Blind

Chapter 7

El's POV:
That wasn't just one nightmare. After I fought Vecna, I teleported to the hospital room. But not the one in reality, in this one Max was still in a coma.

You might be thinking, why the hell were you so scared? You obviously know Max is awake now. I would've thought the same thing, but it felt so real. It felt like I was really there, like Max never woke up.

Normally, one memory would present itself then I'd wake up, but this time it went from one to another. Will had to wake me up forcefully.

But that's not even the worst part. I hurt Max. I grabbed her arm so hard, it hurt. I hurt her again. I was so ashamed, I still am. I'm meant to be a superhero, yet I'm acting like a monster.

I also scared Max, I heard her faintly telling me to wake up, I made her cry. Also, I had to cry myself to sleep. That's the only way I could fall asleep. Normally, I'd just need Will to hold me or something and I'd soon fall asleep.

I can't go to therapy. They can't know I have powers. They remind me of the bad men. I'm trapped. I did try and go, but I had a panic attack, I couldn't speak, I couldn't do anything.

Will's POV:
I woke up and saw Max waking up too. I looked over to El and saw her deep in thought. "El." I whispered. Her eyes quickly met mine. "Are you okay?" I asked.
She nodded, "I'm sorry about last night." She said sheepishly.
"Don't apologise, it's ok." I assured her. She gave me a small smile before looking at Max, whose eyes were still closed. I know she was awake though, since she gave me small wave when El was thinking.
"I hurt her last night Will." El said sadly. "I didn't mean to, I swear." I smiled, El learnt that phrase from Lucas a while ago, I hope they become close again.
"I know you didn't mean to El. And she said herself you didn't hurt her." I said.
"She could've lied." El said, looking back to me.
"She wouldn't lie to you Eleven. Friends don't lie, remember?" I said.
"Yeah..." She said.

"When did you wake up?" I asked.
"Uh not that long ago. Probably like 15 minutes before you." El said.
I nodded, "Ok good. So you managed to get some sleep?"
"Mhm. But the nightmare last night was different, I went from one memory to another. Normally it's just one." She said.
"I know... you'll be okay soon though. Max is awake now." I said, trying to make her feel better.
"You're right. When is she gonna be discharged?" El asked.
"Probably in a few days. Her bones are all healed, she'll just need to relearn some things and hopefully her vision will get better." I said.
"Her trailer is near the woods though. Wouldn't it be dangerous to walk there, with all the logs and uneven paths?" El asked.
"Yeah I guess it would be. Maybe we could ask mum to let her stay with us for a bit, at least until she can walk properly."

"Wait, she can't walk?!" El asked, shocked.
"Well she hasn't walked in a while. And both her legs broke, so she'll probably have to relearn how to do it." I said.
"Oh..." El said, looking upset again.
"Normally it doesn't take long. Around a month it'll take since it's only been 2 months." I said, not wanting to make her feel guilty about it.
"Ok." El said.
"She'll be okay El. You saved her, never forget that." I assured her.
"I wouldn't have had to save her if I stayed in the lab." She said, "You wouldn't have been in the Upside Down, so many people would still be alive." El said sadly, tears making her eyes glisten.
"If you stayed in the lab we never would've met you El. And you were worth it okay? You always will be." I said, tears entering my eyes now too.
"Thanks Will." She said.
"I love you Ellie." I said, getting up to hug her.
"I love you too Willie." She said, giggling a bit.

I smiled, "That nickname ain't staying." I said, laughing.
"It sounds cute!" El said, smiling.
"You're in denial." I said. She laughed and Max opened her eyes.

"Morning." She said. El and I greeted her, and El apologised, even if she didn't need to. Eventually everyone woke up and we all chilled, talking about random things. El included herself a bit more, but still stayed pretty quiet overall. At least she laughed and smiled today. I know she needed it.