(Ep. 3: The Pollywog)

Driving in complete silence was something Gwen usually wanted and needed. She loved having time for herself and enjoyed listening to music while singing along to the lyrics. The only thing she didn't enjoy much was driving at night.

After last year, she couldn't bear to drive through the dimly lit roads as the woods appear much more ominous and deadly. Every time she took an accidental peek, images of the monster filled her mind.

It's not like she can avoid driving at night since she's determined to drive her brother everywhere to prevent what happened to Will from occurring again.

Sure, she might get annoyed and refuse sometimes, but through it all, letting her brother ride his bike at night was something she wasn't willing to let him do. Especially now since it appears that it's officially come back.

Gwen kept glancing through the corner of her eye at her brother. Dustin was being extremely quiet, which was very unusual for him. She'd much rather have him annoy the hell out of her than having him this silent. He wasn't moving an inch, his eyes remaining glued on his ghost trap and his knuckles turning white from how tight his grip was.

Seeing one of his best friend's in that state was one of the worst things to have witnessed. He had faced a demogorgon, yet today has been the most terrified he's been.

He started wondering if he hadn't brought Dart to school, would Will never have gone through this? Would he be alright right now? Now that he managed to trap his monster pet again, he wasn't about to let him out of his sight, especially since his friends would demand him to get rid of it.

"You okay?" his sister asked in concern.

Dustin gave a faint nod, not even looking up as he was afraid of letting Dart out of his sight. "It's back, isn't it?"

Gwen didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to comfort him without worrying him even more. All she could think of is how young all of them are and how they shouldn't have to be dealing with this. They should be having fun and focusing on enjoying their childhood. Not focusing on this.

She pulled up to their driveway and turned the ignition off. Turning to face him, she figured it's best to be honest and not sugarcoat anything, "I think it is, so let's keep an eye out, alright? Anything strange, no matter how stupid it might seem, we tell each other everything."

"Everything," he agreed and pulled out his pinky.

She smiled at remembering they used to make pinky promises when they were little. They haven't done so in a while so this brought a wave of nostalgia for the both of them. She held out her pinky and locked it with his, "Everything."

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Hawkins Festival had been the long awaited event of the year. Families and friends gather for a night of games, cotton candies, crazy rides, and for the fireworks show. It was safe to say the entire town would be attending. Everyone but Gwen and the rest of the party members.

Gwen was working on her English essay when Dustin came yelling from his room at his walkie talkie. "We have to go! Will wouldn't want us to miss it!"

"You don't know what he thinks so don't speak for him!" Mike responded, annoyed that his friends thought it'd be appropriate to go out for a night of fun when Will was struggling. It seemed selfish and quite frankly insensitive. Besides, he'd been dreading this festival ever since he promised El he'd take her. It felt wrong to attend without her. He wanted to introduce her to many things. To let her have fun and not worry about the bad men coming after her. To just be a regular kid enjoying a night of adventures.

"I agree with Dustin. I say we go," Lucas chimed in, all in hopes he'd get to impress Max with his game skills and be able to get one step ahead of Dustin.

"No! We're not going! End of story!" Mike exclaimed.

Dustin rolled his eyes at his comment and took a seat beside his sister. He intensely glared at her as she wrote away on her paper and ignored him.

"Drive us to the festival," he ordered.

Her brow raised in surprise at his demanding tone. Not a hint of kindness or even a please was in his sentence, "Excuse you?"

"Son of a bitch- can you please drive us to the festival?" he annoyingly repeated.

Returning back to her paper, she shook her head in disagreement, "I have a lot of work to do so get mom to drive you."

Dustin froze in his spot. He loved his mom, but spending more than 10 minutes in the same car with her would drive him to insanity. "I am begging you. Come on Gwen. Don't be a bitch."

"I'm not taking you anywhere with that attitude, bitch ass."

"What do you want me to do?! Worship at your feet or what?!" he exclaimed, flailing his arms in frustration.

"I'm not driving you anywhere!"

"Just take us!"

Claudia rushed to her kids when hearing the commotion from the living room. She was stunned to find Dustin starting to punch his sister's shoulders while she tried to defend herself by pushing him off. "Dusty! Let go of your sister!"

Both siblings glared at each other. Dustin became tempted to crumble her paper just for the fun of it, but if there's one thing he learned not to mess with, it was her scholarly work.

"Gwen doesn't want to drive my friends and I to the festival," he complained.

She dropped her pencil abruptly, staring at him with a deadpanned look, "Really? You're going to tell mom on me?"

