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TRIGGER WARNING: THIS CHAPTER MENTIONS UNDERAGED DRINKING, DEATH AND SOME MENTIONS OF ASSAULT. PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. 

STEVE WAS RAMBLING.

But Isadora barely registered Steve's voice as she leaned against her locker, the weight of the day settling heavily on her shoulders. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she stared blankly ahead, nodding along to his words, though her mind was elsewhere. Today was her least favourite day of the year.

"... Isadora, have you even heard a single word I've said?" Steve finally asked, glancing at her after receiving no response. His voice was laced with concern, but it barely penetrated her fog.

"Yeah, sure," she shrugged, her gaze dropping to her trembling hands. Steve frowned, sensing something was off. Ever since she and Billy had rekindled their relationship, Isadora had been brighter, more spirited, but today, a cloud of melancholy hung over her, and a small part of him worried that they might have had another fight.

"Is, are you okay?" he probed gently, shifting closer to her.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Steve," she replied, but her eyes revealed a different story. The way she adjusted her backpack, the hesitance in her voice—he knew better than to believe her. As they started walking to class together, he stole glances at her, hoping to catch a glimpse of the vibrant girl he knew.

"Please just drop it, Steve. I'm fine," she insisted, brushing past him as they entered the classroom. She took her usual seat at the front, her body language closed off as she opened her notebook and stared blankly at the pages.

Steve watched her for a moment, his concern deepening, and then turned to Kendra as she walked in. "Do you know what's up with Is?" he asked quietly, leaning toward her.

Kendra glanced at Isadora, then back at Steve, letting out a soft sigh. "Yeah, I do. It's been a year today, Steve," she revealed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, shit. That's today?" Steve replied, his heart sinking. He turned to look at Isadora again. She was absently opening her notebook, not acknowledging her friends or Billy, who was sitting nearby. During class, Isadora remained silent, not raising her hand or answering questions like she usually did. Billy, noticing her unusual quietness, furrowed his brow in concern. He could tell something was bothering her, and it made him uneasy.

After class, Billy stood up, determined to reach out to Isadora. He started to make his way toward her, but she quickly gathered her things and left without a word, disappearing down the hallway.

"It's not you," Kendra said, noticing Billy's worried expression as he watched Isadora go.

"What?" he asked, bewildered.

"You look kind of worried, and I get it, but I promise you, she's not mad at you," Kendra reassured him, though he didn't feel convinced.

"Are you sure? I mean, she just ignored me completely," Billy said, a frown creasing his forehead.

"Trust me, it's not because of anything you did. I think Isadora should be the one to tell you what's going on," Kendra suggested.

"If she will even talk to me," Billy muttered, following Kendra out of the classroom. His worry deepened as he hoped whatever was troubling Isadora would be resolved soon. Throughout her morning classes, Isadora remained withdrawn, not engaging with her classmates or even glancing at her usual group. By the time lunch rolled around, Billy couldn't help but notice that Isadora wasn't sitting at her normal lunch table.

Hesitantly, he approached Steve again. "If you're looking for Is, I think she's in the gymnasium," Steve told him.

"Thanks, Steve," Billy said, nodding as he made his way toward the gym.

When he entered, he spotted Isadora sitting alone on the bleachers. Unlike usual, she wasn't buried in a book; instead, her head was bent, and her shoulders shook slightly. As he approached, he realised she was crying. "Is...?"

"Oh, uh—" she said, forcing a smile as she quickly wiped her tears away.

"Are you crying, Princess?" Billy asked, sitting down beside her and gently squeezing her thigh. The warmth of his hand felt like a lifeline.

"N-No," Isadora attempted to lie, but the quiver in her voice betrayed her.

"What's wrong, Princess?" he pressed gently, concern flooding his voice.

"I just—I just don't want to be here today," she sobbed, the tears flowing freely now. Today was one of the two days each year that Isadora dreaded with all her heart. She knew her friends understood why, especially since they had helped her through the darkest moments.

"Is?" Billy asked softly, turning to face her.

"My... my dad died two years ago, right before I moved to Hawkins," Isadora choked out, her gaze dropping to her hands, which were trembling slightly.

