Maddie's POV

I wasn't sure how many minutes had passed since I'd had yet another argument with Billy and locked myself in my room. Probably not many. I decided to get up and let it go—after all, this had become the cursed pattern of our relationship lately. Or rather, our toxic relationship: teasing, kissing, sleeping together, and then fighting until we couldn't stand the sight of each other.

I almost preferred when our lives were just about the fights.

With a sudden burst of energy, I got up from the bed. As much as I didn't care about staying mad at Billy, it was a different story with Max. I decided to go talk to her and apologize for shouting. It wasn't her fault Neil was a piece of garbage and our mother was too much of a coward to stand up to him.

That's when I realized my jersey was still in Billy's room. Damn it, why did he always have that annoying habit of trying to undress me at every opportunity?

I opened my closet and pulled out another random jersey, struggling to get it on with my left arm still in a cast. There was no way I was going to face Billy just to retrieve the other one. I'd get it back some other time.

I tucked my pack of cigarettes into the back pocket of my jeans. After talking with Max, I'd take the chance to step out onto the porch and have a smoke to calm my nerves. I left my room, and as soon as I stood in front of Max's door, I knocked. I knew her well—she had a temper as fiery as mine, maybe even worse. She was probably still furious.

"Max," I called firmly.

"Go away!" she yelled from inside the room before I could say another word.

"Let me in," I said, keeping my voice calm.

"I don't want to."

"Come on, kiddo, open the door. I just want to talk for a minute."

"No..." Her tone had softened slightly.

"And to apologize for earlier. Maybe I was too harsh," I added, trying to sound gentle—though sweetness wasn't exactly my forte.

There was silence. Too long for my liking.

"What do you want?" Max finally opened the door, her brows knitted in a frown as she looked up at me.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier, Max, but I did it to protect you," I said as I walked in and sat at the foot of her bed. I patted the spot beside me, inviting her to sit down.

"I can protect myself," she huffed, rolling her eyes before closing the door and joining me.

"I don't doubt that, Max. I saw how you nearly kicked Billy's ass that night, and I couldn't have been prouder," I said, giving her a smile.

"That was pretty awesome," she said, laughing, and I nodded along with her. "So? If you know that, why are you saying you need to protect me?"

"Because there are things I saw and went through at your age that I don't want you to experience, Max. And since Mom isn't doing anything to stop it, I will."

"It's because of Neil, isn't it?" she said, pulling a face.

"It's because of Neil," I admitted. "You were really little, so you probably don't remember, but he treated me just as badly as he treats Billy now. And even though Billy's a jerk, no one deserves to be treated like that. Billy is the way he is because of his dad. And I'm the way I am because of Neil." I sighed, reaching out to gently hold her hand. "I don't want that man to break you the way he broke Billy and me. I don't want you to end up like us."

"I'm not like Billy. Not even close. And I never will be," she said, squeezing my hand and looking at me with warmth. "And you're not like him either."

"Just because he treats you well doesn't mean anything. You're my little sister, and I love you. But that doesn't change the fact that some of the things I do at school or in my personal life aren't all that different from what Billy does," I said, shaking my head.

"Oh, you mean shouting 'happy screams' with a different guy every time?" she quipped with a sly grin.

"MAX!" I exclaimed, but a laugh escaped me. "No, it's not that. Not entirely. You're a cheerful, smiling girl with lots of friends, both guys and girls. I'm the complete opposite, you could say I'm... a lone wolf. Just like Billy. And when you grow up, you realize that this isn't the best way to go through adolescence, especially if it's your father or stepfather who has turned you into that."

"But I don't like being alone. I like being with my friends and going to the Arcade. Or skating. Or going to the movies."

"Exactly. And I don't want that to change. Besides, Dustin and the others are really good guys, I don't want you to end up like me and lose them," I let go of her hand and gently stroked her cheek. "Not if I can help it. So I hope you understand why I reacted the way I did when Neil behaved like that in front of you, and that you'll forgive me."

"Mmmmm. Yeah, I think I understand," she smiled and hugged me. "Even if I don't need it, I like that you want to protect me. You're not as bad as you try to make yourself seem."

"Thanks," I returned the hug. "And you're not the first one to say that," I laughed, and she pulled away to look at me intently.

"I'm sure I know who else has told you that," she said with a mischievous smile. "And in the end, I was right," she added with a smirk.

"Right about what?"

"About you and Steve being a couple. Now you can't deny it," she teased.

"Actually..." I was cut off by our mother entering the room.

"Steve's on the phone, he's asking for you."

