Bex sat out on her porch swing listening to her parents argue inside after Hopper came and dropped the bomb about what happened last night. They were arguing about whose fault it was that it even happened in the first place and Bex's father really hurt her feelings by blaming her for taking the drink in the first place because he didn't raise her to go to parties and drink. He also told her that with the way she dresses he was surprised something like this hadn't happened sooner. When she wasn't in the cheer uniform Bex thought she was very modest about the way she dressed. She didn't like everything she owned just out there for the world to see. So what her father said crushed her. She wiped a tear from her eyes and pulled her legs up and let her chin rest on her knees.

The door opened and slammed shut.
"Sheesh.." Hopper said and looked at Bex.
"I don't blame you for walking out back there." He said and sat down on the swing next to her.
"If I could sleep out here I would..." Bex replied. "I don't know what I expected...but I did not expect that."
"As a father...I couldn't imagine saying the things that your father said to you in there. Not once did that man ask if you were okay." Hopper said. Bex looked at him and how angry his eyes were.
"Are you okay Rebecca?" He asked.
"Yeah, I mean if Blaire wasn't there this would have been a totally different situation. So, I'd say I'm okay. I'm frustrated with my parents, especially my Dad. But he's always been like that, I don't think he has any respect for women." Bex said.
"Based on what I've seen today, I'd wager you are right. Anyways. I have enough to make the arrest Monday, just warning you in case he tries to talk to you while he's being arrested.
"Thank you.." Bex said.

"And..in case you didn't know, what happened to you last night was not your fault. Teenagers do stupid shit like throw parties at abandoned resturants and drink beer until they puke. Sometimes teenagers do really stupid shit and try to drug their date..or in your case, person they would have liked to be their date." Hopper said. "The way you dress doesn't put you at fault for someone else's actions. Hell, you could have been running around in their in your underwear and it still wouldn't have been your fault. The one and only person at fault is Luke. and I don't give a damn what your father says."
"Thank you." Bex said and gave him a little smile.

Bex heard a vehicle pull into the driveway and looked up. It was Chrissy's car. They usually hung out every saturday. Bex was still mad at her for lying about what she was doing at the game last night.
"I'm going to go, if you need anything do not hesitate." Hopper said.
"Thanks. I'll see you around." Bex said.
"See ya kid." He said and walked down the walk way greeting Chrissy halfway.

Chrissy walked up to the porch.
"Can I sit?" She asked.
"I guess?" Bex shrugged. Chrissy sat down.
"I heard what Luke tried to do..I'm really sorry."
"Don't be. I'm sure half of the school knows now." Bex said.
"Okay..what's wrong Bex? You seemed like you were mad at me at the game so I gave you some space, but it feels like you're even more mad. What did I do?" Chrissy asked.
Bex stood up.
"You lied to me Chrissy. I saw you with Eddie." Bex said. "And before you try to lie again, I already talked to him. I know you bought weed from him."
"This, right here is why I didn't want to tell you." Chrissy sighed.

"You've had this whole secret friendship with Eddie for years. You're my best friend. You could have told me. I don't care if you buy weed from him. I realized I had no right to criticize you or him for that, and then turn around and go to a party and drink beer. . It just seems unlike you Chrissy. I thought we could tell each other everything!" Bex exclaimed.
"I was worried you would judge me Bex. Jason is so against drugs that I thought you would be the same. Its just with my mom constantly pressuring me about my weight...I needed something to help calm me down so I'm not freaking out every day and I noticed Eddie selling, and approached him. We became good friends." Chrissy explained.

"First off, you know I am not my brother right? I wouldn't have been mad if you had just talked to me first. If its something that helps you I'm all for it Chrissy because you're my best friend and I hate seeing you when your anxiety gets bad." Bex said.
"I'm sorry Bex. I shouldn't have lied and please..don't be mad at Eddie."
"I already gave him a piece of my mind..and then felt bad about it. Please..just from here on out no more lies."
"I promise. No more." Chrissy said and stood up."Hug?" She asked.
Bex nodded and held her arms out. Chrissy hugged her.
"I hate our fights." She said.
"Me too." Bex said. "If we are going to be completely honest with each other...theres something I wanna tell you."

