chapter eighteen.
madonna is my wife
☄️
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 3
episode three

ANGEL BLASTED THROUGH ELEVEN'S BEDROOM. Max pirouetted gracefully within El's room, her movements echoing the rhythm of Madonna's "Angel." Meanwhile, El immersed herself in the colorful pages of various magazines, absorbed in the world within glossy prints.

On the other side of the room, Josie engaged in a ritual of self-adornment. Positioned before the mirror, she meticulously gathered her strands, skillfully crafting a low ponytail. With finesse, she delicately selected two sections, artfully twisting them back and securing the coils at the side of her face.

Stepping back to survey her reflection, Josie basked in the satisfaction of her newfound hairstyle. The dance of Max, the introspection of El, and the artistic transformation of Josie coalesced into a vivid tableau within the confines of El's room.

Max playfully nudged Josie's shoulder, and as their eyes met, Max wiggled her eyebrows mischievously, brandishing a hairbrush as a makeshift microphone. The unspoken invitation hung in the air, and Max gestured for Josie to partake in the impromptu performance. A smile effortlessly graced Josie's face as she joined the whimsical duet, the room filling with laughter and the joy of spontaneous camaraderie.

Josie drew in a deep breath, her anticipation palpable as she embarked on a musical journey with Max. As their voices intertwined with Madonna's melody, a kinetic energy enveloped the room. Josie's body responded instinctively, moving to the rhythm as she immersed herself in the euphoria of the impromptu performance.

Dancing in sync, Josie felt an overwhelming sense of joy and liberation. The music became a conduit for shedding worries, and she sang with abandon, her heart echoing the chorus. Gratitude welled up within her for this shared moment and the gentle push from her encouraging girlfriend.

With infectious laughter, Josie spun around. "Madonna is my wife!" she declared.

El unfolded the magazine to reveal Ralph Macchio's page, catching Josie's attention abruptly. In her surprise, Josie snapped her head over, accidentally smacking Max's arm, causing a momentary pause in their dance. Both turned towards El, sporting tight-lipped smiles that concealed a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Josie chuckled, and Max carefully placed the hairbrush on the nightstand. Their eyes met, exchanging shared smiles, as they settled onto El's bed, positioned against the wall. El sat on the edge, completing their trio.

A wave of calm enveloped Josie, a soothing aftermath of the lively dance and song. Glancing around the room, she absorbed the details—posters and pictures adorning the walls. Mike's prominence in the visual landscape made Josie scrunch her nose slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of the room's thematic leanings.

Max, breaking the silence, remarked, "So, you found Ralph Macchio." El turned her gaze toward Max, questioning. "Macchio?" she echoed, seeking clarification. Josie, eager to enlighten, nodded vigorously. "Yes! He's the Karate Kid!" she declared, punctuating her words with a playful "hi-yah!" accompanied by an animated karate chop gesture.

Laughter echoed through the room as Max, Josie, and El shared a moment of amusement. "He's sooo hot, right?" Josie playfully teased, wiggling her eyebrows. Max, in a mock display of jealousy, responded by giving Josie's shoulder a playful shove.

A mischievous glint danced in Josie's eyes as she continued, "What about me!?" Max retorted, holding her hands up defensively. A playful grin threatened to break through Max's feigned offense.

Josie's lips brushed against Max's cheek as she whispered, "You're way hotter," a sweet sentiment that lingered in the air. Max, feeling the warmth of Josie's words, couldn't help but sense the gentle touch of her lips on her cheek, a moment that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Josie let out a theatrical sigh, reclining against the headboard, and turned her attention to El. "So spill, El. How on earth do you stand Mike? His voice is like nails on a chalkboard, and the whole controlling thing?" She shook her head, emphasizing her disbelief.

El bit her lip hesitantly, revealing a vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. "He wasn't always like that. I think it's because... I disappeared, and he didn't know where I was. He worried it would happen again," she confessed, her gaze shifting downward to her fingers as she absentmindedly fidgeted with a teal hair tie on her wrist..

