Unfinished Business: Book 2

Unwanted Attention

After sort of settling the dispute between the boys and Keith, Nora is finally on her way back to the record store with dinner in tow. She still can't believe that Keith wants her to date him when he knows Eddie is her boyfriend, though she does appreciate that Mike and Dustin were willing to defend her and Nancy. The chill in the air causes Nora to shiver, "Why the fuck did I not get a jacket or even steal Eddie's?" She curses to herself as she speeds up her steps. Suddenly a car honks as they drive by, which makes Nora jump and almost drop the food. After receiving the number of letters from Nathaniel and Jessica, Nora was terrified that they were watching her. Johnny knew that Nora was scared, but he was the only one because Eddie, Jonathan, Nancy, and her dad didn't even know. Nora wanted to tell them, especially Eddie and her dad, but she was scared she would put them in danger. She knew Hopper could handle himself but could Eddie do the same? The dark question started causing her heart to race and freeze in the middle of the sidewalk. She was unaware the person behind the honking was her dad, Jim Hopper, as he rushed to her side.

When Hopper saw Nora walking along the sidewalk, alone and especially without a jacket, he had to get her attention. With it being Monday, he knew that Nora would be at the record store, despite living there. After everything that happened last year, Hopper was proud of how Nora was doing, especially since the adoption process wasn't easy. It almost wasn't accepted because somehow, wherever they were, Nathaniel and Jessica did everything they could to prevent Nora from being untied to them. Luckily, Nora had proof of the past few years when she had to rely only on herself while they left her at home alone. Hopper also had the hospital report when Nathaniel attacked Nora, which helped seal the adoption due to Nora being unsafe in an unstable environment. After that, Nora could breathe easily, and so could Hopper because they thought it would be the last they heard about Nathaniel and Jessica, but they were wrong. When Nora's name changed, a letter came for Hopper. He didn't know who it was until he read it, and his blood began to boil. He couldn't tell if it was Nathaniel or Jessica taunting him since it was typed. It described that no matter whether Nora was Hopper's daughter, they would always watch her and him. It angered him because Nora wasn't free like they all thought. Hopper was grateful that Nora had Eddie, Johnny, and the others to keep her distracted while he took care of this secretively with the new head of the lab, Dr. Sam Owens.

For the past year, Hopper has been keeping the lab's activities secret as long as it's out of Hawkins, and Dr. Owens finds out where Nathaniel and Jessica went so Hopper can keep Nora safe. Also, Hopper has been trying to get Nora's old house put in her name when she turns eighteen years old with Hopper to be her co-signer. It was his and Nora's next goal to give Nora a better life. It has been Nora's focus while Nora has work and school and with him being the Chief of Police. It's all she could talk about with him. Hopper was proud of Nora's idea to change the design of the house because she didn't want old memories looming over her while she was there again. Hopper wasn't surprised at how Nora was always one step ahead in plans, yet he knew when Nora started to doubt herself or when the fear was in her eyes. Like right now. When Hopper ran up to her, he saw the frozen and fearful look written all over her face. It reminded him of when Nathaniel called the station before everything changed for Nora. He narrows his eyes at her, and she looks like she is in a trace, "Nora, are you okay?" He softly asks, but Nora doesn't move. Hopper puts his hands on Nora's shoulders and gently shakes her, hoping to get her to answer him.

While Nora tries to settle her racing heart, she doesn't hear her dad's voice because it's drowned out. "Nora! Nora, can you hear me?" Hopper asks as he begins shaking her shoulders, "Nora! Come on, answer me, buddy!" He pleads as he stares at his daughter staring off in a daze. After a few more shakes, Nora snaps out of her trance and looks at Hopper, "I'm sorry, dad. I didn't mean to scare you." She apologizes as she looks away from his gaze, and Hopper sighs, "You did scare me there, buddy. Are you okay?" He asks as he lets Nora go. Nora nods as she stares at anything but Hopper's face, "Yeah, I'm fine. I was heading back to the record store to work because I had to get dinner." She answers with a lie, hoping he will believe her. Hopper narrows his eyes at Nora because he knows she's deflecting from answering him to avoiding his gaze, but he doesn't push her.