chapter nine.
all because I like a girl
☄️
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 2
episode four

JOYCE LOOKED INTO THE AV ROOM. Joyce strained to discern Dustin's urgent calls for Will and Josie. "Will! Jo!" resonated through the air, accompanied by Max trailing behind him. "Dustin!" Joyce's response drew his attention, and confusion clouded his expression. "Mrs. Byers?" he questioned. Her brows furrowed. "What's happening? Where are Will and Josie?" she probed, grappling with bewilderment.

Max sighed, unraveling the tangled events, "We were on the hunt for Dustin's pet, and then Josie took off to locate Will, I think." Joyce cast a questioning look at Max. "Sorry, who are you?" she asked, seeking clarification in the midst of unfolding chaos.

Max pursed her lips, her response succinct. "Max. Josie's neighbor," she stated, and Joyce acknowledged with a nod.

The abrupt click of the door signaled Lucas's entrance, breathless from urgency. "The field!" he exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone present. Meanwhile, Mike, kneeling beside Josie, shook her gently and cradled her head in his lap. "Will!" he implored, kicking his leg softly, his focus shifting between Josie and the surroundings. "Please, wake up, Jo."

The distant sound of approaching footsteps on the grass made Lucas turn his gaze, revealing Joyce and the rest of their friends emerging into view. Tension hung in the air as they collectively faced the unfolding situation.

A sigh escaped Lucas as he relayed the situation. "I just found them like this! I think Will's having another episode, and Josie tried to help him!" The words tumbled out, laden with concern.

Joyce, resolute, approached the scene. "Keep holding Josie," she directed Lucas, her voice steady. Turning her attention to Mike, she placed her hands on his shoulders, feeling the tension beneath her fingertips. With a mix of worry and determination, she gently shook him, her gaze fixed on her son's still form. The air was thick with a sense of urgency as they grappled with the unknown challenges that seemed to unfold before them.

"Will! Will! Will! Sweetie, wake up! It's Mom! Will!" Joyce's desperate pleas echoed, each call laced with maternal concern. Her hands shook him, trying to rouse him from whatever trance had gripped him. Nearby, Josie, responding to the commotion, made a muffled sound as she began to regain consciousness.

As Joyce continued her efforts, Josie slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the blurry yet reassuring sight of Mike peering down at her with a relieved grin. "Mi-Mike?" she mumbled, her voice still groggy from the unexpected ordeal.

Max, on the periphery, observed the unfolding scene with furrowed brows. Rubbing her neck in confusion and worry, she tried to piece together the puzzle of what had just transpired, the tension in the air palpable as uncertainty hung over the group.

Josie's voice cut through the tension as she sat up, her gaze shifting between Mike and Max. Sensing the protective embrace of Mike's arms around her, she sought answers. "What's going on?"

Max, with a hint of jealousy, shot a glance Josie's way, her jaw clenched. Rolling her eyes, she redirected her focus to the unfolding situation with Will.

Undeterred, Josie narrowed her eyes, studying Will intently. Closing her eyes, she delved into a mental landscape, revealing a haunting vision—a colossal shadow infiltrating Will. A bead of blood trickled down her nose as her eyes snapped open, and a cry of alarm escaped her. "Will! Wake up! Do not let him in!" The urgency in her shout echoed through the air, a desperate plea to rouse Will from the unseen threat that loomed within.

Will's eyes shot open, and he directed a small smirk at Josie, an exchange only they seemed to understand. Mike, bewildered, parted his lips, his gaze fixed on the side of Josie's face. A nervous feeling clenched at her throat as she swallowed.

"Jo? What?" Mike whispered, seeking clarification. Josie turned to him, her gaze intense. "Bad man," she breathed out, a weighty revelation hanging in the air. Mike's eyes widened with sudden realization, his face reflecting a mix of shock and concern as the gravity of the situation unfolded before him.

