chapter thirteen.
only option
☄️
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 eight

JOSIE BLACKED OUT FROM ALL THE ENERGY SHE USED. Josie's consciousness returned to the familiar surroundings of the Byers house. As she stirred, her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the comforting sight of her mother, Estefina, seated attentively beside her. Disoriented, Josie blinked repeatedly, attempting to acclimate to the subdued lighting that bathed the room in a gentle glow.

As her gaze sharpened, she locked eyes with her mother, witnessing a blend of relief and joy reflected in Estefina's expression, a silent testament to the depth of maternal concern and love.

"Ma?" Josie whispered, her voice tinged with hoarseness, evidence of the taxing events she had endured in the preceding days.

TRANSLATION; mom?

"Josie, mi bebé," Estefina cooed, tears glistening in her eyes. "Gracias a Dios que estás despierto." she brushed her fingers through Josie's hair, a gesture filled with a mother's deep affection and relief.

TRANSLATION; Thank god you're awake.

A lump formed in Josie's throat, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions upon seeing her mother again. The longing for her had been profound, and this reunion felt surreal, akin to a cherished dream.

With a feeble attempt to sit up, Josie's strength wavered, her body weighed down by fatigue. Sensing her struggle, Estefina gently intervened, carefully placing a pillow behind Josie's back. As it cushioned her, Josie gratefully leaned back, finding solace in her mother's supportive embrace.

"Lo siento, mamá," Josie croaked, her voice quivering with emotion. "No pretendía preocuparte."

TRANSLATION; I'm sorry, Mom
I didn't mean to worry you.

Estefina shook her head gently. "No tienes que disculparte, Josie. Estoy tan contenta de que estés bien," she reassured, her voice imbued with heartfelt relief and affection.

TRANSLATION; You don't have to apologize, Josie. I'm so happy that you're well.

Josie nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. She wrapped her arms tightly around her mother, soaking in the warmth and unconditional love that enveloped her. The longing for this connection had been immense, and reuniting with Estefina felt like a healing balm to her wounded soul.

"Te extrañé tanto," Josie mumbled, her words softened and muffled by her mother's shoulder, conveying the depth of her longing and affection.

TRANSLATION; I missed you so much.

"Yo también te extrañé, nena," Estefina murmured, biting her lip gently as she continued to stroke Josie's hair. "Estaba tan preocupada cuando escuché lo que sucedió." Her voice quivered with emotion, revealing the depth of her concern and relief.

TRANSLATION; I missed you too, baby
I was so worried when I heard what happened.

Josie pulled away slightly, locking eyes with her mom. "¿Qué ha pasado? ¿Están todos bien?" she inquired, her expression tinged with concern and apprehension.

TRANSLATION; What happened? Is everyone okay?

Estefina nodded earnestly. "Todos están bien, gracias a ti. Los salvaste, Josie. Eres tan valiente y fuerte," she praised, her words laden with admiration and pride for her daughter's courageous actions.

TRANSLATION; They're all okay, thanks to you. You saved them, Josie. You're so brave and strong.

Josie's cheeks warmed with a blush, a mix of pride and gratitude swelling within her. Memories flooded back: the intense exertion of using her powers against the demo-dogs, the draining sensation that followed, and the subsequent blackout before waking up in this familiar setting. As her gaze wandered, she recognized the posters and pictures adorning the walls, grounding her in the comforting familiarity of the Byers house.

"¿Dónde estoy?" Josie inquired, turning her gaze to meet her mother's eyes before scanning the room once more, trying to piece together her surroundings.

TRANSLATION; Where am I?

"Estás en la casa de los Byers," Estefina began, her voice steady as she recounted the recent events. "Te trajimos aquí después de que te desmayaste. Max te sostenía en sus brazos mientras Hop, Joyce, y yo cuidábamos de Will y Mike. Estábamos huyendo del laboratorio, ya que más demo-dogs nos perseguían. Mike me contó sobre Will y esa entidad sombría que lo controla. El hombre malévolo del que hablas, es lo que entiendo. Mientras tanto, Steve, Max, Lucas, y Dustin se reunieron con Nancy y Jonathan. Estaban intentando acceder al laboratorio. Usaste tus poderes intensamente, Josie, y pagaste un precio por ello," Estefina elaborated, ensuring Josie understood the gravity of the situation.

