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Will, Theodore, and El settled into the airport, the air buzzing with excitement as they awaited Mike and Cassidy's arrival. Cassidy, driven by her competitive spirit, had orchestrated a plan to outpace Mike to California, enlisting Erica for the calculations, given her aversion to math.

Cassidy, brimming with confidence, not only assured Mike of her impending victory but also proposed a playful bet. If Mike won, Cassidy would be tasked with doing his History homework for an entire month. Conversely, if Cassidy emerged victorious, she'd be claiming a crisp $100 from Mike. The stakes added a playful and competitive dynamic to their journey, creating an extra layer of anticipation as they waited for the duo to touch down.

Cassidy packed up her belongings when Lucas barged into her room urgently. "Cass! Where's your money?!" Lucas asked frantically, prompting Cassidy to furrow her eyebrows. "Why would you like to know?" she sassed, checking her watch on her wrist. "I need it! Jason's gonna be pissed if I don't pay him back!" Lucas exclaimed. Cassidy rolled her eyes, grabbed her suitcases, and continued preparing for whatever Lucas had gotten himself into.

"That's a you problem," Cassidy sighed in frustration, waving her hand sarcastically at Lucas as she closed her eyes. "No, Cass, not yet—" he pleaded, but his words were cut off as Cassidy swiftly turned into a cloud of black dust, teleporting herself to California in an instant.

"Ugh!" Lucas groaned in exasperation, left behind in the wake of Cassidy's peculiar departure. Erica, finding the situation amusing, laughed and teased him with a casual "Nerd,"

Lucas turned around, shooting his younger sister a disbelieving look. "You told her to do that, didn't you?!" he quipped, accusing Erica with a raised eyebrow. Erica smirked amusingly, her response delivered with a hint of pride. "You do know I got all those tricks from her, right? I'm a mini Cassidy," she declared, playfully embracing her role as the younger sibling with a penchant for mischief.

Lucas groaned in exasperation and gave Erica a slight shove, trying to shake off the frustration of Cassidy's teleportation antics.

Cassidy opened her eyes, feeling a trickle of blood down her nose. Having strategically chosen a bathroom stall to teleport into, she ensured no one witnessed her sudden appearance in the middle of the airport. Wiping her bloody nose with her sleeve, Cassidy checked her watch again, seemingly unfazed by the unconventional travel experience.

With Mike's arrival imminent, Cassidy quickly ran out of the bathroom and found Will, Theodore, and El still waiting. Sighing in satisfaction, she realized she had successfully made it there before Mike, having fulfilled the terms of their friendly bet.

"El! Will! Theodore!" Cassidy excitedly waved to them, sprinting over. Theodore smiled and quickly got up, sharing a tight hug with Cassidy. She then looked over his shoulder, anticipating El to join in the embrace. "Hey, El," Cassidy smiled weakly at the Hopper girl, who responded with a tight, giant smile, enveloping Cassidy in a warm hug.

"How's the Angela—" Cassidy began, but El gasped, catching sight of Mike approaching. Cassidy exchanged a concerned look with Will and Theodore, hoping El's situation with the bullying had improved.

They shook their heads sadly. "Still?" Cassidy asked with a tinge of sadness, and the boys nodded in agreement. "I swear to god, I'm going to kill Ange—" Cassidy vowed, frustration evident in her voice.

"Who are you gonna kill this time?" Mike asked, catching Cassidy off guard. She quickly cut herself off, turning around with a forced smile. "I'm going to kill Theodore!" she laughed nervously, playfully wrapping an arm around him.

"Why?" Mike questioned, curious about Cassidy's sudden threat. Her eyes widened, desperately seeking assistance from Will and Theodore. "Theodore... accidentally set her favorite pair of sunglasses on fire again," Will intervened, smoothly stepping in to save the situation.

Cassidy shot Will a thankful look, and Mike laughed, nodding in understanding at the amusing yet seemingly harmless reason behind Cassidy's playful threat.

He turned to Cassidy with a harsh glare. "I have to give you $100, don't I?" Mike groaned, realizing the consequence of losing their bet. Cassidy smirked devilishly and casually patted his shoulders. "Yup, you do, Mikey," she taunted, deliberately emphasizing the nickname that clearly irked him. Mike shot her a disapproving glare. "Please stop calling me that," he pleaded, revealing a glimpse of his annoyance.

Turning to Will, who held a painting in his hands, Mike attempted to shift the focus. "Hey, how you doing?" The greeting led to an awkward and somewhat sad handshake-hug, a testament to their peculiar camaraderie.

Theodore and Cassidy exchanged a knowing look as Cassidy pulled Theodore to the side. "How's the ol' crush on Mike thing going for Will?" she questioned. Theodore glanced at Mike and Will, who seemed engrossed in their own conversation, exchanging few words other than discussing Jonathan and Argyle being high on drugs.

Theodore sighed, offering Cassidy a subtle shake of his head. "Not great. Will's playing it cool, but it's clear he's still into Mike," he admitted, his voice carrying a note of sympathy for his boyfriend.

Cassidy frowned, expressing concern, prompting Theodore to sigh. "Well, I know it was his first love thing, so I get that he might be still hung up on Mike a little, so I'm not mad or anything. The painting he made for him is amazing though," Theodore informed her, sharing insight into Will's feelings. Cassidy nodded in understanding, recognizing the complexity of emotions tied to a first love and appreciating the sentiment behind Will's heartfelt painting.

"Is your relationship healthy though?" Cassidy questioned carefully, expressing concern for Theodore. Theodore nodded with a small grin. "It's actually great," he assured her. Cassidy, pleased with the response, wrapped an arm around him.

Will walked over to the two with a frown, prompting Cassidy to acknowledge him with a nod, ready to engage in the next part of their gathering.

"Don't be upset, Will. It's your birthday! Be happy," Cassidy encouraged with a bittersweet smile, playfully punching his shoulder. "Yeah, happy birthday, love," Theodore chimed in, offering a rose and a hug. Will looked at the two, pulling away from the hug. "You guys didn't forget?" His voice cracked, and tears welled in his eyes.

"Of course not, bud," Cassidy assured him, while Theodore planted a kiss on Will's cheek. Blushing intensely, Will's emotional moment was interrupted as Mike walked over to join the group.

