Summer of 86’ baby
Part 2- The Last in Line (posted 3/7)
Authors note: I don’t really have much of a posting schedule but I’ll try to roll these chapters out a week at a time.
(Banners by @cafekitsune ** I don’t own those or the photos above, found on Pinterest)
Summary: Party at Steve’s! You’re invited?! Not to mention seeing your dad face to face for the first time in over 10 years, what other surprises does Hawkins have in store for you?
Warnings: angst, smoking and drinking
Pairing: Eddie Munson x F! Reader (Reefer Rick’s daughter) (reader is alternative/punk)
As the hours ticked painfully closer to 8pm, the time Steve scribbled on a scrap receipt paper at Family Video earlier that afternoon, which was the time of the graduation party for Eddie and all their friends who’d graduated just like you. Class of 86’. Hoping that this was just the distraction you needed to subdue the gnawing anxiety you had until you could visit your dad, as soon as you got back to the cabin you tried on every outfit you had in varying combinations to come up with something that seemed suitable to meet a bunch of strangers but also didn’t look too casual for a grad party. To your disappointment nothing you brought seemed to work quite right. You’d planned on having a laid back summer with your dad, not dressing up for parties, even if the only reason you were entertaining the idea of going was because of a certain metal head.
Finally as the cuckoo clock in the living room chimed 7pm you checked your final look, deciding on an old floor length black skirt, fish nets, docs, studded belt with matching jewelry, and newly cropped button down light washed denim shirt from your dads closet you mangled in an effort to add to your wardrobe. Your hair was teased into a perfect puffy mess along with black winged eyeliner that would make Siouxsie herself proud.
Pulling up into the nicer, fancier, part of Hawkins suburbs you found Steve’s house at the end of a cauldisac with a drive way that felt like a mile long. You noticed a few other cars parked outside, including that familiar van from the day before. Your heart raced a bit from anticipation and excitement. Never wanting to show up to a party empty handed, you had stopped at the small gas station/bait shop by the cabin and grabbed a 12 pack. Nothing fancy just some generic watery beer you’d had yourself a million times at high school parties over a ping pong table in someone’s moldy stale basement.
You rang the doorbell and stepped back, taking a deep breath, your heart was thumping loudly in your throat and you were clutching the beer so snugly to your chest so you wouldn’t drop it with your unsteady hands. A girl with short permed brown hair answered the door, she was very conventionally beautiful with a purple off the shoulder dress that made her eyes pop.
“Oh hi!! You must be Y/N! Eddie said he’d met someone new he wanted to invite tonight! I’m Nancy Wheeler.” She pulled you in by your arm and walked you into the large entryway that led to an even bigger kitchen, “my little brother Mike is somewhere around here you’ll meet him. Let’s get that beer in the fridge and we can find other people to introduce you to.” Her smile was so warm and genuine, you felt like she’d been your best friend for years.
Steve had told Nancy and Robin all about you in the hours leading up to the party. The two came by to decorate and before they could press the doorbell, Steve flung open the door and dragged them inside practically bouncing out of his Nikes. “You guys will never guess what happened at family video today!!”
“Wha-” Robin tried to reply but he was too eager.
“This girl came in because of Eddie, I guess she’s in town for the summer but Eddie has not stopped talking about her since he met her yesterday and POOF like magic she walked in today so I, being the best wing man slash best friend, invited her over tonight!!” He beamed at the two girls looking so proud at his brilliant attempt at match making. Nancy agreed to keep you close knowing that you may be feeling nervous not knowing anyone.
Walking into the living room you spotted a few more people. Sitting on the couch was the guy you met yesterday, Steve; he was laughing with another girl who was wearing a green and orange letterman jacket and acid wash jeans. “You know Steve right? Well he’s a year older than us and graduated last year but me, Robin, and Eddie graduated this year. Did you graduate too?” Nancy pointed towards the couch.
“Yeah I did, back home in Arizona. Now I’m here for the summer to see my dad.” Deciding to give her the less intense version of your last 48 hours.
You made your way over to say hi to Steve and Robin, “Wow Steve your house is insane. I brought some beer too, it’s in the kitchen.”
