ᴛᴀᴛᴜᴍ'ꜱ ᴘᴏᴠ 

The next morning I tried to distract myself from anything other than school, I had just gotten back to Hawkins, why was I so worried about Steve Harrington? I needed to focus on something else.

"When alpha particles go thrpugh gold foil, they become..?" Barb asked, she held the pile of Nancy's flashcards. 

"An unoccupied space." Nancy replied. 

I am a couple months older than Nancy, so I was lucky enough to fall into a grade above her, which is a blessing because now I don't have to take one of Mr. Kaminsky's brutal tests. 

Barb flipped to the next card and started reading it aloud when Steve (and obviously Tommy and Carol) cruised by and snagged the flashcard while Tommy tickled the back of Barbs ear. I could tell she was uncomfortable, and on the edge, like always.

"Uh, hey." Nancy said out of annoyance. 

"I think you studied enough Nancy. I'm telling you, you've got this," Steve grinned as he said his next words, "Now, on a way more important matter, my dad has got this conference and my mom went with him, because, she doesn't trust him," 

"Good call." Tommy mutter and him and Steve exchanged some smirks.

"So are you in?"

Nancy was confused, "In for what?"

Carol's annoyance was visible because she said in an exhausted tone, "No parents, big house.."

"A party?" Nancy said.

Steve and Tommy nodded while Carol said, "Ding, ding, ding." 

"It's Tuesday." Nancy mumbled. Tommy and Carol were quick to laugh. 

"Don't worry, it will be low key, it'll just be Me, Tommy, Carol, you, Tatum and, Barb if wanna come. Are you in or are you out?" Steve said. I could tell Barb was suspicious but I wanted to go. This could be one of my only chances to hang out with Steve, but I stayed silent because I obviously couldn't go if Nancy didn't go it would be breaking our friendship code. 

Nancy was about to answer when, "Oh gosh, look." Carol spoke.

Steve put his hands on his hips as everyone turned to see what Carol was looking at. "Welp. That's depressing." Steve said. It wad Jonathan Byers, hanging up missing posters for Will.

 Dustin couldn't stop talking about how Will went missing, recently. 

"Should we say something?" Nancy asked. 

"I don't think he speaks." Carol said chewing on her gum.

"How much you wanna bet he killed him?" Tommy chuckled and Steve gave his a little slap on the arm.

I frowned, I felt sorry. I couldn't imagine what he is feeling right now. Nancy started to walk over and I followed her. 

"Hey." Nancy said, shining her bright smile.

"Hey." Jonathan greeted back. 

I gave a little wave. 

"We just wanted to say, that we're sorry about everything. Everyone is thinking about you. It sucks." Nancy said, Jonathan nodded. 

I start to speak up once it went quiet, "I know it's not the same situation, but my dad passing away had just really affected me.. so I can't imagine what it's like to have your little brother going missing. I mean if my brother went missing I'd freak." 

"Yeah," Nancy agreed. "We just wanted to tell you to stay strong and positive." 

I nodded, "Of course, and plus I'm sure he's fine. He is a smart kid. Goodluck." 

The bell started to ring and me and Nancy walked off. We exchanged glances on our way back over to the group. I smiled as I walked into my Spanish class. 

"You 2 are on time today, congratulations." Mrs. Rodrigo said as I made my way through the door, with Steve behind me.

I gave Mrs. Rodrigo a fake smile the walked over to my seat, and sat down as the morning announcements started. 

"Good Morning Hawkins High students!" The announcer greeted, they started going on about what sports were happening this week and an assembly for Will in support of the Byers. Which reminded me I should stop by their house. I know I had just talked to Jonathan today, but his mom is probably worried sick and maybe I could bring them food and-

"Tatum Henderson!" Mrs. Rodrigo yelled pulling me out of my train of thought. My cheeks started to heat up as I realized everyone was staring at me.

"Yeah?" I said my voice tiny.

"I have called on you five times." Mrs. Rodrigo walked up to my desk and lowered her head down so only I could hear her, "Speak with me after class.".

I sighed and nodded. I'm already in deep shit and it's my second day. 

I looked over at Steve who was giving me a smug smirk, his eyes doing that twinkle thingy I have no idea how to do. I made sure no one was looking at me anymore and I gave him a smirk and flipped him off. He made a jokingly offended face and I held back a laugh and so did Steve then he turned around in his seat.

Slowly, the class crawled by and when it was time to leave I hoped that Mrs. Rodrigo had forgotten that she wanted to speak with me. I merged into the crowd of students and luckily snuck out of the class without having to face Mrs. Rodrigo.

After Spanish, I headed to anatomy and after that I had yearbook which I had with Carol.