Chrissy pulled away from the hug with a look of concern.
"Of course. What is it Bex?" She asked and sat back down on the porch swing and pat the spot next to her.
Bex sat down and sighed heavily
"I think I'm trouble Chris." She said.
"What do you mean Bex?" Chrissy asked.
"You have to promise me you won't tell Jason..or anyone. It has to stay between us."
"Of course Bex, you're kind of scaring me here." Chrissy said. "What is going on?"

"When Mr Jones asked me to be Eddies tutor.. I didn't expect to develop feelings for him but I did." Bex admitted.
"Is that all?" Chrissy said with a relieved chuckle.
"Is that all??" Bex exclaimed. "The entire town thinks he's in a satanic cult, including my brother and my parents. There is no way in any world this could end in happily ever after Chrissy. But I don't know what to do...I could stop tutoring him, and go back to the way things were...but somehow even thinking of that makes me feel like my chest is getting crushed. I don't want to not see him, not talk to him, not see that goofy ass grin when he thinks he's being funny. I don't want to bury these feelings either but I don't know what else to do. My parents would never let this happen and Jason.. Jason would probably kill him if he found out."

"Bexie, calm down." Chrissy said and put her hands over Bex's. "Breathe." She said. "You're giving yourself a panic attack and you've had enough panic for one week. I promise you..I won't say anything to Jason or anyone. The most important thing is you know Eddies not in a cult. You know he's just a big ol harmless teddy bear...and he'll probably kill me for saying this, but I think he likes you too. Last night he wouldn't stop talking about you when I met up with him..about how he got his first good grade in Jones class because of you, and how you hugged him when he got the score on his test." Chrissy said.
"Really?" Bex asked.
"Yeah." Chrissy smiled. "I think you just need to stop being a control freak for once in your life and let whatever happens fall into place."

"I am not a control freak!" Bex scoffed. Chrissy gave her a knowing look.
"Okay.. well I'm not that bad." Bex sighed. "I'm just so scared that if something happens between Eddie and I and someone finds out..he could get hurt."
"You can't worry about all that Bex..if you worry about stuff like that you'll never get anywhere."
"Thats kind of what Blaire told me last night." Bex said.
"Well thats two to one, so that means you should listen." Chrissy smiled.
"Maybe." Bex smirked.
"You wanna go shopping and get some lunch with me?" Chrissy asked.
"Of course!" Bex said. "My parents are still arguing with each other lets get out of here." Bex said.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday at school, Bex had done everything she could do to avoid Luke. She even let Jason walk her class to class to make sure Luke wouldn't bother her. She was anxiously waiting for Hopper to come and arrest him. Jason told her that he was booted off of the team early in the morning after the coach had heard what he did. At lunch, Bex was anxiously picking at her salad.
"You should have stayed home like mom wanted you to." Jason said
"I'll be fine after its all over with Jason." Bex said and eyed Luke sitting alone at a table considering the team didn't want anything to do with him rightfully so.
"Hey. Don't even pay attention to him, Bex." Jason said.
"Hey Hoppers here." Chrissy whispered. Bex looked away from Luke and watched Hopper walk into the cafeteria followed by the principal.

The cafeteria fell silent as Hopper approached Luke.
"Luke Walker." Hopper said.
Luke turned to him.
"Yeah?" He asked.
"Stand up and put your hands behind your back. You're under arrest." Hopper said.
"What? What for??" Luke scoffed and stood up. Hopper slapped the handcuffs on him and started walking him out.
"I think you know son, but since you're pretending not to, You're under arrest for using illegal substances to drug, and attempt to sexually assault a minor."