TRANSLATION; You're at the Byers' house,
We brought you here after you passed out. Max held you in his arms while Hop, Joyce, and I took care of Will and Mike. We were running away from the laboratory, as more demo-dogs were chasing us. Mike told me about Will and that gloomy entity that controls him. The malevolent man you're talking about is what I understand. Meanwhile, Steve, Max, Lucas, and Dustin met with Nancy and Jonathan. They were trying to access the laboratory. You used your powers intensely, Josie, and you paid a price for it,

Josie nodded, a pang of guilt settling within her as she recalled the exhaustive use of her powers in defense of her friends. She glanced down, noting the subtle tremble in her hands—a physical reminder of her vulnerability. Yet, a profound sense of gratitude for her survival persisted. Lifting her gaze to meet her mother's eyes, she asked in English, "Where are Max and the others?"

Estefina smiled warmly. "They're outside, waiting to see you. They've been worried sick about you, Josie."

A swell of affection filled Josie as memories of her friends flooded back—their unwavering support, their collective stand against the looming threats, and the pivotal moment she had risked her life to protect Max. The depth of gratitude she felt was immeasurable, reaffirming the blessing of having such remarkable friends by her side.

"Can Max come in?" Josie inquired, a hint of nervousness evident in her voice. The recent near-kiss hung between them, leaving Josie uncertain about how to navigate their next interaction.

Estefina nodded, rising from her seat with a playful wink aimed at Josie. "Of course, let me get her," she said, masking a smile. As Estefina exited the room, Josie's emotions swirled—a blend of happiness at their reunion and apprehension about the impending conversation with Max.

Drawing a deep breath to steady herself, Josie scanned the room, her eyes lingering on familiar objects and decorations that evoked a sense of déjà vu. A perplexing feeling washed over her, as if fragmented memories attempted to surface, yet her mind remained ensnared in a haze of confusion.

The door swung open, revealing Max, her eyes reflecting a blend of relief and joy upon seeing Josie awake. A smile naturally spread across Josie's lips at the sight of her. "Hey, Max," Josie murmured, a hint of shyness coloring her tone.

"Hey, Josie," Max responded warmly, making her way over. She took a seat on the edge of the bed, her gaze searching Josie's. "How are you feeling?" she inquired, genuine concern evident in her eyes.

Josie's shoulders lifted slightly in a weary shrug, her breath revealing a hint of exhaustion. "I'm managing," she murmured, her voice tinged with fatigue. As she settled into the bed, Max shifted closer, taking a seat beside her.

The weight of the recent events was palpable, and Max's voice quivered with emotion as she continued, "You really scared us, Josie. The moments when we couldn't wake you, when it seemed like you were slipping away... It felt like we were on the verge of losing you." Her eyes, usually so confident, now held a soft, pained gaze, reflecting the depth of her concern and the relief at seeing Josie awake.

Josie's heart weighed heavy with guilt, the memories of her selfless actions and the subsequent peril they entailed flooding back. Gazing at Max, she felt a deep affection, coupled with remorse. "I... I sorry, Max," Josie whispered, her voice quivering with emotion. "I didn't mean to put you in danger." Her eyes lowered to her lap, filled with a palpable sadness and regret.

Max shook her head gently, offering a reassuring smile. "You don't have to apologize, Josie. We're a team, remember? We stick together, no matter what."

A sense of relief washed over Josie, gratitude filling her as she observed her friends' smiles directed her way. In their expressions, she recognized a shared bond, a feeling of belonging, and an overwhelming sense of love that reaffirmed their unbreakable connection.

JOSIE FOUND OUT ABOUT BOB. She hadn't known him for long, but he had been incredibly helpful, especially when she struggled to operate the supercomm. Positioned beside Will's bed, Josie maintained a vigilant lookout. However, the abrupt slam of the door jolted her attention towards its direction. Mike burst in, with the rest of the group trailing behind him. "What's going on?" Josie asked, her voice tinged with concern and curiosity.

Josie's heart raced with anticipation as she noticed Mike clutching a drawing that Will had crafted. The expression on Mike's face hinted at its significance. Reacting instinctively, Josie sprang from her chair, hastening toward him, her gaze locked onto the intricate details of the artwork.

As Josie approached, the detailed depiction of the Mind Flayer in Will's distinct artistic style became clearer. A lump formed in her throat, deeply touched by the poignant portrayal. Memories flooded back of Will's passion for drawing, using each stroke of his pencil as an escape and a means of expression. She recalled the countless times he sketched them as heroes, warriors battling against the darkness, saviors poised to protect their world from impending threats.

