chapter twenty-four.
i wouldn't dare to hurt you
tw: puking
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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)

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

STRANGER THINGS 3
episode seven

ELEVEN CALMED DOWN AND EXPLAINED WHAT SHE SAW. "He mentioned building something, specifically for me," El explained to Max. As Max looked at her, she pondered, "Building something... could he be referring to the Flayed?" Max speculated, and El nodded in agreement, "He must be."

Lucas, his steps echoing in the room. "So, he's meticulously assembling an army, just as we anticipated." he expressed as Mike joined the conversation, emphasizing, "Yet, he's not merely creating this force; he's doing it with the intention of spreading its influence." Will, nodding thoughtfully, contributed, "His ultimate goal is to deploy this army to counter Eleven and Josie."

Eleven hummed softly, revealing, "No... he also mentioned that he doesn't want Josie dead, but he sees her as a threat. He's scared because he believes she possesses incredible power, enough to potentially end him. He uses her as a power source due to her immense abilities, even more potent than mine. He claims she could take down anyone, including me and him." She shook her head, troubled by the revelation.

Josie's eyes widened in genuine shock. "Oh my god, El, I wouldn't dare to hurt you or any of you," she exclaimed, earnestly placing her hand on El's shoulder with a reassuring look. El, however, seemed troubled as she shrugged, glancing down at her lap. "I know," El murmured, her voice tinged with concern, "but it sounds like he's actively seeking a way to eliminate you, so he can target me... and you won't be in the way to protect me." The weight of the situation hung in the air, creating a tense atmosphere in the room.

"Last year, El closed the gate on him, and Josie could sense if he was close by," Mike reflected. A contemplative look crossed his face as he added, "I have a feeling that really pissed him off."

"Like, royally," Lucas concurred with a serious tone. Mike, deep in thought, continued, "And the Mind Flayer has this awareness that Josie is the only obstacle in his way. If she's out of the picture—" Lucas interjected, completing the ominous scenario, "Game over for Josie, and then he can target Eleven without any hindrance."

Josie, feeling overwhelmed, questioned herself. How am I powerful? And how does this 'bad man' know more about my abilities than I do?

Eleven dropped another bombshell. "He also said he was gonna kill all of you," she informed them, her raspy voice adding an eerie edge. Mike raised an eyebrow, and Will's face contorted with a disturbing mix of shock and concern.

"Yeah, well, that's nice," Max responded sarcastically. A faint screeching noise caught Nancy's attention, prompting her to move from where she was standing and walk towards the window.

"Do you guys hear that?" Nancy asked, her voice hushed. The Cortez girl squinted, attempting to discern the sound. "It's just the fireworks," Jonathan reassured his girlfriend. Nancy, however, shot around towards Eleven. "When he told you this, it was here, in this room?" she inquired, her eyebrows furrowed. Eleven responded with a soft nod, confirming the unsettling conversation took place in the very room they now occupied.

A distant thudding noise reverberated, and Will instinctively raised his hand to his neck, sensing something amiss. Josie felt a subtle but unsettling sensation, causing the Cortez girl to hover her arm protectively over her stomach. "Ah, shit..." she muttered under her breath, a mixture of realization and anxiety in her expression.

Will, with a tone of urgency, declared, "He knows we're here." Josie, overcome by the escalating tension, abruptly shot up from the couch, her uneasy stomach prompting a quick retreat to the bathroom.

They swiftly set up a barricade while Josie was occupied in the bathroom. Fortunately, Josie had thrown her hair up into a messy bun earlier when Eleven was calming down, sparing Max from the task of holding her hair back. Max, instead, rubbed Josie's back comfortingly. "It's okay, darling. Let it out," she said soothingly, trying to provide comfort amid the escalating tension.

Josie continued to struggle with the relentless nausea. She wished she could faint, reminiscing about the comparative solace it brought last year. Lifting her head, she glanced at Max. "You know, sunshine... the Mind Flayer is really pissing me off. I miss fainting; that was more soothing last year than puking every time he's close by this time," Josie stated, her face pallid, and dark bags underlining the toll the situation had taken on her.