He pulled you into a side hug, “welcome! Thanks for the beer! I’m sure we’ll find a good use for it! This is Robin.”
The girl in the letterman stepped up with a huge ear the ear grin on her face. She stuck out her hand to shake and you noticed her chipping dark blue nail polish and mix matched rings. “Howdy. I’m the one always keeping dingus #1 here out of trouble. I also work at family video so if you need a good movie recommendation ask me, not Mr. ‘Top Gun changed my life’.” she mocked.
“HEY it was amazing! And you even got matching aviators with me so I know you liked it too!!” Steve and Robin bickered like siblings and you tried to hide your giggles.
Watching the exchange between everyone, two new faces emerged. A boy with curly hair and a baseball hat, he was also sporting the same HELLFIRE shirt that laid in your bedroom. Next to him was a tall dark haired boy wearing cut off jeans and a dark green button up. Nancy turned and began more introductions first opening her hand to the boy in the HELLFIRE shirt, “Y/N this is Dustin.”
He smiled back, “nice to meet you, I like your look. Makes me think of a tiefling, right Mike?”
He looked to the other boy next to him, “dude not even, more like a dark elf.” The other boy responded.
Nancy rolled her eyes, “and this dork is my younger brother Mike who has manners just forgot them today I guess. And no one knows what your nerdy crap means so quit for like a second please I beg!”
Everyone continued their little side conversations while you settled into the party. The doorbell rang and disrupted the flow for a minute, but before anyone could go answer it, a girl with deep red hair in a high pony tail and carrying a skate board walked into the room hand in hand with a boy wearing a “HAWKINS TIGERS” basketball jersey and a high top fade.
“Hey maybe you shouldn’t have your door unlocked so strange people can walk inside Hair-ington?” The red head jeered at Steve.
Steve came over and tightly embraced her first then the boy next to her before waving you over, “This is Max and Lucas.”
They both said hello then went to join Dustin and Mike. Everyone seemed so close, like they were friends since the sand box days.
Staring down at your chunky black docs you asked Nancy the question that was eating away at you since you walked up the drive way, “So is Eddie here yet? Thought I saw his van outside.”
Nancy gave Steve that knowing side eye look, then Steve offered up Eddies hiding spot. “If I had to guess he’s probably outside chain smoking, he does that when he’s nervous. Stinks up the whole damn house.”
He pointed you in the direction of the backyard and you grabbed a beer from the kitchen on your way outside.
You could see Eddies bouncing curls through the sliding glass door, he smiled, showing off his dimples. It made your chest ache. You’d spent so much time avoiding your mother’s wrath back home and focusing on your school classes over the years you never really gave yourself any time to crush on anyone. But there was something about Eddie, his looks sure, but his goofy antics and willingness to help a total stranger just had you feeling what had you guessing was a true honest crush. You’d been so focused on walking straight out and saying hi to him you didn’t notice he was with someone outside already. Opening the door with a more than necessary WOOOSH, causing Eddie and the person he was talking with to end their conversation and turn to you.
“Oh hey! I was wondering when you’d get here! This is Crissy.” Eddie introduced you to a petite blonde girl wearing a cheer leader uniform.
“You must be Y/N! So nice to meet you! Eddie says you’re here for the summer. We’ll have to hangout and show you around town sometime!!” Crissy gave you a warm and friendly smile.
You matched her energy immediately, “That sounds like fun Crissy! Yeah everyone’s been so nice so far. It’s going to be hard leaving Hawkins after making so many friends. Did you graduate this year too?”
“Yeah! You too?? Congratulations! Class of 86’! I’m going to go pop inside for a drink, Eddie you want one?” Crissy walked inside as Eddie shook his head no.
“Nah I’m good!” He shook a can of beer he had resting on the table.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys, Steve said you were outside smoking and I figured you’d let me bum one.” You tried to coax a cigarette from him.
Eddie quirked an eyebrow at you, “Sure but I heard these things kill so you better watch it. Did you get a chance to meet everyone?”
You nodded yes as you lit up the cigarette and took a long drag.