She held onto hope, wishing fervently that Will wouldn't succumb and that they could successfully expel the darkness from within him. Raising her gaze to meet Mike's, Josie's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "It's the Bad Man," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and determination.

Mike nodded, his eyes moistening with emotion. "What?" he gasped, seeking confirmation from Josie. She simply nodded in response, her eyes locked onto his. "This is Bad Man. He got Will on field," she explained softly. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady herself, grappling with the gravity of the situation.

Mike's eyes widened with realization. "The doctor mentioned it was like a virus. It's infected him," he relayed, trying to make sense of the unfolding events. Max, attempting to piece together the information, posed her question, "So, this virus is linking him to the tunnels?" Mike nodded gravely, elaborating, "To the tunnels, the monsters, the Upside Down—everything."

"Woah, slow down. Slow down," Steve interjected, taking the paper from Mike to examine it closely. "Alright, let me get this straight. The shadow monster is interconnected with everything. So when the vines are hurt or disturbed, Will feels it too," Mike clarified, hoping to convey the intricate connection they were dealing with.

"I can too," Josie affirmed, her gaze unwavering as it remained fixed on the drawing. "It's like we. . . all connected," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible. "Like everything that happens to one of us, happens to all of us. I. . . May not be. . . Flayed. But I can feel. Cause I can feel energy." she continued, her words tinged with a sense of profundity. She then shifted her gaze to Steve, noticing his deep concentration on the paper before him.

Max's eyes flickered with urgency as she leaned forward slightly, "So, given all of this, what's our strategy? How do we tackle this?" Dustin's shoulders slumped momentarily, a heavy sigh escaping his lips, revealing the weight of their predicament. "There has to be a way to stop it, right?" he implored, casting a meaningful glance toward Mike for answers.

Mike met Dustin's gaze with a resolute expression, the gravity of their mission evident in his eyes. "We don't back down," he began, his voice unwavering. "Every ounce of strength, every resource we have, we pour into this fight. Our foremost goal? Shielding Will. Beyond that, it's about unity—protecting one another as a team. And then," he paused, taking a deep breath, "we confront this shadow monster head-on, ensuring it threatens us no longer."

With a resolute nod, Josie's eyes shimmered with determination. The enormity of the challenge ahead was daunting, a threat that loomed larger than any of them could have imagined. Yet, amidst the shadows of uncertainty, the bond they shared fortified her resolve. A sense of unity and camaraderie surged within her, bolstering her spirit. Inhaling deeply, she felt a potent energy course through her veins. "Let do this," Josie declared, her voice ringing with conviction. "Together, we confront this Bad Man and help our friend... safe."

"It's like the hive mind," Mike said, folding his arms.

Steve furrowed his eyebrows. "Hive mind?"

"Collective consciousness. Super-organism," Josie blurted out, drawing surprised looks from Dustin. "You're secretly a nerd?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Science isn't my favorite, but I pay attention. Sometimes."

Mike pointed to the picture. "And this is the thing that controls everything. It's the brain."

Dustin's eyes widened. "Like the Mind Flayer."

Lucas snapped his fingers in realization. "The What?" Max and Josie said in unison.

DUSTIN SLAMMED THE BOOK DOWN ONTO THE TABLE. Dustin's eyes lit up with excitement as he pointed to the book, his voice eager, "The Mind Flayer." Hopper, his skepticism evident, retorted sharply, "What the hell is that?" He eyed the book with suspicion, dismissing it as a concoction of nonsense—clearly not one to entertain magical beliefs. Dustin, undeterred, delved into an explanation, "It's a monstrous being from an unknown dimension, ancient to the point where it's oblivious to its true home."

Estefina, her demeanor one of contemplation, rocked gently on her heels as she stood behind her daughter. Knitting her eyebrows together, she absorbed the unfolding explanation. "Okay," she responded, a blend of concern and fascination in her voice, "so it enslaves races from other dimensions by seizing control of their minds through its highly developed psionic powers."

Hopper's skepticism manifested in a scoff, "Oh my god. None of this is real. This is a kids' game." His eyes rolled dismissively as Estefina swiftly smacked his arm in disapproval. Undeterred, she intervened, "Hear the kid out, Hop," her eyes conveying a knowing insistence, before turning her attention back to Dustin, eager for more details.

