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A knock on the door startles him way more than it should, he was in the zone though. Groaning he gets up and goes to the door, swinging it open without checking who is there.
“Yes?” He asks before looking to see the little red head kid that lives next door to him. Max, her name was Max, she dated Lucas but never really was friends with Eddie, besides for her great remarks of sarcasm.
“I was wondering if I could use your phone.” The kid is typically super sarcastic, a know it all with an attitude, but that seems to have vanished and what remains is a pale, freckled little kid. She’s wringing her hands unsure of what she just asked almost.
“Of course, come in.” Eddie watches her, how she stands awkwardly, her book bag is still on her back, it’s full beyond just her books. She is wearing a varsity letter jacket that Eddie immediately realizes is Harrington’s old one. She is just standing there trying to kick her shoes off.
“You don’t have to take off your shoes, this isn’t exactly the White House.” Eddie smiles at her, trying to break the tension. She takes them off anyway, moving past his comment.
“Thanks, I would use ours… but anyway thank you.” She says as Eddie walks her over to the phone. Her bag left at the door, coat held around her face some.
“Anytime red.” Eddie says, watching her dial a number before holding the phone close to her ear. He tries to look busy so he can eavesdrop, it works.
“Can you come pick me up?” She gives no formal greeting as if her voice is enough of one. “No, it’s just. Please? Can I spend a couple nights? I have everything already, I’m at Eddie Munson’s trailer. Yes I’m being safe. Okay I’ll see you in a couple minutes. Love you too, bye.” Eddie realizes the conversation is rushed, but doesn’t comment on that. Maybe her mom was out of town? Maybe she has an aunt or something?
“Can I get you a glass of water there Red?” He asks her, she shakes her head no as an answer.
“I’m okay, thanks.”
“You’re one of Harrington’s right?” He asks, she’s not going to be super defensive the way the boys are, there’s no way.
“Yeah, I guess I am.” She mutters.
“Can I ask something about him?” Eddie has a lot of questions of he’s being honest about the so called reformed Harrington.
“I mean you can, doesn’t mean I know the answer.”
“Why does he hang out with all of you?” He watches how she shifts uncomfortably, she looks at her feet and sighs.
“He’s like our brother I guess.” She decides on, Eddie is even more perplexed by him.
“Why though?” He laughs some as he says it.
“He takes care of us.” She says to him.
“How?”
“Just, he’s there you know? He’s coming to get me now. He just makes sure we’re fed, clothed, watered. We’re like his weird little pets.” She laughs some finally. So it wasn’t an aunt, it was Harrington coming to her rescue.
“Never pictured him like that is all.” Is what Eddie chooses to say, he has more thoughts and opinions, but they can wait. Kid looks scared out of her mind, Eddie doesn’t dare ask why.
“Actually can I have a glass of water?” She asks after the silence hangs just too long. Eddie nods and grabs her a glass, handing it to her wordlessly. He sits there a couple minutes in silence again before he decides to ask a question.
“So why couldn’t you use your phone?” He tries to act casual, she just looks uncomfortable so he assumes he over stepped.
“Just couldn’t.”
“Well, anytime you need it don’t worry about.” He smiles some, he hears a car pull up outside. He takes note that she doesn’t run outside. Apparently he hasn’t scared her beyond belief then. Neither of them move though, as if he can float through the door. He jumps even when he hears a knock, the nice silence interrupted. He walks over to open it, already knowing who their visitor is.
“Hi Munson. Max, you okay?” Before the sentence is finished Max has launched herself across the room into Steve’s arms.
“Yeah.” He hears so very gently come from her mouth, her eyes still fixed shut as Steve smoothes her hair as he holds her.
“Thanks for letting her call Munson.” Steve says, bending over to take the stuffed backpack over his shoulder.
“Yeah, anytime.” He says as the two depart. He opens the door for her, letting her get in. Their conversation quiet as he lets her pick out a tape, he watches how he holds his hand out for her to hold for a moment before they meet eyes, he doesn’t know what is said, but he knows it’s making her feel safe.
He notices her the next day in school. Her hair is neatly done in a different style than her usual pigtails, her nails are painted, she still wears the letterman jacket, but she seems much more energetic and talkative with her friends. Her lunch is the Harrington special, but she seems to even have snacks the other boys grab at as well. She just seems happier, which is good in Eddie’s book.