“And believe it or not that’s not even the whole crew! Nancy’s boyfriend and his little brother moved to California last summer so they’ll be back for a visit later on. You should meet them if you’re here for the 4th of July festival thing.” Eddie made fireworks noises as he explained more of the group lore to you. Who’s dated who, who’s currently dating, all about his “little sheep” from Hellfire, and how proud he was that Dustin was going to be the new clubs DM.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not quitting or anything, but we’ll have some campaigns this summer if you’d want to join in, we haven’t found a place to have it yet but I’m hoping if I smooth talk someone’s parents they’ll let us commandeer their kitchen for a night.” Eddie smooshed out his cigarette and went to head back inside.
Before he could open the sliding back door someone beat him to it. And before you knew it, a rowdy group of 3 boys bombarded Eddie in cheers and hugs. They were of course, all wearing their signature HELLFIRE CLUB shirts.
Finally one turned to you with a wink, “Yo Eddie who’s the babe?” He didn’t wait for a response. “Names Gareth, you new in town? We’re in a band you should come see us play, I’m on drums.” He did a little air drum set before Eddie smacked the back of his head.
You stifled a laugh as Eddie apologized, “sorry about my friend here Y/N, these other two are Jeff and Doug. My beloved Hellfire Club and also Corroded Coffin band mates.”
The other two boys waved but seemed a bit more interested in the beer about to be drank than meeting you. You couldn’t blame them, it was a party.
The party raged on for a few hours, pizza got delivered then demolished. There was a loud stereo system set up in the living room area that would flip between top 100 hits and then every 5 songs the Corroded Coffin members demanded something more heavier. Robin, Crissy, and Steve were dancing non-stop while Eddie, Gareth, Dustin and you tried to set up a round of beer pong. But apparently Indiana had different rules then Arizona so that sparked a heated debate between you and Gareth on if the ping pong ball hit the rim of the cup how many points that was. Max and Lucas left early to catch a showing of Poltergeist 2.
As the night was approaching midnight, everyone started heading home.
“You good to drive? It’s pretty dark and spooky out that way.” Steve and Eddie were walking you out to your car. Steve trailing a bit behind ready to break away at a moments notice.
“Yeah I’ll be peachy. The party was really rad Steve.” You smiled and waved good bye while climbing into your seat.
Eddie leaned on your drivers side door, “Just wanted to wish you good luck when you go up to see Rick. I know it’s not always the easiest seeing a parent in jail. Plus that drive is super shitty. Here I made this so it would suck a little less.”
He handed you a cassette tape with black sharpie on it that said KICK ASS ROAD TRIP MIX and had drawings of little skulls all over the place.
You were stunned, no one had ever hand made something like that for you, “Thanks this means a lot. I’ll let you know how it goes. Good night Eddie.”
He shut your door for you with a tiny bow.
After you drove off Steve teased Eddie, “you liiikkkeee her!”
Eddie rolled his eyes and climbed into his van.
Saturday morning couldn’t come quick enough. You were so eager to get a head start to Indianapolis that you’d gassed up your car the night before and preset the one modern kitchen appliance you dad had, a coffee pot.
Talking on the phone with your dad and actually seeing him, being able to hug him, were two very different things. You hadn’t actually seen him face-to-face since you were 5, and although you’d sent him a copy of your school photo every year, you were still nervous about him seeing you. Your dad was never one to judge; unlike your mom, she was never a fan of how you dressed and your music choices. That was something you and your dad got along about. If anything he majorly influenced your choices, but with a more 70s rock and roll influence. He claimed your mom used to be a laid back girl who loved wearing bell bottoms and listening to Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin, but now she was all pastel polos and gold jewelry. Sometimes early in the mornings when she cleaned house you could catch her playing her old Fleetwood records but she would never admit to it.
Once the barely functioning alarm clock rang out at 8am sharp, you smacked it to the floor with a groan. Only managing to get a few hours of sleep, the welcomed smell of coffee pulled you out of bed and into the kitchen. After downing almost a whole pot and eating some toast and eggs, you set out for Indianapolis State Penn. which was around a 2 1/2 hour drive. You popped Eddies mix tape in and the first song was the Dio one that had played in the car your first day in Hawkins, when he’d driven you to the sheriffs station. It made your heart hurt and you felt like you were running a fever but in the best way possible. Was that just his favorite Dio song or did he remember it the same as you??
