RIGHT BEFORE SHE WAS GOING TO INTERVIEW RICK SPRINGFIELD FOR HIS GRAMMY, HER STATE OF UNREALITY WAS RUDELY INTERRUPTED. The sound of an obnoxiously loud alarm clock filled the room with a ring that would make anyone insane. Her eyes didn't want to open, and the light streaming through her curtains (failing to do their simple job of preventing her from going blind) made her feel like Count Dracula after a successful night of blood lust.

Benny knew if she didn't have the ratchet sound machine, she would be an hour late to school every day. The girl rolled to look at the red digits that read 6:45, making her groan and hitting the snooze. She turned over, realizing that a copy of one of her Nancy Drew novels was lying in the same position as yesterday when she fell asleep.

A cool tip of a nose nudged her hand to indicate her puppy (he is well over four years old) needed attention. Han was a rambunctious chocolate lab that acted like an old man despite his age and loved nothing more than to sleep in with Benny on a Saturday afternoon.

Benny gave him a small pet before sitting up and rubbing her eyes, removing any remaining eye gunk in the inner corners. Her vision came into focus, and her mirror became less blurred the more she examined the reflective glass sitting on her chest of drawers. The wooden frame around it was decorated with stickers from many family vacations and a note list of monthly goals she had written to herself.

Her grim expression fell more when she noticed her misbehaved morning look as her bob looked like a rat's nest of untamed curls. She had become accustomed to seeing the dark bags under her eyes and sighed, knowing her mother so graciously bestowed the trait upon her.

Every teenage girl seems to be in a constant battle with society, telling her how presentable she is, so why should Benny be different? After all, she worked for the school paper, so no one paid attention to what she wore, and it wasn't like she had time to plan outfits days in advance despite her unhinged obsession with deadlines, as her friend Candy would put it.

She fell back to her pillow, feeling like she could sleep for another eight hours. High school was a drag; anyone who enjoyed it was popular and uninteresting. Saying Benny hates school was an understatement, even though her mother told her it was impossible to hate something or someone. She's never been to present-day Hawkins High School.

Her mom was Miss Popular and often compared Benny's lack of human interaction to her obsession with movies and writing. Jacqueline Hopper, now Sterling, was the Prom Queen of Hawkins and dated the football team's star. Her standards were far-fetched for an awkward teen who can not handle crowds.

While curled up under her comforter again, her mind drifted into another deep sleep, knowing that her snooze would wake her again. But the person who swung open her door had other plans. A stir came from the foot of her bed as Han leaped up to exit the room. Beverly Sterling gave out a dramatic gasp at her sister's stationary state and belted out, "Mom! Benny hasn't gotten up yet."

The older girl sat straight up, staring daggers at her younger sister, who interrupted the few fleeting minutes she had to herself. "Ugh, you ditz, get out of here," she threw her pillow.

"Mom says be down in five; otherwise, you can't watch Family Ties on Tuesday," her smile turned into a sadistic frown. No more Michael J. Fox for you." The younger Sterling picked up the pillow, giving it a longing look that read more mocking than anything: "Oh, Alex, I will love you forever. Oh, I want to kiss you and hug you."

As Beverly continued making kissing noises towards the fluffed object, Benny clenched her jaw. She ripped the sheets off herself, stormed to the door, snatched the pillow out of her hand, and closed the one use of privacy she had, not caring how close the girl was in front of her.

"Mom, Benny slammed the door in my face."

"You deserved it," she rebutted, opening the door.

"I did not. You won't get yourself out of bed. I have to meet the guys before A/V."

Benny scoffed, "Okay, well. I'll get dressed so you can meet up with your nerd herd."

Beverly added another comment, "We're called the Party, and you're the one that ran our campaign a week ago. I wouldn't be talking."

"Dingus."

"Mouth breather."

Benny shut the door again, scrambling to get ready, finding half-wadded jeans on the floor, mindlessly grabbing the first sweater she could find out of her closet, and tossing it on the bed. She hadn't had the time to care for her untamed curls because deep down, she knew that making Beverly late to whatever incompetent activity they had planned, a ping of guilt would hover in her consciousness for a week.