Max frowned in empathy, continuing to rub Josie's back. As more waves of nausea hit, Josie turned her head, hanging it over the toilet to vomit. "Max!" Lucas yelled with a hopeful tone. The Mayfield girl sighed, advising Josie, "I think he's almost here. You stay here. If you can help, then come out, but if you're weak and drained, don't." With that, Max left the bathroom, leaving Josie to cope with the unsettling effects of their adversary's proximity.

Josie, still recovering from bouts of vomiting, was enveloped in chaos. Amidst the turmoil, a massive thud echoed, and she noticed a substantial hole in the ceiling. Strangely, this brought her a shred of relief, signaling that something had disrupted the Mind Flayer's plans. Gathering strength, she sprinted out of the bathroom, only to find her friends desperately trying to pull Eleven down from an imminent threat. "Oh my god!" The Cortez girl's eyes widened in shock and concern as the gravity of the situation intensified.

Amidst the chaos, with Nancy and Jonathan incapacitated, Josie seized the moment. "Hey! You bitch, let her down!" she screamed with fierce determination, her eyes locked on the menacing creature. The creature snarled in response, intensifying its grip on Eleven's ankle, causing her visible distress. Josie's confrontation escalated, her unwavering courage on display as she faced the looming threat to protect her friends.

A scream tore through Eleven's mouth, prompting Josie's eyebrows to furrow in concern. Her heart pounded with adrenaline as she focused all her energy on harnessing her telekinetic powers. With a determined gaze, Josie visualized Eleven hanging precariously from the creature's tentacle. Summoning every ounce of strength, she extended her hand towards Eleven, her fingers trembling with the weight of the moment. The room hung in suspense, the outcome of this intense struggle teetering on the edge.

In a breathtaking display of power, Josie's telekinesis took hold, pulling Eleven away from the creature's clutches. Time seemed to slow as Eleven descended gracefully into the waiting arms of Mike. Their eyes locked in a mixture of relief and gratitude, and Eleven cried into his arms. Mike held her close, asking with concern, "Are you okay?" The room sighed with collective relief as the immediate danger subsided, leaving a palpable sense of gratitude and connection among the group.

Josie's triumph was short-lived, replaced by a surge of rage and protectiveness coursing through her veins. With a primal scream, she directed her telekinetic force towards the creature, channeling her anger and determination. The air crackled with energy as the creature's body was torn asunder, a deafening roar accompanying its demise. Josie's raw display of power echoed through the room, leaving behind a sense of both awe and fear, as the immediate threat was obliterated by her unyielding force.

The strain of the intense exertion took its toll on Josie's already injured hand. The stitches, delicately holding her skin together, gave way under the immense pressure. A searing pain shot through her hand, causing her to gasp in agony. The world spun around her as she collapsed to her knees, her body trembling with the sharp throbbing pain – a testament to her sacrifice and unwavering bravery. "Fuck!" she screamed, the exclamation catching Max's attention as she snapped her head around, realizing the cost of Josie's courageous actions.

Max's heart pounded with worry as she sprinted over to Josie's side, extending a helping hand to lift her up from the ground. "We gotta go!" she urgently exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of fear and determination.

With Max's support, Josie pushed through the pain, slowly rising to her feet. Turning their attention to Eleven and Mike, who were still recovering from the intense encounter, Max gestured for them to join outside the cabin.

The frantic dash towards the exit echoed with urgency, each footstep punctuating the tense silence. However, Josie's injured hand proved to be a hindrance, and tears of pain streamed down her face. She fought valiantly to keep up with the others, but her steps became slower and more labored with each passing moment.

Noticing Josie's distress, Mike quickly realized she needed assistance. He called out to Will, urgently urging him to help Josie. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Will rushed over to Josie's side. With a gentle touch, he offered his arm as support, helping her navigate the pain and guiding her towards the waiting car.

