chapter two, underwater tales

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"EVIE! Give it back!"

Thudding from the stairs followed by two running figures into the Baxter kitchen. Eve laughed manically as she ran past her dad, nearly spilling his coffee into his chest. Cynthia was close behind, much more graceful in ignoring her father as she tried to reach for her sister again.

Izzy waved her hand from the kitchen counter. "Hey! Hey! Hey! Stop the running!" The two girls slid across the tile, their socks nearly sending them to the floor. "What the hell is going on?"

"Evie stole my bear!"

"Oh, my god, it's a bear!"

"Tommy gave it to me!"

"Tommy gave it to me," Eve mocked with crossed eyes. "You sound like every other girl, Cynnie!"

Jim sighed, "Evelyn," The name caused Eve to turn sharply. "Give her back the stuffed animal."

"Dad!"

"Evelyn," Jim scolded, holding up a hand. "I don't want to hear it."

Evelyn scowled as she stuck her arm out, letting her sister take the stuffed animal and bring it to her chest. Cynthia walked through the kitchen, walking toward the stairs to put the bear away and finish getting ready. Eve sat at the table, looking across the kitchen to see her mom standing there, her hand on her hip. "What." She asked with a frown.

"You should apologize to your sister." Hummed Izzy cooly. "You know how much she likes that boy." Izzy grabbed a packet of pop tarts, and putting it in the toaster.

"But Mom! It's a bear," Evelyn held out her hands, not seeing the importance. "It's not like it's a damn promise ring," She huffed as she crossed her legs.

Jim rose a brow, "No, but it's one of the first gifts he's gotten her that wasn't for an anniversary." He pointed out. Evelyn scowled, knowing he was right.

It was hard to explain. On the one hand, Eve hated Tommy. He was an asshole, slept with most of the girls on Cynthia's cheer team, and he was a bad person. Eve wanted nothing more than to swing her bag and hit him upside the head with it. On the other hand, she appreciated him. She appreciated he would never let anyone come near Cynthia. With Cynthia on his arm, she'd be out of harm's way. Well, all harm except Tommy himself. That's what worried her the most. What would happen when the day came when Tommy Hagan broke Cynthia Baxter's heart?

The world might end, to be honest.

Eve fiddled with her sleeves. Today, she had decided to go for a black shirt, a dark green jacket, black jeans, and her usual shoes. Her blond hair stuck under her jacket as she looked around. Izzy nodded in agreement to Jim's statement, and Eve felt her shoulders slump. She looked back to the stairs just in time to see Cynthia come hopping back down. The other sister was wearing a floral patterned blouse tucked into a denim skirt. She was wearing one of Tommy's denim shirts as a jacket, smiling wide as she kissed her dad's cheek.

Izzy was quick to get the two pop tarts from the toaster, walking to the table and handing each girl a pop tart of their own. "What time will you be home tonight?"

Cynthia straightened in her seat. "We're going to Steve's after school," She informed, looking over at her mom with hopeful eyes.

"We are?" The other sister said with a frown, looking in Cynthia's direction.

"Yeah," Cynthia hummed, "Didn't you listen at all to Steve last night?" Eve shook her head. She often spent her time ignoring him. "We're all hanging out, he's going to invite Nancy."

Jim hummed as he listened. "Sure Karen will say no," He chimed as he sipped his coffee.

Eve shrugged, "Not if Nancy lies and you two don't snitch," Cynthia and Eve looked between their parents expectantly. Cynthia ate her pop tart, blinking at them.

Izzy waved an arm. "I don't care what Nancy does, it's none of my business." She huffed as she started walking to the kitchen. "Besides, Ted said he doesn't like my casserole. I'm not telling him shit,"

That's all the girls needed to hear.

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Carol Perkins was probably the second meanest person in Hawkins. She was second because Eve was easily meaner when she wanted to be.

Carol didn't like Cynthia one bit. It was hard to explain why. Cynthia was so...good. She was sunshine and rainbows and acted as if she walked right out of a freaking Disney movie, and it made Carol sick. She hated it. It was annoying, the pout Cynthia had when Tommy said no to stopping at a local ice cream shop. It was annoying when Tommy and Steve made up any and all excuses to stop by a store to get Cynthia something when she was homesick. It was annoying when Cynthia offered Carol a friendship bracelet on the first day of school. It was annoying that Cynthia wouldn't grow the fuck up. It was annoying nobody was letting her face reality.

