ghosting

INTERMISSION ONE: PART ONE

the best friend

Jonathan Byers was eight years old when he heard his father muttering about a little Mexican boy being adopted and moving into town. Jonathan was eight when he meet a shy boy who withdrew into himself when he heard people whispering about him and mispronouncing his name. He was just eight when he made his first friend.

-

november 15 1983

Jonathan sighed, waiting outside Henderson's house for Xavier and Dustin. He originally was going to stay home with his brother but after a call from Xavier saying he needed a ride, Joyce was pushing him out of the house saying she could watch Will as he healed up. The door flew open with Xavier pushing Dustin out of the house.

Johnathan didn't happen to miss how Xavier was limping and hissing as he swung the backpack in his hand over his shoulder. 

They opened the door, and Johnathan did his best to pretend like he didn't see his friend struggle to sit. He gave them some time as they buckled up before pulling out of the driveway.

"What happened with your car, Xavi?" He kept his voice a little above the whisper, unsure if Dustin knew anything.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair and flinched. "Sugar in the tank," he replied slowly moving his hand down. "Think Hagan did it out of retaliation with what happened on Saturday."

Dustin, from the back seat scoffed, seems he did know what happened.

"I told you to cut the attitude, Dust," Xavier said curtly.

"I just don't know why you won't call Hopp-" the younger boy argued.

"I don't have evidence that he did this," Xavier said, cutting his younger brother off. "It'd be a white boy's word against mine. Not worth it, Dust."

The younger boy grew quiet and Xavier sighed.

"I'm sorry," he called out. "I know you're worried but it's nothing Dust," Xavier turned around in his seat, giving him a smile.

"Yeah," Jonathan cut in. "If anything I'll give you guys a ride with Will."

Dustin seemed to brighten up at that. They got to the boy's school first, and with a small goodbye, they climbed out of the car. Xavier called out after both boys saying that they'd be there to pick them up right after school.

Once they parked Jonathan turned to Xavier.

"You never told me what happened that had you distracted," Jonathan said.

The older boy noticed how his friend gnawed at his lip and let his head hit the back of the seat.

"I was not distracted-" he started.

Jonathan gave his friend a stern look and he watched as the younger boy deflated.

"We broke up," he mumbled. "He broke up with me." he clarified.

Jonathan frowned in concern and noticed how Xavier scrunched up his nose and pressed the palm of his hands against his eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling.

"It's whatever," he said after some silence. He turned to look at Jonathan and smiled sadly at him. "Come on, we have class."

-

Jonathan was just a kid when he heard Xavier whisper about his family during a sleepover.

"They took my parents away," he whispered. "I have... I had an older brother," the younger boy said, shaking his head. "He didn't want me anymore."