THEY WENT TO THE NEAREST STORE. Max and the group, their hearts racing with a mix of fear and determination, swiftly navigated their way to the nearest store. Nancy's eyes scanned the surroundings, spotting a conveniently placed rock nearby. With a surge of adrenaline, she grabbed it and hurled it towards the glass doors with all her might.

The rock connected with a resounding crash, shattering the glass into a thousand sparkling fragments. The sound reverberated through the air, momentarily drowning out their racing heartbeats. Without hesitation, they rushed inside the store, their footsteps echoing off the walls. The dimly lit interior revealed rows of shelves filled with various products, creating a maze-like path for them to navigate.

With a sense of urgency, Max and the others carefully placed Josie and Eleven down in an aisle, ensuring they were comfortable and safe amidst the chaos. The aisle provided a temporary sanctuary, shielding them from the outside world and offering a momentary respite from the danger that loomed outside. In the dimly lit aisle, the group focused on providing a brief but crucial pause for Josie and Eleven to recover before facing the challenges ahead.

In the hushed sanctuary of the aisle, the group caught their breath, exchanging glances that silently conveyed their commitment to each other's safety. Nancy, taking charge, retrieved rubbing alcohol and gauze pads. Walking purposefully to the group of teens, she knelt down and said, "Lemme see." With careful hands, Nancy pulled up Eleven's pants leg, revealing a substantial and bleeding wound.

Josie's stomach churned at the sight of the severe wound, and she turned away, vomiting in response. "I can't stand injuries like that," she admitted, wiping her sleeve across her mouth. Eleven groaned in pain as Nancy gestured for Josie to hold her hand out. The Cortez girl complied, extending her hand. Nancy opened the gauze bag, prompting Max to intervene. "What—hey, what are you doing?" inquired Max, a mix of curiosity and concern in her voice.

Nancy gave Max a look. "I'm cleaning the wounds," she replied, though Max shook her head. "No, first, we need to stop the bleeding, then clean, then disinfect, then bandage," Max explained, prompting a reluctant glance from Nancy. Josie groaned. "Trust her, I'm clumsy, and Max falls off her skateboard a lot, so there's a lot of wounds to fix," she breathed out.

Max applied pressure to the bandage on Eleven's leg, ensuring Mike took over to maintain it. She then turned her focus to Josie, her voice a blend of authority and concern. "Keep the pressure on it, Mike, nice and firm. Josie, give me your hand; I need to see how bad it is and if you need stitches again," Max instructed. Josie complied, extending her injured hand. Max carefully examined the wound, assessing the severity and determining the next steps for treatment.

Josie nodded, bravely extending her injured hand as Max focused on examining the wound. The severity became evident, and Max, with a discerning gaze, determined that more stitches were needed. "Okay, I'm gonna have to stitch you up again," she informed Josie, who couldn't help but groan at the prospect of enduring the procedure once more.

Max looked back at Jonathan and Nancy. "I need you to find a needle and thread or at least a first aid kit," she instructed them. The Mayfield turned her head over her shoulders to Lucas and Will, hearing clattering as Lucas had dropped everything out of Mike's backpack. "Does any of this help?" Lucas asked as Max shook her head. "No. Go get me a washcloth and a bowl," she snapped at him, earning a raised eyebrow from Lucas. "A bowl?" he gave her a disbelieving look.

"Lucas," she scolded with a stern look. He gazed at her appalled, and Will smacked his arm. "Come on," Will urged, guiding Lucas to comply with Max's request.

"Okay . . ."

A brief silence hung in the air as the four teens waited for the others to return with supplies. Nancy and Jonathan eventually walked back over, offering a needle and thread. Max expressed gratitude with a thankful look. "Thank you. I think Will and Lucas got distracted. Can you go find a bowl and a washcloth?" Max asked with a hopeful tone. Nancy and Jonathan nodded in acknowledgment, understanding the urgency of the situation, and set off to fulfill Max's request.