Max playfully intervened, "Is Mike a good kisser?" Her question earned a bemused look from Josie, while El responded with a wide smile. "I don't know... he's my first boyfriend," she reminded them, arching her eyebrows.

Max rolled her eyes and corrected, "Ex-boyfriend," nodding her head. Josie observed as El's face fell, causing a furrow in Josie's eyebrows. She couldn't quite comprehend why El still had lingering affections for someone who seemed to bring her more distress than joy.

Josie sighed softly, offering comfort by placing her hand on El's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it, okay? Mike will come crawling back to you in no time, begging for forgiveness. I practically saw him pissing his big boy diaper, trying to figure out how to win you back the second you broke up with him," she reassured, giving El's shoulder a supportive squeeze.

El's expression shifted into a frown as she looked down at her lap, grappling with the aftermath of the breakup. Meanwhile, Max, determined to lighten the mood, jumped in with assurance, "Yeah! I guarantee you, Mike is, like, totally wallowing in self-pity and misery right now."

Max's playful tone elicited a giggle from El. Max seized the opportunity to continue her comedic act, mimicking Mike's hypothetical plea, "'Oh, I hope she takes me back!'" The exaggerated impersonation broke the tension, transforming the room into a haven of shared laughter as El and Josie joined in, momentarily escaping the complexities of romantic entanglements.

Josie's playful exclamation hung in the air as El's face illuminated with a mischievous idea. Biting her lip, El sank into deep thought, a glint of anticipation in her eyes. Josie and Max turned their attention to her, their curiosity palpable.

"What?" Max asked, breaking the silence. El responded by giving Josie a knowing look, a silent communication that sparked intrigue.

ELS IDEA WAS SPYING ON MIKE. Josie, perched criss-cross beside El, hesitated on the precipice of the unknown. Her gaze flickered with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, unsure of what to expect from El's venture into the void. Biting her lip, she pondered the idea of diving into this unexplored realm. Beside her, El exuded a quiet confidence, assuring Josie that she could bring her along for the journey.

El, with a practiced ease, pulled the black bandana around her head, covering her eyes and securing it into a knot. Josie observed the process, her eyes wide with curiosity. After a moment's hesitation, Josie picked up her own black bandana from her lap, mirroring El's actions as she wrapped it around her head, covering her eyes. Though feeling a bit silly, Josie trusted El and was willing to dive into the unknown.

Max observed them both, a small smile playing on her face, perhaps amused by the shared venture into this mysterious realm.

"Okay, what do I do next, El?" Josie inquired, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and excitement. El responded by holding out her hand, palm up and fingers curled invitingly. "Take my hand," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, a gentle prompt that carried a weight of trust and connection.

Josie's moment of hesitation hung in the air as she studied El's outstretched hand, partially visible through the fabric of the bandana that covered her eyes. The black outline of the blindfold created an aura of mystery, leaving Josie intrigued about the unfolding experience.

As she extended her hand, Josie felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The warmth of El's hand meeting hers brought a comforting reassurance, and she could sense the unspoken connection between them. Josie gently squeezed El's hand, a silent pact that echoed trust and a shared willingness to delve into the unknown.

"Is this really gonna work?" Max questioned, her skepticism evident, earning a soft nod from El. "Holy shit, this is insane!" Max exclaimed, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "Max," Josie warned her, her eyebrows raised, a mix of caution and curiosity in her gaze.

"Yeah, quiet. I'm sorry," Max quickly apologized, recognizing the need for a hushed atmosphere in the midst of their energy.

Josie concentrated all her energy on joining El in the void, and, in an instant, everything around her vanished. All she could perceive was static for a moment. Then, as she opened her eyes, she found herself in a bright white void. The disorientation washed over her initially, but she quickly adjusted to the peculiar surroundings.

Surveying the vast expanse of white that enveloped them, Josie could sense the emptiness in every direction. It was an exhilarating yet somewhat unnerving experience, the void offering a canvas for the unknown as she navigated the uncharted terrain with El by her side.

