☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

°•. ┊ Daylight┊.•°
✧ ˚ ━ we're the new romantics, act one

CHAPTER FOUR — will the wise

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Music is blasting through my speakers, as I do my math homework. It's so loud that I don't hear Max knock or enter my room. She turns off my stereo causing me to stop working and look at her. "I was listening to that."

"Where the hell have you been?" She practically yells. "I covered for you with mom. Told her you were staying at Delilah's, but when I told you to go to the party, I figured that you would come home when it ended. So, explain."

"I got drunk and crashed at a friends. I was far too drunk to act sober in front of mom. I appreciate you for covering for me. I had a plan, but now I don't need one." I explain.

"I thought you hated drinking?"

"I do. But last night Billy said something that got so deep under my skin that I channeled my anger into knocking back drinks." I confess, the thought of Billy's comment, making my skin crawl.

"Damn. A new friend? Good for you, Sammy."

"Yeah. How about you? Did you score big? And how are those new friends?"

"Weird. So, so very weird. But cool. We went to the rich part of town and got so many full size candy bars. Something weird did happen, though." I lean forward, urging her to continue. "This kid, Will Byers, had what they called an episode. He just freaked out and ran from the main road. He looked pretty scared when we found him. Apparently, he went missing last year and-"

"I know. I know the story. Delilah told me. And I know Will's brother, Jonathan. That poor kid. I can't imagine the trauma he has to deal with." I speak. "To address your other answer, rich people are such suckers." We laugh.

"So, I met Delilah last night and she seems too awesome to be Dustin's sister. Now, whose house did you stay at?"

"Just, Steve Harrington's." I confess, casually.

"Steve? A guy? You stayed at a guy's house all night?" She questions. "Tell me you didn't..."

"God no. Even drunk, I am not that stupid. No, Steve is really sweet. There's something different about him. Not sure what it is yet, but I hope to find out." I tell her. "I've told you about my friends, your turn." She goes on about Dustin and Lucas being the one's she's closest to and how one of them doesn't seem to like her, Mike. She seems to be enjoying herself now that she's made some friends, which makes me glad. I finish my homework and Delilah comes over.

"Alright, I want the details about your drive home with Steve." Lila says excitedly, while placing herself in front of me on my bed.

"There's not much to say. I drove him to his car and he thanked me for listening to him talk about his breakup. That's really it."

"So they broke up?" She asks, I give her a nod. "This is great."

"How?"

"Because now you don't have to feel guilty about having a crush on him."

"It's not a crush. I like the guy." I state. She's basically beaming at my comment and I realize that I have to specify. "As a friend. I like him as a friend. I just got here and it's junior year. I don't need to be in or thinking about a relationship. No time."

"Well done. That was almost believable." She says sarcastically. "No, I mean it. You almost had me."

"Do you want my help with your book report or not?" I threaten. She holds her hands up in surrender and we spend the next hour finalizing her paper. She goes home for dinner and I skip the awkward 'family' meal with the people of my household. I fell asleep early, still exhausted from last night.

School feels like a scratched record, stuck in the same dreary loop. The only interesting thing that happened today was a rumor going around that Nancy and Jonathan weren't at school today because they were hooking up. It's not even a plausible theory, high schoolers in a small town are just fiending for a scandal. I guess it's the only interesting thing that happens in this town. "So, if Steve and Nancy broke up and now Nancy and Jonathan; who obviously have feelings for each other, are MIA...doesn't that make the rumor somewhat possible?" Delilah asks as we're sitting at a picnic table outside, eating our lunch.

"Nancy and Steve broke up like yesterday, I doubt Jonathan would want to be her rebound. A rebound relationship never works." I argue.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

"Not really. My mom married her rebound and she didn't have to. I mean, she's attractive and smart. She settled because she was afraid of being a single, divorced, working mother of two who was seen as undesirable to any eligible men. It's sad." I explain. "And I've seen it happen to a couple of friends as well, it hurt them badly."

"You know what I just realized...we have never talked about your love life." I look at her baffled because it feels like it's most of what we discuss. "Your past love life, not the possible future of one."

"I guess we haven't." I shrug with a smirk.

"Why do you insist on teasing me?" She whines.

"Alright, there was one guy. His name was Jason and he's my childhood best friend's twin brother. She always made jokes, kind of like you with Steve, only it was about me and her brother and he and I hated one another. Completely despised each other. It was like that until our freshman year of high school. He was at football camp all summer and when he came back, wow. We were having our last sleepover of the summer and she had crashed hard during our movie. She had a little too much to smoke." I laugh. "And I started to clean up our mess; you know, popcorn bowls, candy wrappers, and so on. Jason came down to get a glass of water, while I was in the kitchen. One thing led to another and I woke up the next morning in his bed wearing nothing but his t-shirt." I confess. "Which led to a secret relationship that blew up in our faces. When I left California, we were on good terms, but prior to that it was awkward. Thankfully, it didn't affect my friendship with Gen. You know, now that I think about it, maybe Jonathan and Nancy would work. Only because they both have feelings toward one another and the only reason they weren't together is because she was with Steve."

