chapter twenty-six.
keep her name outta your mouth!
💔
TW: death and stabbing
disclaimer: I hope everything in Spanish is accurate!! I used Spanishdict like someone told me too !! Hopefully it's correct :)) but thank you to that person (I forgot their username, my bad)
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STRANGER THINGS 4
episode one

JOSIES PEACEFUL SLUMBER took a dark turn as her subconscious mind plunged her into a vivid and harrowing nightmare. In this surreal landscape, she found herself standing on the edge of a towering cliff, the abyss below swirling with ominous darkness. The wind howled around her, carrying the weight of her grief and fear like a chilling symphony.

Suddenly, her father materialized before her, his eyes reflecting a profound sense of despair and longing. Driven by an instinct to reach out, she extended her hand, but he slipped away from her grasp, vanishing into the unfathomable depths below. The haunting image of his anguished cry reverberated through her ears, leaving an indelible mark on her psyche.

The scenery abruptly shifted to Josie's old house in Mexico. In this dreamlike sequence, her younger self played joyfully with her dad. However, the serenity was shattered when knives materialized, swirling ominously around him. One of them struck him in the heart, and her father's cry pierced the air.

"Josefina, ¡aléjate! No quiero que te lastimes," Hector yelled at her in desperation before everything went black for him. The dream unfolded with a chilling blend of nostalgia and horror, leaving Josie grappling with the painful imagery of her father's demise within the confines of her own subconscious.

TRANSLATION; get away! I don't want you to get hurt.

Younger Josefina let out a bloody cry for her daddy to wake up.

With a jolt, Josie's eyes flew open, her body drenched in a cold sweat. She sat up in bed, gasping for breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The remnants of the nightmare clung to her, leaving her shaken and trembling. It took a moment for her to realize that it was just a dream, but the emotions it stirred within her were all too real.

Estefina quietly tiptoed into Josie's room, intending to wake her up for school. However, she was taken aback when she saw Josie already awake, her forehead glistening with beads of sweat. Concern etched across Estefina's face. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked gently with her eyebrows furrowed.

Josie nodded wearily, her voice filled with exhaustion, "Yeah, just had another nightmare about dad. It was so vivid, like I was reliving everything." She breathed out with teary eyes.

Estefina's expression turned somber as she let out a sympathetic sigh, "Gosh, I'm sorry, Josefina. Hopefully, these nightmares go away soon. It's been a few weeks now, and it's really starting to worry me. Maybe it's your nerves about spring break since Victoria is coming to Hawkins. You know, the last time someone visited . . ." She trailed off, implying Charlotte's death.

Josie sighed, her shoulders slumping, "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just hard sometimes. I'll go take a shower now, get ready for school. Mike should be here soon with Nancy."

Estefina nodded, her eyes filled with understanding, "Take your time, sweetheart. And remember, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you. Now go freshen up, and let's hope today is a better day." She gave a re-assuring gentle smile, rubbing her daughter's back.

Josie gave Estefina a small smile, appreciating her understanding. "Thanks, mama. I know I can always count on you. I'll try to shake off the bad dreams and make the most of today. Hopefully, seeing Victoria will bring some positive energy." She nodded assuringly.

Estefina returned the smile, her eyes filled with warmth. "That's the spirit, Josefina! Remember, you're strong and resilient. And don't forget to lean on your friends for support. Now, go ahead and get ready. I'll make sure breakfast is waiting for you when you come downstairs."

Josie nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of comfort in Estefina's words. "Thanks, mom. You're the best. I'll be down in a bit."

As Josie headed towards the bathroom, she couldn't help but not keep thinking about her nightmare. Feeling a shudder down her spine.

Josie stepped into the shower, feeling the warm water cascading over her body. She closed her eyes, hoping to find solace in the comforting embrace of the water. But no matter how hard she tried, the images from her nightmare continued to haunt her, replaying in her mind like a relentless movie.

The fear, the pain, it all felt so real, as if she was trapped in a never-ending loop. She could almost feel the blood in her hands, hear the echoes of her dad's voice.

It was overwhelming, consuming her thoughts. Josie clenched her fists, determined not to let the memories overpower her.

She took a deep breath, allowing the water to wash away the physical tension, and slowly began to visualize a peaceful scene. A serene beach, the sound of gentle waves, the warmth of the sun on her skin. With each breath, she felt a little lighter, a little more in control. "I won't let this nightmare define me," she whispered to herself, finding strength in her own words.

As she finished her shower, Josie emerged with a renewed sense of resilience, ready to face the day and conquer the lingering echoes of her dream.

IN THE CAR ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL, Nancy leaned over to Josie and asked, "Hey, how's Victoria doing? I heard she's coming for spring break." She questioned.