Josie turned her gaze to El, finding a reflection of her own confusion mirrored in El's expression. "Is your void white?" El inquired, her tone tinged with bewilderment. Josie nodded softly, still absorbing the surreal surroundings. The warmth of El's hand in hers provided a grounding reassurance, and she gently squeezed it.

Surveying the white expanse once more, Josie sought any sign of existence beyond the two of them in the void.

"Oh, mine is pitch black..." El mentioned, squinting her eyes as if the brightness of Josie's white void was overwhelming.

Josie couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at El's description of a pitch-black void. In her own experiences, the dream world was often too bright, occasionally overwhelming her senses. Taking El's hand again, she sought comfort and familiarity in this peculiar and unfamiliar landscape, their connection becoming a guiding thread through the void.

Josie took a deep breath, stepping forward and pulling El along with her. The emptiness enveloped them, but within it, she sensed an unprecedented feeling of freedom. The void became a canvas for exploration, and with El by her side, Josie embraced the unknown, venturing into a realm where possibilities seemed boundless.

As they walked through the endless expanse of the white void, Josie observed the boundless stretch that seemed to have no beginning or end. The sheer vastness captivated her, and when she looked over at El, she saw reflected in her eyes the same fascination. The duo moved in silence, immersing themselves in the surreal surroundings, yet there was still no sign of Mike in this enigmatic realm.

El finally spoke up, her voice carrying an unusual tone. "This is so weird..." she trailed off, expressing a sense of perplexity. "I don't know why we haven't seen Mike yet... maybe it's not working because I don't have the sort of power like you do?" Josie quirked a brow, silently questioning the dynamics of their venture, as El shrugged, a hint of uncertainty marking her features.

Josie furrowed her eyebrows, contemplating a new approach. "Or, we both have to close our eyes and say who we want to see? That's how I have to do it sometimes for a memory," she suggested, offering a potential solution to their current mystery. El, intrigued by the idea, nodded in agreement.

They exchanged a reassuring squeeze of hands, signaling their unity in this endeavor. Closing their eyes simultaneously, they spoke the name in unison, their voices resonating through the void, "Mike." The echo lingered briefly, creating an air of anticipation as they awaited the response from the enigmatic realm around them.

A distinct noise broke the silence, prompting Josie and El to turn their heads. To their amazement, Mike, Will, and Lucas materialized before them. "It worked," Josie exclaimed with a wide smile. The trio walked closer, and Josie felt her heart pounding against her chest.

"What's wrong with me? Did I do something wrong?" Mike ranted.

"Nothing."

"What did I do wrong. What could I have done wrong?"

"Do I have to go through this again?"

Josie's eyes shifted to Will, who was setting up a board for Dungeons & Dragons. While she hadn't played before, Will had expressed his willingness to teach her in the past. In the present moment, she wished she had taken him up on that offer. Observing the two other boys seemingly ignoring Will, Josie's lips curled into a frown.

"We see them." El informed max.

"What are they doing?" Max questioned, her attention drawn to the unusual sight of the girls' noses dripping with blood.

"Eating... Mike is having a mental breakdown about El breaking up with him. He's acting like a big baby," Josie quipped with an eye roll. Max responded with a distorted laugh, the absurdity of the situation not lost on either of them.

Mike continued to munch on chips as he ranted, "I just don't understand what I did to deserve this."

"Nothing. Nothing. That's my whole point. You are the victim here."

Josie rolled her eyes at the dramatic display before her. In her eyes, they had indeed done something, and Mike wasn't the victim in this situation. The lies, particularly from Lucas, continued to play a role in the unfolding drama. She found solace in the fact that Will, at least, seemed to remain composed and reserved, a silent observer to the chaos around them.

"I know! It's just, why is she treating me this way?"

"Ugh, Max, Lucas and Mike are saying they're the victims here. I frickin' hate men," Josie expressed to Max, her frustration evident in her words.

"Oh my god, I wanna slap them!" Max snapped, her expression scrunching with a mix of disgust and frustration.

"I don't know. Mike —"

"What did I do wrong!?"