"Hey, what's that?" Mike pointed to the painting in Will's hands as Will turned around to face him. Glancing at Theodore and Cassidy, who stood beside him with reassuring smiles, Will muttered nervously, "Oh, uh, it's nothing. Just a painting I've been working on."

Theodore and Cassidy's smiles faltered into a sad expression. "Cool," Mike nodded carelessly, seemingly oblivious to the underlying tension. Cassidy rolled her eyes at his apparent ignorance. "That's a rad shirt, man. Ocean Pacific?" Argyle chimed in out of context, pointing to Mike's Hawaiian shirt.

Cassidy couldn't help but slap her hand on her face at the growing awkwardness. "Oh, hey, Mike. This is, uh, my friend Argyle," Jonathan introduced, and Cassidy mentally cursed. "Oh. Hey," Mike said bluntly, extending his hand. Argyle, however, surprised everyone by wrapping Mike into a hug, who stood there in confusion, not reciprocating the hug.

"Oh, no, no, no," Argyle pulled away from the awkward, random hug. "No, it's a shitty knockoff. Yeah. But don't sweat it. I'll get you the good threads out here."

Cassidy sighed, witnessing the social discomfort unfold.

Cassidy gave Argyle a perplexed look before turning to Will and Theodore for some clarification. "Is your brother and his friend high right now?" she murmured to them. Theodore shrugged, and Will, with a knowing look, nodded subtly.

Growing frustrated with the awkward atmosphere, Cassidy couldn't contain her annoyance. "What is wrong with all six of you?! You guys are being so awkward and boring!" she yelled at them, her frustration evident. The group looked at her dumbfounded, unsure how to respond to her outburst in the midst of their peculiar gathering.

Cassidy scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I heard a lot about your sister," Argyle said to Mike, catching Cassidy off guard. "Uh..." Jonathan cleared his throat, attempting to diffuse the situation as Cassidy smacked Argyle in the back of the head, a clear signal that he had stepped into a territory he shouldn't have.

Argyle squealed as Cassidy chuckled. "Um, should we go?" Jonathan questioned as Cassidy looked at all six of them, dumbfounded. "I— Yes! Oh my fucking god," Cassidy exclaimed, running a hand down her face in a mix of amusement and exasperation, ready to put an end to the peculiar and awkward situation unfolding before them.

Mike and El walked in front of them as El excitedly shared her plans for the day. "First, El Rodeo for burritos," El told him with a smile. Mike looked at her curiously. "What, really? Burritos for breakfast?" he questioned, earning a smack in the head from Cassidy. He groaned and looked at her with a deadpan expression.

Rolling her eyes, Cassidy glared at him and grabbed his ear, pulling it towards her. "Just do what the lady says, dumbass," she snapped reluctantly. Mike looked at her dumbfounded once again. Cassidy rolled her eyes and let go of his ear, ready to continue with the day's plans.

"Uh, anyways, you should trust me," El assured him. Mike looked at her and slightly nodded. "Yeah, no, I... I trust you. It's just, you know, a little weird," he admitted, acknowledging the unusual nature of the plans El had for the day.

"Then, after burritos, I want to go to Rink-O-Mania," El continued, her enthusiasm unwavering. Mike furrowed his eyebrows. "Rink-O-Mania, okay. What's Rink-O-Mania?" he asked, seeking clarification about the next item on El's agenda.

Cassidy clenched her teeth and fists, her eyes darkening with frustration. She resisted the urge to express her discontent with Mike's attitude, opting to maintain a semblance of composure for the moment.

"It's the most fun place in Lenora," El and Cassidy said in unison, surprising even Cassidy. El looked at her, confused. "I do my research," Cassidy told her with a weak smile, acknowledging her unexpected synchronization.

El then turned back to Mike. "They have skating, games," she explained, trying to convey the appeal of Rink-O-Mania.

"Sounds awesome. Are your friends gonna meet us?" Mike questioned, unaware of the tension he was causing as Cassidy shot him a disapproving look. He looked at her dumbfounded before turning back to El, waiting for her response.

The frustration bubbled within Cassidy. "The amount of times I hinted at it to him, and he still doesn't realize—? This little blind... ugh," she thought to herself. Will and Theodore noticed Cassidy's growing irritation. "You know, you should probably go back to Hawkins and check on the others," Will suggested, and Theodore nodded in agreement, sensing the need to diffuse the tension.

Cassidy ignored Will and Theodore's suggestion, eavesdropping on El and Mike's conversation. "Friends? What, friends?" she questioned them, her frustration evident.

El tried to redirect her attention by smacking the flowers onto Cassidy's chest. Cassidy's glare hardened. "You know, Stacy and Angela," El pleaded with her, and Cassidy stiffened noticeably at the mention of Angela. "Angela?" Will and Theodore practically gasped in shock, their eyes widening, as Cassidy rolled her eyes, attempting to downplay the significance of the name.

"You'll meet them, I promise. Just not today. I want today to be about me and you," El continued, soothingly rubbing Mike's arm. Mike pulled her close, planting a kiss on her forehead. Cassidy rolled her eyes, frustration clear on her face, as she stopped in place.

The group turned their attention to Cassidy as Jonathan furrowed his eyebrows. "Where are you going?" he asked, noticing Cassidy's folded arms and apparent frustration. She sighed, "Gonna check on Ma— Dustin. I, uhm, I'll meet you guys later, okay? Take my suitcase for me?" Before anyone could stop her, she vanished into dust.

"What's wrong with her? She's been moody," Mike grumbled, oblivious to the tension. Will and Theodore exchanged a knowing look. Theodore questioned, "What?" as he sensed that Mike was oblivious to the possible reasons behind Cassidy's mood.

They shook their head in disbelief.

—

Cassidy's eyes snapped open as she teleported into Dustin's room. "Hey, Dustin, so I was thinking—" Her sentence was abruptly cut off when she found Max in the room. The two locked eyes, tension hanging in the air, creating an awkward silence. The moment lingered until Dustin cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy stillness in the room.

"Cassie? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Cali with El?" Dustin questioned, a hint of concern in his voice.

