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March 21st, 1986

Cassidy Sinclair executed a shadow jump, appearing before El, Theodore, and Will just as they were about to leave Surfer Dudes van. "Cassie!" scolded Will and Theodore in unison, their disapproval evident. El, however, welcomed her with a soft smile.

"Sup boys, El!" Cassidy greeted, waving with a mischievous smile that earned eye rolls from Will and Theodore. El, excited to see Cassidy, jumped onto her, enveloping her in a tight hug. The camaraderie and playfulness between them were palpable.

"Hey, E— Jane," Cassidy giggled, enjoying the playful interaction. El beamed, pulling away from the hug with a contagious smile. As El confidently strolled through the courtyard, Cassidy turned her attention to Theodore and Will.

"How's the friend thing going?" Cassidy inquired, her tone suggesting she was aware of some complexities. Theodore and Will exchanged glances, their lips curling into reluctant frowns that hinted at an unspoken tension in their friendship, leaving Cassidy to sense the undercurrents at play.

"She's still getting bullied?" Cassidy's concern echoed as she looked at Will and Theodore, who reluctantly nodded in response. Determined to lift the spirits, Cassidy took charge of the situation.

"Well, boys, let's go watch El present her project on Hop," she proposed, wrapping her arms around them. Despite the heaviness in the air, Cassidy aimed to provide a positive distraction. Theodore and Will exchanged a meaningful glance, their unspoken connection lingering as they followed Cassidy toward a brighter moment, each harboring a wish for something more beneath the surface.

Cassidy, her teasing smirk in place, halted in her tracks and folded her arms. "So you and Will are back together?" she probed, catching the nuanced exchange of glances between Theodore and Will. The unspoken tension was thick in the air.

"Did you tell her—?" Theodore scolded, his words laced with a forced smile. Will scratched his neck, delivering a apologetic smile. Theodore, seemingly in disbelief, pointed at Cassidy.

"You better not tell Mike," Theodore demanded. Cassidy, hands raised defensively, shook her head. "Aye, I'm not gonna tell Mike nor the party," she assured. Theodore glanced at Will, who nodded. Finally, Theodore nodded too.

"Come on, guys!! I wanna show Angela!" El's enthusiasm broke the moment. Cassidy sighed sadly, the complexities of their relationships weighing on her, and the boys sealed the understanding with a shared hug, navigating the delicate dynamics with a mix of secrecy and camaraderie.

"I'll see you guys later, Cass, please go home and go to school before you're late," Theodore scolded, his tone carrying a mixture of exasperation and genuine concern. Cassidy responded with a mischievous smirk, acknowledging the likelihood of her tardiness as she nodded her head.

Theodore, resigned to the playful dynamic, walked into the school to carry out his hall monitoring duties. As he disappeared into the building, Cassidy couldn't resist a parting shot. "Nerd!" she called after him, the word a playful tease.

Theodore, not one to back down, turned on his heels, playfully flipping her off. Cassidy's grin widened, and a chuckle escaped her as she watched him, enjoying the banter that defined their unique friendship.

El, Will, and Cassidy entered the school together. As they walked, Cassidy nudged Will's side, sparking a moment of camaraderie. Lost in thought, Will's mind seemed occupied, likely replaying the events of his date with Theodore the night before. Cassidy, ever perceptive, noticed the glossy look in Will's eyes and couldn't resist a teasing smirk.

"You thinking about Theo?" she asked quietly, her tone conspiratorial. Will's lips curled into a small, affectionate smile, and he nodded. Cassidy, sensing the depth of Will's emotions, expressed genuine warmth.

"I'm glad you guys are back together," she stated, her words carrying a mix of support and happiness for her friends.

Will nodded, and Cassidy, understanding the weight of the situation, comfortingly wrapped an arm around him. "Yeah, Theo felt bad. He broke up with me for a stupid reason. I mean, it's not entirely stupid, but it was," Will explained, his words carrying a mixture of vulnerability and acceptance. Cassidy nodded in understanding, the complexities of relationships a familiar terrain.