Max's hands, steady and experienced, prepared to give Josie her stitches once again. With meticulous care, she cleaned the wound using rubbing alcohol, ensuring any debris that could cause further infection was carefully removed. The dim light cast shadows on the focused scene, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Mike's glances at the Cortez girl were filled with visible concern. The paleness of both Josie and Eleven's complexions revealed the physical toll of their recent ordeal. Mike's worry for their well-being was palpable, his protective instincts heightened in the face of their vulnerability.

As Max began to thread the needle, she looked into Josie's eyes, offering reassurance and support. "You've got this, Josie," Mike piped up, his voice filled with confidence. Josie looked over at him with a gentle smile, a groan escaping from her lips in pain. "I've done this before, Mike. She'll be fine, and I'll make sure it's as painless as possible," Max spat, her tone reflecting a mix of professionalism and determination.

With practiced precision, Max threaded the needle through Josie's skin, her hands moving with a steady and deliberate rhythm. The dim light highlighted the focused atmosphere in the makeshift medical station. Max concentrated on each stitch, ensuring they were tight enough to promote healing but not too tight to cause discomfort.

Throughout the process, Max maintained a comforting presence, her eyes meeting Josie's with reassurance. She offered words of encouragement, reminding Josie to take deep breaths as the needle worked its way through the skin. The atmosphere was punctuated by the subtle sounds of the stitching, a tangible reminder of the care being provided in this improvised setting.

Max's understanding extended beyond the physical task at hand. She knew the importance of emotional support during such moments. The quiet exchange of glances and the reassuring words formed an unspoken bond, the group's resilience evident in their collective response to the challenges they faced.

Once the stitches were complete, Max gently covered the wound with a sterile bandage, providing protection against further harm. She smiled at Josie, a reflection of pride for her resilience and strength. "You did great," Max said softly, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "Now let's make sure you rest and heal properly after this is all over," she added, emphasizing the importance of recovery and care in the aftermath of their intense encounter.

Max's observant eyes noticed the absence of Lucas and Will, and she nudged Josie in the side, a subtle signal for them to regroup. "Come on, sunshine. Let's go find Lucas and Will," she declared, her tone a mix of determination and concern. The Mayfield girl rose to her feet, a reassuring hand extended to Josie.

Josie's grip on Max's hand conveyed a silent reassurance, and Max, with gentle care, helped her girlfriend back onto her feet. The pair navigated the store aisle with cautious yet determined steps, the dim lighting casting a soft glow on their faces. As they progressed, their eyes met Lucas and Will in another section, the encounter marking a reunion within the makeshift haven of the store.

Lucas and Will stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing display of fireworks. The vibrant bursts of color illuminated the space, creating a magical ambiance. Lucas pointed excitedly at a particularly dazzling explosion, his face filled with childlike wonder. Will, with a smile playing on his lips, watched the fireworks with a mix of awe and nostalgia.

Max and Josie approached the boys, their footsteps unheard against the backdrop of the captivating fireworks. A sense of disbelief lingered in the air as the boys turned around to Max's voice. "That doesn't look like a bowl," she scolded, her tone filled with playful reproach. Lucas cracked a grin in response. "Nah, it's way better. There's a reason this warning label says eighteen or older," he pointed to the label, injecting a touch of humor into the exchange.

Max's crossed arms and clenched jaw conveyed a mixture of frustration and concern, while Josie's forehead smack echoed disbelief. "This sucker is filled with 150 grains of black powder, aka gunpowder," Lucas explained matter-of-factly as he tossed the box into Max's arms. "Strap two of these together, and it's bigger than an M-80. Five of them, we've got ourselves a stick of dynamite," he emphasized, the weight of his words sinking in.

Max's glare bore into Lucas, and Josie's expression shifted from disbelief to frustration. "I'm sorry, this is what you're worried about when we might die tonight? El's drained out of her mind, and I can't feel my energy anymore. I'm tired, and my hand hurts. I don't think my power is charging," Josie snapped, her words laden with the weight of their predicament.

