"MATERIAL GIRL" // Will Byers x Reader

Did Nana Call? // CHAPTER 4

HOW MANY TIMES MOM? GET OFF THE PHONE

'Hello, this is the Wheelers,' I hear Karen say as I'm packing a bag for Max's. Yesterday she invited me over, because apparently she dumped Lucas for the fifth time this month. 

Karen sighs. 'Yeah, just a sec. Mike! Phone!'

Mike's footsteps thunder halfway up the stairs. 'Okay!' He hollers back. 

'Who is it?' I ask, turning to Karen. 

Karen shrugs. 'A girl, I think.' She smiles fondly at the phone.  'She didn't say what her name was.' 

'A girl,' I raise my eyebrows, hiding my knowing expression. 'Didn't think Mike had it in him.' 

'What'ddya know?' Karen shakes her head. 'Kids'll surprise you sometimes.'

I nod, hauling my bag over my shoulder. 'Are you going to the Byers'?' she asks as I turn to leave. I can see the hint of a smile on her face. 

'Actually, I'm going to my friend Max-Maxine's house,' I say airily. At least it's the truth. 

'Okay, hun, make sure you stay safe,' Karen says. 

'Uh, yes, of course...there's just something I have to grab from the basement,' I turn on my heel, running down the stairs. 

'-It's my Nana.' Mike's saying in a very fake sad voice. 'She's very sick.' He waits for the answer, scrunching his eyebrows together. 'Yeah. That's what...we thought it was at first, but then she took a real turn for the worse.'

Oh great. He's already becoming that guy. 

I cross my arms, leaning against the wall and shaking my head. Mike glares at me, waving his hands at me to go away. I stick my middle finger up. 'Yeah.' Mike adds, glancing back at the phone. 'We think she might' he pauses dramatically. '...die.'

'What?' Karen yells, her voice coming from the phone. 

'Mom! Get off the phone!' Mike covers the phone, turning to yell up the stairs. 'How many times?!'

'Did Nana call?!' Karen shouts back. 

'No, Mom! Just get off the phone!'

I throw a pillow at his face but he ducks. 'Sorry about that.' he pauses. Yeah. She's so upset, she's making no sense. Because we have to go to the nursing home. To see Nana.' 

I roll my eyes. 'Really, Mike?' 

Mike shakes his head at me. 

'No! I mean, I...I just think... I need to be alone today. With my...feelings?' He looks disgusted at himself. 'What? No. Friends don't lie. What, Mom? My mom's calling me. Better go. Talk to you tomorrow. Miss you already. Bye!' 

And with that, he slams the phone against the wall, letting out a sigh. 

'Uh huh, and what's more important than seeing El today?' I frown at him. 'And why did you just lie right to her face?' 

Mike scowls. 'I didn't lie to her face. I lied over the phone.' 

'Oh, because that makes it so much better!' I retort, putting my hands on my hips. 'What was your incredibly well though out reasoning?' 

'It's because of that sick bastard Hopper!' he says angrily. 'He threatened me!' 

I raise my eyebrows. 'Is that so?' 

'Yes. It is.' 

'Why didn't you tell her?' I say, rolling my eyes. 'she would've understood.' 

'You're so stupid, Y/N! I can't tell her! He'll stop me from seeing her forever!' Mike buries his head in his hands. 'Sorry.' 

I nod, patting him on the shoulder. 

'I hate to say this, but it's going to get a lot worse from here.' 

Mike groans.