However, Carol never said a word. She gave her tight-lipped smiles at Evelyn and Cynthia when they walked by, and she had her usual hangouts and conversations with their friend group. Even if it meant hearing Cynthia's stupid laugh.

Tommy had his arm around Cynthia again, showing every boy who ogled in her direction she was off limits. She hugged her books to her chest, her blond hair shining even in the shitty school lights. Eve was just to her side, as always. Eve chewed on her gum as she looked over at Steve to her left.

"You're such an ass!" Eve huffed, as she elbowed his side. "God, if I were Nancy I would have hit you!"

Steve raised his hands. "I'm sorry! I didn't do anything else after that, I promise!" He laughed at the blond's scowl as he lowered his hands. "She's not like other girls, you know? She's not-"

"Throwing herself at you?" Carol hummed as she leaned over to look at him. "As if any of us ever have."

Tommy snickered, "Don't speak so highly of yourself," He teased as he waved a finger at her. "I'm sorry, but the only girls in Hawkins that don't want to jump the Harrington train are my favorite blonds."

Eve scrunched her face as Tommy reached his hand up, ruffling her hair. She swatted his hand away, her and Cynthia laughing. "You're all a bunch of pigs, you know that?" She huffed as she put her hand on her hip. Steve shrugged with a smile, and the others snickered.

Steve jogged ahead, approaching two girls walking past, and he snatched a stack of notecards from the taller one. Barbara Holland and Nancy Wheeler. Barb and Nancy weren't exactly part of the popular crowd. They were sophomores like Cynthia and Evelyn, but Evelyn had barely batted an eye at them until this year. The twins knew Nancy from being neighbors for so long, they had had a handful of sleepovers in the last ten years, but nothing really exciting. They all got along, considering, and they fit enough into Cynthia's bubble for Tommy to let Cynthia interact with them. For now.

"I don't know, I think you've studied enough, Nance," Steve Harrington chimed. Tommy stuck a finger in Barb's ear as he walked past, making sure Cynthia was oblivious to the action. Carol leaned onto the wall, chewing her gum absentmindedly. Tommy followed suit, pulling Cynthia into his arms. Evelyn rolled her eyes, standing next to Carol. "I keep telling you, you got this. Don't worry." Steve clasped the notecards together. "Now, on to more important matters. My dad has left town on a conference and my mom's gone with him, 'cause, you know, she doesn't trust him."

Tommy snickered. "Good call." He muttered. Cynthia frowned, her brows knitting together as she elbowed Tommy's side. Only Nancy and Barb noticed her expression.

Steve looked toward Nancy, "So are you in?"

Nancy frowned. "In for what?" She asked in confusion. Nancy and Steve's relationship was still new. They had been on a few dates. They had made out a few times. But Nancy liked Steve. He was popular, he was cool, and he was the guy everyone wanted. And yet, he wanted Nancy Wheeler? Impossible. And yet, here he was with his group of friends Nancy was usually terrified of.

Carol Perkins rose a brow, "No parents? Big house?" She listed off, nudging Evelyn teasingly.

Nancy paused, looking around the group, "A party?"

"Ding ding ding!" Carol hummed. Tommy chuckled from behind Cynthia, his hand squeezing her waist as she leaned further into him.

The Wheeler was confused. "It's Tuesday," She pointed out.

Tommy scoffed, "It's Tuesday," He mocked Nancy, him and Carol giggling.

"Quit it," Cynthia hissed, nudging him again as she pulled away from his grip to glare at him.

Steve let Cynthia glare her boyfriend down. He looked at Nancy in an attempt to convince her. "Come on, it'll be lowkey. It'll just be us." He said as he gestured to the group. "What do you say? Are you in or are you out?"

"Oh, God. Look."

Carol's voice caught everyone's attention. Cynthia looked over, her eyes landing on Jonathan. Byers. He was another sophomore. He was quiet, didn't say much, and usually had a camera on him. He was also the older brother of a boy who had been recently labeled as missing, named Will.

Steve's hands were on his hips. "Oh, God, that's depressing." He muttered awkwardly. Evelyn pursed her lips into a thin line, looking over at the Byers boy. She felt bad for him. She hardly knew him but she knew how hard it must be to lose someone. Well, she didn't know. She could only imagine it.

"Should we say something?" Asked Nancy, turning to look at Steve Harrington first, but then she looked at Cynthia. If Nancy knew anything, it was that Cynthia had a heart of gold and her words were always more reassuring than anybody.