Lucas clicked his tongue in response. "Well, obviously! This is backup," he backtracked, attempting to justify his focus on the fireworks. Max scoffed lightly, her skepticism evident. "You wanna kill that thing with fireworks?" she squinted at Lucas, questioning the practicality of his plan. Lucas, undeterred, gave the girls a knowing look. "Do you have a better idea?"

"Uh, yeah. Eleven and Josie," Max replied snarkily, throwing the box back to Lucas as Josie gave Max a look. "Max, I do think Lucas' plan is stupid and a daydream, but El and I are tired and drained. We're both injured, so this might actually be helpful," Josie explained, acknowledging the pragmatic aspect of Lucas' unconventional plan given their current physical and emotional state.

Max rolled her eyes, shaking her head, and walked away. Josie, feeling cheeky, flipped Max off behind her back before turning back to the boys. "Come on, I'll get a cart. Let's throw these bad boys into the cart," she instructed, a playful smirk on her face. Will and Lucas locked eyes with giddy grins, ready to embark on their unconventional plan to face the looming threat.

JOSIE DECIDED TO PUSH HERSELF AND LOOK FOR DUSTIN AND CHARLOTTE. Sitting criss-crossed, Josie wore Lucas' karate bandana around her head, covering her eyes. In this state of sensory deprivation, she entered the bright white void, navigating through an endless expanse. The absence of static noise, usually a reliable guide, left her struggling to focus and locate the others. She wished El could have taken on this task, but the drained state of the powerful girl made it even more challenging.

Josie's footsteps resonated through the seemingly boundless expanse of the void, each step laden with the weight of a heavy heart. The echoes reverberated like a haunting reminder of the challenges she faced. As she walked through this surreal space, it felt as if she were caught in an endless cycle of her own thoughts and emotions. The brightness surrounding her not only obscured her vision but also intensified the emotional turmoil within.

The faint glimmer in the distance evolved into a flickering light, unveiling a small theater nestled in the void. Its existence seemed like an anomaly in the expansive white landscape. Intrigued, Josie quickened her pace, the anticipation growing with each step. As she approached, the details of the theater became clearer – intricate designs adorned the entrance, and the soft glow emanating from within beckoned her further.

As Josie approaches the theater, a tender scene unfolds before her eyes. In the soft glow of the theater's ambiance, she witnesses Charlotte and Dustin locked in a passionate embrace, their lips meeting in a heartfelt kiss. A surge of warmth spreads through Josie's chest, and a smile tugs at the corners of her lips. Filled with a mix of emotions, she reaches up and slowly, deliberately removes the blindfold that has kept her surrounded by brightness for so long.

As the blindfold slips away, the world around Josie comes into focus. Colors become vibrant, sounds become clearer, and the weight of her burdens begins to lift. A profound sense of relief washes over her, and she takes a deep breath, her gaze now fixed on her friends. Mike blinks, questioning, "Did you find her?" Josie nods with a smile, replying, "Yes... they are at the movies in the mall." She trails off with a smirk, adding, "Dustin and Char were kissing," followed by a playful giggle.

As they helped Eleven up and grabbed the cart with fireworks, the group walked towards the exit, with Max, Josie, and Lucas leading the way. Lucas couldn't contain his disbelief, his rant echoing through the tense atmosphere. "The movies? And kissing Charlotte? In the middle of all this, Dustin decided to take your best friend to watch a movie? Yeah, make that make sense," he ranted, his words emphasizing the seemingly incongruous nature of Dustin's choice given the dire circumstances surrounding them.

Josie snorted, playfully nudging Lucas in the side. "Aw, is Lucas jealous that Dustin got a girl before him?" she teased, getting on her tiptoes and pinching Lucas' cheeks. He slapped her hands away, issuing a half-serious threat, "You keep teasing me or else." The Cortez girl gasped sarcastically, placing her hand on her chest. "Oh, I'm so scared," she replied with equal sarcasm, as Lucas rolled his eyes.