JOYCE TOOK JOSIE HOME IMMEDIATELY. As the Cortez girl grew increasingly concerned, she anticipated her mom's worry and decided it was time to head home. However, her mother didn't return, and with each passing moment, it got later. Feeling a sense of urgency, she took the phone off the wall and dialed the police department. Tapping her foot impatiently, she listened to the phone ringing.

"Hello?" a voice on the other end finally answered, prompting her to explain the situation that had unfolded during her wait.

Josie hesitated before speaking, her voice tinged with a mix of worry and hope. "Hi... Is my mom there? It's Josie Cortez." Anxiously, she twirled the phone cord around her finger, a nervous habit surfacing as she awaited confirmation.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. She's not. She and Hopper went off somewhere. She should be home soon," the voice on the other end reassured her. The words carried a mixture of comfort and uncertainty, leaving Josie to grapple with the waiting game, her mind racing with thoughts about her mom's whereabouts and the reasons for their unexpected absence.

Josie, anxiety coursing through her, bit her lip nervously as she thanked the voice on the other end and promptly hung up. With a sigh, she input Max's phone number, contemplating the idea of inviting her friend over for the night. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity, but there was no answer; the line went dead.

Frustration boiled within Josie, and she couldn't contain it. Parting her lips, she slammed the phone against the wall, the sound reverberating in the room. Infuriated, she stormed off to her room, forcefully shutting the door behind her. Collapsing onto her bed, she buried her face into the pillow and let out a scream of frustration. The perplexity of Max's anger weighed heavily on her, leaving Josie bewildered and hurt.

THE NEXT MORNING. Josie discovered her mom still asleep but chose not to disturb her, recognizing the need for rest after being out late. Heading off to school, she reluctantly took on the task of searching for Dart in the garbage. Unhappy about the assignment, she scavenged through the refuse, holding her nose to avoid the unpleasant stench. Josie was on a mission to find Dart, harboring a lingering grudge against it and feeling uncomfortable with its presence.

After an exhaustive search through the garbage, Josie's efforts proved fruitless – Dart remained elusive. Weary and frustrated, she climbed out, only to be surprised by Dustin's presence, casually watching her endeavor. "Well, well, well! Look who shows up! I drew the short stick. Coincidence? Think not!" Josie exclaimed, directing a sharp glare at Dustin.

Max, scrunching her nose, couldn't help but comment, "You stink!" She promptly abandoned Josie's side, joining Dustin instead. Left in the aftermath of her unsuccessful mission and the banter of her friends, Josie felt a mix of exhaustion and annoyance, questioning the unfortunate turn of events.

Josie couldn't hide her annoyance, rolling her eyes and muttering a disgruntled "Whatever." Lucas, observant, squinted, detecting the heated tension that seemed poised to escalate into an argument.

Dustin, seemingly unfazed, shifted his attention to Max with a cheeky grin. "Hi, Max," he greeted, rocking back and forth on his feet. Max, on the other hand, responded with an unamused look, quickly diverting her eyes away from him. "Hi," she said plainly, maintaining a reserved and distant demeanor.

Dustin's curiosity got the better of him. "Where's Will?" he inquired, prompting a nod of assurance from Mike. "He'll be here," Mike confidently stated. Lucas, not one to waste time, grabbed a nearby mop and tossed it at Dustin. "Are you just gonna stand there?" he prodded, and Dustin caught the mop in one fluid motion. Josie, not missing a beat, added, "Or are you gonna help?"

Max, her eyes fixed on Dustin, observed the dynamics at play. As the group equipped themselves with sticks, they began poking through the bags, the collective effort revealing a shared purpose despite the underlying tensions within the group.

JOSIE SAT IN MR. CLARKES CLASS. Josie found herself sitting in class, enduring Mr. Clarke's lesson with a growing sense of boredom. Unable to focus on the lecture, she resorted to passing the time by bouncing her pencil in her hand. Up and down it went, twirling around in occasional attempts to balance it on the tip of her finger. Despite the array of tricks, the persistent feeling of boredom lingered, making the classroom experience more challenging to endure.