Luke stopped walking as they approached the table Bex was sitting at. Hopper tried to pull him along.
"Just wait!" He said. Hopper rolled his eyes and stopped. Jason stood up.
"Don't you even look at her." He snarled.
"Bex..come on, tell him it was just a joke. Do you honestly think I would hurt you?" Luke asked. Bex looked down at her tray and said nothing.
Luke kicked the leg of the table making it jolt, startling Bex.
"You little bitch! Are you happy now? This is going to ruin my life." Luke growled. "At least fucking look at me."

Jason started to walk around the table but Hopper put his hand up.
"Its in your best interest to just sit down son." He said and pulled Luke away from the table as he called Bex every horrible thing he could think of before he was walked completely out of the school. Bex looked up, everyone in the cafeteria had their eyes on her. She looked over at Eddies table, and there was a look of concern on his face. Bex stood up.
"Bex its okay, just sit down." Jason said. Bex turned around with her fists clenched and walked out of the cafeteria. Chrissy got up and walked after her.

Eddie leaned towards Blaire.
"Go check on her." He said.
"Chrissy's already heading that way. Why would I?" Blaire asked.
"Because she didn't look okay." Eddie said.
"I wouldn't be okay if the guy that I once dated tried to assault me and called me the things he called her as he was being arrested either." Blaire said and shrugged and looked at Eddie who looked at her expectantly.
"If you're so worried about her you go check on her. I'mma stay here and eat my burrito." Blaire said.
"Her asshole brother has had his eyes on this table expecting me to get up, the second I do, he's going to freak the fuck out. Please just go check on her."
Blaire groaned.
"Fine I'll go check on your girlfriend." She said and stood up walking away from the table.
"Girlfriend??" Mike asked and looked at Dustin. Both of them turned back to Eddie and gave him a nod of approval.
"Calm down boys. She's not my girlfriend." Eddie smirked. "Blaire is overreacting as usual. You know how it goes. They have their little perfect world and we have ours. Do you honestly think Hawkins High school Princess, Rebecca Carver would honestly give me a second thought?" He asked.
"Shes not like the others Eddie." Dustin said. "Shes nice"
"Enough guys, its not going to happen." Eddie chuckled.
"Never say never." Will said and shrugged.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blaire walked the hall, having no idea where Bex and Chrissy had gone, She spotted Max Mayfield sitting to herself with her cassette player. Blaire approached her and she lowered her headphones.
"You didn't happen to see two cheerleaders, practically identical, probably attached at the hip, one of them is either crying or really pissed off?" Blaire asked.
"Uh, oddly specific, but yeah. I saw two of the pom pom princesses going into that bathroom over there." Max shrugged and nodded to the bathroom on the left side of the hall."
"Thanks Max." Blaire said.
"No prob." Max replied and put her headphones back on her head.

Blaire walked into the bathroom where Bex was pacing.
"Did you hear what he called me?!" She practically shrieked. "I never even did anything with him. Or anyone for that matter and he called me a whore?" Bex scoffed.
"Thats the typical Jock reaction." Blaire shrugged.
Bex looked up at her.
"Why are you here?" She asked.
Blaire blinked and put her hands up. "I can leave." She said.
"No, I'm sorry I didn't mean it that way, I just didn't expect you to be here checking on me." Bex sighed
"Eddie wouldn't leave me alone until I came to check on you." Blaire shrugged.
"Oh." Bex said.

"Yeah...but like I said. Typical reaction for someone like Luke, he didn't get what he wanted from you, so he's going to try to belittle you. You've just gotta let it go. Everyone in this school knows what he tried to do to you. They aren't going to think you're a whore and you won't have to ever deal with him again." Blaire said.
"Blaire is right." Chrissy said.
"Holy shit, can I get that in writing?" Blaire asked. Chrissy rolled her eyes.
"No one is going to think you are anything he said you were. Everyone knows the truth. Jason made sure of that." Chrissy said. "The best thing you can do, is just walk back out there like nothing even happened. Luke was just a blip in your life. There are better guys out there for you."

Bex nodded.
"Okay." She said. "Thank you guys."
"Of course." Chrissy said and hugged Bex.
"Yeah..don't mention it." Blaire shrugged. "I'm going to go finish my lunch now that this..whatever this was is over."
Bex shook her head and chuckled.
"See you later Blaire."
Blaire threw up a peace sign with her right hand and left the bathroom.

