Unfinished Business: Book 2

Distraction

As time progressed, the foggy morning turned into a chilly autumn day. Nora taps her thumbs on the steering wheel as she drives to Hawkins High. She sighs because the weather makes her want to curl up and drink warm cider while reading a book. Nora runs a hand through her hair while turning the blinker for her turn signal, "Of all days to be like this, I have to be at school." She groans as she drives her car onto the road. While she cringed at the disappointment at school, Nora decided to turn up the radio as she continued driving. The sound of a guitar starts playing through the car with the drums following, and Nora knows which song it is. It's Shout It Out Loud by Kiss, and Nora taps her thumbs along the steering wheel and starts singing along. "Shout it, shout it, shout it loud!" She sings as she bobs her head to the beat. The booming of the drums was in sync with her heartbeat, which made it feel like Nora was listening to it at a concert. It's one of her favorite things about music because it makes her feel it deep in her soul. The song ends in time for Nora to see the Hawkins High School sign coming up on the hill.

While Nora turns into the parking lot, she turns her radio down before she puts her car in park. Of course, everyone knows when Nora is in the parking lot because her black mustang is unrecognizable. She waves to Jonathan and Will, who are by Jonathan's car. Ever since Will came back from Upside Down, things have been different but still the same. While everyone, including Will, has been trying to accept what they all knew, it was still taking time to adjust to it. Joyce has constructed that Will is never alone if he goes somewhere, fearing that history could repeat itself, especially since the anniversary is coming up. She has even asked Nora if she would look after him whenever she or Jonathan isn't nearby, which Nora accepted without hesitation. Nora and Jonathan try to keep Will distracted if anything reminds him of the Upside Down, yet Nora knows that it will always hang over him like a dark cloud.

After Nora parks her car, she takes out her keys while grabbing her bag from the passenger seat and then steps out of her car. As Nora locks her car, she grins at the brothers, "Good morning, boys." She says while joining them. Will hugs Nora, "Morning, Nora. Did you show Nancy your ring?" He asks. Before Nora can reply, she sees Jonathan's shocked face, "JJ? You okay?" She asks, wondering what's wrong with her best friend. Jonathan doesn't say anything as he grabs Nora's left hand, "Ring? What ring?" He asks, "I thought Eddie has to ask your dad and me for permission?" He says while still holding onto Nora's hand. Nora laughs while covering her face, "JJ, will you calm down? It's not that ring. It's this one." She reassures before she throws her right hand up, "The boys got it for my birthday." She says while showing Jonathan the dragon ring. Jonathan breathes a relieved sigh, "Oh, okay." He says with a light chuckle. Nora raises a brow, "Yeah, so you can relax now," She responds, though her mind is still wondering what Jonathan just said, "By the way, if Eddie were to ask me that question, how sure you're going to give him your permission? I think the only one to give him that is my dad." Nora says while looking at Jonathan with a smirk.

Jonathan rolls his eyes, "Because I'm your best friend, and it comes with the territory." He defends. Nora pokes her cheek with her tongue as she slowly nods, 'So this is how he wants to play it. Alright then.' She thought to herself. Nora points at him while holding back a smirk, "So, when you finally tell Nancy how you really feel about her, you'll ask for my permission to date her, right?" She asks while tilting her head. Even though Nora is happy for Nancy and Steve, she is still rooting for Jonathan to tell Nancy the truth. When Nora sees Jonathan stunned, she knows she has won their banter. She looks to see Will snickering at his brother's flustered face and gives her a fist bump as they wait for Jonathan to retaliate, but nothing escapes his lips.

Nora smiles as she leans against her car, "I believe that's checkmate on your ass, Byers." She jokes, and Jonathan rolls his eyes again, "I'll get you back one of these days, Nory. You better watch out." He warns. Nora playfully shivers, "Ooh, I'm so scared." She laughs, and so does Will, "Jonathan, you might give up now because you'll never beat Nora. It's impossible." Will admits. Nora wraps an arm around Will, "Aw, thanks, Will," She giggles before rustling Will's hair, "See? That is why you're my favorite!" Nora adds as she lets go of Will. Will laughs as he fixes his hair before looking over his shoulder to see Mike, Dustin, and Lucas arriving on their bikes, "I better get going," He says as he gets his backpack off the hood of Jonathan's car, "Oh, Nory, do you want to join us and go trick-or-treating?" He asks. Nora looks at Jonathan before looking at Will, "Yeah, if Johnny doesn't need me for that night, then I'll tag along." She replies, and Will hugs her, "Thanks, Nory. I'll see you guys later. Bye!" Will grins as he waves goodbye to the duo to join his friends at the Hawkins Middle entrance.