"Mike, stop!" Lucas intervened, moving Mike's feet to sit him down on the edge of the couch. "Relax. Just relax, okay? Stop asking rational questions." Lucas's attempt to soothe Mike introduced a moment of calm amidst the chaos, yet the atmosphere within the void remained charged with emotion and tension.

"I know, I know, you're right."

"Yeah."

"Because women act on emotion and not logic," Mike rambled, his words provoking a furrowed brow from El and a scowl from Josie. The sexist remark hung in the air, eliciting a muttered response from Josie as she expressed her disapproval under her breath.

"Precisely," Lucas agreed with Mike, aligning himself with the problematic sentiment.

"Max! This is getting worse. They're saying women act on emotion and not logic! That's such bullshit. We use both, while dumbass boys like them act on their man stink!" Josie ranted, expressing her frustration with remarks.

"What the fuck! Mike is getting more insufferable, and Lucas is... I don't even know," Max exclaimed, her eyebrows raised in a mix of disbelief and exasperation.

"It's a totally different species."

Josie's eyes hardened as she glared at Mike and Lucas. El, breaking the silence, revealed another troubling aspect of their perspective. "They say we are 'species,'" El informed Max.

Max's eyes widened in disbelief. "What!?" she exclaimed, the shock evident in her voice as she processed the degrading term used by Mike and Lucas.

"Guys, it's ready," Will turned to inform Mike and Lucas, attempting to shift the focus away from the tense conversation. "Will, not right now," Lucas gritted out, further emphasizing the strained atmosphere within the void.

"I feel so bad for Will. They're ignoring him," Josie frowned, expressing empathy for the sidelined friend amid the chaotic dynamics unfolding in the void.

Max frowned as well, pondering a missed opportunity. "Maybe we should've invited him to the sleepover. If Hopper came back tonight, we could've hid him under the bed until he left El's room," she suggested, contemplating a different scenario that might have spared Will from the isolation he currently faced with Mike.

"She broke up with you. What else is there to talk about? Josie was right, though. You keep controlling El!" Will yelled, confronting Mike with a harsh truth. Mike's glare in response spoke volumes. "Oh my god, Josie! Don't get me fucking started on her," he rolled his eyes dismissively, prompting a sharp reaction from Josie. Her eyes narrowed, and her eyebrows knitted together in response to Mike's dismissive tone.

"She follows Max around like a lost puppy, or it's the other way around. It depends on the day. But now Josie is trying to control El! Why won't she let down that I missed her games? It didn't matter to me. Earlier today was the first time she spoke to me in months! She didn't bother to come to my D&D club practices," Mike insulted, venting his frustrations and laying blame on Josie for perceived slights.

Josie fought back tears as Mike's hurtful words echoed in the void. El's frown deepened, and regret crept into her thoughts, questioning the choices she had made. Will, unable to stay silent, huffed in frustration, countering Mike's accusations.

"Mike, that is not true! You never invited her. Also, you banished her from the club because she wanted Max in! She invited you to every single game of hers, and you didn't go! And you made sure Lucas didn't too. You were in the wrong for this. She had every right to yell at you and not talk to you in months! Ever since El came back, you've been a total dick," Will retorted, revealing a side of the story that painted Mike's actions in a different, less favorable light.

Josie managed a weak smile, grateful for Will's defense but still feeling the weight of the emotional turmoil. Unable to endure the conflict any longer, her heart pounding, she pulled the bandana off, bringing an end to the surreal experience in the void. Gasping for breath, she found herself back in the real world, looking around the room to regain her bearings.

Max's worried gaze lingered on Josie, her question hanging in the air unanswered. Josie, lost in her thoughts, allowed the blood to trickle down her nose, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil within. Ignoring Max's attempts to reach her, she abruptly stood up, flinging the door open and sprinting into the hallway. Max's concerned voice trailed after her, but Josie didn't pause.

The urgency to reach the bathroom gripped her, each step echoing with a sense of disorientation and confusion. The crimson trail down her face marked the aftermath of an emotional storm that had unfolded within the void, leaving Josie desperate for solitude and a space to gather her thoughts.