Bex sighed and turned to fix her make up in the mirror.
"So..Eddie asked her to make sure you were okay." Chrissy said and gave Bex a sly smirk.
"Yeah and?" Bex asked.
"Oh come on Bex. You know he likes you, and you like him. Stop being stubborn." Chrissy said.
"You've met my brother, my stubbornness is the only thing saving Eddie's life." Bex said.
"I honestly think, that if Jason knew you were truly happy he wouldn't hurt Eddie." Chrissy said.
"You give him too much credit Chris, is he a good big brother? For the most part yes, but he's overbearing and extremely over protective. He acts before he thinks."
"I just think you should go for it. Screw what everyone else thinks. We both know Eddie isn't a bad guy.maybe you can be the person who shows the rest of the town that." Chrissy suggested.
"Or, the rest of the town would gather their pitchforks and torches and chase both of us out of town." Bex said.
"Okay negative nancy." Chrissy said and looked at Bex with a pout. "I just think you guys would be really cute together."
"Lets move on Its not going to happen.." Bex sighed.
"Never say never." Chrissy smirked.
"I'm not sure I want to be in a relationship right now after how the last one just ended,.." Bex said.
"I guess you're right. I'm sorry if I was too pushy." Chrissy said.
"Its okay. You just want to see me happy and I love that about you. I just don't know if I want to jump into another relationship right now."
"I understand." Chrissy smiled. "Come on let's go finish lunch."

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the entirety of the Mr. Jones class, Bex felt Eddie's eyes on her. It wasn't an uncomfortable feeling by any means, she just wished he would pay attention to class instead of her. She turned her head and looked at him. He quickly looked towards the chalkboard to act like he was paying attention. Bex turned back to Mr. Jones, smirking to herself.

Before too much longer the bell rang.
"Chapter 7 section 3 is the homework for tonight." Mr. Jones said. Tomorrow we will start the study guide for this week's test. Have a good evening. See you tomorrow." Mr. Jones said. Everyone got up and rushed to get their stuff eager to get home. Eddie was one of the first people to leave the classroom, so Bex figured he'd be long gone when she left. But the second she walked out of the classroom he was waiting for her.

"Oh! Hey." Bex said
"Hey." Eddie replied. "So..I saw what happened in the cafeteria today.." Eddie said.
"So did the rest of the school." Bex said and gave him a little smile.
"Well..yeah I guess you're right...are you..you know..okay?" Eddie asked.
"Didn't Blaire tell you?" Bex smirked.
"She came back and started eating and was talking with her mouth full and I couldn't tell if she said you were fine or on fire...but you're obviously not on fire and I'm now realizing this was a really stupid question." Eddie said.
Bex giggled.
"Are we good?" Eddie asked. "I know Friday night you were pretty pissed off at me." Eddie said.
Bex opened her mouth to say something but felt someone put a hand on her shoulder. She turned and saw Jason.
Of Course.
"Are you ready to go?" Jason asked.
"Yeah." Bex said. She gave Eddie an apologetic look before she turned around and began walking away with Jason. She hated that she couldn't talk to Eddie without worrying about Jason being right there. She hated that she had these feelings for Eddie and she couldn't express them. She was so tired of trying to keep this picture perfect life. It was exhausting.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That evening Bex sat at the dinner table pushing mashed potatoes around with her fork.
"Are you feeling alright honey?" Mrs. Carver asked.
"Yeah." Bex shrugged.
"I don't believe it. You didn't eat your lunch either." Jason said.
Bex rolled her eyes.
"Why are you so obsessed with what I do?" She asked.
"Calm down Bex, I just care about you..that's all." Jason scoffed.
"Whats wrong Rebecca?" Mrs. Carver asked.
"Nothing is wrong. I'm just not hungry." Bex said. Truthfully she had a lot on her mind...and most of it had to do with Eddie Munson.
"Just let her be dear." Mr. Carver said.
"But she's clearly depressed!" Mrs. Carver exclaimed.
"Mom! I'm not depressed!..God." Rebecca groaned. "I'm going to my room."
"You haven't been excused." Mrs. Carver said. "Jason says you didn't eat lunch you need to eat something."
"Are you sure? This tiny scoop of mashed potatoes might make me too fat for my cheer uniform." Bex scoffed and stood up.
"Rebecca, sit back down." Her father said. "Eat your dinner."