Josie smiled. "Oh yeah! Victoria is doing great. She's been really busy with her studies and extracurricular activities, but she's excited to come home for spring break. We've been planning all the fun things we're going to do together. It's been almost, what? Two years since I saw her?" She replied.

Nancy nodded, her curiosity piqued. "That's awesome! And how's Dustin doing? I haven't seen him around in a while."

Josie's expression turned thoughtful for a moment. "Dustin has been through a tough time lately. He was really affected by Charlotte's passing, but he's slowly starting to heal. I think he's been finding solace in his hobbies and he's talking to Suzie more, so I think they have a little thing now. . . He went and visited her for Winter break. It's been a journey for him, but I'm glad to see him making progress." She explained making her nod.

As josie stared out the window, lost in her thoughts, Mike turned around in the passenger front seat."You ready for the Pep Rally?" He asked her with a grin, wiggling his eyebrows.

Josefina let out a sigh and shrugged. "I guess so. I mean, I don't really enjoy going to school and seeing Max. It feels like she still has a problem with us dating. I've moved on, and I don't understand why she hasn't yet. It's been a while, you know?" She said with an annoyed tone.

Deep down, Josie missed Max. She just didn't want to admit it. Although, she also didn't like dating Mike, she wasn't gonna admit it, but he did get on her nerves. It felt like all he wanted to do was makeout. She understood now why him and El aren't dating. He had boundaries problem.

Mike nodded understandingly. "Just ignore her. You should've listened to me when I said she was bad news and you're better off," he waved his hand and turning away.

Josie raised her eyebrows, scrunching her nose. She rolled her eyes and turned back to looking out the window. A exhale leaving her lips.

JOSIE, DUSTIN AND MIKE MET UP AND WALKED TO THE GYM TOGETHER. The cheerleaders did their performance and the band did their intro music. Max walked over and stood beside Josie, feeling the brush of her hand against her hand. The Cortez girl tried to hold back her smile, before turning to Dustin and Mike. "Look, I'm not saying that my girlfriend is better than yours. It's just that Susie's, like, a certified genius."

Josie's eyebrows raised. "Oh my god, Dustin! You and Suzie are dating?! I'm so happy for you," she yelled over the crowd before nudging Max in the side. "Right, Max?"

Max looked at her with a lost look. "What?" She gapped. Josie always tried to involve Max into their conversations even if they're not dating, she tried to be her friend, despite it being annoying that Max brushes her off and ignores her and gives her glares. Which makes Josie hate going to school.

Max, Dustin and Suzie are dating now. Josie spoke to her in her mind. Another new thing Josie discovered when she was making out with Mike once. She can read minds and talk as well. She heard Mike say in his head that he was happy Josie was his now.

Max blinked. "Oh, yeah. Dustin, I'm happy for you . . ." She said coldly before crossing her arms making Josie's smile drop into a frown.

Mike sighed. "You do realize El saved the world three times and Josie's done it two times, right?" He bloated as Dustin rolled his eyes, slowly clapping his hands. "And yet, you still have a C in Spanish." He pointed out.

Josie laughed dryly. "Good come back, Dusty." She teased as he shot her a look. "Hey, you have a D in Spanish and you know Spanish!"

Max eyebrows knitted together. "Woah, I'm shocked." She commented as the Cortez girl shrugged her shoulders. "Just . . . My mind's been somewhere else lately." She murmured.

The cheerleaders finished their performance and going back to their spots. "Let's hear it for your tigers!" The announcer yelled.

Josie smiled alongside her friends, clapping and wooing for Lucas as she cheered for Lucas as he walked out with his team.

"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 cheered as everyone cheered.

In the corner of Josie's eye, she could see Max gaze over at her before looking back down at Jason. A weird fluttering feeling stormed in her stomach, but she could feel her stomach drop when Mike takes her hand and pressing a kiss to her cheek. Josie face fell into a frown as she stared at the ground with guilt.

Mike nudged her. "You okay?" Mike asked with concern.

Josie stared at him hesitantly before replying. Her lips curled into a fake smile and nodded. "Yeah, totally." She stammered as Mike gave her a strange look and watched Josie's eyes dart to the floor.

"And of course, 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 shouted, pointing at them.

The Cheerleaders waved her pom-poms in the air as Max watched her do it, she felt a smile creep on her face. "Chrissy . . ." Jason trailed off as the two lovers gazed into each others eyes.

Jason smacked his hand on his chest. "Chrissy, I love you, babe." Jason smiled at her as Chrissy blew him a kiss.

Josie smiled sadly as Max lowered her head at the thought of her and Josie running through her head.

"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 lost can one community take? 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."

At the mention of Billy, it was exinct for Max and Josie to turn their heads and look at each other. The Cortez gave Max a sympathetic look and a sympathy smile as Max turned away quickly, lowering her head.