As Josie ran, a wave of nausea washed over her. Mike's hurtful words echoed in her mind, each step carrying the weight of the emotional turmoil she had been bottling up. The realization that the first person who became her best friend in Hawkins had turned into someone who could say such hurtful things left her grappling with a profound sense of betrayal and confusion.

Josie finally reached the bathroom, throwing herself inside and locking the door behind her. Sliding down the door, she curled up into a ball, tears streaming down her face. The overwhelming emotions of fear and confusion enveloped her, and she leaned her head against the cool wood of the door, attempting to catch her breath.

In the solitude of the bathroom, Josie grappled with the realization that someone she considered a best friend had become a source of pain. The prospect of facing Max and the aftermath of the void felt daunting. Closing her eyes, she focused on her breathing, allowing the memories of the void to fade away as she sought a moment of respite from the storm of emotions within.

Finally feeling a bit more composed, Josie stood up, wiping away her tears and taking a deep breath. She unlocked the bathroom door and stepped out into the hallway, a slight shakiness in her movements, but determination in her eyes. Uncertain of what she was going to say, Josie knew she had to talk to Max and El, confronting the aftermath of the emotional turmoil that had unfolded in the void.

Josie sniffled, her attention drawn to the sight of Hopper casually munching on chips and engrossed in the TV. The realization of his presence caught her off guard. "Oh, hi," she greeted softly, prompting Hopper to snap his head in her direction. The sarcasm in his response stung. "Oh. I didn't know you were here," he retorted.

Josie rolled her eyes playfully. "Wow, so rude," she responded with a sarcastic smile. Hopper, observant, noticed her puffy eyes. "You okay?" he asked, prompting Josie to nod and respond with a lie, "Yeah."

Hopper's stern gaze remained fixed on Josie as he questioned her presence. "Does your mom know you're here?" he inquired, his voice carrying a weight of authority. Josie, feeling the weight of the question, shook her head. Her eyes darted nervously around the room, betraying a sense of apprehension. "No," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hopper sighed, shaking his head. "You should tell her," he advised, revealing a personal grievance. "She stood me up on our date," he grumbled, his frustration evident. Josie's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" she asked, her curiosity piqued, eager to understand the dynamics unfolding within Hopper's personal life.

Hopper's demeanor softened as he continued, a sad smile playing on his lips. "Your mom and I have been very close lately," he began, choosing his words carefully. "So, I asked her out on a date, and we were supposed to go out tonight. But she didn't show up."

Josie looked down at her feet, a sudden wave of sympathy washing over her for Hopper. While she didn't know what it was like to be stood up, she empathized with the disappointment he must be feeling. At that moment, El and Max walked out of El's room, having overheard the conversation. "What's going on?" El asked, her eyes narrowing, sensing the tension in the air.

Hopper sighed, shaking his head. "Just some old people drama," he grumbled, attempting to downplay the situation. El looked at him skeptically, sensing there was more to the story, but she chose not to press the issue. It was clear that Hopper was upset, and she didn't want to exacerbate the situation.

Together, they all sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts for a moment. Josie couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to see her mom and Hopper together. She felt a sense of determination to find a way to make it happen. However, for now, all she could do was wait and hope that things would work out in the end.

Max, sensing the need for a shift in the atmosphere, rocked back and forth on her heels and cleared her throat. "Let's go back into El's room," she suggested, her tone carrying a subtle invitation to leave behind the lingering tension in the hallway. El and Josie, both understanding the unspoken cue, hummed in agreement. Together, they moved toward the refuge of El's room, a familiar space where they could momentarily escape the complexities that had surfaced outside.

AFTER THEY SPOKE TO HOPPER, the girls decided to play spin the bottle, but with a unique twist. Instead of kissing, El would enter the void and spy on whoever she landed on. It was a creative variation, and they established that Josie wouldn't participate given the recent emotional experience. El shared the details of what happened in the void with Max, shedding light on why Josie needed a moment alone to process her feelings.

