chapter fourteen.
billy beatdown
☄️
TW: billy + assault
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 nine

MIKES BREATH CAUGHT as he whispered, "Eleven." Her reappearance was nothing short of breathtaking, rekindling the ache of longing he had felt during her absence. "Mike," El gasped in delight. Without hesitation, they closed the distance, running towards each other with arms wide open. Their embrace was a mix of relief and joy—a culmination of the longing that had plagued them both.

Josie, a spectator to this emotional reunion, couldn't contain her astonishment. Witnessing the reunion of two souls who had been separated by circumstances beyond their control left her wide-eyed. Arms folded across her chest, eyebrows raised, and lips parted in disbelief, she mirrored the shock that lingered in her expression.

Max, sensing the significance of the moment, nudged Josie's side, seeking confirmation. "Is that...?" she trailed off, her eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. With a huff of acknowledgment, Josie nodded, her disbelief slowly transforming into acceptance.

The warmth of their embrace lingered as Mike reluctantly pulled back, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I never gave up on you. I called you every night. Every night for—" His voice wavered as he began to share the emotional weight he had carried during her absence. El, with a solemn nod, completed his sentence, "353 days." Tears streamed down her face, mirroring the sorrow and longing that had defined those countless nights.

"I heard," she confessed, her admission revealing a silent connection that transcended physical presence. Mike's forehead creased in a perplexed frown. "Why didn't you tell me you were there? That you were okay?" His question hung in the air, a mix of relief at her return.

Hopper's unexpected revelation hung in the air, causing Josie's eyes to widen in astonishment. "Plot twist," she murmured to herself, absorbing the surprising turn of events. Eleven fixed Hopper with a steely gaze as he walked over to her, a mixture of defiance and curiosity in her eyes.

"The hell is this? Where you been?" Hopper's gruff tone betrayed the underlying worry and frustration he felt. Unyielding, Eleven shot back, "Where have you been?" The exchange of questions echoed the complexity of their relationship, the unspoken challenges they had faced during their time apart.

The tension broke as Hopper, unable to contain his emotions any longer, pulled Eleven into a tight hug. He pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head, a silent reassurance that transcended words.

Mike's eyebrows shot up in realization. "You've been hiding her," he gasped. The revelation hit him like a sudden jolt. "You've been hiding her this whole time!" Mike's voice escalated into a yell, frustration and astonishment fueling his words. In his emotional outburst, he smacked Hopper's arm, who turned around and inadvertently took the brunt of Mike's frustration on his shoulder.

"Hey! Let's talk," Hopper declared, his tone attempting to diffuse the tension. "Alone."

As Mike and Josie entered another room, the muffled sounds of Mike's upset yelling lingered in the background. Meanwhile, El embraced Dustin and Lucas, catching up on the lost time with warmth and joy. The camaraderie between the trio highlighted the bonds that had endured.

In contrast, Mike and Josie stood there, unsure of their place in this reunion. As newcomers, they navigated the awkwardness, feeling like outsiders in a moment charged with history.

Max nudged Josie, prompting a question, "Should we say hi?" Josie, unsure, parted her lips and shrugged, uncertain of the reception they might receive. Max, undeterred, gently took Josie's hand, leading her toward El, who was engrossed in conversation with the boys. Nervous but curious, Josie followed closely behind.

As they approached, the unamused expression on El's face became apparent, causing a pang of guilt in Josie. However, Max remained unfazed by El's reaction, squeezing Josie's hand reassuringly. The duo reached El, standing at the periphery of the conversation, a mix of uncertainty and anticipation hanging in the air.

As El entered the room, Josie rose to her feet, determined to make introductions. "Hi, I'm Josie. And this is Max," she said, putting forth a friendly gesture. Max waved with a slight smile. However, El's expression remained unamused, casting a shadow over the introduction.

"Friend stealer," El muttered, a comment that caught Josie off guard. As El briskly passed by, heading toward Joyce, Josie couldn't shake the feeling of tension in the air. The unexpected remark left her standing there, a bit bewildered, while Max maintained her composure, offering a reassuring nod.

