friends got away. He grabbed Nancy's arm and lead her to the back of the car.
Smushing her against Jennifer's side before slamming the car door shut. Leaving Nancy, Jennifer, and Jonathan into a very awkward silence.
"Jen-" Jonathan tried.
"Don't." Jennifer snapped and leaned back in the seat. "I seriously do not want to talk to either of you right now." She mumbled to herself as her dad climbed into the passenger seat.
The cop car drove off with three silent teenagers in the back and passed by Jennifer's still running car still sitting across the movie theatre. The blue honda sat there with a small rattling as the car passed, Blondie songs continued to play from the radio. A soft wind brushed against it and a few fallen autumn leaves struck the window.
With a clunk and a gurgle, the car slowly died and fell silent in the autumn day. Just as a shadow lurked through the same alleyway before quickly dissipating away into the silence of the day. Leaving Hawkins in the same eerie silence as the night Will Beyers went missing.
The smallest rumour can spread like wildfire, especially when the residents are extremely noisy. When the diner on the corner of main had mushrooms growing from the carpet, everyone knew within a day and the place had to shut down from a lack of customers. Or the town was buzzing when news of a new record store opening across town was heard, people wouldn't shut up about it for months.
Even the news that Barbara Holland ran away from home and gone missing.
But Jennifer never, ever, expected the news of Will Beyers body to be found to become one of those rumours she heard in the whispers.
It happened early that morning.
Jennifer was nursing a major hangover from the night before after drinking half a bottle of tequila from her dad's liquor cabinet. The lock he had on the cupboard was rather stupid as Jennifer knew where he hid the key but would never tell him that. She finished half the bottle within the hour and locked her door to keep her father from entering. As long as he knew she was home, she wouldn't be in further trouble.
But the next morning, Jennifer began to suffer the consequences of her actions. Her alarm didn't go off from the lack of batteries and Jennifer was already late to school. She decided she had to go and began slowly getting ready for school with her morning routine.
She turned on the radio in her bathroom and began brushing her teeth was when she heard the news.
Will Byers body was found dead.
The boy who is practically her little brother is dead. The boy she was protective and defensive over is dead. She couldn't believe it.
Jennifer chose an unhealthy decision to skip school that day. But her saw her actions as justified.
It wasn't for her. It was for Joyce.
Last night, she bailed to visit Joyce Byers because of Jonathans photographic actions that broke her trust and boundaries. But this wasn't about Jonathan anymore. This is about a grieving mother. A mother who just lost her son.
Instead of going to school, Jennifer stole a ten dollar bill from her dad's jacket, picked up a bouquet of flowers, and headed over to the Beyer's residence to give her condolences.
But Jennifer didn't expect this to be so difficult.
She has been sitting on the Beyer's front step unable to bring herself to knock on the front door for the past twelve minutes. The bouquet of flowers rested beside her and her cheeks were slumped into her palms staring at the abandoned bike that laid in the grass in front of the residence.
The red bike was the bike Will learned to ride on.
Jennifer remembered all those times Will would fall over but get back up and try again. He was a determined and stubborn little shit. But he was the closest thing Jennifer had to a little brother.
Everything about this god damn house reminded Jennifer about Will. The spare tire resting against the porch, the dent beside the door from Will kicking his shoes off before racing inside, the collection of sticks displayed beside the bottom step that Will uses as wands with his friends.
Why did she think she could do this? Why didn't she think this through? Why does it hurt so damn bad?
"Jen?"Jennifer looked up to see Jonathan standing in front of her standing there speechless.
He was surprised to see her sitting in front of his house when he pulled up to his house. But kept his distance for caution. Jonathan was visiting home to grab his wallet before he would leave to plan the funeral home for his little brother but he never thought he would see Jennifer crying on his front step.
Actually, that was the last thing he expected to see. He thought Jen hated him.
Jennifer didn't hear his car roll up to the house or the crunch of his shoes against the gravel as he exited the car. She didn't even realize she was crying until Jonathan pulled her into a hug and she began to sob on his shoulder, whispering empty words in her ear.
Jennifer hugged Jonathan tightly, embarrassed that Jonathan was comforting her when he was the one who lost his brother. He should be the one a crying mess but he was comforting her instead.
"I'm so sorry, Jonathan..." Jennifer whispered through her tears. "I am so, so, sorry."
Jonathan hugged Jennifer tighter and buried his face in her neck. For the first time since he heard the news, Jonathan completely broke down crying. He had to put on a front for the public and his mom. His mother was going insane believing Will was still alive so Jonathan had to take control of the situation. He had to be strong.
But now, in Jennifer's arms, he didn't have to. Now, he wasn't alone. Once the first tear slipped out of his eye, he couldn't stop the rest from following.
Neither of them knew how long they were standing there for or who was first to stop crying. But eventually they found themselves in the kitchen as Jennifer started the kettle with two mugs set out beside it in silence.
They haven't spoken a word since they left the driveway. But not a word needed to be said. They both just wanted the others company.
Jonathan was leaning against the counter with his hands in his pocket across from Jennifer. His eyes followed Jennifer walk around the kitchen opening the correct cabinet to pull of the tea bags. She moved around the kitchen knowing exactly where everything was. Because she knew from habit.
Guilt overwhelmed Jonathan for what he did to Jennifer. Here she was taking care of him while he destroyed her trust in seconds yesterday.
Clearing his throat, he gained a bit of courage to apologize. "Jen-"
"Don't, Jonathan." Jennifer interrupted him ripping open the small packages and placed a tea bag in the corresponding mug. "I don't want to hear your excuses about why you did it. Especially not today. We can figure this out later. But for now, just tell me one thing," She ripped open the other package with greater force and placed it in the other mug. "Were you ever going to tell me or show me?" She sighed in defeat.
Jonathan frowned. "Of course. You're my best friend, Jen. But-"
He cut himself off. But how do I tell you about what I saw? How do I convince you I am not going crazy? How can I make you understand the situation?
"But what? " Jennifer was now facing him and had her arms crossed annoyed. She didn't want to hear excuses. Instead, she fell for the alter position and began staring him down for an answer.
"I was worried you would see me different." Jonathan's eyes pierced through hers and his voice silent but sent a chill down her spine. The whistle of the kettle began to grow behind Jennifer and the room fell silent. Yet the silence in the room was louder than the whistle.
Their friendship was unlike any one Jennifer ever had. People often befriend her to be invited to parties or join another friend group. But Jonathan was the only person who truly saw her at her absolute worst. When she had tears streaming down her face, mascara staining her cheeks, and bruises on her arms, Jonathan didn't judge or laugh. He would hold her as she continued to break down and offer her a tissue.
He is the only person to see who Jennifer Callahan really is. He was the only friend Jennifer could actually rely on.
"Jonathan Beyers, if you truly knew me, you wouldn't have thought that." Jennifer tsked. "I get that I can be a handful sometimes," Jonathan breathed a laugh. "But above all, I am still your best friend. Yeah, those photos is something we will talk about another day and I'll probably cuss out a bit. But regardless, you are stuck with me Byers. And no one can take our friendship away from another."
The kettles whistle got louder and the silence grew thicker. Neither of them backed down from another's gaze daring another to break off the gaze.
Jonathan's expression shifted into one Jennifer has never seen before. The click of the kettle indicated the water was done boiling and Jennifer turned around before she could figure out the meaning of his expression.
Air escaped from her lips that she was unaware she was holding in as she poured an equal amount of water into her designated white mug with a herbal tea bag and added some to Jonathan's designated navy mug with a green tea bag. Humming in approval, she picked up both mugs and turned around to give him the mug but froze in place when she met his gaze.
Jonathan was no longer standing across the kitchen. He was standing in front of her so close that Jennifer could feel his body heat. Jennifer suddenly felt vulnerable and she hated it.
"Here." Jennifer held out his mug but Jonathan didn't take it. He didn't even look at it. He was staring directly down into her brown eyes.
"Do you trust me?" He asked quickly.
"Jonathan..." She looked up at him.
"Do you trust me? " He repeated lowly.
Jennifer was uncertain of where he was going with this and nodded slowly.
"I saw something. The other night. The night Barb went missing. " Jonathan blurted out and Jennifer's grip tightened on the mug handles feeling her hands burn from the steaming hot mugs. "I saw a man. Without a face."
Jennifer's hands began to turn white and she had to set the mugs down before she split them on herself. "What do you mean a man without a face...? Jonathan, that's-"
"Impossible. I know." He breathed out running a hand over his face. "But I know what I saw. It was tall and had his weird face-" He rambled on about what he saw.
Jennifer froze and gripped the counter behind her to stabilize herself. Jonathan's voice faded into the silence as memories of a familiar creature appeared in her mind. The night they found Eleven, a creature just like Jonathan was describing jumped in front of her car and made her crash.
She thought she imagined it. She convinced herself that it was just a bear and the rain was making her see things. Because there was no logical explanation for what she saw. What she saw was unnaturally impossible. But now Jonathan is rambling on-and-on about a creature that looks just like that.
The connection was making her heart rate and her palms sweaty. "I have to go." Jennifer interrupted abruptly.
Jonathan stopped talking and his eyes widened. "Wait, what? Jen, I promise I know what I saw! You need to believe me." He pleaded desperately.
That's not the issue, Jennifer wanted to say. The issue is that I believe you.
"Look, Jonathan. I am just a bit overwhelmed with news about Will and Barb. J-just call me if you need to grieve but I need to go." Jennifer brushed past Jonathan leaving him speechless. He spun around to stop Jennifer but she was already out the door and climbing into her car.
The door was left open that let in a breeze that rustled the paper around the bouquet and blow the steam off the mugs as the blue car rolled out of the driveway. Jonathan stood there alone in his house staring at the door hopeless to make anyone believe him and the click of the kettle turned on behind him.
The little blue car rolled down the street at illegal speeds and Jennifer felt her heart racing while drumming her fingers along the wheel to her favourite Blondie song. But it didn't matter what song was playing, Jennifer was stuck in her thoughts.
This doesn't make any sense. What is it they all saw and how come the only sightings of it were seen the night someone went missing? First Will and now Barb. Something wasn't right about all of this.
Jennifer felt like she had all the puzzle pieces in front of her yet couldn't make the connections. She felt like the bigger picture was being held from her and she wanted answers, and she knew exactly where to get them.
Turning on her left turn signal, she made an illegal u-turn and headed back down the road towards the center of the city ignoring the honking horn of someone she cut off.
It wasn't long before Jennifer parked in front of the police station and marched into the station in search for her father. Perhaps she didn't think this through entirely. Once her dad see's her here and not at school, he will lose it. But on the counter side, she was already grounded. What's the worst that could happen?
Whatever the risk, Jennifer was willing to take it for the sake of whatever is going on.
"Jennifer!?" Mr. Callahan's voice boomed behind the secretary desk and made Jennifer flinch on the welcome mat. Well, that didn't take long, Jennifer sighed. He was holding a stack of papers that crunched slightly under his deadly grip seeing his teenage daughter stand in the lobby of his workplace rather than at school like she should be.
Jennifer smiled kindly over to her dad and gave a sweet wave. "Hi there, dad. How are you?"
"Why aren't you in school!?" He marched around the desk and the secretary has yet to glance up at the teenage girl, too busy with the swarm of work covering her desk. But also seemed uninterested in the teens presence.
"It's lunchtime and I thought we could eat together." Jennifer lied through her teeth with a sweet smile to seal the deal.
Mr. Callahan glared at the teenager knowing she was up to something. "I am on patrol. Now get back to school." He snapped.
"Now, now, Callahan. I'm sure you can take your lunch early to have lunch with your daughter. We aren't that incapable without you" Officer Hopper walked out of his office towards the pair with a charming, almost mocking, smile.
Jennifer choked a laugh and Officer Callahan glared at the sheriff. "Already took my lunch." He muttered.
"Hm, pity." Hopper placed his hands on his hips and glanced at the teenager. "Well, you drove all the way down here. Might as well join us in the staffroom." He offered.
"She has school." Officer Callahan protested.
"She has plenty of time. Right, Jennifer?" Hopper raised an eyebrow at the teen.
Jennifer nodded. "Right you are, Officer Hopper." She smiled.
Hopper spared a glance at Callahan before directing the teenager back to the staffroom behind the secretary's desk. Jennifer was quick to scurry off and in that direction. She could feel the cold glare her father was giving her but she didn't dare to turn around to face them. Only her thoughts could imagine how much more grounded she would get when he gets home.
The staffroom was a dingy old room at the back of the station with a few windows and a flickering light. The room had two foldable tables stretched out with plastic chairs around it, only taken by a two police men in a discussion about some football game. A half eaten box of donuts sat on one of the tables that consisted of the gross picked over ones that Jennifer didn't bother for. A refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave sat across the room in a small kitchen that had a bolded written note taped on the fridge: "Label your food!!! If it is not labelled - it is up for grabs"
"This way, kid." Hopper moved past Jennifer to the refrigerator. He grabbed out a paper bag with his name on it and headed to the unoccupied table with Jennifer close behind him.
The two policemen glanced at Jennifer as she passed and took a seat across from the sheriff. She refused to look at them as she recognized them both. One of the officers pulled her over for speeding a few months ago and the other gave her a warning after she was caught stealing alcohol from a store. The two policemen both muttered something and began packing up their lunches not wanting to spend their last few minutes on break by a girl who caused them both a lot of trouble.
"Where is your lunch?" Hopper asked biting into a ham sandwich.
Jennifer's stomach unintentionally growled. She didn't even realize she skipped breakfast this morning as her mind has been quite preoccupied. "I didn't bring one." Hopper raised an eyebrow suspiciously as he chewed on his sandwich. "I was hoping my dad and I could go out." Jennifer clarified quickly.
Hopper nodded and took another bite as Jennifer awkwardly sat there. "So, Jennifer. Why are you really here?" He asked through a mouthful of ham sandwich. Jennifer's face scrunched with confusion. "You're father has worked at this office for almost twenty years and I have not seen you in the station since you were six. There must be a reason to bring you out all this way."
"I'm trying to be a better daughter." Jennifer shrugged.
Hopper let out a laugh humorously and Jennifer's lips fell from worry and a tinge of hurt. "Jennifer, I don't know how stupid you think I am but I am not naïve. We both saw your fathers reaction when you arrived and know damn well that you have school right now. So tell me," He placed his sandwich on the bag, brushed his hands off from crumbs, and leaned his elbows on the table to stare Jennifer down. "Why are you really here, Jennifer?" He questioned.
Jennifer stared at him dumbfounded. He knows she is here for a purpose not for lunch. Apparently her lying skills need some work. But she can worry about that later. Right now, she just hopes that her story telling skills are good enough to get her out of this situation and get her access to information that can help her.
"I am here to confess a crime." She stated aloud and confident. Hopper narrowed his eyes suspiciously and leaned back in the plastic chair curiously. "The night Barb went missing at the Harrington household, there was a piece of information lacking from the write up. Something crucial."
Three policemen walked in the staffroom laughing and talking loudly about some punk they just pulled over for speeding. They glanced at the two and gave respectful nods as they moved as a swarm to the coffee machine.
Jennifer gave a tight smile as she recognized these new officers: one chased her after catching her graffiti an alleyway but she managed to slip away, another gave Jesse a ticket for underage drinking when Jennifer was with him, and the last arrested both Jennifer and Jesse for trespassing many months ago.
As Jennifer looked at some of these cops, she hated some of them for giving her lousy tickets. But others she wished she could thank. Some of them didn't realized that they saved her by intervening.
Hopper threw his sandwich in his bag and stood up abruptly. Jennifer looked up at the gruff man who was brushing crumbs out of his beard. "Let's talk in my office." He grumbled.
Perfect.
Jennifer nodded and stood up, following the sherif out of the room. She glanced at the three officers all sharing the passing the pot of coffee and pouring some in their mugs as they laughed again of the same story.
The law and Jennifer have a toxic story. She hates the law so much and the people who represent it. But that is when Jennifer is in the offence. As soon as she becomes the defence, she praises and cries out to those who represent the law.
Heaving out a heavy sigh, Jennifer followed down the hallway to the last room on the left. The plaque on the door labelled it to be Sherif Hopper's office. The man plopped down in the chair behind the desk as Jennifer marched in behind him and slid down into the chair across from him.
Jennifer sat down and pressed her hands between her knees watching Hopper open a drawer, shuffle through some papers, and pull out a file. As he got settled, Jennifer glanced around the small room. It was filled with awards and newspaper articles written about him. But Jennifer failed to see any photos of friends or family. Hopper's office was rather...bland.
Rustling of paper made Jennifer curious to what Hopper was searching for. Her eyes wondered back to the sheriff and the air was stuck in her lungs as she read the label of the document he held: Barbra Holland.
So, that's what Barbra is now. Just some unsolved police case.
Barbra Holland used to be a girl who was loved by everyone. She used to be Nancy Wheeler and Jennifer Callahan's best friend. She used to be a girl who everyone knew. But now she was summarized into a single case file. It disgusted Jennifer.
The photo from last year's picture day at school fell out and onto Hopper's desk. Jennifer vividly remembered that day. It was the Monday after New Years weekend.
Barb, Nancy, and Jennifer spent the weekend partying at Jennifer's house. None of them wanted to go to a party and decided to take advantage of Mr. Callahan being on a work trip and unlimited alcohol cabinet. The girls showed up to school severely hungover and there photos proved that. All three girls got lectures once their parents saw said photos since Jennifer convinced her friends to lie to their parents and say they were crashing at her house this weekend for a few-night sleepover. Which wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the truth. They were all grounded when the truth came out.
Although Jennifer felt guilty for getting her friends in trouble, she didn't regret it. That weekend was filled with a ton of amazing memories. They stayed up gossiping, laughing until their stomachs hurt, and danced around the living room until there feet hurt. It was just the three of them but Jennifer couldn't think of a better way to spend her New Years.
"So, what's this new information?" Hopper asked dropping the file on the desk and flipping through to a blank piece of paper that he can write this new data on.
Jennifer jumped out of her thoughts and quickly wiped the tear off her cheek that escaped. "Oh, um, right." She looked up at Hopper who was struggling to find a pen with ink. "So, um, that night, Nancy, Barb, and I went to the Harrington's for a hangout-"
"You already said that in your statement." Hopper narrowed his eyes up at the teenager finally finding a working pen..
"Yes, but-" Jennifer let out a sigh and crossed her arms defensively. "Steve Harrington didn't want anyone to know that-Steve didn't want you to know that he was serving alcohol." She admitted looking back at the sherif.
Hopper's face slacked. "That's it? You're new crucial information is that Steve Harrington was supplying underage drinking?" He scoffed and Jennifer nodded. "You do realize you just confessed to underage drinking, right?"
"I would never drink underage, Sheriff. Not since I've been trying to be a better daughter." She mused.
"Right. And I am not my fathers son." Hopper sighed closing the file and placing his cupped hands on the table. "Jennifer, if you came all the way here to rot our Steve, my officers and I have bigger things to focus on right now if you haven't noticed. I don't appreciate you coming in here and taking advantage of our time for a petty prank."
"But this isn't a prank!" Jennifer protested with a frown and Hopper shot her a knowing look.
Hopper let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Jennifer, I would advise you to get back to school now and I will speak to Mr. Harrington later about this."
Jennifer nodded glancing down at the file on the desk. The information was so close but she needed to cause a distraction. Gathering her thoughts, she rose from her seats with a soft smile on her lips.
"Alright, well I hope you have a great rest of your day, Mr. Hopper." Jennifer stated under her breath.
Hopper shot her a wary look. "It's Sheriff Hopper." He corrected and Jennifer nodded heading to the door.
Think, Jennifer! Think!
Her thoughts were running trying to think of a distraction to steal these files and her prayers were answered when she saw who was sitting in the police waiting room, handcuffed and staring down at the mud on his boots.
Hearing footsteps, his head rose and a smirk lifted his lips seeing the brunette glaring at him. "Well, well, well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Jesse Thompson's sweet voice sang as his eyes danced over Jennifer's figure.
"I thought you were in boarding school?" Jennifer spat coldly and crossed her arms feeling anger boiling in his veins by hearing his cocky voice.
"Got kicked out." Jesse admitted with pride. "Couldn't handle me like Hawkins can."
"And I see that you haven't changed a bit." Her eyes gestured down to the handcuffs on his wrists.
Jesse shrugged. "It was just a bag of chips yet they're acting like I robbed a bank." He rolled his eyes. "It's not like they can keep me long, anyway. Just making a phone call to my dear ol' dad and I should be out of here soon, if you want to-"
Jennifer held up her hand cutting him off. "I would rather get ran over by a bus." She blurted out with disgust.
Jesse laugh filled the room and a chill ran down Jennifer's spine. He licked his lips and fell back in his chair, his blue eyes staring coldly into her brown doe ones. "God, you are just as I remembered."
Jennifer hates the situation she put herself in. Last time she saw Jesse, he left her with numerous physical and emotional scars that were too unbearable to deal with. She had to stay with the Beyers for a week that was filled with crying, bandages, and antibiotics. All of these past memories began to reemerge and past emotions were beginning to overwhelm her.
