Into Every Stranger Generation

Chapter 21

 "Ms. Byers, it is lovely to meet you," Malcolm said with a nod, accepting the cup of coffee she offered.

After leaving Eddie's, the two of them had headed to the Byers home. Becca knew they had sold it and moved last year to California, but then had come back after everything happened. Somehow, Hopper had worked it out so they were able to buy their old house back. Becca understood Hopper's desperation to keep Joyce close. She saw the way the two of them looked at each other.

Becca loved this house. It wasn't pristine and clean, the type of house that made her feel like she couldn't touch anything for fear of disrupting its perfection. It was cluttered and cozy, the type of place where you felt comfortable. The type of place you felt you could keep your shoes on and put your elbows on the table and it was okay. It felt like a home, a place where you were safe and loved.

Joyce had been a little unnerved by their appearance at her door, even more so when they explained they needed to talk to Will. Becca watched as her mama bear instinct kicked in, her posture going rigid, her brow furrowing, her hand instantly reaching for a cigarette. She couldn't blame her. After everything her son had been through the last few years, of course she felt the need to protect him at all costs.

"It is nice to meet you too, Mr...?" Joyce trailed off.

"Oh, of course. It's Bailey," Malcolm answered. "Malcolm

Bailey. I am Becca's watcher."

"I'm sorry, her what?" Joyce asked, taking a deep drag from her cigarette.

Becca laughed, "So, I am guessing they told you we hunt and kill monsters?"

"Yeah, I just assumed you were like us, thrown into this by chance because of what you've seen and been through," she explained, joining them at the kitchen table with her own cup of coffee. "Hopper said that you thought a gate had opened where you're from too."

"Yes, we do think that," Becca explained, "but we called it a Hellmouth. So, I am a vampire slayer, which Dustin pointed out, isn't entirely accurate since I kill all monsters. Anyway, one girl, in all the world, gets chosen at a time to carry on this sacred duty and fight evil. They get a watcher, that's Malcolm, to look over them, train them, and assist them. I wasn't just somewhere when a monster showed up. I was told at fifteen that it was my job to seek them out and take them down, to protect the world from the forces of evil."

Joyce's hand covered her own, "Honey, that must have been terrifying for you. You were only fifteen and you had to learn to save the world? You had all of that pressure laid on you. I can't even imagine how hard that had to be."

Becca was both taken back and extremely touched. Joyce just exuded that special momness, that ability to comfort with a simple touch, that soothing tone her voice took on that made you think everything would be okay. Will was very lucky to have a mom like her in his corner, especially with everything he'd been through.

"It was," Becca nodded, gently pulling her hand back to grab her coffee. "But that was four years ago now, and I have come to terms with it. I'm good."

"Sure, of course," Joyce nodded. "You seem like a very strong girl and I am sure you are handling everything beautifully. So, you guys said that you wanted to talk to Will? Can I ask why?"

"We know he still shares a connection with the Mind Flayer, and possibly Vecna," Malcolm responded. "I would very much like to question him about when he was taken, if that is alright with you, of course."

"Will's been through so much," Joyce muttered, her hands gripping her mug, her eyes gazing into its dark brown depths. "It's amazing, really, that he is still my Will after everything he has seen and experienced. I have thought that I was going to lose him multiple times. I have tried to protect him, but this is so much bigger than any of us. I don't feel like I've done my job as well as I could have."