As they strolled through the school, a red-headed girl waved to one of her friends. El, caught up in her own world, mistook the friendly wave and thought it was directed at her. Oblivious to the mix-up, she responded with an enthusiastic wave in return, adding a touch of unintentional charm to the moment.

Will and Cassidy exchanged a knowing look as El's smile shifted into a frown. The source of the commotion became evident when Cassidy heard a stifled laugh—Angela. Holding her books, Angela fell victim to Cassidy's subtle maneuver, causing the books to soar across the room.

"Ugh! Not again! I swear there's a draft in this school!" Angela complained, voicing her frustration. Cassidy couldn't help but giggle at the successful prank. With a mischievous smile, she wrapped an arm around El, and together they walked into Mrs. Gracey's classroom, leaving Angela to grumble about the supposed mysterious drafts haunting the school.

Cassidy positioned herself at the back of the classroom, witnessing El's struggle to reach her seat, an exasperating display of mistreatment. Angela and a guy named Christian fueled the torment, laughing and even spitting wads at El, intensifying Cassidy's frustration.

Unable to tolerate the injustice, Cassidy clenched her fists in anger and marched over to the scene. The determination in her eyes conveyed a readiness to confront those responsible for making El's school experience more difficult than it needed to be.

"Angela! You fucking whore!" Cassidy's voice rang out, cutting through the classroom. Angela's eyebrows shot up, and she sized Cassidy up with a condescending gaze. "Who the fuck are you?" Angela retorted, her tone laced with snide dismissal, accompanied by a scoff that dripped with arrogance.

Cassidy, feeling the intensity of the moment, clenched her fists even tighter. As the confrontation unfolded, it became clear that Angela's hostility went beyond mere bullying—it revealed a more insidious layer of prejudice. Angela's disdainful attitude showcased not only a propensity for bullying but also an unsettling racist aspect.

"It's not your problem who I am. Just leave her alone, racist bitch," Cassidy spat defiantly, confronting Angela's prejudiced behavior. Angela, unfazed, rolled her eyes, and El, caught in a moment of guilt, looked down, empathizing with Cassidy's defense.

Angela, seizing on Cassidy's cheerleading outfit, sneered, "Wait, you're a cheerleader for Hawkins High? How are you—" Before Angela could finish her sentence, Will intervened, rushing over and dragging her away. He sensed the brewing conflict and acted swiftly, cutting off Angela's remarks and preventing the situation from escalating further.

"Cassie, you need to go home," Will urged, genuine concern lacing his words. Cassidy, still fueled by frustration, rolled her eyes. "But that bitch needs a beati—" Will intervened with a firm voice. "No. Go," he instructed, cutting off any further discussion.

Cassidy, though annoyed, complied. She rolled her eyes once again before showcasing another recently acquired skill. With a snap of her fingers, she shadow-jumped onto her bike, revealing a newfound ability to traverse distances effortlessly. Riding up beside Lucas, she used her telekinetic prowess to manipulate his bike, causing him to swerve in surprise.

"Ahh!" Lucas screamed as he struggled to control his bike, the unexpected maneuver forcing him to come to a stop and tumble over. Cassidy couldn't help but smirk, reveling in the display of her evolving abilities.

Cassidy brought her bike to a stop, a laugh escaping her as Lucas gave her a glaring look while grunting and picking himself up from the ground. "Why would you do that, Cassidy!" he quipped, his annoyance palpable. Cassidy furrowed her eyebrows in response.

"Why are you always trying to start a fight with me? It was a joke! I didn't think you would actually fall off your bike," Cassidy groaned, rolling her eyes, making sure her bike remained stationary by putting her foot down.

"Because you keep making irrational decisions!" Lucas shot back, frustration evident in his retort. The tension between them lingered, exposing the intricate and sometimes conflicting dynamics that defined their relationship.

Cassidy scoffed, folding her arms in defiance. "Seriously? What has gotten into you, Lucas?" she scolded, her tone a mix of irritation and disbelief. Lucas laughed in response, but his laughter held a tinge of frustration.