Josie couldn't shake the pang of guilt as she observed El's departure. Aware of the history between El and Mike, she didn't want to be the cause of any rift. However, she also recognized that she couldn't control the dynamics of others' relationships. As El and Joyce headed into the other room, a sense of unease washed over Josie.

Instinctively, she knew something was amiss, especially with Will. A genuine desire to help surged within her, and she felt a responsibility to contribute in any way possible. The conflicting emotions of guilt and determination settled within Josie as she contemplated her role in the unfolding events.

Max shot a glare back at El, expressing her frustration. "I think Mike and El are made for each other," she grumbled, emphasizing her disapproval. Josie sighed in agreement, adding, "Definitely..." Her trailing words carried a hint of resignation.

EVERYONE WAS SPLITTING OFF AND SAYING THEIR BYES. Estefina and Josie stood outside the Byers house, observing Hopper and El loading up the car with weapons and supplies. A palpable nervousness hung in the air, affecting both of them. Suddenly, Mike emerged from the house, his face tense and filled with an unspoken plea. Josie sensed the tension and exchanged a glance with Estefina, both feeling the weight of the impending situation.

"El, can we talk for a minute?" Mike's voice carried a strain as he approached her. El hesitated, glancing over at Hopper for guidance. To her surprise, he nodded, giving his silent permission for the two of them to have a moment alone.

Estefina turned to Josie, asking, "¿Qué está pasando entre Mike y tú?" Her puzzled expression sought an explanation for the dynamics between Josie and Mike.

TRANSLATION; What's going on between you and Mike?

Josie's gaze dropped, a tinge of embarrassment evident on her face. "No es nada. Acabamos de tener una pelea," she confessed in a hushed tone. Fidgeting, she shoved her hands into her jean jacket pockets, a nervous habit, and began rocking back and forth on the heels of her feet.

TRANSLATION; It's nothing. We just had a fight.

Estefina raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "¿Solo una pelea? Parece que hay más que eso," she observed, her gaze discerning. Taking her daughter's hand, she prompted Josie to look up at her, noticing the tears in her eyes.

TRANSLATION; Just a fight? It seems like there's more to it than that.

Josie sighed, expressing her frustration. "Es solo... Siempre está tratando de controlarme. Y estoy harta de eso. Necesito a alguien que me permita ser yo misma," she explained, the weight of her words reflecting the desire for autonomy and authenticity in her relationships.

TRANSLATION; It's just. . . he's always trying to control me. And I'm sick of it. I need someone who will let me be myself.

Estefina nodded in empathy, her understanding gaze fixed on Josie. "Entiendo. ¿Y sabes qué? Te mereces a alguien que te trate bien. Alguien que te dejará ser quien eres. Quizás. . . Max?" she proposed, her words carrying a sense of maternal care. Placing her hands on Josie's shoulders, Estefina conveyed both support and a gentle encouragement to explore connections that allowed Josie the freedom to be herself.

TRANSLATION; I get it. And you know what? You deserve someone who will treat you right. Someone who will let you be who you are. Maybe. . . Max?

Josie's cheeks turned a shade of pink. "No sé de qué estás hablando," she protested, her attempt at denial accompanied by a playful giggle. Estefina, sharing in the lightheartedness, laughed along with her daughter.

TRANSLATION; I don't know what you're talking about. . .

Estefina's hands cradled Josie's face delicately. "Mhm, sí. Mike es solo un pedazo de mierda, cariño. Max es mucho mejor y en realidad te trata como a un amigo. Puedo decirles que pueden ser algo más. Solo sabes, te apoyo y no necesitas tener miedo de quién eres. Ama a quien quieres amar," she whispered, her voice carrying a mix of maternal warmth and wisdom.

TRANSLATION; Mhm, yes. Mike is just a piece of shit, honey. Max is much better and actually treats you like a friend. I can tell you that they can be something else. You just know, I support you and you don't need to be afraid of who you are. Love who you want to love,

Josie turned to her mom, a deep sense of gratitude shining in her eyes. "Gracias, mamá. Eso significa mucho," she voiced, her lips curling into a tight-lipped smile. As Estefina's arms encircled her, Josie felt the warmth of the quick hug, savoring the softness of her mother's sweater against her cheek and the comforting scent of her perfume. In that simple yet intimate embrace, Josie found solace and reassurance, a tangible manifestation of her mother's love and support.