He hoped she hadn't found out about the Eddie situation. Cassidy sighed, "Yeah, I just needed to cool off. El kept lying to Mike..." She trailed off, hinting at the tension she witnessed between El and Mike.

Dustin and Max's eyes widened. "El's lying to Mike?" they questioned with surprise as Cassidy nodded. "That's what I'm saying! It's supposed to be Mike lying, not El!" She threw her hands in the air in exasperation, noting the concerned looks they were trying to conceal.

"Alright, what's going on here?" Cassidy asked firmly, her gaze piercing as she sought an explanation. Max exchanged a glance with Dustin, who shook his head. "No, we're not telling her," he whispered loudly to Max. Cassidy rolled her eyes. "I mean, we should tell her... she's gonna find out eventually," Max whispered back, initiating a quiet argument between Dustin and Max about whether to disclose the information.

Cassidy sighed in frustration, her anger intensifying. "Oh my god! Shut the fuck up!" she yelled, and one of Dustin's lamps turned into dust. Blood trickled down Cassidy's nose as Dustin giggled, surprised by her ability. "You can do that?!" Dustin exclaimed in shock as Cassidy wiped her nose with her sleeve. "Yes, I can! Now, would you guys tell me what you guys won't tell me, huh?" she snapped at him, demanding answers amidst the escalating tension.

"Chrissy Cunningham died and Max thinks Eddie killed her," Dustin blurted out. Max's eyes widened, and she smacked him in the head. "We could've lied to her and just said, I don't know, that Jason went off her knockers and gave Lucas drugs! But, no, you tell her the truth?!" Max yelled at him, frustrated with Dustin's decision to reveal the truth to Cassidy. Dustin smirked in response, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Dustin could sense that Max still cared about Cassidy. "Also, there's another thing too," Dustin murmured, catching Cassidy's attention. "What is it?" she asked, curious yet cautious. Max lowered her head, shaking it, and muttered, "Don't tell her, Dustin—" but was cut off by Dustin.

"Apparently, Mildred... she's stuck in the Upside Down," Dustin revealed. Cassidy's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" she exclaimed, the gravity of the revelation sinking in as her expression darkened.

"Mildred, I yelled, she's trapped in the darn Upside Down!" Dustin hollered, muffled by Cassidy's hand. "Alright, we got the point. Let's keep it PG for your mom's sake," she quipped, and Dustin nodded in agreement.

Cassidy, releasing her grip on Max, turned with a confident smirk. "Don't worry yourself, alright? He can spill the details to me; I'm the one packing superpowers," she playfully sassed at Max, who responded with an exaggerated eye roll. Dustin, wearing a sad expression, gestured for Cassidy to take a seat beside Max. "Max, spill the beans," he started, only to be abruptly cut off by Cassidy smacking him on the side of the head. "Us," she corrected, prompting a glare from Dustin and a dismissive wave as he rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Dustin's interrogation continued, "Max, spill it. Why do you think Chrissy was offed by Eddie, and what's with Mildred stuck in the Upside Down? And seriously, why the cop-call delay?" Cassidy, dissatisfied, muttered a barely audible 'better' under her breath.

Max, visibly distressed, crossed her arms defensively. "I... I don't know," she stammered, avoiding eye contact.

Concern etched on Cassidy's face, she probed, "Are you okay?" Max, trying to brush it off, insisted, "I'm fine."

Cassidy, not buying it, narrowed her eyes at Max. Dustin, growing impatient, rolled his eyes and pressed, "You seriously don't know?"

Seated between Dustin and Cassidy, Max's expression was wide-eyed and stunned. "After Eddie and Chrissy entered the trailer, things got bizarre. I was watching TV when it went haywire, so I tried fixing it. The lights started flickering, then everything just stopped. Soon after, I heard Eddie scream outside, shouting 'Mildred Henderson?!' He rushed to his van and sped away. It didn't seem too unusual at first – Eddie drives like a maniac, and my power goes out all the time, courtesy of my rundown place. But this morning, as I thought back, it just doesn't add up," she recounted, shaking her head in a mix of perplexity and concern.

Cassidy's voice trembled with a mix of fear and sorrow, "The Mind Flayer can't still be alive, right...?" Tears welled up in her eyes as Max, equally troubled, shook her head. Their eyes locked for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. "But... But I saw—" Max started, her words cut off gently by Cassidy's reassurance, "I know, Max."

Cassidy placed a consoling hand on Max's trembling one. Dustin keenly felt the complex emotions lingering between them, recognizing the shared history and the unspoken desire to rebuild their connection. The intensity in their eyes spoke of a mutual longing for reconciliation.

Max's words spilled out anxiously, "But, the look on Eddie's face... He was scared, Cass... Dustin. Really scared. Maybe because Chrissy mentioned something about Mildred, you know, or he just killed someone, or... maybe because I don't... I don't know, maybe..." Dustin, looking up at her, finished her thoughts, "Something else killed her." Max nodded in agreement, and Cassidy swallowed nervously.

"But why did he say Mildred's name?" Cassidy questioned, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Dustin, attempting to make sense of it, responded, "Like Max said, Chrissy probably said something about Mildred to Eddie." He shrugged his shoulders, acknowledging the lingering mystery that hung in the air.

"Mildred never knew Chrissy... I just met Chrissy this school year," Cassidy trailed off until a memory popped into her mind, the revelation sparking in her eyes.

A nine-year-old Cassidy sat alone in Miss Hyson's combined class, surrounded by both nine and twelve-year-olds. In the corner, she focused on drawing a picture of a creature she affectionately called 'Bubba'.

A blonde girl and a brunette approached Cassidy. "Hi!! I'm Chrissy Cunningham, and this is my best friend, Mildred Henderson!" Chrissy exclaimed with a bright smile as Cassidy looked up, greeted by the friendly introduction.

"H— Hi," Mildred stammered with a small smile as Cassidy waved them to sit down. Cassidy questioned, "Why are you guys talking to me? I thought I was too scary for anyone to be close to me because of my skin color." A frown etched on her face as the two girls exchanged a meaningful look.

"We don't care! Our mommies and daddies said you shouldn't care about people's skin color," Mildred assured with conviction, and Cassidy smiled warmly at her. "Yeah, what she said... my mommy and daddy, they're not the best people ever, but Mildred is right, though," the blonde girl chimed in, emphasizing the shared belief in acceptance they had been taught.

