𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 - Stranger Things

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟓

DOWNSTAIRS HALLWAY, 4413 BELLENHAM ROAD, ORCHID, NEVADA

"Wait, what?" Mike said.

As if on cue, Elaine walked out of the bathroom in her pyjamas, surprised to see the two standing outside.

"Will, remember that present I told you about last night?" Elaine proceeded to walk back up the stairs. Will and Mike shared a glance then followed.

She walked into her bedroom and immediately started going through the 3rd drawer in her wooden dresser (not the drawer that's locked). Out of the drawer, she pulled out a big brown box that had been labelled: 'For Will'.

"Here," she handed it to him. "I know it's not much."

Will looked at the box curiously. Slowly, he lifted the lid. Inside were 5 items, one for each year she missed his birthday. There was a 64 pack of crayons, a neon necklace, a Rubix-Cube, A VHS tape for the Goonies, and lastly, a framed picture of the two posing by a roller coaster at an amusement park, with another older boy's arms loosely wrapped around Elaine's shoulders. The older boy had a shaved head, and his name was-

"Eddie?" Mike was peering over Will's shoulder. 

The boy's name was Eddie Munson. He had a shaved head and was sticking his tongue out in a smile.

"You knew Eddie?" Mike asked.

"He was one of my childhood best friends, yeah. He was Finn's best friend."

"Your older brother?"

"Yeah, he and Finnley were like this," She crossed her fingers. (a/n elaine has 2 foster brothers, finnley who is 2 yrs older and theo who is 2 months older)

"I know him! He's the leader of my DND club!" Mike said without thinking.

"Your... DND club?" Will turned to look at Mike. His grateful expression had faded. Tears welled up in his eyes and his mouth twitched. Mike stammered.

"I'll just..." Elaine walked out.

When the door shut, Will spoke up again.

"Mike..."

"Will, it's not what you think, really."

Will's face had already reddened with sadness and bitterness.

"No, it's fine," He choked out. "It's just... I spent all summer trying to get you and Lucas to play D&D with me, and you joined another party?"

Mike sat speechless while Will continued.

"I destroyed Castle Byers because of you. I gave away D&D for you!" Tears spilled out of Will's eyes like waterfalls.

"Will, I'm sorry-"

"Just shut up Mike! Just shut up."

Will sped out of the room. Mike didn't hesitate to run after him, but the door slammed in front of his face before he could even step outside. 

Downstairs, Eleven, Elaine and Jonathan were in the kitchen and Argyle was snoozing on the couch. Jonathan was half-asleep sipping on a hot mug of coffee, Elaine was drinking lukewarm tea that she made 30 minutes ago and forgot about, and Eleven was eating nothing. She had asked for Eggos, but Elaine informed her that she didn't have any. The walls in the house were pretty much paper-thin, and Elaine's room was directly above the kitchen, which meant everyone heard the argument that went down between Mike and Will.

Will bolted down the stairs, and Elaine rushed out of the kitchen and went towards him.

Elaine was taken aback at the sight of Will's puffed-up tear-stained face.