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Cassidy slowly blinked her eyes open, greeted by the radiant sunlight that flooded the room, revealing Max's peaceful breaths next to her. A smile played on her lips, and a warm blush colored her cheeks as she whispered, "Maxine." Abruptly, the room morphed into an abyss of darkness, accompanied by an icy chill, signaling Cassidy's return to the upside-down.

Reacting swiftly, she leaped out of bed, instinctively summoning fire with a outstretched hand. In the eerie shadows, her clone materialized, wearing a visage of anger. Undeterred, Cassidy calmly spoke, "Calm down," attempting to maintain control in the unsettling realm of the upside-down.

Cassidy sighed, extinguishing the fire. "What do you want?" she spat, crossing her arms. Her clone smiled, announcing, "We have a new host." Cassidy's curiosity piqued, she questioned, "Who...?" anticipating an unsettling revelation from the upside-down.

"Billy Hargrove," her clone said softly, prompting a gasp from Cassidy. "So, when I became one of the hosts... and I saw Billy..." Cassidy began, seeking confirmation. "Mhmm," her clone hummed in affirmation. "Okay," Cassidy responded, absorbing the revelation with a mix of concern and realization.

Cassidy's room flickered with alternating bursts of light and darkness, and as the disorienting flashes subsided, she awoke to find herself once again nestled beside Max. "Maxine," Cassidy whispered tenderly. Max, responding to the soft call, fluttered her eyes open to discover the warmth of their shared cuddle.

"Hey, Cass," Max greeted with a sleepy yawn, rolling over to face Cassidy. As the morning unfolded, Cassidy, filled with a sense of anticipation, asked, "So, what do you want to do today?" She rose from her bed, ready to embark on their shared adventure.

"I want to practice my skateboarding," Max shared, her enthusiasm evident. Cassidy grinned, responding, "Nice. I got new rollerblades for my birthday, so I'll practice that too." The prospect of a day filled with the joy of shared hobbies and the promise of new experiences lay ahead for the two friends.

Cassidy and Max, dressed and ready for the day, made their way to the Hargrove-Mayfield house. While Cassidy gracefully rollerbladed around the street like a princess, feeling the breeze against her skin, Max attempted tricks on her skateboard. Cassidy's joyful grin faltered when she heard a noise, prompting her to turn around.

Time seemed to slow as Cassidy witnessed Max almost losing balance on her skateboard, the moment hanging in suspended animation. The air crackled with a mix of excitement and concern as Cassidy braced for the outcome of Max's trick.

Cassidy swiftly sped over to Max, catching her in her arms and averting a potential fall. Time returned to its normal pace as the two girlfriends exchanged a relieved glance. Their attention shifted when they noticed Theodore and Eleven walking down the street, holding Max's skateboard. The twins halted in their tracks, bringing the skateboarding duo face to face with Cassidy and Max.

Eleven handed Max's skateboard to her, a subtle frown on her face. Cassidy shared a knowing look with Theodore, recognizing the significance of this moment—the acknowledgment that Eleven and Max were forming a unique bond that had yet to be explored.

"Hi," Eleven said with a tinge of sadness. Max met the telekinetic girl's gaze and replied, "Hi?" Sensing the weight of the situation, Max agreed to talk and led them inside. Once inside, Eleven and Theodore explained that both Mike and Will had lied to them. Cassidy, taken aback by the revelation that Will had lied to Theodore, empathized with the overwhelming emotions Will might be grappling with. The tangled web of deception began to unravel, leaving the room charged with a mix of tension and understanding.

Eleven's voice carried a tinge of melancholy as she recounted the phone call, "And then he said he... he missed me. And then he hung up." Theodore's nod confirmed the sincerity of Eleven's words. Max, grappling with a mixture of emotions, paced restlessly, the weight of the situation evident in her furrowed brow.

Cassidy, recognizing the need for support, settled behind the twins on Max's bed. As the tension in the room thickened, Max erupted, "He's a piece of shit. Will, he obviously was forced to say he couldn't hang out because Mike made him. Will is too soft, he's not a piece of shit... he's just prone to following what Mike does when he tells him to." Max's frustration resonated in her words, and Cassidy nodded in agreement, acknowledging the complexities of friendship and influence at play. The air hung heavy with a mix of understanding and disappointment as the group navigated the intricacies of their relationships.