"That's what I'm thinking." She says. "Wait, is that the reason you're so against going for Steve is because of your ex? I will be forcing details out of you about how exactly shit hit the fan with him, but I'll wait for now." She emphasizes the 'how.'

"I guess. The circumstances are obviously different, but I don't see the point of going down that road again; it all ends the same. And I like having Steve as a friend, I won't jeopardize it for a minute of some mirage of love." I admit, picking at a string on the hem of my shirt, hearing Lila scoff. There's a slam on the table and the boy we've been discussing, is dropping himself on the bench beside me.

"Your step-brother is an asshole."

"You're just figuring that out?" I tease, taking a drink from my water bottle. "What did he do this time, Stevie?"

"He was just talking shit in the locker room. It shouldn't piss me off, but something about that guy bugs me." Harrington huffs.

"Is it the fact that your reign as 'King Steve' may be coming to an end?" Delly teases. Steve gives her a sarcastic smile and flips her off.

"King Steve?" I ask, my laughter underlined with confusion.

"Oh my god, you don't know!" Lila gasps.

"Please, I beg of the both of you to let this go." He whines.

"Tell me. Tell me." I shake his arm excitedly.

"Tell her, Harrington or I will." She speaks in a sing-song voice.

"Fine. Assholes. It's not even that interesting. My universal nickname in school is 'King Steve.' There."

"Oh. That was disappointing. At least I now have a nickname for you. King Steve." I mock and Steve drops his head shaking it. "What? You get to call me 'Doll Face' so I feel that it's only fair. And you didn't even know me when you came up with that."

"In my defense, I had to get your attention and I didn't know your name." He argues.

"So you went with 'Doll Face?' With some girls that would have warranted a swift slap to the face." Lila laughs. The three of us spent the rest of lunch complaining about Billy and Tommy, Delilah making fun of Steve, and all of us sharing stories from growing up. Maybe moving away isn't so bad. I miss my friends, my house, and my dad, but I would've missed out on a lot had we stayed in California. "Hey, can I get a ride home?" Delilah asks, looking at me as we start walking back into the building.

"I didn't drive, but I'm sure King Steve here won't mind an extra stop." I state.

"That's never going away." He sighs. "And I don't mind."

The day was pretty slow, as Steve, Delilah, and I are walking to Steve's car and engaging in some debate about which high school sport is better. I notice Max arguing with some kid. I nudge Lila with my elbow and gesture my head in the direction of the two. "Who's that?"

"Lucas Sinclair. He's part of the whole group that Max has seemed to join. Why?"

"Conversation seems intense." I state, with a shrug, deciding to ask her about it later.

"I don't think you're the only one who noticed." Steve mentions his gaze on Billy. That's not going to end well. I debate going with my sister and step-bastard, but Max can handle herself and Billy knows that if he does anything to her, I'll bash his head in with a lead pipe. That sounds really specific, but it stems from an argument we had prior to leaving California.

Max, Billy, and I are in the basement, clearing it out. I never noticed how much crap accumulated down here. Seriously, one wrong step and you're breaking a bone or spending the next few hours getting stitches. I'm going through a box of my dad's old stuff; photos, college hats, and a camera. And Max bumps into the trash pile, which has become quite tall, knocking half of it onto the ground. "Shit. My bad."

"You know, Max, you are a real pain in the ass." Billy huffs. I keep my eye on the two, waiting for the next move. Max begins to pick up the garbage, putting it back into the pile, but Billy stops her. "Stop! Just stop! You've done more than enough, you little shit." His hand is gripping her arm tightly, she's wincing, and yet he's not letting go. He keeps scolding her and it seems like his grip is continuing to tighten. I grab the nearest weapon-like object and storm over to the pair.

"Let her go." I warn, holding the pipe in my hand, prepared to hit him if necessary. "Let her go, Billy. Now!" I shout, he releases her and she moves to stand behind me. The boy turns his gaze to my frame and laughs. "You ever lay a hand on her again and I will not hesitate to cave your face in with this pipe or the next. Am I clear?" I state, angrily. Billy rolls his eyes and ignores my question. I swing the pipe at him and he barely dodges it. "I said, am I clear?"

"Crystal." He smirks and saunters off. "Have fun cleaning this shit up."

"Awesome." Max breathes and the two of us burst into laughter.

"I'm surprised it worked." I speak.

"I can't believe you swung at him."

"He pissed me off. Plus, I was kind of hoping I'd actually hit him." I say with a shrug.

I remove myself from my thoughts and the three of us proceed to Steve's car. We drop Lils off first and as we're making our way out of the neighborhood, we miss the turn for my house. "Uh, hey dumbass, that was the turn." I inform.

"Oh. Was it? Well, I guess you'll just have to hang out at my place for a bit." He smiles.

"If you wanted me to come over, Harrington, all you had to do was ask."

"Really? That would have worked?"

"No, but you would have gotten an A for effort." I tease. When we get to his house, I use the phone to call mine. Max answers, thankfully, and I tell her where I'll be for the next few hours.