"All living things, from complex mammals, to single-felled organisms, instinctively respond to danger. Expose a bacterium to a toxic chemical, and it will flee. Or deploy some other defense mechanism."

Josie, sensing Mike's concern, observed his gaze fixated on the empty seat where Will usually sat. Frowning, she tapped his shoulder, redirecting his attention. "If you're worried, call at lunch. If no answer, after school, go check on him," she advised, offering a practical solution to ease his apprehension.

Mike's lips curled into a small smile as he absorbed her suggestion. "Okay, thanks," he responded, looking away. Unbeknownst to Josie, a giant grin spread across his face, grateful for the support. As she resumed playing with her pencil, the unspoken reassurance lingered in the air.

Josie found herself in a state of distraction, her mind wandering elsewhere as she stared at her pencil. With a subtle attempt, she sought to move it around using her telekinetic powers, facing a momentary struggle. Her attention briefly shifted back when Mr. Clarke called on her for a question, to which she quickly responded before zoning out once more. The boredom weighed heavily on her, prompting another gaze at her pencil as she concentrated, seeking a mental escape from the mundane classroom setting.

Josie's concentration intensified, and the pencil responded as if guided by an invisible force. She skillfully manipulated it with her telekinetic powers—twirling it, making it spin, and even allowing it to float in mid-air. A rush of excitement and wonder filled her, creating a surreal experience within the mundane classroom.

However, as the thrill of her abilities unfolded, a price revealed itself. Her nose began to bleed, a subtle but undeniable consequence of pushing her telekinetic powers to their limits. Lost in the marvel of her own capabilities, Josie remained oblivious to Mike's whispered attempts to get her attention.

Suddenly, Mike smacked her arm, jolting her back to reality. "Josie, stop!" he whispered-yelled urgently. Confused, she looked up and realized her nose was bleeding from exerting her powers. She swiftly put her pencil down, attempting to conceal the nosebleed from the rest of the class.

Pulling her sleeve down, she discreetly wiped away the trickle of blood, silently grappling with the unexpected consequences of her telekinetic abilities.

AFTER SCIENCE, Max nonchalantly walked past Josie, seemingly unaware of her presence. Determined, Josie caught up with Max at her locker and tapped her shoulder. Max, rolling her eyes at the interruption, faced Josie's question with a frown.

"Why are you ignoring me?" Josie asked, a genuine concern in her voice. Max responded with a blank stare, her expression unreadable. "I'm not," she stated flatly, then turned and walked away. Unwilling to let the matter rest, Josie followed her, expressing her observation. "Seems like it," she remarked, trying to get to the bottom of the tension that lingered between them.

Max groaned, pivoting around and stepping in front of Josie. "Just leave me alone right now, Josie. I'm mad at you," she shouted, her frustration evident. With that, Max turned on her heels and stormed off, leaving Josie in bewildered silence.

"What!? Why!" Josie called out, receiving no answer. Confused and taken aback, she pondered, "What the heck just happened? Why is she mad at me?" Josie found herself grappling with unanswered questions and an unexpected rift in her friendship with Max.

MIKE TOOK JOSIE'S IDEA AND TRIED TO CALL Will. Mike returned in haste, and Lucas questioned him. "Anything?" Mike, in a hurry, replied, "We need to talk. AV Room. Right now," demanding immediate attention. He swung around and sprinted up the stairs.

Josie exchanged a look with Max before standing up, opening the door for Mike. However, Max grabbed her skateboard. When Mike noticed, he looked back at her and snapped, "Party members only," emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Max's face fell, a visible reflection of her disappointment, causing a pang in Josie's heart. The strain in the group intensified, and Josie found herself caught between the discomfort of Max's anger and Mike's assertiveness.

