chapter thirty-five.
MAX!
💔
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 4
episode eight/nine

THE WHOLE FRIEND GROUP WAS scavenging through Eddie's music. As Steve desperately tried to wake Nancy in the eerie Upside Down, Josie frantically rummaged through Eddie's kitchen, tossing food out of the fridge. Victoria, with a worried expression, approached Josie and asked, "What on earth are you doing?" Overwhelmed, Josie looked at Victoria with tears welling in her eyes and stammered, "I... I don't know. I'm scared." Before she could finish, Steve's yell cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Guys! Nancy's up!"

Josie's head snapped towards the source of the piercing police car siren, her heart pounding in her chest. "Oh, no," she exclaimed, her lower lip caught between her teeth in worry. Max rushed to her side, their eyes filled with panic. "Josie, we have to get out of here," Max pleaded urgently, their grip tightening around Josie's hand. With a determined nod, Josie agreed, "I'll create a distraction while you all make your escape. Head to Max's trailer, it's our best chance."

Josie's gaze shifted towards Max, her eyes filled with affection and determination. Tenderly, she cupped her hands around Max's face, drawing her in for a passionate kiss that ignited a spark between them. Their lips met, brushing against each other in a moment of intense connection.

Lucas and Victoria exchanged a knowing glance, their smirks conveying their shared amusement. Reluctantly breaking away from Max's lips, Josie heard a commanding voice outside, amplified by a police officer's microphone. "Josefina Cortez, come out," the voice demanded. Josie locked eyes with Max, her voice filled with love and urgency. "I love you," she whispered before mustering the courage to run outside, her hands raised in surrender.

Ashh, before the police officer could slap those handcuffs on her, Josie snapped her head and unleashed her power. With a flick of her hand, she sent that officer flying, crashing into a tree nearby. It wasn't a fatal blow, just a little reminder of her strength. Another officer tried to step in, but Josie effortlessly used her telekinetic powers to send them tumbling to the ground. And just when Powell came running up, Josie extended her hands, summoning vines that sprouted from the ground, coiling around his ankles. "Holy mother of god," Powell exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. It was a jaw-dropping display of Josie's abilities.

Josie approached her mom, her emotions boiling over. With a swift motion of her left hand, she lifted her mom into the air, her gaze filled with anger and hurt. "You betrayed me," she cried, tightening her grip. Estefina gasped for air, desperately clutching her neck, trying to plead with Josie. "Jo-Josefina, please... let go," she stuttered. Overwhelmed with sadness, Josie released her mom, collapsing to her knees and sobbing uncontrollably.

Estefina wearily rises and grasps Josie's hand, swiftly guiding it behind her back and securing her wrists with handcuffs. Overwhelmed with emotion, Josie bursts into tears and eventually loses consciousness. Estefina nonchalantly shrugs, scoops up Josie in her arms, and gently places her in the car. As the Cortez women take off, Estefina steals glances at Josie, concern etched on her face.

JOSIE FLUTTERS HER EYES OPEN. Josie groaned, feeling disoriented and annoyed. Her gaze shifted towards the driver, and her eyebrows shot up as the memories flooded back. "Mom! Let me out!" she exclaimed, attempting to extend her hand, only to be met with the cold touch of metal handcuffs. Frustrated, she let out a huff and kicked the driver's seat, causing her mom to snap around in response. "Hey! I'm trying to take you somewhere safe," her mom shouted. Josie responded with blowing a raspberry, blowing the hair out of her face.

Josie's mind went quiet for a moment as she pondered her next move, desperately searching for a plan. And then, like a lightning bolt, inspiration struck—her void. Fueled by frustration and anger, she unleashed her fury by delivering a powerful kick to the back of the driver's seat. "Fuck you!" she shouted, her voice filled with defiance. With a surge of determination, Josie tapped into her extraordinary abilities, manipulating the very fabric of reality. The car swerved violently, its path altered by her unleashed power, ultimately colliding with a tree. The impact jolted both Josie and her mom, leaving them shaken but alive.