Frustration etched on his face, Dustin confronted Hopper, declaring, "It's a manual. And it's not for kids. Unless you know something that we don't," his finger pointed accusatorily. "This is the best metaphor—"

"Analogy," Lucas corrected.

Dustin shot him a glare. "Analogy? That's what you're worried about?" he yelled, the intensity rising. Lucas raised his hands in surrender as Dustin continued, "Fine. An analogy for understanding whatever the hell this is."

Josie's amusement played across her face as she raised her eyebrows. "Calm down," she managed, stifling a laugh.

Nancy, undeterred, huffed, "Okay, this Mind Flamer thing—"

"Flayer!" Dustin and Josie corrected simultaneously, their voices interjecting with a shared emphasis, determined to set the record straight on the creature's name.

Nancy leaned down, scrutinizing the manual. "What does it want?"

Josie, with a sense of authority, explained, "To conquer us. It want to be leader, to take over and end us." Estefina beamed with pride, her smile reflecting the admiration for her daughter's intelligence in unraveling the ominous details.

In the midst of the conversation about the Mind Flayer, Steve couldn't contain himself. "Oh, the Germans!" he blurted out, earning a raised eyebrow from Josie. Dustin, intrigued, questioned, "The Nazis?" giving Steve a look that conveyed a mix of disbelief and concern.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Nazis," Steve stuttered, a hint of nervousness in his tone as he processed the gravity of his impulsive disclosure.

Josie closed her eyes, the deep breath she took a conscious effort to quell the frustration swirling within. As a wave of tension threatened to turn into a headache, she gently rubbed the bridge of her nose, seeking relief. Opening her eyes, she scanned the room, meeting Max's gaze.

"Uh... If the Nazis were from another dimension, totally," she remarked, injecting a hint of humor into her response to navigate the surreal and perplexing nature of the conversation.

Josie's eyebrows shot up involuntarily, and she couldn't contain her laughter as Steve cast her a puzzled look. "What? Why are you laughing?" he questioned, eyeing her with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Josie, still amused, tried to compose herself, finding the unexpected turn of the conversation too amusing to resist.

Laughter erupted from the Cortez girl. "Do you understand... how stupid you sound?" Josie playfully jabbed at Steve, who responded with a scoff.

"Yeah, yeah, you're the short one. Tiny midget," Steve mumbled, attempting a comeback, but Josie shot him a look, silently challenging him to reconsider his choice of words.

"¡No me hagas empezar en ti! Podría ser corto, pero tú eras un idiota furioso. Fuiste homofóbico. Solo porque conozcas mi secreto no significa que tengas un poco de homofobia en ti. ¿Por qué has sido así? ¡Muy bien! ¿Cuál es la palabra? ¿Te burlas? ¿Sobreprotección?" she yelled at him, her eyes piercing Steve with a glare filled with intensity.

TRANSLATION; Don't make me start with you! It could be short, but you were a furious idiot. You were homophobic. Just because you know my secret doesn't mean you have a little homophobia in you. Why have you been like that? Very good! What is the word? Are you making fun of me? Overprotection?

"I don't even know what you just said!" Steve's confusion was evident as he looked to Josie's mom for clarification.

Estefina couldn't contain her laughter. "She called you a raging asshole," she stated bluntly, causing Steve to shoot Josie an offended look. The two began bickering about various random things, wasting time.

Estefina keenly observes Josie and Steve's dynamic, noting the ease and comfort in their interactions. They share laughter and jokes, teasing each other like close siblings. Yet, she observes moments when their banter takes a more intense turn.

As Estefina watches, she sees the deep respect in Josie's eyes, the way her daughter hangs onto Steve's every word, absorbing not just stories but valuable advice. In these moments, it becomes clear to Estefina that the bond between them goes beyond mere friendship. It's a connection forged through shared experiences, understanding, and a unique camaraderie that has become an integral part of their lives.

"ENOUGH! Do you want to save Will or not?" Hopper's yell silenced the two, bringing an abrupt end to their bickering. Nancy seized the moment to contribute, taking the book and pacing back and forth. "Okay, so if this thing is like a brain that's controlling everything," she began to read aloud, pausing as the room hung on her words. "then if we kill it..."

Mike nodded decisively, "We kill everything it controls."

Max gasped with an idea, "Josie can do it."

Josie, caught off guard, gave Max a crazy look. "What? Why?" She appeared taken aback, lacking the confidence to see herself as the savior of the world. The notion sounded odd and overwhelming to her.