"I'll be right there," I said, standing up, and Max gave me a playful look, raising an eyebrow.

"Not a word, little brat," I scowled, and she laughed.

I left Max's room to head to the front for the call. On my way, I had to pass in front of Billy's room. The door was closed, but I could hear Black Sabbath blasting through the walls, which could only mean one thing: he was fuming.

Well, better for me, screw him, he's an idiot.

Before I could get to the phone, my mother stopped me for a moment.

"Madeleine, I promise, when you're an adult, you'll understand that not everything is as easy as it seems. Especially for women these days. We've gained some freedom, but there's still a long way to go," she sighed, a sad look in her eyes.

"That's exactly why, even though I might seem bitter, like a witch, an insolent person, or even a 'slut,' I do what I do knowingly. I want to be one of those who provoke change, not stay stuck to something or SOMEONE just out of fear," I took two steps but noticed my mom's eyes were welling up.

I sighed and stepped back to stand in front of her. "I'm sorry for earlier, Mom. I was angry, and I took it out on you. Maybe I didn't find the right words to express what I think or how I've felt for years."

"It's okay, honey. And, while it's true that the tone and words weren't the best, you were right about many things. But I'm old enough to face certain situations," she smiled slightly and stroked my cheek. "I don't care what people say about you. I'm proud of who you are and that you don't let anyone walk all over you. And I'm glad you've found someone with Steve. He's a good guy, and I know he'll treat you the way you deserve," she stepped aside to let me pass. "Don't keep him waiting, he's probably worried."

"Uh... yeah, sure," I walked away, rubbing my forehead.

What a mess I'd gotten myself into by saying Steve was my boyfriend. Now I had to figure out how to deal with it. But, whatever, I'd think about it later. Right now, I just wanted to talk to him—knowing him, he was probably more worried than he needed to be.

"Steve?"

"Finally! How are you, Maddie?" he asked, his voice calm as soon as he heard me.

"Safe and sound, despite you leaving me alone with the gorilla that is my brother," I laughed.

"Trust me, I would've wanted to be there with you, not leave you alone with him," he sighed on the other end of the line. "I really wish I had, then I wouldn't have two problems to worry about. But the situation was too heated."

"I know, don't worry. It's all fine. A cast for two weeks and I'll be as good as new."

"I'm glad to hear that," he replied, relieved.

"You're glad I have to wear a cast for two weeks?" I said, my tone serious.

"What? No, no, of course not. That's crap," his voice sounded nervous. I tried to hold back my laughter. "It's just... well, it could've been worse, I guess..."

"I was kidding, Harrington. You're so easy to mess with," I finally burst out laughing.

"You're crazy, Maddie..." I heard him exhale in indignation.

"And you're way too innocent and cute," I laughed again. Steve always managed to make me smile, he was so cute... Wait, did I just call him cute?

"I'll forgive you because you just called me cute," I heard him hiding a chuckle in his voice. "Maybe that gets me closer to finally convincing you to hang out with me outside of school?"

"Maybe, but don't get your hopes up, Steve. I'm still a little upset about what happened the last time we hung out... I know it wasn't your intention, but it still bothers me," I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Maddie. But I promise it won't happen again," he whispered.

"I know. Honestly, I'm not trying to protect you, Steve. You're a good guy, and I'm a ticking time bomb. Plus, it's pretty clear you're still into Nancy, and I would just be a distraction for you."

"That's not true," he replied seriously.

"Yes, it is," I smiled to myself. "And don't get me wrong, I don't mind that you're still into Nancy. But if I were just your pastime or a distraction, I would end up hurting you, not the other way around, because that's just how I am."

"You know that's not true."

"It is," I muttered under my breath. If you only knew that I've slept with my damn stepbrother twice, you'd never say that. But like I said before, I don't want you to get hurt because of me.

"Then I matter to you, huh? That's progress," Steve teased with a laugh.

"Shut up, idiot," I muttered, a smile sneaking onto my face as I twisted the phone cord around my finger. "By the way, thanks for taking care of my sister. And Sandra..."

"Sandra's my friend too, so no problem. And you know you and Max can always count on me," he said with that sweet tone of his, making me smile like an absolute fool.

"Thanks."

"Speaking of your sister, has she signed your cast yet?"

"No, not yet," I admitted. How could she after the war that broke out in the house today?

"Then do I have the honor of being the first?"

"Maybe, maybe not. I've got plans with Nance tomorrow, remember? She might beat you to it," I joked.

"There's only one way to settle this. I'll pick you up in twenty minutes."

