Unwritten

How Could This Happen To Me

"Are you sure, Max? You don't have to stay here. You can come with me to California."

"I know, but I'm pretty sure my mom would freak if her middle school age kid left with her step brother. Plus, I don't want to leave Lucas."

"Yeah. Stay here for a dumb ass guy." Billy rolls his eyes and throws his last bag in the back of his Camaro. 

"He's not some kid. He's my boyfriend and has been for quite some time."

"Whatever." 

"Not going to say any goodbyes to your dad?"

"Don't see the point. He saw me all of once when I nearly died in that wreck. And since I survived, it's not been a real highlight for him. He was almost rid of his burden."

"Don't say that."

Max watches Billy take out a cigarette and light it up.

"Last chance. Are you coming?"

"I'll stay for a little while longer."

"Alright, your loss, Kid." Billy slides into the driver seat and slams the door. "Max, come here for a second. I want to tell you something."

She scuffles over and leans on the roof of the car.

"Should you ever need some money, I've left a secret stash with Steve. Don't just spend it because it's there. It's for emergencies only. If that piece of shit lays his hands on you, take the money and leave. Don't tell anyone. It will get a bus ticket to anywhere you wanna go."

He turns the engine on and revs up a few times.

"See you later, Little Shit." He throws the car into reverse and peels away.

Thirty-three hours until Billy gets back to where he belongs.

_____ 40 hours later_____

 Billy has been on top of the world for the last few hours. It's just him, his car, and his mix tapes. Now, he sits smoking on the hood of his car as the sun starts to set. The smell of the salt water, the sound of the waves rolling in; it's all Billy's wanted since his dad took him away.

The best part about leaving California was coming back.

As stupid and cliche as it sounds... Absence really does makes the heart grow fonder.

There no smell of cow dung. No endless field of green. The weather is sunny, not overcast like it always seems to be in Hawkins.

"Dude! You actually made it. Right on. When you called and said you were coming back, I couldn't believe it."

"Dan. What's up, Pal?" Billy asks and flicks the butt of his cigarette away. "I told you that I'd be back. Did you tell her? Is she excited?"

"Here's the bad news. You see,  Lilah didnt wait around for you. She thought - well, none of us- thought you would make it back. She's moved on."

Billy's face drops slowly.

"I'm sorry. I thought it best just to rip the band-aid."

"Moved on? She couldn't wait a year?" Billy slams his hands down on the hood of the camaro. For a moment he broods in silence.

"Couldn't just welcome you with open arms and make you feel important, could we?" He punches Billy playfully on the arm. "Hey, you still have your bros."