"Me? What has gotten into me?! No, Cassie! What has gotten into you! Ever since you and Max broke up, you've been colder than ever! And you're back to doing pranks again!" Lucas yelled at her, his words carrying a blend of frustration and genuine concern for his friend.

Despite his impassioned plea, Cassidy rolled her eyes, seemingly dismissive of Lucas's perspective and the emotions underlying his outburst.

She sniffled a laugh, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I just missed the pranks, that's all," Cassidy casually shrugged, trying to play off the significance of her actions. Lucas, however, wasn't buying it. He gave her a strange look, clearly skeptical of her explanation.

"I just missed the pranks, that's all?" Lucas mocked her, raising an eyebrow with a tone of disbelief. Cassidy shot him a harsh glare, her attempt to downplay met with skepticism. Before she could continue, Lucas hinted that he believed there was more to the story, urging her to share the deeper reasons behind her recent behavior.

"It's my life, not yours. You're not the one who dated Max," Cassidy spat defensively, a sense of ownership in her words. Lucas furrowed his eyebrows, the tension between them escalating until a moment of silence hung in the air.

"Well, you're the one who stole her from me!" Lucas snapped, revealing a buried resentment. Cassidy gave him a strange look, caught off guard by the accusation. "What?" she chuckled slightly, disbelief coloring her response, as Lucas shook his head in frustration.

"I liked her, you know? I was the one who kept trying to get her, but nooo!! Cassidy, the Sour Prankster, Sinclair had to swoop in and make her fall in love with her! I had a huge crush on Max since eighth grade!" Lucas admitted, his frustration and resentment bubbling to the surface. Cassidy's eyes widened in realization.

"Wait— What? Do you still like her?" Cassidy questioned, seeking clarity. Lucas shook his head. "Not anymore, but the point is, Cassidy, you've changed since the break up," he scowled, the weight of unspoken feelings evident in his words. Without another word, he hopped on his bike and rode off angrily, leaving Cassidy to ponder the complexity of their shared history.

Cassidy, exasperated, rolled her eyes and pushed the pedals again, eager to leave the current situation behind. However, just as she was about to ride away, Mildred's voice pierced the air. "Cassidy Sinclair.." Cassidy's eyes widened as she looked ahead and saw her clone, an uncanny replica of herself, the fake Cassidy. Panic surged through her veins before the doppelganger mysteriously vanished.

Cassidy's breathing stopped for a moment as she frantically looked around, finding no trace of the imposter. The unsettling encounter lingered in her mind as a sense of unease settled in. Without wasting any time, Cassidy biked towards the school, hoping to escape the mysterious and disconcerting presence that had crossed her path.

—

Cassidy carefully parked her bike, her attention drawn to Max and Ms. Kelly engrossed in conversation. Seeing Max don headphones and walk away with a palpable sense of sadness, Cassidy furrowed her eyebrows in concern. Approaching Ms. Kelly, she sought information.

"Hey, Ms. Kelly. Did Max go to her last session?" Cassidy asked. Ms. Kelly turned around, and a solemn shake of her head conveyed the absence of Max from the counseling session. Cassidy nodded, a sad sigh escaping her.

Ready to walk away, Cassidy was halted by Ms. Kelly. "I do want to talk to you, Cassidy. I've heard about you doing—" Ms. Kelly's words hung in the air, signaling an impending conversation about Cassidy's recent actions.

"Pranks again," Cassidy finished for Ms. Kelly with a groan, anticipating the topic. Ms. Kelly nodded understandingly. "I know breakups can be hard, but you can't use pranks to distract you—" Cassidy cut her off abruptly. "I honestly don't want to talk about this right now," she declared, forcing a noticeable fake smile before briskly walking away, redirecting her focus to the upcoming Pep Rally.

—

The corridor echoed with the distant murmur of students heading to the pep rally, and Cassidy, hidden behind a wall, held the bucket of water tightly, her eyes fixed on Mr. Franklin's classroom door. The anticipation bubbled within her mischievous demeanor.