Josie sighed and looked back at Jason. "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. And think of that motherfucker Tourist, Charlotte Becker! She torched the Mall and look at all those people who died!"

As Jason nonchalantly drops Charlotte's name, Josie's eyes widen with a potent mix of anger, hurt, and frustration. In an instant, her entire body tenses, and a surge of adrenaline propels her to her feet. She lets go of Mike's hand. "JASON CARVER!" She shouted.

The crowd around her senses the imminent eruption and falls into a hushed silence, their eyes fixated on the unfolding confrontation.

With every step she takes down the bleachers, Josie's heart pounds in her chest, matching the intensity of her emotions. Her voice quivers with a fiery determination as she addresses Jason directly, her words dripping with raw emotion.

"Enough is enough, Carver! I can't stand by and watch you casually toss around her name like it means nothing! Don't you dare bring up her death, not when you never even knew her! Charlotte was my best friend, and you have no right to exploit her memory for your own selfish agenda!"

Her words hang in the air, a charged silence enveloping the scene. The crowd is captivated, their eyes darting between Josie and Jason, their mouths slightly agape in shock and anticipation.

Suddenly, a collective gasp ripples through the onlookers as Josie's voice rises, her words cutting through the tension like a knife. "It wasn't her fault for the fire! It was Billy's doing, and you know it! Just like you, he was a piece of racist garbage, poisoning everything he touched!"

Max felt her face burn red, feeling embarrassed. But also she was pissed at Josie for the way she's talking. The impact of her words reverberates through the crowd, leaving a palpable sense of unease and discomfort. Some students exchange bewildered glances, while others shift uncomfortably in their seats, unsure how to process the intensity of the moment.

In the midst of the escalating tension, Ms. Kelly, the school counselor, swiftly intervenes, her face a mixture of concern and determination. She steps forward, gently placing a hand on Josie's arm, her voice calm but firm. "Josie, let's take a breather. Come with me to my office, and we can talk about what's going on. It's important to address these emotions in a safe and constructive way."

"Keep her name outta your mouth, Carver!" She said lastly with a scowling look.

Reluctantly, Josie allows herself to be guided away, her gaze lingering on Jason for a moment before she disappears from sight. The atmosphere remains charged, the weight of the confrontation lingering, as the students grapple with the raw emotions that have been laid bare.

ONCE THEY ARE IN THE COUNSELORS OFFICE, Ms. Kelly, her warm eyes filled with concern, motions for Josie to take a seat in her cozy office. With a comforting smile, she begins the conversation by discussing Josie's grades and her interactions with both students and teachers.

"Josie, I've noticed that your grades have been slipping lately, and there have been instances where your attitude towards others, including teachers, has been a bit challenging. It's important for me to understand what might be going on so we can work together to find a solution." She spoke up with her hands together.

Josie shifts uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes darting around the room. She knows she hasn't been her best self lately, but opening up about her struggles feels daunting.

Sensing her hesitation, Ms. Kelly reaches out a hand in a gesture of support. "I also want to talk about Charlotte's death. I know she was your best friend, and losing someone so close can have a profound impact on your emotions. If you're comfortable, I'm here to listen and help you navigate through this difficult time."

A mixture of sadness and relief washes over Josie's face as she finally finds the courage to speak. "It's just . . . None of your business, all right? Why won't you give off my dick? What is it, you want from me?" She snapped at her.

Ms. Kelly looked at her with a mixture of concern and anger washing over her face. "Josie, language. I'm just being a concerned counselor." She crossed her arms over her chest. "And tell me about these nightmares you've been having," she asked as she looked down at Josie's file.

Josie huffed, sitting up more straight in the seat. "Is this what you wanna hear? I miss Charlotte so much, Ms. Kelly! It's hard to focus on anything else. And the nightmares . . . they're about my dad. He passed away a more than a years ago, and those memories have been haunting me. He was in a freak accident."

Ms. Kelly's expression softens even further, her empathy radiating. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Josie. It's completely understandable that these emotions and memories would resurface, especially during such a challenging period. Let's work together to find healthy coping mechanisms and support systems to help you through this. You don't have to face it alone."

Josie gave her a blank expression. "I'm good." She cleared her throat.

It was obvious Josie brushes off Ms. Kelly's concerns, avoiding answering any of the questions directly. She tries to deflect the conversation.

Ms. Kelly notices Josie's evasive behavior and gently persists, "Josie, I understand that this may be difficult for you, but it's important that we address these issues. Avoiding them won't make them go away. Let's try to have an open and honest conversation."

Josie shifts uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes darting around the room as she continues to dodge the questions. She insists that everything is fine and that there's nothing to worry about.

Ms. Kelly maintains her calm demeanor, refusing to give up on Josie. "I care about your well-being, Josie. I want to help you through whatever you're going through. If you're not ready to talk now, that's okay. Just remember that I'm here for you whenever you're ready to share."