Bex grabbed a handful of mashed potatoes and gravy and shoved it in her mouth. She flung what was left on her fingers onto the table and grabbed the napkin to wipe what didn't come off, off.
"There. Happy?" She said with her mouth full. Her mother gasped and held her chest clearly offended and upset which was honestly Bex's goal.
Blaire who had been quiet the entire time almost choked on whatever she was eating because she started laughing
"Rebecca Noelle Carver!" Her father shouted. "Go to your room."
Bex took a bow before leaving the kitchen and walking up the stairs.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bex sat on her bed with her algebra textbook open working on her homework when there was a knock on her door.
"Who is it?" She asked, not really wanting anything to do with her family right now.
"Batman." Blaire answered.
Bex smirked and shook her head.
"Come in," She said.
Blaire walked in the room and shut the door behind her. She carried a plate with a pb&j to Bex and put it on the nightstand.
"In case you were hungry." She said.
"Thank you. You didn't have to do that." Bex said.
"I get it. My Dad had me on all sorts of weird diets to keep me in shape for boxing. It sucks. Little did he know I'd go over to Eddies every weekend and smoke with him and eat tons of shit." Blaire smirked.
"Oh, by the way, that was hands down the best mental breakdown I've seen in the dining room." Blaire chuckled.
"Yeah it was something." Bex said and took a bite out of her sandwich.
"Your mom about lost it." Blaire snickered. "Your Dad was having a fit, and Jason was blaming you spending time with Eddie, of course."
"Figures." Bex rolled her eyes.

The two of them sat in awkward silence for a moment.
"So.. tomorrow night, Eddies band is playing at The Hideout. Do you want to skip that pom pom bullshit and come with me?" Blaire asked.
"Are you inviting me somewhere?" Bex gasped. "Are we becoming friends?" She smiled.
"Take it down a notch Barbie." Blaire said.
"Actually.. Eddie asked if I would come last week I promised him if he got a good grade on his test I would. But riding with you would make that easier. I'd have to come back here to change clothes...but I don't have anything to wear to something like this." Bex said. "Ive never been to a concert or anything." Bex shrugged.
"You're shitting me right?" Blaire asked.
"Unfortunately not. My parents wont even let me listen to the type of music Eddie listens to." Bex said.
"Wow. Okay. We're about the same size. I have some stuff you can wear, I'll get you fixed up."Blaire smirked.
"Should I be scared?"
"Oh you should be terrified." Blaire said and started to laugh like an evil villain.
Bex shook her head and chuckled.
"You know.. Eddie did say that if we could get along we'd probably be really good friends." She said
"Gag." Blaire said "He would say something cheesy like that."
"I don't know, I feel a little friendship building here." Bex said.
"I feel a little like punching you if you mention it again," Blaire said but kept the smile on her face.
"Noted." Bex said.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Bex walked into the dining room for breakfast. She hadn't seen her parents since her stunt the night before. As soon as she sat down, her mother and her father looked at her with disappointed stares.
"Lets just get this over with," She sighed.
"What you did last night was completely uncalled for Rebecca." Her father spoke. "You upset your mother greatly and you need to apologize."
"Fine. I'm sorry," Bex said and looked at her mother.
"Make sure you come home straight after cheer practice. You're grounded." Her father added.
"Yeah, I saw that coming." Bex snorted and started fixing her plate of breakfast.
"Give it a rest Bex." Jason said.