As the theater teacher opened the door, Cassidy's heart quickened, and with a swift, practiced motion, she tilted the bucket just enough to release a cascade of water onto Mr. Franklin. The water drenched him thoroughly, leaving him bewildered and dripping.

A stifled gasp escaped Cassidy's lips as she clamped her hand over her mouth, barely containing her laughter. Mr. Franklin, soaked and confused, looked around in sheer surprise, water droplets shimmering in the air.

From her hiding spot, Cassidy couldn't resist snickering, thoroughly enjoying the unexpected spectacle. As Mr. Franklin shook his head, trying to comprehend the situation, Cassidy emerged from behind the wall, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

Confidently walking toward the gym, she muttered under her breath, "That's what you get for giving me a D on my monologue because I kept stuttering." The taste of sweet revenge lingered as she melted into the crowd, disappearing among the students making their way to the pep rally, leaving Mr. Franklin to ponder the mysterious shower he had just received.

—

"Alright, Team! Do the performance like I told you!" Cassidy asserted her leadership as the newly appointed team captain. Amidst the preparations, her attention was drawn to Mike and Dustin, embroiled in a lively debate about their respective girlfriends. Max, from the stands, watched with an amused eye roll.

With a burst of energy, Cassidy executed a somersault, landing gracefully beside the bickering duo. "You do know I saved the world twice too, right?" she teased, injecting a playful reminder of her own heroic exploits. Mike and Dustin, engrossed in their argument, shot her a collective glare.

"Butt out, Cassie!" they retorted simultaneously, dismissing her intervention. Unfazed, Cassidy raised her hands in mock surrender, a mischievous glint in her eyes. The playful banter continued, adding a dynamic layer to the camaraderie within the group as they geared up for their performance on the stage.

Cassidy, determined to shift the energy and diffuse the tension, decided on a bold move. "Alright, boys, if you won't agree, let's settle this the only way I know how," she declared with a sly grin.

Taking charge, Cassidy orchestrated her fellow cheerleaders to form a tight-knit group on the ground. The stands buzzed with anticipation as the team prepared for an impromptu cheerleading routine. With a nod, Cassidy initiated the routine, and the team seamlessly flowed into a synchronized display of flips, jumps, and energetic moves.

On the ground, they moved with precision and flair, showcasing their agility and teamwork. Spirited cheers from the team members echoed through the air, adding a lively rhythm to the routine. Cassidy's movements exuded confidence and enthusiasm, setting the tone for a dynamic performance.

Max, initially skeptical, found herself captivated by the unexpected showcase. The rest of the team, caught up in the spontaneous energy, joined in with enthusiasm. The stands erupted in cheers and applause as Cassidy's impromptu cheerleading routine became a surprising and memorable highlight of the day.

As the routine approached its climax, Cassidy, recognizing the need for a show-stopping moment, flashed a mischievous grin. The crowd's anticipation heightened as she prepared for the grand finale. With a theatrical gesture, she executed a flawless shadow jump off the bleachers, disappearing from sight in an instant.

Gasps and whispers rippled through the spectators as Cassidy reappeared mid-air, suspended in a triple backflip that defied gravity. The audience was left in awe, eyes fixed on her seemingly magical prowess.

Did everyone see her shadow jump? Absolutely. The crowd, momentarily stunned by the unexpected display of supernatural ability, exchanged astonished glances. However, ever the showwoman, Cassidy smoothly downplayed the feat. She had, after all, playfully insisted to the entire school that she possessed the skills of a magician, turning the jaw-dropping moment into an illusion, an extraordinary trick she had mastered.

Despite the initial surprise, the stands erupted into thunderous cheers and applause, embracing the magic and spectacle of Cassidy's unexpected performance. The air buzzed with excitement as she basked in the aftermath of her grand illusion, leaving the entire school captivated by her dynamic display of skill and showmanship.

"Let's hear it for your tigers!"

Cassidy couldn't contain her pride as she cheered alongside Chrissy, their shared excitement palpable. Lucas and his team made their entrance, and he offered Cassidy a silent 'sorry for earlier' look. She responded with a playful wave, their unspoken connection evident.