TRANSLATION; Thanks, Mom. That means a lot.

Estefina smiled, wrapping her arm around Josie's shoulders. "Por supuesto, Josie. Y quiero lo mejor para ti," she affirmed, her words carrying a genuine desire for the best for her daughter.

TRANSLATION; Of course, Josie. And I want what's best for you.

As they stood there, quietly witnessing the exchange between El and Mike, Josie experienced a profound sense of peace. Estefina's insight had struck a chord within her, and the realization dawned that she didn't need someone like Mike in her life. With Max, she had a friend who respected and valued her for who she was.

JOSIE HELD HER HAND OUT, focused on using the broomstick to sweep the broken glass off the floor. However, her concentration wavered as she noticed Mike pacing back and forth anxiously. Max, perceptive to Josie's distraction, turned her head in Mike's direction.

"Mike, stop. El will be okay," Max snapped, leaning onto the broomstick. Mike turned toward her, frustration etched on his face. "You weren't in there, Josefina. That lab is swarming with hundreds of those dogs," he spat. Max pushed herself up, standing beside Josie, ready to address Mike. "Mike, no más. Give her time," she started, intending to bring a sense of calm to the tense situation.

TRANSLATION; no more

Dustin energetically burst into the room, correcting, "Demo-dogs!" His entrance prompted a puzzled glance from Mike. Unperturbed, Lucas stepped in, offering reassurance, "The chief and Jo's mom will take care of her."

Josie, visibly unimpressed, huffed, "Like she needs protection," receiving a subtle nudge from Max. With a bemused expression, Josie retorted, "What?" Max responded with a raised eyebrow, silently conveying her thoughts on the matter.

Following Dustin's energetic entrance, Steve strolled into the room, adopting a mentor-like tone. "Listen, dude, a coach calls a play in a game, bottom line, you execute it. All right?" he advised, while Mike shot him a questioning look. Unfazed, Mike countered, "Okay, first of all, this isn't some stupid sports game. And second, we're not even in the game. We're on the bench."

"So my point is..." he stammered, a brief pause hanging in the air as all the kids fixed their gaze on him, anticipating his next words. "Right, yeah, we're on the bench, so, uh, there's nothing we can do," Steve backtracked, sensing the scrutiny. Josie rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in evident disagreement. "Not entirely true. Demo... Demo-dogs, they have a hive mind," she added, injecting a note of urgency into the conversation.

Dustin nodded in agreement. "She's right. When they ran away from the bus, they were called away."

Lucas pointed ahead. "So, if we get their attention..." His voice trailed off, and Max chimed in, "Maybe we can draw them away from the lab," she suggested, exchanging a glance with Lucas.

Josie placed her hands on her hips. "Clear path to the gate."

Steve huffed. "Yeah, and then we all die," he retorted, earning an eyebrow raise from Josie. "No. Got me," Josie quipped, giving him a knowing look.

Mike gasped softly, pushing past Dustin. "I got it," he stated, prompting Josie to furrow her eyebrows. She walked over to him, with Max following closely.

He pointed to a colored paper on the wall, a drawing by Will illustrating the tunnels. "This is where the chief and Josie's mom dug their hole. This is our way into the tunnel. So..." He then walked over to another map. "Here, right here. This is like a hub. So you got all the tunnels feeding in here," he explained, tracing the lines with purpose.

"So, maybe I can set this off with energy..." Josie suggested, her lips curling into a mischievous grin that caught Steve's attention, prompting him to give her a slightly crazy look. "Oh, yeah? That's a no! Your mom told me to keep you safe! She doesn't want you draining yourself anymore," Steve interjected, his protective instincts surfacing as he emphasized the importance of Josie's well-being.

"The Mind Flayer would call away his army."

"They'd all come to stop us."

Mike looked up. "We circle back to the exit."