She was uncertain how she managed to act so confident when she felt so vulnerable and timid under his cold dead stare.
But she had a plan; some could say it was a mission. Yet sadly, Jesse became apart of this plan the moment Jennifer laid eyes on him when she walked into the waiting room.
Jennifer took a heavy breath and glanced around the office, only finding the secretary behind the desk typing away on her computer. The woman hasn't lifted her head for a second too busy switching between her computer and the gossip magazine she failed to be inconspicuous about.
Slowly Jennifer approached Jesse and stood in front of him, blocking the secretary's sight from the culprit. It pained her emotionally to be this close and the smell of his cologne brought back too many horrible memories. Jesse stared up at her with a teasing smile and Jennifer bit down on her cheek to stop her emotions from surfacing, and composed herself to the best of her abilities.
"Give me your wrists." She whispered, unable to say any other words without her voice breaking.
Jesse's smirk widened and obeyed. "Just like ol' times babe." He winked.
Jennifer ignored him and picked a bobby pin out of her hair and pulled the two ends apart. She licked her lips as the two ends of the bobby pin entered the keyhole of the handcuffs and began twisting and tinkering away.
When Jennifer was eight years old, Mr. Callahan tried to connect with his daughter more. He tried doing hobbies with her that a typical eight year old would like, like roller blading, passing a baseball, or going swimming. Jennifer showed no interest in any of it but she did find interest in her dad's work.
Mr. Callahan would take his daughter in his cop cruiser with the lights on, show her behind the scenes of the station, and once taught her to pick a lock. Mr. Callahan never knew that the one time he taught her about lock picking, she would use it dozens of time to break the law in the future.
The click of the handcuffs was followed by them falling onto Jesse's lap. Jennifer tucked the bobby pin back in her pocket as Jesse took them off and rubbed out his wrists. His gaze glanced up to Jennifer as he rose from his seat andJennifer had forgotten how tall he was, immediately feeling intimidated by their height difference.
Jennifer took a step back uncomfortably and glanced at the secretary who was still clueless to the scene. Clearing her throat, she glanced back at Jesse who was staring subjectively at her.
"So, you wanna get out of here?" Jesse asked lowly cocking his head aside.
Instead, Jennifer spun to the secretary in fear. "Ma'am! He escaped his cuffs!" She screamed and Jesse's eyes narrowed and his jaw locked realizing what she was doing.
The secretary head shot up from her magazine and bolted up from her seat, "We need officers in here!" The secretary shouted and footsteps were heard running from the back room.
"What are you doing!?" Jesse hissed under his breath and Jennifer refused to make eye contact. The tone he used brought back to many memories and when an officer touched her shoulder, she involuntarily flinched as she was moved away from the scene. Before Jesse knew it, three cops were on him but he wasn't about to go so easily. "The bitch is lying! She is the one who got me out!" Jesse shouted as he fought against the restraints of the officers.
"Take him to the holding block!" Sheriff Hopper's voice boomed entering the room.
Jennifer knew Jesse well enough to know he has a short temper. He was the type of person who wouldn't go down without a fight and was an all-or-nothing type of guy. Jennifer knew how this would go and she didn't feel guilty for using Jesse in her plan.
Jennifer caught his cold hateful glare before they dragged him into the back room, followed by Sheriff Hopper and the secretary. In the midst of the chaos, it wasn't hard to slip past all the cops and rush down the hallway to the Sheriff's office.
The office was exactly like it was before. The file was still on the desk beside his half eaten lunch and Jennifer rushed over to pick it up. As her fingers wrapped around the file, she froze reading Will Beyer's on another file that was among a stack of them on the desk. Without thinking she quickly grabbed the other file along with Barb's and slid them under her shirt, trying to hide the evidence.
Jennifer rushed out of the office and Jesse's shouts were heard coming from the backroom, leaving the waiting room entirely empty from any officers or the secretary. The front door flew open as Jennifer rushed down the stairs where her blue honda was parked at the bottom step and she didn't look back as she hopped in the car.
Before Jennifer knew it, she was speeding down the road with the two files on her passenger seat and heading to the Wheeler's household. If anyone could help her figure out what the heck was in these files it would be the three boys and the strange girl who could help her finally piece together the puzzle pieces in front of her.
Jennifer's grip on the steering wheel tightened and exhaled deeply. It was time to figure out what was happening in Hawkins and it was time to figure out what really happened to Will Beyers.
The age individuals are officially an adult,
the age individuals graduate with their first degree,
the age individuals begin to form their identity.
I am twenty-one.
At this age, people go out to party,
They meet new people,
They don't worry outside of their lives.
Because fuck the world,
I AM TWENTY-ONE!
But fuck my world.
I am twenty-one.
I am twenty-one when my parents separated.
I don't worry about my future,
I don't worry about finishing my degree,
I don't worry about forming my identity,
I don't worry about meeting new people.
I worry about my mom's mental health,
I worry about my dad's alcoholic addiction,
I worry about my older sister's anxiety,
I worry about my little sister's wellbeing.
I am twenty-one,
I am an adult,
I have to be an adult,
I have no other choice.
I have to be the adult my father is not,
I have to be the adult who supports my mother,
I have to be the adult to tend to my sisters wellbeing.
I am twenty-one,
I am an adult.
When did becoming an adult get so hard?
It was a stunning day in New York City that fine Friday afternoon that perfected Venus Walker's infamous yacht party. The sun was blaring over the city, a faint breeze was felt to decrease the scorch, and not a single cloud in the sky was shown. To Venus Walker's luck, everything has been running smoothly. Almost too smoothly.
Influencers, models, and CEO's filled the luxurious yacht that was Venus' sixteenth birthday gift from her parents. Waiters and waitresses walked the three-level boat handing out the finest selection of wine and champagne that costed more than rent for majority of New York citizens. She was pulling all of the best cards she had today. She was Venus Walker and this was a crucial time she could not afford for her appearance to slip.
Venus stood on the top deck over looking the main deck covered with billionaires all laughing and talking over the faint live music being performed at the back of the yacht. A crystal glass was in her freshly manicured hands consisting of her favourite red wine that was lightly stained by her pink lipstick near the rim. Small black sunglasses rested on her nose and covered her eyes as she searched for a specific billionaire. Her luxurious blonde hair was tied up in a bun with two strands framing her face, and the dark green blouse was matched with a beige cargo pants that fitted her outfit together by beige stilettos.
Venus Walker stood over the others like a queen over her citizens. Or more like a lion over it's prey.
"Everything is running smoothly, Ms. Walker." Amelia's voice appeared behind her. "All guests have arrived and the captain is beginning departure."
The corner of Venus's lip raised and began drumming her finger on the gold rim of her crystal wine glass. "And Mr. Downey?"
"Him and Mrs. Downey arrived minutes ago. The captain welcomed them personally and took them to get some wine and the engine room. They are awaiting for you there." Amelia explained.
"Excellent." Venus breathed out turning around. "Thank you, Amelia."
Amelia nodded wearing similar attire to her boss. The gorgeous woman's hair was curled past her shoulders and an earpiece was hidden behind the locks. Her navy blouse was tucked into a grey pencil skirt, with a clipboard tucked between her arm of tasks and the guest list. "You ready?" She asked with a soft smile.
"Always am." Venus nodded leaving her glass on a table and followed her assistant down the flight of stairs to the main level.
The boat had began to depart from the docks and the crew was closing up the gate. A few paparazzi was seen near shore trying to snap photos of who was aboard for the latest gossip magazines but from this distance, they were undoubtedly blurry.
Amelia muttered something into her earpiece walking alongside Venus to the captain's engine room to welcome Mr. Downey. The warm air hit Venus' face walking along the edge of the boat that overlooked the beautiful New York city and the Statue of Liberty. A few guests smiled and acknowledged Venus as she passed and she curtly responded with a faint smile and handshake before excusing herself.
As Mr. and Mrs. Williams went on their way, Amelia stepped back in line with her boss. "I forgot to mention your brother called earlier."
Venus hummed. "What about?"
"He wants to know if you can make it to his birthday. It's next month but he really wants you there." Amelia spoke softly and Venus let out a guilty breath.
For the past two years, Venus has missed her baby brothers birthday because of work. She always had the intent to go but there was always a dilemma or delay that caused her to miss it. Although she apologized profusely by giving the most extravagant gifts known to man, nothing can ever make up for the absence of her at her brothers birthday.
"Tell him I promise to be there this year." Venus inquired. "This year, there is no excuses." Amelia nodded, jotting a note down on her clipboard as a reminder for later.
Two figures stepped out of the bar near the back of the boat and Venus froze in her tracks beside Amelia. The two men were laughing mockingly and drinking her wine clearly enjoying their time on her boat.
The two men's laughter faltered when noticing the two women staring daggers at them. Tom Holland's smile turned cocky the moment his eyes fell onto Venus'. Black sunglasses hid his eyes but Venus knew the corners were creased from how wide he was grinning. A loose white and navy collared shirt was tucked into black dress pants. The first few buttons were undone for comfort and his hair was more messy than usual from the spring air.
The man beside him is someone Venus never met but knew from magazines and articles. He was Tom Holland's best friend, Harrison Osterfield. His blonde hair was a dead giveaway if it wasn't for his sharp jawline. He wore a white basic t-shirt with navy dress pants. Alike Tom, he was wearing sunglasses hiding his eyes but Venus felt them studying her.
"I was wondering when you were going to welcome us aboard, darling." Tom teased bitterly approaching her and Harrison followed smugly.
Venus jaw locked and her body went hot with anger. "Who let you aboard? You weren't on the guest list." She snapped walking over to him visibly agitated by his appearance. Amelia rushed along to defend her boss.
"No but my best mate, Harrison, was." Tom slapped a hand on Harrison's shoulder who grinned widely in return attempting to hide it with his champagne glass as he took another sip. "Seems like someone slipped up and invited his entire modelling agency. Harrison was blessed to bring a plus one and thought of his childhood friend." His voice sang.
Venus exhaled deeply and Amelia shuffled on her feet guiltily. A mistake was made but Venus would deal with Amelia later, right now she has to figure out how to get Tom away from her and Mr. Downey or even better, off this yacht.
"Look, Holland-"
"Come on, darling. We have been friends for so long, you can call me Tom." Tom cocked his head with a teasing smile.
"Holland," Venus corrected crossing her arms. She licked her lips and took a deep breath, "Stay out of my way. Don't act dumb, we both know why you are here. But I swear on my life, if you try to-"
"Try to what, Walker?" Holland's voice snapped bitterly. He took a step closer and even in heels, Tom hovered over her. His smile was replaced by a scold and his dimples were gone as his jaw clenched in anger. "Sign Mr. Downey before you? Oh, Walker. You don't scare me and you never will. I'm not like the other hundred of business men you've met before. I am not afraid of a little competition."
"Neither am I." Venus challenged back. "I am not like those other business women you've met. I won't back down from a little banter and a smirk. So don't think that you're going to win this, Holland. Because I can take whatever you give me." Tom's jaw clenched harder and Venus raised her chin with a smirk on her lips.
"Walker, you better be ready to eat your words-"
"Venus!" The voice shouted behind Venus and they both flinched in recognition. Venus' eyes shut tightly and questioned to herself of how all these men snuck on the boat without her knowledge until now.
Yet another person she would talk to Amelia and security about. Someone was definitely getting fired tonight.
Tom looked past her and he shuffled between his feet stepping back from Venus and she turned around ignoring the burning gaze on the back of her head to face Elijah Hill. Plastering on a smile, she took a few steps towards him. "Elijah, what are you doing here? I thought you were in Florida for a business trip?" Venus asked.
Alike the others, Elijah was wearing more causal clothes of a basic black collared shirt and some grey dress pants. His hand pulled her in from her lower back and his other hand held her cheek that was a sign of dominance and possessiveness, welcoming her into a heated kiss that took her, and the others, off guard. But Venus saw the action as inappropriate and unnecessary therefore she placed her hand on his chest and pulled back. The two never display public affection unless there was paparazzi around but Venus knew the reasoning behind Elijah's actions.
Her guess has to relate to the brunette man behind her whose name is lurking around the media with hers.
"Can I not surprise my favourite girl?" Elijah smirked planting a kiss on her forehead and is eyes glanced over her head to the three standing behind her. "Oh, Holland. Didn't see you there. Nor did I expect to see you here, at all." He egotistically smirked and Venus had to use a lot of self control to not roll her eyes.
"Hill, it's been a while. I see your still sleeping your way to the top." Tom bluntly admitted with a tight smile taking a sip from his champagne glass. Harrison hid a laugh through a cough and Amelia stepped back from the battle field that began to brew.
On either side of Amelia was a strong stand off. Tom Holland with a confident front had the defence of his best mate, Harrison standing slightly behind him. On the other side was Venus with her arms crossed defensively glaring at Tom and Elijah's hand resting on her waist. Elijah's grip tightened and Venus bit her cheek at Tom's statement.
"Holland-" Venus tried but Elijah beat her too it.
"Jealous, Holland? I bet your too busy sucking up to your daddy and mommy to win over the business, then be able to settle down." Elijah snapped back, his voice laced with venom.
Tom twitched with anger. Venus watched his hand grip the spine of the glass tighter and his jaw tighten so hard she thought a vein would pop. She knew little about Tom but she knew he prioritized his family greatly. Disrespect them and you'd surely regret it.
"Elijah-" Venus tried yet failed again, her voice almost a whisper.
"Jealous?" Tom laughed taking a step closer that Venus felt the warmth of his anger in his voice. "I would never be jealous to be sleeping with a woman who spreads her legs for anyone and has no emotions. We all know you're just dating her for the public appearance and the sex, but it wouldn't surprise me if she was seeing other men on the side. I mean, how pathetic is it that you, Elijah Hill, are running after her like a lost puppy just so you can get a little publicity from it. Admit it! You both are so pathetic." He spat in their faces with a mocking smirk on his face, swirling the champagne in his glass. "The little business woman who sleeps with anyone from her major daddy issues and the coward business man who sucks up to a whore to gain some attachment and publicity." Tom's laugh stained in her memory and he took a long sip of her expensive liquor.
Venus thinks she heard Amelia gasp and Elijah say something but she wasn't sure. Each word, insult, and joke was like a bullet directly to Venus feelings. Venus has been working in this business a long time. She has been named every insult possible and she managed to always brush it off.
The media calls her ruthless, cold, and heartless, while others call her attention-seeking, a slut, and greedy. Everyone always wants more power and wealth but no one realizes the labels that come with it. There are dozens of articles, magazines, and gossip channels would spread rumours of Venus. But sadly, she was used to it. Being a woman in the business industry that was controlled by men, she had to be.
Regardless of how hard Venus works to escape these labels and titles, they always seem to appear. Tom Holland was just a small example of this. But no matter how often she hears it, Venus can not deny how much the words impact her.
"How fucking dare you say that shit!" Elijah's voice began to raise and released his grip from Venus panting heavily. He attempted to step around her but her small hand shot out, stopping him by his chest.
All eyes fell to Venus as she took off her sunglasses and placed them on top of her head. She took a heavy breath as her delicate eyes glanced to Elijah before landing on Tom. A heavy silence fell over the scene as Venus stared up at Tom. Amelia began texting Venus assumed was security and Elijah muttered something under his breath but Venus' attention was fixed on the span of satan in front of her.
Anger radiating off both of them with mocking smiles painted on both of their lips. The two were like fire and ice bound to destroy another and one day, one of them would be the victor. Tom swallowed thickly and Venus felt his gaze burn into hers shielded behind his sunglasses.
Venus took a small step towards him and out of Elijah's grip, studying the man in front of her. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest and the blood rushed to her head.
The smack of Venus' hand against Tom's cheek echoed against the yacht's exterior and his jaw tightened from the impact. The air felt heavy and thick as Venus glared up at him with a gentle, innocent smile. "Watch your mouth, Holland." Venus sweet voice whispered peering up at him through her thick lashes. "I have tried to be civil and play nice but you are taking it to your advantage. Maybe if you stop thinking with your tiny-dick ego for once in your life you would realize whose truly the pathetic one here."
Tom's nose flared as he refused to make eye contact. "You think you are so special." His voice rumbled lowly.
"And you think you are?" Venus raised an eyebrow. "I have no greater privilege than anyone else here. But shall I remind you that I am not the one who snuck on a yacht and walking around calling you a slut and whore for being in a relationship with someone." Venus snapped back and crossed her arms, a cold glare replacing her teasing smile. "I am a goddamn woman, Holland. Treat me like one."
"You are an absolute spoiled brat who doesn't have to work for anything in life. Everything given to you was handed to you on a silver platter." Tom corrected.
"What about you, Holland?" Venus remarked. "Look in the mirror and take a good look at yourself. Everything you have was given to you by your parents. The difference between the two of us is that I have actually had to prove myself to my family and society. And it looks like if egotistical cocky businessman still think I am a whore and slut, I got a lot more work to do."
The footsteps of security behind her alerted her of their new company and she took a step back from the scene. "Ms. Walker, can we assist you?" Her head security questioned.
"Can you please escort Mr. Holland and Mr. Osterfield to the back bar? Keep them there until we dock and I want them escorted off the yacht and directly to their vehicle." Venus asked playfully smiling up at Tom.
"Worried about my safety, darling?" Tom raised an eyebrow and Venus rolled her eyes.
Elijah's touch grabbed her hands and pulled her back from Tom to make room for security to pass her. Her eyes watched security gesture the two men towards the back of the boat and away from her gaze.
Tom's gaze remained on her until the security forcefully pushed his shoulders back to begin walking. "Watch it, mate. I can walk on my own." Tom snapped at one of the security team that was gripping his arm to move him along. Tom's gaze flickered back to Venus' and a smirk teased his lips, "Might want to get to your meeting, darling. I'm sure Mr. Downey would love to hear more of your proposition. But do me a favour and ask if he is free again this weekend for golf? But this time, the drinks are on me." Tom called out laughing as he followed along his friend.
Venus exhaled deeply and felt her blood boiling in anger. Soon the devil's son and his friend were out of sight but the effect of Tom's presence and words still lingered.
"Ms. Walker, I am so-"
"Save it, Amelia." Venus snapped and spun to face her assistant. "Do me a favour, go make sure no one else uninvited is not here." She hummed sternly. Amelia gulped and nodded, dropping her gaze as she walked off away from the couple.
When her footsteps faded into the distance, Venus faced Elijah next who was smirking in the empty space of where Tom once stood. "I can't believe the audacity of that guy. Who does he think he is?" He asked aloud with a small laugh.
"Who do you think you are?" Venus chided. Elijah's eyes narrowed and fell onto her angry ones, realizing her anger was now directed at him. "For fucks sake, Elijah. We are not in a relationship. This is a publicity stunt and I don't know how many times I have to remind you. You were not invited because I can't handle you hoovering over my shoulder."
Elijah scoffed and his hands fell to his side. "I was helping you! God, Holland was harassing you and I was trying to defend you."
"I had it handled." Venus scolded.
"Yeah, clearly." Elijah rolled his eyes.
Venus let out a heavy breath. "I have a meeting to attend to and honestly, I do not want you in my sight."
Elijah expression fell and stepped closer placing his hands back on her waist. "Look, I'm sorry." He breathed out guiltily. "He gets under my nerves as much as yours and I lost control. I know we aren't officially together but in this line of work, it is hard to build a connection with someone. Whether thats as fuck buddies or friends, I do care for you Venus." His voice became gentle as his expression softened. "I want to be there to help you. So, let me help you." His sultry voice whispered in her ear as his hands travelled around her lower back.
Venus let out a heavy sigh and shut her eyes.
Maybe it was the anger coursing through her veins, her heart racing from the fury, or the tension stiffening her muscles, Elijah's offer sounded perfect. He was the perfect distraction. Tom Holland always left this anger in her heart and Elijah always had the best solutions to resolving this tension.
"Meet me in the masters bed room in two hours after we dock." Venus breathed out looking up at him through her lashes. Elijah pulled his face back with a seductive smirk and she cleared her throat to compose herself. "But remember, we aren't official." Venus narrowed her eyes.
Elijah raised his hands guiltily and nodded. "Just friends." He assured licking his lips.
Venus hummed and took a step back out to fix her shirt. Mr. Downey has been awaiting for her and she can't keep him waiting any longer. Placing her sunglasses back on her nose, she tilted her chin to look up at Elijah in front of her with a short frown.
"Also, change your shirt. The colour is clashing with my outfit." Venus hummed and spun on her heel strutting off towards the engine room.
Elijah let out a low laugh watching the woman walk away. Venus Walker was definitely a strong, independent, and confident woman. It was definitely her world and Elijah was just living in it. But he also knew better than to defy her and scurried off to the masters bedroom where spare clothes would be stored.
The engine room was on the other side of the yacht and to Venus' luck, away from the stern of the boat where he was. When she entered the room with a smile on her lips, Mr. Downey had the captain's hat on and was steering the boat beside the captain as his wife was taking a photo with a glass of wine in her hands. The sight made Venus' smile more realistic.
"Mr. Downey, glad you are enjoying yourself." Venus teased approaching the scene.