Knowing he's the favorite, Dustin figured Claudia was the only one who'd get her to drive them. At least he hoped she wouldn't take his sister's side for once.

"The festival is today? Thank you for reminding me Dusty!" Claudia's eyes beamed with excitement as she hurried over and grabbed her car keys.

Gwen sighed in relief that she wouldn't have to drive him and she'd be able to finish her homework. This essay counted for half her grade and if she wanted to graduate with honors, she needed to work extremely hard on it.

"Great, so you can drive them then," she told her mother and started writing again.

"Don't think you're off the hook. You're coming as well. The Miss Hawkins committee wants to meet the participants to try and get to know your personality outside a formal setting. Damn it, I can't believe I almost forgot!"

Gwen had almost forgotten about that dreadful ball her mother was forcing her to do. It was the last thing she wanted, but seeing how important it was for her mother, she didn't have the heart to deny her request. Well, it's not like she had much of a choice anyway. Her mother always knew how to force someone or guilt trip them into doing what she asked. Clearly losing Miss Hawkins in '59 still hurt, so Gwen figured she might at least try to win this for her.

"Why do you hate me?" she complained while her mother motioned her to head to the car.

Claudia let out a small laugh, "You'll thank me for this one day. When you win, you'll make it easier for your daughter to win."

Gwen couldn't help but laugh at such a thought. Sure she did want kids one day, but with the right person. And it seems that it will be in a very long time seeing as there's no one in this town she'd be willing to make such a life changing commitment with.

"Better not make me an uncle anytime soon. I'm too young to babysit," Dustin muttered as he walked past her towards the backseat.

"Like I'd ever trust you with my kid."

Shoves and a few more insults were given as they got into the car. Claudia put on the radio to try and ease their behavior, but it only seemed to make them crazier. She simply let them have at it and focused on what color dress Gwen should wear.

Yellow seemed like a good option. She still had her dress from back then so maybe that could be it, or maybe purple or blue. Maybe something new would bring more attention.

The siblings continued their bickering even when Mike and Lucas arrived. It was normal for them to see them fight so they didn't bat an eye. Claudia raised the volume again and tried drowning out their yells with "Runaway" by Bon Jovi.

It was times like these when she missed her husband the most. He was the only one to be able to handle them and get them to apologize to one another. She missed him greatly and found herself praying for some kind of miracle that would turn back time so that the accident could've been prevented.

Not only did it take her husband but it nearly took little Gwen as well. If it wasn't for Hopper arriving at the scene on time, it would've only been her and Dustin. She could only hope her children would never have to go through the pain of losing the one they love. If she barely survived it, how will their children be able to?

__________________

After a strange and uncomfortable meeting with the committee, Gwen ended up being the most liked out of all the participants. It took lots of perfect answers and overbearing politeness to make her the favorite out of all ten girls.

Karen signed Nancy up as well, but because of the mission her and Jonathan are on, she wasn't able to attend. Mrs. Wheeler did her best trying to convey her daughter's personality and strengths but as expected, her absence took away the opportunity of impressing the committee.

Everything seemed to be running in Gwen's favor. She didn't even care that Natalia and Chrissy were participating as well. Her mind was simply focused on winning this for her mother. Even if she has to go through various ballroom dances, which was the one thing that made her skin crawl from how agonizing it is. Finding an escort to dance with her in front of the entire town would definitely be the hardest thing to do.

Who would she ask? She had no idea. The first person that came to mind was Jonathan, but knowing it's not his scene made her unwilling to force him into doing something he wouldn't like. Just like she was forced into this as well.

Gwen walked around the carnival in search of any fun games. She came to a stop when arriving at the balloon and dart game. The line was not very long but it held a few people such as Tina, Carol, Tommy, Natalia, and Chrissy along with her new boyfriend, Jason.

Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she chose to stand in the furthest corner and wait until they leave to avoid any confrontation from Natalia. Based on the looks she was giving her during the meeting, it's clear the Halloween incident hasn't gone over her head. Not wanting to risk the opportunity of winning Miss Hawkins for her mother, she settled on avoidance so no fighting would ensue.

As Gwen started scanning the carnival for other interesting games, Natalia had come to notice her. Her eyes beamed with excitement that she'd get to hit her with the same coin. She turned to Chrissy with a mischievous smile and said, "Look who's over there all lonely."

Chrissy looked away from her boyfriend and frowned when seeing it was Gwen, "Don't do anything, Nat. It's not worth it."