"You have to kill it! We don't have El," Dustin shouted, urging Josie to take charge.

Josie shook her head. "No—No! I can't. Not strong. El... probably stronger," she spoke down on herself, doubting her ability to face the daunting task ahead.

Estefina observes Josie, noting the self-doubt and insecurity in her daughter's voice. The pain in Josie's eyes tugs at Estefina's heart, prompting a desire to comfort her. Just as Estefina prepares to speak, Joyce interrupts, redirecting the focus before she can offer words of reassurance.

"Dustin's right. We have to kill it. I want to kill it," Joyce's voice croaked with sadness. Hopper snapped his head around toward her, walking slowly over. "Me too. Me too, Joyce, okay? But how do we do that?" he inquired, sharing her determination but grappling with the challenge ahead.

Joyce looked up at Hopper, her mind racing. "We don't exactly know what we're dealing with here," Hopper stated, the gravity of the situation evident in his voice.

"No. But he does," Mike spoke up, causing Hopper to glance over his shoulder. With determined steps, Mike walked over to Will, who was seated on the couch. "If anyone knows how to destroy this thing, it's Will. Josie is the only option to destroy it, but Will knows how to. He's connected to it. He'll know its weakness."

Max squinted her eyes. "I thought we couldn't trust him anymore? That he's a spy for the Mind Flayer now," she questioned as Mike stared at her.

"Yeah, but he can't spy if he doesn't know where he is." Mike's eyes widened, and a smile played on his lips as he stared off into the distance, lost in thought. After a moment, he turned back to them and said, "I've got an idea." The room buzzed with anticipation as everyone awaited Mike's plan.

JOSIE AND ESTEFINA WERE TASKED TO GET BLANKETS. Josie and her mom, Estefina, entered Joyce's bedroom, where the extra blankets were stored. Their mission to interrogate Will was underway, and the plan involved covering the walls of the old shed to prevent any escape. Gathering the blankets, they prepared for the crucial task ahead.

Estefina grabbed a couple of blankets and handed them to Josie. "¿Crees que esto será suficiente?" she asked, inquiring if Josie thought it would be enough for their task.

TRANSLATION; Do you think this will be enough?

Josie carefully took each blanket in her hands, scrutinizing their texture and thickness. As she examined them, she nodded thoughtfully and said, "Sí, creo que sí. No necesitamos cubrir cada centímetro de las paredes, solo lo suficiente para asegurarnos de que no pueda ver a través de ellas."

TRANSLATION; Yes, I think so. We don't need to cover every inch of the walls, just enough to make sure you can't see through them.

Estefina's agreement was marked by a solemn nod, her expression revealing a mix of determination and concern. "Solo espero que esto funcione. Odio pensar qué podría pasar si se escapa." Her words carried a weight of apprehension, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences if their plan were to falter.

TRANSLATION; I just hope this works. I hate thinking about what could happen if he escapes.

Josie's sigh conveyed a mix of reluctance and determination. "Lo sé. Pero tenemos que hacerlo. Él tiene la información que necesitamos, y no podemos dejarlo ir hasta que la obtengamos." Her acknowledgment of the necessity was accompanied by a steely resolve, reflecting the high stakes involved and the unwavering commitment to obtaining crucial information for their cause.

TRANSLATION; I know. But we have to do this. He has information we need, and we can't let him go until we get it.

Estefina nodded again. "Lo sé. Ojalá hubiera otra manera."

TRANSLATION; I know. I just wish there was another way.

Josie placed a comforting hand on her mom's shoulder. "Lo sé, mamá. Pero esta es la única manera. Lo superaremos juntos." Her touch conveyed reassurance, emphasizing the strength they found in facing challenges together.

TRANSLATION; I know, mom. But this is the only way. We will overcome it together.

Estefina smiled weakly. "Sé que lo haremos. Siempre lo hacemos."

TRANSLATION; I know we will. We always do.

As Josie gathered additional blankets, the weight of the impending task settled on her shoulders. With each step down the hall, a knot of nerves tightened within her. The unfamiliarity of interrogation gnawed at her, causing an uneasy feeling in her stomach. Despite the discomfort, Josie pressed on, a mix of apprehension and determination etched across her face.