"Guys—"

"By the time they realize we're gone—"

"El be at gate." Josie finished.

"Hey. Hey! Hey!" Steve clapped his hands to grab their attention. "This is not happening," he declared, hands firmly on his hips, asserting control over the situation.

"But—" Mike and Josie got cut off.

"No, no, no, no, no. No buts. I promised I'd keep you shitheads safe, and that's exactly what I plan on doing. We're staying here. On the bench," Steve declared, his tone resolute as he held a protective stance.

Josie couldn't hide her frustration, groaning and throwing her head back in annoyance. "And we're waiting for the starting team to do their job. Does everyone understand?" Steve appointed, ensuring clarity and emphasizing the significance of their safety above all else.

Mike's eyes shot Steve a sharp glare. "This isn't a stupid sports game," he snapped, rejecting Steve's analogy. Steve, raising his eyebrows, pressed on. "I said does everybody understand that?" he yelled at Mike, his voice cutting through the tension. He removed the rag from his shoulder, his demand for affirmation clear. "I need a yes."

Josie's glare remained defiant. "No. I don't," she retorted, her voice firm with frustration. Anger twisted her features as she abruptly turned on her heels, determined steps leading her towards the door. "Hey! Get back here," Steve called out, quickening his pace to catch up. As Josie yanked the door open with a forceful tug, her eyes blazed with fury, creating a charged atmosphere.

At the sight of Billy's car stationed outside, her countenance shifted abruptly—a mix of surprise and trepidation. Hastily, she closed the door, putting some distance between herself and the vehicle, an unmistakable air of fear lingering. Max darted towards the window, peering out, as an unsettling sensation enveloped her.

"Oh, shit. That's Billy. He can't know I'm here. He'll kill me. He'll kill Josie." She cast an uneasy gaze at Josie, who nervously bit her lip. "Bastardo racista," Josie muttered, expressing her frustration and disdain for the situation under her breath.

TRANSLATION; Racist Bastard

Steve's grip tightened on Josie's shoulders, pivoting her to face him urgently. "Go hide in Will's room, right now. I'll handle this," he demanded, met with a deadpan look that challenged his authority. "Why?" Josie demanded, the air tense. Steve's glare deepened. "Just go!" he raised his voice, releasing her as she stomped off, her frustration evident in the forceful slam of Will's room door, a manifestation of her pent-up emotions.

SHE COULD HEAR THE COMMOTION GOING ON. Josie paced anxiously, grappling with Steve's overprotectiveness. "Damn it, Steve! Get up!" echoed from the other room, their urgent yells reaching her ears. Standing before the door, she narrowed her eyes, focusing intensely. Inhaling deeply, she harnessed the energy within. Suddenly, with a resounding bang, she unleashed her power, causing the door to burst open, a manifestation of her heightened emotions and newfound strength.

Billy's laughter reverberated through the tense air, relishing Josie's dramatic entrance. As he advanced, a malicious chuckle still playing on his lips, he taunted, "Look who it is, Josefina Cortez. The Gay Mexican girl." His words dripped with contempt as he declared, "Time for a beatdown, for turning my sister." A pause hung heavily before he seized Josie by the neck, slamming her against the wall. "Into a gay person!" he spat with venom, his aggression tangible in the hostile encounter.

She gasped for air as he squeezed his hand tightly around her neck. She kicked her feet as he chuckled menacingly. "Billy, let her go! Please." Max begged with her eyes watering. Josie tried to push Billy off her, but he was holding her tightly and her vision was getting blurry. She gasped, her eyes rolling back, but she felt something rise in chest when she saw Max's face. She let out a scream, she felt the power building up inside her chest, there was a burst of red energy, and Billy was thrown back into the wall.

Josie gasped, hitting her head on the unforgiving surface as she crumpled to the ground. Momentarily blacking out, she fluttered her eyes open to a throbbing pain, blood trickling from her head. Groaning, she pushed herself up with shaky hands. In her disoriented state, she witnessed Max grab the syringe from the table, storming over to Billy. Swiftly, before he could inflict more harm on Josie, Max plunged the syringe into his neck, administering a dose of tranquilizing medicine with determined pressure.