As Jason took the spotlight, expressing gratitude to the assembled supporters, the arena buzzed with energy. "First off, I'd like to thank each and every one of you. Without your support, we wouldn't be here. Give yourselves a big hand!" Jason's words resonated, eliciting cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

Caught up in the celebratory atmosphere, Cassidy turned her head and found herself locking eyes with Max. A genuine smile graced her lips, radiating warmth. However, the mood shifted as Cassidy noticed Max's piercing glare. Unfazed, Cassidy continued to revel in the moment, savoring the victory and the spirited camaraderie.

Max, on the other hand, turned her head away, a feigned indifference masking the complex emotions beneath the surface. The dynamics between Cassidy and Max remained as intricate as ever – a blend of playful banter, unspoken sentiments, and the undeniable chemistry that lingered in the air.

Cassidy's upbeat expression crumbled into a frown as she turned away from Max's intense glare. The weight of unspoken emotions hung in the air, and Chrissy, sensing the sudden shift, nudged her friend gently.

"You okay?" Chrissy's concern was evident in her voice as she peered at Cassidy. Struggling to maintain composure, Cassidy conjured a fake smile and nodded in response. However, the tightness around her eyes betrayed the facade.

Chrissy, familiar with the nuances of Cassidy's expressions, shot her a scrutinizing look. Cassidy, attempting to deflect the concern, turned her focus back towards Jason, who continued to revel in the celebratory moment with the team. The strained smile lingered on Cassidy's lips, concealing the internal turmoil as she grappled with the intricacies of relationships and unspoken sentiments.

Jason's voice resonated through the arena, spotlighting the Tiger Cheer Squad, with Cassidy wholeheartedly waving her pom-poms in a spirited display. Max, observing from a distance, found herself unable to resist a smile as she watched Cassidy's energetic performance.

"And, of course, I have to give a special shout-out to the best and the prettiest fans of all time, the Tiger Cheer Squad!" Jason's words echoed, acknowledging the squad's unwavering support. Cassidy continued to dazzle with her enthusiasm, but Max's attention remained fixed on her.

As Jason's gaze shifted, he uttered, "Chrissy..." in a tone that hinted at something more. A tender moment unfolded between Jason and Chrissy, their eyes locked in an affectionate exchange. Amidst the celebration, Cassidy, though outwardly engaged, felt a subtle frown forming. The cheerfulness of the occasion contrasted with an underlying yearning within her – a longing for the presence of someone special she dearly missed: Max.

Jason's heartfelt declaration filled the arena, his hand smacking his chest in a dramatic gesture. "Chrissy, I love you, babe," he proclaimed, a beaming smile directed at his girlfriend. Chrissy responded with a blown kiss, sealing the moment with affection.

Cassidy, though smiling outwardly, felt a pang of sadness beneath the surface. The display of love between Jason and Chrissy triggered reflections in Max's mind. She lowered her head, grappling with thoughts of her and Cassidy that lingered, casting a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere.

Jason's words reverberated through the arena, his voice carrying the weight of the collective losses Hawkins had endured. "You know, I think I can speak for all of us when I say, it's been a rough year for Hawkins. So much loss. And sometimes I wonder, how much loss can one community take?" he mused, addressing the somber reality that had hung over the town.

"In dark days like this, we need something to believe in. So, last night, when we were down by ten points at half to Christian Academy, I looked at my team, and I said, think of Jack. Think of Melissa. Think of Heather. Think of Billy," Jason declared, rallying the spirits with a pep speech.

At the mention of Billy, Max and Cassidy instinctively turned their heads to look at each other. Cassidy, with a sympathetic gaze and a kindness in her smile, exchanged a silent understanding with Max. However, Max, grappling with the emotions tied to Billy, averted her eyes quickly and lowered her head once more.

