chapter thirteen:
❛ let's go, nerd! ❜

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introducing...
cree cicchino as lucy

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The morning air was cool as Nancy opened the door, her eyes narrowed in frustration as she peered into Mike's room. The time was ticking, and they were already running behind schedule. Nancy had already given Mike the typical 15-minute warning to get up, but it was clear that Mike had no intention of making it easy for them this morning.

"Mike, come on!" Nancy yelled, her voice breaking the stillness of the room. She walked over to his bed and pulled back the blanket, only to find Mike snuggled in, barely awake. "You're gonna make us late!"

Wren, walking right behind Nancy, groaned impatiently as he saw his cousin still sprawled out, clearly not making an effort to get up. He was already irritated - first, because Mike and Dustin had barely given him any support when it came to his baseball team practices, and secondly, because of the usual Mike and Eleven drama that Wren tried to stay out of.

"Let's go, Nerd!" Wren yelled, his voice sharp with annoyance as he threw a book off the nightstand. It smacked Mike right on the forehead with a soft thud, waking him up a bit more than Nancy's yelling had. "I don't wanna be late for swim practice if I wanna be captain this year," Wren continued, his tone mocking as he grabbed a nearby pencil and tossed it at Mike's feet.

Mike blinked up, groggy and clearly less than impressed with Wren's antics. "I'm going, I'm going," he mumbled, but his voice was muffled as he pulled himself up to get dressed. Wren had his usual smirk on his face, clearly enjoying the fact that Mike had been roused by his earlier antics, but the smugness quickly faded when Mike groggily pulled on his Hellfire Club t-shirt.

"Let's go!" Wren called again, his impatience mounting. As Mike tugged his shirt on, Wren could feel his irritation beginning to boil over. He didn't have time to wait, especially with everything else going on.

"You still reading another letter from Ellie Bellie?" Wren mocked, using his usual teasing tone. He was fully aware of Mike's secret-and not-so-secret-obsession with Eleven, and the jealousy had been simmering inside him for weeks. He couldn't even pretend to be happy about Mike and Eleven getting back together.

Mike's face reddened at Wren's comment, and his irritation was clear. "Still jealous I got her and you don't?" Mike shot back, his voice taking on a sharper edge than usual.

The jab stung, but Wren didn't back down. He rolled his eyes as he strutted down the stairs. "Oh, yeah. Totally jealous," he spat sarcastically. It wasn't just about Eleven though; there were other things bothering him-his own place on the baseball team, Mike's lack of support, and the awkward tension that had been building up between him and Dustin for weeks. It was like his life was falling apart, and the last thing he needed was Mike making snide remarks.

When Wren reached the kitchen, he was ready to leave and get out of there. Mike had finally caught up with him, but Wren wasn't done pushing his buttons. As Mike walked into the room, Wren spotted the nearest lamp and without thinking, grabbed it off the table. He was about to throw it at Mike's head, his anger flaring once again, but Nancy stepped in just in time.

"None of this schenanigans today!" Nancy scolded, her tone full of authority. She grabbed Wren's arm before he could do anything and gave him a pointed look. She wasn't in the mood for any of this.

Wren sighed, feeling the tension in his chest tighten. "Fine," he muttered, but he wasn't happy about it. Nancy didn't care. She dragged him toward the front door, clearly fed up with his antics.

The air outside was crisp, but it did little to calm Wren's nerves. He was still angry, the irritation over everything he had been dealing with bubbling just beneath the surface. The worst part was that he was stuck in the same car with Mike-on their way to California. He didn't want to go, but Eleven had practically begged him to come. Wren didn't know how much longer he could keep up the façade of being okay with everything.

Wren didn't wait. Without a second thought, he jumped into the driver's seat of Nancy's car and honked the horn loudly, repeatedly, his anger spilling over in a childish act of defiance. "Come on, Mike! Move it!" he shouted, not caring about the noise or the frustration he was adding to the already tense atmosphere.

Mike appeared at the door, looking just as frustrated as Wren, his hair sticking up in messy spikes. He walked over, and with an air of finality, yanked open the passenger door. "I'm sitting up front," Mike declared firmly, his tone demanding as he stood there with his arms crossed.

