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GRADUATION WAS APPROACHING.

Billy had scarcely seen Isadora outside of their study sessions, during which she barely uttered a word to him. He understood her intense focus on passing her exams, but a nagging worry lingered in his mind: was Isadora distancing herself from him? It was a feeling he couldn't shake, and as graduation loomed closer, it gnawed at him more than ever.

"Isadora's avoiding me, isn't she?" Billy asked Kendra as they walked to class together. Isadora was ahead of them, her nose buried deep in a book, utterly oblivious to the world around her.

"No, she's not avoiding you, I promise. This is just how she gets during exam time. It's like she forgets the world exists, and all she cares about is studying," Kendra assured him. Billy nodded, but the worry didn't subside. "Although, since we're done with exams, I'm not sure what she's still studying for. What you did the other day—the dance study break—was really nice. I think Isa needed that," Kendra added, trying to lift Billy's spirits.

Billy offered a half-hearted smile but couldn't help frowning as he watched Isadora navigate through the crowd, hardly looking up from her book.

"How can she walk and read at the same time?" he marvelled aloud, causing Kendra to sigh as she observed her best friend.

"I can't tell you how many times we've told her not to do that," Kendra replied as they entered the classroom. Billy and Kendra settled into their usual seats, but Billy's gaze remained fixed on Isadora, who was scribbling notes in her notebook, seemingly unaware of her surroundings. Throughout the class, he noticed her complete focus on her writing, a stark contrast to the lively discussions happening around her. He was puzzled about what she could possibly be working on; she had already submitted her college essay, and they had taken their final exam just the day before.

"What are you so busy with?" Steve asked, abruptly breaking the silence as he snatched the paper from Isadora. She jumped up, instinctively trying to grab it back, but Steve was too quick. Isadora furrowed her brow in frustration as she watched him read aloud, "Valedictorian speech? You're giving the Valedictorian speech?"

"What?" Kendra exclaimed, spinning around to face Isadora, who felt heat rising in her cheeks as she nodded. Kendra squealed and hugged Isadora tightly. "Congratulations! Why didn't you tell us?"

"I was going to tell you—" Isadora began, but Billy suddenly enveloped her in a warm hug, catching her off guard and causing her to stop talking.

"Congratulations, baby. I'm so proud of you," Billy said, pulling back to look her in the eyes.

"I know it's the last week of school and everyone's excited to be graduating, but could you four please take your seats?" the teacher interjected, breaking the moment. Isadora nodded at her friends and settled back into her seat, a small smile lingering on her lips. Steve handed her back the paper, and she beamed at him before shifting her focus to the front of the class, but as soon as the bell rang, Isadora hurried past everyone and slipped out of the room, clearly avoiding any discussion about her newfound status.

"What was that about?" Billy asked, watching his girlfriend's retreating figure.

"I'm not sure," Kendra replied, glancing at Steve as he joined them.

"Why did Is hurry out of here?" Steve asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

"I'm going to talk to her," Billy declared, determination fuelling his steps as he left the classroom. His friends nodded, their faces a mix of worry and support, as he headed toward Isadora's locker, assuming she might be stashing her books away before lunch; however, when he arrived, she was nowhere to be found. Frowning, he made his way to the cafeteria, where students were gathering for lunch.

"Hi, Billy," Amanda said with a bright smile, approaching him. He rolled his eyes, briefly glancing past the brunette cheerleader as he scanned the room for any sign of Isadora, barely listening as Amanda began to talk. "Are you planning to stay in Hawkins after graduation?"

"Uh, sure. Have you seen Isadora?" Billy asked, cutting her off. Amanda's expression faltered at the mention of Isadora, but she quickly masked her feelings with a forced smile.

"I don't see why you'd think I'd know where that bitch is," Amanda retorted, bitterness dripping from her words.

"Don't call her that," Billy snapped, irritation bubbling to the surface as he brushed past her to join Kendra and Steve at their table. He sat beside Steve, who raised an eyebrow, noticing Billy's foul mood.

"Not to sound like Is, but since when do you sit with us?" Steve asked, curiosity evident in his tone. Hazel, sitting nearby, glanced over, her expression shifting to one of intrigue.

"You sounded exactly like Is when she asks Eddie why he's sitting with us," Hazel teased, lightening the atmosphere for a moment.

"I just mean, you and Is have been sitting together for lunch lately..." Steve continued before trailing off when he noticed the frustrated look on Billy's face. He quickly backtracked, "I mean, we totally understand..."

"Harrington, please stop," Billy groaned, not wanting to reveal how he had avoided sitting with them since the events at the Byers house months ago.

"Right, uh, if you're looking for Is, she's not here right now," Steve said, attempting to ease the tension.

"Yeah, no kidding. Do you know where she is?" Billy asked, feeling a sense of urgency rising within him.

"She's usually either in the cafeteria or the gym," Steve replied, shrugging.

"Actually, there's one other place she might be. Come on, I'll show you," Kendra suggested, her eyes lighting up with an idea.

"Is there a secret spot I don't know about?" Steve asked, intrigued as Kendra and Billy left the lunch table and headed out of the cafeteria.

They walked outside toward the woods, and Billy frowned, following Kendra as she led him away from the bustling school environment. He felt a sense of anticipation building within him as they ventured deeper into the trees. Kendra suddenly stopped and pointed to a nearby tree, where Isadora was perched, her attention fully absorbed in whatever she was writing. Billy's heart lifted at the sight of her.