"Are you kidding me?! She humiliated me at the party so it's only fair I return the favor," she bitterly said as she handed the dart to Tina. She fixed her dark hair and her clothes as if she was about to walk the runaway.

"Nat, come on!" her friend called out in hopes that she'd have a change of heart and decide not to embarrass herself.

The rest of her friends' attention left the game as they gathered in a huddle to watch the scene about to play out. All of them reached for Carol's popcorn and shared a couple laughs on how ridiculous the preppy girl was acting. Her certainty on winning a fight against Gwen is quite comical considering Gwen knocked her out.

"You guys want to place bets now?" Jason asked.

Chrissy rolled her eyes, hitting his shoulder as she said, "Don't encourage them."

"My money's on Gwen. The girl may be a lot of things but she knows how to fight," Carol reached down to her arm, remembering how Gwen had broken it last year while Steve and Jonathan went against each other. She knew not to underestimate her, especially now that Tina had befriended her and was forcing her to be nice.

"Oh please! Nat will win this. She's got style," still bitter about having lost the game to her, Tommy prayed Natalia would use whatever strength she has repressed to avenge him as well.

Natalia turned back to her friends and smiled. She popped her knuckles while briskly moving past the walking families. Nearly there, she suddenly felt Jason grab her from the waist to take her back all because Chrissy asked him to. She loved her friend and supported her in everything, but if she thought she stood a chance winning a fight against Gwen, it was only right for Chrissy to stop her from embarrassing herself.

"What the hell?! Let me down, asshole!" Natalia hit him as hard as she could, thinking she was hurting him when her hits felt like soft pillows.

"We're saving you the embarrassment of getting knocked out again," Chrissy told her and kissed her boyfriend's cheek to thank him.

Natalia stared in wide shock at her best friend for not having faith in her. With her arms crossed, she put on a pouty face before Chrissy smiled and embraced her.

"Oh stop it," she annoyingly said, but couldn't stay angry at her friend for long. She looked over at Gwen, who was now walking towards the basketball game. That's when Natalia decided that maybe she'd wait longer on getting her revenge. Like many say, revenge is a dish best served cold.

Once arriving to the game, Gwen handed a ticket to the worker and got ready to make the shot. She squinted her eyes, calculating her distance while stretching out her arm to toss the ball, when she heard a chuckle from behind her.

She stopped and turned around, soon facing Steve that had his arms crossed and was smiling all teasingly. "Is there something you want to say?" she asked.

His hands raised in surrender as he walked forward to hand a ticket over. "Just here to play a game, or is my smile disrupting your concentration?"

She scoffed, "Funny you think a delightful smile is able to ruin my focus."

"So now you find my smile delightful," he proudly said while getting himself closer to her.

"It seems you have a very high opinion of yourself, but remember that not even your smile was able to keep a girlfriend."

That seemed to cut it close. Steve's smile faded at the remembrance of his breakup with Nancy. He had to admit that it hurt more than he expected, but he surprisingly hadn't thought of her since this morning.

At least until now.

He watched her as she took a few steps back to take a longer distance from the hoop. She turned to him with a taunting look before regaining sight of the target. Not before catching one last glimpse of a puzzled Steve wondering what the hell she's doing.

"What are you-"

"Stop talking," she ordered before taking a leap, watching as the ball went inside the hoop effortlessly.

Steve was impressed. For someone with no basketball experience, she was quite skilled at this. After hearing she beat Tommy, he knew he had to see it for himself to believe it.

His hands got ready to applaud when she gave him that damned look. The look that always made his skin crawl. A prideful one. An overconfident and condescending glare that made him tremble in aggression, only making him want to challenge her at this.

He grabbed the ball and performed the same action as her, except he took a further distance just to spite her. She rolled her eyes and simply motioned him to make the shot. He gave her a teasing smile before he tossed the ball. Only his skills failed him when the ball hit the rim and bounced to the ground.

"I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to get the ball inside the net," she calmly said, causing him to hand another ticket to the worker and grab the ball with frustration. He wasn't going to let her win and get away with this. Gwen Henderson would not beat him.

"Oh yeah? Take a look at this," he leapt forward at much greater strength and crossed his fingers the ball would make it in. The ball flew towards the net and circled the rim for a few seconds before finally getting successfully inside. He tugged the collar of his shirt boastfully and said, "You see?"

"Beginner's luck."

"I happen to be on the basketball team so I'm not a beginner. This isn't luck for me. It's pure skills," he proudly said.