Thankfully, her scrambled mind remembered her used-to-be leather journal, now bound with packing tape and thread curtsy of Ronnie's secret sewing skills his grandmother taught him when he spent time with her. The pages were littered with various writing utensil marks from a fortuitous thought that seemed to enter her mind at any given moment for her next latest story that would help her be editor and chief by senior year.

Haphazardly grabbing her shoes, she barely gave herself time to think about the list of things she might have forgotten before she bolted down the stairs, making a b-line to the kitchen.

"How do you manage to spend that much time upstairs and still look like that," Beverly teased before she took a sip of her orange juice as Benny neared her assigned seat at the breakfast table, slipping on her jacket that had seen better days with a few tattered hems.

"I wouldn't be the one talking," she said, reaching for the perfectly golden toast her mom had laid out, smearing on some strawberry jam, and pointing the butter knife to Beverly. You dress like a four-year-old boy ready for a trip to Disneyland."

Jackie Sterling walked over from the stove to the table, placing the freshly cooked bacon onto the plate in front of Beverly, "Hey, can you two stop with that."

The oldest Sterling child amusedly took a bite of her toast. Her eyes trailed over to her younger sister, who had been scarfing down her Lucky Charms. She looked over at her, sticking her tongue out. Benny mimicked the action.

"Benny, I need Candy to take Bev home from school. I am tied with another shift at the clinic," Jackie started walking past her one last time before sitting at the table.

"What, no, we can't do that! I have to stay at school to study for Bio. Kimisky's tests are impossible."

Jackie ate the freshly scrambled eggs that probably had too much cheese for Benny's liking. "You kids can study here."

"Mom," Benny protested, choking on the food in her mouth a little bit, "Can't she just go to Dustin's or the Wheeler's."

"No, Karen told me that they spent ten hours in the basement playing that Dynamic Drolls game last night-"

"Dungeons and Dragons," the sisters corrected her.

"Right that, which we are not done talking about." Jackie stabbed her plate again, a little agitated with both daughters, "I also want her to do her homework, which usually does not happen when they are all together."

Benny considered rejecting her mother's wishes. Still, she knew they needed the extra money. Looking at her mother and Beverly arguing last night, she knew that she needed to take the upper hand with Christmas coming up. "I'll ask Candy. I'm sure she'll agree. We'll study here."

"That's so lame. I don't need a babysitter, let alone three. Dustin's mom doesn't make anyone watch him."

"Yes, but that's because Claudia is home when he comes back from school." Jackie held her hand up before Beverly could argue about going next door. She covered that criterion by saying homework doesn't get done when the party hangs out.

Nothing else was said, but there were small comments on the tip of Beverly's tongue from the body language she was emitting as she ate the sugary cereal—the sound of honking. Benny stood up, peeking through the sheer curtains over the kitchen sink and seeing the sisters' ride.

Shoving the last bite of toast into her mouth, she rushed to her backpack next to her mother, stuffing a folder into it. She slung rushed to grab a red scarf off the coat hanger, and Beverly shadowed the motion next to her.

"You two, have fun."

Beverly opened the front door, waving to her mother, "We'll try."

Before the older Sterling could walk through the door, her mother's voice stopped her, "Benny, don't overdo yourself. I ask you to do favors once in a blue moon, but you shouldn't let a GPA bother you. You two can order pizza tonight and get the cheesy bread you like."

"Thanks," she said, politely smiling at her mother before grabbing the other folder that she had missed from her mother's hands and smiling back at her. I need to go. I love you!"

"Benny," Jackie raced after her, holding out an inhaler. I just got it refilled. Don't let Coach Gregg work you too hard."

She took the medical device from her mother's hand and nodded, "Thank you."

Benny and Beverly were out the door running to the semi-dated 1975 Monte Carlo parked on the curb. A sea of curls poked its way through the rolled-down window of the driver's seat. "C'mon, Vamos, last time we were late, my tia had all our asses, including yours, Polyanna."

"I told you not to call me that," Beverly rolled her eyes at the older girl's statement before ducking into the back seat.

"You're right. My mom is the principal. Do you know how many close calls there have been?" the boy beside her said nonchalantly, looking back at the two sisters. His demeanor became more cheery when Benny sat in the back seat.

