Love Like That

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight: The flea and the acrobat pt. 1
Third Person POV
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"What do you want, Henderson," Natalie groaned into her walkie talkie that Dustin gave her for her birthday a few years ago. Dustin wanted to include Natalie into their "party" even though Mike was against her joining since she was older and didn't know anything about D&D. While they argued for a while, they agreed that Natalie could get a walkie-talkie but she only used it for emergencies; which were rare with the group of boys.

"Meet us in Mike's basement. Top secret mission, over."

"I hate you, Henderson. I just want one night to myself," Natalie muttered to herself as she placed the walkie-talkie back in the night stand drawer. Natalie threw on her pair of old white gym shoes before walking to her front door. Right as she opened it, she came face to face with Steve Harrington. "Steve? What are you doing here?"

"Freaking out, do you have a minute?" Steve questioned as he placed his hands in his jacket pockets.

"I'm supposed to meet up with Dustin and his friends, but I can talk for a quick minute," Natalie nodded her head as she joined him outside, shutting the front door behind her.

"You're right. Something happened to Mac. He still hasn't shown up yet," Steve huffed out as he sat down on the top porch step. Natalie joined his side, wrapping her arms around him to comfort the hurting teen.

"We'll find him, okay?" Natalie stated, trying to be the strong one.

"I'm sorry for not believing you when you first mentioned it," Steve muttered softly, lowering his head.

"It's okay. At least you believe me now," Natalie assured her best friend. "I hate to leave you on this note, but I really should get going."

"Talk soon?" Steve questioned as he stood up with the girl.

"Yeah, of course. I'll see you tomorrow hopefully. It's the Byers' funeral so I'll be a little preoccupied with that."

"Sounds good," Steve smiled slightly.

Natalie had arrived at the Wheeler's house and snuck into their basement though the window Dustin had taught her about a while ago. "What's up, morons?"

"Will's alive," the gang go boys shouted as Eleven glanced over at the older teen girl.

"How do you know? And is that my wig I let Nancy borrow for Halloween last year?"

"Really, Natalie? It's not that important right now, gosh," Dustin shook his head at Natalie causing her face to drop at his words.

"What was Will saying?" Mike questioned the group. "Like home... like home, but dark?"

"Dark?" Natalie questioned confused on what they were talking about.

"And empty," Lucas added on, confusing the older girl even more.

"Empty and cold," Dustin continued on. "Wait did he say cold?"

"You actually talked to him?" Natalie gasped out in shock.

"Yes, Natalie!" Dustin groaned. "I told them you wouldn't ask too many questions, now keep up."

"I- wha- I'm sorry, what?" Natalie shook her head, not understanding why she was called over in the first place and what was exactly going on.

"I don't know, the stupid radio kept going in and out," Lucas reminded the group.

"It's like riddles in the dark," Dustin muttered.

"Like home. Like his house?" Mike questioned the group.

"Wait, hang on."

"Natalie, we do not have time for any more of your stupid questions," Dustin scoffed. "Keep up."