"What?" I said, completely caught off guard. I wasn't planning on seeing anyone tonight, least of all him, after the chaos of the day.

"I'm not taking no for an answer," he declared confidently.

"I just told you two minutes ago that I'm not—" Before I could finish my sentence, I felt a hand slip into my back pocket. I turned sharply and found Billy standing there, my pack of cigarettes in his hand. His smirk wasn't friendly—it was the kind that could start a fight. Without a word, he shrugged on his jacket and headed for the front door with my cigarettes!

"Those are mine!" I barked, glaring at him.

"Not anymore, Redhead," he shot back with a wink from the doorway.

"Dammit, stop being such an idiot!" I snapped. "Hold on a second, Steve," I said quickly, setting the phone down and chasing after Billy.

"Keep one if you want, but give me the pack!" I demanded, grabbing his arm when I caught up with him outside.

"Just collecting the debt you owe me," Billy replied brusquely, shaking off my grip with a rough motion.

"Ever since I started hanging out with Eddie, I haven't taken a single one from you, so shut up and give me the pack back," I retorted, glaring at him.

"Does your little boyfriend know you're sneaking around with Munson?" he shot back, shoving the pack roughly against my chest. I snatched it and shoved it back into my pocket.

I laughed out loud. "Seriously? Are you jealous of Eddie now too?"

"Nah," he scoffed, holding the cigarette between his index and middle fingers with a casual disdain. "I know your type, and Eddie isn't it. You're just using him because he's got good stuff to smoke. But someone like him? You wouldn't let him in your bed."

"Oh, really? And how do you know that?" I challenged, crossing my arms. "Maybe he's better in bed than you, and you can't stand the thought of me finding out."

"Because you wouldn't do that to Harrington. You actually care about him," he shot back, raising an eyebrow as his expression darkened.

"What?"

"Don't act like you're doing this for me," Billy sneered. "I heard you on the phone, and the stupid smile you get when you talk to him. So don't give me that crap about doing it for me when it's clear you're with him." His tone was sharper now, angrier. God, he's such an unbearable idiot.

"And what the hell are you doing eavesdropping on my conversations? It's none of your business who I talk to or what we talk about!" I snapped back. "And you? Have I ever asked where you're going? Stop trying to control me, you idiot. We agreed—you don't mess with my life, and I don't mess with yours," I added, giving him a hard shove to the chest.

"I'm meeting up with Sandra," he stated flatly, as if it were the most casual thing in the world.

"For what? To screw her while thinking about me?" I shot back with an ironic smile.

"Not even close. You're the last person I want to think about. It disgusts me that I ever touched you again," he said, lighting the cigarette between his lips.

"I doubt that," I replied, stepping closer to him. "I'd say you're meeting up with her to try and forget about me."

"Jealous, redhead?" Billy sneered, blowing a cloud of smoke directly into my face.

"Not at all. I just feel sorry for the poor girl. You've only been with her for two weeks, and you're already cheating on her," I said, standing on my tiptoes to snatch the cigarette from his fingers. I leaned in, brushing my lips against his as I whispered, "Say what you want, but you can't stop thinking about me." I could hear the low growl he tried to suppress. "The only jealous one here is you, blondie." I took a drag from the cigarette and exhaled the smoke into his mouth.

"You're a fucking nightmare, Madeleine," he muttered, his hand tightening around my throat. His pupils were slightly dilated, his voice low and gravelly as it hovered over my lips. "Don't push me any further. I'm warning you."

His gaze pierced into mine, so intense it sent a shiver through every nerve in my body. Slowly, he dragged his tongue over my top lip, then my bottom one, leaving me swallowing hard in a futile attempt to suppress a gasp.

Suddenly, he let go of my throat, snatched the cigarette from my hand with an almost violent motion, and took a drag, his eyes glaring at me with an intensity that was nearly scorching. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed off to his car, speeding away toward Sandra.

Oh, hell no. There was no way I was going to be the idiot left at home, especially not with my arm in a cast because of him. I turned and ran back inside, determined to get back to my conversation with Steve. Right now, he and Eddie were the only guys in this miserable town worth my time. And since I had Harrington on the other end of the line, that's where my attention was going.

"Sorry about that, Steve," I said as I picked up the phone again. "I had to deal with something with my brother."

"Everything okay? That idiot didn't hurt you, did he?" Steve muttered, his concern evident.

"Everything's fine. He's just a complete moron. Nothing new there," I replied, rolling my eyes. "So, when exactly were you planning to come pick me up?"

"Fifteen minutes work for you?" Steve's voice practically radiated happiness.