"Mike... Are you sure?" Josie asked, uncertainty etched across her face. Mike shot her a determined look, shutting down any potential hesitation. "No! This is non-negotiable. Despite that she knows your secret, she doesn't know the rest," he emphasized firmly, leaving little room for discussion. Josie rolled her eyes, shaking her head in response, attempting to interject, "Mike-" But her words were met with the weight of Mike's insistence, leaving the group at an impasse.

"No! Do you want out?" Mike's threat silenced Josie, prompting her to quickly close her mouth. Shaking her head slightly, she acquiesced to his demand. Mike brushed past her through the doorway, with the boys following suit. Josie cast one apologetic look at Max before reluctantly following them, the weight of the situation evident in the tension that hung in the air.

"WILL DIDNT WANT ME TO tell anyone, but on Halloween night, he saw a sort of shadow in the sky," Mike started, revealing a piece of information that widened Josie's eyes. "Shadow? Bad man?" she gasped, her concern evident. Mike looked at her, seeking clarification. "What do you mean?" he inquired, prompting a moment of realization and urgency within the group.

Josie's uncertain response, "I-I don't know. I just... just know. Bad man," conveyed a deep sense of unease. Mike, reluctantly attentive to Josie's cryptic reaction, continued to unravel the story.

"This shadow... He doesn't know what it is... Like you don't," he looked at Josie, recognizing the shared element of fear. "But it scared him. I'm sure it scares you too," Mike concluded, the weight of the unknown shadow casting a tangible tension over the group.

Josie nodded, emphasizing the gravity of the situation with a simple yet powerful acknowledgment. "Very scary," she commented, reflecting the genuine fear that lingered within her.

As Lucas gave her a knowing look, he probed further, seeking clarification on the mysterious entity. "Big shadow?" he questioned, prompting Josie to nod once more, confirming the size and ominous nature of what she had witnessed in Will's mind.

Lucas, his mind working to connect the pieces, continued, "And if Will really has True Sight... and with Josie's powers... And what she saw..." He trailed off, allowing a moment of contemplation to hang in the air. "I mean, if he can really see into the Upside Down, he saw that shadow again yesterday."

Josie's eyebrows raised, indicating the seriousness of her revelation. "Think he did. It was... like consuming him," she declared, her words hanging in the air with a weight that made Mike shoot her a shaky look. Dustin sought clarification, asking, "Consuming?" Josie met his gaze and affirmed, "Yes. Consuming," emphasizing the gravity of the situation they were facing.

Dustin made an understanding sound. "So, that's why he was frozen like that?" he inquired with a quizzical look. Josie nodded in confirmation as Lucas gasped, realizing a missing piece of the puzzle. "Wait, why were you knocked out?" he questioned, seeking clarification on the events that unfolded.

Josie gulped, recounting the unsettling experience. "Bad man threw me out," she stated, prompting a puzzled look from Lucas. "Threw you out? That doesn't make sense," he furrowed his eyebrows, seeking clarification.

Josie shrugged her shoulders, elaborating, "Will's mind... Bad man there with me. Bad man threw me out of Will's mind to consume Will's mind." As the pieces fell into place, Lucas made an 'o' shape with his mouth, nodding in understanding.

"Can this shadow thing hurt him like he hurt you?" Lucas asked Josie, probing for details. She shook her head in response, elucidating, "He can only hurt me because I was in Will's mind with him... He didn't like it," she paused, adding a note of uncertainty, "I think."

Her admission left a lingering ambiguity, prompting Mike to turn to Dustin. "Dustin, is she right?" he inquired, seeking clarification and hoping for insights from their friend.

Dustin pondered the situation. "Well, if you're in another plane, you can't interact with the material plane, so theoretically, no, the shadow can't hurt him... He can only hurt Josie because, like she said, she was in there with him, and he was the only one he wanted in there," he explained, providing a theoretical understanding of the shadow's limitations.