Finally pulling into the parking lot of the prison around 11am, your scheduled visit was at noon. The security was obviously no joke. They took any hint of metal you had on your person, even the safety pins keeping the rip in your jeans closed. A female gaurd patted you down and made sure to squish your teased hair into a flat mess.
Do people actually smuggle shit in their hair?? You thought to yourself..
Then they made you sit in a giant concrete room with a few other people, at picnic tables with bench seating attached to them, and there was a huge clock on the wall so you’d know just how long you had for your visit. An hour. The hands were just about hugging on the 12 spot when they finally started leading in different inmates.
Your dad was the last in line. A lot older than you remembered him but just the same. You didn’t expect to cry on the spot but before you could control it your eyes were spilling streams down your cheeks. It looked like the same thing was happening to your dad.
“Wow I can’t believe you’re here. All grown up I can’t believe it.” He was allowed one hug to greet and one when the visit ended. Your dad pulled you close and you could smell the cigarette smoke on his shirt.
“Not exactly how I planned the summer but I’m glad I finally get to see you dad. I’ve missed you so much.” Wiping your eyes you sat back down so you could catch up with him.
You told him all about your first day back and meeting Hopper. How you made a few new friends (conveniently skipping over Eddies name for the time being). He told you about his small town life and what exactly landed him in prison.
Then about half way through the visit you dared ask, “So how long are you in here for dad?”
He just stared at his hands on the table, “It’s not good news kiddo. But I talked with my lawyer and got some things moved around. Cabins in your name now, so is my car, all the assets I have. So a life in Hawkins is yours if you want it. I know driving up here every weekend isn’t ideal to visit your old man, but I sure would appreciate it. So we can make up for lost time and since I managed to fuck up a future we might have had. Especially your first summer as a grown up.”
You were speechless. If he had good behavior they said maybe paroled early in 15 years, but with the ever changing prison system who knew.
Starting a brand new life in Hawkins? That was so much to ask for, you didn’t really have much in the way of a social life back home in AZ, maybe 2 good friends and your mom. You hadn’t applied to any colleges either because you didn’t know what to do with your life, but maybe this was your sign, the direction you were supposed to go.
“That’s a huge decision dad, can I just stay for the summer and think about it?” You picked at the skin around your thumb nail.
“Absolutely kiddo.” He reached over and held your hand.
The visit ended with more somber feelings than how it began. You finally got back to the cabin and crashed, taking a long and much needed nap.
You weren’t sure about what time but you awoke to some loud yelling outside. It was dark outside and you could hear someone banging on the screen door. It wasn’t a voice you recognized so that put you on high alert.
Opening the door a crack to see what the fuss was, “hello? What’s with all the shouting?”
“Oh FINALLY. Tell Rick he owes me my weed and to get his lazy ass out here!” The man screeched at your face. His face was turning a very unflattering shade of red.
“Rick’s not here and I’m not taking messages so kindly get off my property.” You tried to sound assertive.
The guy laughed. LAUGHED. at you and before you could slam the door in his face his arm flung up and caught it at the same time his booted foot wedged itself in the door. “Well if Rick’s not here then you’re going to get me what I’m owed. I’m not leaving without it. I paid that prick a month ago and now he ran off with my money!!”
His smile and wild eyes made your stomach hurt and all the alarm bells in your body were ringing. It gave you a burst of adrenaline, you managed to push him back just enough to slam the door shut and lock it. But he wasnt giving up that easy. He just sat on your porch and tried to get that door unlocked, even started looking in through the windows.
You panicked and tried to call Hopper but the dispatcher said he’d still be a good 20-30 minutes away.
As soon as you’d hung up the phone you saw headlights, the man was standing out front with someone who just parked in your driveway. Great.
“Oh hey freak. What brings you out here? Rick rip you off too?” The man was talking to the new arrival. Taking a break from trying to beat in your doorway and lighting a cigarette.
“Get lost Hargrove.” It was Eddie!!
Eddie hadn’t heard from you after your visit at the prison so he thought it would be a good idea to swing by and check on you and he couldn’t have been more right. Billy Hargrove was belligerently beating on your front door.