I sat down next to her and she gave me a small smile. I'm still not sure if she likes me or not. 

"Hey." I said.

"Hey." She said back. 

My eyes focused on Mr. Morton as he started to instruct on what we are doing today. 

"So are you coming tonight or what?" I heard Carol say.

I turned to face her and shrugged, "Sure, but I don't really wanna go if Nancy isn't gonna go." 

"Forget about Nancy, she doesn't get to hold you back. Are you coming or what?"

"Sure." I smiled. 

"Good." She smiled back. Again I couldn't tell if she actually wanted me to come and be her friend or if she just completely hated me. Oh my gosh, what if it's one of those tv set ups? Where they invite you to something and no one is there and you look like an idiot! I realized that this was ridiculous. There's no way that's true. I absorbed myself in my thoughts until Carol started speaking again. 

"Hey, did you hear that that sophmore Robin and Mr. Hauser are screwing?" She asked me.

"Wait, Robin who?" 

"I dunno it's like Robin Bucket or something?"

"And with Mr. Hauser? The English teacher? I thought he was gay."

"Yeah, thats what everyone thought too but, she is always sneaking off to his class at lunch."

"Gross. I have his class with Steve and Tommy. It's my 5th period."

Carol started to giggle a little and I joined in with her, except it wasn't a real laugh. Gossiping like this felt wrong for some reason.. was Mr. Hauser actually hooking up with Robin Bucket? It didn't feel right. I mean I have only been here a day, but I didn't believe that. 

Yearbook quickly passed considering I had some one to accompany me. Hanging with Carol wasn't that bad I think it's when she is around Tommy that she sort of switches up, because she was nice for the most part. Once the class was over I had lunch, which I also spent with Carol, but I was also with Nancy, Steve, Tommy, and Barb was kinda there but she was distancing herself. I feel like ever since I got back she has been acting strange, or stranger than usual, but maybe it's just because she thinks Nancy is ditching her. I'm not sure.

"Tatum?" 

I looked up to see Mrs. Rodrigo hovering over me.

"Oh, uh.. yeah?" 

"You ran away from me earlier. I still wanted to chat with you." 

"Right." I nodded, Mrs. Rodrigo nodded back and led me towards her classroom, "Please have a seat." She told me. 

I sat down at a desk that was infront of hers, "Tatum, I have noticed you have been extremely, um.., distracted lately... and I just wanted to remind you that we do have a guidance counselor on campus if you're looking for some one to talk too, and if you're not comfortable with that I am always here to chat." 

I nodded.

"I just.. I know what happened to your dad and if there is anything on your mind just reach out to a teacher." 

"I'm fine, thank though." I said, I stood up from the desk and rushed out the door to go find Nancy. I walked throughout the hallways until I saw her about to walk into the lunch room.

"Nance!" 

She turned her head to me and gave a little wave. I walked up to her, "Hey can I go over to yours after school?" 

"Oh yeah, sure. Then we can go over to Steve's together." 

I grinned at her, "So you are going?" 

She grinned back, "Yeah, I was gonna bring you and Barb with me. Why? Did you not wanna go?"

"Oh! No, no, I'll go." 

"Ok." Nancy said finishing up the conversation. She opened the door to the cafeteria and the 2 of us filed in and headed towards the table where Carol, Tommy, and Steve sat.

                                               ●○●○●

After school Nancy and I walked to her house. We planned to have dinner there and then Barb was gonna drive us all to Steve's, but Barb was kinda hesitating still. 

"Barb, it's not rocket science. Just tell your parents that you're gonna stay at my place afterwards." Nancy said into the phone. She paused as Barb said something in reply.

Nancy started to speak again, "No, just tell them we're studying." 

"Girls, dinner!" I heard Mrs. Wheeler yell.

Nancy pulled away from the phone, "Coming!" She yelled while placing the phone back to her ear, "Ok, I gotta go. I'll see you in an hour." Nancy hung up the phone and rushed downstairs to see her whole family, plus Lucas and Dustin sitting at the table. Nancy and I sat down and Mr. Wheeler started to speak, "So, do guys not have homes or do you just like staying at mine?" 

"That's enough, Ted." Mrs. Wheeler mumbled.

A few moments of silence passed. Everyone just slowly ate and didn't say a word until Mrs. Wheeler noticed that everyone was acting off.

"Is something wrong with the meatloaf?" She asked. Everyone looked up, "Oh, no.. I just has 2 bologna sandwiches for lunch. I don't know why." Dustin said.

Lucas nodded and smiled along with what Dustin was saying, "Me too."

"It's delicious, mommy." Nancy said. 

"Yeah, it's good. Thanks Mrs. Wheeler." I added. 

"Thank you girls." 