Wait, like Steve the guy you stayed with on Halloween?

No, Max. The other Steve, I know.

I just wanted clarification.

Hey, so while I've got you here. Anything happen at school that you wanna talk about?

I was going to wait for you to get home, but since you asked; yes. My supposed new friends are keeping secrets from me. They would tell their old friend El everything, but somehow it's different with me. I feel like we're in elementary school again and I have cooties.

Did you confront them about it?

Yeah, after school, I tried to talk to Lucas about it, but he brushed me off. Apparently the things they're hiding are to protect me. What kind of bullshit is that?

Protect you? From what? Aliens? You're right it makes no sense at all. I can ask Delilah what she knows and get back to you. For now, try giving them the benefit of the doubt. They may not deserve it, but maybe they have a really good reason.

Yeah, I guess. I just hate being excluded.

I would assume that most people do. Don't worry about it. Just go to the arcade and focus on something else.

Okay. Have fun with Steve. Just use protection.

Maxine. I swear to god.

Love you.

Love you too, twerp.

I hang up the phone and realize that Steve has disappeared. I go into the kitchen and see him standing at the fridge. "Hey." I speak.

"Hey, everything alright?" He asks. I nod my head with a small smile. "Good. Thirsty? We've got soda, beer, water, and that's about it."

"I'll take a soda." He pulls two out and hands one to me. "Thanks." I never really made it to the kitchen on my morning adventure the other day. I start to glance around. It's nice, great counter space, an island, and all of the appliances are as modern as they can get; it's a cook's wet dream of a kitchen. I wonder what his dad does, he obviously gets paid good money.

"So, tell me something, Doll Face," Steve starts, sitting on the counter in front of me and taking a sip of his beverage. I return my gaze to the boy, waiting for him to continue. "What's your deal? Who is Samira Mayfield? I want to know everything. Full name. Favorite color. Vices. Friends. Enemies. Lovers. Tell me something."

"Wow, okay. Full name, Samira Reign Mayfield. My favorite color is dark green. Vice; I thoroughly enjoy smoking weed any chance I get. It's relaxing. Friends, there's a few. My childhood best friend, Genesis. My other close friends include Morgan, Claire, and Mason. Enemies... I wouldn't say I have any. And lovers, there's only been one. His name is Jason and it was good. I guess. I don't really have anything to compare it to." I tell him. "Well, I guess to add onto my list of friends, there's Delilah, Jonathan, and you."

"Reign? Like it's raining or a queen reign's?"

"Like the queen. It was my mom's choice. I guess they had to compromise and my dad got to pick my first name. And then with my sister it was switched." I explain. "Alright Harrington, how about you? I know about your childhood a bit, I've learned about your current life, but you're a senior Steve, what's your plan?"

"College. I just don't know what to write my essay about. And even if I had a great, earth shattering paper, I don't know how much of a chance I have at getting in. I'm not a straight A student." Steve sighs.

"Oh, come on, Steve. You can get in. It's just going to take a lot of work. You don't need straight A's to get accepted into a college. Hell, you could go to community college and then transfer to a bigger university. You're not an idiot. You just need to look at the situation differently." I breathe, placing my hand on his knee. "Where's your essay? I can take a look at it and see what needs improving. I can also try and think of other topics. If you want." I offer, and he nods, hopping off the counter and leaving me alone in the kitchen. I hate that Steve doubts himself so much, he's a great guy. And maybe college isn't the right path for him. I swear, humans are their own worst critics. You know, unless you're Billy. I move from the kitchen to the living room, making myself comfortable on the couch, waiting for Steve to return.

"You've made yourself at home." He teases, standing before me. I smile and take the paper from his hands. I read it rather quickly and get very confused. I see his metaphor, I just don't understand its meaning. "Before you ask, the two connect because we both won."

"Okay, well it's something that will be lost on anyone who reads it. So, let's just put this on the back burner." I start. Steve takes a seat next to me, listening to my notes. "I know it's a sensitive subject, but what if you wrote about your mom. How her death affected the person you've become; the good, the bad and the ugly." I offer, making sure to be as gentle as possible with the suggestion. He seems to consider it genuinely, but shakes his head.

"I can't. There's not much there, so it would be useless. Got anything else?" He's not ready to face the trauma the loss of his mother caused, which is to be expected. I move on and give him a few more ideas. We spend our night working on his new essay subject. We order pizza and watch a video, before Steve takes me home.

"How was your night?" My mom asks from the couch, where she's reading a book. The light from the side table was so dim, I didn't see it from the walkway. She startles me a little.

"Oh, hi. It was good." I tell her. "But I'm really tired, so I'll see you tomorrow. Night." I get into my bedroom, drop my bag onto my desk chair, and launch my body onto my bed. Relaxing and holding onto the feeling of peace, I receive from my time spent with Steve. My body is so exhausted that I fall asleep wearing jeans.

[word count: 3243]

lexi's letters; delilah exposing steve's nickname >>