Walking alongside Estefina, Josie couldn't shake the awareness that this was uncharted territory for her. The responsibility to extract information weighed heavily, and the thought of delving into such tactics unsettled her. Yet, beneath the nervousness, a quiet strength emerged. It was a strength fueled by the realization that, in this moment, she had to be the pillar for her family and friends.

The hallway stretched ahead, each step marking a commitment to facing the unknown. Josie's internal struggle was masked by a determined facade, a silent promise to herself that she would do whatever it took to secure the answers they desperately needed.

JOSIE FOUND MAX LEANING AGAINST A WALL UPSET. Josie, towering over Max, noticed the distress in her friend's eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked with genuine concern. Max, looking up with tear-streaked cheeks. "Mike said I can't be in the party. I don't know why I'm upset over this. I shouldn't be." she confided.

Josie's lips parted in disbelief. "Fuck him. He a dick. I' go talk to him." Her sharp declaration cut through the air. Max, attempting to halt Josie, was too late. Josie seized Mike's arm and, with a determined stride, led him aside for a confrontation.

Josie's face turned red with anger as Mike's words echoed in her ears. It was like she could practically hear it. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. All this time, she thought they were friends, but it was all just a lie. Mike has been off ever since Max got to town.

"What up with you, Mike? You tell Max no party, and suddenly she's no friend? Why have you cruel since she got to town?" Josie's voice carried frustration and anger as she confronted Mike. His dismissive eye roll only fueled her determination.

"Josie, just give it up! I'm not letting her in. I don't care if you guys are a thing or anything... I never have liked you! It was all just made up because I missed El. Do you want me to kick you out for messing with my authority? You've been getting on my nerves since Max got here," Mike fired back, escalating the confrontation with accusations and a threat to Josie's position.

"How... can you say that?" Josie yelled, disbelief and hurt evident in her voice. "You never liked me? You've just been pretending this whole time?"

Mike shrugged indifferently. "What did you expect, Josie? When El's back, she's gonna be my girlfriend. I don't have time for this drama."

Josie's voice wavered with emotion as tears blurred her vision. "You don't have time for me? After everything I done for you? You seriously think El still alive? She been gone for almost year, Mike!" Her words echoed with the weight of disbelief and hurt, exposing the vulnerability beneath her tough exterior.

Mike, unfazed, rolled his eyes callously. "What have you done for me, Josie? You think you're so special, but you're just a tagalong. You're not part of the party." His cutting words pierced through, dismantling the foundation of their friendship and leaving Josie raw with the realization that what she thought was a genuine connection was, in Mike's eyes, nothing more than a superficial attachment.

Josie's fists clenched at her sides. "I am part of the party, Mike. I the Barbarian! You said so. And so Max. She be Zoomer! You can't exclude... like this," she said, disbelief and defiance in her voice. Mike shook his head dismissively. "I can do whatever I want, Josie. And I don't want Max in the party," he spat at her, glaring harshly.

Josie's eyes bore into Mike with intensity. "Why not?" she demanded, her tone sharp. "She new here. She try to find her place. And only person who been there for her is me."

Mike's sneer curled into a disdainful expression. "Yeah, well, she's not going to find her place with us. She's not cool enough. She's trying to replace El!" he exclaimed with a dismissive wave of his hand, fueling Josie's anger.

"That not true, Mike. Max... cool. And she fun. And she a good person. You just selfish," Josie shot back, her words laced with frustration. Folding her arms, she stood her ground, unyielding in her defense of Max. The tension hung thick in the air as Josie, fueled by conviction, spoke her truth without regret.

Mike's eyes narrowed. "Selfish? You're the one being selfish, Josie. You're always trying to control everything. You're always trying to be the center of attention. I'm sick of it," he scoffed, and Josie felt a lump form in her throat.

"I not trying to be the center of attention, Mike. I trying to be friend. And I thought you my friend too," Josie retorted, her voice tinged with hurt.

Mike's words cut deep, challenging the foundation of their friendship. "I was your friend, Josie. But you need to learn your place. You can't just mess with my authority like this. If you keep it up, I'll have to kick you out of the party too," he stated coldly. Josie, tears streaming down her face, felt a mixture of hurt and frustration.

"Fine, Mike. If that how it going to be, then I don't want to be part your stupid party," she declared with a voice that trembled with emotion. With a determined turn, Josie stormed away, leaving Mike standing there alone. The echoes of their falling out lingered in the air, the gravity of the moment etched on Josie's tear-stained face as she walked away from a friendship that had, in that instant, shattered.