Max finished writing everyone's names on the list, totaling eight. Mr. Clarke, Billy, Mrs. Wheeler, Dustin, Charlotte, Mr. Wheeler, Steve, and Nancy made up the eclectic mix. "Holy shit, I can't believe we're really doing this," Max exclaimed in shock. Josie grinned, looking at the list. "Ready?" she asked, tilting her head, and earning a nod from El. "Ready," they affirmed, embarking on the unconventional spin the bottle game that promised a unique twist to their evening.

El spun the bottle, and it landed on Mr. Wheeler. "Mr. Wheeler," the three girls said in unison. Josie's nose scrunched up, and she commented, "Mr. Wheeler is so boring. Maybe you should redo," suggesting a second spin. Max nodded in agreement. "Yeah," she added, sharing the sentiment, and the anticipation of another spin hung in the air.

El laughed in agreement, echoing the sentiment. "Yeah, boring," she chimed in, adding a lighthearted touch to the decision to redo the spin.

Max, with a tight-lipped smile, gestured toward the bottle. "Spin again," she suggested. El held the bottle, seeking approval from Josie and Max. "Against the rules?" she questioned, prompting Max to raise her eyebrows confidently. "We make our own rules," she declared, emphasizing their autonomy in the game.

Josie leaned her head on Max's shoulders, exclaiming with enthusiasm, "Yes, girl power!" She held her fist up in the air, injecting a playful and empowering vibe into the atmosphere. The shared chuckles and Max's kiss on Josie's forehead solidified the camaraderie among the friends as they redefined the dynamics of their unconventional spin the bottle game.

El spun the bottle once again, and this time, it landed on Billy. "Billy," the girls said in unison. A strange sensation sent a shiver down Josie's spine, and she couldn't quite shake off the feeling. "Ugh, shiver down my spine," she expressed with a gag.

Max, taking charge, got off the bed and walked over to retrieve the radio. "Okay, look, I should just warn you," she grabbed the radio, changing the channel, "if he's with a girl or doing something gross, just get out of there right away before you're scarred for life," she advised, blending caution with a touch of humor..

Josie handed El the blindfold, and as El took it, she began, "Max—"

"No, I'm just saying, I'm serious. He's really gross," Max rambled, her voice carrying genuine concern as she sat back down beside Josie. Josie, in response, nudged her shoulders in a playful yet reassuring manner. "Max!" she chided, emphasizing a balance between caution and lightheartedness. "Okay, shutting up now," Max chuckled, deciding to ease off the warnings, and the room settled into a mix of laughter and anticipation.

El pulled the blindfold around her head again, plunging into the darkness of the void. Max and Josie waited in silence, their anticipation building as they tried to anticipate what would happen next. Finally, El broke the silence, her voice carrying from the void. "I found him."

Max furrowed her eyebrows, pressing for more details. "What's he doing?"

"I don't know..." El trailed off, her connection to the void providing glimpses but not complete clarity.

"He's... on the floor... talking to someone," El added, leaving Max's eyebrows knitted together in confusion and intrigue.

Josie felt herself getting faint as the room began to spin. She blinked rapidly, hoping to regain her bearings, but a loud ringing noise emerged, causing her to screech. She let out a big yell, covering her ears with her hands. "Make it stop!" she begged, the overwhelming sensory experience taking its toll. Max's eyes widened with concern. "Josie, are you okay?" she asked, worried about her girlfriend's well-being.

Josie continued to cover her ears with her hands, getting off the bed and letting out another big scream. Suddenly, she passed out, dropping to the floor with her ears bleeding. At the same time, El pulled her bandana off, hyperventilating and struggling to catch her breath.

Max rushed over to Josie, trying to assess the damage. She could see that Josie's ears were bleeding badly, and she knew they needed Hopper. Going to the hospital was out of the question, considering the potential superpower involvement. Max looked over at El, who was hyperventilating. "HOPPER!" she screamed, urgently calling for assistance in the chaotic and alarming situation.

Immediately, the door threw open, and Hopper saw Josie's head in Max's lap, blood emerging from her ear. "Oh, shit," he exclaimed, recognizing the severity of the situation.

—

ash speaks!

mwhahaha cliffhanger