Mr. Downey glanced over and his smile widened. "Ah, Ms. Walker! I was wondering when you would be coming." He stated handing the hat back to the captain.
"My apologies, I had something to deal with." Venus stood in front of the couple. "I see you found my finest wine collection. Have you tried the Château Lafite yet?"
"No, but if it is anything like your last suggestion I know it has to be good." Mrs. Downey smiled warmly, falling into her husbands embrace as he placed a hand on her back. "Apologies for the rudeness, but you're Ms. Walker? When my husband told me about the meetings and deal, I certainly thought you would be older." Mrs. Downey chuckled to herself. "It is admirable dear of all the work you do. We need more woman in business and you represent yourself beautifully."
It is ironic on how just mer minutes ago she was being called a whore and now she was being called admirable. But Venus felt touched by Mrs. Downey's compliments. Her own mother has never said anything like that before, being too busy with her own business to look at her daughters.
"Thank you, Mrs. Downey." Venus breathed out speechless. "That's such an honour to come from you."
Mrs. Downey waved her compliment off. "Please, I carry the reputation of my husband on my shoulders. You managed to create your own. That deserves more credit." She hummed.
Mr. Downey placed a kiss on the side of her head and Venus watched the interaction sadly. As Elijah explained, it is hard to meet people in this industry. Relationships rarely work out for businessmen and Venus knew this entering the field. But Mr. & Mrs. Downey is an example that relationships can work.
Venus wishes she could have used her parents as an example but the two travel so much they barely see another. Mr and Mrs. Walker are complete opposites from Mr. and Mrs. Downey. They find time to spend with another, even if it is for work. Suddenly, Venus felt guilty for interfering their time by arranging a business meeting.
"Thank you captain for showing they Downey's around." Venus graced and the captain gave a faint nod. "Have you two been given a tour of the behind the scenes? The chef is a student from France who shows extreme potential and works summers for my family." Venus questioned with an excited smile.
Mr. Downey shook his head. "We can later after we discuss business." He smiled and Mrs. Downey nodded taking a sip of her wine.
"Respectfully, Mr. Downey, I think we can save that discussion for another time." Venus' gaze flickered over to Mrs. Downey with a gentle smile. "It has been a long day and talking about business is the last thing on my mind. If it is alright with you, I would like to show you the variety of treats our chef can create. I know it is not business but I think it is a lot more enjoyable." Venus let out a small laugh.
Mrs. Downey smile widened and looked up hopeful at her husband. Mr. Downey's smile softened from Venus statement. It was rare for Venus to admit she was exhausted and loose her tough demeanor. Instead of a businesswoman, Mr. Downey saw a young woman. Not the Venus Walker plastered across the media. But a woman who is gentle, compassionate, and tired.
Mr. Downey's smile mimicked his wife and nodded softly. "We would love that, Ms. Walker." He graced.
Venus smile widened and stepped aside, gesturing to the door with a smile on her lips. "Shall we?"
Please put your writing under the read more option it's clogging the tags
Hey, thanks for pointing this out - I didn't know this was even an option haha. I'm still new to tumblr and still trying to figure everything out but thank you for the suggestion! It's all fixed now
The dented rustic blue 1970 honda accord pulled up in a parking spot in front of Hawkins High School on that cloudy autumn day. Rustling of leaves swept past the students legs who all swarmed towards the front door to the school anxious not to be late that particular morning. People were laughing and talking about their weekend plans or speaking gossip about Jesse Thompson being seen at a party last weekend.
But not everyone that morning was in a preppy spirit that morning
The car door to the honda swung open and barely missed scratching the passenger door of the car parked next to it. Two white sneakers hit the pavement as Jennifer Callahan stepped out with a nasty scold on her pink lips.
The usual laid back girl looked severely pissed off that morning.
Last night, her father caught her sneaking in and grounded her for a week. Which meant she lost all freedom of hanging out with her friends and now has to go home immediately after school being on house arrest.
Then, her stupid alarm clock didn't go off this morning that made her late getting ready. Jennifer knows that batteries don't last forever but what are the odds that the batteries would die this morning.
To end her luck that morning, she roughly discovered that there was no coffee grounds in the entire Callahan household.
She was tired, grounded, and decaffeinated. It was the worst version of Jennifer Callahan.
Jennifer was far from religious but if there is a God out there, Jennifer swore that she pissed Him off.
Jennifer slung her bag higher on her shoulder and slammed her car door shut louder than usual. She walked towards the front doors ignoring everyone in her path, hoping and praying no one would stop her. She had no motivation to socialize that morning and would rather jump in front of a bus than have to talk to someone.
"Hey, Jen! Wait up!"
Jennifer froze in her tracks and let out a frustrated sigh. Her head dropped in shame and slowly turned around slowly. Just her luck. Why did she have to be so well known?
"This better be important, Byers." Jennifer grumbled annoyed looking up to said boy.
Johnathan Byers jogged up with a faint smile on his lips. But his optimism immediately vanished as he absorbed Jennifer's lively appearance. Her brown hair was tied back in a messy bun with many loose strands in front of her face, her black oversized t-shirt was tucked into her high-waisted baggy jeans. The girl looked like she rolled out of bed and went through her dad's closet.
Which she did because all of her clean shirts were dirty or wrinkled.
"You look horrible." Johnathan breathed out as his eyes scanned over Jennifer's fashion choice.
Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Gee, thanks Byers. You're making me blush." Johnathan narrowed his gaze as he searched her face completely ignoring her comment. Jennifer recognized his expression from the numerous times she would show up at his house with a bruised eye.
He was looking for physical signs of harm.
"I'm fine, Byers. Just dehydrated." Jennifer assured him and Johnathan nodded faintly.
"Right...you went to Steve's last night." He blurted out annoyed and adjusted the straps of his backpack hanging on his shoulders.
Jennifer squinted her gaze and cocked her head. "How did you know that?" Johnathan stiffened and his eyes dropped. He shifted his weight and Jennifer narrowed her gaze. A visible cue that he was hiding something. "Johnathan." She warned dangerously.
"I-uh, overheard Harrington talk about it." Johnathan muttered nervously barely meeting her gaze. He exhaled deeply and met Jennifer's gaze, "He was talking about it in the hallway yesterday near my locker. But I never thought you would actually go to Harrington's house. I thought you hated him."
"First off," She held up her index finger. "I do hate him." Jennifer huffed offended that Jonathan even questioned it. "Second, I wouldn't have gone if there wasn't alcohol." Jennifer corrected crossing her arms defensively. "It is the only thing to numb the pain of his voice." Johnathan exhaled a laugh and his shoulders relaxed. "So, what brings you to bother me on this decaffeinated-horrible morning?" She asked spinning around and walking into Hawkins with Jonathan following after her.
"That explains the extra sass today." Johnathan teased with a small grin and Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Actually, I have to talk to you..." His voice became softer and his cockiness vanished. He grabbing her arm making Jennifer stop and he glanced around warily, before dragging her around the school where it was empty.
A yelp escaped Jennifer's lips and she smacked his hand away when he finally stopped tugging her.
"You know, I am starting to see why you don't have a girlfriend, Beyers. Females are treasures on this earth. Not objects to pull around." Jennifer huffed straightening out her shirt of any wrinkles that Jonathan caused.
Jonathan breathed inwardly. "I think my mom might be going insane." He blurted out. Jennifer stopped fixing her appearance and watched him curiously. "She thinks Will is trying to talk to her through the lights this morning. Jen, she didn't sleep last night because she thinks Will is a ghost. I am worried about her." Jonathan pinched the bridge of his nose.
Jennifer let out a heavy breath.
Joyce Byers was the closest thing Jennifer had to a mom making this a very serious conversation.
When Jennifer was six, her birth mother decided to leave her with her dad and run away with some business man and get drunk every weekend instead of taking care of her daughter. Since then Jennifer has never really cared for another 'mother'. Officer Callahan is too busy to date other than those odd hookups which Jennifer refuses to talk about.
But then comes Joyce Byers.
The woman who embraced her through her relationship with Jesse Thompson, who sheltered her from the harm in the world, and who became her un-adopted mother.
The Byers was her family and Jennifer took family very seriously.
"What can I do to help?" Jennifer asked crossing her arms.
Jonathan exhaled deeply in relief. "Come over after school. She could use a familiar face." He pleaded.
"I guess I could-"
"Jen!" Dustin Henderson's voice shouted from afar.
Jonathan and Jennifer looked over to see three familiar boys running towards them looking panicked.
"What the-" Jen mumbled to herself.
"Jen! We have been trying to reach you!" Mike Wheeler rambled out stumbling in front of her.
"We thought you died!" Dustin breathed out between the two boys. The poor boy was exhausted from sprinting across the field and was trying to catch his breath mimicking the other two boys.
Jen scoffed and crossed her arms facing the three boys. This better be good, she thought to herself.
"It's about 6 plus 7." Lucas Sinclair nodded in code.
Jennifer mentally face palmed herself. She understands that the homeless girl they rescued the other day is top secret. She also understands that Johnathan is standing right beside her. The teenage boy isn't stupid. He can do basic math.
"Six plus seven...?" Jonathan whispered to himself. "Eleven?" He glancing at Jennifer who kept a glare on the kids.
"Don't ask me." She replied not taking her eyes off the three boys. "Look, I'll stop by yours after school. Just don't tell my dad. I am suppose to be house arrest. But he works till five so I have an hour before I get busted." Jennifer crossed her arms.
Jonathan nodded and glanced back at the boys. "Sure. And, uh, see you guys." He gave a tight lipped smile at the trio before disappearing.
Jennifer raised an eyebrow to the boys and clenched her jaw not in the mood to deal with them this early.
The three boys were practically shaking in anticipation waiting for Johnathan to leave while being stared down by the teenager. None of them were effected by her harsh glare but she was beyond vivid.
It was official; no cup of coffee would cure her mood today.
Once Jonathan disappeared out of sight, Dustin was first to blurt out. "Are you and Jonathan dating?" He asked in disgust.
"Dustin!" Mike slapped Dustin's arm and earned a yelp from said boy.
Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Although this is none of your business whom I date. No, you idiot, Beyers is a friend. Now what is so important about Eleven? What happened?" She asked glancing from the boys.
The three boys shared a worried look. A look Jennifer did not like.
"What is it?" Jennifer barked not liking being in the dark about information.
"Eleven might know something about Will's disappearance. After school we going out looking for answers tonight and we want your help." Mike stated.
"We can't do this without you." Lucas pleaded desperately and earned an embarrassed look from Mike.
"Wait, hold on." Jennifer stuck out her hand. "Let me get this straight: you boys are just blindly trusting this stranger to lead you into the woods where she think Will is? Hoping she isn't an axe welding murderer and going to chop you all into pieces" She raised an eyebrow and the boys all shared a look. A sigh escaped her pink lips. "No, you boys are not doing this. Guys, this is risky and stupid. We just met the girl for crying out loud! And now you are all willing to follow her blindly into the woods!?" She asked sarcastically.
"Which is why we need you there!" Dustin added helplessly.
Jennifer let out a heavy breath to calm herself down. "Look guys, I couldn't help even if I wanted too. I got busted last night for sneaking out and my dad's already pissed off about my car being smashed into a tree. Just promise me you guys aren't going to do this. We can't trust her. We don't know her. Just give me some time to figure out a plan. I have a lot going on right now. But I will help you figure out where she is from later. Understood?" Jennifer stared daggers into each boys eyes threatening them to defy her.
The boys all let out a sigh in unison. "Fine..." They all mumbled.
Jennifer didn't believe them for a second. These boys are like her little brothers and she knows them better than anyone. After all, they are exactly like her when she was younger.
The blaring of the school bell interrupted her spiel and their conversation. Jennifer adjusted the strap on her shoulder letting out a stressed sigh. "I have to head to class. But I swear on my life, if I find out any of you follow through with this plan, I will have the absolute pleasure of running you over with my car. I'm watching you boys." She warned with a threatening glare before spinning around and marching off into the school in a small jog.
The three boys watched her disappear around the corner all staring at her fearfully.
"She can't find out we're doing this." Mike's voice broke the silence shooting his head towards his friend.
"Never." Lucas agreed quietly staring ahead petrified in fear.
Dustin gulped and adjusted his baseball cap over his curls. "Why does she become hotter when she is threatening our lives?" He breathed out flustered.
"Dustin!" Mike yelled and Lucas rolled his eyes repulsed. "That disgusting. Now come on, let's go before I throw up my breakfast from Dustin staring lovingly at Jen." Mike visibly shook in disgust.
Dustin's head snapped to Mike. "I was not 'staring lovingly' at her." He argued back.
"Whatever man," Mike sighed walking back to their school across the field. "You are way to young for her anyway, dude." He called back.
Lucas laughed and began to follow leaving Dustin behind alone and speechless. "The age difference won't matter once I am 18!" He called after his friends.
"Yeah and I'm sure Jen will wait that long to be with a guy like you!" Lucas called back with a smirk.
"And you think she will wait for your smelly ass!?" Dustin remarked.
Mike groaned as Lucas and Dustin began to bicker about who is 'more disgusting ' than the other. Although they were just 12, Mike began to wonder how he was stuck with such immature friends.
But unfortunately, his only other options are a boy who is missing and a bald girl whose named after a number. He will take the best he can get.
Jennifer would like to say she remembers what she learned that morning in class. But due to her decaffeinated and sleep deprived self, she barely managed to stay awake.
Honestly, Jennifer was just pleased she made it through class and remained slightly awake for the whole period. For that, she wanted to reward herself with some prepackaged desert at the cafeteria.
Before Jennifer knew the bell rang for lunch. Her favourite period of the day and the hour she will spend devouring a slice of cake.
Jennifer was quick to pack up her bag and slide her graded test at the very bottom. She had gotten a C- and was hoping the teacher wouldn't call home. Jennifer could not afford a call home with how much trouble she was already in with her dad.
In her perspective, her grade wasn't horrible and could be a lot worse. Yet her stuck-up father shunned anything below a B.
Whatever.
With a pep in her step, Jennifer practically skipped to the cafeteria where her prepackaged cake would be awaiting for her. She can already taste it.
"What do you mean sold out? " Jennifer glared angrily at the lunch lady.
"What? Are you too pretty to read the sign?" The lunch lady snapped back pointing to the sign above the display case and earned a few giggles from people awaiting in line behind her. Jennifer's glare hardened. "We're out of desert, hun. Maybe try an apple or showing up earlier." She retorted.
Jennifer rolled her eyes and judgementally glared at the woman. "I'll Ppass. I'm 'too pretty ' to be early to lunch and eat whatever you call 'healthy '." She gave a tight lipped smile before spinning around with her lunch tray that consisted of only a sandwich thanks to her lack of luck.
As if her day can't get any worse.
With the rest of her dignity and the practically empty lunch tray, Jennifer walked through the cafeteria to find someone to sit with. She wasn't about to sit alone like a loser. But she had higher standards than sitting with the computer geeks in the corner.
"Jenn!" Someone called out.
Jennifer stopped and smiled to herself. Who would she be sitting with today? She turned around to see when her smile dropped seeing the table and the people at it.
She spoke too soon.
"Quite a show you put on last night, Jen." Tommy H. whistled lowly. "Remind me to invite you to my party next weekend." Tommy H. smirked and his eyes scanned Jennifer's figure as if she was nude that made a chill run down her spine in disgust.
Carol nudged Tommy H.'s side in jealousy and Steve sent the boy a glare from across the table. But Nancy didn't respond and instead stood up from the table stepping between the conversation.
"Jen, did you see Barb leave last night?" Nancy anxiously questioned.
Jennifer's eyes flickered to Nancy. "Yeah, she drove me home." She shrugged. "Why? Isn't she here today?"
Nancy shook her head. "No, I haven't seen her. Jen, I'm worried something happened." Her voice dropped down into a whisper.
Jennifer gave a faint reassuring smile. "Relax, Nancy. I am sure she went home and slept through her alarm. Or, better yet, her alarm batteries died." She laughed at the irony.
"Is that what happened to you?" Steve Harrington laughed and gazed over Jennifer's rugged appearance. Carol and Tommy H. joined in but Nancy frowned faintly.
Jennifer rolled her eyes and settled her gaze on Harrington. His arm was draped on the back of Nancy's chair with his cocky and irritating smirk that made any girl melt. But Jennifer wanted to puke at the sight. "Oh, Harrington! Didn't even see you." Jennifer smiled sarcastically. "Is it just me or did your hairline get further back than yesterday? Be careful there Stevie boy. Balding is a serious problem."
Tommy H. and Carol chuckled, and Nancy shot Jennifer a harsh glare. But Jennifer's eyes were fixed on Steve who was shooting daggers towards her and his jaw clenched tightly.
Jennifer smirked widened. She loved getting under his skin.
"Jen." Nancy hissed angrily under her breath.
Jennifer scoffed looking back at Nancy. "Yeah, yeah. I know. I'll see you around, Nancy. Call me if you hear from Barb."
Nancy frowned watching one of her best friends walk away from her and sit with a random group of girls that welcomed her with a smile across the cafeteria. Behind her, the table got back into their conversation about the events her and Steve got up too last night. But Nancy couldn't help herself feel distant from Jennifer. From everyone.
Jennifer was more confident and extroverted than Nancy could ever be. The girl could basically go up to anyone and become their friend. She had this personality that everyone adores.
That's how Nancy became friends with Jennifer when they were twelve.
Jennifer approached Nancy and Barb after school, introduced herself confidently, and asked their perspective on acid wash jeans. Apparently the small conversation was a hit because Jennifer kept coming back to their duo repeatedly until they became a trio.
But from that conversation, it was Barb who kept the conversation going. It was Barb who told Jennifer fringe jeans were worse than acid was jeans. It was Barb who invited Jennifer to lunch the next day.
Barb has unknowingly became the glue in the friendship.
On the other hand, Nancy always silently admired Jennifer. She always had.
That's why when Jennifer started dating Jesse Thompson, Nancy developed a crush on Steve Harrington. Because Steve had the same status and confidence as Jesse.
But now that Nancy slept with Steve Harrington, she feels this pressure to be more like Jennifer. More confident and proud in herself. But she doesn't. She feels the same as she did yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that . . . But she feels like she is missing something.
Nancy still admires Jennifer. She still wants to be like Jennifer.
But instead, Nancy could only watch from across the cafeteria as Jennifer laughs with a new group of girls about their perspective shoulder pads. A topic that Barb, Jennifer, and Nancy gossiped about last week during their weekly sleepover.
"Where are you Barb..?" Nancy whispered desperately to herself and the universe.
Hours went by before the bell rang to dismiss the school day. Jennifer was productively studying in the library for a complete twenty-two minutes before she rewarded herself with a steady nap for the remaining hour and thirty-eight minutes.
Her head shot up from the textbook she was using as a pillow and let out a yawn from the loud alarm ringing. Students began to filter out of the library and shot her a look, while others smiled in recognition of the tired-teen.
She began packing up slowly and looked up at the clock hanging on the wall disinterested in anyone and anything. It was a quarter passed three meaning she had almost two hours to spend at the Byers house before she had to be home.
Plenty of time, she assured herself.
Hiking the bag on her shoulder, Jennifer left the library to find her damaged but classic blue honda. "Harriett the honda" is Jennifer's first car. Although it is full of scratches, dents, and chips, the car symbolizes more than a mechanical box on wheels.
It's filled with numerous memories.
Cigarette burns on the top of her car from Jesse's unhealthy habit; a blue slushie stain on the passenger seat from Nancy coughing it up through her nose; and the nasty dent on the driver side from crashing into a tree when searching for Will Beyers.
Ah, good times.
Swinging her keys around her index finger, Jennifer pushed the metal doors open of Hawkins whistling a Blondie tune that's been stuck in her head. A smile tugged at her lips seeing Harriet the honda sitting in her usual spot and filled with all the damages.
"Please, give me my bag-" Jennifer heard Jonathan ask desperately.
Jennifer froze in her spot and stopped whistling. It didn't take long for her to find the scene, finding Jonathan standing in a victim between Tommy H. and Steve tossing his backpack around like a game of piggy-in-the-middle.
"You've got to be kidding..." Jennifer whispered to herself feeling her blood begin to boil. Hot air exhaled out of Jennifer's cheeks in anger from the sight she was witnessing. A sight she refused to be a bystander too.
Without thought, Jennifer marched towards the scene with anger, vengeance, and hatred with her eyes fixated on the boy holding Jonathan's bag. Which ironically was also the boy she loathes.
"Man, he is totally trembling. He must really have something to hide." Steve Harrington laughed shaking the bag like a kid on Christmas morning.
Jonathan stood aside helplessly as Steve Harrington opened up the bag on a car's trunk pulling out some pictures he was looking for. His grin faltered when seeing the photo in his hand and his gaze darkened in disgust.
"Harrington! Those aren't yours! I'd give them back before my fist meets your jaw." Jennifer shouted a warning at the boy marching into the scene. Steve glanced up and didn't have a second to react.
"Jen-" Jonathan tried to stop Jennifer as she snatched the photos out of Steve's hand, knowing she was unaware of the situation she walked into.