"Hmm," she lazily hummed, reaching over for the ball before standing next him. "Those are some 'amazing' skills you have since it took you a second try to make a hoop. Imagine if you were at the game, you would've lost an opportunity to score a point." Without even looking at the net, she briefly tossed the ball, smirking in pride when it made it successfully inside.

Steve gripped his last remaining tickets, clenching his jaw as he watched her pride herself on her win. He could feel his blood boil as he tried to refrain from losing his concentration, but just watching her stare with those stunning eyes made him forget his main goal... winning this game.

"Are you just going to stand there like an idiot?" she asked, gesturing towards the net before saying, "Or are you giving up already?"

"That's ridiculous," he harshly took the ball from her and tossed a few tickets to the worker.

With a wicked smile, she stood back and refrained from bursting out in laughter. He seemed too sure of himself that she didn't have the heart to tell him just how far behind he was. She clapped at his wins and his loses and every time he pranced around like an idiot.

"Your turn," he motioned her to take a step forward.

"It's getting boring just winning, so I'm heading somewhere else now."

"Want a rematch?" he blurted out, unwilling to let her go so soon without having beat her at one game at least.

Gwen was silent for a quarter of a second. Normally, she would've fled the scene to keep a distance, but as she's standing in front, watching the neon lights reflect on him, she can't help but crave for just another minute.

"I'm sure there must be some game you want to beat me at," he interrupted her train of thought, just enough to bring her down from the clouds.

She snapped back up and said, "Are you choosing the game or should I?"

"I'll be kind and let you choose. I don't want you thinking I'm choosing the hardest games to beat you."

She scoffed and started walking closer to him. He froze under their proximity that made his heart start racing, "As if you could ever beat me, but by all means, I'll let you choose."

Steve took a breath of relief when she backed away. He started wandering down the carnival, searching for the perfect game that'd allow him to show just how much of a great player he is. There was darts, water gun, ring toss, and the most intriguing of them all, skee ball.

"Found the perfect one. What do you say?" He stood in front of the machine with an eager smile as he was a hundred percent certain he'd beat her at this. She can't be perfect at everything... right?

Gwen hurried in his direction and found herself regretting letting him choose the game. Skee ball is the one thing she hasn't mastered. Her and Dustin would play for hours and he'd always beat her and make sure to tell the whole world of his win.

And yet she couldn't help but accept this challenge.

"That depends. Are you in a losing mood?"

With a sarcastic smile he calmly told her, "I should ask you that same question."

Gwen arched a brow before leaning forward for the ball, only Steve thought the same thing as he jumped forward as well. Both of them glared at each other intensely. Neither wanted the other to start before them so they hovered over the ball until one decides to give up.

"Shouldn't you be a gentleman and let a lady go first?"

"I would, but I see no lady around."

Her eyes widened in annoyance as he was starting to get on her nerves. She looked down at the ball and his hand was as firm as a surgeon's. Her eyes trailed down to his foot just inches from her, giving her the idea on how she'd beat him.

"Then that means I can do this," Gwen stomped on his foot as hard as she could, smiling once he backed off and tried ignoring the throbbing on his foot. He intensely stared as he scolded himself for not anticipating this move. Of course a menace like her would cheat her way into winning.

She turned to the game and concentrated on getting the highest number as she prayed she wouldn't embarrass herself in front of him. Her eyes narrowed as she calculated the distance needed. Her arm moved backwards before making a quick spin and then threw the ball. To her luck, it only reached the second highest, but hey, she'll take it. At least she didn't embarrass herself by only getting 10 points.

Steve then took over. Slightly pushing his way through, he harshly stole the ball from her hand and tried ignoring that condescending look of hers. He took a deep breath and did the same motion as her, except he made a few switches to where he threw it like a baseball player.

It seemed as if time went slower. As if this very moment there was a slow motion picture playing, making the moment more intense and suspenseful for the both of them. They waited on the edge of their seats and counted down the seconds until finally, the ball received the same points as hers did.

"Seems like you want to copy my every move," Gwen blatantly said with a slight grimace.

Steve quickly turned around, "Watch this," he ordered, leaning forward to make another shot when he felt the delicate touch of her fingers press against his tense shoulders. "What are you doing?" he blurted out, feeling his heart start to race at the disconcerting jolt of something being felt.

Something? He trembled on how ridiculous it was. He can't feel attraction for this woman. Let alone tremble at her presence.

Gwen scowled at his reaction, appalled at his terrible sportsmanship, "I believe it's my turn so get out of my way."

He didn't say anything, which came as a shocker to her since it seemed like something he'd respond to, but he was just staring with an idiotic gaze. Almost like he was starstruck at her company.