"I don't think he speaks," Carol commented.

"How much do you want to bet he killed him?" Tommy attempted to make the joke but earned a shove from Steve.

"Shut up." He scolded.

Cynthia pulled away from Tommy completely. "Not cool," She muttered quietly. "I'll be right back," She huffed to the group, squeezing her way in between Nancy and Barb and walking across the hall.

Jonathan's fingers pressed into the corkboard. He looked at the poster. His brother. Missing. Twelve years old and missing. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe that because he took a late shift at work his brother was gone. Nowhere to be found.

"Jonathan?"

The voice caused him to jump. His eyes found the golden hair and the stunning eyes before he did or said anything. She looked at him with this sad puppy-eyed expression that made him weak in the knees, even now. This wasn't happening, was it? Did she seriously know his name? No way. No way! This was a dream. It had to be a dream.

But it wasn't. Cynthia Baxter was standing in front of him, books hugging her chest. Her eyes flickered to the missing person's poster. "I wanted to say I'm sorry about your brother." She blurted, looking closer to see his name, and more information about him. "Will Byers," She read, her eyes skimming the paper. Jonathan stood there awkwardly, looking over the blond's shoulder to see Tommy Hagan glaring him down.

Jonathan Byers didn't fit in Cynthia Baxter's bubble.

"Everyone's thinking about you," His eyes snap back to hers as she spoke. "I can't imagine what you're going through, but I want you to know it's going to be okay," Cynthia reached out her hand, her fingers trailing over his denim jacket sleeve. Jonathan sucked in a heavy nervous breath as he looked down. "I'm sure he's okay. If he's anything like Nancy's brother, he's a totally smart kid." She reasoned as she looked into his eyes again. God, did she always have to make eye contact? "If you need anything, you know where to find me."

He was about to drop dead right there.

The school bell rang, and Cynthia looked back in Tommy's direction. He was waiting impatiently. Cynthia looked back, smiling softly. "I gotta go, I have a chemistry test," She informed the Byers. "But good luck, really." She was already making steps backward toward her group, not giving him much time to respond. Tommy's arm wrapped around her protectively as he sauntered down the hall with her tucked into his side. Evelyn looked to Barb, playfully rolling her eyes as they followed.

"Attention, faculty, and students. At 8:00 p.m. tonight, there will be an assembly on the football field in support of Will Byers and his family. All are encouraged to attend. Volunteer sign-ups for search parties are still available in the office."

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"You're obsessed!"

Evelyn was sitting in her car, looking over at Cynthia. Her twin sister was looking at her reflection, adjusting her lipgloss to look perfect for Tommy, as if she didn't already. She let out a huff of air, looking back in Eve's direction with a scowl.

"I want him to like me."

The other blond scoffed. "He's dating you. He likes you a lot." She reminded her sister. Even now, Cynthia blushed at the fact, turning to face her lap. "Cynnie, if he didn't like you, he wouldn't be dating you." She added on.

Cynthia sighed, leaning back in her seat. "I know! It's just," She fumbled with her hands, seemingly unable to word it right. "I don't want to scare him off." She confessed, looking over at her sister with sad eyes and a pout.

It was no secret to Eve that her twin sister was constantly worried, especially about things like Tommy. Cynthia adored her boyfriend and wanted nothing more than to show him that. However, Cynthia also felt like she never did. Cynthia was consistently down and worried about not being enough for her boyfriend of four months. It usually resulted in either Evelyn or Tommy himself comforting her about her insecurities, and this time was no different.

"Cynnie," Evelyn cooed as she turned fully in her spot. Cynthia was quiet, watching her sister move in her seat as they now completely faced each other. Cynthia had changed, having an extra outfit in her bag. She was now wearing a baby blue dress and her blond hair effortlessly laid on her shoulders, her arms wrapped in her cheer jacket. "You're not going to scare him off. If anything, Tommy is going to scare you off, have you seen his stupid face when he's nervous?" The sisters burst out into fits of giggles, and Eve could see her sister's shoulders relax. "He's a good guy, Cyn. You have nothing to worry about."

That was a lie. Evelyn didn't think Tommy Hagan was a good guy at all. She thought the opposite, actually. However, she knew Tommy would be protective over Cynthia and would be great for her (at least during high school). So, for now, Eve would lie through her teeth to make sure her sister is happy.

And it worked. Cynthia's glossy lips spread into a honey-thick smile as she reached over the console and hugged her sister tightly. "I love you, Evie," She hummed into her sister's hair.