Will laughed, interjecting with a reminder, "Lucas, you forgot, Josie has powers." Lucas glanced at Will, acknowledging the point. "Thank you, Will. I forgot," he replied with a hint of sarcasm. Josie playfully smacked Lucas's arm, defending Will. "Hey, don't be mean to Will! He deserves all the love," she asserted, sending Will a gentle smile. In return, Will reciprocated with a warm smile, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual support within the group.

"Also, Mike, are you sure Dustin was talking about the gate?" Max questioned, seeking clarification. Mike nodded, explaining, "Yeah, he made a bit of sense, but not really," his arm hooked around El to support her walking. Josie chimed in, adding her perspective, "It would make sense why the Mind Flayer is still alive."

Max brimmed with anticipation and energy, deftly circling around the cart. Her eyes gleamed with annoyance as she asserted, "Yeah, we just have to shut it again."

"Then the monster dies," Will responded. Lucas and Max carefully lifted and maneuvered the cart, ensuring each precious firework was securely in place. Max couldn't resist a playful jab, saying, "But if not, we always have Lucas' fireworks," to which Lucas gave her a pointed look. "Keep mocking my plan, Max. Keep mocking it," he retorted.

With a shared sense of responsibility and a touch of adrenaline, Max and Lucas navigate the cart through the broken glass door, their steps purposeful and deliberate. Lucas, feeling the need to assert himself, exclaimed, "I wanna hear you say it again because you keep doubting me. You keep doubting me!"

As they emerge into the open air, a cool breeze brushes against the group's faces, heightening their anticipation. With careful precision, they continue their journey, the weight of the cart a reminder of the explosive spectacle that awaits. "Ridiculous," Max replied, prompting Lucas to seek support from Will and Josie. "Jo, Will? We're gonna prove 'em wrong, right?" he asked hopefully. Josie, however, held her hands up in surrender, stating, "Don't pull me into this; she's my girlfriend."

WHEN THEY GOT TO THE MALL, josie's Josie's heart races as she sprints towards the balcony, her eyes widening in alarm at the sight of the Russians, armed and dangerous. With a surge of adrenaline, she taps into her extraordinary telekinetic abilities, channeling her focus and energy towards the car parked on the first floor. The urgency of the situation prompts her to act swiftly, using her powers to counter the imminent threat posed by the armed adversaries.

With a powerful force of will, Josie's mind connects with the car, causing it to shudder and quake beneath her command. The screech of tires and the rumble of the engine fill the air, catching the attention of the unsuspecting Russians. Their heads snap towards the source of the disturbance, their eyes widening in surprise and confusion.

As they look up, their gaze meets Josie's determined and unwavering stare. In that moment, time seems to stand still. With a swift and deliberate motion, Josie unleashes her telekinetic might, propelling the car forward with incredible force. The vehicle hurtles through the air, propelled solely by the sheer power of her mind.

The Russians, caught off guard, scramble to react. Panic and fear flash across their faces as they realize the imminent danger hurtling towards them. The car crashes into their midst, causing chaos and confusion as bodies collide with the unforgiving pavement, met with swift and immediate consequences. Josie's strategic use of her telekinetic abilities has turned the tide, creating a moment of vulnerability for the adversaries.

Josie stands on the balcony, her chest heaving with exertion and a mix of emotions. She has taken a stand, using her extraordinary abilities to defend herself and those she cares about. The scene before her serves as a powerful reminder of the strength she possesses and the lengths she is willing to go to protect what is dear to her. The intensity of the moment reflects Josie's resilience and determination in the face of danger.

The group comes to her side, and surprise fills the faces of Dustin, Charlotte, Steve, Robin, and Erica as they emerge from their hiding spot. Charlotte claps her hands, exclaiming, "Yeah! That's my girl!" The cheers and excitement from the additional arrivals further enhance Josie's triumph, and a grin forms on her lips in response to the encouraging reactions of her friends.

As they descend, the chaotic atmosphere intensifies. The bustling sounds of the mall, mixed with distant echoes of danger, create a cacophony that adds to the urgency of their descent. Each step on the escalators resonates with determination as they navigate through the bustling chaos. Josie's friends below await their arrival with a mix of concern and anticipation, forming a visual and auditory symphony of the group's collective determination to face the challenges ahead.

