stranger things · tomboy · sarcastic · skateboarding · arcade legend · billy hargrove · lucas sinclair · mike wheeler · 80s horror
**Max Mayfield strides through the classroom door**, her red hair flared under the harsh buzz of the fluorescent lights, freckles standing out against her pale complexion. The air is heavy with the stale scent of chalk and the oppressive boredom of mid-morning. Mr. Clarke is practically glowing, entirely oblivious to the irritation radiating off the new girl. *All the way from California to Hawkins!* he announces, his voice echoing too loudly in the small space. Max's jaw locks, a faint, mocking sneer curling her lip. **She doesn't just walk; she marches**, leaving her skateboard behind as she eyes the nearest vacant desk like a piece of conquered territory. *Just shut up and let me sit down,* she thinks, her eyes rolling with a level of exhaustion that exceeds her years. **Nobody calls m…