Josie's eyes rolled back, a gradual descent into an abyss of blackness. The world around her faded away, and a profound stillness replaced the chaos, leaving her submerged in the tranquil embrace of unconsciousness.

A FEW DAYS WENT BY. As Josie slowly awoke in the hospital bed, her eyes adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she found herself hooked up to a symphony of machines, their rhythmic beeps filling the room. With a cautious gaze downward, she observed the network of tubes and wires connected to her. A sharp pang in her forehead prompted her to raise a hand, discovering a bandage carefully covering the area where blood had stained before. The sterile atmosphere and the soft hum of medical equipment surrounded her, casting a surreal sense of recovery.

A wave of realization hit Josie as memories flooded back—the confrontation with Billy, the surge of energy, and the subsequent fall. Guilt washed over her as she acknowledged the danger she had inadvertently brought upon her friends. The lingering question haunted her thoughts: had they managed to defeat the hive mind?

Josie turned her attention to the chair next to her bed, where her mom lay peacefully asleep, her head cradled in her arms. A lump formed in Josie's throat as she reflected on the likely worry that had gripped her mother's heart. She cleared her throat, a soft sound that stirred her mom from slumber.

"Josie!" Estefina exclaimed, her eyes widening with a mixture of relief and concern. Jumping up from the chair, she rushed to her daughter's side, enveloping Josie in a tight embrace that spoke volumes of the love and anxiety she had held during Josie's hospital stay.

"¿Cómo te sientes? ¿Tienes dolor?" Estefina asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

TRANSLATION; How are you feeling? Are you in pain?

"Está bien, creo," Josie groaned, wincing at the pain that pulsed through her forehead, a sense of overwhelming discomfort settling in. "¿Qué pasó? ¿Cuánto tiempo llevo aquí?" Panic tinged her voice as Estefina rose from the chair, gripping Josie's hand. Her thumb traced soothing circles, the anxiety in her touch palpable. Josie's eyes searched for answers, a mix of confusion and worry etched across her face, yearning for an understanding of the events that led her to the hospital bed.

TRANSLATION; I'm okay, I think,
What happened? How long have I been here?

"Has estado en coma durante unos días," Estefina said, her voice quivering with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes. "Estábamos tan preocupados por ti. Los médicos dijeron que te golpeaste la cabeza bastante fuerte, pero que vas a estar bien." Her words carried the weight of the fear and concern she had experienced during Josie's unconscious days. Estefina's hand continued its soothing motion, a mix of relief and residual worry etched on her face as she conveyed the medical assurance that Josie would recover despite the severity of the head injury.

TRANSLATION; You've been in a coma for a few days,
We were so worried about you. The doctors said that you hit your head pretty hard, but you're going to be okay.

A profound sense of relief enveloped Josie, grateful for the gift of life and her mom's steadfast support. "Lo siento, mamá... No quise causar tantos problemas. Prometo que seré más cuidadoso en el futuro." Tears welled in her eyes as she voiced her apology, her hands running through her greasy hair.

TRANSLATION; I'm sorry, Mom. . . I didn't mean to cause so much trouble. I promise I'll be more careful in the future.

Estefina smiled warmly, her hand gently enveloping Josie's. "Sé que lo harás, cariño... Me alegro de que estés bien. Superaremos esto juntos." Her words carried a mix of reassurance and genuine happiness at Josie's recovery.

TRANSLATION; I know you will, honey. . .I'm just glad that you're okay. We'll get through this together.

Estefina's smile held a gentle warmth. "A propósito... Max ha estado realmente preocupado por ti. Ella ha estado llamando todos los días para ver cómo estás." Her tone carried a comforting coo, emphasizing Max's genuine concern.

TRANSLATION; By the way. . . Max has been really worried about you. She's been calling every day to check up on you.

Josie felt a flutter in her chest at the mention of Max's name. Thoughts of her friend had occupied her mind, and the reassurance that Max cared brought a sense of comfort.

"¿Puede entrar?" Josie asked, feeling suddenly eager to see her friend.