Wren stared at him for a moment, the audacity of Mike's request sinking in. "No, I am," he shot back, his voice full of stubbornness. He wasn't going to let Mike just waltz in and take the seat he'd claimed. "I'm already sitting here."

Mike's eyes narrowed, his face contorting into a scowl. "Uh, no, you're not. Move over," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Wren crossed his arms, refusing to budge. "Mike, I'm already here. I'm not moving," he snapped back, his voice laced with frustration. He wasn't going to let Mike win this one, not this time.

The argument continued to build, neither of them willing to back down, when Nancy finally had enough. From the driver's side, she raised one hand in the air as if to say, Enough is enough. "Oh, for the love of-" She slammed her palm down on the steering wheel, breaking through the bickering. "Enough, you two!" Nancy barked, her patience wearing thin.

Wren opened his mouth to argue, but Nancy silenced him with a look. She held up her hand, signaling that this argument was over before it could escalate any further. "Mike, you're not sitting in the front. Wren's already there, and I'm not going to sit here all day while you two fight over the seat."

Mike opened his mouth to protest, but Nancy didn't let him get a word in. Her gaze alone made him think twice, and with a huff of defeat, he finally closed the passenger door. Wren, smugly satisfied with the victory, grinned and leaned back in his seat.

Nancy started the car, and for a moment, there was an uncomfortable silence. The tension in the air was palpable, and Wren could feel the frustration lingering between him and Mike. It was a reminder that things had only gotten more complicated over the past few weeks, and a trip to California wasn't going to fix it.

As they pulled out of the driveway, heading toward the airport, Wren could feel the weight of everything pressing down on him. The things he hadn't been able to say, the issues with Mike and Dustin, his jealousy over Mike and Eleven's relationship-everything seemed to collide all at once.

But for now, there was nothing more to be done. The car sped away, and Wren couldn't help but feel that this trip might be the worst idea yet.

Wren leaned back against the bleachers, trying to look casual as he scanned the gym. The noise of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor and the thumping of basketballs echoed throughout the large space, but Wren's attention was elsewhere-on the way the sun hit the windows and how the light cast long shadows on the court. It was the kind of silence he liked, the kind that told him the chaos he'd left behind in his head was a little more manageable.

"Hey, Wren," came a voice, light and soft, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Wren turned his head toward the source, his lips curling into a knowing grin. It was Lucy, a girl who was always friendly and eager to catch his attention. Wren had a reputation for being charming-too charming, some might say-and he knew exactly how to work it.

"Hey, Lucy," he said smoothly, his voice warm and effortless. Lucy blushed immediately, looking away for a moment before returning his gaze. It was clear she was smitten. Wren had a way with people-especially girls-but that was never something he gave too much thought to. It was just part of the game.

"So, Lucy," he continued, leaning in just slightly to make it seem more intimate, "You gonna come to my game tonight?"

The words slipped out like a well-practiced line, and Lucy's eyes widened, the excitement clear in her expression. "Yes!" she exclaimed, then quickly corrected herself, trying to appear cooler than she felt. "I mean, yeah, totally."

Wren's smirk only grew. He loved when people tried to act like they weren't totally into him, but it just made them more endearing. He gave her a playful wink before turning his attention back to the court, where Lucas and his basketball teammates were walking out, getting ready for practice.

Wren leaned forward, eyes narrowing as he caught sight of his friend. Despite the tension that had been simmering between them, Wren couldn't help but feel a little pride when he saw Lucas. Basketball had been a way for Lucas to carve out his own place, just like bseball was for Wren. But right now, it was Wren's turn to shine, and he was going to use every opportunity to make sure everyone knew it.

"See you later, Lucy," Wren said, giving her one last look before his gaze shifted back to the gym.

As the sounds of bouncing basketballs filled the air, Wren's mind wandered for a moment. It had been so long since he'd done something reckless, something that made him feel alive in that dangerous way. He'd been trying to stay on the straight and narrow, to avoid the kind of trouble that seemed to follow him everywhere. But Hopper's death had left a hole-one that Wren didn't know how to fill. It had been a few months since everything went down, and the idea of doing something illegal had begun to itch at him. He didn't know what, but something.

The game tonight was just another distraction.