Tommy H. let out a laugh as Jennifer stood up to Steve holding the pictures behind her. "You are an absolute horrible, disgusting, and immature human being for teasing someone that lost his brother." She spat out in disgust. Her body was so close to Steve that he felt the heat radiating off of her. But her anger was contagious as he felt his expression harden from her accusations. "I can't believe you." She detested.
Steve raised an eyebrow and his jaw clenched. "I'm horrible, disgusting, and immature?" He asked in disbelief. Jennifer didn't respond and Steve glared down at her, crossing his arms defensively. "Why don't you look at the photos in your hands that belong to your best friend here?" Steve hummed daringly.
Jennifer narrowed her eyes uncertain of the prank he was pulling. But she took the bait.
Her eyes flickered down to the photos in her hand and felt her world freeze in place. It was a photo of her. Last night at Steve's house. She was lounging on a chair laughing with a beer in her hand.
"Jen-" Jonathan pathetically attempted to stop her.
But Jennifer didn't listen. She flipped to the next photo and stopped breathing. It was a photo of her sitting on the pool side with a small smile. She flipped to the next photo and felt her hearing fade. It was her undressing herself before diving in the pool. She was only wearing her bra and underwear.
"Jen..." Jonathan sighed.
"Jonathan, what is this? " Jennifer spat out turning around to face the boy.
Jonathan froze. Jennifer was glaring daggers at him and her cheeks were red. From afar, Jonathan saw her hands shake but he was uncertain if it was being upset or being vivid.
"I-I was looking for my brother." Jonathan whispered looking at the ground shamefully, knowing how much it sounds like an excuse.
"No." Steve stepped beside Jennifer and grabbed the photos from her hand. Jennifer didn't protest. "No, this is called stalking." He held the photos up for Jonathan to see.
"Hey, guys. What's going on?" Jennifer heard Nancy's voice appear. But she didn't check to confirm. She was busy staring at the concrete trying to comprehend everything as her mind was desperate to make connections of why Jonathan would do this.
It has to be a misunderstanding, right?
"Ah, if it isn't the staring lady." Tommy H. laughed.
Carol scoffed. "This creep was spying on us last night. He is probably saving this one for later." She stated passing the photos from Steves hand to Nancy's.
Nancy took the photos and studied them quietly, glancing at Jennifer from the corner of her eye whose refused to look at anyone.
"See, you can tell that he knows it was wrong." Steve clicks his tongue grabbing the photos out of Nancy's hand and began walking towards Jonathan. "Man, that's the thing about perverts. It's hardwired into them. You know, they just can't help themselves." Steve grinned and began ripping the photos up, littering the ground with the pieces in front of Jonathan. The boy could only watch unable to look anywhere else. Steve grinned cockily in victory, "So, I guess we will just have to take away his toy." He concluded.
Jonathan finally unfroze from the ground and tried to reach for Steve but was held back by Tommy H.. "No, please not the camera." He begged Steve desperately.
Jennifer finally looked up to take in the scene: Jonathan begging Steve not to destroy his camera, Steve standing cockily with the camera in his hands, and solicited photos of her and Nancy covering the pavement.
Steve teased Jonathan to come grab it from his hand but Jennifer knew what he was doing. But she couldn't find a voice to stop his actions.
The moment Jonathan stepped forward, the camera smashed against the ground.
Steve laugh and filtered away from the scene, taking the crowd with him. But Jennifer remained frozen in place staring at Jonathan like he was a stranger. The Jonathan she knew wouldn't do this. The Jonathan she knew wouldn't take these photos of her. The Jonathan she knew wouldn't keep this a secret from her...
Jonathan stared down at his camera in despair and fell to his knees to assess the damage, uncertain of whether Jennifer and Nancy's trust or his camera was more damaged than the other.
With a deep breath, Jennifer concluded her thoughts. She had to get out of her.
She turned on the heel of her boot and began to walk towards her car without a word.
"Jen-!" Jonathan called out after her.
"Don't, Jonathan. Don't dig the hole deeper than it already is." Jennifer called back coldly walking away from the scene with disinterest. Unlike Nancy, she didn't want to look at the photos or keep some scraps.
Jennifer wanted to get far away from Jonathan and her problems for just a little bit. She couldn't believe that Jonathan would do something like this. She wanted to believe this wasn't him and he was being framed. But Jonathan didn't deny it.
Conflicted is the only word to describe how Jennifer felt. Jonathan has been the only person she could rely on and to tell her the truth for the past few years. But now she feels like she was stabbed in the back.
Is Jonathan only my friend for the same reason Jesse dated me? Jennifer's thoughts began to roam and she hated them.
Unlocking Harriet the honda and sliding into the driver seat, Jennifer started the ignition to begin blasting Blondie over the radio. She doesn't know what to think right now but she is certain of one thing: she doesn't want to think right now.
Luckily, she knows just how to solve her problem. Which ironically is the same reason she was in this mess.
Carol squealed in the eerie night as Tommy H. threatened to throw her in the pool. Rock music played lightly to fill the silence among the small party which Jennifer found herself humming along too. The Callahan girl sat on the poolside with her jeans rolled up to her knees. Her shoes and socks sat beside her, letting her feet dangle in the water below her. Her brown hair fell over her shoulders as she stared up at the sky. One hand was behind her, keeping her from falling back. And the other was holding a fresh cold beer that she was casually sipping from. Her head swayed back in forth in the tipsy state, loving the way her mind was fogged and her emotions were bubbly.
"How many of those did you have?" Barb asked taking a seat next to her best friend. The red-head narrowed her eyes in concern seeing the giggly smile on Jennifer's lips that was rare, especially near Harrington.
Jennifer glanced at Barb her head falling onto her shoulder. "I don't know." She giggled holding up the beer can to read the label in the pool light. "I think two." Her words began to slur. Due to her foggy mind, she couldn't remember how much she had but Barb could tell it was way more than two drinks.
Barb tried to pull the beer can away but Jennifer groaned and moved the can out of her reach. Barb huffed, falling back beside Jennifer. "Jen, you had enough. Hand me the beer." Barb argued quietly.
"Let her drink!" Tommy shouted from across the pool with his arm slung over Carol's shoulder. "Callahan is way more fun this way." He smirked at the brunette who was gulping down the rest of her beer and Barb was too busy glaring at Tommy from across the pool to notice her friend drunk action.
Jennifer let out a sigh wiping her mouth dry of any drops of beer that was left on her mouth. Barb looked back at her friend and her eyes widened noticing the beer can now empty. The brunette tossed it aside and jolted up with a new energy buzzing through her.
"I need another." Jennifer drunkly declared aloud.
Carol grinned preferring Jennifer this way compared to the uptight sober she usually is. "Grab me one!" She shouted across the pool. Jennifer gave her a thumbs up and winked but Barb was quick to get up and lower her arm.
"I should get you home." Barb frowned.
Jennifer's head whirled to her best friend pressing her lips into a frown. "Noooo, you can't..." She pouted. Barb narrowed her eyes annoyed, wondering how she got stuck in this mess with no help from Nancy. "My dad thinks I'm studying in my room. He can't know I snuck out." Jennifer pressed a finger to her lip and shushed Barb loudly.
Tommy and Carol laughed while Barb frowned. She knew she couldn't bring home Jennifer in this state, especially if she is going to try to sneak in. But what other options did she have? "Stay here. I'm going to go get you some water." Barb muttered already exhausted from drunk Jennifer. Tommy and Carol booed the statement and Barb was instantly annoyed that she was seen as the 'debby-downer' for caring for her friends well-being.
Jennifer nodded and watch Barb walk towards the back door. Once Barb disappeared, Jennifer scanned the backyard for a sign of a full can of alcohol. To her luck, she saw one sitting on a pool chair alone. Happily, Jennifer practically skipped over to the can and opening it without thought. She took a few gulps before the backdoor slid opened.
"Hey! That's mine, Callahan!" Steve shouted annoyed walking over to Jennifer. He snatched the beer out of Jennifer's hands glaring at her from already drinking half of it, doing his best to hide his annoyance and admiration.
Being stripped away from her alcohol, Jennifer's lips pursed together into a pout and crossed her arms innocently. She looked at Steve desperate, "Pleassssse, Stevie. I will get you another." She whined mustering up the best pleading expression she could to Steve.
Steve's eyes lost all annoyance and turned bleak at her response. He cocked his head slightly, scanning Jennifer figure. He finally took notice in her swaying body, giggly smile, and squinted eyes.
"A-are you drunk?" He asked in some amusement. He tried to hide his smile but he couldn't help find find the situation entertaining.
Jennifer nodded, holding up her thumb and index finger in front of her face. The two fingers were barely touching with half a centimeter space between them while she loopy grinned. "Mhm, just this much. But don't tell Barb or she is going to get mad." She stated clueless to the question asked and swayed softly back between her feet.
Steve chuckled amused at her state. He hasn't seen Jennifer this relaxed in a long time and he rather enjoyed seeing her not glaring at him every five seconds. "Well, Callahan. I didn't know you could have fun without being sarcastic after every five seconds." Steve admits taking a sip from his beer.
Jennifer's smile dropped to a frown and huffed like a child. Both pouting and annoyed that Steve would say something like that. "I can have fun." She protested childishly.
Steve raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I can tell." His voice trailed off with his gaze that began to linger.
"Do a trick then Callahan!" Tommy overheard the conversation and shouted from across the pool, edging on the conversation and Jennifer's drunken state.
Jennifer glanced off Steve to Tommy over her shoulder, who was grinning while gesturing to the pool in front of them with an arm slung around Carols shoulder sitting in a chair together. A drunk thought came to Jennifer's mind and she dropped her hands to her side walking to the edge of the pool while Tommy and Carol began to chant her on from across the pool. Steve narrowed his eyes, unsure if this is a good idea. Jennifer was obviously drunk and Steve is unaware of Jennifer's swimming experience. The two combined together was surely not the best idea.
"Maybe you should drink some water first, Jen." Steve added voicing his concern his expression unreadable.
Jennifer stopped at the edge of the pool glancing over her shoulder at Steve. If she was sober, she would have retaliated with some sarcastic comment of how she can handle herself. But Jennifer was drunk and wasn't thinking. She forgot about her hatred towards Steve and the walls she built up over the past year. Maybe that is why she acted so playfully or maybe these drunk emotions were portraying some sober thoughts.
A genuine soft smile appeared on her lips and she giggled at the comment, turning around to face him. "I'll be fine, Stevie." Her voice was soft as she placed her hands at the hem of her white shirt. She tore it over her head in a quick movement staring at Steve as she does so being undeliberately seductive. Tossing it aside, Tommy let out a low whistle as she unbuttoned her pants. She shimmed them down and stepped out of them leaving her in her navy blue lace undergarments.
Steve gulped at the sight as Jennifer stood back upright giving Steve an innocent smile. "I just want to have some fun." She muttered innocently, pursing her lips together with a pleading look in her eye and cocking her head aside.
Jennifer giggled and turned around letting out a squeal as she dove perfectly into the water. Tommy whistled and Carol was suddenly annoyed by Jennifer's show but mainly her boyfriends reaction. When Jennifer broke the surface, she was grinning ear to ear with her hair now wet pressed against her back. Her gaze first met Tommy's who was smirking at the sight and gave him a playful wink.
When she spun around, she saw Steve standing there speechless. His mouth was open partially surprise at the sight in front of him. He never would have imagined he would see Jennifer Callahan strip in front of him and dive in his pool. And he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it. Which is a thought he hated since his girlfriend was inside of his house talking to Barb about their relationship.
Jennifer swam to the edge of the pool near Steve and prompt her arms on the poolside. Her cheek rested on top her arms looking at Steve with an innocent smile. "What did you think?" She asked amused. Looking up at him through her thick eyelashes. "Enough to give me the rest of the beer?" She weakly attempted to reach out and grab the beer can in Steve's hand. But failed from him standing away so far.
Steve cleared his throat, ignoring the blood rushing to his cheeks from the innocent yet erotic action. "Sorry, Callahan. Not today." He muttered walking to Jennifer whose smile dropped into a pout. Steve couldn't help but smile slightly, seeing Jennifer look at him with such innocence instead of anger and hatred. It was refreshing having her look at him without a glare or frown on her lips. He knelt down next to the pool and extended his hand that wasn't holding the beer out for Jocelyn to take.
Jennifer glanced from his brown doe eyes to his hand. The hand looked so soft and tempting that caused Jennifer to grab it with her small petite hand fully from curiosity. A breath escaped Steve's lips when she voluntarily took his hand without anger or sarcasm. His expression faltered seeing her stare up at him with a heart-stopping smile and innocent eyes. Clearing his throat, he dropped his gaze and pulled her up onto the side of the pool.
Jennifer squealed on how easily he picked her up from the pool and found it rather fun. His hand slipped from hers once she was seated on the concrete and her eyes closed in enjoyment of the fuzzy state she was feeling. Humming softly, she rocked her body back and forth not realizing she was cold until a towel draped around her shoulders.
Her eyes opened and glanced behind her finding Steve fix the towels on her shoulders gently. Their eyes met for a brief moment and Steve froze his actions, not realizing how close they had gotten.
"What the hell Steve!?"A voice boomed behind them.
Both Jennifer and Steve's head snapped to the house seeing the red head girl marching over to them with a water bottle in hand. The girl was so mad her cheeks were almost the same colour of her hair.
When Barb walked out of the house, the first thing she saw was Jennifer practically naked and soaking wet on the side of the pool with Steve fixing a towel around her shoulders. Her eyes flickered to the beer bottle resting beside Steve and her anger grew. From Barb's perspective, she assumed that Steve was the one who pressured Jennifer to dive in the water, take off her clothes, in rewards of having his beer. Regardless of his relationship with Nancy.
Steve shot up to his feet and stepped away from Jennifer in denial. "What the hell did I do!?" He defended himself out of slight anger. Jennifer let out a small giggle at his denial and the sound tugged a smile to Steve's lips, feeling the alcohol through his blood blur his emotions.
Barb marched over towards Steve seeing Jennifer in the corner of her eye hum and kick water with her feet innocently. Her eyes darted back to Steve in anger. If only looks could kill. "She is drunk! You seriously thought it would be wise for her to go swimming?!" Barb's voice raised.
Steve huffed angrily and crossed his arms. "I didn't tell Callahan to do shit. That was her own choice." He argued, not ratting out Tommy H. or Carol. Regardless on how bad the idea was they were still his friends. Barb rolled her eyes and moved past Steve to Jennifer's side to give her the water.
Tommy H. chuckled in amusement from the other side of the pool. He found this situation too entertaining for Steve's enjoyment. "You enjoyed the show though, Stevie-Boy. Don't try and deny it." Tommy H. teased.
Steve shot a glare to Tommy H. across the pool but remained quiet. Barb muttered something under her breath and tried to help Jennifer up tp her feet. With one hand under either arm, she helped the drunk girl up to her feet regardless of her incapability to stand.
When Jennifer finally got up, her world seemed to spin and caused her to stumbled into two strong arms. Her hands gripped the collar of the shirt of the stranger for stability as their two hands rested on her hips firmly. Her eyes trailed up the figure seeing Steve staring down at her with wide eyes and mouth opened in shock. The scent of cigarettes and beer filled her lungs, as his brown eyes focused on her in suspense.
Her pink delicate lips quirked into a smirk and she cocked her head licking her bottom lip innocently yet suggestively. "Did you like the show, Stevie-Boy?" She repeated the question in a soft and tempting voice making him visibly gulp in response.
"That's enough, Jen. I'm taking you home." Barb announced irritated tugging Jennifer's forearm back making her stumble out of Steve's grasp and into her friends. Before Jennifer could glance at her vividly furious friend, she could have sworn that Steve's cheeks went bright red from her snide comment. But that could have just been the alcohol talking.
"But, I don't want tooooooooo." Jennifer's slurred followed by a light hiccup swaying softly on her feet in a dazed state. The sight made Barb frown and Tommy H. whistle flirtatiously. Barb has only ever seen Jennifer drunk on few occasions. All of them to forget some type of emotion. Barb's mind was spinning of what could cause Jennifer's sudden reckless behaviour but she didn't have time to find the answer.
"I am taking her home." Barb repeated but the statement was now directed at Steve.
He stood behind Jennifer staring at her swaying figure, both flustered and lustful. It was until he heard Barb's statement when he glanced back at the red-head and nodded in agreement, forcing a tight-lipped smile that seem to have fooled everyone except Barb.
"Tell Nancy we're leaving. She is waiting for you inside." Barb sighed out wrapping an arm around Jennifer's waist to hold her upright. Instinctively, Jennifer leaned into her friends touch and rested her head on her shoulder while humming a Blondie song. The sight of Jennifer so vulnerable made Steve smile softly, reminding him of the girl he used to know before she started dating that prick Jesse Thompson.
"Don't think about it Steve." Barb warned quietly. Steve's eyes darted back to Barb after being caught red-handed. Barb's eyes bore daggers into his noticing his slip up and shook her head sternly. "Don't do anything stupid, Steve. Nancy and Jennifer have been best friends since preschool. Don't get in between them. Don't ruin their friendship."
Steve didn't protest. He couldn't.
He could only stand there and internally agree while watching Barb lead Jennifer out of his backyard and inevitably leaving him alone in the backyard with Tommy H. and Carol who were now making out in a chair behind him. Steve stilled as he watched the backdoor Barb disappeared through with Jennifer uncertain of whether his heart was racing because of how much he drank or how alluring Jennifer's lavender shampoo smelt like.
Steve shook his head. No, this is Jennifer Callahan. That's gross, Steve thought to himself and shivered in distaste.
"Stevie?" A soft voice spoke up and he glanced at the petite girl in the same doorway Jennifer disappeared through seconds ago. "I'm getting tired." Nancy's wrapped her arms around herself and stared at him adoringly.
Steve raised the metal beer tin in his grip up to his lips and downed the rest of the liquor in a single gulp before crumpling it up tightly in his grasp. He needed to stop thinking about Jennifer when Nancy is his girlfriend. It was wrong.
Steve burped and wiped the back of his hand of any drops. "Coming Nance." He muttered.
His beer can clashed to the ground as Steve Harrington stepped over top of it and headed inside with a very excited Nancy Wheeler. The small clang was overpowered by the lustful sounds coming from Tommy H. and Carol across the pool deck and a bone-chilling screech in the distance. But the drunken teenagers were all caught up in their lustful emotions to hear it.
Other than Barb who was loading a drunk Jennifer into her car.
"You look scared." Jennifer giggled mockingly from the passenger seat of Barb's car.
Barb stood between the car and the Harrington household staring into the distance petrified. She was getting Jennifer fixated in the passenger seat and buckling her in when she heard terrifying eerie monstrous scream coming from the forest behind Steve Harrington's house. A lurking feeling settled in her guts that she was being watched from the distance. A feeling she could not shake.
"Nothing's there, Barb. Deep breaths. Nothing is there." Barb whispered to herself reassuringly. She took a deep breath and turned around forward to face her best friend. "Come on, Jen. Let's get your drunk ass home." She smiled faintly and went to close the passenger door.
But as the door slam shut, it muffled the gasp and grunt of pain that escaped Barb's lips.
Barb's old rustic car has a few paint chips and said girl forgot about it when she ran her hand over the passenger door. Leaving her with a thick cut along her hand that was oozing out blood. "Well, shit." Barb cursed to herself.
There was nothing in her car that would clean or patch the wound so she would have to wait till she got home. With a huff, Barb walked around the car and into the drivers seat. With a new found focus on her blood hand than the hairs on her arm standing up.
Jennifer rested her head on the passenger window as Barb hopped into the driver seat to start the engine with a frown. "I told youuuuuuuu. I can't go home! My dad doesn't know I was drinking." Jennifer whispered loudly with a slur to her speech oblivious to her friends injury.
Barb let out a sigh in exhaustion and wrapped her hand in a old shirt she kept in the backseat that would suffice until she got home.
Tonight was definitely not Barb's night. Just minutes ago, Barb gotten in a fight with Nancy for being an overbearing friend and not being 'as fun as Jennifer' when she was just worried for their wellbeing's. Now Jennifer is being noncompliant and was incredibly drunk thanks to Harrington which didn't help Barb's exhaustion.
Barb was just so tired of constantly being labelled as the villain when she was just trying to care for her friends wellbeing.
"I know, Jen. But there isn't any other choice." Barb muttered pulling out from the curb.
Jen rolled her eyes and slumped back in the seat. "God, I hate you sometimes..." She muttered under her breath and her eyelids fell shut. Barb frowned faintly and took a deep breath. "But not as much as Harrington..." Jennifer yawned and readjusted her position to get more comfortable in the seat.
Barb grip loosened and glanced over at Jennifer who was smiling drunkly to herself with her eyes closed.
"God, I really, really, hate him. He is just an ass and he hurts me. He is just so cocky and popular, and...." A hiccuped interrupted her thoughts. She groaned from her thoughts and physical pain, "I hate him... so so so much." Her voice trailed off. "...I hate Jesse Thompson." She whispered to herself.
Barb exhaled deeply as Jennifer passed out in the passenger seat leaving the air thick in the car.