"O-Otay... well, I'm Cassidy Sinclair. My twin brother, Lucas Sinclair, is right over there with some curly-haired boy," she pointed out. Mildred looked over and then back at Cassidy with a gasp of recognition.

"What?" Cassidy furrowed her eyebrows, a frown forming. "That's my younger brother as well who is talking to your twin brother, Lucas!! My younger brothers name is Dustin," Mildred exclaimed, connecting the unexpected dots with excitement.

"Awhh! How cute. You guys have siblings," Chrissy exclaimed. Mrs. Hyson then addressed the class, "Alright, class, my twelve-year-olds, you need to head to Art right now, and my nine-year-olds, you guys have free time for about only ten more minutes, then we're gonna start a reading lesson."

"See you guys later!" Chrissy waved and jumped up, Jason wrapping an arm around her. "Awh, they're madly in love, how cute!!" Cassidy exclaimed as Mildred blushed. "Yeah, yeah, they are." Mildred was star-struck; Cassidy was beautiful.

"Cassidy, are you okay? Cassie—" Max waved her hand in front of Cassidy's face as Cassidy gasped. "Oh my god, I knew Chrissy before this school year," Cassidy blurted out, leaving Dustin and Max exchanging puzzled glances. "What?"

Cassidy turned to Dustin. "Remember your first day at Hawkins Elementary before me and Mildred transferred to an all-girls school that we begged our parents to let us go to?" Cassidy reminded, and Dustin nodded hesitantly. "Well, I remember your sister and Chrissy coming over to me on your guys' first day at Hawkins Elementary."

"Holy shit. What do you think Chrissy said to Eddie about Mildred?" Max questioned, a sense of urgency in her voice. Cassidy paused, uncertainty in her expression. "I'm not sure," she admitted, her shoulders shrugging. "I don't remember much about me and Mildred's friendship. I tried to block it out because of the whole burning down a classroom situation," Cassidy explained, a flicker of unease crossing her features as she revisited a past she had tried to forget.

"There's only one person that knows what actually happened," Dustin piped up, catching Max and Cassidy's attention. "Eddie," they both said in unison. "Okay, you guys try to find Eddie. I need to go back to California before El or Theodore sends someone after me to make sure I didn't jump off a cliff," Cassidy declared, a mix of determination and humor in her words.

"Okay, we'll try to contact you," Dustin told her, eliciting a shared look of determination between Cassidy and Max. Cassidy raised a practical concern, "How are you going to contact me? You guys don't have superpowers, and I lost my supercomm when someone stole it a few months ago," she explained, a hint of challenge in her voice, emphasizing the complexity of their situation.

Dustin sat up from his bed, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "I knew you would lose your supercomm one day, and we would have to contact you, so..." He headed to his closet and retrieved what appeared to be an ordinary necklace.

Holding it up, Cassidy couldn't help but stifle a laugh, and Max joined in. "That's a necklace!" Cassidy pointed out with amusement.

Dustin, rolling his eyes, clarified, "Not just a necklace, a shock necklace." The revelation silenced the laughter as Cassidy and Max exchanged surprised glances, realizing the necklace held a shocking secret.

"You're going to shock therapy me to come back—?!" Cassidy's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and disbelief coloring her expression.

Max shot a disapproving glare at Dustin, awaiting an explanation. "What—?! No! I have this controller that sends a gentle shock wave to your brain, putting you in a sort of void that shows you where we are. So, you know what's happening and can jump back here," Dustin clarified reluctantly, realizing he needed to assuage Cassidy's concerns about any unconventional methods.

"Oh— Okay.. Uh, give it to me I guess," Cassidy chuckled, reaching for the necklace. Max cleared her throat, "D— Do you need me to help you—?" she asked hesitantly. Cassidy responded with a small nod, and Max gently assisted in placing the necklace around Cassidy's neck.

Despite trying to suppress it, a smile tugged at the corners of Cassidy's lips. It felt like a subtle return to normalcy between her and Max. As she turned around, exhaling a sigh, there was a sense of reassurance in the renewed connection between the two friends.

"Thanks," Cassidy expressed her gratitude, turning to Dustin. "Just notify me when you need me, alright?" she reminded him, and he saluted her. "Nerd," she teased, saying one last thing before snapping her fingers. The transformation into dust was accompanied by Dustin's smirk and chuckle. "You still love her, don't you!" Dustin exclaimed, earning a glare from the Mayfield girl.

Ignoring his comment, she focused on the task at hand. "Let's get going, Eddie needs us," she declared, grabbing her backpack. Dustin persisted, "So, you do?" The question lingered in the air as they prepared to face the unknown.

"Leave it alone, Dustin!"

"Nope! Not gonna! I saw the connection you guys had! You still have it—"

Max groaned and rolled her eyes. This is gonna be a long day.

—

Cassidy jumped into the van as Argyle squealed, eliciting a giggle from her. "That's effin' hilarious—" Argyle started, abruptly changing the topic, noticing Cassidy appeared out of nowhere. "Did... Did she just poof out of nowhere again?!" Argyle panicked, and Jonathan groaned, placing a hand on Argyle's shoulder. "No, buddy, you're just seeing things again."

Argyle nodded. "Right, right... Anyways, dudette, why aren't you with Jane, Will, Theodore, and Mikey?" Argyle questioned, curiosity evident in his expression. Cassidy, caught off guard, stammered, "I— I— Nevermind— I'll see you guys later..."

She snapped her head slightly as the van doors opened. Jumping out, she ran after her friends. Argyle turned to Jonathan with a confused look, about to speak, but Jonathan stopped him. "Buddy, she opened the door with her hands, not her mind," he clarified, dispelling any notions of telekinesis.

"El! Theo! Will! Mike!" Cassidy's voice echoed as she burst into the place. "Over here!" Theodore yelled, waving enthusiastically from a booth where he patiently waited for the others. Cassidy joined him, excitement evident on her face.

Will approached with a hint of disappointment. "What's wrong, Will?" Cassidy inquired, noticing the look on his face. He placed their skates on the table, and Will sighed. "I wanted to get the same skates we had when we first came here, but they didn't have them anymore," he explained, a touch of nostalgia in his voice.