"Oh, Is. I'm so sorry," Billy said, his heart aching for her. He squeezed her thigh reassuringly, wishing he could take away her pain.

"I've never told anyone this, but my eleven-year-old sister died that same day," Isadora continued, her voice trembling. "My school back in California was putting on Grease, and I had gotten the role of Sandy—my dream role. I remember being so excited and I decided to stay behind for rehearsals, so my dad and sister had to pick me up. They got into a car crash on the way to get me. If I hadn't stayed late for rehearsal, they wouldn't have even been coming to pick me up. It was storming, and the car slid off the road. I—I just wish I could have gone with them. I blame myself for what happened."

Billy felt a knot form in his stomach. "Is, it wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known," he whispered gently.

"That's why I don't want to perform on stage and why I quit drama club back in California," Isadora confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "To cope with my grief, I turned to alcohol."

"Oh, Is," Billy murmured, his heart breaking for her.

"I used to drink so much that I made some decisions I really regret. I had a group of friends who were terrible influences, and an ex-boyfriend who did awful things. The worst thing I did, which I will forever regret, was punching another girl and breaking her nose. That and my drinking got me expelled from school. I was caught drinking in the bathroom three times and almost got arrested, which was the last straw for my mom. We moved to Hawkins, and I was lucky to return to school despite my record. Now I work hard for good grades because I want to get into medical school after high school," Isadora explained, her voice shaking with emotion.

"Little Miss Perfect got expelled for drinking and punching a girl? And almost got arrested?" Billy said, his tone a mix of surprise and admiration. He would have never expected this side of Isadora. As she picked at her fingernails, he reached over, sliding his hand into hers and squeezing it gently.

"I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself for the choices I made back then, so I guess I'm not perfect," Isadora sighed, scrunching her nose in frustration.

"Is, you made some bad choices, but you shouldn't hate yourself for them," Billy said earnestly.

"I sent a letter to the girl I hurt to apologise for what I did, and I wrote to my old school to apologise for my actions. I'll always be sorry for who I was back then. The girl even wrote back and forgave me, but I don't know if I can forgive myself," Isadora admitted, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Is, if she forgave you, then you should forgive yourself. Want to know a secret?" Billy asked, leaning closer.

"Sure," she nodded, her curiosity piqued.

"I still think you're pretty perfect," he said softly, brushing his lips against hers. The kiss felt like a promise, a reminder that she wasn't defined by her past. Isadora smiled as she kissed him back before pulling away, looking down at her hands again, feeling a mix of gratitude and sadness.

"You know how you've asked if my parents are ever home?" Isadora began, hesitating.

"Yes?"

"I live alone. A year ago today, there was an accident—my mom worked at Hawkins Lab, which I only found out last year after she died right before Christmas. I still don't really know what happened. All I know is that she died just before Christmas last year, and I've been living in that house by myself ever since. Hopper and Joyce helped arrange for me to stay there, and Steve, Kendra, and Hazel have been great support," Isadora explained, her voice faltering slightly.

"Oh, Is. You've been living alone this whole time?" Billy asked, shock written across his face.

"Yeah. My friends come over for dinner sometimes, but for the last year, it's just been me. I guess I'm used to it, but I'm really not looking forward to Christmas this year. Until last year, it was my favourite holiday—"

"And now it's not?" Billy asked, his heart aching for her.

"Not anymore," Isadora replied, wiping the remnants of her tears. "Thank you for listening. It means a lot to me."

"Anytime, Princess. I'll always listen," Billy promised, squeezing her hand again. Isadora nodded, her eyes shimmering with gratitude as she leaned in to kiss his cheek before leaving the gymnasium. As he watched her go, an idea began to form in his mind, a way to help her reclaim some joy.

After his last class of the day, Billy sought out Steve again. He was surprised to see Billy approaching him for the second time, especially given the tension from earlier. "I need your help," Billy said, urgency in his voice.

"You need my help?" Steve confirmed, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm serious. Is told me she's not looking forward to Christmas this year, and I want to do something special for her," Billy explained, determination set in his features.

"Would you look at that, Billy Hargrove actually has a heart," Steve joked, a smirk playing at his lips. Billy rolled his eyes. "I'll help, but we'll need Eddie, Hazel, Ellie, and Kendra too. Oh, are you going to ask Isadora to my Christmas party?"