"I love you more, Cynnie,"

The pair walked down the street and up to Steve Harrington's all too familiar house. They were probably the last to arrive, considering Evie had to change in the backseat of her own car. She was still wearing her black jeans, but she had changed into a dark gray sweater to keep herself warm. She also made sure to bring her jacket in case Cynthia got cold.

The music was loud, they could hear it from outside the front door. Cynthia pressed the button, bouncing on her heels as she looked over at Eve. The other blond gave her sister a toothy smile, shooting her brows upwards before looking towards the doors.

Swinging open, the doors revealed none other than Steve Harrington. He raised an expectant brow. "You're late," He pointed out.

"And you're going to blow my eardrum," Cynthia teased as she scrunched her face at the music. Eve and Cynthia stepped into the Harrington house, brushing his shoulders as they walked around him. Eve snickered as she took the two cans of beer from Steve's hands, followed her sister through the house and immediately outside.

Eve swung a hand in the air, "The favorites here!" She called, gesturing to herself as she walked onto the porch. Tommy sprung up from the lounge chair he was in, running quickly to scoop Cynthia off the last step. She squealed happily, laughing as he peppered her face in kisses.

Nancy Wheeler was sitting on another chair, looking over with a gentle smile. Her friend, Barb, was sitting in a chair with her hands in her lap. Eve could tell Barb was uncomfortable. Eve would be too if she didn't know these people. Carol was standing there, arms crossed as she took a sip of her beer.

"Hey, Nancy," Eve hummed as she walked closer. Nancy looked up from the pool, her eyes meeting the blond's dark eyes. Eve had this aura around her, always. Mystery, confidence, and this edge to her people like Nancy or even Steve lacked. It was intriguing, and Nancy couldn't help but smile.

"Hi," She chirped sweetly, scooting up the chair to let Eve sit next to her.

Eve looked across the concrete, eyes landing on Barb. The low hiss from the can that Eve opened caused the redhead to tense. Eve rose a brow, "Glad you could make it," She said to the Holland.

Barb looked over in confusion, expecting Eve to ignore her as Tommy and Carol did. "Thanks," She awkwardly said.

Trying to be nice, Eve leaned forwards, her elbows resting on her knees as she looked between the two girls. "No, seriously. I need an escape from these assholes," Eve took a sip of her beer as she looked in Tommy's direction. He and Carol were talking, and his arms were wrapped firmly around Cynthia's waist. "I'm beginning to think Tommy was sent to be my personal demon," Barb snickered at the comment, and Nancy let out a small laugh. Eve smiled, proud of herself as she took another drink.

Cynthia's screech caused the three girls to look over. Tommy had lifted her into the air and was swinging her between the ground and the pool. She clung to his neck for dear life, screaming every time he threatened to drop her in the water.  "Tommy! Don't!" Cynthia pleaded in between screams and laughs. Steve came trotting out of the house, beer cans in his hands and a pocket knife in his lips.

"One! Two!"

"Tommy!" She yelped as he nearly dropped her. He laughed as he set her down on the concrete, and she slapped his chest.

Carol rolled her eyes, pulling Cynthia from the Hagan. "You're such an asshole, Tommy," She glared as she and Cynthia stumbled away from him.

Nancy looked over at Steve. He cut open the bottom of a beer can, quickly putting it to his lips as he began to chug. Eve turned around to watch, letting out a laugh. Steve finished after a couple of seconds, sinking into the chair next to the two girls as he looked in Eve's direction.

"Do you have a smoke?"

Nancy's gaze followed Eve. The blond reached into her jacket pocket, pulling out a pack of smokes and reaching for one. Nancy's eyes followed the cigarette that was between Eve's fingers until it was suddenly in Steve's.

Nancy rose a brow, "Is that supposed to impress me?" She asked playfully.

Steve looked over at her as he put the cigarette between his lips. "You're not?"

"You are a cliche, you do realize that?" Nancy asked as Steve grabbed a lighter.

Steve rolled his eyes as he brought the lighter up. "You are a cliche." Steve shot back. "With your good grades and your band practice."

"I'm so not in band." Nancy laughed at that statement. Eve snickered, looking back at Barb again. Eve rolled her eyes, sticking her finger in her mouth before rolling her eyes, pretending to gag in disgust.

"Okay, party girl. Why don't you just, uh, show us how it's done, then?" Steve asked the brunette as he handled her a can opener.