Jesse Thompson wasn't someone Jennifer talked about a lot after their breakup. He was someone all guys wanted to be and all girls wanted to be with. Barb never understood why they broke up or why closed off Jennifer became after he got suspended. But she was also not naive.
She saw the signs and symptoms like everyone else at school. But alike everyone else, she was in denial. Because Jennifer is the toughest, most badass chick Barb knows. There is no way that would happen without Jennifer saying something.
That is not the Jennifer Callahan that Barb knows and loves.
"Let's get you home, Jen." Barb sighed as the car turned onto Jennifer's block and Barb's thoughts began to roam.
All while Jennifer kept mumbling to herself over and over again the same damn sentence since they left Harrington's street. Which left an eerie tension in the car as neither girl spoke the unspeakable topic nor noticed the black figure following behind the car in the shadows that was getting closer every passing second.
"...I hate Harrington." Jennifer muttered under her breath as she dozed off seconds before Barb pulling up in front of her house. "...I hate, him?"
"I don't understand why you are still with that asshole, Jenny." Jonathan scoffed while squeezing out a damp rag in his bathroom sink, letting the water pour out and into the drain. He glanced at the silent girl sitting on the toilet lid staring at the wall across from her.
Tears stained her red cheeks, her eyes swollen from crying ever since Jonathan picked her up from Jessie's house. She had yet to say a word. Staring into the distance and silently crying to herself. Her silence worried Jonathan. He didn't know what hurt or how to help her. But he could just help her like usual, clean her wounds and try and assure her it would be alright.
But he knew she would be in the same situation again. Because after every scratch or bruise, she continued to run back to him.
Jonathan shook his head disappointed. "This is the second time this week and he isn't going to stop. I know you'll continue to defend him by trying to take the blame. But no man should ever lay a hand on a woman. This behaviour isn't normal in a relationship, Jen. Don't let Jessie make you think differently." He muttered, walking over in front of Jennifer and knelt down on his knees.
Her head fell further to her laps diverting Jonathan's worried gaze that was desperate to meet hers. Who would have thought that the one time Jonathan Byers, the quiet weird kid of Hawkins high, had helped Jennifer Callahan, the sassy and outspoken girl of Hawkins High, clean her wounds from her boyfriends slap would result in the two becoming friends. After every fight, Jennifer would run to Jonathan and he would always be ready to help her.
Jonathan let out a heavy sigh when he lightly pressed the damp cloth to the blood under her nose and she flinched. He dropped his hand, unable to continue seeing her in such distress and searched Jennifer's eyes for some kind of response.
"You have to end this." Jonathan stated.
Tears welled in Jennifer's eyes and her lip quivered as she tried to hold them back. But under Jonathan's worried gaze, she slipped up and let out a sob. Her hand flew to her mouth to cover it as her eyes shut and let out her tears that had been pooling behind her eyes.
Her head shook slowly earning a confused look from Jonathan. "I-I can't." She muttered. "I-I tried doing it today and, and, he threatened to beat me, a-again." She stated through her sobs.
Jonathan frowned and placed a hand on Jennifer's knee rubbing it with her thumb soothingly. "I won't let him. But you have to end it before you end up in a hospital." Jonathan stated in fear.
Jennifer nodded in agreement, her brown hair falling in front of her face. She continued to sob and Jonathan continued to console her. He hated seeing the girl he considers possibly his best friend break down like this. He has only known Jennifer for six months but their friendship is the truest kind. He has seen her at her happiest, usually whenever she plays with Will, and her saddest, every time she comes straight from Jessie's. He always hated seeing her cry wishing he could do something.
A faint knock knocked at the bathroom door. The door slowly opened and young Will Byers poked his head in with a frown seeing Jennifer sobbing in their bathroom. Jonathan glanced over and saw his younger brother smiling sadly at him.
"Hey, bud. Now isn't a great time." Jonathan muttered softly.
Will ignored the comment and pushed the door open wider. Jonathan frowned, glancing at Jennifer for her input. She wiped her eyes dry, her sobs turning into heavy breaths trying to compose herself for the young boy. Putting on the biggest smile she could, she gave a nod to Jonathan and looked at Will with tearful eyes.
Will had his hands behind his back, his frown deepened when seeing the red marks on her cheek. He wasn't certain of why Jennifer would come over crying with blood or red marks on her skin. And every time he asked Jonathan, he assured Will that it was nothing to worry about. But Will was worried. He wanted to help you like Jonathan did.
Will glanced at Jonathan who stared at the ground, unsure how to explain to the young boy of how Jennifer was going through the same toxic relationship as their parents. But the silence in the room spoke louder, giving Will an impression of what happened.
"I-I heard you crying and wanted to see if you were okay." Will muttered glancing back at Jennifer with sympathy.
Jennifer felt her fake smile turn genuine at the young boys concern. She wiped the tear that fell from her eye, ignoring the stinging that came from her cheek. "I'll be okay, Will." She promised.
Will smiled weakly and walked closer cautiously in case Jennifer told him to stop. "I wanted to make you feel better so I wanted to bake you cookies. B-but I didn't know how...so I brought you this!" He said in excitement pulling his hand out from behind his back to reveal a single Oreo cookie.
Jennifer's smile widened and Jonathan couldn't help but be greatful for his younger brother for bringing a smile to Jennifer's face when he couldn't. Will handed over the Oreo into Jennifer's hands, who stared at it with a smile.
"Thank you, Will. You are the bestest friend ever." She admits genuinely and Will's smile grew from the statement.
Will nodded glancing at Jonathan. "Well, I wanted to help you. Like all those times you help me with homework or bullies." He admits honestly and Jonathan glanced at Jennifer in slight admiration.
Jennifer nodded and raised her pinky finger. Instantly, Will raised his and wrapped his pinky around her's with an excited grin. Mimicking the same action they did when Jennifer promised to be his friend forever.
"Friends?" Jennifer asked.
Will nodded. "Forever." He repeated.
Jonathan grinned, glancing between his friend and brother. Something about how they get along warms his heart. It was easy to say that Jennifer was becoming apart of the Byer's family. Being close friends with Jonathan, an older-sister figure to Will, and practically an adopted daughter to Joyce.
The smoke alarm suddenly went off and Joyce walked past the bathroom, waving a cloth back and forth coughing hectically. She stopped in front of the door seeing the three kids huddled together. Instead of questioning it, she continued to cough.
All three kids looked at her confused and she smiled embarrassed. "The chicken got burnt. Who want's pizza?" Joyce asked coughing through the smoke that was filling the house.
Will gasped and ran out of the bathroom, quick to grab the menu off the fridge to decide what pizza he wanted to order. Jonathan rose to his feet and extended a hand to Jennifer who took it with a kind smile. The two headed out of the bathroom following Joyce and Will who were already arguing over the quantity of pizza's they should order.
Jennifer had found another home in the Byers household, like she did in the Wheeler's. But something about the Byers household was more welcoming. There was no tension or arguing; other than the casual banter. The family was ideally perfect in Jennifer's eyes.
It was her adopted family.
"Jennifer! Are you even listening!?" Barb scold from the driver's seat giving her friend a glare through the rearview mirror. Jennifer has been sitting in the backseat, longly staring out the back window in deep thought. Her brown hair tied back into a high messy ponytail with two strands loose, framing either side of her face. A frown was present on her pink plum lips, her eyes filled with a bit of sadness replaying her past memories while her two best friends chatted together in the front seats.
Hearing her name, Jennifer looked over to her best friend clueless unsure what she was asked. She gave a faint nod, pressing her lips into a tight lip smile. "Yeah." Jennifer sighed. Barb noticed how her smile didn't reach her ears and her scold dropped into a frown knowing something was wrong.
"Barb, pull over." Nancy explained staring out the window, clueless to her friends' conversation and Jennifer's expression. Barb's attention was pulled off of Jennifer through the rearview mirror, to the brunette sitting in the passenger seat.
"What?" Barb asked glancing at Nancy unsure if she heard wrong. Surely Nancy had to notice her other friend's silence and sorrow mood.
Nancy sighed heavily and Jennifer went back to staring out the window, thinking back to some memories with Will Byers. "Pull over!" Nancy exclaimed both impatient and excited.
Barb obliged and pulled over to the right curb to silence Nancy's begging. Jennifer's gaze was out the back window, her mind stuck on memories of Will, and a guilty feeling washed through her for going to this "party" instead of helping the boys find Will and help Eleven. But her ears perked up hearing Nancy's persistency regardless of her being trapped in her thoughts.
"What are we doing here? His house is three blocks away." Barb parked the car and looked at the brunette confused.
Nancy's smile almost mocked Barb's lack of knowledge. "We can't park in the driveway. The neighbours might see." She stated with a duh tone, flipping the mirror down from the car to fix her lip gloss.
Barb's eyebrows raised in disbelief, glancing in the rearview mirror to catch Jennifer's eye roll while staring out the window. "This is so stupid. I'm just gonna drop you both off." Barb stated.
Both Jennifer and Nancy whirled to Barb hearing this and sitting straighter ready to defend themselves.
"What!? No!"
"Barb, calm down!"
Both girls complained at once leaving Barb in no place to argue. The red head groaned and leaned back in her seat from the peer-pressure. Jennifer leaned forward, pressing her head in the space between Nancy and Barb.
"There is no way you are bailing on me, Barbra. I will not be stuck with Tommy H. and Carol alone." Jennifer glared at her best friend daring her to shut her down. Barb glared back at her best friend, hating how she was falling into a guilt trap like Jennifer usually does.
Nancy nodded in agreement looking over at the red-head. "Plus, you promised that you would go. You're coming and we're gonna have a great time." Nancy promised with excitement.
Barb glanced between her two best friends. One with a desperate pleading expression and the other with a daring glare.
"Maybe." She paused. "But he just wants to get into your pants." Barb told Nancy bluntly. Jennifer glare faltered pursing her lips together in agreement, glancing at Nancy in the corner of her eye.
"No, he doesn't." Nancy giggled nervously blush rising to her cheeks.
"Yes, he does." Jennifer argued at Nancy before glancing back at Barb. "Don't you want to be there to tell Nancy 'I told you so' when she does her walk of shame?" Jennifer pouted her lips trailing into a frown.
Nancy's mouth gapped at the assumption her two friends had that she would be in Steve's bed tonight. Barb, however, nodded slowly in agreement to Jennifer's question, a smile appearing on her lips already imagining the teasing that was destined to happen.
"Girls, I am not hooking up with Steve tonight." Nancy argued again keen to make it clear of her intentions. Both of her friends frowned at the statement, looking at Nancy upset by her lack of common sense. The Wheeler was the smartest in the group yet she was already acting dumb around Steve.
"Nance, come on. He invited you to his house" Barb started.
"His parents aren't home." Jennifer added.
Barb nodded. "Come on, you are not this stupid." She said disappointed.
"Tommy H. and Carol are going to be there." Nancy argued weakly.
Jennifer nodded. "Tommy and Carol have been having sex since, like seventh grade." She stated.
Barb chuckled. "It will probably just be, like, some big orgy." She stated.
Jennifer grinned, a mischievous look taking over her once desperate one. "I have always wanted to be in one." She stated her thoughts aloud earning concerned expressions from her friends. Jennifer noticed and her smile fell, "I'm kidding. I'd never want to be apart of an orgy with Harrington." She muttered under her breath in disgust, grossed out by the mere thought.
Barb shook her head from Jennifer's strange kink and got back on topic. "Point is, this is a bad idea." She raised an accused eyebrow genuinely worried for Nancy.
Nancy smiled weakly at her friends concern, beginning to take her top off and revealing her swimsuit underneath. "Then you two can be like my guardians. Make sure I don't get drunk and do anything stupid." She smiled weakly at her friends, taking her top off and tossing it into her bag.
Jennifer's mouth parted seeing the bra Nancy was wearing. "Is that my bra?" She snapped in shock thinking she lost the damn thing weeks ago.
Nancy fiddled with the new shirt in her hands, diverting the glare from Jennifer in the backseat. Barb was biting back her smile amused to the situation. "No." Nancy muttered.
Jennifer huffed and leaned back in her seat with her arms crossed, pouting like a child would. "I'm pretty sure I would recognize it." She stated accusingly.
Nancy let out a defeated sigh and glanced back at Jennifer. "I'm sorry. It's just you left it in my room when you slept over last. And I needed something to wear and I could find another-"
Jennifer held up a hand cutting Nancy off from her rambling. "Save it. Just help me make a thesis for my English paper due next week and you are forgiven." Nancy nodded with a wide smile greatful Jennifer wasn't angry. "And make sure Harrington doesn't wreck it or he owes me a new one." Jennifer muttered under her breath, an unknown feeling in her stomach of thinking how Steve would be seeing her bra.
Barb shot a look back at Jennifer. "We should go before I regret this." She stated, turning the ignition off. Nancy was quick to change and gather her things hoping out of the car. Barb followed and Jennifer let out a heavy breath.
"God forbid myself for staying sober tonight." Jennifer muttered pushing the door open into the cool night air.
The three girls approached the doors to Steve Harrington's house, all thinking of this invite differently. Nancy was excited to spend some quality time with Steve, Barb was there to make sure Nancy doesn't do anything dumb, and Jennifer was there to get drunk and forget her problems. The house had music playing from inside, loud enough to hear as they girls walked up the pathway. Jennifer was hugging herself behind Nancy and Barb trying to stay warm from the night breeze while her friends conversed in front of her. Her loose white t-shirt gave her arms no coverage against the cold. Luckily, her baggy jeans gave her some warmth and she was thankful for that.
The terrific trio stopped in front of the door and Nancy rang the doorbell. Jennifer was glancing around wary, unsure if that thing from last night was stalking her in the woods that surrounded Steve's home. But repeatedly, she would remind herself that it was just a deer and not some monster.
Because monsters like that don't exist.
Or that was what she kept trying to convince herself yet was failing horribly.
Nancy rang the doorbell and Barb started to get jittery knowing it was too late to back out now. Jennifer kept trying to distract herself from the cold and shadows that lurked around, hearing Nancy mutter some reassuring words too Barbra.
The doors swung open to reveal a very cocky Steve Harrington, leaning against the door frames with a wide smirk on his lips at the sight in front of him. "Hello, ladies." He glanced between them, his eyes falling on the brunette behind the two in front of him. But Jennifer was too busy trying to stomp on an ant to notice his egotistical smirk.
Steve scoffed at Jennifer's absentmindedness glancing back at the two girls in front of him. Barb gave a tight lipped smile and Nancy was beaming ear-to-ear.
"Come on in. Party is in the back." He stated stepping aside to let them in. Nancy and Barb stepped in mumbling thanks as they headed to the back door where the pool was.
After stepping on the ant, Jennifer glanced up to notice the space where her two friends once stood was now empty. Her lips turned into a frown, scoffing at the fact her friends left her to deal with Steve Harrington alone. Who was leaning against the door frame with a smirk watching Jennifer wake up from her thoughts.
"Where's the drinks?" Jennifer asked stepping through the front door hoping he wouldn't mention her day-dreaming like usual.
Steve gasped sarcastically closing the door behind Jennifer. "Wow, no gratitude for my hospitality or grand gesture for my invite inside my humble abode?" He pouted trying to hold back his amused grin.
Jennifer rolled her eyes letting out a breath in relief of the warm air inside of the home. Her arms fell to her side while staring down Steve in front of her. "Hilarious. If your title as 'world's biggest asshole' doesn't work out, you should try being a comedian. Clearly you're better at jokes than styling your hair." Jennifer shot back the cocky grin falling from Steve's lips and onto Jennifer's.
Steve glared harshly at Jennifer Callahan finding her unbearably annoying at times that he can't stand to breathe the same air. But the only reason why she is here is because she is one of Nancy's best friends. And since he is dating Nancy Wheeler, he is obligated to try and get along with her friends.
But Jennifer Callahan is stubborn and so is Steve Harrington.
"Drinks are in the kitchen. Maybe that's where you will find a personality too." Steve muttered annoyed.
Jennifer glanced over her shoulder, seeing the kitchen peaking out from the door frame behind her. A smile grew on her lips realizing she was a lot closer to drinking than she previously assumed. "That's cute, Harrington. But we both know you're the female in this relationship." She snapped back amused.
Steve Harrington's jaw clenched and mouth gaped open, ready to throw a comment back at Jennifer Callahan. But the brunette spun around towards the kitchen, strutting into the kitchen leaving Steve standing alone at the front door. His eyes glared in the direction Jennifer disappeared through.
Originally, Steve didn't mind Jennifer Callahan when he first met her. That was two years ago when they were paired on the same basketball team in gym class. She was strong-minded, sarcastic, and witty. Steve saw himself gaining an honest friend through Jennifer that he would genuinely commit too.
But it all changed when Jennifer started dating Jessie Thompson.
The once quick witted girl became incredibly shy. Jennifer once was able to call out anyones bullshit but after she begun dating Jessie, she became afraid of her own shadow. Steve noticed her change unlike her other friends who were all obsessed with Jessie and his popularity. He tried to talk to her but she ignored him. It wasn't until Jessie was suspended a few months ago and the couple broke up that Steve thought the old Jennifer would come back.
Which she did. But with a loathing hatred towards Steve Harrington.
Steve never knew what he did to piss off Jennifer Callahan but Jennifer never gave him a chance to ask. She would always roll her eyes and walk away when he approached or give a sarcastic comment to divert the topic. It was clear the old Jennifer Callahan wasn't coming back so Steve gave up trying.
What he didn't know was Jennifer didn't loath Steve Harrington. She hated his status. His type. Steve is The King of Hawkins High and considered one of the most popular kids in school. He was exactly like Jessie Thompson when Jennifer first met him and based on social association, she assumes that deep deep down, Steve Harrington has to be like Jessie Thompson.
And she refuses to fall for another jackass. Or let her friends make the same mistake.
"This is going to be a long fucking night." Steve muttered running a hand exhaustedly across his face.
"Steve! You coming?" Nancy grinned peaking her head in the back door. Steve forced a smile and glanced at his girlfriend, nodding softly at her expression.
"Yeah, I was just shutting the door." He explained walking over to the perky girl. Nancy smiled widened as King Harrington walked towards her eager to see what happens tonight. But Nancy didn't seem to notice the count of glasses clinking in the kitchen. As Jennifer downed a couple shots on her own before opening a beer can.
Jennifer leaned against the kitchen counter three empty shot glasses sitting behind her. She took a long sip of the cool beer can letting the refreshing beverage fill her veins with a tingling sensation. She hummed in approval swallowing thickly and letting her head fall back in exhaustion and stared blankly at the roof above her.
"This is going to be a long fucking night." She sighed in frustration on how quickly anger was already filling her veins thanks to her last conversation. "A long...fucking...night." She repeated slowly to herself, letting her words and the alcohol finally kick in.
After getting the boys and girl back to the Wheeler's house, she refused to leave until they were all situated and safe. Jennifer got the girl, whose name she learned was Eleven, a pair of her clothes she had in Nancy's room and a blanket with a spare pillow. Once the girl was comfortable, she gave a stern talking with the three boys telling them not to tell anyone about the girl.
There is no telling what would happen to the girl if word got out of the new guest staying at the Wheeler household. Worst case scenario, she is taken into protective custody. Best case, the police let her live in the Wheeler's basement but Jennifer knew that was very unlikely. Especially knowing how much Mr. Wheeler hated her eating from their house for free. It was unlikely he would allow a stranger live in their basement for no charge.
By the time Jennifer got home, her dad was waiting for her in the living room and went off angrily the moment she shut the door. About her car being found in a ditch on a road on the opposite side of town, the small cut above her eye, and how she left work early. Apparently her bitch of a boss called Mr. Callahan when noticing Jennifer wasn't at work therefore ratting her out. Jennifer was now planning to hand in her resignation at her next shift.
After yelling at Jennifer for half an hour, Mr. Callahan dragged his daughter to the hospital to get a few stitches for her cut. She didn't even notice the cut or the pain the entire night until the adrenaline wore off. By the time she arrived home from the hospital it was just past two in the morning. Hence why the following morning she looked like literal shit. So when Barb and Nancy were demanding answers that next morning in the halls of Hawkins High School, Jennifer wasn't surprised. Rather just too exhausted to respond.
"What the hell happened to you!?" Barb shouted worried at her best friend. Nancy was standing right beside her staring at the Callahan filled with concern.
Jennifer hummed tiredly, wearing a black hoodie and jeans to match her bland mood. The hood was over her head covering her messy hair and tired face but Jennifer's two best friends noticed immediately of the smile lacking from their friends face. When the two girls walked into the school this morning casually going over chemistry questions for their test later, the last thing they expected to see was their third friend with her head against her locker and hood over her head moping to herself.
"Why is there a cut above your eye?" Nancy asked anxiously noticing the two small white bandages.
"And why isn't your car here? I heard from Tina that you arrived by bus today." Barb added worried, unsure what is causing all of this unusual behaviour since Jennifer adores her crummy car more than pizza.
Jennifer groaned pressing her eyes shut in exhaustion. "Please speak quieter. I am half asleep right now." She muttered softly yawning against her locker. Nancy and Barb shared a worried glance unsure what was going on.