Cassidy sighed with a heavy sadness, torn between the memories of loss and the present call to action. Her gaze returned to Jason, who continued his impassioned speech. "Think about our heroic police chief, Jim Hopper. Think about every one of our friends who perished in that fire. What did they die for? For us to lose to some... some crap school? No," Jason declared with fervor, rejecting the idea of letting their sacrifices be in vain.

"No!"

"For us ro return home with our heads hung low in defeat? No!"

"No!"

The fervor in Jason's voice echoed through the arena, each word carrying the weight of the collective grief, determination, and a commitment to honor the fallen. "No. Let's win this game. Let's win this game for them. And that's exactly what we did!" His declaration resonated, a rallying cry that stirred emotions and elicited a surge of applause from the impassioned crowd.

"We embarrassed those candy-asses in their own house, and now tonight, tonight, we're gonna bring home the championship trophy! Let's go!" Jason's fervent proclamation surged with pride and defiance. The atmosphere became charged with a renewed sense of purpose, the crowd feeding off the team's determination to triumph in the face of adversity.

Cassidy's energetic spirit manifested in a flawless backflip summersault, landing with a grace that captured the attention of the spectators. However, her exuberance was met with disapproving glares from Mike and Dustin. A sudden realization dawned on her – she had committed to learning how to play D&D with them that night, an engagement that had temporarily slipped her mind amidst the excitement of the game.

—

Cassidy, sensing the tension, rushed over to Mike and Dustin, wrapping her arms around them in a cheerful greeting. "Hello, boys!" she chimed, trying to diffuse the strained atmosphere. However, her attempt to lighten the mood was met with Mike and Dustin shrugging off her arms.

"We aren't gonna forget about how you forgot!" Dustin scolded, expressing his displeasure. Undeterred, Cassidy playfully ruffled Dustin's hair. "Sorry, Dusty. If you need someone to play for you guys since Lucas can't join in, you could ask Erica," she suggested, offering a potential solution to bridge the gap in their D&D session.

Dustin and Mike swiftly shook their heads while the Sinclair girl simply shrugged. "It was just an idea."

"That's not the point."

"Please, arrive with the point."

Lucas laid out his strategy, "If I establish a connection with these guys, we'll integrate into the popular crowd," he explained, leading to Cassidy's scoff and eye roll. They proceeded to Mr. Patterson's class and halted in front of the door. Mike challenged, "Have you ever considered that we might not aspire to be popular?" Lucas shot them a skeptical look in response.

Wearing a scowl, Lucas pressed, "You really want to spend three more years stuck with the nerds and freaks?" Cassidy shot him a glare, responding, "Lucas, Mike and Dustin may not be athletic, but it's not just about popularity. So what if they're nerds? Remember your 'nerdy' Marvel phase?" Lucas rolled his eyes, dismissing his twin sister's point.

Ignoring her, he redirected the conversation, "But maybe we don't have to be," countering back on the topic of popularity.

Dustin and Mike shared a glance, and Lucas poured out his frustration, "I'm tired of being bullied, tired of girls laughing at us, tired of feeling like a loser. We came to high school wanting things to be different, right?" Mike and Dustin nodded in agreement.

Cassidy let out a huff and a sniffle, responding, "All you want is to be popular, Lucas. To be popular? Sure, you got laughed at by girls, but that's because girls can be ruthless. Whether you're a nerd or not, you'd eventually get a girl. It's not always about popularity," Cassidy yelled at him, storming off to her locker, leaving a tense atmosphere behind.

—

At her locker, a couple was engrossed in making out. It was a common sight in high school, and Cassidy, though finding it gross, had grown accustomed to it. As she sensed Max's aura approaching, Cassidy turned her head. Observing Max glance at the couple before meeting her eyes, Cassidy's lips curled into a frown. Max, noticing Cassidy's gaze, quickly lowered her head, looking at the ground. Cassidy sighed sadly, her frown deepening, and closed her locker.

Cassidy observed Max entering Ms. Kelly's office, a thought forming in her mind. Taking a seat near the office, she patiently waited for Max to finish and exit.