TRANSLATION; Can she come in?

"¡Por supuesto!" Estefina nodded with a warm smile, rising from the chair. "Iré a buscarla." Eager to reunite mother and daughter, she hurried out of the room, leaving Josie with a sense of anticipation and excitement for Max's arrival.

TRANSLATION; Of course
I'll go get her.

A few moments later, Max entered the room, her face a canvas of relief and joy as she laid eyes on Josie, now awake. "Oh my god, Josie," she exclaimed, rushing over to the bed with a mixture of concern and happiness. "I'm so glad you're okay." Max's face nestled into Josie's neck, and Josie responded by rubbing her back. In that intimate moment, a surge of emotion passed between them as they locked eyes. Josie felt the weight of missing her friend lift, replaced by a deep gratitude for Max's presence by her side.

They talked for a little while, catching up on everything that had happened while Josie was unconscious. Max told her about the flowers she had brought to the hospital, and the card that she had written her. She told her how Steve was when he woke up and freaked out in the emergency room and yelled at people to know what was going on. She told her how Mike and El didn't come to the hospital to check on Josie.

"I've been so worried about you," Max confessed, her eyes reflecting genuine concern as she gently took hold of Josie's hand. "I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."

Josie felt a warm feeling spread through her chest at Max's words. She had always known that Max cared about her, but hearing her say it out loud made her feel special. "Thanks for being here, Max," she expressed her gratitude, looking up at her friend. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Max's smile softened, and she leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on Josie's forehead. "I'll always be here for you," she chuckled, her hand squeezing Josie's with a reassuring warmth. Blushing, Josie expressed her gratitude. "Did... Did you destroy the hive mind?" she asked, the hint of pain causing a brief closure of her eyes.

"Yeah," Max stroked Josie's hair tenderly, "we did. El passed out for a few days too. She woke up a few days ago. We think we know why you passed out so easily. We think the Mind Flayer was power banking you when El was closing the gate, which is why you didn't wake up." Max's voice conveyed a mix of relief for the victory and concern for the challenges they had faced.

The corners of the Cortez girl's lips curled into a grin. "Good, good." Josie inhaled deeply as Max clicked her tongue. "I'm gonna go home. I'm glad you're awake. I think we both need rest." A nod of agreement came from Josie. "Okay... Thanks for worrying, sunshine," she smirked playfully as Max winked. "No problem, darling." With a final smile, Max turned around, walking towards the door.

ONE MONTH LATER. A lot has happened in the course of a month. Mike has ignored Josie and Max. He's been round and bout with El and catching up with her. Max and Josie hung out a lot . . . lots of cuddles and cheek kisses. Once or twice, almost kissed, but somehow they keep getting interrupted. Charlotte came down to visit for Thanksgiving Break and everyone was so welcoming to the party. . . except for Mike and El. But Mike was getting annoyed by everyone asking him constantly to let her join, so he did. She was now the Rouge. At the beginning of December, Charlotte went back home and Josie was upset, but she was super excited for the Snowball.

Fashionably late, Josie sat before the mirror, her hair cascading in front of her. Her mom, with nimble fingers, skillfully braided it, creating intricate patterns. Estefina sat on the bed, eyes fixed on the duo with genuine interest. "Te ves tan bonita, Josie," she complimented, admiring her daughter's reflection in the mirror.

TRANSLATION; You look so pretty, Josie,

Josie's smile held a mix of nerves and excitement as she prepared for the formal dance, a new experience for her. The prospect of spending the evening with friends, particularly Max, overshadowed any uncertainty. In the midst of preparations, Estefina leaned over with a mischievous glint in her eyes, whispering, "Entonces, ¿vas a besarla esta noche?" Her question, tinged with giddy anticipation, added a playful touch to the pre-dance preparations, leaving Josie blushing at the prospect.

TRANSLATION; So, are you going to kiss her tonight?

Josie's cheeks warmed with a rosy hue at the question, her thoughts about Max revealing themselves. As she considered the depth of her feelings, she replied, "No sé," attempting to keep her tone casual while a subtle smile played on her lips. "Veremos qué pasa," she giggled, embracing the spontaneity of the moment and leaving the door open for whatever the evening might unfold between her and Max.