Josie's breaths came in heavy, labored gasps as she assessed the situation. While her mom was plagued by a pounding headache, Josie remained unscathed, her senses sharp and focused. With determination burning in her eyes, she fixated her gaze on the keys tantalizingly close on the front seat. Concentrating all her mental energy, she willed the keys to inch forward, drawn to her like a magnet.

As her abilities surged, the handcuffs around her wrists clicked open, the cold touch of metal fading away. Sensing the moment was right, Josie closed her eyes, shutting out the physical world and delving deep into the recesses of her mind. With an intense burst of energy, her consciousness merged with her void, a realm beyond time and space. When she opened her eyes, she found herself surrounded by an ethereal landscape, a place where the rules of reality no longer applied.

She hurriedly traversed the depths of the void, her steps quick and purposeful. Focusing her thoughts on Max, Josie yearned for a glimpse into the present events unfolding before her. Gradually, the figures of Max and Lucas materialized, oblivious to Josie's presence. In her conscious mind, Josie could perceive their actions and words, even though they couldn't see or hear her. As they ascended the stairs to the attic of the Creel House, a surge of panic washed over Josie. She felt lost, unsure of her whereabouts. How could she ensure Max's safety in this unfamiliar realm? The weight of responsibility weighed heavily on her, compelling her to find a way to protect her friend.

With her eyes tightly shut, Josie's voice reverberated through the air, a plea to Vecna echoing in the darkness. "Vecna, if you can hear me, spare her! Take me instead! TAKE ME!" Every ounce of her being was concentrated on feeling the pull of his presence, drawing her into the mysterious realm of the Upside Down. A peculiar sensation washed over her once more, causing her eyes to flutter open, revealing the unsettling sight of the Upside Down before her. Anxiousness constricted her throat as she swallowed hard, bracing herself for what lay ahead.

A shiver crawled down her spine, drawing her attention to her shoulder where one of Vecna's vines had ensnared her. With a fierce glare, she unleashed her mind's power, causing the vine to explode. However, her actions triggered a seismic disturbance in the Upside Down, shaking the very fabric of its existence. Stumbling backward, Josie found herself transported to a different setting altogether – Starcourt Mall.

Confusion etched across her face, she furrowed her eyebrows in puzzlement. Suddenly, a cutting remark pierced her ears, leaving her heart shattered into countless fragments. "Josie, you are a terrible friend," the voice of Charlotte echoed. She snapped her head towards her, the pain of those words piercing her soul.

Josie's breath caught in her throat, a whisper escaping her lips. "Charlotte?" she murmured, her voice barely audible. A smirk played on Charlotte's face as she circled Josie, her eyes filled with a menacing glare. "I'm not really her," she taunted. "You're incredibly powerful, Josie. So powerful that you fabricated all of this. Vecna had no part in it. It was all your doing. And... I'm not even the real Charlotte. Just a manifestation of your deepest fears." Confusion etched across Josie's face as she stared at the illusion before her, struggling to comprehend the truth.

Josie shut her eyes tightly, pressing her hands against her ears in a desperate attempt to block out the presence of the false Charlotte. Determined to find solace amidst the chaos, she sought refuge in a cherished memory —- the moment when she realized her love for Max.

"He take out on you?" She gapped.

Max eyes were filled with tears. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this." She shook her head. As much as Josie wanted to make a flirty remark, she knew Max had more to say. "It's just. . . I know I can be a jerk like him sometimes, and I do not want to be like him. Ever." She stated. "I guess I'm angry too, and . . . I'm sorry."

Max sniffled. "Jesus! What's wrong with me?" She exclaimed.

Josie chuckled. "Well, sunshine, you are not. You been around him. Lots. Not saying you are, just saying, anger been built up in you. Need to let it out. Which you did. Telling me. Trusting me. You amazing. Smart. Different than other girl I met."

Max chuckled. "Darling, you bring out the best in me." She commented as Josie leaned closer to her. "I like talking with you, Mad Max." She commented back.