"You're having a Christmas party?" Billy asked.

"Yes. Hasn't she mentioned it?" Steve replied, surprised.

"No, but she has had a lot on her mind," he shrugged, glancing over to where Isadora was standing and talking to Hazel and Kendra. He could see that Isadora seemed distracted, lost in thought.

Suddenly, a boy from the party approached the three girls, wrapping his arm around Isadora's shoulder. She quickly shrugged him off, and Billy's protective instincts flared.

"Babe, do you want to be my date to the Christmas party?" Tom asked, flashing a grin that made Billy's blood boil.

"Please don't call me babe ever again. I already have a date," Isadora replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"I don't believe you. Amanda says Billy just screwed you and dropped you again," Tom retorted, making Isadora and Hazel exchange incredulous looks.

"If you want to be Amanda's lapdog so badly, why don't you just go to the Christmas party with her?" Hazel suggested, crossing her arms defiantly.

"I'd rather go with Isadora," Tom said, eyeing her up and down. Isadora folded her arms across her chest, visibly uncomfortable under his gaze.

"Well, I don't want to go with you. I've already said no, and I've tried to be polite, but you don't understand 'no.' Just leave me alone, please," Isadora told him, her voice unwavering.

Billy's blood boiled as he watched the exchange. "Who the hell is that talking to Isadora?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"That's Tom, some jerk from drama club," Steve replied nonchalantly, unaware of Tom's previous attempts to flirt with Isadora.

"That's the creep who couldn't take 'no' for an answer when Isadora told him to back off," Billy retorted, his fists clenching at his sides.

"Yes, he was the one you shoved off her at that party. He's been obsessed with her since she moved to Hawkins, but don't worry. Isadora only has eyes for you," Steve reassured him, but Billy was already striding toward Isadora.

When he wrapped his arm around her, Isadora turned and smiled, relieved to see him. "Hi there," she greeted.

"Hi, you're going to the Christmas party with me," Billy declared, his tone assuming she'd want to go with him.

"Are you asking me or just assuming I'm going with you, Hargrove? How do you know I'm not already going with someone?" Isadora teased, relishing the opportunity to get under his skin.

"Even if you are, I've decided I'm the better option," Billy replied, attempting to sound confident despite the sudden knot in his stomach.

"If you think that's cute, it's not. Why exactly should I go to the Christmas party with you?" she challenged, a playful smirk on her face.

Kendra pulled Hazel away from the couple, making her way over to where Steve was standing. "I thought for sure Billy was going to punch Tom. What did that jerk want anyway?" Steve asked.

"To ask Isa to the Christmas party, but she said no, and now Billy's just told her they're going together," Kendra explained, watching the interaction with interest.

Billy, refusing to be deterred, turned back to Isadora. "Because... because I want to show off my beautiful girlfriend," he finally said, his expression earnest.

"Girlfriend, huh? Did I miss the part where you asked me to be your girlfriend?" Isadora grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Alright, alright, will you be my girlfriend and go to the Christmas party with me?" Billy asked, his voice filled with mock exasperation.

"Hmm, I guess I will," Isadora replied, feigning indecision but unable to hide her smile.

"You guess you will? Maybe I should ask someone else," Billy joked, trying to maintain his bravado.

"Oh, don't you dare! Of course, I'll be your girlfriend and go to the party with you," Isadora said, her smile brightening.

Billy rolled his eyes playfully, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a soft kiss, feeling a warmth spreading through him. Isadora kissed him back, feeling happier than she had in a long time, the heaviness of the day lifting just a little.

As they pulled away, Billy looked deep into her eyes, "Is, I want to make this Christmas special for you. You deserve it."

Isadora nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection for the boy beside her. "Thank you, Billy. I think I might just start looking forward to it again."

As they stood there together, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them and the promise of a better tomorrow.

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This chapter has a bit more background into Isadora and her life before Hawkins and her family. Btw Is doesn't feel sorry for herself for getting expelled for school, she hates the choices she made back then and regrets a lot of her actions. 

Also, I hope you are all liking this re-write. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to let me know <3 

Enjoy! Xo

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