She turned to the machine and took a few steps backward. Trying to get a reaction from him, she allowed the ball to fall from her hand just so she could bend over.

Steve's eyes widened as his palms started to sweat. His face was getting flushed, all while hearing the pounding of his heart echo throughout his body. He watched as she rose up and took a few steps forward. Her arm provided a gentle swing before throwing the ball into the slot.

The ball was able to get into the 50 point slot. Her eyes beamed in delight at having acquired the highest score that before she knew it, she was jumping up and down like a crazy person, "I win! I beat you, Harrington!"

That seemed enough to break whatever spell he was stuck in. "You didn't win," he snapped, surprised at her loudness yet was intrigued by it.

He took over her spot and stole the ball. Squinting his eyes to acquire better sight, he threw it rather too quickly. He crossed his fingers and prayed he'd get the same score as her so the game could keep going. Only luck wasn't in his favor when it hit the second highest, making her the winner.

"It seems that I've won," she told him before tapping the tip of his nose and walking away with her head held high. The fireworks started, which only satisfied her win as she took it as a celebration.

He watched her curiously, admiring the way she so gracefully strode off into the night. Her steps were so majestic it almost seemed like she was floating. With a glimmer in his eyes, he was openly struck on how perfect she truly is, when the reminder of just how much he dislikes her took over, bringing him to abruptly look away.

He turned to the machine and grabbed the ball into a tight fist. With a loud slam, the ball was sent flying, creating a small crack that the worker chose to ignore.

Steve dashed from the scene in search of her. He wasn't about to let this go. He needed to beat her in something so this night was far from over. Only to realize he had lost her to the crowd as more people had arrived in the time they played against each other. He searched in every corner, expecting for that perky head of hers to pop up.

And yet not too far, Gwen was standing by the popcorn stand just laughing on how desperate he was to find her. She was surprised to say this is the most fun she's had in quite a while. Never did she expect to enjoy someone's company that wasn't Jonathan's or Nancy's.

About to head over to Steve, the sudden silhouette of Billy Hargrove blocked her path by leaning forward for a kiss.

"What do you think you're doing?!" she exclaimed, nearly dropping her popcorn from the shock.

He smiled and stole a few pieces, "Just wanted to say hi."

"Then use your words," she rolled her eyes before harshly shoving the popcorn bag into his chest and started walking away.

"How about we play a few games?" he wrapped his arm around her to prevent her from leaving his side. He figured if he just pretended the Halloween incident never happened, things would resolve by themselves. At least he hoped it would be the case.

Throwing his arm off she exclaimed, "Do you really expect me to forget everything?! You're seriously unbelievable."

"Come on, beautiful. What do you want me to do?" With that conceited smile, he once again blocked her path in determination to get her back.

"What I want is for you to leave me alone," she snapped.

All he heard was a muffled voice. He was too focused on her features to pay attention to her demands. All he wanted was to have her. To make her his and get to call her his woman. She was the only one who drove him crazy enough to tempt him to beg on his knees to get her back.

"And all I want is you," he replied while placing her hair behind her ear.

She took a step back, repulsed at his touch and even more he believed this would work. "Get the hell out of my way."

His patience was now hanging by a thread as he had never experienced this much rejection from the same person. Usually by now, he would've found another girl to occupy himself with. And he had a few in mind, yet he couldn't contain himself from being drawn to her. There was something intoxicating that made it hard to move on from.

Gwen walked away at his distraction when Billy blurted out, "I'm sorry."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. Never did she think Billy Hargrove would apologize. Let alone keep trying to win her back when he's known for dumping girls every week.

"What?" was all she could say as her mind still couldn't process what she just heard.

He took a deep breath before walking closer. Just a few inches from her as he started embracing her into his arms. "Can we just go back to how we were?"

Gwen moved back, confused on why she allowed him to get that close when she wanted him to leave her alone. She suddenly started trying to remember all the events that led her to become involved with someone like him.

What was I thinking? Why him out of all people?

Her eyes traced the outline of his shoulders. Noticing just how firm and strong they looked, she opened her mouth to speak, but as she tried composing the right words, she was suddenly met by the piercing sight of his gaze.

The shadow of his figure stood by the corner. Just lurking besides the lemonade stand, trying his best to remain inconspicuous. Not to realize that the exploding fireworks illuminated him where he could be seen from miles away.