"El's still lying to him," Will expressed with evident frustration, his voice tinged with disappointment. Theodore and Cassidy exchanged somber glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. "If she keeps lying to him, the truth is gonna spill out one way or another," Cassody warned, a sense of inevitability coloring his words as he contemplated the potential fallout of El's ongoing deception.

As they got up and went over to the couple, joining them at the booth, they began putting on their skates. El suddenly realized that Mike needed socks. "Oh, I forgot. You need socks," she informed him. Mike nodded in realization, and a mild expletive escaped his lips. "Oh, shit."

Will glanced at Theodore and Cassidy, seeking a solution. Cassidy nudged the side of the Byers boys, conveying a silent suggestion. Will turned to Mike, informing him, "They— They sell them at the counter." Mike nodded and strolled over to the counter to get the needed socks.

Leaning over to El, Will couldn't help but ask, "How'd you forget about the socks?" Theodore chimed in, teasingly mocking, "Yeah, since you come here all the time." Cassidy rolled her eyes at the playful banter. "Guys, be gentle—" she interjected, attempting to soften the teasing atmosphere.

"I... I don't know. I just forgot," El replied, her expression troubled as she tried to justify her forgetfulness. "Right," Will nodded, a hint of skepticism in his gaze, sensing there might be more to it. Cassidy, observing the interaction, realized that both Will and Theodore had reached a point of frustration with El's continuous lies.

"Sis, why do you keep lying?" Theodore questioned, a tone of concern in his voice. El huffed, feeling the weight of the question. "What?" she responded defensively, her frustration surfacing as she faced their scrutiny.

"Why do you keep lying to Mike?" Theodore repeated, his voice carrying a genuine concern for El's actions. El, focused on her skates, responded defensively, "I'm not lying." Cassidy, growing increasingly frustrated, interjected with skepticism, "Seriously, you're not?" She pressed El, urging her to confront the truth behind her actions, wanting to understand the root of the continuous deception.

El looked at Cassidy in disbelief. "You too?" she questioned, surprised that Cassidy also seemed to doubt her explanations.

"Yes, me too, El! You shouldn't keep lying," Cassidy pleaded earnestly, her genuine concern etched across her face. Will and Theodore joined in with nods, emphasizing their shared sentiment.

"You're friends with Angela and Stacy, and you come to parties here?" Will pointed out, his question addressing the inconsistencies that had sparked their suspicions. The friends sought honesty from El, wanting to understand the reasons behind her actions.

"I have been to a party here," El continued, her explanation falling short of reassuring Cassidy and Will. Theodore, frustrated, raised his voice, "For Joyce's work, Jane!" Will chimed in, highlighting the disconnect between El's words and the known truth.

"We just... we don't think Mike's gonna like that you're lying to him," Cassidy spoke gently, the concern evident in her tone as she tried to convey the impact of El's actions on their friend.

El clenched her jaw, a subtle reaction to the weight of their words. "And he doesn't deserve that. When he finds out, he's gonna be mad," Theodore added, nodding in agreement, underlining the potential consequences of El's continued deception on their relationship with Mike. The friends emphasized the importance of honesty, urging El to consider the impact on those she cared about.

Mike returned, proudly displaying the skates. "Okay, so, I asked for Vomit Green and I got Vomit Green. Isn't that awesome?" he exclaimed, holding them up with enthusiasm. Cassidy looked at him with a mix of amusement and disgust. "You're gross," she teased, faking a gag and playfully pushing Mike's head. In retaliation, Mike smacked Cassidy in the head. The Sinclair twin smirked in amusement, taken by surprise. "Don't you dare say I hit a girl," Mike warned with a grin, playfully scolding Cassidy.

She agaped, momentarily shocked, before he quickly covered her mouth, turning the playful banter into a lighthearted moment.

Cassidy mischievously licked Mike's hand, eliciting a gag from him. She wiped his hand on El's arm sleeve, and El chuckled, playing along as she wiped it back onto him. The playful exchange continued, with Will rolling his eyes at the fake bickering that unfolded between the couple and Cassidy. Theodore, recognizing the lighthearted banter, rested his hand on Will's shoulder, sharing a moment of camaraderie as they observed the playful dynamics of their friends.

—

The four teens settled into a booth, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Will sought comfort, leaning his head on Theodore's shoulder, while Cassidy appeared nonchalant, resting her head on her hand. El and Mike, in their own world of affectionate banter, played the part of a cringy couple.

The tranquility was disrupted when Angela and her goons skated over. Angela wore a devilish smirk as she halted at their table, hands planted firmly. "Where, oh where have you been hiding this handsome thing?" she flirted, directing her gaze flirtatiously at Mike, injecting a dose of mischief into the scene.

Cassidy couldn't help but gag in response to Angela's flirtatious remark, displaying her clear distaste for the situation. Theodore and Will, finding amusement in Cassidy's reaction, chuckled slightly, sharing a moment of camaraderie.

El and Mike, caught off guard by Angela's unexpected approach, exchanged a look of mutual confusion. El attempted to diffuse the situation by introducing Mike. "Uh, Angela? This is Mike, my boyfriend," she stated, her voice carrying a slight discomfort. El pursed her lips, trying to conceal any frustration or annoyance, navigating the awkward encounter with a sense of diplomacy.

Cassidy's glare bore intensity as Angela extended her hand. "Angela. Pleasure," Angela greeted with a teasing smile aimed at El. Mike, caught in the middle, reluctantly shook her hand, unsure of Angela's intentions. Angela continued, "Heard a lot about you. It's really cool to finally meet some of El—Jane's friends," she added, maintaining a teasing tone. The tension in the air was palpable, making the encounter uneasy for everyone involved.

Cassidy couldn't conceal her exasperation at Mike's obliviousness. "Friends?" she chuckled, her eye roll expressing disbelief. Theodore joined in, shooting a glare at Angela, who continued her jest. "Yeah, and I'm friends with Theodore here as well," Angela quipped, attempting to lighten the mood with humor. However, Mike failed to catch the playful tone.

Looking over at Theodore, Mike questioned, "You guys are friends too?" El, sensing the tension, shot Theodore a pleading look.