—

In the midst of the wait, Cassidy found herself sketching a picturesque sunset. The atmosphere shifted abruptly as Max emerged from Ms. Kelly's office with palpable frustration. Reacting swiftly, Cassidy stood up, packing her belongings in a blur of superhuman speed, just in time to slide on her headphones and address the unfolding situation.

A thin stream of blood meandered down Cassidy's nose, evidence of the urgency propelling her forward in pursuit of Max. "Max! Max, hey," Cassidy whispered urgently, her voice a breathless plea as Max turned to face the persistent Sinclair girl. "Are you stalking me or something?" Max scolded, her tone sharp.

Despite the accusation, Cassidy sighed with a touch of sadness but pressed on, keeping pace with Max as she discreetly wiped the blood from her nose with the sleeve of her jacket. The palpable tension lingered in the air as they continued their uneasy exchange.

"Oh, no, I... I just wanted to give you this." Cassidy extended a game ticket toward Max, who promptly accepted it, scanning the contents. "What is this?" Max questioned, her curiosity piqued, as Cassidy continued walking by her side. "A ticket to the game," Cassidy replied simply, the offer hanging in the air between them.

Max shot Cassidy a skeptical look, to which Cassidy responded with a nod. "I know you never want to come to me and Lucas' games, but this one is kind of a big deal. Lucas and I would love to have you there," Cassidy explained earnestly. Max sniffled, a small laugh escaping her. "A big deal? Cassidy, you really care about this?" she asked, her skepticism giving way to a hint of surprise.

"Yeah, I... I do. Maybe you should find something you care about too," Cassidy advised, her words slipping out before she could fully consider them.

Instant regret washed over her as Max abruptly stopped walking. Whirling around, Max's expression shifted to anger. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she snapped, catching Cassidy off guard, her eyes widening in realization of the impact of her words.

"Uh..." Cassidy took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and sadness as she met Max's gaze. "You're just..." She hesitated, grappling with the delicate words. "It's... It's like you're not even here anymore," she confessed, the weight of her observation hanging in the air.

Max, intrigued but skeptical, tilted her head, encouraging Cassidy to elaborate. "It's... It's like you're a ghost or something," Cassidy continued, her frown deepening with concern. The metaphor hung in the air, and Max, furrowing her eyebrows, responded with a mixture of disbelief and a hint of irritation, "A ghost? Really?"

"Maxine," Cassidy stepped forward, her eyes meeting Max's as the latter looked down at her. Max was only a few inches taller than Cassidy. "I know something's wrong," Cassidy expressed, her concern evident in both her words and the earnestness of her gaze.

"Yeah, right. Something must be wrong with me because I broke up with you," Max retorted, her words edged with a hint of sarcasm. Cassidy looked at her with confusion. "W— What? No! No, that's.. that's not even what I meant," she stammered, trying to clarify her intention.

"Cassie, look," Max paused, a nervous habit of licking her lips betraying the emotional weight of her words. "People change, okay? That's it." Cassidy's frown deepened, a pang of realization hitting her that she had changed too.

"I've changed," Max's voice cracked, laying bare the vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. Cassidy, feeling a wave of guilt, looked down, grappling with the complexities of the moment. "It's that simple," Max finished, adjusting her backpack strap before briskly walking into the girls' bathroom.

Cassidy huffed in sadness, the heavy air lingering around her as she turned away, making her way towards the lunchroom with a mix of emotions swirling within.

—

Cassidy strolled into the bustling lunchroom, weaving her way between Dustin and Mike, who were both fixated on the spectacle of Eddie being unusually 'revved' up. "Shit, he seems really revved up today," Dustin remarked, glancing at his friends. Cassidy chuckled knowingly, "He's always revved up," she added in unison with Mike.

"We'll just act casual," Mike suggested optimistically. However, Cassidy couldn't contain her laughter. "Casual? You guys are horrible at acting casual. Watch and learn, boys," she declared with a vibrant laugh, playfully pushing them aside as she took the lead, showcasing her version of nonchalant composure in the lively lunchroom scene.