"Jennifer, what is going on? You have to talk to us." Nancy persisted. Slightly glaring at Jennifer's stubbornness from her lack in answers. Barb nodded in agreement looking at her best friend for a response.
Jennifer let out a sigh and stood up straight knowing her two friends wouldn't stop until she gave them an explanation. Rubbing her tired eyes while letting out another yawn, letting her hood fall to her shoulders to reveal the stitches above her eye, bags under her eye, and messy hair tied in a sloppy bun. The sight caused her friend's eyes to widen.
"I crashed my car on the way home from work last night and my dad grounded me for not coming straight home. So, I am tired and moody today which is phenomenal for a fucking Tuesday." She sarcastically smiled turning to her locker to flick the lock open.
Nancy and Barb's mouths dropped. Both unsure how they hadn't heard of this till now. They began blurting out concerns and Jennifer frowned from their constant questions. Although their worry was touching, Jennifer wanted to stay in bed and sleep all day. But her stuck-up father sent her to school regardless of the trauma she witnessed last night. He definitely would not be getting a "best dad ever" mug for fathers day this year.
"Guys, I'm fine." Jennifer interrupted them waving her arm back and forth persistently. "I'm just tired so can either of you cover for me in Biology while I catch a quick cat-nap in the library?" She asked glancing between her friends hopeful.
Nancy pursed her lips together hesitant about encouraging her to skip class but Barb nodded in agreement. Jennifer beamed at Barb's action before spinning back to her locker to grab her books. She began scrummaging through her lockers trying to find her pencil she was sure was buried under her mess when Nancy let out a giggly gasp.
Jennifer froze and let out a groan, knowing Nancy would only react that way to one person. A person she did not have any motivation on dealing with right now.
She glanced over her shoulder to confirm her suspicion, seeing Steve slouch is arm around Nancy and leaning into her. His two followers, Tommy H. and Carol, were standing next to him smirking cockily. Jennifer hated all three of them. Hating how big their ego's are just because they're more "popular" than everyone. The three reminded her of Jessie, believing they were far more inferior than everyone else. When in fact they seem rather pathetic in her eyes.
Steve plucked the study cards from Barb's hands and Tommy H. stole a couple from the pile reading over it. "I think you studied enough, Nance." Steve insisted, glancing over the cards uninterested shoving the rest of them into Tommy's hands. Jennifer rolled her eyes and turned back to her locker, wishing she was home in bed now more than ever.
"Steve-" Nancy tried to take her cards back.
"I'm telling you, Nance. You got this. Don't worry." He grinned cockily making Nancy practically melt into him. Jennifer glanced at Barb holding back a gag, to see Barb making a similar disgusted face. She bit back a laugh looking back her locker to resume her search.
"And now onto more important matters," Steve continued sliding his arm from Nancy's shoulders to look at the younger girl better. "My dad has left town on a conference and my mom's gone with him, cause, you know, she doesn't trust him." He blurted out.
"Good call." Tommy H. spoke up.
Jennifer couldn't help the glare she shot at Tommy H. for his unnecessary comment. Quite a few people know about Mr. Harrington's habit of sleeping around, including Jennifer. Although Jennifer couldn't relate, she knew what it was like for having one parent as a disappointment. So when Tommy H. opened his big mouth, Jennifer wish she could have slapped it close.
Steve happened to notice Jennifer's glare and the corner of his lips raised into a grin, before his gaze fell back on Nancy used to Tommy's blunt comments. "So, are you in?" Steve asked Nancy.
Nancy glanced at Barb confused her smile faltering. "In for what?" Nancy asked genuinely lost.
Jennifer slammed her locker shut holding her books to her chest and catching the attention of the crowd around her locker. Her eyes bore into Nancy's with an irritated expression from her cluelessness. "He mean's a party, Nance." Her gaze fell to Steve with a glare but his eye's widened seeing the cut above her eye and bags under her eyes.
Tommy H. also noticed the bandage and choked on a laugh. "You got in a fight or something, Callahan?" He laughed and Carol joined in mocking the girl on her appearance.
Jennifer's expression faltered remembering everything that occurred last night. More specifically, the monster she seen and girl she found. "Yeah, something..." Her voice trailed off as her gaze dropped. When she picked up her gaze her eyes met Steve's. But what shocked her was how soft with worry they were. An expression that was rare on Harrington. "What I am trying to say is," Jennifer tore her eyes to Nancy. "This is a bad idea." She stated bluntly.
Carol scoffed leaning into Tommy H.'s side. "Come on, Jennifer. Stop being a debby-downer. Let her live a little and not have a stick up her ass, like you." She stated. Jennifer shot the girl a glare and Tommy's grin widened expecting a girl-fight to break out any second.
"Why don't I stick a stick up your-" Jennifer breathed out angrily but Nancy was quick to grab her arm and pull her back.
"I-I don't know if this is a great idea. I mean, it's only a Tuesday." Nancy partially agreed, giving Jennifer a glare in the corner of her eye for the scene she just made. The girl was trying extremely hard to fit into popularity and found Jennifer's comments were anything but unhelpful.
The popular trio all scoffed and laughed at the comment, making it harder for Jennifer to hold herself back. "It will be low-key. It'll just be us. What do you say? Are you in or are you out?" Steve placed his hands on his hips with his usual heart-stopping smile awaiting on Nancy's answer.
Jennifer waited for the word no to escape Nancy's lips but seconds had passed without an answer. Her gaze fell to Nancy, noticing how tightly she was holding her backpack strap and how firm her bite on her bottom lip was. It was obvious that Nancy was genuinely thinking about going.
"Nance-" Jennifer tried to intervene.
"Oh, God. Look." Carol interrupted her. Callahan's gaze tore to Carol already pissed off at her, ready to tear her another. To notice her gaze past her shoulder with a frown.
"That's depressing." Steve scoffed looking at the same sight past Jennifer's shoulders.
Barb, Nancy, and Jennifer turned around with another, seeing Jonathan Byers hanging missing poster's on the school's communication board. A frown replaced Jennifer's scold, feeling sympathetic for the guy. They spoken quite a few times in the rare times she was hanging with the boys and Jonathan came to pick Will up. Jonathan was also there a few times to drive her home after Jessie kicked her out of his car but those few talks were times Jennifer found herself rather happy. There was no need to pretend or act around Jonathan, he was just so honest and true that anyone would feel comfort in his presence.
"How much do you wanna bet he killed him?" Tommy H. asked.
Jennifer's jaw clenched and whirled around to face the boy, infuriated that he would ever express such a thing. "Screw off, Hagen." She snapped. Earning an 'oooh' from Carol and shocked look from the rest of the group. "You don't even know Jonathan yet you're pretty quick making assumptions. Maybe if your head wasn't so far up your own ass, you would notice other people have feelings too." Jennifer snapped out beyond angry how Tommy H. would say something like that. Especially about someone who is experiencing so much trauma.
Nancy shuffled embarrassed from Jennifer's sudden outburst, trying to fit in with Steve and his friends. But Jennifer was being rather unhelpful. "Jenny-" Her tone soft, trying to persuade Jennifer to be quiet. Barb gulped knowing Jennifer was about to snap.
Which was proven correct when Jennifer's head spun to Nancy shocked, giving her a harsh glare. "You are better than this, Nancy." She reminded her. "Call me later when you wanna talk. But I am going to go do the right thing." Jennifer spun on her heel and marched down the hallway towards Jonathan.
Ignoring the whispers, murmurs, and stares from the crowd behind her, she approached Jonathan with her head held high. She cleared her throat and gave a soft smile when stopping beside him, sadness reddened her face for the pain he was internally feeling. Jonathan looked over from the poster he was stamping to the wall, shocked to see Jennifer Callahan standing beside him and looking like she was ran over by a truck. With her usual perfect face now covered in a bruise on her jaw, stitch above her eye, and bags under her eyes, Jonathan was rather worried about her knowing her troubled past.
"Are you okay?" Jonathan asked weakly, glancing at her wardrobe choice that made her look homeless. But he feared that her ex tried something again.
Jennifer Callahan smile grew from his question finding his concern touching. "I'm fine. But I think I should be asking you that." She pointed out glancing at the poster beside him. Jonathan followed her gaze, a sad sigh escaping his lips when he met the picture of his little brother. "I, uh, just wanted to say that I'm sorry about everything." She muttered out with a frown, staring at the photo sadly. Jonathan glanced at Jennifer confused. "You and your mom don't deserve this. Will, he, he is such a good kid. And if there is anything I can do to help you or Joyce, please let me know." Jennifer glanced off the photo and to Jonathan seeing him staring at her sadly.
He nodded and quickly glanced past Jennifer's shoulder before dropping his head. Jennifer frowned at his response, assuming he would a be a bit more thankful. This was quite literally the least she could do. After all those times Jonathan helped her through her relationship with Jessie and has never told anyone even Nancy or Barb. But it wasn't until she felt eyes glaring in the back of her head when she glanced over her shoulder to find what caused his bashfulness.
The crowd around her locker was still there and staring at her. But the glare wasn't coming from Barb nor Nancy, it was coming from Steve Harrington. With his hands on his hips and a glare glancing between Jennifer and Jonathan he was growing emotionally upset and angry. Jennifer has always been rude and impatient with him, regardless of his multiple attempts of being her friend or tried to have a mutual conversation. Yet she has always and continues to shut him down every possibility.
Seeing Jennifer Callahan easily talk to Jonathan Byers, the schools weirdo, pissed him off more than he thought. What was so special about Jonathan that grasped her attention over his?
Jennifer grinned at the sight seeing the whole crowd look disapproving of them conversing, strangely except Nancy and Barb who looked at them pitiful. Looking back at the nervous Byers boy in front of him she shrugged, "Don't worry about them. They are too scared about breaking a nail then to actually do anything except stare." She teased and Jonathan couldn't help but smile at the statement looking back up to the girl's eyes.
Jonathan Byers was thankful of how easy Jennifer was to talk too. Perhaps it was all those times the two spent together that made them closer and easier to talk too. The times he would find her walking home because Jessie was too drunk to drive her home or the time he would hold ice to her cheek to help the swelling while she sobbed into a tissue. She was considered one of the more "popular" kids but seems to be the only one who doesn't let the thought of popularity get to her ego. She was rather the exact opposite from Steve Harrington which would explain why Jonathan likes spending time with Jennifer. He slowly began seeing her as a sister, a friend. And he was thankful for having her in his life.
"Thank's, Jen." He mutter truthfully. Jennifer nodded holding her books tighter to her chest.
"I'm sure he's fine. He is a smart and stubborn kid. Like the time when he cut his knee when he fell off his bike. He tore off his sleeve to tie his wound before he rode the rest of the way home and your mom went bonkers at the sight of his bloody knee when he drove up the driveway. " Jennifer added laughing at the memory. Jonathan couldn't help but smile, remembering how scared his mom had gotten for a small cut and how Jennifer high-fived him for being so tough. "What I'm trying to say is, Will is a fighter. So wherever he is, he won't stop until he get's back home." She reassuringly stated.
Jonathan relaxed at her words finding it exactly what he needed to hear in a situation like this. Nodding in agreement, he scrambled to hand half of the pile of missing posters to Jennifer and almost dropped the pile in the process. "C-could you hand some out? Maybe if we get the word out-"
Jennifer stopped his sentence by taking the posters from his hand and smiling warmly. "I would love too." She stated with a warm smile placing the posters on her books. Jonathan's smile grew seeing the same determination he and his mother had on finding the youngest Byers. It was reassuring to know someone was as worried as his mom and him were.
An arm linked through Jennifer's before either had a chance to respond, the two suddenly noticing how everyone was rushing off to classes. The bell must have rang while they were talking, clearly clueless till now. Jennifer glanced at the stranger who was beside her finding the gleeful Barb smiling down.
"Sorry to intrude but Jennifer and I have a chemistry test to write." Barb explained, glancing at Jonathan. Jennifer's eyes widened, completely forgetting about the test and can already hear the lecture she would get from her dad for failing yet another test.
Jonathan nodded understanding. He watched the taller red-head drag the exhausted brunette down the hall who was obviously dreading going into class. The Callahan's girl constant stubbornness earned a smile from Jonathan, finding her a lot different from other girls. Which was refreshing. But at the end of the day Jonathan's eyes would always fall past Jennifer and onto Nancy Wheeler.
"So, you and Byers?" Barb asked Jennifer from halfway down the hall from said boy, giving her a knowing smirk.
Jennifer's head snapped up suddenly wide awake from the comment. "What!? Jonathan and me!?" She stated as if not hearing right. She shook her head profusely, almost laughing at the comment. "Jonathan and I are friends, practically siblings. He's a genuine good guy if you got to know him." Jennifer stated.
Barb hummed knowing Jennifer was truthful. Whenever Jennifer lies, she has many physical cues to reveal her lie. Nancy has not noticed them but Barb has, being able to decipher easily when Jennifer is lying or speaking truthfully.
"I'm just surprised." Barb admits. "I have never seen you talking with him and you never spoke about him. But it seem's you two have spoken more than once by the story you retold." She blurted out, admitting to how she overheard the story about Will. Jennifer diverted eye contact trying to come up with a believable lie.
There was no easy way to telling her friends about the truth behind her relationship with Jessie. Not when both Barb and Nancy adored Jessie for his heart-stopping grin, high-class popularity, and devilish blonde hair. He is considered the school's bad boy who makes any girl fall for his looks. How could Jennifer ever tell her best friends that the school's bad boy, her ex-boyfriend, was truly an abusive and cruel man?
Easy, there isn't.
Not when Nancy and Barb still speak so highly about Jessie, regardless to Jennifer's grimace when she hears his name since they broke up. Jonathan Byers is the only one who knows the truth of Jennifer and Jessie's relationship and he promised not to tell anyone. The eldest Byers son became a safe place for Jennifer, where she can reveal all of her secrets. To tell them the truth about her past relationship to Barb was almost destroying that safe place in the Byers house and she couldn't risk it.
"We had a few labs in the past that required after-school work. I would go over to his house to visit and met his brother." Which wasn't a complete lie on Jennifer's behalf. They did have labs and would usually go to the Byers household. But the story Jennifer told about Will was a completely different time.
Barb noticed Jennifer bite her cheek and picked up on the small lie. A frown tugged on the red-head's lips, nodding hesitantly. "Hm, cool I guess." She muttered, knowing Jennifer was too stubborn to tell her the full truth. "So, what are you doing tonight?" Barb asked changing the subject.
Forgetting about Steve's past proposal, Jennifer let out a heavy yawn and responded. "Sleep. I am so tired." She admits, leaning her head onto Barb's shoulder as they walked closer to their Chemistry classroom.
Barb grinned, "Well, that's good. Because now you don't have an excuse tonight of not showing up to Steve's house." Barb stated, cornering Jennifer into coming
Jennifer laughed in disbelief. "Yeah, no. That is not happening in a million years." She stated truthfully.
Barb frowned. "Come on, please? Nancy is forcing me to come and I refuse to come without you. Don't leave me to suffer alone with Tommy H. and Carol while Nancy goes to suck Steve's face off." The red-headed friend begged the shorter brunette.
Jennifer knew Barb was right about Nancy and Steve. She also had a suspicion that Steve would try to pressure her to take this "next-step" in their relationship. Then again, Nancy wouldn't listen to her. She never did.
Instead, Jennifer saw the invite as a night to forget her problems. Get drunk and forget that monster that haunted her memories, the horrors appearing in the shadows, and Will Byer's disappearance. Plus if Nancy did anything dumb, she could use it as leverage next time she needed someone to cover for her.
"You know what," Jennifer raised her head off Barb's shoulder. "I'm in." She stated and Barb grinned excitedly. "I haven't gotten drunk in a while and I would be dumb to refuse free booze. Plus, I always love seeing drunk Nance."
Barb's eyes scrunched together but her smile remained present. Jennifer's heart and mind was all over the place. But her of her intentions were somewhat in the right direction. Yet Barb knew if she spoke against her motives, Jennifer would change her mind and leave her to deal with Nancy on her own.
Initially, the red-head bit back her comments and gave Jennifer's arm a squeeze with her own. "Don't worry, this will be a blast." She promised, unsure who she was trying to convince more. And Jennifer only hoped it was true because this chemistry test would not be.
"Your total is $3.45." Jennifer told the customer tiredly, blowing a bubble from her cherry flavour gum and popping it in the customers face. The old man glared at the teenagers actions but Jennifer didn't care enough to stop smacking her gum between her teeth.
The man placed a five dollar bill on the counter and Jennifer frowned, seeing she had to do mental math for the customer's change. She grabbed the bill and turned to the machine, punching it in and grabbed a handful of quarters hoping it was enough to cover the customers change.
She spun back to the customer and handed them their change who looked at the amount wide-eyed. Jennifer forced a preppy smile, reaching her ears. "Have a great night." She beamed, hoping the customer would just leave already.
The customer muttered a goodbye, grabbing their groceries and taking off before Jennifer could rethink the change. A sigh escaped her lips and she fell back onto her till tiredly. It was currently just past ten o'clock in Hawkins Grocery Store and it has been a very slow night. A rainstorm was pouring down outside, pattering against the windows and scaring people to stay indoors. It was strangely eerie outside but Jennifer rather loved the sight, finding it threateningly comfortable. Luckily, her boss, Darnell, was napping in his office to not care about Jennifer's unproductively.
Instead of mopping the floor or filling the shelves, Jennifer was chewing her cherry gum and filing her nails trying to waste time while listening to it rain outside.
The front doors slid open and a groan fell from her lips, hearing the mumbled conversation among the multiple new customers. Implying Jennifer actually had to work.
"I told you this would happen! If we just got batteries at my house-" Mike Wheeler's voice complained, stepping into the dry store and leaving a trail of water behind him that was dripping from his rain coat.
"I get it, you're right and I'm wrong. Can we just find the batteries without your unwanted commentary?" Dustin Henderson asked annoyed walking to the closest aisle to begin their search. Lucas and Mike followed adding dozens of comments of how their wasting time.
Jennifer was rather thankful to see three familiar faces, giving her something to do rather than just stand around. That isn't work, of course. She walked around her till, sliding her nail file in her back pocket and begun walking to the boys.
"Dude, this is the candy aisle. Are we even sure this place has batteries? The shelves are practically empty." Mike Wheeler pointed out, frowning from the lack of stuff on the shelves.
Jennifer frowned at the comment that reminded her of her laziness but didn't bother taking it personal. "Well, some of us have been very busy and haven't had time to fill the shelves." Jennifer remarked with a glare towards Mike, walking down the aisle towards the boys.
The three boys whirled around to the brunette, Mike giving a harsh glare back while Lucas and Dustin both smile faintly seeing their favourite brunette. "You work here? Well, that explains the empty shelves." He remarked. Jennifer rolled her eyes, placing her hand on Mikes forehead and giving him a playful shove back. He stumbled back a few steps with a grin, always fond of the sisterly pestering from Jennifer.
"So, what are you dorks doing here? And where's Will?" She asked crossing her arms, glancing between the boys. "He's the only one of you four that I can actually stand." She mused.
Jennifer expected a sarcastic response back but instead, all three boys expressions faltered, sharing a common worried expression. Jennifer noticed this and instantly got a nervous feeling in the out of her stomach. The three boys shared a glance between another, silently figuring out who is going to tell Jennifer the bad news.
"Will has gone missing." Dustin was the one to gain enough courage to say aloud, gulping down his fear to look at Jennifer.
Jennifer froze and glanced between the three kids hoping they were kidding. "If this is some kind of sick joke-"
"It's not." Mike spoke up sadly. "All of the Hawkins police force is searching for him. Including your dad." The words of Mr. Callahan rang through Jennifer's mind, reminding her of his statement that their was a missing kid in Hawkins. But she never would have expected that the kid would be Will Byers.
Jennifer let out a heavy breath and ran a hand through her messy hair. Her mind was trying to grasp why anyone would want to kidnap the kind, shy, and introvert kid known was Will Byers. But she had to remain calm, seeing the three boys in front of her looking worried.
"I-I'm sure he is alright. He's a smart kid, I'm sure he just got lost or something." She tried to reassure them with a faint fake smile. She tried to appear calm but inside she was freaking out. Will Byers was like her little brother, just like the rest of the three boys in front of her. She cares deeply about them although she doesn't admit it aloud. Hearing Will was missing made her worried in fear.
Dustin stepped closer to Jennifer with determination. "We're going out to search for him. Do you want to join us? We could use your car and assistance." Dustin asked, hopeful she would agree. Mainly for the sake of finding Will but would also like some on-on-one time with his crush.
Mikes head whirled to Dustin a light bulb going off in his mind. "Wait a minute. Did you purposefully not take batteries from my house so we could stop here and you could ask Jennifer for help?" He asked Dustin. Dustin's cheeks got flustered being caught red handed. Mike scoffed at the thought, finding his friends actions to make a move on Jennifer was unimportant when their friend was missing.
