Surviving Hawkins (Stranger Things Story)

Chapter 10

{July 17th, 2018}

It had been a few weeks, Eleven had finally calmed down. She realized that Vecna wasn't back. That she was probably just anxious. He couldn't be back. Because if that was the case, that meant Elyse died for no reason. And that was something none of them wanted to think about. Mike had gone to Florida to visit Karen. After his parents finally got divorced back in the 90's, Karen had moved to Florida, along with Holly since she was still young. Ted was who knows where. It's not something Mike, nor Nancy cared about. Eleven had the house to herself for the time being. El was at work, and Jake was at a friend's house. She reminisced about everything she's experienced over the years. The good, the bad, and everything in between.

It was definitely suspicious when the new Starcourt mall opened. Robin and Steve were especially cautious of it. Sure it could just be a coincidence, but after everything that had happened, they had a logical reason to be concerned. But, against their better judgement and concern, Elyse and Charlotte both work there. Specifically, Scoops Ahoy. Needless to say, Robin found that hilarious. Normally Elyse and Charlotte worked shifts together, but today Elyse was alone. As she sat on the counter, drinking a milkshake, she saw someone walk in. "Hey, El. I didn't know you worked here." The familiar voice of Dan spoke. "Hey." She said as she jumped off the counter. "Yeah, well I don't really tell people I work here. For obvious reasons." She says the last part while motioning to her uniform. While it isn't nearly as bad as the sailor outfit from the 80's, it's still interesting.

He lets out a small laugh. "So, what can I get you?" She says, leaning against the counter. He glances over at the ice cream for a moment. "I was wondering if you were free tonight?" She glances at him for a moment before answering. "Uh, I get off work at 6. So after that I'm free. Why?" "I want to take you on a date. An actual date. Not just sitting in your room listening to music, or Rollerskating. An actual date." El is caught off guard by this. Every part of her wants to say yes. Almost. There's a tiny voice in her head telling her to say no. But, she ignores it. "I'd love that." She says, with a smile on her face. "Cool. I'll meet you at your house at 7. Sound good?"

"Yeah. Sounds good. I'll see you then." She smiles and waves as he walks out of Scoops. She feels this knot form in her stomach. She ignores it and goes to text Charlotte.
El: You're never going to believe this!!!
Charlotte: Dan asked you out didn't he?
El: How the hell? Yeah he did
How'd you know?
Charlotte: Lucky guess
Please you both make heart eyes at each other
It was inevitable
El: You suck
Can you help me get ready after work?
Charlotte: Yeah
El: Thank youuu <3
Charlotte: No problem
Are you're parents still going on their little 'date night' thing?
El: Yeah
Thank god because I don't feel like being questioned by either of them
Charlotte: Yeah I bet
El: Shit more people
I gotta go
Ttyl
Charlotte: See you later

{Flashback to October 10th, 1987.}

Nancy and Robin had been taking it slow. Very slow. Robin was still in a fragile state from everything. But, she let Nancy back in. And needless to say, Steve was very confused. He wanted to apologize to Robin, but she made it extremely difficult. She just wasn't ready to face him. And Nancy made sure he didn't try to show up. This earned her a lot of questions from Steve. And she had to just bite her tongue. Today had been about a month since Robin read the letter. And since her and Nancy had very, very slowly started their relationship. It had started with a 'proper' date. It was just Nancy bringing food from a diner, and watching movies at in a hotel room. Nancy had gone back to college, so Robin had booked a hotel room for a week. Nancy would come at night, they would talk, cuddle, and exchange a few kisses. Nothing past that.