Cassidy sauntered over with a sassy demeanor, taking a seat at the table, with Mike and Dustin following suit. "Hey, Eddie! What's going on?" she asked with feigned interest. "Aye, Sinclair's twin sister! Just talkin' about how the town still thinks D&D is a devil's game," Eddie informed her, prompting Cassidy to roll her eyes in exasperation.

"Eh, don't listen to them. You guys are just nerds who like to play that weird game," Cassidy winked at Eddie, who chuckled in response. "We're the freaks because we like to play a fantasy game," Eddie added with a hint of playful sarcasm, embracing their shared love for the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons.

"But as long as you're into band or science," Eddie smacked his hand on the table and climbed onto it, walking across its surface. "Or parties..." Eddie mocked in a voice, and Cassidy couldn't help but laugh. "Or a game where you toss balls into laundry baskets..." Eddie cupped his hands around his mouth, directing a cheeky comment at Jason.

Angrily, Jason stood up, glaring at Eddie. "You want something, freak?" he questioned, to which Eddie responded by acting like a devil, earning a blank stare from Jason. Dustin and Cassidy burst into laughter.

"It's forced conforming," Eddie stated plainly as he continued his casual stroll across the table, emphasizing the absurdity of societal expectations.

"That's what's..." Eddie dramatically leaped off the table, successfully startling a nearby girl. "Killing the kids!" he proclaimed with theatrical flair, prompting Cassidy to instinctively smother her laughter with her hand. The impromptu performance continued as Eddie bowed dramatically, graciously letting people pass by.

Cassidy, trying to contain her amusement, couldn't help but appreciate Eddie's bold approach to breaking the monotony of conformity, even if it came with unexpected surprises. She chuckled as Eddie carried on, adding a touch of humor to the ordinary lunchtime routine.

"That's the real monster," Eddie said quietly as he settled back into his seat. Sighing, he glanced at Cassidy, folding his arms and leaning on them. "Question, Cassandra," he cleared his throat, prompting laughter from Cassidy, who pointed at him. "It's Cassidy," she corrected him, to which Eddie waved her off.

"Cassidy or Cassandra, I don't care. Why do you sit with Dustin and Mike, if you're a cheerleader who can be, like, chasing after a boy?" Eddie inquired, his curiosity evident in the question.

"Ah, great question!" Cassidy grinned, wrapping her arms around Mike and Dustin in a theatrical display of friendship. "I can't leave my besties, Dustin and Mike! They're my emotional support," she playfully declared, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Eddie's smile softened as he observed Cassidy's spirited response. "I like you, got some great fierce attitude," he pointed to her, appreciating her authenticity. Cassidy's wide smile persisted.

"Also, I'm not straight," Cassidy shared, lowering her voice as she revealed a more personal aspect of herself. Eddie's eyes widened with interest, responding with an intrigued "ooh." "Nice. Even better, we love a lesbian cheerleader," Eddie exclaimed in a hushed tone, whispering back his approval.

Cassidy couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiastic response, grateful for the acceptance and camaraderie found in this unexpected lunchtime conversation.

Dustin cleared his throat, nudging Cassidy, who responded with an eye roll and a non-verbal plea to handle the situation. Dustin sighed, taking the initiative. "So, uh, speaking of monsters, uhm, Lucas has to do his, uh, balls-in-laundry-baskets game," he gestured awkwardly, chuckling nervously.

Eddie gave Dustin a deadpan look. "He's not gonna be able to make it to Hellfire tonight," Eddie stated matter-of-factly. Dustin giggled nervously as Cassidy sighed in frustration, smacking her hand on her face. "Uhh, you guys can continue to explain this to Eddie... I need to, uh, go practice for the game tonight—" she stood up and hastily ran off, escaping the unfolding conversation she didn't want to witness.

—

ash speaks !

ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! cassidy sinclair is officially back and shes sassier than ever!! i missed writing her so much. i feel like this season, i'm going to be writing myself into her more.

i got lazy and i'm not gonna write the game, but basically cassidy gets a little sad that max doesn't come to the game.

theres gonna be a lot of drama this season!! be ready (: