Mary hadn't gotten particularly all dolled up to go over to Billy's. In fact, she went simple and wore her favourite high waisted torn jeans and combat boots with a baggy red and white polka dot blouse that she messily tucked into the shorts. She was aware Billy wanted someone to flaunt — however, that didn't mean she was about to start dressing like Nancy Wheeler.

She reapplied her lip balm before there was a knock at the door — which she assumed to be Billy. She moved freely across the living room, since there wasn't any unidentified objects that neither Jim or Mary cared for laying on the floor like there used to be.

She opened the door, already smiling before it was suddenly ripped from her face. Her mouth opened and closed at the boy in front of her, "Charlie?" She whispered in surprise, having not been expecting to see the boy anytime soon — and honestly, not really wanting to either after all the time he spent with Corina.

His hair was wet from the rain, laying messily on his forehead and he was out of breath. Mary glanced behind him, surprised to see that Jonathan's car was parked a good bit away, "What's going on right now? Why are you with Jonathan?" She asked in confusion, furrowing her brows, but she still didn't invite the boy inside.

He breathed out, "We just got back from Nancy's —"

"Nancy's?" Mary spoke over him. She scoffed in disbelief, "Well, you're really hanging with a different crowd right now, aren't you?" She laughed to herself, glancing away but Charlie didn't seem amused.

He held his hands up, still trying to catch his breath after jogging from the car — clearly smoking was already effecting him, "Listen Mare, I have to tell you something." He said and her stomach churned with worry, but she didn't let it show.

She straightened herself out, "Does it have anything to do with Corina?" She dared to ask, not meeting the boys eyes. She dreaded his reply, hoping that it had nothing to do with her — that what she had been thinking about wasn't true.

"Yeah — but it's not what you think Mary, I swear to god," He assured her with determination before she could react terribly, "That's why I'm here. I want to explain, I — I need to explain actually." He said, beginning to stutter over his own words and Mary wondered what could be so terrible it had Charlie that worried.

She folded her arms at her chest, "I'm going out soon so make it quick." She told him coldly and the boy tilted his head, frowning.

"This isn't a quick conversation," He said and she sighed, rolling her eyes, "Mary, I know you're pissed at me —"

"Understatement."

"But I'm here because I want what's best for you — and that means telling you what's been going on recently. We have to have this conversation." He insisted, but Mary wasn't having it — she couldn't understand what would take so long for him to go over. Couldn't he just spit it out?

Mary sighed, looking at the boy that stood on her porch, hair dripping wet and face desperate, "Charlie, I was really counting on you," She told him, her voice small. The boy diverted his gaze, "All I wanted was for us to have a good time and you blew me off for — for god damn Corina Hayes." She didn't snap at him, in fact she didn't even raise her voice, she just sounded defeated.

As if right on cue, the engine of Billy's car filled her ears and she looked over as it pulled up beside her own. Mary inhaled deeply whilst Charlie did a double take, "Well, there's my ride so I've got to go." She said, not even glancing at her boyfriend as she brushed by him and shut her door behind her.

Charlie caught her wrist in his hand before she could leave and he looked at her with sad eyes, "Mare, please," He begged her, "This is important. I need you to know the truth — it's much deeper than you think." He tried telling her, putting so much effort into his words but with Mary's mood, she didn't seem to understand his silent warning of danger.

She shook her head, "I love you, Charlie," She told him in defeat, getting the smallest of a hopeful smile from him. She swallowed hard, "But right now I'd rather just stay mad at you for a little longer —"

"Mary, please," Charlie pleaded, "Jonathan, Nancy and me have a plan to figure this thing out. Things could go south and —"

Mary pulled her wrist from his grip, holding his gaze, "Have fun then." She didn't spare him another glance before she stepped off her patio, boots squishing in the mud.

Charlie threw his hands up, "Mare, what the hell is going on with you right now?!" He called after her, rushing down the patio as she moved quickly, hoping to outrun him.

"Mary, stop! Just stop!" Charlie pleaded, chasing after her in the rain and suddenly the girl stopped and spun around, marching up to him.

"What do you want me to say, Charlie?" She exclaimed, her voice breaking, "You've been pushing me away for months now! Getting further and further away! And then you blow me off for Corina and now what, now you're just back to make it all better?"

"Yes!" Charlie yelled.

Mary shook her head furiously, "It doesn't work like that!" She cried, "You're leaving to do god knows what and I don't want to be waiting around for you! Not just to be let down again —"

"Mary, it's not like that," Charlie insisted, reaching out to grab her hands but she yanked them away. He opened and closed his mouth, overwhelmed by the turn the situation had taken, "This is something I have to do —"

"And I have something I have to do — get in that car and leave this discussion behind me," Mary moved but Charlie pulled her back desperately, "Charlie!"

"Don't get in the car with him," He begged her gently, tilting his head and looking at her with those sad eyes she had fallen in love with. He clutched at her arms, softly pulling her closer, "Please, just stay with me." He whispered, his eyes half shut as he brought one had up to clutch her face and she almost crumbled at his mere touch.

She almost agreed, she almost let herself give in. But that ridiculous stubborn side of her made her step out of his grip and the boy blinked back as though her actions had scorned him, "Tell me all about your epic journey once you get back." She told him coldly before barging by and Charlie couldn't chase after her, it were like his body was stiff with numbness.

She opened the passenger side of Billy's door roughly when she looked over and met Charlie's desperate gaze. His eyes begged her not to go but shook her head before getting inside the car, "Hey, baby." Billy greeted with a smirk. He had seemingly enjoyed the drama between the couple, knowing this increased his chances with the Queen of Hawkins.

Mary reached over to where the boys lighter and cigarette packet were. She pulled one out and popped it in her mouth before lighting it. She inhaled and enjoyed the moment of bliss before she breathed it out, "Just drive." She said, her voice cold and unflattering. Billy seemed to enjoy it though and smirked before reversing.

Mary saw Charlie's face in the rear view mirror, looking sad and defeated. Truthfully, she could have just let the whole Halloween Bash thing go and the fact he had hung out with Corina — but it seemed like after everything that was going on, she needed to blow off some steam. And holding that grudge with Charlie was what was giving her that authoritative power she felt she had been lacking recently.

They drove by Jonathan's car, whom had seemed surprised that Mary would be with Billy to begin with. Nancy was also staring with wide doe eyes. Neither of them had expected Mary to turn Charlie down — in fact, they had thought she would welcome him back with open arms. But they hadn't been more wrong, although they wished they were right.

They were going down a dangerous path, trying to figure out what exactly was going on with Hawkins Lab and they had the perfect plan to get themselves inside. They just hoped they could have Mary's deviance with them — and her quick wit. And Charlie had wanted to tell her about his dreams and how they were real. He wanted to warn her of the dangers that still lurked in Hawkins; going completely unnoticed.

Billy glanced over at the girl that smoked the cigarette with a chilling calmness. He rose an eyebrow, "You good, Hopper?" He questioned and the girl looked over at him, putting a bitter smile on her face.

"Never better."