Mike had undergone a noticeable change in the last six months, his focus solely on spending time with Eleven at Cabin 24/7, leaving little room for the rest of the party. Cassidy and Theodore, noting the shift, occasionally joked that they didn't recognize who Eleven or Mike were anymore.

"What?" Eleven looked at the redheaded girl in confusion. Cassidy stood up, joining Max, and explained, "Mike doesn't have jack shit today. Like Max said, Will has been friends with Mike for so long; he will do what Mike tells him to do. And we all know Mike's Nana is obviously sick." The room filled with a mix of realization and empathy as the friends grappled with the dynamics of Mike's changing priorities and the challenges faced by Will in navigating his loyalty to their friend.

Eleven furrowed her brows, the confusion evident in her expression as she grappled with the implications of the conversation. Theodore's agreement with Max and Cassidy's suspicions about Mike and Lucas playing Atari added a layer of uncertainty, leaving the room filled with tension and unspoken questions. The principle "friends don't lie" echoed, underscoring the importance of trust within their close-knit group.

"Yeah, well, boyfriends lie," Theodore, Max, and Cassidy said in unison. Eleven, seeking clarity, asked, "What about girlfriends?" Without hesitation, the trio responded, "Nope. We actually trust each other, don't suck face 24/7, hang out with our friends, tell each other everything, and read comics." The room was charged with a mix of humor and sincerity as they contrasted the dynamics between boyfriends and girlfriends, highlighting the principles they valued in their relationships.

Eleven attentively absorbed the advice from the two girls, acknowledging the dynamics they described. Theodore interrupted, "Hey, guys. Sorry, I have to go. Dustin and Mildred want me to meet up with them at Scoops." Cassidy, visibly unimpressed at the mention of Mildred, rolled her eyes. The sense of betrayal lingered as she recalled Mildred's failure to inform her about being alive.

The three girls nodded, and as if on cue, Theodore disappeared, teleporting away to meet with Dustin and Mildred at Scoops. The room settled into a momentary silence, each of them processing the complexities of their friendships and the challenges that came with trust.

Max and Cassidy took seats on opposite sides of Eleven, resolute expressions on their faces. "You're going to stop calling him. You're going to ignore his calls," Max declared, picking up where she left off before Theodore's departure. "As far as you're concerned, he doesn't exist," Cassidy added, emphasizing the need for Eleven to detach from the situation.

Eleven turned to face Cassidy, seeking clarification, "Doesn't exist?" The gravity of the advice hung in the air as they encouraged Eleven to distance herself from the complexities of her relationship with Theodore.

"He treated you like garbage. You're gonna treat him like garbage," Cassidy explained with a straightforward tone. Max, echoing the sentiment, added, "Give him a taste of his own medicine." Eleven, processing their advice, repeated, "Give him the medicine?" Max nodded in affirmation.

"And if he doesn't fix this, if he doesn't explain himself, dump his ass," Max concluded, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and standing up for one's well-being in a relationship. The room held a mix of conviction and support as Eleven contemplated the advice given by her friends.

Cassidy and Max exchanged a knowing smile, their connection evident as if they could read each other's minds— a testament to their unique relationship. With synchronized movements, both girlfriends stood up, each grabbing one of Eleven's arms to pull her off the bed.

"Come on," Cassidy grinned, prompting Eleven to ask, "Where are we going?" Cassidy led them to the door, stating, "To have some fun." With that, Cassidy darted out of Max's room, and Max and Eleven followed, ready for the spontaneous adventure awaiting them.

⭑⭑⭑

Cassidy and Max whisked Eleven away to the mall, seeking a break from boys. They explored 'The Gap,' and Cassidy spontaneously decided it was makeover time for both her and Eleven. In front of a mirror, Cassidy and Eleven jumped into the moment. Eleven, amazed by the transformation, approached the mirror, and Cassidy, following her, playfully put her arm around Eleven's shoulder.