Josie stormed off towards Max, who had overheard everything. Max, sensing Josie's distress, opened her arms, and Josie pulled her into a tight embrace, tears streaming down her face. In the solace of Max's comforting presence, Josie cried into her shoulder, pouring out the pain from the argument with Mike. Max waited patiently, rubbing Josie's back and offering words of comfort, silently affirming their bond in that moment of shared vulnerability.

Max pulled away, gazing into Josie's teary eyes. "We should just make our own party," she beamed, the idea radiating positivity. "You, me, Charlotte. We don't need Mike and his drama," Max cooed, her hand gently running through Josie's hair, a comforting touch in the midst of the emotional storm.

Josie sniffled and wiped her eyes, contemplating the suggestion. "Do you really think we could do that?" Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty as she looked up at Max. The prospect of forging their own path, free from the discord of Mike's influence, hung in the air, and Max's soft gaze offered reassurance and the promise of a new, drama-free beginning.

Max's smile radiated with optimism. "Of course we can. We'll have our own party, with our own rules, and our own friends. We don't need Mike or anyone else to tell us what to do," she declared confidently, her words infusing Josie with a renewed sense of possibility.

Josie, wiping away the last of her tears, nodded in agreement. "You're right," she acknowledged, the glumness of the previous confrontation giving way to a growing determination. "We can do this. We'll show Mike that we don't need him to have fun."

Max grinned. "Exactly. And we'll make it even better than his stupid party," she declared, chuckling. Josie laughed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, Max. You the best."

Max hugged her again. "Anytime, Josie. That's what friends are for," she said, blushing.

HOPPER AND THE OTHERS RAN IN. Josie, feeling upset, approached Hopper to discuss what happened with Will. "What happened?" she inquired. Hopper sighed, his demeanor serious. He grabbed a piece of paper, slammed it on the table, and clicked the pen in a deliberate manner. "I think he's talking, just not with words," he explained.

As Hopper wrote down dots and lines on the paper, it became evident that Will was communicating through Morse code. The room filled with a tense atmosphere as Josie tried to decode the cryptic message, the weight of the situation sinking in.

Estefina noticed Josie's tension and saw her rubbing her neck anxiously. She stepped forward, placing her hands on Josie's shoulders and offering a comforting massage. Before her career as a cop, Estefina had been a massage worker.

"Morse Code?" Josie asked, speaking up, as Hopper nodded. "H—E—R—E," Hopper enunciated the code out loud, the revelation hanging in the air.

"Here," Josie and Mike said in unison, their words synchronized but their expressions filled with tension and anger as they exchanged booming looks. Hopper exhaled, breaking the charged silence. "Will's still in there. He's talking to us," he stated, his gaze shifting to Joyce, who nodded with an odd expression.

Max, Lucas, Dustin, and Josie huddled around the paper, their eyes fixed on the Morse Code Will had sent. The room was filled with a quiet intensity as they collaboratively worked to decipher the hidden message. Lines and dots held the key to understanding Will's communication.

Finally, Josie's voice broke the silence, reading aloud, "Close gate." The significance of the message sank in, and a shared sense of shock spread among them. They exchanged wide-eyed glances, absorbing the weight of Will's communication. The revelation that Will found a way to convey such a critical message sparked a mix of disbelief and determination within the group as they grappled with the implications of their friend's cryptic plea.

The sudden ring of the phone shattered the tense atmosphere in the room. Dustin hurriedly reached for it, but Nancy's urgent voice on the other end made him stop. In a fit of frustration, she threw the phone against the wall, and it shattered into pieces, silencing the ringing. The aftermath left the room in a palpable stillness.

Max, glancing around nervously, voiced the collective worry, "Do you think he heard that?" The concern lingered, echoing the fear that the noise might have drawn unwanted attention from the Demo-dogs, heightening the stakes for the group.

Steve tried to reassure her. "It's just a phone. It could be anywhere, right?" But before anyone could respond, they heard the sound of a Demo-dog roaring in the distance. Josie's protective instincts kicked in, and she got ready for a fight. The distant roar served as a chilling reminder of the imminent danger they faced, prompting Josie to brace herself for the looming confrontation with the Demo-dogs.

Just then, Jonathan, Joyce, Mike, Hopper, and Estefina burst into the room, urgently searching for Will. Joyce swiftly placed him on the couch where he was sleeping soundly. Max, Mike, and Lucas peered through the windows, attempting to assess the situation outside. Hopper, alert and protective, grabbed his gun, directing a stern warning at the trio by the windows. "Hey, hey, get away from the windows!" he shouted, emphasizing the need for caution in the face of the lurking danger.