Ms. Kelly reassures Josie that she can trust her and encourages her to reach out whenever she feels ready. She emphasizes that her office is a safe space and that she genuinely cares about Josie's happiness and success.

Just as Josie musters up the courage to ask Ms. Kelly if she can go, the sound of a bell reverberates through the room, signaling the end of the session. Josie's eyes light up with a glimmer of hope, hoping that this is her chance to escape the uncomfortable conversation. With a hint of desperation in her voice, she musters the courage to ask, "Um, Ms. Kelly, can I go now?"

Ms. Kelly takes a moment to assess the situation, her expression filled with empathy. She understands that Josie is feeling overwhelmed and may be seeking an escape from the vulnerability of the conversation. However, she gently reminds Josie that they still have a few minutes left in their scheduled session.

In a warm and understanding tone, Ms. Kelly encourages Josie to utilize this remaining time to express any concerns or thoughts that she may have. She reassures Josie that her feelings and needs are valid, and that she is there to support her every step of the way.

Josie hesitates for a moment, her shoulders slumping with a mix of disappointment and resignation. With a soft sigh, she finally responds, "Um . . . okay." She slowly gets up from her chair, her movements heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Without making eye contact, she quietly exits the room, leaving behind a lingering sense of unfinished business.

As Josie walks out of Ms. Kelly's office, she is greeted by the sight of Mike waiting for her outside. They exchange smiles and engage in a warm conversation, unaware of the presence of Max, who happens to walk past them at that very moment.

Just as Josie and Mike are lost in their own world, Max catches a glimpse of them sharing a kiss. A pang of jealousy courses through her, and she can't help but send them a lingering, envious look. The mixed emotions of longing and resentment are evident on her face as she continues on his way, leaving Josie and Mike to their own blissful moment.

Meanwhile, Max decides to seek solace and support by walking into Ms. Kelly's office, hoping to find somewhat of a comfort in their ongoing sessions. Little does she know that this unexpected encounter has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within her.

The first thing Ms. Kelly asked Max was about how she knew Josie. Max began to tell her how they met and everything . . . And what broke her the most was the Snowball dance '85.

DECEMBER 8th, 1985

IT WAS SNOWBALL '85. Max's heart sank as she stood in the dimly lit gymnasium, transported back to the Snowball '85. Her eyes fixated on Josie, who was twirling and laughing with Mike, their chemistry evident to everyone around them. A surge of emotions overwhelmed Max, and in a fit of frustration and regret, she threw her cup into the nearby trash bin.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Max approached Josie, determined to apologize for everything and win her back. But just as she mustered the words, her world shattered before her eyes. Mike, with a hopeful smile, stopped in his tracks. He tapped Josie on her shoulder, Josie turned around to him with a giggle. "Yeah?"

Mike rocked back and forth on his heels. "Josie, I've liked you for a while and you know that, but I never stop . . . And lately, we've been hanging out more. And I've made sure you moved on from Max . . . If you like me back, will you be my girlfriend?"

Josie stared at him for a moment, darting her eyes to Max and locking eyes with her. Max had tears filling her eyes, biting down on her bottom lip trying to hold back her tears. This was Josie's chance to get back at Max.

Max's heart clenched as she envisioned the heart-wrenching moment. Josie, her eyes sparkling with revenge and joy, gazed into Mike's eyes, a smile playing on her lips. In a soft, melodic voice, she whispered, "Yes, Mike. I want to be your girlfriend." Her lips curled into a smirk.

Overwhelmed with happiness, Mike pulled Josie into a tight embrace, their bodies fitting perfectly together. Their lips met in a passionate and tender kiss, a moment that seemed to suspend time. The world around them faded away as they lost themselves in the depth of their love.

Max's heart shattered into even smaller fragments, the pain searing through her chest. She turned away, unable to bear witness to the love she had lost. Tears streamed down her face as she walked away, her heart heavy with regret and longing, tears streaming down her face.

"Max!" Lucas called out for her.

In her anguish, Max found solace in the arms of her loyal friend, Lucas, who chased after her. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked the redhead, noticing the fresh tears on her cheeks.

Sobbing uncontrollably, Max poured out her heart. "Lucas, I made a huge mi — mistake," she let out a soft sob. "I never meant to break up with Josefina. I was mixed up with so many emotions that day . . . I broke up with her out of sadness and anger. I've regretted it so much." She coughed up a sob.

Lucas eyebrows knitted together, listening to her intensely. "I've been trying to grow the courage to tell her that I'm sorry and i wanna fix things . . . But I was too late." She cried as Lucas held her tightly, offering comfort and understanding as Max released her pent-up emotions.

—

ash speaks!

I told you guys Season Four was gonna be depressing.
Also, Josie ain't safe guys 🙌