Cassidy added a touch of humor, making her eyebrows move up and down in the mirror, eliciting chuckles from Eleven and Max. Max handed Eleven a yellow French hat, and Eleven, initially putting it on wrong, drew grins from Max and Cassidy. Max playfully corrected the hat on Eleven's head, completing the whimsical makeover adventure.

Eleven and Cassidy decided to try on another set of outfits. Eleven opted for a big white shirt, while Cassidy chose a pink shirt paired with a punk leather jacket. As Cassidy looked at herself in the mirror, a smile spread across her face.

"Oh, Maxine. I'm definitely getting this outfit," Cassidy declared with confidence, the reflection in the mirror capturing her satisfaction with the chosen ensemble. The mall adventure continued with a mix of fashion experimentation and lighthearted enjoyment.

Max grinned as Cassidy tried on the pink shirt with the punk leather jacket. "You look super hot in it, Cass. Get it," Max complimented. Cassidy, delighted by the positive feedback, smiled and agreed, already envisioning herself rocking the chosen outfit.

Eleven emerged in the big white shirt, causing Cassidy to burst into laughter at the comically oversized garment. Undeterred, Eleven sought another size and reappeared with a better-fitted shirt. Max, seizing the opportunity, found belts to enhance the ensemble.

"El, if you don't get that outfit, I'm so getting it," Cassidy teased, her tone playful. Eleven, after trying on the white belt and evaluating her reflection, decided, "Mhm... yea, not my type. Yours." She turned to Cassidy with a smile, acknowledging her friend's style preference. The mall adventure unfolded with laughter, camaraderie, and the shared joy of fashion experimentation.

Eleven twirled in the mirror, savoring the chosen outfit, and as time slowed down, Cassidy experienced a surreal moment. In the slowed-down reality, Cassidy observed everyone and everything with heightened awareness. Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw pink lightning coursing through her body, a mesmerizing and otherworldly sight in the midst of the momentary temporal distortion. The air crackled with an ethereal energy, leaving Cassidy in awe of the inexplicable occurrence.

In the midst of the surreal moment, Cassidy realized she had discovered a new ability – superspeed. Grinning at the newfound power, she turned to see Eleven still slowly falling. Reacting swiftly, Cassidy caught Eleven, and just as quickly, time returned to normal. The three girls burst into laughter, the extraordinary experience leaving them amused and intrigued.

Max, meanwhile, tried on two glasses without much success. Cassidy spotted a pair of red glasses and handed them to her girlfriend. Max put them on, looked at herself in the mirror, smiled, and turned to Cassidy. "Oh, yea. I'm so getting this," Max declared, appreciating the look. Cassidy grinned, pleased with the fashion choice and the overall adventurous day at the mall.

Eleven emerged from the dressing room wearing a black outfit adorned with rainbow funky shapes. She performed a hair flip in front of the mirror, exclaiming, "Oh my god. I'm getting a matching outfit with you. THAT'S SO CUTE." Cassidy, overwhelmed with excitement, expressed her enthusiasm, "Obsessed!"

Eleven and Max shared a laugh at Cassidy's reaction. "What?" Eleven inquired, amused by Cassidy's infectious enthusiasm for the idea of matching outfits. The atmosphere in the dressing room filled with the joy of newfound fashion discoveries and the camaraderie between the three friends.

"Have you not gone shopping anytime lately?" Max inquired, prompting laughter from Cassidy. Embracing the shopping spree, Cassidy picked the third outfit and explored various other clothing options. In a mere 15 minutes, they made their selections.

Cassidy ended up with a diverse collection: a pink shirt paired with a pink punk leather jacket, the white oversized outfit, the matching black outfit with funky rainbow shapes to Eleven, and a light blue oversized t-shirt with matching shorts. The shopping adventure resulted in a colorful array of outfits, showcasing the unique styles and personalities of each friend.

Exiting the store, arms linked in a display of friendship, Max with her signature red shades, Eleven in the black outfit adorned with funky shapes, and Cassidy rocking the pink shirt with a matching leather jacket. They exchanged smiles and laughter, reveling in their newfound fashion adventures.

As the trio ventured into the shoe shop, Eleven took the lead in trying on various pairs, showcasing a mix of styles. The air buzzed with excitement and the shared joy of exploring the world of shoes and fashion together. Each choice became a shared moment, solidifying their bond as friends who not only navigated life's challenges but also celebrated the simple pleasures of a day at the mall.