Nancy looked toward Eve. It was as if she was asking the blond for permission. Eve shrugged her shoulders, nodding towards the can. "Okay." Nancy finally replied. Eve slid back in the chair as Nancy stood. Cynthia was already back in Tommy's arms, his hand playing with the fabric of her dress. She dreamily looked up at him, her eyes tracing the many freckles on his face.

"You gotta make a little hole right in-"

"I got it!"

Tommy pulled the beer can away from his lips, "Yeah, she's smart, you douche!" Tommy shouted before slamming the empty can on his head. Cynthia looked back at him, scowling as she watched the can clatter to the ground. "Sorry, baby," He cooed before pressing a kiss to her cheek. She scrunched her nose, the stench of alcohol filling her senses. Cynthia pulled off her cheer jacket, letting Tommy toss it to another lounge chair.

"Chug. Chug. Chug." The group chanted as Nancy brought the can to her lips. They got louder, Steve and Eve sitting up as they watched. Eve slapped her leg every chant, smiling wide. After a few seconds, Nancy throws the can to the ground, and it's empty. She holds her arms out in victory. Cynthia let out a loud happy cheer, clapping her hands together as she laughed. Nancy laughs, looking over in Barbs' direction.

Barb was staring at her lap, clearly not pleased with the night so far. "Barb, you wanna try?" Nancy asked, wanting to let her friend get involved.

"What? No." Barb shook her head as Nancy grabbed a beer can "No, I don't want to. Thanks." Nancy tried to push her friend further, and after a couple of tries, Barb goes to go cut the can.

Cynthia looked toward Tommy, scrunching her face. "You're drunk." She mumbled.

"Only a little," He hummed as he leaned down to kiss her. The blond giggled against his lips, her hands on his chest. Carol approached Eve for a cigarette, the two girls stole a lighter from Steve. Tommy ran his fingers through Cynthia's hair as he looked down at her. Her lips glistened from the gloss and the kiss itself. "Was that strawberry lipgloss?"

"Duh," She countered with a giggle.

After a moment, Barb cuts her hand instead of the beer can. Blood quickly spills from her hand and she drops the can to the ground. "Gnarly," Tommy mumbled. Cynthia looked away from the scene, blood making her queasy.

"Are you okay?" Nancy asked as she rushed over. "You're bleeding-"

"I'm fine." Barb snapped at Nancy as she held her thumb. She looked over at Steve. "Where's your bathroom?"

Steve stood up, stuttering, "It's down past the kitchen, to the left." He said as he started following the Holland girl. Carol chuckled softly, blowing smoke from her lips and into Eve's face. The Baxter coughed, waving her hand in her face as she blew smoke right back at Carol.

Cynthia turned toward the pool completely, looking up at the night sky with happy eyes. She studied the stars, trying to find the north star from Steve Harrington's backyard. She was so focused on that, she didn't see Tommy's mischievous smile in Carol and Eve's direction before he put his hands on her hips, shoving her forwards.

She screeched as she fell into the pool. The water surrounded her as she swam to the surface. "Tommy!" She yelled, glaring up at him as he took a drag from Eve's cigarette. Nancy stood up completely, walking over to the pool with her mouth agape in shock. Tommy smirked as he dropped the cigarette, jumping into the pool after his girlfriend. It wasn't long until Steve walked behind Nancy, giving her a gentle shove into the water. He let out a loud cheer himself before leaping in. Carol and Eve shared looks, grabbing onto each other's hands before jumping in together.

The entire group swam around the pool. Splashing each other, Cynthia and Tommy sharing underwater kisses, and Carol and Eve shout at the couples when they showed any sign of PDA. Nancy's shoe was stolen at one point. They were completely unaware of lingering eyes. Jonathan Byers himself. He hadn't meant to be there, he had been looking for his brother. He had heard screaming and thought someone was hurt. But it was Cynthia Baxter, squealing in her boyfriend's arms.

And he took photos, intrigued by the group and the way they were. He couldn't really explain it. Maybe it was an impulsive urge he hadn't put aside to see what people like Tommy Hagan were like when the rest of Hawkins wasn't watching. Maybe he wanted to see what people like Nancy Wheeler were willing to do to get in with Hawkins royalty. The answer was a lot, apparently.

They didn't stay in the pool for too long. Fifteen minutes, at most. Because quickly the cool November air had come to bite at their wet skin and soaked clothes. Cynthia was shivering as she stepped out of the pool, her dress clinging tightly to her body. Steve had reached and made sure to pull her dress down as he followed behind her and Tommy, Nancy clinging onto his arm in fits of giggles.