"I'll be waiting outside in fifteen. See you soon, Hair Boy," I said with a laugh.

"See you soon, troublemaker," he chuckled before hanging up.

I headed to my room to figure out what I could possibly wear with this damn cast. After rummaging through my closet, I finally settled on a black crop top and a black jacket with wide sleeves—perfect for slipping over the cast. I paired it with black tights, black boots, and a red-and-black plaid skirt. A little bit of makeup, bold red lipstick, a spritz of lavender perfume, and a few gold necklaces later, I was ready to go.

I took one last look in the mirror and smiled. Cast or no cast, I wasn't going to let anything ruin tonight.

Once I was ready, I left my room to let my mom and Neil know I was going out to dinner with Steve. My mom couldn't hide her big smile—it didn't surprise me. Steve was the kind of "good guy" she'd always hoped for me. She probably felt that with him, I'd be safe, that I'd have better luck than she did.

Neil, on the other hand, begrudgingly agreed but not without throwing in one of his usual conditions: "If you want to keep seeing this guy, he'll have to come over for dinner one of these days." What an idiot. It made my blood boil just looking at him.

I said goodbye to them and to Max, who couldn't resist teasing me again about going out with Steve. Then, I walked out to the curb and waited for him to pull up.

The wait wasn't long—barely two minutes later, his car came to a stop in front of me.

I walked over to the car and leaned down slightly, smiling at him through the open window. For a moment, we just stared at each other in silence.

You'd have to be blind not to notice how handsome he was. Those eyes, that hair, those freckles, that smile...

But there was a problem. As kind as he was, as perfect as he seemed, I couldn't shake the guilt. Steve didn't deserve to be hurt. And the truth was, I wasn't sure if I could avoid hurting him. I wanted to like him—hell, maybe I already did. But there was all this unresolved mess between Billy and me, this strange, unbearable tension. Steve didn't deserve to get caught in the middle of it.

"Good evening, Harrington Hair," I said, snapping out of my thoughts and sliding into the car.

"Good evening, troublemaker. And wow, even with a cast, you manage to look stunning," he said with a warm smile.

"You know we've already made up, right?" I quipped, raising an eyebrow as I tried to suppress a laugh. "You don't need to butter me up anymore."

"I know," he shrugged casually. "I'm just telling the truth."

"Thanks, Steve," I said, leaning closer to plant a kiss on his cheek. "You're looking pretty handsome yourself," I added with a playful wink.

"I brought this," he said, holding up a black permanent marker. "Hoping I'm still in time to be the first to sign your cast."

"Maybe," I teased. "But only if you put some effort into writing a nice dedication. No effort, no first dibs."

"You doubt my ability to charm beautiful girls with my dedications?" he said, mockingly offended.

"Not at all. Buuut you know I'm tough to impress," I said, laughing as I ruffled his perfectly styled hair before leaning back in my seat.

"Was that really necessary? Do you have any idea how much work it takes to keep this hair looking good?" he groaned, checking himself in the rearview mirror and fussing to fix his hair.

"Stop whining, Steve," I said with a laugh. "I'm sure you don't complain when someone messes it up in bed."

"That's totally different," he shot back, shaking his head. "At least then there's some pleasure involved. This? This was just sabotage. Do you expect me to go out looking like this?"

"Quit your whining," I chuckled. "You look good either way, peppy or messy. Wherever we go, every girl is going to turn and look at you, hair and all."

"Everyone except you, I suppose," he sighed, his voice carrying just a hint of self-deprecation.

"Steve, don't start..." I sighed, mirroring his tone.

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just thought I'd take one last shot before we headed out. Looks like it didn't land." He offered a bittersweet smile.

"Hey, at least I agreed to hang out with you outside of school, right? That's a big improvement from two days ago, wouldn't you say?" I countered with a raised eyebrow.

"Hmm, fine, maybe you've got a point," he conceded, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation. "At least you don't hate me anymore, and you've stopped making up excuses to avoid me. I guess I'll take what I can get."

"Exactly," I teased, leaning over to press another kiss to his cheek. "So, where are we going? Hawkins doesn't exactly have a lot of options for fun, not until that mall is finally done."

"First, dinner," he said with a sly grin. "After that? It's a surprise."

He started the car, the engine humming to life as we rolled off into the night. He turned on the radio, letting the soft tunes fill the silence while we chatted about everything and nothing.

Sure, there wasn't much to do in Hawkins, but for once, it didn't seem so bad. I had Steve, Nancy... people who helped me forget, if only for a little while, about this tiny, suffocating town and the mess waiting for me back home.