"What are you talking about?" Bex asked.
"This sudden attitude change you've had. Its like you're not even the same person." Jason said.
Bex rolled her eyes at him and shoved a fork full of scrambled eggs into her mouth.
"Thats exactly what I'm talking about." Jason said.
"I blame that Munson boy. She was fine until she started hanging around him." Her father said.
"You act like Eddie has some sort of disease that he passed on to her.." Blaire spoke up. "Maybe stop blaming Eddie, and realize that your parenting might be to blame."
"You want to talk to me about my parenting?" Mr. Carver scoffed. "At least I don't smack my kids around."
"Dad!" Bex exclaimed.
Blaire stood up.
"I'm out." She said and grabbed her backpack.
"Hang on Blaire, I'm coming with you." Bex said and stood up.
"Rebecca you've hardly had any breakfast." Her mother said.
"I'll get something at school." Bex said and picked up her back and hurried after Blaire.

Bex got into the passenger's seat as Blaire was starting the truck.
"No offense but your dad is an asshole." Blaire said.
"None taken. I'm aware." Bex said in agreement. "It sucks that I'm grounded. I really wanted to go to Eddie's show." Bex sighed.
"So go." Blaire said.
"But I'm grounded..I was going to skip cheer practice and go, but they want me home after cheer practice." Bex said.
"Are you really a teenager if you haven't snuck out to go have fun when you're grounded?" Blaire asked.
"Have you?" Bex asked
"Shit yeah." Blaire said. "What time do you parents get out of work?"
"My mom gets off usually around 4. If we leave directly after school we can beat her home. My Dad around 5:30 or 6." Bex said. She couldn;t believe she was honestly entertaining the idea of sneaking out of the house. "There's a window in the basement we can sneak out after getting ready." Bex added.
"Look at you." Blaire smirked. "I gotta admit, you are much less of a stick in the mud than I expected you to be."
"Thank you.. I think?" Bex said, unsure if it was a compliment or not.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At lunch that afternoon, Bex could not keep her eyes off of Eddie's table, He was full of life today, probably excited for his show. Bex watched him make goofy faces and tell jokes, and she watched how the freshmen laughed, and how happy that seemed to make Eddie. She loved how animated he was. Eddie turned his head and caught her looking at him and he smiled. Bex didn't realize before how beautiful his smile was and she couldn't help but smile back. Blaire stuck her head out in front of Eddie and stuck her finger in her mouth like she was gagging herself. Bex giggled.
"Whats so funny Bex?" Jason asked.
"Nothing." Bex said and looked down at her lunch and started eating again trying not to smile to herself.
Jason turned around and looked at Eddies table. Eddie flipped him the bird. Jason turned back to his sister and glared at her skeptically.
"What?" Bex asked.
"You know what." Jason said.
"I'm not a mind reader." Bex said and rolled her eyes.
"What time is cheer practice over? Dad wants me to pick you up and take you home."
"Blaire is going to wait for me to get out and drive me home." Bex said.
"I don't think so. Dad said he wanted me to bring you home." Jason said.
"Sometimes I think Dad should tell you to stick a fork in an electrical socket just to see if you'd do it." Bex retorted.
"Jeeze Rebecca what the hell is your problem?" Jason asked.
"Currently, you." She replied.
"J..I'll take her home. It's okay." Chrissy said.
"Fine." Jason scoffed. "Just no pit stops, she's supposed to be grounded."
"Sure." Chrissy nodded.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bex could hardly focus the last 30 minutes of Mr. Jones class. Her eyes kept going to the clock. She was counting down the seconds anxious and ready for class to be over.
"Miss Carver, is there somewhere else you need to be?" Mr. Jones asked.
Bex looked away from the clock and back to the front of the class and met Mr. Jones stern glare.
"No." She said.
"Then why have you spent most of my class looking at the clock?" He asked and raised an eyebrow.
"I don't know." Bex said. It was a much easier answer than the real reason she kept staring at the clock.
"Pay attention Miss Carver." He said in a warning tone. Bex sank in her seat a little. She never got in trouble in his class. She tried her best to pay attention for the rest of the class.