TRANSLATION; I don't know,
We'll see what happens.

Estefina grinned. "Vamos, Josie. Sabes que quieres. Ustedes dos han estado saliendo mucho últimamente, y he visto la forma en que se miran el uno al otro." She nudged her shoulder gently as her skilled hands continued crafting Josie's hair into an elegant style, the motherly gesture accompanied by a subtle encouragement for Josie to embrace the feelings she might have for Max.

TRANSLATION; Come on, Josie. You know you want to. You two have been hanging out a lot lately, and I've seen the way you look at each other

Josie's heart quickened at the mention of Max, the flood of emotions becoming increasingly difficult to keep in check. As her mom finished the braid, stepping back to admire her work, a warm smile graced Estefina's face. "Ahí," she expressed, a sense of maternal pride in her eyes. "Te ves hermosa, Josie."

TRANSLATION; There,
You look beautiful, Josie.

Josie gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a pleasant surprise lighting up her eyes as she took in the transformation. Her hair intricately braided, a pattern that surpassed her own skills, and the dress she wore added an air of elegance and maturity. Turning to Estefina, she felt a hint of shyness. "¿Qué crees que pensará Max?" she chuckled nervously, seeking her mom's opinion on the newfound look that might catch Max's attention at the Snowball.

TRANSLATION; What do you think Max will think?

Estefina's eyes widened in awe as she beheld Josie's transformed appearance. "Wow," she breathed out, captivated by the stunning image before her. "Te ves increíble, Josie. Max va a quedar impresionado." The genuine admiration in her mother's words added a touch of confidence to Josie's demeanor as she prepared to make an impression at the Snowball.

TRANSLATION; You look amazing, Josie. Max is going to be blown away

Josie's stomach fluttered at the anticipation of Max seeing her transformed appearance. The attraction she felt towards Max had evolved beyond friendship, and as they finished getting ready, a mix of nerves and readiness surged within her. Uncertain about the events that would unfold at the dance, she felt a profound sense of change and new possibilities on the horizon. With every passing moment, the excitement and jitters heightened, making her feel on the verge of stepping into a thrilling unknown as she realized she was running late for the Snowball.

SHE ARRIVED TO SNOWBALL. Josie entered the Snowball fashionably late, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her. Hours spent getting ready had left her running behind schedule. As she stepped into the gym, the pulsating music and colorful lights set the festive mood. Scanning the crowd, she identified Lucas, confidently dancing solo, Dustin twirling Nancy with infectious enthusiasm, and Mike and El sharing a tender moment in a dimly lit corner.

Yet, the one person she sought was absent – Max. A subtle disappointment tugged at Josie as she made her way to the punch table, pouring herself a drink to calm her nerves. The anticipation of the night's possibilities mingled with the slight letdown. Just as she raised the cup to her lips, a gentle hand landed on her shoulder, prompting her to turn, her eyes searching for the familiar face behind the touch.

As Josie turned around, her eyes met Max, who stood there looking effortlessly beautiful in simple overalls. The sight made Josie's heart skip a beat, appreciating the contrast to her own dressed-up appearance. Max, not one for formal attire, carried a charm in her laid-back style that Josie found captivating.

"Hey," Max greeted, playfully punching Josie's shoulder with a grin. "You look amazing." The compliment, delivered with a genuine smile, added a warmth that resonated beyond the surface, and Josie couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness at Max's presence.

Josie blushed at Max's compliment, responding with a shy "Thanks" and a small, nervous chuckle. Max, taking her hand, led her out into the hallway. The faint thump of dance music lingered, but the quieter space allowed for a conversation without the need to shout over the lively tunes. The hallway's dimly lit ambiance created a more intimate setting as they embarked on a momentary escape from the energetic pulse of the dance floor.

As they swayed to the rhythm of the music, Josie felt a comforting ease settling in. The dance floor became a world of its own, and being with Max made it magical. "You know," Max said, looking at her with a twinkle in her eye, "I've been waiting for you all night." Her words carried a playful undertone, adding a delightful spark to the moment, and Josie couldn't help but smile, realizing that the anticipation had been mutual.