"I'm freezing," Snapped Carol Perkins when they were all inside, wrapped in towels.

"Cynnie, you're going to die of hypothermia if you keep standing there," Scolded Eve. Cynthia was standing by the door, running her towel through her hair and still shivering.

Tommy reached for his girlfriend, "Come on, I hear his mom's room has a nice fireplace," He said as he pulled her to him.

"Tommy!" Eve warned with a glare.

"Get your head out of the gutter, Evelyn," Hummed the Hagan as he started pulling Cynthia down the hall. "Come on, ladies, let's leave the lovebirds alone," Carol and Eve snickered as they looked back at Steve and Nancy, following the other couple.

Steve put a hand on Nancy's back as he looked over. "Get Cyn something from the dryer! I don't need her dying in my house!" He called as he began leading Nancy through his house.

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"If I die, it is all your fault," Carol Perkins glared at Tommy as she and Eve curled up on the Harrington parent's bed. They had seemingly all raided Steve's laundry, now wearing sweats and sweatshirts. Cynthia was curled up in blankets in front of the fireplace, like Tommy said he would. She repeatedly looked out the window, where she could see Barb Holland sitting at the pool.

Cynthia looked over at Tommy, who came walking in with two mugs of hot chocolate. "Should we invite her in?" Suggested the blond, taking one of the glasses from her boyfriend.

Tommy snickered, shaking his head. "Nancy told her to go home, so that's probably what she's gonna do," He answered as he walked to the bed, letting Carol take the other mug. "Nancy's busy getting it on with Harrington."

"Gross," Eve mumbled, tossing a pillow in Tommy's direction. He caught it with a chuckle. "Can't Steve keep it in his pants for longer than two weeks when it comes to a girl?"

Carol shook her head. "Nope." She answered as she sipped the hot cocoa. She handed it to the blond. "Can barely make it a week without bursting from the seams." Tommy sunk to the floor, wrapping his arms around Cynthia. She cuddled into him the blankets tightening around her.

"What time do you have to be home tonight?" Tommy asked the sisters. Cynthia shrugged, closing her eyes as she tried to soak in his warmth.

"Before eleven," Eve answered, stretching her arms out as Carol took back the mug. Eve groaned, looking at the clock on the side of the bed. "So probably soon,"

Tommy clicked his tongue, his arm tightening around the blond to his side. "Do you need me to walk you to your car?" He asked Cynthia more than he asked Evelyn.

Cynthia shrugged, nodding as she did. Everyone began to gather their things, preparing to just all head out together anyways. Eve linked arms with Carol, the two in a fit of giggles as they made a joke about Steve pulling moves on Nancy Wheeler. Tommy waited for Cynthia by the door, seeing her leave behind the blanket and hot cocoa, wrapping herself tighter in Steve's sweatshirt as she followed quickly behind the others.

"Maybe we should get Barb," Suggested Cynthia. "At least make sure she get's to her car,"

Carol laughed, "What? Do you think a bear is gonna come out and get her?" She mocked as she nudged Eve. Cynthia pouted, and everyone realized she was serious. Carol scoffed, "Fine! Go get her,"

Tommy let Cynthia go, the group remaining by the front door while she scurried to the back porch, sliding out just as a light flickered on. She didn't see Jonathan Byers, who still lingered in the woods, even now. Her blond hair blew in the wind behind her as she looked towards the pool where Barb had been sitting only moments ago.

"Barb?" She called out, looking around the darkness for a long moment. She didn't hear the shutter of a camera. She didn't see the creature of the night that had taken the redhead girl. She didn't see Barb's blood that seeped into the pool. She didn't see anything.

Jonathan shuffled, cursing under his breath at the volume of the leaves under his weight. He snapped his head up, seeing Cynthia looking around. She had heard it. "Barb?" She called again, trying to see where the girl might've gone. Another camera shutter she didn't hear.

The back door slid open, Tommy poking his head out. "You find her?" He asked. Cynthia pressed her lips together, shaking her head. Another shutter. "She probably went home. Come on," He reached for her hand, linking their fingers together. Cynthia looked around one last time before sliding into the Harrington house again.

But Barbara Holland never made it home that night. She never made it out of the Harrington family's backyard. No, something darker was looming over Hawkins, Indiana.

It was just a matter of time until they found out.