As soon as the bell rang, Bex bolted up from her seat temporarily forgetting that Jones was the "the bell does not dismiss you, I do." Teacher.

Mr. Jones blinked at her. Bex looked around at everyone staring at her and she slowly sat back down.
"Right, so homework tonight is to work the second page of the study guide I've given you. I will see you all tomorrow afternoon. Have a good evening, you're dismissed. Bex went to stand up again but Mr. Jones put his hand out.
"You stay for just a moment." He said. Bex sighed and sat back down again and put her things into her backpack anxiously waiting for everyone else to leave.

 Once everyone was gone Mr. Jones approached her desk.
"Is something wrong Miss Carver?" He asked. Bex was taken aback. She thought he was going to chew her out like he did almost everyone else.
"Uh..yeah?" She questioned.
"I know you are probably wondering why I'm not giving you the talking to that I give everyone else that doesn't pay attention but the reason being for that is you have never given me reason to. Your focus is always on your studies, but today seems off and I was just concerned that something may be wrong."
"Oh. No, Nothing is wrong. I was just excited to get to cheer practice...Thats all. You see, we are doing a new routine, that I came up with-" Bex started, she was lying through her teeth but it was enough for Mr. Jones. He raised his hand cutting her off.
"I don't need the thrilling details of your cheer routine, just see that it does not get in the way of my class next time. I would hate to have to give you detention Miss Carver."
"Yes sir." Bex said. "May I go now?"
"Yes you may." Mr. Jones nodded dismissing her.

Bex picked up her backpack and practically ran out of the classroom. She met Chrissy and Blaire near the gym.
"There you are." Blaire said. "We are going to be pushing it to get ready and out of the house."
"Sorry Mr. Jones held me back for a minute." Bex said.
"Wait. Wait.. What is going on?" Chrissy asked. "I thought you were grounded."
"I am. But I promised Eddie I would come to his show. Can you cover for me? If Jason asks just tell him I got really sick and you took me home. Tell him I don't want to be bothered." Bex said.
"Okay, I can cover for you but..I can't guarantee it will work, you know your brother." Chrissy said.
"I know. If it doesn't work, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. But for now I have to go get ready. Where is Jason?" Bex asked.
"He's doing something with the senior student council. So you should be good to get away without him knowing." Chrissy said and smiled and then winked at her. "Have fun." She said,
"You're the best Chrissy. Thanks!" Bex said.
"Lets go!" Blaire said and grabbed Bex's hand pulling her along with her.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bex poked her head out of the bathroom in the basement.
"I don't know about this Blaire." She said.
"Come out, let me see." Blaire said. Bex hesitantly stepped out of the bathroom. She was in a black leather skirt, with fishnet stockings and an Iron Maiden shirt that had been cut around the neck so it hung off her shoulders.
"You look amazing, we just need to tease your hair a bit, and throw on some makeup." Blaire smirked. She was wearing something similar but her skirt was a black jean skirt that was torn and frayed at the bottom.
"Are you sure?" Bex asked and looked in the full length mirror on the bathroom door.
"Hell yeah. I've got some boots that will probably fit you that will go good with that. What don't you like about it?" Blaire asked.

Bex sighed. "I personally like it. I've never seen myself like this, and I kinda like the change up...but when Hopper came to the house and told my parents what happened at Bennys...my Dad basically told me I was asking for it, by wearing the type of clothes that I wear and I just..want to be safe you know? I've never been to the hide out or at one of these shows." Bex said.
"Whoa... whoa. Hold the fuck up. Your dad said what??" Blaire exclaimed. "Lets get one thing straight. What happened to you at Benny's was no fault of yours. That is on Luke. I don't care if you were naked in there. Luke is the one who decided to drug you, and try to assault you. None of that was your fault no matter what you were or were not wearing." Blaire said "Understood?" she asked.