"Don't piss your pants, Ronald. We've got time," Benny teased him and elbowed Beverly. "This one has an A/V club with the nerd herd. That's why Candy is here ahead of time."

Since the first grade, Ronnie and Candy have been Benny's ride-or-die. One friend represents the other. Candy, the spunky girl who punched Tina for stealing Benny's chocolate bar in her lunch, and Ronnie gave her his remaining half.

Benny's been the mediator of the two opposites, who seemed to get along more than most of the cheerleading squad. They were there when the Sterling family changed to a single-parent household and when their cousin Sarah died. The trio has seen each other's lowest of lows.w

Candy lives with her father, who owns a diner not too far from school. She and Benny pick up shifts to lend a helping hand to her aunt every once in a while. The restaurant has become a hangout for all of them, with the best food in Hawkins.

If you were to ask Benny her thoughts on Candy, she would call her sporadic, hot-headed, and with the biggest heart of gold—a complete oxymoron that she has grown to love like a sister.

When Candy's mom died, she didn't talk to anyone but Benny and the people she felt closest to. Affection is complicated for her friend, but her appreciation for someone she cares about is shown through her small actions that go a long way in their friendship. She had a way of making you feel appreciated, even if it didn't seem as evident in that moment.

Benny knew what it was like to lose a parent, even if it wasn't the same situation. The endless nights of her freshman year were spent crying in Candy's bed with her favorite candy on the nightstand, cherry red vines, and a teen magazine with the latest celebrity gossip ready for them to indulge in.

Ronald "Ronnie" Sinclair was another story that seemed a little straightforward. His dad was the go-to lawyer of Hawkins, while his mother recently acquired the position of principal at their high school. Social suicide, if you ask Ronnie, is extremely impressive.

On paper, he was the poster child of perfection and personality plus but wouldn't be caught dead hanging out with the himbo gang of local jocks. Ronnie was in the run for valedictorian with Miss Girl next door, Nancy Wheeler, who he wouldn't admit he'd had a crush on since the second grade. This football season, he became a first-string running back after senior Troy Crawford broke his femur during a practice scrimmage.

He would die for either of the girls and occasionally have an anxiety attack over them and their outlandish antics. It always kept him on his toes and made him dread their spontaneous trips to the movie theater or their excursions at the quarry, where they set off firecrackers, causing the police to be called on them in middle school.

Ronnie is the only one in the group who has maintained a perfect record and spotless reputation. That's probably why he exaggerated a minute of being late with the world's end. His mother could be a reign of terror with a deceptive look of warmth and invitingness.

"Ugh, Candela, can't you go any faster," Beverly wined as the car approached an intersection.

"Do you want a knuckle sandwich," Candy mocked back. "The schools are a block away. If you're so adamant, walk."

Benny glared at the girl through the rearview mirror, "Candy."

"I'm at a stoplight. What do you want from me?"

It wasn't long after they arrived at the school, and Candy found a parking spot relatively fast because of how early they were. Beverly unhooked her seatbelt and sprinted out of the car, not paying mind to the other three teenagers.

Eventually, the three of them entered the high school with a surprisingly lively bunch of peers lingering around lockers. One of his teammates quickly stopped Ronnie and told the girls he'd catch up with later. Candy continued to walk with Benny by her side, looking back at their friend and giving him a wave.

Benny had to go to the newspaper room anyway to see her assignment for the week. The senior editor and chief and Ronnie's teammate, Jackson Hughes, greeted her with a bright smile and a kiss as Candy stood at the door in total disgust at the two of them.

Jackson had asked Benny out two months ago after they spent an evening alone editing the homecoming story, which led to a mini make-out session. It was extremely out of character for her, but she found it more of an experience. She wouldn't dare mention to him that it was her first kiss.

"Hey babe," he said, giving her another peck and grabbing her hand. I missed you."

Adoringly, she smiled at him, "It's only been a day."

"One too many."

"Okay, are you two going to act like Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds because I love to know the assignments for the week." Candy crossed her arms impatiently at the two, "I don't want Mrs. White up my ass for being late to geometry."