Theodore sighed sadly, acknowledging the unexpected connection with Angela, and nodded without uttering a word. The awkwardness hung in the air, casting a shadow over the group's dynamics.

"Yeah, you handsome thing, you and I should totally give each other numbers," Angela winked at Mike, who, still thinking it was a joke, nodded with a shrug. El lowered her head in discomfort, sensing the tension building.

Cassidy, unable to hold back any longer, let out a loud exhale. "Okay, you need to fuck off," she spat, her jaw clenched. Angela turned to her with a devilish smirk. "And who may you be?" Angela taunted, escalating the tension with a confrontational tone.

"Cassidy Sinclair, El-Jane's actual best friend who actually doesn't treat her like garbage. Oh wait, I'm sorry, you're the one who is garbage just like my ex-girl—boyfriend, Max. So how 'bout you walk away with your asshole friends and leave Mike and Jane alone, love?" Cassidy retorted with a sarcastic smile, laying bare her disdain for Angela.

Angela rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore Cassidy's words, fueling the tension further. The confrontation continued to simmer, with each word adding to the strained atmosphere.

"Come on, friend. Let's skate, shall we?" Angela held her hand out to El, who glanced at Cassidy with a pleading look. "Look, Angelica, she doesn't want to skate with you," Cassidy intervened, not holding back her disdain. Angela shot Cassidy a glare. "It's Angela, and she can speak for herself," she retorted, asserting her independence.

Cassidy, Will and Theodore shared a worried look. "I— I wanted to finish—"

As one of Angela's goons grabbed El's drink, Cassidy's frustration intensified, and she clenched her fists. Unnoticed by the others, the room started to heat up, an unintended consequence of Cassidy's growing anger.

Theodore and Will, perceptive to the change, realized that Cassidy's powers were spiraling out of control, causing the temperature within the building to rise. The atmosphere grew tense as the physical manifestation of Cassidy's emotions became evident, creating a potentially hazardous situation for everyone present.

Angela's forceful grip on El's arm prompted Cassidy to unclench her fists. Reacting swiftly, she stood up from the booth, determined to follow El. However, before she could reach the rink, Theodore intercepted her, grabbing her arm to halt her. "What was that?!" he demanded, concern etched on his face. The tension in the air intensified as Cassidy grappled with her emotions, and Theodore sought an explanation for the sudden surge in temperature and Cassidy's reaction.

"What was what?" Cassidy furrowed her eyebrows, feigning ignorance, while Mike wore a dumbfounded expression. Theodore, however, pointed out, "You just made the room hot, that's new. I can't even do that." Cassidy pursed her lips, considering her words.

"Well, uh, I figured out that my abilities are still enhanced from what the Mind Flayer did to me," she confessed, causing Mike's confusion to deepen. "What?!" The three boys exclaimed, visibly shocked by Cassidy's revelation.

She sighed deeply, attempting to clarify, "I'm obviously not flayed anymore, and Troy is long gone, but I think what happened enhanced my abilities, uncovered new things with it, if that makes sense, okay? Nothing bad. It's all new to me, so I'm still learning how to control it. We have much more things to worry about than my superpowers! El is in fucking danger!" Cassidy rambled, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. However, they all looked at her deadpanned, processing the unexpected revelation.

"Also, since when have you guys gotten so... so... awkward!! Ugh, it's so fucking annoying!" Cassidy yelled in frustration, expressing her irritation at the strained atmosphere.

She punched the nearest wall, letting out her pent-up frustration. Theodore, observing her reaction, furrowed his eyebrows with a tinge of sadness. Reacting swiftly, he wrapped an arm around her, offering a comforting gesture in an attempt to soothe the tension.

"What do you mean El is in danger?" Mike questioned, confused by the sudden revelation. Will, expressing frustration, laughed amusingly. "You haven't noticed, Mike!?" he exclaimed angrily as Mike shook his head, bewildered by the accusation.

"El, she hasn't been telling you everything," Will explained, his tone serious. Mike, still in the dark, gave him a questioning look. "What are you talking about?" Mike inquired, prompting Cassidy to shoot him a glare. "She's lying to you, dickwad!" Cassidy yelled at him, adding another layer of tension to the conversation. Mike, huffing in response, questioned her, "Why have you been so moody lately?" The air became charged with unresolved conflicts and unspoken truths.

Cassidy's glare intensified as Will intervened, delivering a straightforward statement. "Mike, I just said, El's been lying to you." Will gaped at him, awaiting Mike's response.

However, Mike, dismissive of the claim, scoffed, "Bullshit," rejecting the notion that El could be concealing anything from him. The tension in the room escalated as the truth hung in the air, awaiting acknowledgment or denial.

Theodore huffed, releasing Cassidy, and confronted Mike by shoving him. "No, you listen to me, Micheal! She's been having problems here," Theodore snapped at him, his frustration evident. Mike, now concerned, asked, "Problems. Okay, what kind of problems?"

"Are you that fucking oblivious?!" Cassidy's incredulous words filled the air as the music abruptly ceased. The spotlight shifted, and an announcement echoed through the room, "Alright, everyone. This next song is dedicated to Jane, the local snitch." The spotlight focused on El, casting an uncomfortable and harsh light on her. The lively tune of "Wipe Out" by the Surfaris played, creating a surreal and tense atmosphere within the group.

"Shit!" Cassidy cursed, realizing the gravity of the situation. Mike's eyes widened with urgency. "You need to pull the prank you did on me last summer right now!" he yelled at her, desperate for a solution. Cassidy laughed, shaking her head. "I don't even know what the full prank was! I was fucking possessed, Mike!" she retorted, highlighting the absurdity of the request given the circumstances.

"Just get sour milk, insects, and a fucking bucket!" Mike's urgent demand echoed in Cassidy's ears. Groaning at the absurdity of the situation, she snapped her fingers, transporting herself to a store in Hawkins.

Unconcerned about surveillance cameras, she kept her head lowered, determined to fulfill Mike's request discreetly. The store shelves held the items needed for the prank, and Cassidy swiftly gathered them, navigating the aisles with a sense of urgency and purpose.