Gwen beamed, finding herself delighted yet irritated at his refusal to provide privacy. She wondered why he was wasting time watching them. Watching her. She spent a few seconds trapped under his gaze, urging him to come closer and bring any excitement as the boy in front is unable to. She wearily returned to her definite partner, forcing a gentle smile as she encircled him in a tight embrace.

Perhaps this might bring him forward, she thought.

But alas, the Harrington boy stood his ground. He counted to ten as he tried recollecting all the things he loathed about her in hopes that those remembrances would allow him to turn right back around and leave the new couple alone.

It occurred to him that maybe she wasn't the brightest as he thought. She surely must be losing her mind to find someone as Billy freaking Hargrove, a perfect match. It was ridiculous. Purely absurd. All those incomparable qualities he once admired about her were starting to fade from existence, leaving behind disappointment for her choice of companionship.

His tickets were no longer in recognizable shape. Having been crumbled and almost entirely torn, he willed himself to find entertainment in any of the games. He tried ignoring the blinding sight of his unworthy arms around her, but as he walked to the ring toss station, his body refused to focus on anything other than Gwen.

Trembling took place as the fire coursed through his veins, burning every part of him that made him feel like he was about to explode. He was certain she had casted a spell on him. Why else would he be watching her like a hawk? Surely any sane person wouldn't care for someone's actions when they're in no relation to each other.

His trance was suddenly broken when he felt small shoulders bump into him. He briskly searched for the responsible party to find that it was her younger brother, Dustin Henderson. The curly headed boy was walking besides a redhead, both holding cherry slurpees as they headed in the direction of the couple.

"Watch where you're going!" exclaimed the boy before receiving an apologetic look from the girl.

He refrained from answering back, knowing he'd look pathetic arguing with a kid, let alone with her brother. Surely he must be as intolerable as her so he was determined to avoid making contact with anyone related to her.

His attentiveness continued as his eyes followed the outline of her presence. Her eyes had widened in surprise at the interruption her brother performed.

Steve smiled, already starting to like the kid for ending the appalling session. Perhaps he was judging him too much. Maybe he's the lesser of two evils.

He discreetly walked around the festival paths, slowly sipping his lemonade while peering over at the two of them. He hoped that any time now, she would realize her mistake and ditch the Hargrove boy to return to him.

Only he was surprised the only pair of eyes he had on him was from her brother. Dustin kept glancing in his direction with a confused and suspicious gaze that meant his mind was starting to notice something. Something that apparently, everyone was blind to.

Dustin turned back to his sister as she was now being embraced by Max's stepbrother. A slight scowl formed on his face on the disappointment his sister was subjecting herself to someone as terrible as him, considering what he did to her on Halloween, he never expected her to go back to him.

About to let her know they'll be leaving soon, she surprised him by looking back where Steve was standing. Both of them seemed to be stuck in a hypnotic trance, each unwilling to allow their moment to end.

Dustin observed them in close detail. Doubts started taking place as he knew Gwen hated Steve and he hated her. So why were they acting as if there was more than just mutual dislike?

Could it be? No, it couldn't, he thought.

"Did you need something?" his sister asked.

He turned right back around to then offer a smile when seeing she was starting to notice something, "Mom says to meet at the Ferris Wheel in five minutes. Don't be late," he ordered before running off with Max.

"Can you slow down?" she asked, only to be pushed into the bushes near where Steve was once hiding. "What the hell are we-"

"Shh!" he said.

Max froze, shocked this boy just told her to be quiet, "You did not just shush me!"

"I have a case to crack so I'll apologize later. Just look over there," he pointed his tiny finger in the direction of Steve, who was pretending to be interested in ring toss.

She watched the boy, but was unsure of what seemed so special. He seemed to just be playing a game while looking around the festival. Nothing interesting, except he's a very attractive guy. "Okay? What about him?"

"He and my sister hate each other. Well, they claim to, but look at the way he keeps looking at her and the way she looks at him. Tell me that's not a look of someone who doesn't feel something for the other."

He did have a point. The way Steve would look at Gwen seems more genuine and heartwarming, something her stepbrother is unable to provide. Although, Max noticed just how different he was with her. He was kinder, would yell at her less, and even gave her some brotherly advice. It was strange to say it, but Billy was happy here and it was all because of Gwen.

"You're crazy," she said, "If your sister's dating Billy then that means she likes him and not that guy." With annoyance, she hopped out of their hiding spot and made her way back to the rest of the party.

Clueless on why she's upset, Dustin followed like a lost puppy. Not before catching one last glimpse when the determination on cracking this case took over. He needed to and would definitely get to the bottom of this.