Max's cheek were a scarlet red. "And I like talking with you, Fierce Josie." She admitted.

Josie's eyes fluttered open, a radiant smile spreading across her lips as she found herself standing in the familiar embrace of the junkyard. This place held a special significance in her heart, representing a cherished memory of pure happiness. Suddenly, Vecna's chilling voice pierced the air, issuing a menacing ultimatum. "Join me or die, Josefina Cortez."

Josie turned her head, her gaze unwavering as she watched Vecna approach. With unwavering determination, she stood tall and declared, "I will never join you," her voice resolute and filled with unyielding confidence.

Vecna's arm thrust forward, exerting a powerful force that pinned Josie against a tree with an invisible grip. She groaned, struggling to break free from his telekinetic hold, her glare piercing through the darkness. But then, a sudden pause interrupted Vecna's advance, as if he was momentarily distracted or contemplating something. Josie furrowed her brow in confusion. And then, something unexpected filled her ears — the familiar melody of "Angel" by Madonna, followed by Max's voice. "Josie, you need to wake up."

Those words ignited a surge of determination within her. With every ounce of energy she had left, Josie fought against the constraints and, in a burst of power, unintentionally teleported herself to the Creel House. Overwhelmed by the journey through realms, she collapsed, unconscious. The weight of her failure to save Max hung heavy in her heart.

When Josie's eyes fluttered open, her heart sank as she witnessed the gruesome scene unfolding before her. The sound of bones snapping echoed through the air, mingling with Lucas's piercing scream. And there, lying lifeless beside Josie, was a body that sent shivers down her spine. Her mind struggled to comprehend the horror that had befallen them.

As Josie tried to make sense of it all, she turned to her side, her vision blurred and her ears ringing. The world around her seemed hazy, and fatigue weighed heavily upon her, accompanied by a pounding headache. But she refused to succumb to the exhaustion. She blinked repeatedly, determined to clear her vision.

And then, as if emerging from a fog, the figure beside her came into focus. It was Max, but something was terribly wrong. Blood seeped from her eyes, her gasps for air were desperate, and her pleas for Lucas and Josie pierced Josie's heart. The shock of the moment left Josie speechless, her lips parting in disbelief.

"Max?" Josie managed to utter, her voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and concern. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon her, and she knew that time was of the essence.

Max gasped for one last time, her breath escaping her body as her movements ceased. The sound of Josie's desperate pleas filled the air, her voice cracking with anguish. Crawling over to Max, Josie's hands trembled as she gently took her out of Lucas' arms, cradling her in her own. Tears streamed down Josie's face, mingling with her sobs as she ran her fingers through Max's hair, desperately hoping for a miracle. "Max, please... Wake up," she sobbed, her voice filled with heart-wrenching pain and longing. The weight of the moment pressed heavily upon Josie, her cries echoing in the room, as she held onto the flicker of hope that Max would somehow come back to life.

Max's body lay still, lifeless, until suddenly, a flicker of life ignited within her. Josie and Lucas, who had been consumed by despair, locked eyes, their expressions transforming from sorrow to a glimmer of hope. A surge of emotions washed over them as they witnessed this extraordinary turn of events, their hearts filled with a renewed sense of possibility.

With tears in his eyes, Lucas reached into his pocket and retrieved a note, passing it gently to Josie. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Max... she wanted you to have this." Josie's brow furrowed with curiosity as she unfolded the paper, her tears flowing freely. She began to read the heartfelt words, her emotions overwhelming her with each passing sentence.

Dear Darling,

I know you're gonna hate me for this. I know you were gonna find your way back and you were gonna try to sacrifice yourself. I couldn't let you do that. You have a more reason to live when I don't. I don't deserve to be alive. Please don't cry. You need to let me go. I'm sorry i'm the third person in your life to die. But you need to let me go. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and i'll be in your heart always.