Jackson laughed nervously, "You're right, sorry." He let go of Benny's hand and walked to the folders on the desk next to him, handing one to Benny and the other to Candy. "You're welcome."

Candy opened the file and then looked back up at the boy, giving him a tight-lipped smile before pivoting to leave the room. She mumbled her breath, "I'm not thanking you for doing your job."

Opening the file, she scanned through the synopsis, and her eyes widened when she saw the words 'front page.' She looked up at her boyfriend wide-eyed, "No, you're kidding, front page. Babe-"

"It wasn't me. Jessica thought you deserved it," He was hesitant to add what he wanted to say next.

"What is it?"

She continued reading, and then her lips tightened, scanning the list for desired interviews. It wasn't significant, but her superior had put one of the most unbearable human beings at Hawkins: Steve Harrington.

"I thought I had to choose who I got to interview," Benny groaned, shoving the folder back to Jackson.

He lightly pushed it back to her, reassuringly smiling, "Steve's not so bad, and he scored 20 points in the last game. He's the perfect candidate; Jessica thought to do some passing the torch or some shit. With it being my last year."

"Then why am I not interviewing you?"

The bell rang, and Jackson gave a look that implied he didn't want to discuss the topic further. Tardiness at his next class seemed more of a concern as he put his hand on the small of Benny's back and turned her toward the hallway. He was whisking her away to her next class. Now, Benny was staring at the head of their hair next to her, munching on the most crumbly bagel with too much mayo that it dripped out the sides.

Her eye was twitching as she pressed her thumb to her already tight grip on her pencil so that it could break at any moment. She wished Mrs. Click wasn't late, but it was usual, and she seemed to be taking extra long this particular morning.

She felt a poke on her back. Benny turned around, smiling at a girl with mousy brown hair and a nervous smile, giving her a puzzled look who sat behind her every day. Robin Buckley was quiet and didn't say much unless answering the most perplexing questions, leaving even Benny stumped.

"Staring at someone other than Hughes, I see," the Buckley girl whispered with a humorous smirk adorning her features.

She and Benny weren't particularly close, but they were the only two in the class who cared more about their academics than their social status. They found their way into pairing for worksheets or some useless mapping activity Mrs. Click insisted on doing to further their historical knowledge.

Benny scoffed at her classmate's joking tone: "I wasn't staring. Why does he have to eat so grotesquely?"

"Beats me, didn't think his eating pattern was something you were worried about," Robin shrugged, returning to the jagged sketches she had drawn sporadically during class when she got weary. Something she and Benny had in common, except she expressed her boredom with illegible words scribbled in black ink rather than doodles in no. 2 pencil.

"I'm not," Benny's eyes trailed over to Steve again. He was finishing up his breakfast, brushing the remainder of his cribs off his pristinely pressed polo. She rolled her eyes. I know you think my boyfriend isn't the best, but he is not as much of a lost cause as someone who can't even eat a bagel properly."

"Remind me again why you are so wrapped up on this odd topic of conversation," she said, a little too sarcastically for Benny's liking, "oh right, you won't stop looking at that unimpressive dingus."

She had a million things running through her mind, and she hadn't thought other people could observe her, let alone her history partner. The name Steve Harrington never entered her mind unless it was during attendance or going to a basketball game. Now, it was in bold letters on her desk in front of her, layered in a cream-colored folder that could make or break her chance at growing her college resume.

"You brought it up, Rob."

"You were the one staring, and I am observant; sue me."

Benny thought Robin was lucky Mrs.Click entered the room. She didn't feel the need to defend herself, but knowing this assignment would eat at her all day bothered her the most. Little did she know that the universe loved to implode on her comfortability, especially in ways she least expected.

....LANEY YAPS

hello friends,

it's been eons and i'm back with an improved version of this story. minor details have been changed, character arch's and interactions have changed. we willl also get to see a few familiar faces that have a bigger role in later seasons. i will actually cry if someone brings up the 5th season so please don't. I started high school when the first one came out and now i am graduating university when the second comes.

this is still a slow burn and your girl is impatient but trust the process and the impetus end my two love birds will have is worth it.

(PSA if they killed steve i will be rioting and not writing it in)

okay thank you for listening.

love you lots,
Laney;)