As they reach the bottom, their breaths quick and shallow, Josie's gaze locks with Charlotte's. A mixture of relief and determination washes over them, and without a second thought, they sprint towards each other. Their arms open wide, ready to embrace the solace and strength that only their friendship can provide.

In a powerful collision of bodies, Josie and Charlotte's arms wrap around each other in a tight, unyielding hug. Their hearts beat as one, their embrace a symbol of unwavering support and love. In this moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, they find solace in each other's arms, drawing strength from their unbreakable bond. The others around them join in, hugging and laughing together, creating a united front against the challenges that lie ahead.

With genuine concern etched on her face, Josie carefully pulls back from the embrace, her eyes fixated on Charlotte's busted lip. The dim lighting of the mall accentuates the subtle details of their expressions. Charlotte responds with a half-smile, attempting to downplay the injury, "Oh, just a little run-in with some not-so-friendly Russians. No big deal."

Fatigue etched across her face, Charlotte delves into the daunting narrative, a mixture of weariness and unwavering determination evident in every word. She recounts the harrowing ordeal she, Steve, and Robin underwent at the hands of the Russians, her voice carrying a subtle quiver that amplifies the intensity of the struggle.

With vivid descriptions, she paints a picture of the courage displayed in their battle against their captors. "oh my god, that's so badass!" Josie's eyes widen in awe and admiration, her exclamation punctuating the realization of the sheer badassery embedded in the tale.

Charlotte redirects her focus to Josie's injured hand, a look of concern crossing her features. A touch of curiosity infuses her words as she inquires, "By the way, Josie, what happened to your hand?"

Josie lifts her injured hand, a mingling of pride and resilience coloring her voice as she nonchalantly remarks, "Oh, this? Just a little battle scar, nothing too serious." The lie slips smoothly from her tongue, eliciting laughter from Charlotte. Lucas's eyes fixate on his sister in disbelief as he questions, "What are you doing here?" Erica, brimming with sass, points dramatically to Steve, Robin, Charlotte, and Dustin, retorting, "Ask them!" in a manner that adds a playful edge to the unfolding scene.

The Harrington boy nods, saying, "True, yeah. Totally true. It's absolutely our fault." His hands rest on his hips, earning a disapproving look from Lucas.

Robin points towards the car, expressing her confusion, "I don't understand what happened to that car," her expression carrying a puzzled look.

Dustin breathes heavily, gesturing towards El and Josie, "Josie has superpowers, so does El. But Josie made that car fly through the air," he explains, while Josie waves cheerfully, saying, "Hi!"

Robin raises an eyebrow, questioning, "I'm sorry?"

Steve smacks her arm, saying, "Superpowers. She threw it with her mind. C'mon, catch up," waving his hand as if urging Robin to keep pace with the extraordinary revelation.

Erica gazes at El, asking, "That's El?"

Robin appears lost, questioning, "Who's El?"

Nancy chimes in, directing a question at Robin, "I'm sorry, who are you?"

"I'm Robin. I work with Steve," she replies.

Nancy turns her attention to Charlotte, asking, "And who are you?"

Charlotte raises her hand, introducing herself, "Hi, I'm Charlotte. I'm visiting for the summer, Josie's best friend from Mexico... and I also have superpowers."

Steve, Robin, and Erica exchange a bewildered look. "You do?!" they exclaim in unison as she nods. "Yeah, but it wasn't useful down in that base. I can only make it snow. It's stupid; I hate it," Charlotte explains with a hint of frustration.

Dustin intervenes, proudly stating, "My girlfriend here," as he hooks his arm around Charlotte, "cracked the top-secret code." Josie's eyes widen with astonishment, her jaw dropping in disbelief. "Oh my god, you guys are dating?!" she exclaims, unable to contain her excitement.

In a burst of pure joy, she grabs the Becker girl's hand, their fingers intertwining. The two girls jump up and down, their laughter echoing through the air as they squeal with delight, their hearts overflowing with happiness.