I love you too,
Max

IT HAD BEEN TWO DAYS. Josie's name was finally cleared, and the police publicly denounced the false accusations, leading to an investigation into Hawkins Police. Estefina faced the consequences and was fired. She attempted to approach Josie, but upon returning home, Josie was already packing her belongings. Tensions escalated into a heated argument, but Josie stood her ground, affirming that she would be moving in with Lucas and Victoria's taking a flight back to Mexico.

"He opened his eyes, and further words died in his throat. He forgot about the need to sick up that horrible parody of wine. He forgot about his mother, and Uncle Morgan, and his father, and almost everything else. Speedy was gone. The graceful arcs of the Rollercoster against the sky were gone. He could feel the hair stirring on the nape of his neck, could feel a goofed-up grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. Speedy! I'm here, my God! I'm here in the territories!"

Josie's eyes scanned the lines of the passage, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. She couldn't help but be drawn into the vivid world that Stephen King had created. The protagonist's awakening, the forgotten worries, and the overwhelming presence of Speedy in the territories captivated her imagination. Glancing at the peacefully sleeping Max, Josie couldn't help but wonder if there were hidden realms waiting to be explored, just like in the book. The words held a certain magic, transporting her to a place where anything was possible.

Max lay in a coma, her body immobilized by a neck brace and casts on both arms and legs. Victoria desperately attempted to communicate with her before her departure, but to no avail. They held onto the hope that El would have the ability to reach Max once she arrived.

The door swings open, and there stands Will, Mike, and El. "Oh my god," Will gasps, his shock evident. Mike's eyes widen in surprise. "We've been trying to reach you guys nonstop," Lucas exclaims, embracing them tightly. "I know. We rushed over as soon as we got the news."

Josie's gaze shifts, catching a blurry glimpse of El. Despite the blur, Josie recognizes her immediately, a wide yet bittersweet smile spreading across her face. "El!" Josie exclaims, unable to contain her excitement, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace. "I've missed you more than words can say," she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. El hugs her back, their connection palpable. As they reluctantly separate, El's expression turns somber. "I missed you too, and I'm truly sorry," she says, a hint of sadness in her frown.

Tears streamed down Josie's cheeks as she spoke, her voice trembling with emotion. "V-Victoria tried to reach her, b-but couldn't get any response. Can you read her?" she stammered, finding solace behind El's presence.

Josie's heart sank as El took a shaky breath, her eyes filled with worry. El turned to Max and Lucas, her lips parting to ask the question that weighed heavily on her mind. "Do you know... when will she wake?" El's voice quivered with concern. Josie's expression turned even more somber as she looked down, her voice barely a whisper. "No. They say she might not," Lucas shared, his arms enveloping Josie in a comforting side hug. The uncertainty hung in the air, casting a shadow of sadness over them all.

Josie's voice trembled as she recounted the harrowing experience. "Her heart stopped for over a minute. She... she died. Well, clinically, but then she miraculously came back," Josie explained, her words filled with a mix of awe and disbelief. "I shouted for them to rush her to the hospital. The doctors can't explain it, but I have a theory that she held onto one last memory that helped her pull through." As Josie spoke, Mike, El, and Will exchanged a shared look, their expressions mirroring a mix of astonishment and wonder.

El takes a deep breath, sinking onto the bed and holding Max's hand tightly. She closes her eyes, seeking a moment of solace. The room falls into a heavy silence, and Josie's anticipation grows. But when El opens her eyes, disappointment fills the air as she shakes her head. "Nothing," she says, her voice cracking with emotion. Josie's face contorts into a frown, and she lets out a heart-wrenching sob before leaving the room.

Mike rushes after her, calling out her name. "Josie—" he begins, but Josie swiftly turns around, her expression resolute. "No, Mike. I'm done with you. We're over," she declares, her words filled with a mix of frustration and hurt. Confusion clouds Mike's face as he furrows his eyebrows. They hadn't seen each other in a week, and the last time they were together, everything seemed fine. What just happened?

—

ash speaks!

and thats it. until season five.
hoping actor strike will be over soon
and they can film season five!!