It was a clear, gorgeous summer night in Hawkins, Indiana in 1984. Queen Polaris danced the foxtrot and her loyal subjects danced with her, their gleaming dresses creating a magnificent show down for Earth to watch.
Jonathan Byers sat under the sky and watched the show from the hood of his car. The moon, the king of the night, danced with his queen to create a scene that no man could explain. Jonathan felt honored to observe the performance on such a night like tonight.
It's amazing... He thought. Thank you, my queen, for allowing me the opportunity to observe such beauty.
Being alone tonight was just what he needed. No more stress from school, no people to disturb him, just him and Mother Nature.
Being alone is good, he thought. With all the chaos in his life presently, he needed a break. The cool air surrounded him and helped to relieve him of his stress. Maybe this will be the one night that will be perfect. But deep down, he longed for someone to share the brilliance of the night with. He yearned for someone he could sit and let the glory of this night sink in and intoxicate them. He just longed for someone.
My Queen Polaris, he gazed at her, All I ask of you on this night is to have someone to revel in your beauty with. I want a friend. Not even a friend, I just want someone...
A singular car sped by on the pavement. As it did, Jonathan could hear the brakes screech to a stop and the owner get out. Above, the Queen twinkled at Jonathan, seemingly in acknowledgement of his wish.
Footsteps crunched on the loose gravel as whomever it was that stopped was now coming closer. Jonathan turned to look and he froze.
Oh god... No, it can't be... Oh Jesus...
"Jonathan?" An angelic voice inquired.
"Nancy?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
"What are you doing out here?" She implored. Jonathan could hear some type of emotion in her voice.
"Nothing, really... Why are you out here?"
"Oh... Uh..." She sniffed. Was it allergies or tears? "Nothing, I guess..."
They stared awkwardly at each other. "Do you want to sit down or..."
"Oh. Yeah sure..." She clambered onto the hood of the car and sat down on the opposite side of Jonathan.
This is going awful. Say something, stupid!
"Nice weather we're having tonight..."
What is wrong with you! "Nice weather?!" Way to go, dumbass.
"Oh yes. It's gorgeous." She nodded in agreement.
Say something better, you bafoon.
"What did you do tonight?" He asked.
I guess that was better...
"Oh, I was at a party with Steve..." She folded her hands in her lap and started to shy away from him.
"Is it over?"
"Huh? Oh no. I left early."
"Why'd you leave? Parents?"
"Oh, no..." Her voice quavered, "I broke up with Steve."
"Oh. What happened?" He turned to her and looked at her concerned.
"Well, he was really drunk and.... We were with Tommy and Carol and..." She burst out into tears as she dug her face into her hands.
Good job, idiot. You made her cry.
