Time Sensitive ~Eddie Munson~

016

I open my eyes, gasping for air. I look around me to see everyone staring at me. I reach my hand up to grab my aching head, to feel a head without hair. I furrowed my brows, looking at each of the men. They looked at each other, let me stand up and I looked and saw myself, with no hair. I looked at them and broke down crying. I screamed before I felt myself fall to the floor. I didn't pass out, or lose consciousness, I just needed to have a moment. I needed to comprehend the look my father gave me, the love he rained me with, he was amazing. "He loved me huh?" I ask, looking at Brenner.

"He did, Maddy. He favored you, we all did."

I smile and nod continuing to cry. I grab a piece of paper and ball it up. I sit it up on a table and close my eyes, imagine it moving and it did. "Maddyson," Brenner said, "You did it."

I smiled, "He would be proud."

He nodded and emptied a glass mug, "Try to lift this."

I remembered what my 3rd grade gym teacher told me, that if I ever got tired, to continue pushing, I need to think about my angry moments. I thought about my mother, her always being high, how she showed no care for me. I put my hand out, trying to lift it. I smashed it across the room. "You did it Maddy," I heard a voice come from the doorway.

I look to see El standing, hair shaved soaking wet. I smiled, "You can too I assume?"

She shook her head, "Mine will take more time to get back. Until then though, I am glad you have yours back."

I nodded and looked at Brenner, "Help me build up strength. Whatever is in Hawkins, I need to kill it. I need to get everyone safe."

He nodded and he and I went back into my room.

I had removed my soaking clothes to put on a pair of sweats and a gray sweatshirt. "These clothes aren't half bad you know," I said smiling.

He began laughing, "Maddy, you are a piece of work. I think your dad would be happy."

I smiled and rubbed my shaved head, "I'd hope so."

He brought out various items that got heavier and heavier as it went on. "Our goal, Maddy, is to get you to lift NINA. That is our goal with Eleven as well. We need to work fast."

I nod, "I hope I can do this."

I successfully lift my bed. I didn't understand how it is easier to lift things with your mind, not your body. I continued to practice lifting my bed all night until I had it effortlessly. I couldn't fall asleep knowing that Eddie isn't safe. I struggled to close my eyes at all.

6 AM hit and Brenner walked in, "Oh, I wasn't expecting to see you awake."

I smiled, "Yeah, I'm trying to not think about my boyfriend. I mean, he's not really my boyfriend but when I get back we're going on a date."

He nodded, "Well, I came to drop off today's clothes."

I looked at him walking out, "Can I practice NINA?"

He looked at me, "Picking her up? Nine, I doubt you'll be able to."

I looked around, "Let me try."

He nodded as I walked out. I put my hand up trying to lift her up, hoping I could have everything running through my mind. Eddie, my father, my mother. Then I remembered that someone killed Chrissy Cunningham. I was going to be friends with her. I started to grunt as I could feel myself getting somewhere. My breathing started to become heavier when I opened my eyes and saw NINA raised up a little off the ground. I start to cry trying to live it more. I feel myself become weaker as I slowly drop her. I drop to my knees, hearing Brenner clapping for me. "You did well, Nine. You did very well."

I feel dripping from my nose and Brenner hands me a napkin. I wipe my nose, to see blood. I start to freak out a bit, thinking I did something wrong.

"Nine," He said, "It will happen. It happens with Eleven."

I nodded and didn't realize he kept calling me by my number. I stood and headed back to my room. I became stronger as the day went on. The stronger I felt, the weaker I got. Before night fell, I walked out. "I'm ready," I said.

Brenner and Owens looked at me, "You think so?" Brenner said.

"I know so," I replied.

The men's eyes keep watch of me and NINA as I use my force, anger and feelings to lift her. I feel myself growing stronger and my grip slipping. I pull out my other hand and start to cry, as I did before. I opened my eyes, to this time, her being above ground, and being all the way up. I slowly dropped her with one hand. I feel arms wrap around me and I look to see Brenner hugging me. I hugged him back, confused by this gesture. "Great job, Nine!"

I smiled, "Thank you. I- I really cannot believe I just did that. I did that!"

I look at Brenner, "I know, I should see Eleven, but can I please see her?"

He shakes his head and I run to her room. "El!" I shout.

I open her door and see her trying to lift her bed, "Hey," I said.

"You did it, huh?" She asked.

I nodded, "El, you'll get it. I know you will. Mike said you're a superhero."

He smiled, "I don't know about that."

"You are."

She smiled, "I'm glad you got it. Show me!"

I closed my eyes, put my arm out and lifted her bed effortlessly. She clapped as I did it. I see Brenner walk over, "I think we should head to sleep, girls."

I nodded and smiled, "You're right."

I walked back to my room, laying in my bed and actually sleeping.