Nancy looked over at me and I gave her reassuring nod, "So, there's this assembly thing tonight.. for Will, at the school field. Barb's driving."

"Why am I just hearing about this?" 

"I thought you knew." 

Karen sighed, "I told you, I don't want you out after dark until Will is found." 

"I know, it would just be super weird if I'm not there.".

"Are you going, Tatum?" Mrs. Wheeler asked. 

"Oh, uh, yeah. My mom said that it is ok. Plus, everyone is going." 

Mrs. Wheeler nodded at my response, "Well, then it should be ok. Just be home by 10, please. Why don't you take the boys too?" 

"NO!" Everyone shouted. 

"Don't you think you should be there for Will?" Karen said with sympathy.

Mike choked on his cup of milk, Karen looked behind her as if something was wrong, but before she could Dustin slammed his hands on the table. Everyone looked over at him. 

"Sorry, spasm." 

I gave Dustin a 'what the hell was that' look amd he gave me a 'nothing mind your damn business' look back. 

Mrs. Wheeler looked down at baby Holly who was sinking down in her high chair, "It's ok Holly is was just a loud noise."

Nancy looked over at the boys, "Nice." She said just above a breath. 

                                               ●○●○●

Shortly after dinner, Barb came by to pick me and Nance up and drive us to Steve's. 

"Barbra, pull over." Nancy said. 

"What?" Barb said from the driver's seat.

"Barb, pull over." 

"Why are we stopping?" I asked.

"Yeah, what are we doing? His house is 3 blocks away." Barb exclaimed.

"Well, we can't park in the driveway." 

"Seriously, Nance?" I said annoyed. I was all for sneaking off to hang out, but this was dumb

"Yes, I'm serious his neighbors might see."

Barb shook her head, "This is to stupid, am I just gonna drop you off." 

"Barb, come on. We are.gonna have fun, right Tatum?"

"What? Don't drag me into this! Barb, do whatever you wanna do." I defended.

Nancy ignored me, "You promised you'd come, Barb." 

"Nancy, he just wants to get in your pants!" Barb informed. 

Nancy laughed, "No he doesn't." 

Barb looked confused, like she couldn't believe Nancy was this oblivious to Steve's intentions. I mean, sure he was glorious but Barb was right. He did just want to get in her pants, just like he does with every girl. 

"Come on! Nancy are not this stupid." Barb scolded.

"Tommy H and Carol are gonna be there." Nancy said as a weak defense

"Tommy and Carol have been having sex since like the 7th grade." 

I snapped my fingers, "Barb is right. It's probably gonna be like a big secret orgy." 

"Gross." Nancy chuckled.

"She's actually probably right." Barb jokingly agreed with me.

Nancy smiled, "Well then, if your so worried about it then, you can be like my guardian. Make sure I don't get drunk and do anything stupid."

"Or have sex." I added. Nance gave me a glare and I smirked at her while she reached into her bag and grabbed a shirt out. Nancy took off her sweater and I watched as Barb rolled her eyes. 

"Is that a new bra?" She asked.

"No." Nancy lied. She put on different more 'party' looking shirt and spoke up, "Everyone ready?" 

"Yeah." Barb and I said in union.

We all got out and started our walk up the sidewalk, towards Steve's house.  Once we got to the door Nancy rung the door bell. We waited for a moment while Barb gasped with anxiety.

"Barb, chill." Nancy said. 

I patted Barb on the shoulder and she nodded, shortly after the 2 front doors open up wide and we were greeted by the one amd only Steve Harrington, "Hello, ladies." He smirked, his eyes were doing that twinkle thing that I don't understand and he just looked so perfectly put together. 

I could hear some faint music in the backyard as he walked us through the front door, past the stairs, into the living room and kitchen then out to the backyard. 

As I walked out the back door I Melt With You was playing on the stereo and Carol started screaming. Tommy picked her up and teased her that he was going to throw her in the pool, "You're such as asshole, Tommy!" Carol exclaimed.

Nancy, Barb, and I sat down on lounging chairs. I watched Nancy as her eyes drifted to Steve who was shotgunning a beer. 

In a couple of seconds the beer was gone and Steve plopped himself down on the lounge chair that was next to Nancy. Steve grabbed a cigarette and held it between his lips.

"Was that supposed to impress me?" Nancy asked in a flirty tone.

"You're not?" Steve said.

"You're a cliché, you do realize that?" 

Steve shrugged while attempting to light his cigarette, "You are a cliché, with all your grades, and band practice." 

"I'm so not in band." Nancy said letting out a breathy chuckle. 

"Ok, party girl, then why don't you just show us how it's done then." Steve held out a can of beer and a small pocket knife to Nancy.