"Well, I'm glad you did." Jennifer crossed her arms confidently. The boys looked at the girl confused or hopeful. "I'm in." She stated. Dustin's cheeky grin grew and Lucas stepped beside Dustin with a similar smile. Mike was left speechless behind them, not wanting to have Jennifer practically babysit them when searching for their friend. "Grab whatever you need and meet me at the front doors. I just have to go tell my boss I'm leaving."
Lucas and Dustin both nodded before sprinting down the aisle to find their stuff. Jennifer kept her stare on Mike who was frowning deeply at his friends who ran through the store without hesitation. He was visibly upset about his friends choice to invite the teenager along without his say. But Jennifer didn't take it personally, knowing this was a hard time for Mike.
Jennifer stepped towards him cocking her head aside. "Don't worry, I'll keep my sarcastic comments to myself most of the time. But I'm not sitting on the bench while you're out on the field." She spoke metaphorically.
Mike shook his head glaring up at Jennifer. "Jen, this isn't a sports game. Will's life could be at risk." He pointed out.
Jennifer nodded in agreement, realizing her metaphor wasn't as good as she thought. "Yeah, well regardless, I'm not sitting on the sides watching you do something so stupid yet selfless. So, I'm coming with you to help and keep you all from dying." She stated with a small shrug.
Mike shook his head, upset that Jennifer wasn't understanding. "We don't need a babysitter." He defended his friends dependency, hating how desperate his friends seemed for help.
Jennifer nodded in agreement stepping up to him and turning around to face the same direction he was. She slung her arm around the boys wet shoulder and grinned, "Agreed. Which is why I'm taking on the cool-big sister role. Not the babysitter" She stated factly.
Mike grinned suddenly looking up at the girl with an amused look. "I think you mean the mom of the group." Jennifer gasped and smacked the back of Mikes head as he laughed aloud. Mike ran off to find his friends laughing from Jennifer's glare, that was following him down the aisle.
Jennifer scoffed once Mike disappeared around the corner. "These kids are going to give me grey hairs." She murmured annoyed walking after the boys towards her bosses office.
After a quarter of an hour passes and the three boys were awaiting at the front sliding doors. Dustin and Mike were arguing about bringing Jennifer along both viewing the newest addition completely different. Lucas was listening along while munching on a bag of chips he found on the shelf. Beside them, Jennifer's till was full of supplies to help them searching for Will.
There were extra flashlights, luminescent raincoats, glow sticks, snacks, and batteries. The boys were ready from anything from a search party to a glow party.
"Alright, losers. You ready?" Jennifer stepped out of the staff locker room to see the three boys waiting for her. She changed out of her neon purple staff shirt and into her grey sweater, tucked into her jeans ready for the adventure awaiting them. All of them looked at the girl, either excited or annoyed. Which Jennifer predicted when she agreed to coming along.
Dustin nodded flipping his raincoat hood back on, eyeing the girl who was approaching them. "Ready when you are." He smiled showing off his toothless grin. Mike rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath, flicking his hood back on and marching out of the store without waiting for the others.
Jennifer frowned watching the boy leave wishing he would just accept the fact she was coming. Whether he liked it or not. A disappointed sigh escaped her lips when she stopped in front of her till, looking down at the two grinning boys in front of her. Glancing from the boys, to the chip bag in Lucas' hands, to the supplies on the desk behind her, her eye's widened from the pile.
"And how do you boys plan on paying for all of this?" She asked amused, glancing back at them. Both Dustin and Lucas' faces fell unsure how to respond as neither had money on them. Lucas stopped mid-chewing to glance at Dustin for an answer but he was just as unsure. Jennifer bit back a smile enjoy watching them squirm with worry. "I'm kidding." The boys let out a relieved sigh. "My boss is dead asleep so he won't notice that I left or this stuff's missing. But we should go before he wakes up and notices us." She grabbed a raincoat off her till and slid it on, tearing the tag off and sliding it into her coat pocket. Running a hand through her hair, she pulled it back to tie it into a messy bun to be out of her face.
While Jennifer was preparing herself against the harsh nature outside, the two dorky boys watched her in admiration not noticing they were staring. To them, Jennifer Callahan was a gorgeous woman. The way her brunette hair glistened against the poor store lighting. How her eyes shone brighter every time her smile. And the boys could go on and on about her body figure, especially her-
"Ahem!" Jennifer snapped her fingers in front of the boys face, irritated with them dazing off. Dustin and Lucas shook their head back to the present, their cheeks red from their past thoughts. Jennifer crossed her arms with a glare unimpressed. "Just grab your stuff and keep your eyes off my boobs." She snapped angrily marching past them and to the door.
Dustin and Lucas' gaze followed her out the door and both let out a heavy sigh in admiration. "Give it up, dude. She'd never go for a guy like you." Lucas told Dustin while watching the door where Jennifer disappeared. Then glanced at them partially to his curly-haired friend beside him.
Dustin scoffed turning around to grab an armful of supplies from the till. "And you think you have a chance?" He laughed earning a glare from Lucas who was quick to grab the rest of the stuff and run after Dustin through the doors ready to defend himself. Against whatever threat they're up against.
After the four crammed into Jennifer's small car, they began heading down the road to where the boys suspected Will to be. Dustin told Jennifer how much Will loves the forest, specifically the one closest to his house. So, with a destination in mind, Jennifer drove down the road carefully. The rain make the roads extra slippery and the last thing they needed was to end up in a ditch.
Mike was slouched in the passengers seat staring out the window to divert any conversation with Jennifer and keeping an eye out for Will. Jennifer noticed and turned on her tape quietly filling in the silence. Lucas and Dustin shone their lights outside the window, searching for any sign of the lost boy talking among themselves.
Queen played quietly over her radio playing one of Mike's and Jennifer's favourite song. The brunette smiled faintly and glanced off the road momentarily to Mike, hoping for some reaction like a foot tap or a smile. But Mike remained staring out the window emotionless. If this was any other time, Jennifer would have pulled over and refused to drive until Mike spoke to her. But this wasn't a normal time.
The four of them were driving slowly from a horrid rainfall, in search for the missing boy and one of the boys' dearest friend, Will Byers.
A sigh escaped her lips and a frown replaced her smile, looking back out of the window. Her eyes squinted from the lack of light on the dim road other than her headlights and the casual light shone by one of the boys' flash lights. The moonlight was hidden behind the rainclouds that was drenching the city. Jennifer's windshield wipers were flying back and forth as quickly as they could.
Her eyes squinted in the darkness around her careful not to lose control of the car. Not seeing anything for the past few miles, her foot pressed further on the accelerator picking up the speed slightly.
"Slow down." Mike muttered under his breath.
Jennifer scoffed at the Wheeler's comment. He was persistent to remain silent the whole ride, expect to criticizes her driving and that pissed Jennifer off. Mike was definitely Nancy's brother. "It's fine." Jennifer responded, pressing further on the gas pedal.
Mike rolled his eyes and leaned back in the chair, looking further out of his window mumbling a comment under his breath. Jennifer's hands tightened on the wheel annoyed at his sudden talkativeness. She didn't need a kid judging her driving when she was trying to help them. Picking up the speed to prove a point, she leaned further against the wheel to try and get a better visual of the road. But with the rain pouring down it was impossible.
Dustin and Lucas were still talking in the back seats and Mike was busy staring out the window to notice anything on the road in front of them. But Jennifer saw something and felt a chill run down her spine.
A black creature jumped from the trees and dashing across the road within milliseconds. By the time Jennifer blinked, it was gone. But it was enough time that she could see it's tall structure, flower-shaped mouth, and thin features. A chill ran down her spine and the bone-chilling figure was lodged into her memory.
She must have been frozen in fear because she didn't notice how fast the car was going or the direction it was heading.
"Jennifer! Watch out!" Mike screamed in his seat hugging his seatbelt in fear.
Jennifer was snapped back to reality when she heard Mike scream, noticing the tree that was approaching them at a fast rate. Her eyes went wide and was quick to turn the car's wheel, jerking the car to the left and into a bush that was beside the tree. The blue honda bumped and spluttered in the bush, letting out a squeal as the wheels popped on a branch and the engine giving out. Leaving the group of kids sitting in the car speechless from almost dying.
"W-what the hell was that!?" Mike yelled furious whipping his head at Jennifer who was panting while staring out the front window frightened in fear. Her hands and face pale white from her grip on the steering wheel and sighting she seen moments ago. "We almost died!" Mike shouted at her angry.
Jennifer's head whirled to Mike, realizing he was right and was instantly now worried about the boys instead of herself. Her eyes scanned for any visible injuries on Mike. Feeling relieved when seeing none. "Are you boys alright?" She glanced back at Lucas and Dustin who were both panting in shock, clinging onto the side doors for their lives.
Dustin and Lucas nodded hesitantly sharing a glance. "Yeah, fine. But I guess we have to walk now." Dustin shone his light outside of the car window, that was covered with rain pattering down it, taking a moment to catch his breath.
Jennifer frowned at the statement, glancing out the front mirror worried about the creature she saw back there. It was unlike anything she seen and she hated the fear she felt when seeing it. Jennifer adored a good horror film that gave her an adrenaline scare. But living it was another story.
"M-maybe we should wait out the storm? Y-you know, so we can see better?" Jennifer tried to persuade the boys looking at them desperately. She was not willing to get out of this car with that thing still out there. But they wouldn't believe her if she told them what she saw.
Mike huffed and opened his door without hesitating. It flew open from the storms wind, springing back and forth. "Not a chance. Will is out there and we have to find him." He declared with determination, walking into the woods without backup. Within seconds, Dustin and Lucas opened their doors and followed behind Mike leaving Jennifer alone in the car.
She stared at the three boys disappear further into the woods, knowing she can't leave them alone. They're her responsibility and she would be damned if a creature killed them before she could.
"I'm never having kids." She muttered under her breath sliding her hood on and stepping out of the car into the downpour. Leaving her precious car in the bushes and left for an animal to make a home. No doubt that her dad will be furious when discovering she was out searching for Will and destroyed her car in the process after he specifically told her not to go out.
Jennifer followed behind the boys with a flashlight in her grasp. Unlike the others, her light shone down to the path in front of her careful not to trip over any branches or rocks. The last thing she needed was to fall into a puddle, only worsening her luck for tonight.
She leapt over a puddle walking for what seemed like eternity. But was no doubt a few minutes when Dustin spoke up. "Guys, I'm starting to agree with Jennifer. I really think we should turn back." His voice barely auditory from the rain hitting down on them.
"Seriously, Dustin?" Lucas shouted over the rain. "You wanna be a baby, then go home already!" He retorted, reminding them of their argument earlier about how Jennifer Callahan would never date a baby.
Dustin glared at Lucas from the corner of his eye. "I'm just being realistic, Lucas!"
"No, you're just being a big sissy!" Lucas shouted back.
Jennifer groaned looking down to the three boys in front of her. "Will you two knock it off!? I agree we should go back but not separately. So, either both of you agree with another or just shut up!" She shouted agitated by their constant arguing with one another.
The two boys fell into a silence and Mike glanced back at Jennifer, shocked from her rather outburst. But she was too busy staring back at her path cautiously to notice Mike's sudden worry.
"Did you ever think Will went missing because he ran into something bad? And we're going to the last spot he was ever seen? And we have no weapons or anything?" Dustin blurted out. Jennifer suddenly felt a chill of worry run down her spine from the honesty of Dustin's statement. From the creature she saw moments before the crash and the lack of weapons in her grasp, she was a walking meal for the animal and it suddenly feared her on what lied behind these trees. She physically shook at the thought, trying to forget the multiple possibilities.
"Dustin, shut up." Mike glared at Dustin, repeating Jennifer's words with the same irritation. A faint smile appeared on Jennifer's lips, thankful Mike spoke up before she did and realizing she was slowly rubbing off on Mike.
Dustin shrugged, scanning the trees with his flashlight. "I'm just saying, does that seem smart to you?" He yelled over the rain.
"Shut up. It was Jennifer's plan." Mike remarked, pointing the blame.
Jennifer's head whipped up glaring into the back of Mike's. "Geez, thanks Mike for your support." She stated sarcastically. Mike ignored the comment and kept walking, leading them through the trees. But a sudden sound in front of them caused all four of them to freeze.
"Did you guys hear that?" Mike asked, glancing between Lucas and Dustin.
Jennifer felt a chill run down her spine and felt her protective instincts begin to kick in. She heard it and knew whatever it was wouldn't hurt the kids. Not if she had a say in it. Sliding past Mike and Lucas, she moved herself in front of the three with her flashlight raised up, believing it was the same creature she saw back on the road.
"You three stay behind me! When I tell you to run, all three of you sprint back to the road!" She shouted over her shoulder through the rain.
The three boys all huddled closer together behind Jennifer. Protected by whatever made that noise and in no situation to debate her statement. Cautiously, Jennifer walked closer to the direction knowing it could be many things. A raccoon, Will, or the creature she saw earlier. But she refused to leave without suspecting it further. Her curiosity would surely kill her someday.
Her free hand was placed out behind her protectively to make sure the boys stayed behind her. There was a snap of a branch beside them and they quickly spun around, letting out a few gasps as their lights fell onto a person.
Jennifer first noticed her short buzzed hair and yellow shirt that was far too big for her. The young girl was drenched head to toe, panting in fear and glancing among the group in terror. Her eyes met Jennifer's and the older girl noticed the patronizing look. A sigh escaped Jennifer's pink lips and she slowly unzipped her raincoat knowing the girl must be freezing.
Lucas heard the sound of the zipper being undone and looked at the older girl. "What are you doing!?" He shouted quietly protesting against her actions.
Jennifer bit down on her flashlight and slid off her raincoat to meet the pouring rain on her soft skin. Her hair began to get damp but she didn't care. Taking the flashlight from her mouth, she glanced at Lucas and shrugged. "Giving her my jacket. Was it not obvious?" She rolled her eyes, stepping closer to the girl.
The younger girl quickly stepped back maintaining a distance between them. Jennifer froze at the action, a frown replacing her soft smile. Slowly, Jennifer knelt down to be more vulnerable to the younger girl hoping to appear unthreatening.
"I'm Jennifer." She shouted over the rain passing over her raincoat to which received a stare from the girl. "I won't hurt you and I promise you're safe." She promised noticing the girl's fear. The younger girl glanced at Jennifer to the raincoat, hesitantly taking it finding it a better offer then the downpour. "Don't worry, kid. Stick with me and nothing will happen." Jennifer's smile brought some reassurance to the younger girl's doubt.
The younger girl slid on the coat hesitantly still uncertain about the strangers in front of her. She didn't know who they were or what level of threat they were. But she knew the girl in front of her meant her no harm right now. And she didn't have many other choices on where to go to escape the lab and demogorgon. Which is why the buzzed-cut girl followed the group of four down the forest and to the nearest road heading into Hawkins. Where she would later find herself in Mike Wheeler's basement just as confused as Jennifer Callahan about another identity.
Hawkins High School halls were filled with light chatter and laughter like every morning. The schools basketball team was dribbling a ball down the hallway to frolic their social status, one of the schools bully's knocked someones books over thinking he will earn more popularity from the dumb action, and a random couple was making out against some lockers that made everyone else feel uncomfortable.
So, it was just another typical high school.
Jennifer was walking onto school grounds wearing a blue sweater tucked into her loose jeans. Her hair was curled resting on her shoulders loosely. A bag hung from her shoulder as she hugged herself tightly for a sense of comfort before walking into school. She always hated school for the social-interaction concept.
Jennifer had friends. Many actually. So she didn't understand why she was pressured to socialize with others to have people like her.
Yet, she had to keep up the facade. Otherwise she would be seen as an outcast. An outsider.
Before the brunette teenager had a chance to enter the school, someone behind her called her name. Glancing over her shoulder a faint smile appeared on her lips seeing Nancy jogging up to her with her regular smile.
"Hey, did you ever finish Mr. Evans readings?" Nancy asked stepping inline with Jen as they walked into school together
Jennifer shook her head as she pulled the front door open and stepping into the busy hallway with her best friend beside her. "Haven't even started. You?" She asked glancing over at Nancy who was staring ahead down the hallway.
"I finished till next Monday. Can you help me with Tuesday's readings? I don't understand ancient literature." Nancy pouted glancing over at her friend walking beside her desperate for her assistance.
Jennifer laughed highly doubting her genius friend needed her help with anything academic. Nancy was always known to be the smartest out of the three friends yet she would constantly ask for help from her friends, to have an excuse to hang out with them more. But Barb and Jennifer acted clueless for Nancy's sake.
"Sure, I work at six but I'll be at your place tonight at four if that works for you?" Jennifer offered and Nancy grinned excitedly nodding in agreement.
"Did he call!?" Barb interrupted excitedly rushing up to the girls from behind. She just entered the school seconds ago and noticed her two friends walking in the opposite direction, yet she was eager to know if Steve called, after Nancy told her late last night that she was expecting his call.
Jennifer raised an eyebrow at Nancy shocked she hadn't heard about this before. Nancy kept walking with her cheeks getting all flustered from being caught. Barb met the girls' strides and giggled when seeing Nancy's blushed cheeks.
"Nancy, were you expecting a call from Stevie-boy and told Barb but not me?" Jennifer sarcastically asked, pressing a hand to her chest in pain.
"Will you two keep your voices down." Nancy shushed them flustered. Giving them both a glare but a smile was on her lips. Jennifer and Barb shared a look before both giggling of their ruthless teasing of the poor girl.
"Well?" Barb pressed on. "Did he?" She asked again giving Nancy a small nudge as they walked through the hallway.
Nancy let out a sigh. "I told you both. It's not like that." Jennifer narrowed her eyes on Nancy confused. From what Nancy has explained to Jen, the nerdy brunette took a liking towards the senior boy. Yet now she was playing coy. Nancy noticed Jen's judgemental stare and sighed. "Okay, I mean, yes he likes me. But not like that." Nancy explained.
Jennifer rolled her eyes and Barb grinned, following Nancy to her locker. They were both curious about Nancy's feelings towards the most popular boy in Hawkins High but in Jennifer's opinion, was also the biggest asshole.
Nancy got to her locker and flicked her combination into her lock absentmindedly. "We just...made out a couple times."
Barb and Jennifer stood next to her with matching teasing grins on their lips. "We just...made out a couple times." The two girls mimicked Nancy in their best impersonation earning a frown from Nancy.
Jennifer crossed her arms over her blue sweater still trying to comprehend Nancy's feelings for the boy. Leaning into the locker next to Nancy's, she voiced her rather unsupported opinion. "Nance, seriously though. I think you could do way better then Steve, like Fred Benson. He seems more your type." Jennifer shrugged.
Nancy frowned deepened. Momentarily stopping the process of her combination before resuming. Jennifer's opinion of Steve wasn't a surprise. All of Jennifer's friends know about her despise towards the Harrington. Yet both girls assumed the hatred would disappear when a Nancy began talking to him, pushing her negative thoughts aside on behalf of Nancy. Yet they were both wrong.
Barb noticed Nancy's expression fall from Jen's lack of support and she was quick to step in to keep the peace between the girls like usual before things got worse and ended in a larger fight. "Well, I think he is perfect for you." Barb's comment made Jennifer frown and Nancy's face light up. "You're gonna be so cool now, it's ridiculous. You are going to leave Jen and I alone, making us the darling duo instead of the terrific trio." Barb admits with a grin.
The joking comment caused Barb's two friends to smile and laugh about it, destroying any tension between the two. Instead of arguing, Jennifer and Nancy began to ramble of why that would never, ever, separate or change their dynamic. The girls agreed when they were twelve that they would graduate together, go to the same college together, and be another's bridesmaids. Without one of them, the trio would collapse. The girls are different in their own ways yet they balance another out. They rely on another so much that their friendship would fall without one of them.
Nancy and Jennifer laughed loudly earning a few strange glances from their classmates. Barb was grinning, watching her two best friends share the same humour. They were best friends, sisters from other misters, and it would take a large force to destroy their trio.
"Will you stop it." Nancy giggled glaring playfully at her friends beside her resuming to put in her locker after forgetting about it. "The thing between Steve and I was a one time," Barb and Jennifer gave her a knowing look. "...two time thing." Nancy corrected. "It won't happen again." She promised opening her locker to find a folded note in her locker.
She took it out and unfolded it slowly. Both Barb and Jennifer raised their heads, to peak over the paper and read the written message with grins on their lips.
Meet me in the bathroom
- Steve
The smile that was one Jennifer's lips fell and the smile on Barb's lips grew instantly. Both girls looked from the messy message to Nancy, whose cheeks turned a cherry red from the message placing it back in her locker with a smile.
"You were saying?" Barb teased.
Nancy glanced at her best friends while biting her lower lip. She was too adored and swooned by the note that Steve Harrington left in her locker, to notice how Jennifer was diverting eye contact. Instead, finding a sudden interest in her shoes.
Making up with the first excuse she could think of, Jennifer took a deep breath and forced herself to look at flustered Nancy. "I, um, have to run to class to help the teacher hand out papers. But, uh, enjoy your session with Harrington and I will see you after school." Jennifer smiled, glancing at Barb who had a knowing look on her face.