Bex nodded.
"I'm not going to let anything happen to you Bex. It's going to be fine, you are going to go to this show looking hot as fuck without a care in the world." Blaire said.
Bex smiled.
"You see when you say stuff like this..it makes it sound like you wanna be my friend."
"And when you say stuff like that I still wanna punch you." Blaire smirked. "Come on, let's fix your hair and maybe throw on some makeup."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Even though she was dressed almost like everyone else, Bex couldn't help but feel like she stuck out like a sore thumb.
"Come on, Corroded Coffin is about to play, lets get up front." Blaire said and grabbed her arm pulling her up to the front of the crowd right next to the stage. Blaire turned and looked at Bex who looked overwhelmed.
"You good Barbie? you look like you're gonna hurl." She chuckled.
"I'm fine." Bex said. "Just feel like I stick out like a sore thumb." She added.
"Its all in your head, you look great. Nobody even cares, just enjoy the show." Blaire said "here they come." She smirked. Bex turned her attention to the stage as she saw Eddie walk out with his guitar. She couldn't help but smile at him. He looked down at her and did a double take and grinned ear to ear at her.

"See Eddie likes your outfit." Blaire said and nudged her.
"Yeah." Bex said not taking her eyes off of Eddie.

The first song, Bex didn't really know what to do with herself as she'd never been to a show..much less a show like this. But as the band kept on, Bex felt something come over her and she began to jump and scream just like everyone else was. Eddies band was amazing. Eddie was amazing. His voice was beautiful, and the way he played his guitar was incredible.
Bex couldn't take her eyes off of him and he couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her the entire time.

By the end of the show, Bex was shaking from the adrenaline rush.
"See, you fit right in with the rest of us heathens." Blaire smirked and ruffled her teased hair. "Barbies first adrenaline rush." She said and snapped a picture with her polaroid camera. "Here comes Eddie." She said. Bex turned around as Eddie approached.
"Wow." He said "Look at you." He stepped back a bit looking Bex up and down. He took her hand and twirled her around while Blaire kept snapping pictures.
"You like it?" Bex asked and bit her lip.
"I love it, but I think you look pretty in your normal clothes too." Eddie said. Bex blushed.
"And I especially love that shade of red your cheeks turn when I talk to you." Eddie smirked. "I take it you aren't still mad at me." He said.
"I couldn't possibly stay mad at you." Bex said.
"Good." Eddie smiled and pushed her hair out of her eyes.
"Yeah." Bex said and smiled.
"So what did you think of the show?" Eddie asked.
"I loved it. Of course. This was my first show...ever so I don't have much to compare it to." Bex admitted.
"What? You're kidding right? My Band is your first concert?" He asked.
Bex nodded.
"I'm honored. Hawkins High School royalty seeing Corroded Coffin for her first ever show." Eddie said.
"I'm going to leave you two at it." Blaire smirked and made her way to a pretty blonde sitting by herself.

"So.." Eddie said.
"So.." Bex said. Eddie smiled awkwardly and curled his hair on his finger. Bex stood on her tip toes and placed her lips on his giving him a little peck on the lips. Eddie held her shoulders and looked at her wide eyed.
"I...I'm sorry. I don't know why I did that. I'm-" Bex was cut off as Eddie's lips crashed into hers taking her breath away. While they were dating..Luke, was an okay kisser, but Eddie had him beat. Bex had never felt such passion from one kiss and maybe it was still the adrenaline from the show hitting her, but Eddie took her breath away in the best way possible. Bex's fingers tangled in his curls trying to keep him right where she wanted him. Eddie pulled away to breathe and looked down at her. He ran his thumb over her lips that were painted a deep blood red.
Bex thought at that moment she could kiss him forever and be happy.
"So..my uncle is working tonight, me and the band are gonna go back to my trailer..Blaire usually comes to..if you want-" Eddie started but Bex cut him off.
"Yes." She said and smiled. "I...I'd love to."
"Cool." Eddie nodded.
"Yeah." Bex said and laced her fingers that weren't currently tangled in his hair, with his ringed fingers. Both of them couldn't take their eyes off of each other and in each of their minds, a voice from earlier echoed.
Never Say Never.