Argyle (AR64LE) : A STRANGER THINGS Story

Chapter Two : Be My Guest

When I get to the door, I start to think I might have messed up the address on account of it's dead quiet inside. So if this is the party house, it is super chill. But I can't really make out anything in front of me with the stack of pizza boxes I'm hauling, which goes just over the top of my head and down to the tips of my hair around my stomach.

But then I remember this late night show on the Community Access Channel, that was some exercise thing where the instructor was leading a group into doing some bendy move with their hips and neck. I think it was called yoda or something like that.

It definitely wasn't like that dance workout thing. You know, the one where they dress up in leotards and sweat bands. Like from that music video with that blonde chick from Xanadu. Anyway, that is not important. It's that bendy move they were doing.

And so I give yoda a go and not only am I able to loosen up my back, but I can read the house number on the side of the door, 4819. Which matches what I wrote down on my left arm. Now I just gotta hope I got the street right. Since my hands are full, I knock on the door using my foot.

But I shouldn't have bothered because the door just eases on open. Now I know what you're thinking, my dude. Do not step inside. So I do what any sane person would do in that situation. I freeze and wait for someone to tell me off or warn me that they'll attack me for breaking into their house. Which is a total accident, if they care to listen.

"I figured you forgot something." Is not the response I was expecting, but I think I know what this dude is getting at and so I holler back. "Do not fret, my dude. The rest of your order is in the van. I'll just drop these down here and get your other tasty pies, so you can keep the party going."

I step inside far enough to set the stack down to a side and when I look up I make eye contact with two of the most beady looking eyes I have ever seen. But as I take the rest of this dude in, I get a good read of his vibe, which is a non threatening loner. So basically he's like me.

I must have been completely wrong about the party, unless everyone else is upstairs or outside, but this dude doesn't look like he's entertaining anybody or that he's entertained himself for that matter. He takes a few steps towards me from what must be the living room and I reckon he must be confused about how I got in. "The door was already open, my dude. I just gave it a nudge."

"Shit! It does that if it's not locked. I must have forgotten..." The dude rambles and then he changes direction, "I didn't order any pizza." Oh, now it's my turn to curse. "Shit! This is the wrong house." And I stare at my arm with the address written down, not that I think it will do me any good.

The dude comes over though and checks it. "You have the right address." Okay, so I'm not crazy and I tell him, "Well, the dude on the phone didn't sound like you. Hold on, brochacho. I'm not like helping you rob this place right now?" And he shakes like a ghost. "No. I live here. What name did this dude give you?" And I answer. "Just, Byers." And he answers, "I'm Jonathan Byers." And I answer, "Cool. It's nice to meet you, Jonathan. I'm Argyle." And he answers, "Cool. It's nice to meet you, Argyle."