She quickly gathered all the supplies needed for the prank and, with another snap of her fingers, found herself back with the boys. "Anything happened to her yet?!" Cassidy asked frantically, her concern evident. The three boys shook their heads. "Not really, except for El being called a freak and other mean words," Theodore informed her, providing an update on the unfolding situation.

Cassidy nodded, processing the information as she prepared to execute the plan to divert attention away from El.

"Help me pour the stuff into the bucket!" Cassidy demanded, taking charge of the impromptu diversion plan. She started pouring the sour milk into the bucket, and the three boys joined in to assist. Meanwhile, Theodore turned his attention to find El, preparing to initiate the next phase of the distraction.

"Go, now!" Theodore urged El as she nodded, skating away as fast as she could. Cassidy, on the other hand, took charge of the situation, warning anyone in her way, "Everyone get out of my fucking way or I will pour this sour milk on you!" Her determined voice echoed through the chaotic scene as she navigated through the crowd.

As El began to cover her ears, Cassidy skated into the rink. The music abruptly halted as Cassidy approached, prompting a small, grateful smile from El. However, their interaction took an unexpected turn when someone inadvertently pushed Cassidy into El, causing her to gasp and tumble onto her back.

"Oh, my god! Jane, I'm so fucking sorry!" Cassidy's distressed voice echoed through the rink as she realized her mistake. Frantically, she explained, "I was trying to pour it on Angela!" In response, El mouthed a forgiving 'I know, It's okay,' though tears betrayed the true impact of the accident.

Amidst the remorse, laughter erupted from some skaters, intensifying Cassidy's frown. The more the mocking continued, the deeper Cassidy's anger grew. Theodore and Will observed the unfortunate scene, sharing a look of sadness. Theodore, feeling the weight of the situation, turned to Will, their expressions reflecting a mix of empathy and concern.

"I should've stopped it, Will—I'm her brother—" Theodore's voice cracked with regret, tears streaming down his face. Will embraced him tightly, offering reassurance, "It's okay, Theo... It's okay. El's gonna be okay."

Angela skated over, leaning down with a taunting tone, "Didn't you see the sign, dummy? No food or drinks on the rink." An evil laugh followed, and Cassidy's glare hardened. Aware that a physical confrontation could lead to her expulsion, she hatched a mischievous plan to wield her superpowers and turn the tables on Angela.

El sobbed as Mike called for her and skated toward her, attempting to console her. Determined to leave the rink, El got up and started to skate away. However, Mike struggled to navigate through the crowd, leaving him unable to reach her.

Meanwhile, Cassidy, seizing the moment, noticed Angela tripping and landing on her face. Cassidy's lips curled into a teasing smirk as she skated over to the fallen Angela, savoring the opportunity to turn the tables.

"Oh, no. Didn't you read the sign, dickwad? No tripping on the rink," Cassidy taunted, relishing the laughter from the surrounding skaters. Angela, seething with anger, shot a furious glare in Cassidy's direction as she received assistance to stand.

As Angela skated over to shove Cassidy, time seemed to stretch. Cassidy's smirk grew devilish as she swiftly grabbed Angela's arm, executing a perfect spin that sent Angela sprawling to the icy floor. Cassidy wasted no time, closing the distance and delivering a calculated kick to Angela's side.

Angela groaned in pain, looking up at Cassidy with a mix of resentment and defiance. The rink fell silent, the onlookers absorbing the unexpected turn of events, leaving Cassidy standing tall with a triumphant glint in her eyes.

"Don't mess with me or my friends, bitch," Cassidy spat defiantly before gracefully skating off the rink. As she approached, she discovered Mike and Will engaged in a heated altercation, with Theodore attempting to intervene.

"What the fuck is going on here?!" Cassidy exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. Theodore threw his hands in the air in exasperation, relieved to see Cassidy. "Thank god, you're here! Please break this drama up, please!" he pleaded, prompting Cassidy to groan at the unfolding chaos.

"That's it! I'm done with all of your bullshit today!! Mike, you've been oblivious and a piece of shit, ignoring the hints I've dropped for weeks about how California has been treating El. The reason I've been moody all day is because of how hypercritical you've been! We were trying to warn you, but you wouldn't listen! Will and Theodore practically had to spell it out for you, and you've been ignoring them all day. Plus, you've been awkward since you got here! Oh, and you completely forgot it's Will's damn birthday!" Cassidy rambled, leaving Mike agape and with a deep frown.

Cassidy then turned to Will. "Will, I love you and all, but I don't know what happened with you! What happened to the funny and happy boy I'm best friends with?! It's your birthday! You shouldn't have had Mike ruin it because of him being him! Forget about him and spend the day with Theodore!" Cassidy continued passionately, prompting Will to glance at Theodore with a sad smile.

Cassidy took a deep breath, turning to Theodore. "And lastly, Theodore, we've known each other since, you know... but you should've distracted Will today, not keeping him around El and Mike all day! You could've also helped me fight Angela after what she did to El. Now, can you guys shut the fuck up and find El!" she yelled, storming off with determination to locate El.

The three boys were dumbfounded and split up to find El.

—

With eyes tightly shut, Cassidy delved into her mind, attempting to locate El. Vivid images formed – El in a room, tears streaming down her face as she grappled with spilled milk. As Cassidy visualized the scene, an intense strain marked by a trickle of blood from her nose began to manifest.

Opening her eyes, Cassidy shook off the physical toll, wiping the blood away with the sleeve of her skating outfit. The mental connection fueled her determination. The Sinclair girl moved with a mix of urgency and concern, navigating the skating rink meticulously, driven by an unwavering resolve to find Eleven.

Cassidy, attuned to the sounds of sobbing, identified the origin in the Staff Only lounge. With a quick glance around, confirming she went unnoticed, Cassidy discreetly snapped her fingers.

In that moment, she connected with El, witnessing her friend cleaning off sour milk, tears streaming down her face. Cassidy's focus shifted from the bustling surroundings to the solitary anguish within the lounge.

"Oh, El," Cassidy frowned, enveloping the girl in a comforting hug. "I'm sorry I spilled it on you; I was aiming for Angela," she apologized sincerely as El sobbed into her chest. "I— I know," El whimpered, acknowledging Cassidy's explanation.