"I didn't know she came here," Billy remarked, admiration filling his voice. Kendra shrugged, her expression thoughtful.

"She used to come here a lot after her mom died. I remember there was a day she skipped class, and when we finally found her, she was here. You should go talk to her," Kendra encouraged, her tone serious.

"Thanks, Kendra," Billy replied gratefully, watching as she turned and walked back toward the school. Taking a deep breath, he approached Isadora, who was still focused on her notebook.

"Hey, Is. What are you doing out here alone?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

"It's peaceful out here," Isadora replied, not looking up from her writing. Billy settled beside her, curiosity piqued as he watched her scribble. She seemed completely absorbed, and he couldn't help but wonder what had her so entranced. After a moment, she closed her notebook and leaned back against the tree, closing her eyes as the wind gently tousled her hair.

Billy reached over and gently tucked a stray strand behind her ear, but Isadora flinched at the sudden touch, surprising him and causing him to retract his hand.

"S-Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Billy stammered, a hint of concern creeping into his voice. Isadora nodded, glancing away momentarily before taking a deep breath to calm herself. When she looked back at him, she noticed Billy had shifted slightly away, his hands resting at his sides. Sensing his withdrawal, she shuffled closer and reached out for his hand. After a moment's hesitation, he slid his hand into hers, and she kissed his palm before placing it against her cheek, gently running her thumb over his skin.

"I'm fine. You didn't scare me," she insisted, but Billy could see the unease in her eyes.

"You flinched, Is," he pointed out gently, concern etched on his face. She looked down, her expression a mixture of vulnerability and confusion.

"I promise I'm okay," Isadora said softly. Billy nodded, squeezing her hand gently, but a knot of worry remained in his stomach.

"Baby, what are you doing out here alone?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.

"I just needed some time to think," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"To think? About what, Princess?" Billy pressed, hoping to draw her out. Isadora glanced at her notebook again, her brow furrowed as she shrugged.

Billy's expression softened as he realised she was likely working on her speech. He nudged her playfully, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm so proud of you, Isadora Jones."

"I was going to tell you," she murmured, looking down at her notebook as if the words were hiding in its pages.

"Hey, what's going on, Is? You don't seem excited about giving the Valedictorian speech," Billy observed, concern weaving through his words.

"It's not that. I'm honoured to be chosen for it. It's just... graduation is only a week away, and I always imagined my parents would be there to see me walk across that stage. It's hard not to think about the fact that they won't be there," Isadora explained, tears welling in her eyes. Billy nodded in understanding, the weight of her words settling heavily in his heart. It made sense why she hadn't mentioned her role or engaged in conversations surrounding graduation.

"Issi, even though they aren't here, I know they'll be with you in spirit, and they'd be so proud of you, just like I am. You've worked so hard these past months," he reassured her, squeezing her hand affectionately. He could see the pain reflected in her eyes, and he wished he could erase it.

"I'm scared, Billy. I don't want things to change," Isadora admitted, her voice trembling as tears began to spill down her cheeks.

"Baby, change isn't always bad. Just because we're graduating doesn't mean everything is going to shift," Billy assured her, wishing he could offer her some comfort against her fears.

"That's exactly what it means! We're graduating, and everyone is leaving Hawkins for college. Nothing will be the same!" Isadora exclaimed, frustration mixing with her sadness.

"Is, no one is leaving yet. We'll all be together for the summer. And didn't you say you weren't leaving Hawkins for college?" Billy reminded her, trying to bring her back to the present.

"I'm going to Eastview College, just outside Hawkins, but that's not the point, Billy," Isadora replied, sitting up straighter and brushing her hair away from her face. "Everything finally feels like it's falling into place, but graduating and going to college feels like the end of it all. I just want to hit pause so we can stay here forever."

"As tempting as that sounds, I don't think we can stay here forever," Billy said gently, lifting his hand to caress her cheek. He could feel the tension in her body, the weight of her worries pressing down on her. "Is, I know it feels like everything is coming to an end, but I promise you it's not. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. Your friends—Steve, Hazel, Eddie, Kendra—they'll always be in your life, even if you're not all in Hawkins anymore. You're going to go to college to become a nurse, just like you've always dreamed, and I'll be there for you every step of the way."

Isadora blinked back tears as she looked at him, her expression softening. "What happened to the jerk I met when you first moved to Hawkins?"

"He met a girl and fell in love," Billy replied with a grin, moving closer to her and capturing her lips in a tender kiss. He wiped her tears away with his thumb, feeling a surge of pride swell in his chest. "Isadora, I'm so proud of you for being Valedictorian and for getting a scholarship for college."

"You're the only one who knows about that," Isadora confessed, a hint of gratitude in her voice.

"There's one thing that won't change, Princess," Billy said, his voice playful.

"The fact that you love your car more than me?" Isadora teased, her smile returning.

Billy chuckled, shuffling closer to her and gently pinching her cheeks. "That's never going to change, Is," he bantered, then added with sincerity, "But I love you even more." Leaning in for another kiss, Isadora giggled, swatting his hands away playfully and resting her own on his arms.

"I love you too, and that will never change," she said earnestly, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"And I'm always going to love you, Isadora Jones," Billy promised, sealing it with yet another kiss. Isadora melted into him, blissfully unaware of how their lives would soon change forever. As they held each other close, Billy silently vowed to be by her side through whatever lay ahead, determined to face the future together, no matter how daunting it might seem.

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This chapter had previously been deleted from this book but I've decided to add it back in.

Enjoy! Xo

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