But still, the thought lingered, like a shadow over his good intentions. There were plenty of ways to get into trouble, and Wren knew just how to stir the pot. However, right now, he'd settle for one thing: getting the attention he craved. That meant paying attention to things like Lucy's blush and the way her voice had faltered when she tried to play it cool.

As he stood on the bleachers, watching his friend's basketball team gear up for practice, Wren allowed himself a small grin. Tonight would be interesting-especially with the way things were unfolding.

"Let's hear it for your tigers!"

Wren couldn't contain his pride as he cheered alongside Lucy, their shared excitement palpable.

Lucas and his team made their entrance and as Jason took the spotlight, expressing gratitude to the assembled supporters, the arena buzzed with energy. "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's words resonated, eliciting cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

Caught up in the celebratory atmosphere, Wren turned his head and found himself locking eyes with Max. A genuine smile graced his lips, radiating warmth. Max smiled back softly.

Wren is worried about Max. She has been really depressed since Billy's death, so he's always there for her when she calls for him.

Jason's voice resonated through the arena, spotlighting the Tiger Cheer Squad, with Chrissy wholeheartedly waving her pom-poms in a spirited display.

"And, 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's words echoed, acknowledging the squad's unwavering support.

As Jason's gaze shifted, he uttered, "Chrissy..." in a tone that hinted at something more. A tender moment unfolded between Jason and Chrissy, their eyes locked in an affectionate exchange.

Wren rolled his eyes. Love.

Jason's heartfelt declaration filled the arena, his hand smacking his chest in a dramatic gesture. "Chrissy, I love you, babe," he proclaimed, a beaming smile directed at his girlfriend. Chrissy responded with a blown kiss, sealing the moment with affection.

Jason's words reverberated through the arena, his voice carrying the weight of the collective losses Hawkins had endured. "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 loss can one community take?" he mused, addressing the somber reality that had hung over the town.

"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," Jason declared, rallying the spirits with a pep speech.

At the mention of Billy, Wren and Cassidy instinctively turned their heads to look at each other. Wren, with a sympathetic gaze and a kindness in her smile, exchanged a silent understanding with Max. However, Max, grappling with the emotions tied to Billy, averted her eyes quickly and lowered her head once more.

Wren sighed with a heavy sadness, torn between the memories of loss and the present call to action.

Her gaze returned to Jason, who continued his impassioned speech. "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," Jason declared with fervor, rejecting the idea of letting their sacrifices be in vain.

"No!"

"For us ro return home with our heads hung low in defeat? No!"

"No!"

The fervor in Jason's voice echoed through the arena, each word carrying the weight of the collective grief, determination, and a commitment to honor the fallen.

"No. Let's win this game. Let's win this game for them. And that's exactly what we did!" His declaration resonated, a rallying cry that stirred emotions and elicited a surge of applause from the impassioned crowd.

"We embarrassed those candy-asses in their own house, and now tonight, tonight, we're gonna bring home the championship trophy! Let's go!" Jason's fervent proclamation surged with pride and defiance.

The stadium lights bathed the field in a golden glow, casting long shadows as the evening drew on. The stands were packed, the energy crackling with excitement as Wren stood at the plate, bat gripped tightly in his hands. He could hear the chatter from the stands, the roar of his teammates' encouragement, and the low murmur of the opposing team, all blending into a singular hum in his ears. The pressure of the moment was almost tangible, but Wren thrived under it. He had the kind of confidence that made him a natural at the center of attention, and he wasn't about to let this moment slip away.

The pitcher on the mound, a lanky kid with a serious face, narrowed his eyes and wound up. Wren focused, his gaze locked on the ball as it left the pitcher's hand. The wind-up, the snap of the ball being hurled toward him-all of it felt like slow motion as Wren adjusted his stance.

"Come on, come on," he muttered to himself, settling into the perfect rhythm. And then, the crack of the bat-louder than any sound he'd ever heard before. The ball shot into the air, arcing perfectly toward the outfield. Wren's heart raced as he watched it sail, knowing that this could be it-the moment he sealed the game. The crowd erupted as the ball cleared the fence with ease.

"Home run!" the umpire yelled, his hand raised in the air.