Jennifer turned on her heel and walked down the hallway with her head down not wanting to draw any attention to her. To her luck, no one bothered her a glance. Nancy went back to talking with Barb about Steve, the school bully continued to pick on the geeks, the jocks kept dribbling their ball, and the school couple moved into an empty classroom.
Everyone kept going on in their day like usual. Ignoring the girl that passed through the hallways, appearing invisible to everyone as she headed to her class hoping today would end sooner than later.
The school bell rang, dismissing everyone from their final class of the day. Jennifer was the first one out of her classroom door and into the busy hallways, eager to rush home and have a nap before she had to go to Nancy's.
Pushing open the front doors of Midtown High School, the brisk November air hit her face causing her hair to fly back behind her. She shrugged her backpack higher on her shoulders making a beeline to her car not wanting to stop and make conversation with anyone.
Jennifer had one thing on her mind and no one was going to stop her from fulfilling it.
Stepping up to her blue honda, she unlocked the door quickly and tossed her bag into the passenger seat. Her eagerness got the better of her when she quickly slid in the driver seat, buckling up, and turning on the ignition within seconds.
Her hand rested on the clutch to shift into reverse when her eyes caught Nancy walking out of the school with Steve beside her. She didn't realize she was staring at the couple, in anger of them smiling and laughing with another seeming comfortable by one another. Steve's arm draped around Nancy's shoulders. The girl was giggling bashfully about something Steve whispered in her ear.
Jennifer clung onto the clutch tighter her hands draining white from the sight before her. She was angry. Not because she had feelings for Steve but because she once liked someone like Steve. She once had someone leave her notes in her locker, promise to call her late at night, sneak out of class to kiss her in the bathroom. But that was before when Jennifer was naive and innocent. Now, she regretted every dating a man like Steve Harrington.
Just like Nancy, she wanted a relationship that was healthy and supportive but was blinded by the popularity and good looks from a man. Jennifer desired a relationship that wouldn't lead to her crying herself to sleep every night not knowing where her boyfriend is or what girl he's licking lips with. A relationship that didn't end with her feeling guilty for every small thing she did. A relationship that didn't cause her to wear turtlenecks to avoid attention.
She refused to take part of another toxic relationship. Loathing to have a healthy and stable one.
A sigh escaped her lips and she was brought back to reality when the couple disappeared through the crowd of students all rushing to go home, bringing her thoughts back to reality. Nancy won't listen to any warnings Jennifer give and unfortunately, there is nothing Jennifer can do to warn her.
Her hand shifted the gear into reverse slowly backing out of the student parking lot not bothering to search for the couple again. Heading down the road, she turned up Duran Duran on her speaker tapping her thumb to the wheel as it played throughout the drive.
Within minutes, she pulled up to her house shocked to see her dad's patrol car parked in front. She parked her car behind it and took her bag from the passenger seat as she slid out of her car. The patrol car's engine made a few clicking noises, explaining that he arrived home minutes before she did. Yet it didn't explain why he was home so early when he wasn't expected for another few hours.
Opening the unlocked front door, Jennifer stepped in hearing her dad talking on the phone from the kitchen. She dropped her bag on the floor, listening into the conversation from her dad in the other room while taking off her jacket.
"I'll be right there, Chief. I just had to stop at home briefly....Yes, sir. I understand...My daughter is home, Chief. I'll be at the Byer's house in less than twenty minutes."
The sound of footsteps approaching explained that the phone conversation ended and Jennifer's dad was going to welcome his daughter. Stumbling to take her shoes off, Mr. Callahan walked out of the kitchen to see his daughter almost face plant from standing on one foot. He rolled his eyes and scoffed at her lack of common sense but didn't comment on it.
"I have to rush out to meet Chief Hopper." He explained, fixing his hat on his head and grabbing his keys from the bowl resting on a table beside the door. Jennifer glanced up from her struggle to give her dad a faint smile before resuming to take off her other shoe. "I will be back late but you aren't going out tonight." He explained sternly.
Jennifer's head shot up and almost fell over from her lack of balance. She caught herself before she fell, standing up straight with her other shoe in her hand. "What!? Why? I have plans to study with Nancy tonight, and-and, I have to work!" Jennifer protested, hoping to persuade her dad knowing how persistent he is about bringing her grades up. Maybe if he knows her plans, he will change his mind and she won't be trapped at home.
"There has been a missing person case and last thing I need is you to out on the streets while I'm trying to do my job. Reschedule your plans with Nancy and make sure you drive straight to work or there will be consequences." Mr. Callahan grumbled walking past his daughter to the front door irritated from her childishness.
Jennifer's mouth opened in shock hearing someone had went missing yet also in disbelief that she was on house arrest. Questions filled her mind, curious for more details as she was left staring at a wall. "Who was it!? Do I know them? When did it happen?" She whirled around rambling with questions eager for answers following after her dad.
Mr. Callahan glared at his daughter standing in the doorway of the house keeping one hand on the door. "That is confidential, young lady. Straight home after work and lock all doors." He called back as he closed the front door behind him, leaving his daughter staring at the wooden door.
She groaned in frustration and turned around annoyed. Angry with the fact that her dad had left her with so many unanswered questions. Walking straight through the kitchen, she tore the fridge door open and grabbed the carton of orange juice with a sudden thirst. Taking a sip straight out of the carton, she headed to her home phone and held it to her ear as she dialled the Wheeler's phone knowing she should inform Nancy before doing anything else. If anything, Nancy would help her cool down by ranting with her on how stupid this whole thing was. The line began to ring and Jennifer leaned back on the kitchen counter sipping on her carton waiting for someone to answer tapping her foot impatiently. After two rings, someone finally picked up on the other line and Jennifer stood up straighter.
"Hello?" Jennifer recognized the voice as Mrs. Wheeler.
Jennifer held the phone between her ear and shoulder taking another quick sip before responding. "Mrs. Wheeler, hi. Is Nancy there?" She asked, picking up the phone with her hand to her ear.
"Jennifer! Of course, she's right here. Give me a moment." There was a pause on the other end of the phone and a few muffled conversations in the background. "Hello?" Nancy's voice rang through the phone.
"Hey, Nance. I have to cancel tonight, my dad's being his usual asshole-self and has me on house arrest" Jennifer muttered annoyed taking another sip from the carton in her hands annoyed. Nancy paused on the other end and for a moment Jennifer thought the line ended but didn't head the line die. Her eyes narrowed on the carton in her hands, "Nance? You there?" She asked.
"O-oh, yeah, that's fine." She sputtered out nervously. "That's no problems. I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then." Nancy stated sweetly which would fool anyone. But not Jennifer.
Her sudden pausing, lack of frustration, and short responses are give always that Nancy forgotten their plans and was distracted by something else. No doubt in Jennifer's mind that the something else is Steve Harrington.
Jennifer leaned back on the counter, glaring at the vase on their kitchen island. "Right." Her voice trailed off. "You didn't forget about tonight, right?" She asked for clarification.
"What!? Of course not!" Nancy giggled nervously. Jennifer's lips tugged into a frown knowing Nancy well enough to know when she is lying. "I have to go. Dinner's ready. I'll see you tomorrow!"
The line went dead before Jennifer had a chance to answer. Leaving her speechless as she stood in the kitchen, staring in the distance holding the carton of juice in her hands and her mouth parted. It was beyond obvious that Nancy forgot their study date and although there could have been numerous amount of reasons to why she forgot, Jennifer knew the truth.
"Steve Harrington." She spat out like poison on her lips slamming the phone back on the wall with a vengeful hatred towards him. Although Jennifer Callahan and Steve Harrington barely speak to another, Jennifer could not stand him. He was known as the King of Hawkins, growing his ego daily and slowly tearing apart his friendship with Nancy. The boy was clueless to Jennifer's hatred too absorbed in his own world to notice others.
It was a cool night that November evening in Hawkins, Indiana that was unusually chilly for the time of year. The leaves on the trees were falling off and blowing in the small breeze that swarmed through the quiet town. A full moon laid above the town, glowing over the bright city and the darkness within it, scaring off any shadows that lurked.
Down one of the quiet yet more wealthy resident streets a blue 1970 honda accord parked in front of rather modern house that contrasted to the other cars on the street. Three bikes scattered on the lawn in front of it, alerting the neighbours of the company over and the noise that would follow.
Inside of the well-lit house, two girls in a bedroom listening to music from a cassette box that was playing for the fourth time of the same songs. Nancy Wheeler was lying on her bed staring at the roof while hugging a pillow to her chest with one hand and a phone in the other with one of her best friends, Barb Holland.
Nancy's other best friends, Jennifer Callahan, was laying on her stomach on the luscious bedroom carpet with a bottle of baby blue nail polish in front of her. Her feet kicked back and forth to the music that played her favourite songs not bothered to change it.
The two girls were chatting and gossiping like usual when their friend Barb called. The two girls continued their talking with side commentary from Barb, whenever she would add in a comment when overhearing the conversation.
"Yeah, he's cute." Nancy sighed out biting her lower lip. Jennifer glanced up at her best friend and giggled at her comment, smiling down at her nails as she flicked the brush over her index finger. Nancy noticed Jen's reaction and her cheeks got red from embarrassment, though her smile on her lips grew.
"Nancy has a crush." Jennifer mocked aloud. Loud enough for Barb to hear on the other end.
Nancy paused for a moment as Barb spoke on the other end of the phone and scoffed, sitting up on her elbows to glare down at her best friend. "You two live to tease me, don't you?" She asked them both while looking down at her best friend.
Jennifer nodded with a grin. Twisting the cap of the nail polish back on the container. She pushed herself up and blew on her fingers lightly. "Give me the phone. I have to ask Barb how we should torment you tomorrow." Jennifer teased and Nancy hesitantly handed over the phone.
Regardless, Nancy has been on the phone for majority of the call and knew it was time for Jennifer to talk to Barb. She leaned over the bed and handed Jennifer the phone that was connected to the box sitting on her bedside table. Jennifer took the phone, careful not to smudge her nails. She moved the phone to hold it between her ear and shoulder blowing lightly on her nails.
"What's the plan, Jen?" Barb's voice rang through the phone with excitement. "Calling her Nancy-Banancy in front of Steve? Asking her if she started her cycle? Making kissing noises when she sees him tomorrow?"
A laugh escaped Jennifer's throat, earning a scared look from Nancy of what her two friends were possibly planning. Nancy was sitting upright with her legs crossed, hugging the pillow to her chest wishing she could hear more of the conversation over the music playing.
"You are a genius, Barb. But I think-"
"H-Hey ladies," A squeaky voice asked from the door of her room, interrupting their conversation. Both Nancy and Jennifer stopped talking and looked towards the open bedroom door to see a boy with curly brown hair and a toothy smile standing in the doorway holding a box of pizza. "T-there is a few slices left if you want it." He offered the girls the box.
"I think what?" Barb laughed on the phone. "Come on, Jen. Don't tell me your getting to that pretty-yet-dumb stage."
Jennifer was pulled from the boy at the door and back to the conversation on the phone laughing lightly on the phone. She glanced at Nancy, who seemed rather annoyed at the boy at the door. Then she gazed back at the boy now smiling widely seeing that he gotten both of their attention now.
"Sorry, Barb. Got distracted. I was going to say, the best way would be matching clothes tomorrow. But I think Nancy already burned our matching shirts." Jen laughed, looking down at her freshly painted nails absentmindedly.
While Nancy climbed off her bed to deal with the boy at the door. She stepped over of Jen's spread out body and walked to the door. The boy grinned widely as the pretty brunette approached and handed her the box. To which Nancy gave a tight-lipped smile and shut the door in his face without batting an eye.
Jennifer heard the door close among her conversation with Barb and glanced at the door seeing Nancy give her a small apologetic smile for the interruption while walking back to the bed. A pang of guilt hit Jen for being so cold to the teenage boy but was pulled away from the feeling as Barb talked her ear off about Nancy and her new-found crush.
"-hope this new found popularity won't take her from us. I'm just worried, Jen." Barb expressed her concerns. A deep sigh was heard from the other end of the phone.
Hearing one of her closest friends open up about her worries made a small frown to appear on Jennifer's lips. She nodded knowing Barb couldn't see but Nancy did. Nancy narrowed her eyes confused and fell back in her bed with her eyes on Jennifer curiously.
Nancy flipped herself over so she was on her stomach, resting her chin on her hands while looking down at her friend. Her feet swayed while she tried to eavesdrop. She kept hearing Barb's mumbling on the other side of the phone and tried to make out the conversation as best as she could.
"I know, Barb. But I know nothing like that will happen." Jennifer promised hearing Barb let out a breath in reassurance. Jennifer looked over at Nancy who shared the same sad smile at Jennifer, picking up on what the topic was on. "We've been friends since elementary and no boy would ever break us apart."
"Amen, sister!" Nancy cupped her hands over her mouth and speaking loud enough that Barb would hear it over the phone.
All three girls began giggling with a reminder that their friendship is eternal. Each of them knowing that whatever happens to them in high school, they will always remain each others best friends regardless of any drama that comes between them.
A faint knock at the door was heard and Nancy let out a sigh. "Leave us alone, Dustin!" She yelled at the door.
The door opened to reveal Mrs. Wheeler poking her head in the door with a kind smile on her lips. Once seeing the two girls, she opened the door wider and stepped in the room. Jennifer gave a wide smile to the woman and Nancy frowned seeing her mother barge in without her approval.
"Sorry to interrupt, girls. It is getting late and I am about to put Holly down for bed..." Her voice trailing off as she crossed her arms hoping the two would catch on.
Jennifer caught the hint she was implying and nodded, pushing herself up from the floor with her freshly dried nails. "No worries, Mrs. Wheeler. I should be heading out before my dad starts to panic."
Nancy frowned at the comment while her mother smiled in gratitude. The teenage girl wished her friend could stay longer or possibly the night. But she knew Jennifer's dad would never agree to such terms on a school night. Jennifer's dad was a cop known to be stuck up with the rules of the law and parenting. Which Jennifer despised deeply.
Jennifer brushed herself up when standing up holding the phone to her ear. "I'm getting kicked out. I'll see you tomorrow, Barbra." Jennifer spoke over the phone teasingly.
Barb laughed sarcastically but Jennifer could tell she was smiling. "Night, Jennifer."
Jennifer laughed and handed the phone back to Nancy who took it with a sad smile. Mrs Wheeler stood at the door with a soft smile, watching the girls say goodbye while Jennifer grabbed her denim jacket on the end of the bed and slid it on following the older woman out of the room.
Jennifer followed Mrs. Wheeler down the stairs towards the front door. Like usual, the woman wanted to hug the girl goodnight as Jennifer left. Since Nancy and Jennifer has been friend for years, the girl was over majority of the time since Jennifer's dad refused to get a babysitter or leave Jennifer alone. So growing up Jennifer was practically an adopted child to the Wheeler household. When she got older and a babysitter was no longer required, going over to the Wheeler's every day was normal. Routined, even.
She was over so often she had some of her own clothes in Nancy's closet, a key to the front door, and had a plate set out for her every night. Mrs. Wheeler saw Jennifer as another daughter which she loved the thought of.
"Drive safe, hun." Mrs. Wheeler hugged Jennifer goodbye at the front door. Jennifer hugged the woman back and nodded, taking a step back with a thankful smile sliding her hands in her pockets.
"Thanks again for dinner. I'll see you tomorrow." Jennifer grinned, opening the front door and stepping out into the brisk night air. The door closed behind her but not before hearing some snarky remark from Mr. Wheeler about eating their food for free.
Unlike Mrs. Wheeler, he wasn't a fan of the girl living for free at his house. But Jennifer rather enjoyed the free food, therefore destroyed any guilt she felt for the action.
"-stick up her butt." A voice in front of her declared. Making her freeze in her spot in curiosity.
Three of four boys in front of her were boarding their bikes that scattered the lawn, all clueless to Jennifer's sudden appearance behind them. She hugged her coat closer to her body as an amused smile appeared on her lips from the topic and the boys cluelessness of her presence, closing the door carefully without a sound.
"Yeah, it's because she's dating that douchebag, Steve Harrington." The one with a darker complexion, the boy Jennifer remembers as Lucas Sinclair, spoke up while boarding his bike.
"Yup, she's turning into a real jerk." The familiar curly brunette known as Dustin Henderson spoke up, fixing his light on the end of his bike.
"She's always been a real jerk!" Mike Wheeler agreed.
"Nuh-uh. She used to be cool, like Jennifer." Dustin let out a deep admiring sigh and begin moving his bike forward with the tips of his toes. "You don't see Nancy playing Dungeons and Dragons with us, or helping us with our homework, or driving us to school. Jen's just, awesome." He sighed out in fascination with his toothless smile.
"Awe, thanks Dustin." Jennifer spoke up from the door with a grin, flustered by the boys compliment.
All four boys froze hearing the feminine voice in fear. Slowly, they all turned to look over their shoulders, finding the girl they were talking about standing at the door with a grin on her lips. Their mouths all gaped open seeing her standing in front of them, looking at them, and smiling.
In response to her taking a few steps closer, Dustin's cheeks turned bright red, Mike shuffled nervously, Will dropped his head to the ground, and Lucas smiled nervously. All being equally as nervous around her as another.
"That's sweet of you to say about me. But Nancy isn't a jerk. She's just going through a lot, right now." Jennifer defended her best friend glancing between the boys while standing right next to Mike who looked intimidated by her standing next to him.
"Yeah. She's going through Steve Harrington." Lucas muttered earning a chuckle from Dustin. Jennifer scrunched her nose, knowing he in fact wasn't too far off from the truth.
Mike groaned. "Dude, that's my sister." Lucas just shrugged in response.
Jennifer just smiled at their friendship. Shaking her head, "Point is, you were wrong about Nancy but right about everything else. I am incredible, Nancy is not a loser, and Steve Harrington is a douchebag." She summarized earning collective laughs from the group of boys. "But if I hear you swear again, Sinclair." Jennifer took a hand out of her pocket and pointed it accusingly at Lucas whose face paled from the accusation. "I will beat your ass." She warned with a glare, her sarcasm faded into a threat.
Lucas got flustered and dropped his head in embarrassment from being caught. Jennifer grinned at the response and glanced at Mike who was enjoying how Lucas got told off by the girl beside him. She shook a hand through Mikes hair, earning a groan from the boy who was left with a mop on his head.
Jennifer grinned. "See you later, dorks. Don't go fighting any wizards, demogorgons, or dragons without me." Jennifer walked past the boys and towards her car that was parked beside the house. The four boys watched her leave speechless, unsure how they ever got a girl like that to play Dungeons and Dragons with them.
"So cool..." Dustin muttered under his breath watching Jennifer slide in her car and start up the engine. The car purred to life before she pressed on the gas and drove off down the dark street.
Mike rolled his eyes at the girl before glancing at his best friends. Noticing them all stare in the direction she went, Mike scrunched his face in disgust. "Oh my god, guys stop it! That's so gross." He gagged at the thought of them liking Jennifer.
Will shot Mike an apologetic look over his shoulder. Lucas and Dustin, however, started to get in a quiet argument of which one should be the first to ask Jennifer out. Dustin began peddling way, assuming he was winning the argument and Lucas was quick to follow.
Letting out a deep sigh, Will reluctantly followed knowing it would be a long ride home with them arguing.
Mike was left watching his friends leave with a disgusted expression. The thought of anyone liking Jennifer more than a friend grossed him out. At times, she has been there for him more than Nancy or his own mom. And there was no way he would allow his friends to make a move on the girl he considers his sister.
The thought caused him to physically shake in horror as a chill ran up his spine. "Gross." He muttered before turning around and disappearing back inside.
Jennifer arrived home roughly ten minutes later. She opened the front door finding all the lights off, except the television emitting light from the living room. Carefully closing the door without it squeaking, she locked the door and walked silently into the living room.
Sitting in his usual chair was her dad. Still in his uniform but passed out watching a rerun of Dallas game from last week. A frown laced Jen's lips worried of her dad overworking himself. Sure he wasn't the father of the year; working overtime and barely home, yelling at his daughter for the small things, and having such high standards that Jen always fails to reach them. But he was still her dad and she loved him, regardless. Especially after her mom left as a kid, her father was the only thing she had left for a parent. Other than Mrs. Wheeler that is.
Careful to not make any sound, Jennifer walked towards a knitted blanket that was draped over the arm of the couch next to the chair. She grabbed it and approached her dad's sleeping figure, draping the blanket over him and notice him stir slightly. Her body froze and he went back into a deep sleep not making any other movement. A sigh of relief escaped Jennifer's lips, as she stepped away from her dad, grabbing the television remote that was resting on the coffee table and shutting the television off.
She headed upstairs in the pitch black, guiding herself using her hand on the wall to find her room. After living in the same house for her entire life she has been able to mesmerize every hallway and dent in the walls.
Getting to her room mer seconds later, she found her bed immediately and collapsed on top of it not bothering to get changed or turn on a light. As she closed her eyes tiredly, a gust of wind struck her window as a dog barked in the distance. Both sounds vanished instantaneously as Jennifer drifted off to sleep, not knowing of the dangers that lurked in Hawkins that night.
And clueless to know on how quickly her life was about to change.