Cassidy gently took a rag, assisting El in cleaning off the sour milk. Once done, El stood up, walking towards the window. Concerned, Cassidy called, "El?" awaiting a response or any sign of how her friend was feeling.

Cassidy, wide-eyed, watched as El glared intensely at someone before storming out of the Staff Only lounge. "El? Where are you going?" Cassidy called out, concern evident in her voice, as she contemplated the abrupt departure of her distressed friend.

El strode purposefully toward Angela, Cassidy trailing behind with a heavy sigh. "Uh-oh. Look who it is," Angela taunted with a mocking tone, earning a sharp glare from Cassidy. "Shut it, Angelica," Cassidy retorted, her teeth audibly gritted.

Angela, relishing the tension, smirked tauntingly. "She looks upset, and she even has her mommy with her."

Cassidy narrowed her eyes at Angela. "Bitch, I'm her best friend. Do I look like her mother?" she sassed, emphasizing her point with a self-directed gesture. Angela's goon laughed, a gesture met with an eye roll from Cassidy.

"You ruined my day," El snapped at Angela, her frustration palpable. Angela, unrelenting, chuckled tauntingly. "Oh no. Did we embarrass you in front of your boyfriend?" she taunted, purposely stoking the flames of the confrontation.

"I want you to say sorry to me, and I want you to tell my boyfriend that it was just a joke and that we are really friends," El pleaded, a mix of vulnerability and determination in her voice. Cassidy, sensing the escalating tension, gently grabbed El's arm. "Jan—" she began, attempting to intervene, but El pulled her arm away.

"Or what? You gonna hurt us with your mean stare again?" Angela taunted, holding her arm out in a mocking imitation of El's gestures when using her powers for good.

Cassidy furrowed her eyebrows, exchanging a puzzled glance with El. What did she mean? How does she know about that? Cassidy's mind raced with questions as she contemplated the unexpected revelation, trying to decipher El's unspoken connection to the mysterious incident.

Angela's unsettling giggle reverberated through the air, eliciting a visceral reaction from Cassidy who both gagged and rolled her eyes. "Sorry you can't cry to the teacher today. You'll just have to cry to your daddy instead," Angela mockingly taunted, pushing Cassidy's patience to the limit. Clenching her fists, Cassidy glared at Angela, who added with a smirk, "Oh, wait. Can't do that either."

As Angela and her friends walked away, reveling in their laughter, Cassidy tried to console El. "I'm sorry; I guess when I kicked her ass earlier, that didn't work. She's just a bitch, alright? Don't listen to her. She's worthless—" Cassidy's words were cut off as El, consumed by frustration, ignored her. Snatching a roller skate from someone nearby, El stormed off, leaving Cassidy to call after her. "El! Where are you going?!"

Cassidy ran after El, catching up to her to witness the intense anger etched across her friend's face.

"El, what are you doing? I know that look when you're about to kick someone's ass," Cassidy gasped as El turned to her with a glare. "I'm ending this, bitch," El quipped, leaving Cassidy's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what—" Cassidy's protest was abruptly cut off as El walked over to Angela with a fierce determination, fueled by anger.

As they heard Angela laughing, Cassidy desperately yelled, "El, stop! Don't do it!" However, El ignored her plea, redirecting her frustration and forcefully pushing Cassidy to the ground, leaving both Angela and Cassidy caught in the whirlwind of El's unbridled rage.

"Angela!" El's voice reverberated through the air as she held her head high, confronting Angela. Angela turned around, meeting El's determined gaze just in time for the roller skate to connect with her face. "JANE!" Cassidy's scream pierced the chaotic scene, echoing the shock and horror that unfolded.

"Holy shit, El, what did you fucking do!" Cassidy gasped, her hand connecting with El's arm in a mix of shock and disbelief. El, breathing heavily, stared down at Angela, who sat up with a cry of pain. Cassidy's eyes widened as she noticed Angela's broken and bleeding nose.

"Oh my fucking god, Jane! What the fuck did you do?!" Theodore ran over, his expression a mix of disbelief and concern, amplifying the chaotic aftermath of El's impulsive retaliation. The rink was engulfed in a tense and charged atmosphere, marked by the consequences of a momentary lapse of control.

El looked down at the roller skate, her hands trembling. Theodore and Cassidy exchanged a concerned look as Cassidy carefully took the roller skate from El's hands. "Jane, you could've ignored it. I fucking told you to let it go, and she's not worth it. You went way too far," Cassidy spat, her frustration evident.

El, now aware of the concerned onlookers, looked around, grappling with the consequences of her impulsive actions. The rink buzzed with tension, as the aftermath of El's retaliation began to sink in.

El looked back to see Angela sobbing and wailing. "El, you need to breathe and calm down. You went too far, and I'm afraid you're going to do something again," Cassidy yelled, trying to intervene. She placed the roller skate onto the nearest table, attempting to defuse the escalating situation.

Mike and Will rushed over, their faces reflecting shock as they witnessed the aftermath of El's actions. "Oh... Oh my god," Will stammered, while Theodore wrapped an arm around him for support. As Theodore cried, Will provided comfort, creating a poignant scene of solace amidst the chaos.

On the other hand, Mike and Cassidy were visibly upset with El. "Holy shit, El," Mike breathed out, disbelief etched on his face. "What did you do?" Cassidy gaped at her as El felt tears welling up in her eyes, caught in the turbulent emotions of the moment.

"What did you do?!" Mike yelled at El, his voice echoing with a mix of shock and anger. Cassidy turned to El, her expression transforming into anger and frustration. "What have you done?!" Cassidy shouted, her breaths coming out rapidly as she grappled with the intense emotions surrounding El's impulsive actions.

—

ash speaks !

first off, i finally updated!!

second off, THIS TOOK ME ALL DAY TO FUCKING WRITE THIS CHAPTER. i started writing this chapter at 1pm and now its 10pm— IT TOOK ME 9 HOURS TO WRITE THIS CHAPTER. Y'ALL SHOULD BE THANKFUL I HAD THIS MUCH MOTIVATION—

third off, i'm off for the summer for being ready for lots of updates and new books😘😘

fourth off, this is the longest chapter I'VE EVER WRITTEN.

fifth off, you should read "broke me first" and how eventful my life is🤭

anyways see you guys later heheeh