Wren tossed his bat aside, smiling broadly as his teammates surrounded him. He slapped high-fives, grinned like he had just won a championship, and let the moment wash over him. The crowd cheered louder, and Wren felt a wave of pride wash over him-but his eyes quickly found a familiar face in the stands.

Lucy was bouncing on her feet, hands clapping, her face flushed with excitement. Her energy was infectious, and Wren's chest tightened in a way he couldn't quite explain. He jogged around the bases, faster now, his gaze never leaving her. She was looking at him like he was the hero of the night, and for some reason, that felt different from all the other times he'd been the center of attention.

Crossing home plate, his teammates swarmed him, but Wren shook them off, already heading toward Lucy. He could feel the grin spreading across his face as he approached her, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins.

"What did I tell you?" he said, offering her a half-bow, arms wide in mock-dramatic fashion. "You just witnessed greatness."

Lucy laughed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I knew you could do it, Wren!" she beamed.

But something inside Wren shifted. Her voice was full of admiration, something he didn't realize he craved so badly until this very moment. His heart raced for reasons that went beyond the victory.

"You were pretty amazing, too, you know," he said, stepping closer. His voice dropped, quieter now, as if the intensity of the moment was pulling them into a world of their own. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Lucy's breath hitched, her face lighting up with a mix of surprise and excitement. And without thinking, Wren leaned in and kissed her. The touch of her lips was soft, hesitant at first, but it quickly deepened as she responded to him with equal eagerness.

But as their lips met, something in Wren twisted. For a fleeting moment, the rush of the kiss was replaced by a hollow feeling in his chest. He didn't want to pull away, but the image of Eleven's face-the one he'd been hiding in the back of his mind for so long-flashed through his thoughts. It felt wrong, in that instant, kissing Lucy when all he could think of was her.

He pulled back suddenly, his breath coming in sharp, quick bursts. Lucy's eyes were wide, and she stood there for a beat, processing what had just happened. Her cheeks flushed with color, and then, she squealed.

"Oh my God," she whispered, her voice giddy, "Wren, does this mean...?"

Wren blinked, caught off guard, his brain scrambling to catch up. He opened his mouth, but no words came out at first.

"Wren," she continued, almost breathless, "does this mean you want to be my boyfriend?" Her eyes were shining with excitement, and she was waiting for an answer, looking at him like she just won the lottery.

The pressure in Wren's chest intensified. His stomach churned. He hadn't meant for it to go this far, hadn't meant for her to think that one kiss meant everything. He stammered, trying to find the right words.

"Uh... I... I mean..." Wren glanced away, searching for an escape, but there was none. He felt trapped between her hopeful gaze and his own tangled feelings. His lips parted again.

And then, before he could gather his thoughts, Lucy blurted, "So, yes? Right? You want to be my boyfriend?"

She sounded so sure of herself, so certain, that it left Wren no choice but to nod, a little more reluctantly than he intended.

"Yeah... sure," he finally muttered.

Lucy squealed again, wrapping her arms around him in an enthusiastic hug. "Oh my God, yes!" she exclaimed, her voice almost vibrating with joy. Wren stood stiff in her arms, feeling that weight settle in his chest again, but this time, it wasn't just because of his complicated emotions. It was the feeling that he had made a decision he wasn't entirely sure about, one he might regret.

As she pulled away, Wren gave her a weak smile, trying to make it seem genuine, but the knot in his stomach remained. He nodded along as Lucy rambled on, her voice filled with excitement, but in the back of his mind, he was already wishing he was somewhere else, someone else... somewhere where the kiss had meant something different. Something real.

And for just a moment, he found himself wishing it was Eleven standing there, smiling at him like she used to. Wren quickly shook off the thought, but it lingered in the corners of his mind, refusing to fade away.

Lucy was excited, her arms around him in a way that felt both right and wrong, and he tried his best to let the moment sink in. But in his heart, something was unsettled. The kiss had been more for her than for him. And now, as they celebrated, Wren couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a choice he wasn't ready to commit to.

But as Lucy grinned, he couldn't help but smile weakly back, trying to ignore the gnawing doubt in his chest.

ASH SPEAKS!

IM SORRY FOR HOW LONG ITS BEEN SINCE AN UPDATE!! been so busy.

wren and lucy... i'm excited for this... 😉

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:)