Mike stared at the ground, a sense of gravity weighing on him. "Yeah, if that's even what's happening. This isn't D & D. This is real life," he acknowledged.

"So what do we do?" Josie spoke up, seeking a plan of action. Mike, determined, straightened his back. "We acquire more knowledge. I'll go to Will's after school. See what's going on. You guys stay here and find Dart," he instructed, laying out a division of tasks as the group prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Dustin gave Mike a defensive look. "Dart? What's he gotta do with this?" he questioned, prompting a quick side-eye from Josie, who couldn't shake the suspicion that Dustin might know more about Dart's involvement in the situation.

"Will heard him in the Upside Down. I don't know yet, but he's gotta be connected to all this. He's gotta be. If we find Dart, maybe we can solve this thing. Maybe we can help Will." Mike declared.

AFTER SCHOOL, Josie found Max at her locker, seeking answers. Unable to locate Dustin and Lucas, she seized the opportunity to start a conversation. "Hey, Max! You see Dustin anywhere? Supposed to meet with him after school with him and Lucas," she inquired, her curiosity driving her quest for information.

Max, seemingly avoiding Josie, grabbed her skateboard without acknowledging her. Perplexed, Josie furrowed her eyebrows and decided to follow Max outside. "Max! Sunshine!" she called out, trying to break through. "Hey, Max! Hey, where you going? You can help find Dart with us again. Mike's being a dick. Don't listen to him," she urged, her tone a mix of concern and frustration. Undeterred, Josie continued following Max down the steps, attempting to bridge the gap that seemed to be widening between them.

"Yeah, good luck with that," Max snapped at Josie, her tone sharp and dismissive. Picking up her pace, she walked away faster, leaving Josie frustrated. Determined to address the growing tension, Josie groaned and sprinted after her. "What is wrong with you? Why are you mad at me?" she questioned, struggling to match Max's speed.

As Max continued to storm off, the frustration in Josie mounted. "What is wrong with me? Why am I mad at you? What's wrong with you!" Max yelled, her words carried away by the wind.

"I don't understand!" Josie blurted out, catching up to Max, who snapped at her, abruptly stopping her trails. "No! I don't understand," Max yelled, her anger palpable as Josie instinctively took a step back. The intensity of the moment hung in the air, Max's heart pounding with frustration and anger, while Josie grappled with the unexpected outburst from her friend.

"You guys act like you want me to be your friend, but then you treat me like garbage!" Max ranted, expressing the frustration that had been building within her. Josie, her lips curled into a frown, tried to defend their friendship. "Not true! We're friends. You're my sunshine, I'm your darling," she insisted, attempting to bridge the gap and salvage their strained relationship.

Max sighed, expressing the depth of her frustration. "Yes, it is! I don't know what we are anymore, Josie. I feel like you're shutting me out because of Mike! I feel like you have a crush on him, and it's making you forget about our friendship. Mike likes you! I see the way he looks at you... and how you look at him," she confessed, revealing the underlying tensions and insecurities that had been brewing within their friendship.

Josie, aware of her feelings and preferences, felt the need to clarify. "Mike likes me, it's complicated. But, I do not—" she began, emphasizing that her connection with Mike was intricate and not romantic.

Max hummed, making assumptions about Josie's actions. "I knew it. You go and hide in the AV club, probably lying that Dustin and Lucas to be there, so you two get alone time to, what? Suck face?" she speculated, expressing her suspicions. Josie shook her head vehemently. "No, no! Not true!" she protested, attempting to dispel Max's misunderstandings and salvage the trust within their friendship.

Max scoffed, expressing her frustration. "Stop lying, Josefina! Stop lying like we're in second grade or something. You know, I really thought you guys, mostly you, wanted me in your party," she declared, laying bare her disappointment and the sense of exclusion she felt within the group.