Cassidy and Max assisted Eleven in navigating the challenges of walking in heels, ensuring she wouldn't stumble. However, despite their efforts, Eleven slowly fell to the ground. Reacting with her newfound superspeed, Cassidy quickly caught Eleven, but the unexpected turn of events led to both girls falling to the ground.

Amidst laughter, blood trickled down Cassidy's nose as they found humor in the situation. Their joy, however, caught the attention of some popular girls from their school, who rolled their eyes in disdain at the trio's antics. The contrasting reactions between the friends and the onlookers added a touch of teenage drama to the lighthearted mall excursion.

Fueled by an unusual sense of vengeance due to her flayed state, Cassidy couldn't let the judgmental gaze of the popular girls slide. Unleashing an uncharacteristic gesture, she defiantly flipped them off, adding a cheeky "Bye Felicia's." The act, born out of a newfound assertiveness, marked a departure from Cassidy's usual demeanor, revealing the influence of the complex dynamics tied to her altered state.

Amidst shared laughter, Eleven and Max exchanged a look, their camaraderie evident. Cassidy, wiping her bloody nose, joined in the laughter. The atmosphere lightened, and Eleven seized the moment to inquire quietly, "When did you use your powers?"

With a grin, Cassidy confessed, "I discovered a new ability. I can superspeed." Eleven smiled in acknowledgment, recognizing the evolution of their friend's capabilities. As they left the store, fate led them to encounter the popular girls once more. Cassidy, seizing the opportunity, halted her girlfriend and Eleven, pointing discreetly at them. In sync, Eleven and Cassidy grinned mischievously and stealthily hid behind a nearby wall, ready for a prank.

Cassidy, fueled by her heightened flayed powers, glared at Stacey's cup with a focused intensity. Channeling her newfound abilities, the cup not only exploded but also caused Stacey to tumble to the ground. Laughter erupted from the three girls as they swiftly made their escape.

Max, reveling in the moment, exclaimed, "See! There's more to life than stupid boys!" Eleven and Cassidy chuckled, the shared laughter echoing their rebellious spirit and the thrill of discovering the extent of Cassidy's flayed abilities. The trio continued their escape, savoring the triumph of their impromptu prank.

The trio headed to Scoops Ahoy, patiently waiting for their ice creams. Robin had put in the order but had to go on her break, so Steve took over. With a charming smile, Steve handed the ice creams to the three teens.

"Okay, here you go, you got Butter Scotch, Strawberry, and then a Vanilla with sprinkles, extra whipped cream," Steve announced, listing off the delightful flavors and toppings. "Thanks," the three girls chimed in unison, accepting the treats with gratitude. The sweet delights from Scoops Ahoy added a delightful conclusion to their eventful day at the mall.

Steve, ever vigilant to Hopper's rules, stared at Eleven, suddenly realizing the potential breach. "Wait a second. Are you even allowed to be here?" he questioned, pointing at Eleven. The three girls, sharing a look and a laugh, seized the opportunity for a quick escape, dashing out of the store before Steve could say anything else. The unexpected exit added a touch of mischief to their ice cream adventure at Scoops Ahoy.

Theodore emerged from the backroom, inquiring about Max and Cassidy. Steve confirmed their presence, prompting Theodore to express frustration, "Damn it. Cassidy knows some Russian like me; she could've helped." The missed opportunity left Theodore lamenting the potential assistance Cassidy could have provided with her language skills.

Dustin and Mildred, overhearing the conversation from the back, expressed their frustration, yelling, "You could have told me that!" Theodore rolled his eyes at their outburst. Steve, offering assistance, asked, "Should I go get her?" Theodore declined, stating, "No, they're probably having a girls day. Let's not interrupt them with 'Russian Codes,'" air quoting to emphasize the potentially sensitive nature of their activities. The decision was made to let the girls enjoy their day without unnecessary interruptions.

The three girls walked out of the mall, only to turn and see the boys. Cassidy couldn't hide her disappointment, groaning, "Ugh. My girls' day just got ruined," she muttered. The realization that their peaceful day might now be disrupted was met with a frustrated exclamation from one of the girls, "Oh, you've got to be kidding me."

