Unshared Feelings: A Byler Love Story

Chapter Three

"Will," El said once she and Will were alone in their room. They had helped Joyce and Hopper with their cleaning and the sun had just set. "Can we talk?"

Will got nervous at her serious tone.

"Of course," He said, trying to seem calm and collected. "About what?"

"Well," El started. "We know that 001 is still alive. You will most likely be his first target once he regains strength, whenever that may be. Have you had any headaches, nightmares, anything?"

"No," Will said, shaking his head. He was glad that was what she wanted to talk about, although it wasn't exactly his topic of choice. "Hey, El?"

"Yes?"

"Have you talked to Mike since..." Will hesitated, trying to word it correctly. "Nevada?" El was silent for a moment.

"I can't," She finally said.

"Why not?" Will responded, maybe sounding a little too accusatory. "Sorry. What I meant was, why wouldn't you talk to him? You've been quiet lately, and it seems like there's a lot on your mind. It just seems like you could use someone to talk to."

"I don't think Mike loves me anymore," El said, as her eyes welled with tears.

"W-what? Of course, he does! You're amazing! He's lucky-"

"Will," El said, cutting him off. "I know you want what's best for me. But, you practically had to beg him to confess his love to me. I think it would just be best if Mike and I took a break for a while, at least until after we get everything sorted out with 001."

"When are you planning on telling Mike all of this?" Will asked.

"Tomorrow," El said confidently.

Will didn't know what to think. Thinking about his and Mike's relationship at a time like this made him feel gross, and more so than usual. He decided that it would be best for him and Mike to be friends, at least for now.

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"What? So, you're breaking up with me?" Mike was upset. Like, upset.

"It's just, with everything going on, I think it would be best if we took a break, and" Mike cut her off.

"But... but... I love you!" Mike exclaimed, but El's words were nonnegotiable. Once she had left, Mike broke down crying. He locked himself in his room for hours. But he wasn't crying because El broke up with him, at least not just because of that. He was mostly crying because we weren't sad El broke up with him. He had even felt a little relieved. That only made him cry harder. He decided he wanted to figure himself out, and also try to let his mind accept him. He knew he liked girls. He had liked them before, even before he met El. But he didn't think he necessarily liked boys. Maybe one boy. So he decided. He liked girls. And Will.

Mike woke up, and for the first time in almost a year, he had slept well. No nightmares, no nothing. But there was one prominent thought in his head. He wanted to talk to someone, but he didn't know who. Of course, his first thought was Will, but he thought it would be best to give him some time, especially since he and El were siblings. But he needed to get it off his chest. Since he was a little kid, he had always been horrible at keeping secrets, especially his own. However, he didn't feel like he had a choice. He needed to talk to Will.

It had been four days since El had ended it with Mike. Will had decided to pause on whatever feelings he had for Mike and just be there for his sister. He held her as she cried, and talked her through it. He knew what she was feeling all too well. On the fourth day, there was a knock on the door. Will answered.