"Ok." Nancy smiled. 

I looked over at Barb who already looked fed up. She shook her head at me giving that 'This is so stupid' eye roll. I gave her a small nod, and looked over at Nancy.

"You gotta a little hole in the bottom." Steve instructed.

"Yeah. I got it." Nancy replied.

"Yeah. She's smart, you douche." Tommy told Steve while crushing a can of beer on his head. 

Nancy made the hole in the can and started to drink. Steve started chanting, "Chug!" And everyone joined in exepct for Barb. Nancy tilted her head back to get all the beer out of the can. After she had finished we all cheered and Nancy did a little bow. 

"Your turn, Tatum." Carol laughed. 

Nancy grinned at me and reached for an unopened beer that was on one of the lounge chairs. She grabbed the beer and tossed it to me. I picked up the pocket knife off the ground and made a little hole. I took a deep breath and held the can to my lips as I started to gulp down the the boldly bitter, but also slightly sweet drink. Everyone started to chant chug again which slightly motivated me to finished it faster. I guzzled down the last bits of the drink and started laughing once I had finished. Everyone cheered again. 

Nancy looked down at the quiet Barb who was looking down at her feet in her chair, "Barb, you wanna try?" 

Barb widen her eyes at Nancy, "What? No, no. I don't want to, thanks."

"Come on Barbra!" I said giving her a little push on the shoulder. 

"Nance, I don't want to."

"It's fun just give it a shot." Nancy said while passing the pocket knife and a can of beer in Barb's hand. 

Barb gave in, "Fine." She stood up from her chair and held the can up and gripped the knife. Everyone watched in anticipation. Barb took the knife and started to struggle with puncturing the can, which is when her hand slipped and she cut her hand. Barb was quick to drop the can and try to shake off the pain.

"Are you ok?" Nancy asked urgently. 

"Yeah. I'm fine." 

"But Barb you're bleeding." 

Barb gave me and Nance a glare, "I'm fine." Barb snapped. She paused as looked over at Steve, "Where is your bathroom?" 

Steve quickly stood up to be at service, "Oh! Down past the kitchen to the left." He pointed towards the house as he walked closer behind Barb.

I saw Carol and Tommy holding in laughter. Carol turned around and sighed as she stared past the pool. Tommy looked over at me and smirked as he pointed at Carol. I nodded as I knew what he was trying to point out. He nodded back and pushed Carol straight into the steaming pool. 

Steve walked back over from the commotion right as Tommy jumped in after Carol. Nancy and I laughed when suddenly Steve snuck up from behind Nancy and gave her a generous push, which caused her to loose her balance and cling onto me, Nancy dragged up both into the pool

"Nancy, what the hell!" I shouted with laughter. 

Steve jumped in after us and swam by Nancy grabbing her by the waist and starting to kiss her. I rolled my eyes and splashed them away, but Nancy pushed Steve away and dunked his head under water then shouted, "I lost my shoes!" 

I laughed as I found them floating around and picked them up waving them in her face. Steve laughed and I tossed him one of the shoes and Nancy chased us around trying to get them back, while Tommy was throwing Carol in and out of the water. 

The sound of laughter echoed all throughout the backyard. 

Steve closed his eyes and started to yell, "Marco!" 

"Polo!" We all yelled back. Everyone swam away from the blinded Steve, until he tagged Tommy.

"Marco!" Tommy hollered. 

"Polo!" 

Tommy start to swim over to where Carol and I were, "Marco!" 

"Polo!" 

Tommy reached out and grabbed Carol while she shrieked, "Tommy, you cheated! There's no way you got me!".

We all started to crack up with laughter again when I started to zone out again. I had felt so much relief to laugh like this again, because I haven't been able too in a really long time. My ribs and my stomach hurt so bad it felt like I had a 6 pack. It brought me back to the summers Nancy and I used to spend at her house. We'd stay up all night watching movies, go to the town pool, and sometimes we'd even be generous enough to include Mike and Dustin. It was like Nancy was the only friend I needed. I started to think maybe my dad dying was meant to be or else I wouldn't be here, in Steve Harrington's pool, laughing my ass off. Of course I missed by dad, but I was kinda starting to understand of meaning of everything happens for a reason. I zoned back in as Nancy splashed water in my face as I started to giggle as I splashed her back.

A/N: hi!! Thanks for reading chapter three! I really hoped you enjoyed it , because I had fun writing it. I decided to give Tatum a little bit of a relief from her brain. Also comment if ypu caught the reference from the Rebel Robin book/podcast!! Also let me know if ypu got the Lorde song reference in this chapter.  Love all you readers Sm!! Also sorry for all the gift just adding visual representation, but if yall don't like them also lmk

Words: 3525