Max swiftly moved off the couch, and Josie instinctively pulled her behind, positioning herself protectively. Josie extended her arm in a defensive stance, creating a barrier between Max and the potential threat. As her eyes turned red, a surge of energy coursed through her body, intensifying her readiness to confront whatever danger lurked beyond the door. She maintained a focused glare, anticipating the Demo-dog's potential advance.

Estefina, recognizing the need for additional firepower, addressed Jonathan, holding out her extra gun. "Do you know how to use this?" she asked. Jonathan looked at her reluctantly, a mix of confusion and hesitation in his expression. "What?" The urgency of the situation prompted Estefina to seek assistance, even if Jonathan appeared unsure about handling a gun. The room brimmed with tension as each member of the group prepared for the imminent threat.

"Can you use this?" Estefina repeated, her gaze fixed on Nancy. Without hesitation, Nancy stepped forward with determination. "I can." Estefina threw her the gun, and Nancy adeptly caught it, showcasing her capability with the weapon. The exchange highlighted their collective readiness for the imminent threat.

The group swiftly transitioned into fighting positions, each member armed and prepared. Tension hung thick in the air as they awaited any sign of the approaching Demo-dogs. Josie's urgent question, "Where are they?" echoed through the room, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Josie could hear distant screeching, reminiscent of Dart. Her heart pounded against her chest in response to the ominous sound. The room fell into an uneasy quiet, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Fear flickered in Josie's eyes, but beneath it, a profound sense of bravery emerged. She knew she had to step up to keep everyone safe. With no El around, the responsibility rested on her shoulders.

Loud thudding filled the room, prompting everyone to turn their attention in another direction. Huffs and scared looks exchanged between them. "What are they doing?" Nancy breathed out the question. Rustling in the bushes intensified the tension. Josie, displaying a mixture of determination and fear, stepped forward slowly, positioning herself in front of the group.

"Josie!" Max whispered-yelled, her concern evident. However, Josie ignored her, her focus unwavering as she prepared to face the impending danger.

More snarling filled the room, prompting everyone to turn towards the window. Josie's gaze shifted to Max, finding reassurance in the presence of Lucas, who was holding his slingshot beside her. Trusting that Max would be safe and Lucas skilled with his slingshot, Josie steeled herself for what was to come.

Monster groaning and screeching intensified, hardening Josie's glare. The room fell into a momentary stillness before a massive burst shattered the window, and a dead Demo-dog crashed to the ground.

Josie screamed, reacting instinctively by throwing an energy ball toward the Demo-dog. The creature emitted a final, fateful screech, confirming its demise. Josie breathed heavily, the aftermath of the intense encounter taking a toll on her.

Stepping towards the fallen Demo-dog, she looked back at the group. "It dead," she stated, blood trickling down from her nose, a testament to the strain of using her abilities.

"You sure?" Max asked, seeking reassurance from Josie. With a sigh, Josie threw one more energy ball towards the fallen Demo-dog, and this time, it remained silent. "It dead," she repeated, confirming it with a nod.

As the door creaked, the group turned towards it, weapons at the ready, prepared to defend themselves from any potential danger. Tension hung thick in the air, and they braced themselves for whatever might come through the door.

But as the door slowly opened, they were shocked to see a dog unlocking it by itself. Amazement filled the room as they witnessed the door swinging open, revealing a girl with slicked-back hair walking in very slowly. Mike, eyes wide with disbelief, stepped forward, barely able to mumble, "Eleven." The reality of her standing there in front of him seemed almost surreal, a moment filled with astonishment and the long-awaited reunion.

The group looked at each other in shock, unsure of what to do next. They had thought that Eleven was gone forever, lost in the Upside Down. But here she was, standing in front of them, alive and well.

As the reality of the situation set in, they all rushed forward to embrace her, overjoyed to have her back in their lives. They knew that the Upside Down was still a dangerous place, but with Eleven by their side, they felt like they could take on anything.

"Eleven?" Josie asked herself, her voice a whisper filled with disbelief and relief, processing the unexpected return of their missing friend.

—

ash speaks!

WOAH. This is a very long chapter.
We only have one more chapter
until Season Three!!
I hope you enjoyed this extra
long chapter<3