As they approached the boys, Cassidy greeted the encounter with a sarcastic tone, saying, "Isn't this a nice surprise," accompanied by a sarcastic smile. Mike, caught off guard, dropped his bike at the unexpected sight.

"What are you doing here?" Mike questioned, pointing towards Eleven. Eleven responded sternly, "Shopping."

Max, injecting a touch of humor, paused and then asked, "This their new style. What do you think?" The air hung with a mix of tension and amusement as the two groups navigated the unexpected meeting.

"What's wrong with the both of you?! You know she's not allowed to be here," Mike argued, expressing concern. Cassidy, unimpressed, rolled her eyes.

"What is she, your little pet?" Cassidy spat at the raven-haired boy, challenging the notion. Eleven, catching onto the dynamic, questioned, "Yeah... Am I your pet?" The exchange revealed the tension and underlying issues within the group, bringing unspoken conflicts to the forefront.

"What?! No!" Mike stammered, caught off guard by the accusation. Cassidy, finding amusement in the situation, laughed. Eleven, hurt by the perceived mistreatment, questioned, "Then why do you treat me like garbage?" Cassidy, sensing Eleven's distress, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

The revelation hung in the air, prompting Mike to seek an explanation, "What?" The tension within the group reached a critical point, demanding a candid conversation about their dynamics and unresolved issues.

"You said Nana was sick," Eleven expressed with a hurt tone, uncovering a deception that had affected her deeply. Cassidy, sensing Eleven's distress, empathized with the situation.

"She is. She is. She is sick," Mike stammered, attempting to clarify and maintain the facade. Cassidy, finding the situation increasingly absurd, couldn't help but laugh once again. The layers of deception and the unraveling of the truth added complexity to the group dynamics.

"Do you guys even know where Theodore, Mildred, and Dustin are?" Cassidy inquired, seeking information about the whereabouts of the missing friends. Mike and Will remained silent, unable to provide an answer.

"Proves my point," Cassidy remarked, using the lack of knowledge about their friends' locations as a way to emphasize her earlier statements. The tension among the group persisted, with unspoken issues lingering beneath the surface.

Noticing the hurt in Will's eyes, Cassidy empathetically approached the group. Despite the ongoing bickering between Eleven and Mike, Cassidy sought to understand Will's perspective.

"Hey, I know you didn't lie to Theodore on purpose. What happened?" Cassidy asked, attempting to bridge the gap and address the underlying issues that contributed to the discord within the group.

"Mike... Mike said if he can't see Eleven and he has to lie to her, then I have to too," Will explained with a sense of sadness. Cassidy's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"What the fuck. That is so low of Mike, I'm sorry Will," Cassidy expressed, her sympathy evident as she gave him a comforting hug. However, Will's frown indicated the complexity and pain entwined in the situation, revealing the strain on their friendships.

"Hey, when you see Theodore next... just tell him the truth. He'll believe you and accept your apology. You're way nicer than Mike is," Cassidy reassured Will, offering him a glimmer of hope. Will sighed, contemplating the possibility of repairing the damage done.

Cassidy returned to her girlfriend's side, the complexities of their relationships still lingering in the air. The group faced a challenging road ahead, marked by unspoken tensions and the need for honest conversations.

As Eleven confronted Mike, the tension in the air was palpable. "You lie. Why do you lie?" she demanded, her voice firm and unwavering. Cassidy and Max, witnessing the confrontation, found themselves in awe of Eleven's assertiveness.

"Holy shit," Cassidy couldn't help but mumble, her surprise mirroring Max's reaction. Determined to put an end to the deceit, Eleven took Cassidy's wrist. Recognizing the unspoken bond, Cassidy then took Max's hand, and the three girls were led onto the bus by Eleven.

Finding seats together, they shared a meaningful look, the unspoken understanding and solidarity between them evident. In a moment of levity, they high-fived and laughed, ready to leave the drama behind and embark on the next chapter of their journey.

⭑⭑⭑

ASH SPEAKS !

New chapter finally out?! Sorry I've been gone. I haven't felt the greatest, but I'm
back!!! Ahh!