Josie ran her hands through her hair, frustrated by Max's assumptions and the difficulty in explaining. "We do! But, Mike and I, we're not dating, we don't... Suck face. I do not like him. He likes me, I rejected him. I like someone else. It's just," she paused, navigating the delicate balance of information she could share, knowing Mike's reservations.

Max furrowed her eyebrows, pressing for more details. "But what?" she inquired, eager to understand the complexities that eluded her.

Josie sighed, conveying the weight of the unshared information. "There things. Mike not want me to tell you. Because of your safety," she explained, highlighting the protective stance Mike had taken regarding certain details.

Max gave her a disbelieving look. "For my own safety? This is so stupid! You're new too, Josie! They tell you, but not me? What's the difference?" she exclaimed, expressing her frustration and the perceived unfairness in the selective sharing of information.

Josie groaned, feeling the need to be honest. "Because I got powers and it involves powers!" she blurted out, revealing a key piece of the puzzle. Max scoffed, seemingly unconvinced. "What? Is it because I'm not pretty like you and they all have massive crushes on you or something," she speculated, her frustration and insecurity surfacing in her words.

Josie threw her arms out in frustration. "NO! Oh my god, Max! It's not about you! It's about someone else. We're trying to keep her safe, same with Will, and we're trying to keep you safe, because it could get bad if you are involved. Cops involved," she clarified, attempting to convey the genuine concern for Max's safety and the larger implications that necessitated secrecy.

Max rolled her eyes in disbelief. "I don't believe you. Is this other girl, El? Did they keep secrets from El? Do you know?" she interrogated, her skepticism evident in her tone. Josie, frustrated, gave her a knowing look. "I do not know! I never met her. I heard stories. She was only here for a bit of time and gave Mike a significant impact in his life," she explained, trying to convey her own limitations in understanding the intricate dynamics of their group.

Max shook her head. "Okay. You know what? Forget it, okay? Forget about each other. We're not meant to be friends. I don't like secrets. You're keeping secrets from me. I don't wanna be in the stupid party anyway. I'm out," she declared, her frustration reaching a breaking point. Turning on her heels, she added, "Have a nice life," grumbling her discontent as she distanced herself.

Josie got tears in her eyes. "Max! Wait! Please, stop!" she called out, desperation in her voice. However, Max didn't turn back. "You still stink, by the way!" she informed her. Josie sniffed her sleeve, smelling the trash on her, and scrunched her nose in disgust. "Gross. Need a shower," she mumbled to herself, the emotional exchange leaving both friends with unresolved feelings and a sense of loss.

Lucas walked towards her. "Jo! Did you ask Max?" he called out. Josie turned around to face him. "I did. Got into a big argument," her voice croaked. Lucas stared at her, realizing the emotional toll it took on her. "Shit," he mumbled, opening his arms. "Want a hug?" he offered, recognizing the need for comfort in the midst of the strained friendship.

She nodded, her lips quivering with emotions as she embraced Lucas. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly, providing a comforting presence. Despite the lingering scent of trash, he held onto her until she felt ready to let go. In that moment, they shared the unspoken solace of friendship, offering support and understanding during a challenging time.

JOSIE TOOK THREE SHOWERS UNTIL SHE SMELLED LIKE SUGAR AND CANDY. She had her knees up to her chest, flipping through the limited channels on TV before the doorbell rang. Making her way to the door, she opened it to reveal Dustin. "Dustin?" she gasped, surprised by his presence. He stared at her with a pleading look. "I need your help. It's about Dart," he urgently explained.

Josie looked at him. "I knew it. You had him," she remarked, shaking her head as he rolled his eyes. "Okay, whatever, but this is major. Like dangerous. I need you," he pleaded. She narrowed her eyes. "Come in," she said, opening the door wider to let him in and hear the explanation.

—

ash speaks!

WOAHHHH LONG CHAPTER.
There is a lot to unpack. . . but
Max and Josie's fight:(
Now we have one chapter without
them before they communicate
and make up!