Josie's smile held a touch of bashfulness. "Really?"

Max nodded with a playful twinkle in her eye. "Yeah. I was starting to think you weren't going to show up."

A pang of guilt struck Josie at the realization of Max waiting for her. "I'm sorry," she admitted, looking up at Max. "I didn't mean to be late." The sincerity in Josie's eyes conveyed a mix of regret and gratitude for Max's patience.

Max's casual shrug carried a reassuring tone. "It's okay," she nodded. "I'm just glad you're here now."

Lost in the rhythm of the dance, Josie found solace in the moment, the world around them fading as she and Max swayed together.

"You know," Max said, her eyes holding a mischievous glint, "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time." The revelation added a layer of sweetness to the dance, and Josie couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading within her at the sincerity of Max's words.

Josie's heart quickened at the subtle tension between them. "What moment?" she inquired, locking eyes with Max. There was an undeniable energy in the air as Max's gaze lingered on Josie's lips.

Leaning in, Max closed the distance, her lips almost touching Josie's ear. "This moment," she whispered with a hint of anticipation, before delicately sealing it with a kiss. Time seemed to suspend as their lips met, and Josie felt a rush of emotions enveloping her in the sweet reality of a long-awaited connection.

Josie had anticipated this moment, and it surpassed all her expectations. She wrapped her arms around Max's neck, pulling her closer in a sweet embrace. Their kiss unfolded, a beautiful dance of shared emotions that seemed to stretch into an eternity. When they finally broke apart, Josie felt a delightful sense of lightheadedness.

"Wow," she breathed out, her eyes locking onto Max's. "That was amazing." The lingering taste of the kiss and the connection they shared left Josie in a state of bliss, grateful for the magic of the moment.

Max grinned at her, looking a little breathless herself. "Yeah," she said. "It was."

They stood there for a moment, exchanging smiles and glances, before Max took Josie's hand and led her back into the gym. The music continued to play, and the other kids carried on dancing, but it all felt different now. Josie felt like she was seeing everything through new eyes, the world transformed by the shared moment between her and Max.

As they walked onto the dance floor, Max's embrace enveloped Josie, and they began to dance. The world seemed to fade away, and Josie felt like she was floating on air. Being with Max created a sense of euphoria that eclipsed everything else.

As the night unfolded, they danced and talked, each moment feeling like a cherished dream. Josie reveled in the happiness and vitality she felt in Max's presence, the connection deepening with every shared laugh and step on the dance floor.

When the dance finally concluded, Max walked Josie out to her car. The night air held a quiet serenity as they stood there, gazing at each other. In a tender moment, Max leaned in, and their lips met again, sealing the enchantment of the night with one more sweet kiss.

"I had a great time," Max said, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Josie's heart swelled with emotion at Max's words, a warmth spreading through her.

"Me too," Josie replied, her eyes reflecting the joy and gratitude she felt. "Thank you for an amazing night." The sincerity in her voice carried the weight of the wonderful memories they had crafted together, and as they stood there, the echoes of the night lingered in the quiet moments between them.

Max leaned in for another kiss, and Josie savored the sweet connection. Climbing into her car, she drove home with a heart brimming with joy, feeling like she was walking on air. The journey was punctuated by smiles, and she swayed to the memory of their shared dance, leaning her head on her shoulder.

As they pulled away, the car filled with an air of contentment. Turning to Max, Josie posed a question that held the weight of newfound emotions. "Will you be my girlfriend?" The words hung in the air, and Max's lips curled into a tight-lipped smile before she responded, "Yes," sealing the affirmation with a gentle kiss on Josie's cheek. Amidst the romantic bliss, the subtle reminder of the lingering threat of the Mind Flayer hinted at challenges yet to unfold.

—
ash speaks!

ahhhhh they're dating!!
I hope you guys enjoyed and I'm excited
to write Season Three!!
Sorry I feel like my writings been plain a lot lately. I keep saying "said" 😔
Does anyone know how i can fix that😭