Steve clears his throat with a playful smirk, teasing, "Girls, am I right?" Josie stops in her tracks, fixing him with a stern glare. Without missing a beat, she pushes him, and he stumbles back. Steve regains his balance and shoots back, "Hey, hey, technically, I should've been watching you for the past few days," his retort accompanied by a grin that adds a touch of banter to the playful exchange.

The Cortez girl raises an eyebrow, asking, "What?"

Steve nods, saying, "Yeah, your mom came to Scoops with Hopper and Ms. Byers. She thought you and Charlotte were with Dustin and told me to watch you two while she's out of town for the next few days."

Josie makes an 'o' shape with her mouth, saying, "Can we all agree not to tell my mom what really happened to my hand and just say I fell down skateboarding, accidentally got a huge cut, and needed stitches?" She gives a pleading look, hoping for understanding.

Charlotte gives her a look, asking, "What really happened?" with raised eyebrows. Josie looks down at the ground, admitting, "Billy stabbed me in the hand with a pencil." Steve's eyes go wide. "Oh my god, you guys, Ms. Cortez will kill me! Do not tell her," he exclaims, his voice going high, prompting Josie and Charlotte to burst into laughter.

Josie points towards the fallen foes, asking, "Okay, so who were those people I killed?" Erica steps in to clarify, "Those were Russians," leaving Josie and Max wide-eyed in disbelief. In unison, they echo, "Those were Russians?" Erica nods knowingly and adds, "Some of them," hinting at the complexity of the situation and the adversaries they faced.

Lucas looks at her, questioning, "What are you talking about?"

Dustin furrows his eyebrows, questioning, "Didn't you hear our code red?" Mike gives him a look, replying, "Yeah, but I couldn't understand what you were saying."

Dustin gapes, muttering, "Goddamn low battery."

Steve gives him a scolding look, remarking, "How many times do I have to tell you about the low battery!?" scolding him for the recurring issue.

Charlotte raises an eyebrow, teasing, "Geez, Steve... you're acting like a mom right now," earning a glare from him. "Well, everything worked out, didn't it?"

Erica gives him a crazy look, exclaiming, "Worked out? We almost died!"

Dustin rolls his eyes, retorting, "Yeah, but we didn't, did we?"

The ongoing conversation about Russians comes to an abrupt halt as a sudden thud captures their attention. Heads turn sharply to find Eleven on the ground, sobbing in pain. Mike swiftly springs into action, sprinting forward with urgency. "El! El!" he calls out, carefully rolling her onto her back to assess the situation. Concern ripples through the group as they gather around, their focus shifting from previous banter to the unexpected distress of their friend.

Charlotte looks down at Eleven, expressing concern, "Is she okay? She doesn't look so good," stating the obvious. Josie smacks her arm, teasing, "No shit, Sherlock," prompting Charlotte to playfully roll her eyes. The trio of Josie, Charlotte, and Robin stand beside Eleven with worried looks and crossed arms, their concern palpable.

Concern etches across Mike's face as he asks Eleven, "What's wrong?" Her sobs intensify as she complains, "My leg. My leg." Jonathan carefully removes the bandage, and to the group's shock, something seems to be moving in her wound. Tension mounts as they peer closer, trying to comprehend the unsettling sight, their expressions a mix of worry and disbelief.

Josie quickly looks away, exclaiming, "Oh my god, I've thrown up like five times this week! I am not throwing up right now," commenting on the distressing situation. Charlotte gives her a confused look, asking, "What do you mean?"

Josie avoids eye contact, staring at the ground. "Will explain later... I just need to take a walk. I can't be around this, or I'll throw up," she explains, prompting a nod from Charlotte. "Okay, I'll come with you."

The two best friends walk away, leaving Max to watch with jealousy, clenching her jaw tightly, emotions bubbling beneath the surface.

—

ash speaks!

one more chapter away from season four...
how are we feeling about all of josies friendships???