𝕕𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕕 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕𝕤: 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟙𝟜: ℂ𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕣

On Tuesday night, Billy prepared himself for his date with Darcy. He had already left a few buttons on his shirt open, his leather jacket slung over his shoulders, and his boots cleaned and polished. He fixed his curls with hairspray, his head nodding along to the Metallica song blaring loudly from his stereo.

Unlike most girls Billy asked out, Darcy genuinely intrigued him, not because of Tommy's disappearance. Even though he'd moved to Hawkins a year ago and attended every single high school party since, he hadn't seen her around town. Maybe in passing, but he was surprised he didn't look her way before. A girl like her surely would have caught his eye sooner.

Without warning, Neil Hargrove interrupted his son's music and thoughts. "Where do you think you're going?"

Billy didn't bother turning around, instead spraying cologne on his wrists and neck. "On a date."

"With who?"

"Why do you care?"

Neil crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at Billy. "I want you to be home by nine, tonight."

Billy scoffed. "The movie we're seeing starts at nine, Dad."

"I don't care. I'm not going to let you end up like that Tommy boy. And be careful if you see that Darcy girl. I don't like the sound of her."

Billy couldn't help but smirk as he fixed his leather jacket. "Why? Does she bite?"

"This is a serious matter, Billy," Neil roared. "Now, I want you home before nine, is that clear?"

Billy sighed. Neil was more demanding than the kids at the pool's concession stand.

Neil stepped closer to Billy. "I said, is that clear?"

With his jaw clenched, Billy turned to face his father. Billy reminded him of his mother; he knew that. From his blue eyes to his curls, there was no doubt Billy was his mother's child. But how could someone like her ever fall for the monster he calls his father?

"Yes, sir."

At 7:05, Billy pulled up to Darcy's house, parking in her driveway and waiting patiently.

At 7:07, Billy contemplated walking up to Darcy's front door and knocking.

At 7:11, Billy had already rung the doorbell to Darcy's house twice, waiting ten seconds in between.

Just as Billy rang the doorbell a third time, Darcy answered the door, her brow arched.

"Excited, much?"

Billy grinned, scanning Darcy from head to toe. She wore her hair down, a houndstooth-patterned collared shirt, a jean skirt, and red ballet flats. "Looking good too, Darcy."

Darcy huffed, closing the door behind her. "Isn't it too hot to be wearing a leather jacket?"

"Concerned, much?"

Darcy snorted as she and Billy walked toward his Camaro. "You wish. Don't complain to me when you're sweating bullets later."

Billy chuckled, opening the passenger door of his Camaro for Darcy. "Well, don't complain to me when you're freezing in the movie theater."

Billy climbed into the driver's seat of his Camaro and turned on the ignition, his car purring to life. He pulled out of Darcy's driveway and turned down the volume to his rock music. He stole a quick glance at Darcy. She looked great, no doubt about that, though he wasn't sure if she felt the same. Her arms were crossed, she slouched in her seat, and she was staring out the window.

Billy took a deep breath, choosing his next words carefully. "I didn't ask you out because of Tommy's disappearance."

Darcy rolled her eyes. "Then why?"

He answered with a question of his own. "How come I've never really seen you around town before?"

She sighed. "My aunt homeschooled me. When you're homeschooled, there aren't many cliques to join."

Billy scoffed. "But Tommy's was the first party I've ever seen you at. I know a familiar face when I see one."

Darcy shrugged, avoiding his gaze while picking at a stray strand of denim on her jean skirt. "Who knows? Maybe our paths just didn't cross then."

Billy side-eyed Darcy before turning his attention back to the road. Curiouser and curiouser.